Philippine Mangrove Conference 2026 Forges Accountable Pathways for Mangrove Conservation and Coastal Resilience

Manila, Philippines — Global Mangrove Alliance Philippines and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) recently inaugurated the Philippine Mangrove Conference (PMC) 2026, themed “Ensuring Accountable Pathways for Resilient Communities,” at Microtel Technohub in Quezon City by Wyndham UP Technohub from March 24 to 26, bringing together government, academe, civil society, the private sector, youth, and community leaders to align science, policy, and financing for mangrove conservation and restoration.

“Protecting mangroves has become a development priority for a country as vulnerable to climate impacts as the Philippines,” said Dr. Annadel Cabanban, Country Manager, Wetlands International Philippines and Lead Convenor of the Global Mangrove Alliance Philippines. “Aligning interventions across government, communities, scientific institutions, and the private sector with the country’s climate commitments is essential to restore these ecosystems at scale.”

Building on a decade of national dialogue

Since 2012, the Philippines has held four National Mangrove Conferences and a National State of the Mangrove Summit in 2019, each surfacing the same urgent priorities: science-based rehabilitation, coastal zoning, community stewardship, and climate adaptation. Nine policy recommendations carried across all four conferences, yet many remain unimplemented. This year's conference was convened to take stock, build on what worked, and forge stronger pathways forward.

The Philippines once had approximately 500,000 hectares of mangrove cover — a figure sharply reduced by logging, aquaculture expansion, and coastal development. National data show a partial recovery, with satellite analyses recording roughly 240,824 hectares in 2010 and an increase to approximately 311,400 hectares by 2020, reflecting the gains of sustained rehabilitation and conservation efforts.

Grounding mangrove conservation to local realities

Community stewardship remains central to progress. In Negros Occidental — where 25 of 32 local government units are coastal — mangrove restoration is embedded in local policy, linking conservation directly to community gains: improved fish catch, livelihoods, and ecotourism. "Restoring mangroves is about helping communities live sustainably alongside them," said Atty. Julie Bedrio, Provincial Environment Management Officer. "With knowledge, resources, and support, mangrove protection becomes stronger and more sustainable."

The Conference engaged private sector, community, and youth-led organizations — including the Shalom Women's Biodiversity Conservation Association and Mangrove Matters PH — on their roles in on-the-ground conservation. Imelda Mazo, President of the Shalom Women's Biodiversity Conservation Association in Coron, Palawan, shared how their work has evolved beyond planting into monitoring and learning alongside scientists. "Conservation is a long-term commitment, like raising a child. It is never simple. Nature-based solutions are, at their core, about science, and we in the community have come to believe that deeply," she said.

The Conference also featured the launch of the National State of the Coasts (NSOC) 2025 Report, estimating the ocean economy at USD 15 billion or 3.8% of GDP in 2024 — while noting that only 1.42% of Philippine sea area remains under Marine Protected Areas.

The final day of PMC 2026 delivered two landmark moments for blue carbon science and governance. The National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) Roadmap 2026–2030 was formally turned over from ZSL Philippines to DENR institutionalizing the country's blue carbon agenda under government stewardship. Alongside it, the Blue Carbon Quantification Protocol (BCQP), which was co-developed by Filipino scientists with DENR and conservation partners, was launched as the country's first credible, field-applicable carbon accounting framework. Together, both milestones translate the Conference's science-to-policy ambitions into concrete national action.

Delivering on accountability: Sectoral commitments through 2028

True to its theme, the Conference closed with six sectors pledging concrete, time-bound targets for 2028:

• People's Organizations — Restore and protect local mangrove areas through sustainable livelihoods such as eco-tourism, nursery production, beekeeping, and fish processing.

• Academia — Establish provincial mangrove data hubs and a national blue carbon research agenda.

• Government Agencies — Develop a unified ocean governance framework integrating mangrove ecosystems and science-based coastal management.

• Private Sector — Publish integrated mangrove aquaculture protocols and restore 100 hectares of mangroves through community cohorts.

• Local Governments — Expand coastal greenbelt ordinances and embed blue carbon governance into local resource management plans.

• Civil Society — Establish new Local Conservation Areas, advance the National Coastal Greenbelt Bill, and secure financing for a GMA Philippines Secretariat.

All commitments will be tracked in future national platforms, making accountability a continuing practice. The Conference aligned national mangrove conservation efforts with the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the country's Nationally Determined Contributions, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, reinforcing a shared commitment to protect mangrove ecosystems, coastal livelihoods, and the resilience of future generations.

Guided by the spirit of "Padayon" — a Filipino word for moving forward with purpose despite setbacks — the Conference has set in motion a new chapter of science-driven, community-centered mangrove stewardship.

"This roadmap and these commitments are not the end. They are the beginning," said Edwina Garchitorena, Lead for ZSL Philippines. "The tools we have built together must now reach the communities and local governments who manage these resources. We call on all partners to sustain this momentum and invest in solutions that work for both people and nature."

2GO Supports Sea Turtle Conservation through Hatchling Release in Cavite

Naic, Cavite, 26 March 2026 — 2GO, the Philippines’ leading shipping and logistics solutions provider, continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental stewardship by supporting a sea turtle hatchling release activity in Naic, Cavite.

 

The initiative, organized with the local conservation group Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patrollers, highlights the importance of protecting marine biodiversity and supporting community-led conservation efforts.

 

As part of its sustainability efforts, 2GO provided operational support to the organization through the donation of reinforced egg hatchery nets, a printer, and an office productivity software subscription. These resources help strengthen the group’s day-to-day monitoring, documentation, and protection of sea turtle nesting sites along the coast.

 

Mercy Grace Dionisio, AVP for Sustainability Compliance at 2GO Group, Inc., shared, “As a shipping company moving goods across the Philippines, we understand that our operations come with an environmental footprint. That is why we continue to find ways to operate more sustainably and take part in conservation efforts that protect marine life and biodiversity on which many communities rely. Through these efforts, we aim to safeguard these ecosystems as part of our service to the communities we serve and help preserve them for future generations.”

 

The activity culminated in the release of 70 sea turtle hatchlings into their natural habitat, a promising outcome that reflects the continued conservation efforts in the area. Each successful hatchling release helps strengthen sea turtle populations and contributes to the protection of marine biodiversity.

 

Beyond the hatchling release, the event also created opportunities for community engagement. Employees and volunteers participated in coastal clean-up efforts to help maintain a safe and healthy shoreline for marine life. The activity also included the formal turnover of the donated materials to support the patrollers’ ongoing conservation work.

 

Through partnerships with grassroots organizations such as the Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patrollers, 2GO reinforces its role not only as a logistics solutions provider but also as a partner in initiatives that protect the environment and support local communities.

 

In recent years, 2GO has continued to strengthen its environmental sustainability efforts across its operations. The company has introduced packaging solutions that are almost entirely recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable, helping reduce waste across its logistics network. It has also deployed 48 electric forklifts in its warehouse operations and utilizes renewable energy in several of its logistics hubs. More recently, 2GO added two electric trucks to support its forwarding operations.

 

To learn more about 2GO’s sustainability efforts, visit 2go.com.ph.

Vena Energy Turns Over 1,000 “Seats for Sustainability” to Talim Island Schools, Improving the Learning Environment for Students While Creating Livelihood for Locals

[Philippines, 27 January 2026] Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions company in the Asia-Pacific region, has successfully turned over 1,000 handcrafted armchairs to elementary schools in the municipalities of Binangonan and Cardona on Talim Island.

The initiative, titled, “Seats for Sustainability,” was led by Vena Energy’s subsidiary, Island Wind Energy Corp. (IWEC). It marks a significant milestone in the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, delivering a dual impact: improving the learning environment for thousands of students while providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for the island’s residents. 

Empowering Education in Remote Communities

The turnover ceremonies were held on 22 January 2026 at Kasile Covered Court (Binangonan) and 23 January 2026 at Lambac Covered Court (Cardona). The donation benefits multiple schools, including Kasile Elementary School, Bombong Elementary School, Kinagatan Elementary School, and Lambac Elementary School. 

For remote areas like Talim Island, logistical challenges often hinder the delivery of school facilities. This donation addresses a critical infrastructure gap, ensuring that students have access to comfortable, DepEd-standard furniture that fosters a better learning environment. 

From Skills to Livelihood

What sets the “Seats for Sustainability” project apart is its commitment to the local circular economy. Rather than sourcing furniture from external suppliers, Vena Energy partnered with local communities to manufacture the chairs.

Residents were trained by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in carpentry and craftsmanship. Following their training, these local community members were hired by Vena Energy to build the 1,000 chairs. This not only ensured the furniture met quality standards but also injected income directly into local households, turning a charitable donation into a driver for economic empowerment.

A Commitment to Host Communities

“Seats for Sustainability” aligns with Vena Energy’s broader CSR strategy, which prioritizes Education, Infrastructure Development, and Community Well-being. By engaging the community in the solution, the company reinforces its core value of enabling sustainable social and economic development within its host communities.

“We believe that  a community means giving them thempoweringe necessary tools to build their own future,” said Samrinder Nehria, Head of The Philippines at Vena Energy. “This project is special because the fathers and neighbors of these students built the very chairs their children will sit on. It is a story of pride, resilience, and sustainability.” 

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from IWEC, local government officials from Binangonan and Cardona, school officials, and residents of Talim Island.

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

MANILA, Philippines, January 19, 2025– 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 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.

Pru Life UK Backs Community Clean-Up Drives in Caloocan to Help Prevent Dengue and Leptospirosis

As heavy rains and widespread flooding continue to impact several parts of the country, residents of Caloocan are stepping up to protect their neighborhoods from the health threats that often follow.  With support from Pru Life UK through its SHIELD Project, residents launched clean-up activities to reduce the risks of dengue and leptospirosis – diseases that thrive in flood-prone areas.

SHIELD which stands for Sustainable Health Interventions for Eradicating Leptospirosis and Dengue (SHIELD) Project is rolled out in targeted communities in Caloocan and Malabon, aiming to build community resilience against two of the most common climate-sensitive diseases in the Philippines that are expected to worsen due to climate change. 

The project is funded with PHP10 million grant from the Climate and Health Resilience Fund by Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, with CARE Philippines as the project implementing partner. 

Over 110 volunteers, including barangay staff and residents from Barangays 178 and 186 in Caloocan, joined a two-day community-led initiative in August to eliminate stagnant water, clear potential mosquito breeding sites, and remove waste that can clog drainage systems. The SHIELD Project provided essential cleaning supplies such as brooms, dustpans, and garbage disposal bags as well as mosquito repellents to support the effort.

To raise awareness, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on dengue and leptospirosis prevention were distributed to residents. These efforts not only helped create cleaner, safer public spaces but also strengthened community knowledge on how to prevent climate-sensitive diseases.

“Through collaborative efforts with the residents and stakeholders from the local government units, we are able to bring the community together and foster a sense of collective responsibility to help build resilience to the health risks of climate change,” said Maricel Estavillo, Pru Life UK’s Sustainability and Takaful Head.

Clean-up activities in Malabon are scheduled this September to continue the community-led initiative towards public health and resilience.

​SM Prime Launches Manual for a Waste-Free Future

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has introduced the SM Waste-Free Future Manual, a guide for individuals and communities to simplify waste segregation. The manual is part of the SM Green Movement and promotes a system called RDC, which stands for Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable. The goal of the RDC model is to make waste sorting easy and actionable.

​Why Segregation Matters

​The Philippines produces a significant amount of waste, generating about 61,000 tons of waste daily, including 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually. This figure is expected to increase with urbanization and improper disposal practices. SM Prime hopes the manual will encourage better segregation habits to combat this issue.

​The RDC model focuses on the word “able,” emphasizing that individuals have the power to make a difference through small, mindful actions. The manual provides a list of the top 10 common waste items to help people get started with their RDC habits and build "muscle memory" for proper waste sorting.

​Support and Impact

​The campaign has received support from various institutions, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Resident Representative, praised the RDC bin labeling system, noting that proper segregation is a gateway to a circular economy. This type of economy aims to design out waste, keep materials in circulation, and regenerate natural systems.

​SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans “Chico” Sy emphasized that advancing waste management requires being open to new approaches and taking small, crucial steps. The project is not limited to a single organization; it belongs to all of society and requires a collective effort from the government, businesses, and communities. SM Prime believes that shared action is key to creating a sustainable, waste-free future.

​Availability

​A limited number of physical copies of the manual have been printed as part of SM Prime’s sustainability efforts. A digital version will also be available for download. The manual also highlights SM Prime’s innovative reuse programs, which help keep materials out of landfills.  

Manila Water Strengthens Call for Desludging in August to Prevent Post-Flood Health Risks

In the wake of recent typhoons and the intensified habagat that brought widespread flooding across Luzon, Manila Water is intensifying its August desludging campaign to help communities recover and prevent post-flood health hazards.

Serving over 7.8 million customers, Manila Water’s East Zone concession area remains highly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather. The company is increasing its septic tank cleaning service, which is provided at no additional cost to customers, to help households avoid the risks of wastewater overflow and contamination.

This August, the desludging service will be available in barangays Mayamot and San Jose in Antipolo City; San Pedro and San Guillermo in Morong, Rizal; San Isidro and San Juan in Taytay, Rizal; San Pedro in Angono, Rizal; Layunan, Libis, Libid, and Mambog in Binangonan, Rizal; San Jose and San Isidro in Montalban (Rodriguez), Rizal; Ampid II, Banaba, Gulod Malaya, and Silangan in San Mateo, Rizal; Rosario and Santolan in Pasig City; Palingon in Taguig City; Alicia, Bagong Pag-asa, Damayang Lagi, Dioguino Zobel, Holy Spirit, Libis, Loyola Heights, Nayong Kanluran, New Era, Ramon Magsaysay, San Roque, and San Martin de Porres in Quezon City; Industrial Valley Complex in Marikina City; San Perfecto, Pedro Cruz, Pasadena, Ermitanyo, and Balong Bato in San Juan City; Tejeros in Makati City; and Burol in Mandaluyong.

“After heavy rains and flooding, septic systems are more vulnerable to overflows and contamination. Desludging is a simple but powerful way to protect your family’s health and the environment,” said Jeric Sevilla, Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director of Manila Water.

Unmaintained septic tanks pose serious health threats after flooding. When tanks are full or compromised, floodwaters can carry untreated sewage into homes, streets, and water sources. This increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A, and leptospirosis, as well as skin infections and gastrointestinal illnesses. Regular desludging helps prevent these hazards by ensuring septic systems function properly even during heavy rains.

Residents are encouraged to coordinate with their barangay councils or call the Manila Water Hotline 1627 to check their schedule.

Every Drop Counts: PCPPI Champions Responsible Water Usage

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, remains on course in its commitment to promote responsible water stewardship across its operations. In 2023, the organization’s overall water usage rate reduced by 5.4% from the previous year. This demonstrates PCPPI’s continued initiatives in ensuring proper water use, particularly in the production process.

PCPPI complies with global standards and as prescribed by PepsiCo in conducting water use audits that monitor consumption across its facilities. As much as 50% of the organization’s water use is dedicated to washers for returnable glass bottles. To maximize efficiency, equipment maintenance and updates are scheduled regularly. Training courses and policy refresher sessions on proper machine use are also conducted to keep technical teams informed on best practices and operating standards. These learning opportunities ensure that employees uphold safety and avoid production-related incidents.

Reducing the frequency Clean-In-Place (CIP) procedures in select facilities amplifies PCPPI’s efforts in reducing water use, Each CIP procedure uses an estimated 30 cubic meters of water to ensure cleanliness in the production area. Aside from extending operation hours, PCPPI is also optimizing CIP periods by using recycled water.

PCPPI has been a steadfast partner of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local governments where it operates with the Adopt-A-River Program. This initiative allows organizations to look after and care for bodies of water in the areas where they operate. At present, PCPPI’s locations in Cebu, Pampanga, Davao, Leyte, Zamboanga and its home city of Muntinlupa have ongoing agreements with their respective local governments.

The bigger picture

March 22 marks World Water Day, an initiative of the United Nations (UN) that promotes responsible use of and better access to safe water. PCPPI remains committed to furthering its position as a champion of water stewardship, especially since the resource is vital to its operations. Aside from the programs mentioned earlier, the organization empowers its employees to develop smarter, more innovative ways to uphold global standards while ensuring that water usage is managed and reduced over time.

“At PCPPI, we are continuously improving our processes to make sure that our operations utilize resources wisely,” said Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance Officer Atty. Carina S. Bayon. “Aside from arming our employees with the necessary trainings and industry best practices, we work closely with government stakeholders and community leaders in advocating a sustainable future,” she added.

PCPPI is the country’s exclusive manufacturer and distributor of well-known beverage brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier Purified Water, Milkis, and Chum Churum Soonhari. For more information, please visit www.pepsiphilippines.com. 

Manulife Philippines Continues Expanding its Impact Agenda with Zambales Reforestation Program

Manila, Philippines — As part of its global Impact Agenda, a long-term commitment to deliver meaningful programs that empower sustained health and well-being, drive inclusive economic opportunity, and accelerate a sustainable future to preserve the planet, the domestic arm of leading global insurer Manulife recently expanded its collaboration with leading nature conservation organization Haribon Foundation through the Forests for Life movement. 

“As we reach and engage more communities across the country through our Impact Agenda, we will continue to strengthen our community investments that will not only help us build a better business to better the world, but also foster kindness, generosity, and the bayanihan spirit among many Filipinos,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.

11,250 seedlings to be planted in 2024 

 

Through Haribon Foundation, Manulife Philippines commits to plant 11,250 native tree seedlings, in Masinloc, Zambales this year. This expands Manulife’s collaboration with Haribon, which commenced in 2022 with a commitment to help restore Philippine rainforests by planting 15,000 seedlings in Quezon and Rizal provinces. 

The reforestation area is part of the Zambales mountains called Important Bird and Biodiversity Area in the town of Masinloc, covering 30,000 hectares of land and has been home to various endangered bird and non-bird species. The area previously hosted chromite mining operations, which resulted in the destruction of its biodiversity. Today, reforestation and protection are much needed for the damaged ecosystem to recover. 

To help advance positive environmental change, Manulife has been working on implementing its sustainability action plans. In 2022, Manulife contributed USD 25.1 million in total community investments globally. There are also 1.3 billion trees planted by Manulife Investment Management all over the world since 1985, testifying to its longstanding commitment to create more nature-positive world for its communities*. 

Manulife Volunteer Days launched in 10 markets in Asia, including the Philippines

Employee giving and volunteering is also part of Manulife’s community engagement initiatives for its Impact Agenda. During the “Season of Giving” last year, the company launched its Manulife Volunteer Days, a week-long program that provided more than 56 volunteering opportunities for employees globally to volunteer for chosen organizations within their communities. These range from tree-planting, financial literacy activities for students, and other engagement activities for ethnic minorities, elderlies, and various communities in need. 

In addition, Manulife also launched the Move for your Community in Asia, where more than 1,700 employees from 10 markets, including colleagues from Manulife Philippines, Manulife China Bank Life and Manulife Investment Management Philippines, accomplished various step goals in five days, achieving 34 million steps in total. These recorded steps were converted to community investments, such as the 900 Peso Smart learning kits for elementary school students in the Philippines through the Corazon Sanchez Atayde Memorial Foundation and Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation. 

“Since 2017, our financial literacy program Peso Smart has been instrumental in promoting the value of basic financial skills such as saving, budgeting, and investing among young children,” Rahul added. “As Peso Smart has expanded over the years to cater to broader segments -- including parents, educators, and university students -- we hope we can financially empower more Filipinos to live worry-free and confidently, while securing a better future.” 

Other community investments from the Move for your Community in Asia include lunches with reusable boxes for students in Cambodia from the Rabbit School across all its campuses; 10,000 lunches for students in Vietnam through the Lotus Charity Foundation; and a public sanitation facility and a clean water facility in Indonesia through Dompet Dhuafa.

For the full story on how Manulife advances its Impact Agenda in the Philippines, watch this video or visit https://www.manulife.com.ph/ImpactAgenda. For more information about Manulife, visit https://manulife.com.ph.

ASUS Solidifies Commitment to Sustaining an Incredible Future, Collects Over One Ton of Recyclable Waste with CORA

PASIG CITY, Philippines, October 12, 2023 — ASUS solidifies its commitment toward an incredible, sustainable future and its thrust toward a circular economy and collected a landmark 1.67 tons of plastic and other recyclable wastes through a series of activations in partnership with nonprofit organization Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA). The ASUS x CORA sustainability campaign spanned three phases, each focusing on and involving various stakeholders for a holistic approach toward promoting eco-friendly products, reducing waste, intensifying awareness about circular economy and climate action, and educating people on how to lead an eco-conscious lifestyle.

“At ASUS, we believe that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. As we continue innovating our products, we strive to be more sustainable. We are immensely thankful for everyone, including our partner CORA, the ASUS Philippines employees, our partners, dealers, and all the Filipinos who helped us in this meaningful mission to protect and save our environment through recycling plastic and other everyday waste, giving them a second life, and promoting a sustainable and incredible future for the people and the planet,” ASUS Philippines Country Manager George Su said.

In 2007, ASUS launched its first sustainable notebook, the ASUS Bamboo Series. It received numerous environmental certifications and accolades for its revolutionary engineering and design. Early this year, ASUS launched the most sustainable Zenbook ever, the Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304), underscoring the company’s 2025 Sustainability Goals and its commitment to environmental stewardship. Taking a significant step toward circular product design, the Zenbook S 13 OLED is an EPEAT Gold registered product with a positive environmental impact across the entire product lifecycle, from material use and manufacturing to assembly, use, and end-of-life.

Circular economy starts with us

ASUS held a knowledge-sharing activity with its employees dubbed ASUStainable Solution: Circular Economy Starts with Us. CORA and its Circular Center Women Champions (CCWC) presented the country’s current plastic situation. They educated ASUS employees on how they can contribute to a circular economy by recycling typical household wastes, such as plastic bottles. Aside from instilling personal change, the workshop encouraged employees to disseminate what they learned to their family and friends. After the seminar, a two-month recycling activity among ASUS employees was held, where they collected plastic bottles, soft plastics, sibak, colored paper, and cartons. These office and home wastes were collected through CORA’s Eco-Ikot Center pop-up, where dedicated trash bins were set up in the ASUS office. ASUS employees generated 840.6 kg. total waste. The waste collected was then brought to CORA’s partner Sentinel Upcycling Technologies to transform them into high-quality products such as benches, school chairs, and mobile trash bins.

Under the innovation and value creation pillar of the ASUS 2025 Sustainability Goals, ASUS also donated two ASUS Zenbook laptops to CORA to aid them in their administrative tasks. This includes recording data from their Eco-Ikot Center in Parañaque City and managing other programs and campaigns with public and private organizations.

The CORA Eco-Ikot Center is an inclusive and holistic recycling system that allows communities to exchange recyclables for points, which can be redeemed for various incentives. The first of its kind in the Philippines and the world, CORA’s Eco-Ikot Center provides a sustainable solution to the plastic pollution crisis.

ASUS x CORA Mall Caravan

For the second phase, ASUS installed CORA Eco-Ikot Center pop-ups in three ASUS Exclusive Stores, making it accessible for Filipinos to recycle and reduce plastic waste. Filipinos got to take home ASUS and CORA merchandise in exchange for clean and dry plastic bottles. The CCWCs educated them and other mallgoers what is circular economy and the benefits of recycling common plastic waste.

Mallgoers were also able to experience the Zenbook S 13 OLED and learned the importance of supporting and using eco-friendly products, further cementing ASUS’ sustainability thrust.

The ASUS x CORA Mall Caravan collected over 1,100 plastic bottles, equivalent to 28.5 kg. It was held at SM Cyberzone in Megamall, North EDSA, and Mall of Asia.

Celebrating International Coastal Cleanup Day

For the final leg, ASUS celebrated 2023 International Coastal Cleanup Day by combing the shore of Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) of trash and debris led by Zenbook S 13 OLED Ambassador and CORA Founder Antoinette Taus, together with volunteers from ASUS employees, media, influencers, partners, and dealers. This joint effort of 75 volunteers collected 646.2 kg. of plastic waste, Styrofoam, rubber materials, and stuffed toys. The trash accumulated was segregated to send the recyclable materials to CORA’s recycling partner.

The data collected during the event will help CORA and government agencies address the dire waste problem in Manila Bay. The LPPWP is part of the Manila Bay coast and was reported to carry an estimated 9.46 billion pieces of plastic waste.[i]

United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and CORA Founder Antoinette Taus also shared, “We need to reduce our waste overall and make sure that the waste we do produce ends up in the right places, to the circular economy.”

The collective efforts of ASUS Global and its local markets contributed to the significant strides in sustainability focus areas. In the recently announced ASUS 2022 Sustainability Report, the global technology leader detailed that it exceeded ENERGY STAR standards by 34%. Its eco-friendly products also accounted for 87% of total product revenue. These and more led ASUS to bag multiple 2023 Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards and receive international recognition. ASUS will continue to create local and global initiatives toward being a net-zero enterprise in 2050.