by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 20, 2022 | Business
Alternergy Holdings Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Pililla AVPC Corporation, (“PACO is hereafter referred to as Alternergy”) and Shell Overseas Investment B.V. (“Shell”) formally announced the agreements that both parties have recently entered into a partnership to jointly explore the vast offshore wind potential in the Philippines.
Alternergy Chairman and former Energy Secretary Vince Perez (seated 2nd left) and Shell General Manager Offshore Power, Asia-Pacific Joe Nai (seated 2nd right) shake hands during a ceremonial signing of the Alternergy and Shell Joint Partnership for the development of offshore wind power projects in the Philippines. The ceremonial signing, held on 21 November 2022 at the Department of Energy, was witnessed by Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla (standing 6th left) and other DOE officials and officers from Alternergy and Shell.
The partnership of Alternergy and Shell has obtained a Wind Energy Service Contract (WESC) from the Department of Energy (DoE) to assess the feasibility of an offshore wind project in the wind-swept Calavite Passage near Mindoro.
Alternergy chairman and former Energy Secretary Vince Pérez said: “This is a partnership of combined competencies and experiences towards the goal of boosting the Philippines’ renewable energy target.”
“The Philippines’ offshore wind industry is promising and still at its nascent stage. The World Bank estimates that robust development of offshore wind could add 20 GW of installed capacity by 2040, accounting for 14 percent of the Philippines’ electricity needs and some USD 14 billion of value added to the economy. Shell, as our strategic partner with 50 years of deep water offshore and over 20 years of offshore wind development experience, will bring in its global track record, supply chain access, and technical expertise in developing large-scale bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind projects. Alternergy looks forward to working with Shell and jointly shaping with stakeholders the policies for a sustainable offshore wind industry in the Philippines,” Mr. Pérez added.
“The Philippines is moving towards a low-carbon future and offshore wind is well positioned to support this energy transition. As Shell has powered progress for the Philippines for over 100 years, we will continue to support the country by providing more and cleaner energy solutions to meet the needs of our consumers today and in the decades to come,” said Lorelie Q. Osial, Country Chair of the Shell companies in the Philippines.
“Alternergy is a pioneer in renewable energy and has successfully brought onstream the Philippines’ first onshore wind farm even before there was any enabling law. Shell looks forward to this new partnership to jointly explore the feasibility of one of the Philippines’ promising offshore wind projects,” said Sarah Rose Lim, Shell’s Head of Offshore Power for the Philippines.
Aside from the Calavite Passage Wind Power Project, Alternergy and Shell are looking at other offshore wind sites for possible development.
This partnership is an opportunity to provide integrated value to customers through power generation as well as explore synergies with retail electricity supplier Shell Energy Philippines, Inc. and Green Energy Supply Solutions, Inc.
About Alternergy
- Alternergy is a renewable power pioneer with a solid portfolio of project companies engaged in different RE projects, particularly wind, run-of-river hydro, solar farm and commercial rooftop, battery storage, and offshore wind projects.
- With robust expansion plans in the next five years, Alternergy aims to develop up to 1,370 MW of additional wind, offshore wind, solar, and run-of-river hydro projects.
- Alternergy’s management team is comprised of a pioneering group of RE advocates who were also involved in the development of the 33MW Bangui Bay wind farm in Ilocos Norte, the first commercial wind farm in Southeast Asia at that time.
- Alternergy also developed the 54MW Pililla Wind Farm in Rizal, the first non-recourse project financing for a wind project without corporate guarantee, and was recognized with a Sustainable Finance Award by the International Finance Corporation.
- For additional information, please refer to our website at alternergy.com.
About Shell
- Shell is an international energy company that aims to meet the world’s growing need for more and cleaner energy solutions in ways that are economically, environmentally, and socially responsible.
- Shell’s global reach, combined with 100+ years of global energy market experience and deeply embedded capabilities position it well to offer integrated decarbonization solutions for its customers in progressing through the energy transition.
- Renewable Generation is the driving force behind the development of Shell’s integrated power value chain, developing and deploying onshore and offshore wind, solar, and batteries to produce electricity, which Shell can aggregate, trade and market directly to customers.
- Shell’s strength as a developer, particularly in offshore wind, has been built through practical experience and expertise development, including more than 100 years in global energy markets, 50 years in deep water offshore, and over 20 years in offshore wind development. We complement our experience, technology, and project development capabilities with the acquisition of innovative renewable energy companies that offer unique portfolio positions, talent, and deeper market expertise.
- Today, Shell has more than 2.2 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity in operation and under construction, and 9.5 GW in the funnel of potential projects across North America, Europe, the UK, and Asia (Shell equity). Shell’s offshore wind project pipeline ranges from conventional bottom-fixed offshore wind developments to floating wind, and from wind-power to hydrogen developments to multi-technology projects combining offshore wind with floating solar and batteries.
Shell in the Philippines
- Shell companies in the Philippines (SciP) represents various entities operating in the following: (1) Downstream business through Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation or PSPC, (2) Business Operations through our SBO Manila centre, and, more recently, (3) in power trading and marketing through Shell Energy Philippines, Inc.
- Commencing its operations in 1914, SciP has grown to be one of the Philippines’ largest investors, directly employing over 4,000 people nationwide.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 5, 2022 | Business
Maxicare, the biggest health maintenance organization, has inked a partnership with Pin-An Holdings and the Gokongwei Group’s JE Holdings to launch Maxilife, the newest member of the Philippines’ dynamic life insurance industry.
According to Insurance Commissioner Atty. Dennis B. Funa, MaxiLife is notable for being the first domestic insurer to be founded as a new domestic life insurance company under Section 194 of the Insurance Code of the Philippines as amended by Republic Act 10607.
The newly-formed company will offer various life insurance products that will complement the existing HMO services of Maxicare.
MaxiLife is a comprehensive life insurance company that will offer new innovations in customer experience, affordability, and availability, as it leverages the technological advantages of the Pin-An Group as well as the ecosystems and leadership experiences of Maxicare and the Gokongwei Group.
According to Maxicare President and CEO Sean Argos, “MaxiLife provides us with an opportunity to reach beyond what traditional HMOs offer and to give Filipinos next-level benefits that they have not seen before. It fulfills our mission of helping Filipinos live their best lives.”
The country’s newest insurance player MaxiLife has a 2 billion peso capitalization, the fourth-highest paid-up capital in the insurance industry this year. This is 100 percent more than the 1 billion pesos requirement for capitalization set by the Insurance Commission for new insurers.
“This new investment in the insurance industry marks a growing confidence in the manner by which the industry has been regulated over the past six years,” said IC Commissioner Funa.
The capitalization is built on the resources of Maxicare, the Gokongwei Group’s JE Holdings, and Pin-An Holdings Corporation — the parent company of Maxicare.
Appointment of New President and CEO
Mr. Jose Pastor Puno will assume the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of MaxiLife. He was formerly the President and CEO of Maxicare, a position he held for ten years.
“This is an opportunity and honor that I cannot pass up: heading a new venture that will revolutionize both the healthcare and insurance industries in the Philippines,” Puno said. He added that combining both MaxiLife and Maxicare will allow them to offer life insurance and HMO coverage within one ecosystem.
MaxiLife aims to offer insurance coverage to the current Maxicare members who are afforded treatment, prevention, and wellness benefits through their HMO agreements with the company. As such, it will be embedded into the Maxicare group plans. This will make it convenient for members since they will only need to deal with one ecosystem and ensures that they are given the best possible care.
“In the traditional health or life insurance model, risk has to materialize first before the consumer becomes entitled to any sum. For us, the value is not in waiting for a health risk to materialize but rather in reducing that risk. No other insurance company right now can claim this,” Puno explained.
Mr. Lance Gokongwei, chairman of JE Holdings and MaxiLife Chairman, expressed that the new venture will have a huge impact on the country.
“We have always been proud of the way our group has revolutionized and transformed industries to make lives better and provide better choices. MaxiLife provides us with an excellent platform to create meaningful breakthroughs in the delivery of healthcare services to Filipinos who wish to invest in their physical well-being.”
Puno mentioned that they will be offering Filipinos competitive pricing to provide them with more access to insurance products.
“Aside from more accessible price points, we will also leverage modern technology so that we can offer better customer experience, given that we will be packaging insurance and HMO together as symbiotic products.”
MaxiLife will be offering Basic Group Life Insurance, Group Critical Illness, and Group Critical Illness Accelerated Life as its initial products.
When asked about his vision for MaxiLife in the immediate future, Puno said, “While Maxicare will continue being the dominant HMO in the country, MaxiLife will certainly soon become a significant player in the life insurance industry.”
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 4, 2022 | Business
Quality assurance and food safety are at the core of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.’s (PCPPI) operations. The organization recently reinforced its commitment to uphold excellence in line with PCPPI and PepsiCo’s observance of World Quality Month this November.
“Customer satisfaction drives our commitment to excellence at PCPPI. We encourage employees to perform beyond expectations in line with our vision to be the country’s leading beverage company,” said PCCPI president and CEO Frederick D. Ong.
Compliance with stringent safety regulations ensures quality at PCPPI. All facilities received the Safety Seal Certification from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), certifying all plants and offices practice public health standards and occupational safety and health standards set by the government. PCPPI was also recognized for its compliance and enforcement efforts of COVID-19 health standards.
Accreditation and Certification
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is among the various organizations conducting regular audits of PCPPI’s facilities. Aside from ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, the FDA reviews PCPPI’s implementation of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and compliance with the provisions of the facilities’ Licenses to Operate.
Currently, six PCPPI plants have retained their Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) V5.1 through a comprehensive audit by reputable testing, inspection, and certification authority SGS in early 2022. PCPPI’s plant in San Fernando, Pampanga also completed the first McDonald’s Social Welfare Accountability (SWA) and Supplier Quality Management System Audit (SQMS).
Quality and Food Safety Training
At PCPPI, development programs are in place to support ongoing learning for employees and business partners. Since 2015, over 1,800 employees and partners have enrolled in Level 1 Capability Building Program courses to broaden their understanding of quality assurance and food safety. Courses include Food Fraud Mitigation, Vulnerability Risk Assessment, and Statistical Process Control.
PCPPI’s pool of PepsiCo-certified site expert trainers has also conducted nearly 5,000 training hours. Certified training leaders have also completed courses focused on improving product quality and productivity.
Fostering Values through Engagement
Among PCPPI’s initiatives to further enhance the company-wide commitment to excellence are regular communication on policy updates, as well as best practice sharing across teams. Employees also undergo refresher courses on managing customer feedback in compliance with national regulations.
The organization’s focus on ensuring product and service quality goes beyond mere process. PCPPI upholds excellence as one of its core values. “Excellence is a shared responsibility. By holding ourselves accountable to our standards, we aim to continuously inspire our employees to remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering the best value to all our stakeholders,” added Ong.
PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country. It sells well-known brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Milkis, Aquafina, and Premier.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 23, 2022 | Business
Isla LPG, the company behind one of the most trusted LPG brands Solane, has achieved 22 million safe manhours for both its regular employees and contracted staff without Lost Time Injury (LTI) as of April 2022.
This milestone in Health, Safety, Security, and Environment means all Isla LPG employees and Isla partners, both in the plant and office, have not experienced any injury or accident that resulted in them being absent from work and thereby, losing productive work time.
“At Isla LPG, we take safety seriously every step of the way, from our plants and offices to the transport of Solane LPG products to our valued customers and business partners,” said Tonito Gonzalez, CEO of Isla LPG. “We want all our employees and contracting partners to feel confident about our mission to provide safe and quality LPG accessible for Filipinos, and it starts with ensuring that they have a safe workplace.”
For Isla LPG, the 22M LTI-free manhours record means the company was able to achieve operations in the plant including gantry/cylinder filling, the safe driving performance of haulers, no LTI in Isla’s plants and offices nationwide, and no LTI for Isla contractors working on projects, installations, and partner sites.
“Safety is non-negotiable for Isla LPG. Just like how we put a premium on the safety of our products through stringent measures and innovative technology, we also make sure that all our employees are working in a healthy, safe, secure, and environment-friendly workplace by integrating practices in all aspects of our businesses,” said Marvin Dela Fuente, HSSE Manager of Isla LPG.
Dela Fuente attributes this hard-earned milestone to the company’s efforts to combine regular training, documentation, plant operation programs, and annual internal audits. He added that the company ensures that safety is instilled in everyone’s hearts and minds.
“Aside from striving for zero LTI, our goal is to have no major plant operation accidents, major road transport accidents, total recordable occupational illnesses, security incidents, and life-saving rules violations,” Dela Fuente added.
Isla LPG employees undergo weekly toolbox meetings to start their workweek and receive regular training on first aid, firefighting, and Permit to Work-Job Hazards Analysis. In compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Republic Act No 11058, Isla tapped Philippine Red Cross Trainers in June to conduct First Aid training for its security personnel, its plant staff, and nominated employee first aiders.
Given the risk that comes with working with hazardous substances, Isla implements programs specifically for its plant operations. These include Emergency Response Procedures (ERP) where proactive and reactive approaches for plant operations are discussed and implemented, the Medical Response Strategy (MERS) where plant safety and high health standards are ensured, and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) component where Isla works with the community surrounding its plants.
To review and ensure that safety procedures and practices are up-to-date and implemented, Isla also conducts an annual internal safety audit on its plant operations, distributor operations, metal maintenance contractors, and haulers.
Isla LPG Corp. (ILC), ISLA Petroleum & Gas Corporation’s subsidiary engaged in the supply, trading, marketing, and distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the Philippines under the banner brand Solane (formerly Shellane), operates strategically located LPG refilling plants nationwide and has a vast network of distributors and retail stores.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 6, 2022 | Business
Filipinos remember Sinclair for its infamous advertisement in the 80s and 90s that inspired more people to make home improvements by themselves. The term do-it-yourself or DIY became synonymous with the brand’s catchphrase “Sinclair it!” that established the brand as a household name over the past decades.
Over the past years, Sinclair remains true to its vision of providing premium quality paint products for millions of families and establishments around the world. With the rise of technological advancements and as the market for construction development remains competitive, Sinclair is marking its return to the local market with a broader and more advanced selection of products that provide beauty, durability, affordability, and eco-friendly solution suit for every Pinoy home.
The New Generation of Sinclair
With the reopening of the local market, Sinclair’s timely return will fire up the local competition with its latest premium products that continue the legacy that it started.
Aside from its Traditional or Classic Paint selection that made Sinclair one of the world’s pioneer and trusted brands, Sinclair highlights its innovation with its modern technology paint system, from oil-based to water-based paint and universal colorants.
“We’re delighted to bring back the brand that provided beauty, protection, and comfort to many Filipinos over the past years. With Sinclair’s new line of products – from oil-based to water-based – customers can assure continued premium quality products that will last for a long time while keeping the environment safe and sound,” Mr. Derick Tan, Founder, and CEO of Magna Prime Chemical Technologies, Inc., the company that manufactures Sinclair in the Philippines.
Sinclair’s new generation of paint products highlights its waterproofing innovation that made the paint system more economical, easier to apply, and durable. Inspired by the beauty and long-lasting capability of nature, these new generation paints are made suitable for the tropical weather system in the Philippines on top of the climate change we’re experiencing:
Natica Waterproofing Paint – Inspired by the abundant marine shells in the Philippines, this waterproofing paint possesses marine shells’ thick and smooth features that represent durability and protection. Made of modified pure acrylic paint, this latest innovation of Sinclair is used as a water-proofer, primer, sealer, and top coat making it more cost-efficient than the traditional method of waterproofing and painting exterior walls.
Armadillo Polyurethane Paint – inspired by the New World placental mammal, this Armadillo Polyurethane Paint is the first water-based PU Paint in the Philippines takes pride in being a tough and flexible paint just like an armadillo skin. Recommended for use on high-rise buildings to avoid frequent repainting or costly paint over because of its durability.
Tamago Cleanable Interior Paint – Sinclair’s take on the sheen of an egg – or Tamago (卵/玉子) in the Japanese language – is made to provide a sleeker yet manageable look for home and establishment’s interiors. Made to provide a clean and cleanable look, its simple yet calming effect is achieved with its balance of flat and glossy while protecting your walls or hiding wall imperfections.
Taro Silicone Paint – This is the first silicone paint in the country. With the wet season taking over almost half of the year in the Philippines, rainwater has become one of the main reasons why paint fails to protect many homes and establishments. With Sinclair’s Taro Silicone Paint, families and establishments can have peace of mind any season due to its impregnating capabilities. Impregnation happens when the paint penetrates through the pores of the substrate thus enhancing its adhesion. It also has high-performance formula creating high-vapor permeability that allows water vapor to escape from the surface, avoiding the build-up of algae and fungus that cause paint to peel off. This paint is suitable for structures located in highlands, beside seashores, and in areas where wall moisture is present.
More Options to Choose From
Aside from the New Generation paints, Sinclair also levels up its Classic Paint selection which ranges from oil-based to water-based paints that provide equal beauty and protection to various surfaces.
Ligno – this waster-based wood primer is ideal for priming, sealing, and filling wooden substrates that help prevent tannins and stains. An eco-friendly product, this paint has low odor, low volatile organic compounds, and is non-toxic.
Rhino – for those metal surfaces, this Sinclair water-based metal primer and top coat provide a two-in-one purpose that saves time and money. This paint has excellent corrosion resistance for indoor and outdoor applications, ideal for new or weathered galvanized metal, steel, and aluminum roofing surfaces, properly prepared or treated ferrous metal, garages and fences, machines and industrial equipment, pipelines, and tanks.
Cascara – for multi-surface paint, the Sinclair Cascara is an eco-friendly, high-gloss, low-odor, water-based paint ideal as a topcoat for wood, metal, and concrete on interior and exterior areas.
Sinclair is also sparking more colors to its Filipino customer through its colorants products that are made to provide good color retention without losing the glossiness of the base paint. Along with its New Generation paints, Sinclair is also launching Chameleon Colorant, which is dubbed as the universal colorant that gives accurate blend and color preference. Chameleon Colorants are specially formulated using special types of chemicals and pigments to ensure that they can blend homogenously either with water-based, solvent-based, or epoxy-based type of paints.
“With more Filipinos enjoying DIY home projects, Sinclair paint products that are highly recommended by professionals are made to spark creativity and freedom, while providing protection, peace of mind, and value to Pinoy’s hard work and money,” Mr. Tan concluded.
The return of Sinclair Paint in the Philippine market was officiated during the PHILCONSTUCT 2022. For more details about Sinclair’s products, you may visit https://www.magnaprime.com.ph/product-category/sinclair.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 5, 2022 | Business
Most Filipino families — regardless of social standing — believe that education plays a vital role in a person’s success. That’s why this year’s Balik Eskwela is different and more important for many parents and students. As young learners transition back to the new normal after overcoming the uncertainties and difficulties brought on by the pandemic, Bear Brand is sparing no effort to inspire and encourage children to dream big and secure a better future for themselves and their families.
Recognizing exceptional students in the Philippines
Although every student made sacrifices and experienced difficulties in their studies over the past year, some kids faced harder challenges due to their everyday living situation. However, despite these obstacles, they have displayed their eagerness to learn and overcome life’s adversities. Bear Brand has been honoring the strength and resilience of these young people since 2018 through the Batang Matibay Awards. Last October 27, the 2022 Batang Matibay Awards was held in Screening Room 1, Cinema Complex of Estancia Mall, Pasig.
4 of the Batang Matibay Awardees with Mr. Atom Araullo as the host and Mr. Russell Lipchin, BEO of NESTLE Philippines
In partnership with the Department of Education, Bear Brand started the Batang Matibay Awards to recognize students who exhibited “tibay” in learning both in school and in life. This means not only do they show excellence in academics, but also the community and their families. Every Year, Bear Brand and DepEd call for nationwide nominations of ten Batang Matibay public school students from grades 5-6 who can serve as role models and inspirations to their families, school, and community.
2022 Batang Matibay Awardees
4 Batang Matibay Awardees who showcased how to be a Batang Matibay
Bear Brand continues its commitment to building a generation of Batang Matibay by announcing this year’s Batang Matibay awardees. All of the 10 Batang Matibay awardees showed exemplary courage and strength to thrive despite their struggles.
One of the awardees is Jerald Pelonita from Guihulngan, Negros Oriental. Despite being born without arms, he rose above his peers and was hailed as Champion for the Division level National Art Contest. He displayed commendable skill in drawing and painting using his foot.
Cryzon Jay Ambinang belongs to the Manobo tribe that lives in a secluded area on a mountainside in North Cotabato. He walks more than 2 hours to get to one of DepEd’s last-mile schools. Despite his own personal struggles, he excels in school and extracurricular activities, which includes being Vice President of SPG in their school that leading several projects in their school. One of those is the distribution of modules in his community and organizing a feeding program for the Manobos.
Mark John Alayon from Roxas, Capiz is a model student despite his financial difficulties. His mother is a cancer patient while his father works as a construction worker. Even though the everyday struggles torment his young heart, he excels in school and is consistently chosen as a homeroom officer in class. He also joins programs sponsored by his school or barangay Mark John does all these while also helping his father raise livestock, plant vegetables, do household chores, take care of his mother, and study.
What all the awardees have in common are the lifelong learnings that are ingrained in them at a young age. Bear Brand wants to nurture their tibay ng isip, tibay ng katawan, and tibay ng kalooban and help them secure a better future by recognizing their efforts. In addition, with every glass of Bear Brand Powdered Milk, the awardees are provided with a holistic, Tibay Nutrition that will keep them strong while facing life’s challenges.
Jerald J. Pelonita – REGION VII / Guihulingan / Mandi-I Elementary School
Despite being born without arms was hailed as Champion for the Division level National Art Contest because of his commendable skill in drawing and painting using his foot. He uses his talent and skills in drawing and painting to create harmonious moments with others.
He advocates against bullying which he personally experiences to encourage and inspire children with or without disabilities to come out from their shells and radiate positivity in their hardest or saddest moments.
Jessca Solania – REGION XII / North Cotabato / Renibon Elementary School
Jessica is a student at a last-mile school in North Cotabato. She walks 8km and crosses 8 rivers just to go to school. She once had to cross the river despite strong currents, and she was found crying by the teacher – not because she was scared, but because she lost the only pair of slippers she has and did not want to miss school because of it.
At her age, she carries additional responsibilities to help their family because they don’t have her father by their side. Because of financial scarcity, there are days they would survive on boiled bananas for meals. Despite these challenges, she shows resilience by excelling in school and extracurriculars.
Daryl Ashlei Teves – REGION V / Catanduanes / Virac Pilot Elementary School
She is an inspiration to the school/community as a consistent honor student since she was in 1st grade excelling even in extra-curricular activities such as local/international math competitions.
In addition to the brunt of the pandemic, the onslaught of super typhoon Rolly has greatly affected the educational system in Catanduanes – houses were destroyed, including the residence of Ashlei’s family. But no matter how many storms she encounters, she always faces them head-on. In fact, despite her personal struggles brought on by the typhoon, not only did she continue to excel in school, but she even helped in a relief drive in an orphanage, and also helped to tutor kids who were having difficulties in modular learning in Math. One of her tutees said that after being taught by Ashlei, Math became their favorite subject
Isabelle Lara Miranda – REGION IV-A / Laguna / San Pedro Central Elementary School
Isabelle does not allow her epilepsy to get the best of her. When she started schooling, she had difficulty writing as a side effect of phenobarbital, an antiseizure medication. To compensate for her slow writing and keep up with her classmates, she would usually skip lunch only to end up still being the last to finish. Some classmates bullied her, construing her feeble writing skills and occasional staring (seizure episode) as a sign of being inferior. However, she was relentless in her effort to prove herself. She remained positive until one day her hard work paid off, and she was finally recognized as one of the most outstanding students in class. She also became a champion of an oratorical contest despite going through an emotional crisis. Her terminally ill father was confined in a public hospital at the time, and eventually passed away days after the competition.
She is always eager to take on challenges and new tasks each time she shows a firm resolve to succeed. She carries an unfaltering faith and a strong determination to overcome obstacles.
Matt Jayrus Evangelista -REGION IV-A / Batangas / Tibig Elementary School
He grew up without a father, so his mother has to work abroad to support the family. Whenever he wants to talk to her, he would need to climb a mountain to get a signal. He tries to help support their family by helping with little chores (making broomsticks and collecting scraps as pigs’ feed). While doing this, he still extends his help to his classmates who he helps with their studies.
He may have experienced some defeat in school competitions, but it doesn’t stop him from trying again. Rather it inspires him to be better “Sa susunod na pagkakataon, makakaya ko na yun.”
Cryzon Jay Ambinang – REGION XII / North Cotabato / Renibon Elementary School
Cryzon belongs to the Manobo tribe which lives in a secluded area on a mountainside in North Cotabato. He walks more than 2 hours to get to one of DepEd’s last-mile schools. Despite his own personal struggles, he excels in school and extracurricular activities, which includes being Vice President of SPG in their school that leads several projects in their school. One of those is the distribution of modules in his community and organizing a feeding program for the Manobos.
Sean Geralyn Mara – REGION III / Bulacan / Muzon Elementary School
Sean Geralyn has an older brother with autism, she personally takes care of her Diko and even researches some tutorials on YouTube on how to handle autism spectrum disorder cases. Because of her love for her brother she tried to teach him how to read, write, draw, and other basic skills. She wanted her brother to feel that he is an important member of their family.
Xoann Kyle Ocampo – REGION IV-A / Laguna / Chrysanthemum Village Elementary School
His mother lost her job due to the pandemic which affected their state of life. Instead of being sad and despairing, he came up with the idea of putting up their own snack bar to earn extra income. He’s been very involved throughout the process of building it – starting from brainstorming the menu, up to cooking and packing orders. He himself created the design and logo of their snack bar. This micro business helped them get back on their feet again. It also allowed Kyle to have his own computer that he uses for his study and journalism training/competition.
He can break barriers because he is approachable and friendly. He can make others see their talents and skills because he is not afraid that someone can be better than him.
Marchilyn Guinahon – Region X / Misamis Oriental / Lantad Integrated School
Marchilyn was infected with the polio virus when she was little. Because of this, she is no longer able to walk. Her mother acts as her feet in going to and from school. Her struggles in life made her strong and dream to finish her studies to lift her family from poverty. Her willingness to go to school every day despite her condition, during the pre-pandemic is a testimony to how strong her determination is in pursuing her education.
Her positive outlook in life despite her physical struggles is very commendable. She has written two poems entitled ” Sa Gabay ng Tanging Ina” and “Physical Disability Never Stops me from being complete” depicting her life experiences.
Mark John Alayon – REGION VI / Roxas / Pres Manuel A Roxas Memorial School North
He is consistently chosen as a homeroom officer and fulfills his roles beyond satisfaction. He also joins programs that the barangay/school is sponsoring. His mother is a cancer patient while his father is a construction worker. All his siblings want to attend school but few of them have the opportunity. Seeing everyday struggles torments his young heart but this inspires him to continue learning – finish his studies, and help his family in the future. He helps his father raise livestock, plant vegetables for sale and consumption, do household chores while attending the healthcare of his mother, and study.
Quality assurance and food safety are at the core of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.’s (PCPPI) operations. The organization recently reinforced its commitment to uphold excellence in line with PCPPI and PepsiCo’s observance of World Quality Month this November.
Isla LPG, the company behind one of the most trusted LPG brands Solane, has achieved 22 million safe manhours for both its regular employees and contracted staff without Lost Time Injury (LTI) as of April 2022.
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