The Philippines’ leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are expanding their partnership with the country’s largest renewable energy (RE) producer,  First Gen Corporation (First Gen) to switch six (6) network facilities in Mindanao to 100% RE.

Among the facilities that are shifting to RE is PLDT Ponciano, a critical regional facility in Mindanao that also houses VITRO Davao — the first data center in Davao City which caters to the business needs of local and foreign enterprises in the region in terms of disaster recovery, security, and business continuity. This switch will also make VITRO Davao the first data center of the telco firm to be powered 100% by RE.

“Following the switch of four (4) of our sites in the Visayas, we are once again tapping First Gen’s geothermal energy supply to increase the renewable component of the energy mix of our critical facilities in Mindanao. This enables us to future-proof our facilities, reduce our operational expenses, and support the government’s Green Energy Option Program in the region,” said PLDT Vice President and Sector Head for Property and Facilities Leo Gonzales.

This RE expansion in Mindanao is expected to generate approximately ₱23 million savings on energy and operational costs annually for PLDT and Smart. It is also estimated to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by almost 13,000 tons every year, contributing to their decarbonization roadmap that targets a 40% reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030, coming from a 2019 baseline.

“First Gen and PLDT share a common commitment towards decarbonization. We are honored to collaborate with the PLDT group, support their transition to RE, and help make their facilities more energy efficient and sustainable while providing meaningful connectivity to Filipinos,” said Carlo Vega, First Gen Vice President for Power Marketing, Trading and Economics.

The PLDT Group is set to expand more renewables into its energy mix, which includes geothermal, solar and wind sources. In May 2023, PLDT and Smart launched their RE supply partnership with First Gen to harness geothermal energy sources for network facilities in Cebu, Samar, Capiz, and Iloilo. Prior to partnering with First Gen, the PLDT Group has also installed its largest solar rooftop facility in the Visayas, covering sites in Cebu Jones and Mandaue City in Cebu, Roxas, La Paz, Iloilo, and Bacolod. Within 2024, the Group expects to transition additional facilities in Greater Metro Manila to RE.

“The achievement of PLDT and Smart’s decarbonization targets to reduce our environmental footprint depends on the support from like-minded partners such as First Gen, who helps companies transition to renewable energy. This partnership with First Gen allows us to continue to enable the country’s digital transformation and help narrow the digital divide but in a way that is kind to the planet,” said PLDT First Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Head of Investor Relations Melissa V. Vergel de Dios. 

In addition to the transition to RE, PLDT and Smart have been venturing into the adoption of green technologies and various resource optimization initiatives for their network sites, business offices, and key facilities nationwide. PLDT has also secured green loans, amounting to ₱5 billion to-date, to partially fund its fiber expansion and minimize the carbon footprint of its network rollout.

For its part, First Gen is the largest producer of RE in the country with 26 facilities generating power through solar, hydro, wind and geothermal. In 2023, First Gen produced over 8,000 gigawatt hours of RE, primarily from geothermal output.

First Gen, a unit under Lopez-owned First Philippine Holdings Corporation, is investing over USD2 billion to ramp-up generating capacity. The company aims to expand its total RE capacity to 7,500 megawatts by 2030, to support the Philippine government’s target to raise RE capacity from the current 22% to 35% by 2030.

These efforts aim to support the global ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2050 and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy, and SDG 13 on Climate Action. ###

The Water Treatment Plant is part of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project, designed with the water-energy nexus. With an integrated hydroelectric power plant run by Aboitiz-affiliate Hedcor, the same water for power generation is treated before distribution to the water supply systems of the Davao City Water District.

The Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) has been honored as the Best Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the Philippines by the UK-based International Finance Awards, a prime example of the transformative potential of PPPs in driving sustainable urban development. This recognition, coming within the first year of the project’s commercial operations, underscores Davao City’s commitment to innovative solutions for critical infrastructure needs and delivery of basic services.

A joint venture between the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) water subsidiary Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua), the DCBWSP provides safe, reliable, and sustainable water to over one million Davaoeños.

The International Finance Awards recognized the Davao City Bulk Water Project, a joint venture between Apo Agua and the Davao City Water District, as the Best Public-Private Partnership in the Philippines for 2024.

“This recognition highlights the strength of Apo Agua’s collaboration with the Davao City Water District, a partnership founded on a shared commitment to providing sustainable water for all. This award underscores the essential role of public-private partnerships in driving critical infrastructure development and meeting the evolving needs of communities,” Aboitiz InfraCapital Head of Water Business and Apo Agua President Eduardo V. Aboitiz said.

“We are incredibly proud to be part of Davao City’s progress and remain dedicated to supporting the city’s future growth,” he added.

For more than five decades, Davao City has relied on groundwater sources to meet its growing water demands. Recognizing the potential environmental risks associated with over-extraction, such as land subsistence and saltwater intrusion, the city adopted a proactive approach that foresaw the shift in environmental policy to exploring surface water sources rather than digging additional wells. With foresight and ambition, the DCBWSP was conceived as a visionary solution, tapping the Tamugan River to augment the city’s groundwater sources.

The sustainable water source nourishes Davao City’s growth as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and a prime contributor to equitable nationwide development, where sustainable access to essential resources like reliable water acts as an enabler rather than a potential barrier to progress.

Under the joint venture, Apo Agua handles the water production, managing the country’s largest operating private bulk water supply facility with an over 300 MLD treatment capacity. The project features a unique water-energy nexus design in Southeast Asia, incorporating an integrated hydroelectric power plant that fully powers the facility. This innovative system uses the same water for power generation and treatment before distribution.

The DCWD plays a pivotal role in distributing water across the city, serving as the lifeblood of community development. Its network reaches a diverse consumer base, from households to burgeoning MSMEs and large-scale establishments. DCWD not only meets basic needs but also fuels economic growth, enabling businesses to thrive and support the city’s rapid urbanization.

This comprehensive approach to water supply development is instrumental in Davao City’s growth as a major economic hub in the Philippines. The DCBWSP’s success sets a compelling precedent for other fast-growing cities in the Philippines. Its recognition as an outstanding PPP illustrates how collaborative initiatives, driven by a shared commitment to national progress, can effectively address critical infrastructure needs, stimulate economic growth, and enhance citizens’ quality of life. The project demonstrates the synergistic potential when the public and private sectors combine their unique strengths and expertise towards a common goal of nationwide development felt in the homes of Filipinos.

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About Aboitiz InfraCapital

Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, is committed to building transformative infrastructure ecosystems that enable businesses and uplift communities as a catalyst for nationwide economic growth. Its strategic operations are in diverse yet interconnected businesses spanning Economic Estates, Water, Digital Infrastructure, and Transport and Mobility.

Aboitiz InfraCapital’s current business units include LIMA Estate and LIMA Water Corporation in Batangas; Mactan Economic Zone 2 (MEZ2) Estate, West Cebu Estate, and Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu; Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. in Davao City, and Unity Digital Infrastructure. The company also has a minority stake in Balibago Waterworks System, Inc., the country’s fourth-largest private water utility distributor.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, ushers in more excitement for the holiday season as the airline brings back its highly anticipated CEB Super Seat Fest Piso Sale this September, offering every Juan the opportunity to treat themselves to low fares and jumpstart their holiday and 2025 travel plans.

Starting today until September 10, 2024, passengers may book flights to select domestic and international destinations for as low as PHP 1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period is from November 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. 

With CEB’s low fares made even more affordable, travelers now have the best opportunity to explore the stunning islands of Iloilo and Zamboanga, savor the local flavors of Bacolod and General Santos, or embark on adrenaline-pumping activities in Davao.

CEB has announced the launch of many new routes and destinations this 2024 such as Chiang Mai and Don Mueang-Bangkok, making it the best time for every Juan to book flights and explore various places across CEB’s growing network.

CEB passengers looking to visit Singapore or Hong Kong may conveniently travel direct from Manila, Cebu, and soon, Iloilo. Additionally, with the introduction of CEB’s direct from Cebu to Osaka, more Filipino travelers will now have easier access to one of Japan’s popular cities. All of these are made possible through the #CEBSuperSeatFest.

To ensure a worry-free travel experience, passengers are encouraged to avail of CEB’s GO Flexi offering when booking their flights. For a small fee during the initial booking, GO Flexi allows passengers to cancel their flight up to two (2) hours before departure and receive the value of their booking as a non-expiring Travel Fund.

Passengers may use their Travel Funds to book flights and avail of other add-ons. CEB also offers other payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets.  

CEB operates in 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.  

Book your flights now at bit.ly/CebuPacificSale.

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By JOEL C ESCOL, Managing Editor

On Tuesday, 21-year-old Angel Otom made her debut at the Paralympics in Paris, showcasing her resilience and determination despite her physical limitations. Competing in the women’s 50-meter backstroke S5 event at the Paris La Defense Arena, Otom’s performance marked a significant milestone in her athletic career.

Born without a left arm and with an underdeveloped right arm, Otom’s journey to the Paralympics has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her early days as a student at Olongapo City National High School, where she competed in editorial cartooning contests using her feet, to her current status as a world-class swimmer, Otom has continually defied expectations.

Otom’s rise to prominence began at the 2022 ASEAN Para Games in Surakarta, Indonesia, where she won three gold medals. She further cemented her reputation as a formidable athlete at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where she claimed four gold medals in the women’s 50-meter backstroke S5, 50-meter butterfly S5, 50-meter freestyle S5, and 200-meter individual medley SM5 events.

Now, as the youngest member of the six-athlete Philippine delegation in Paris, Otom faced her biggest challenge yet. Competing in heat 1 of the 50-meter backstroke, she needed to be one of the eight fastest swimmers to advance to the finals, scheduled for Wednesday. Despite the intense competition, Otom remains focused on her goal of representing the Philippines with pride.

In addition to her Paralympic debut in the backstroke, Otom is set to compete in the 50-meter butterfly event on September 6, further showcasing her versatility and determination in the pool.

Otom’s achievements have not only inspired many but also highlighted the potential of athletes with disabilities. As a Sports Science student at the University of the Philippines Diliman, she balances her academic pursuits with her athletic ambitions, proving that physical limitations are no barrier to success.

Meanwhile, fellow Filipino swimmer Ernie Gawilan, a three-time Paralympian, was competing in his second and final event in Paris, the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7, aiming to add another medal to his already impressive record.

Angel Otom’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit, as she continues to break barriers and inspire others on the global stage. ###

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), which was recently awarded the prestigious Skytrax 4-Star Terminal rating, is now home to the visionary works of National Artist and the Father of Philippine Indie Cinema, Kidlat Tahimik (Eric Oteyza de Guia). His unique art installations have been unveiled last August 22, 2024 at the Terminal 2 International Departures Area, infusing the space with a creative and culturally rich atmosphere that enhances the passenger experience.

These installations, rooted in Cebu’s vibrant cultural heritage, depict the untold stories of Magellan’s historic expedition to Cebu. Through these pieces, passengers are invited to explore the rich tapestry of interactions between Magellan, his crew, and the indigenous Cebuano people, including the legendary figure of Lapu-Lapu. Kidlat Tahimik’s art vividly brings to life these encounters, offering travelers a window into the island’s past.

Crafted from authentic wood and stone, the art installations integrate natural elements with historical narratives, creating a nostalgic ambiance that resonates deeply with viewers. The pieces not only serve as a tribute to Cebu’s history but also as a reflection of the enduring connection between the island’s natural environment and its cultural identity.

Cosette Canilao, CEO and President of Aboitiz InfraCapital, expressed support for MCIA’s commitment to enhancing the passenger journey through art that is distinctly and proudly Filipino: “At MCIA, our vision is to create a world-class airport experience that is distinctly Filipino. Through this installation, we aim to offer MCIA passengers a moment to pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in our rich culture while ensuring their journey is comfortable and memorable.”

Athanasios Titonis, Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, highlighted the importance of sharing Cebu’s cultural legacy with the world: “Cebu’s cultural roots go down deep. It is a story worth telling, especially to international passengers. Art is a tool to help them remember and appreciate the history and culture behind our province.”

MCIA proudly supports the efforts of artists like Kidlat Tahimik in promoting and preserving the country’s rich history through unique and inspiring art. By showcasing pieces that celebrate Cebuano and Filipino culture, MCIA aims to serve as a gateway for cultural exchange, furthering the mission to share the beauty and heritage of the Philippines with the world. ###

The DOH-certified Water Safety Plan of COWD is designed to manage drinking water quality from catchment to consumer. It complies with parameters set by the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.

The primary objectives of a Water Safety Plan in protecting human health and ensuring good water supply practices are:

(1) The minimization of contamination of source waters

(2) The reduction or removal of contamination through appropriate treatment processes

(3) The prevention of contamination in the distribution network and the domestic distribution system

The COWD Water Safety Plan includes the following:

I. Hazard identification and risk prioritization – The WSP Team determines all possible sources of contaminants, after which an ocular inspection is conducted to come up with reliable data and analysis on the potential hazards which may affect water quality. The team ranks hazardous events to provide a focus on the most significant hazards done using AS/NZS 4360:2004 Risk Management Standard which gives guidance on the use of semi-quantitative risk assessment.

The hazards are ranked to establish priorities and to provide a focus on the most significant ones. Based on the assessment, improvement plans have been developed for those identified as high risks to eliminate or control the hazards:

a. At Catchment: Possible entry of contaminants due to presence of nearby septic tank or fuel stations, flooding, unscheduled power outage, etc.

b. During distribution: Possible entry of contaminants during handling of materials, through leaking pipelines, during installation of service connections, etc.

c. Consumer level: Possible entry of contaminants due to illegal tapping, improper handling, and storage of water, etc.

II. Monitoring – The WSP Team determines the (a) frequency of monitoring of the items listed as potential hazards or risks, (b) who will be assigned to monitor and (c) how it will be monitored.

COWD conducts regular, scheduled monitoring of water produced from different sources such as Boosters, Production Wells, the Malasag Spring, and Bulk Water.

III. Plan for Corrective Action – if operation deviates from normal situations or surpasses normal or critical limits, certain corrective actions are indicated in the Water Safety Plan to prevent contamination of supplied water.

Water Safety Plans evolve with the times. It is important to learn from emergencies, incidence or near misses. It is subject for periodic review to keep the WSP updated to prevent reoccurrence of the problems and ensure the effective implementation of the program.