Generika Drugstore, Valenzuela City launch country’s first citywide PhilHealth GAMOT Partnership

Generika Drugstore and the City Government of Valenzuela launched the very first partnership between a nationwide drugstore chain and a local government unit (LGU) providing an entire city access to essential medicines for free under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)’s Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) Program.

On Friday, about 600 Valenzuela City residents underwent medical consultation from PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP)-accredited doctors from the City Health Department and received prescribed medicines onsite for free thru PhilHealth’s GAMOT from Generika Drugstore.

“This is ginhawa to the fullest. Working with the City Government of Valenzuela allows us to showcase our Ginhawang Generika promise while serving our fellow Filipinos,” said Adrian Gino Guinto, President and Chief Executive Officer of Generika Drugstore.

Under this partnership, YAKAP-registered residents of Valenzuela City who have undergone medical consultation in YAKAP-accredited clinics and have prescriptions with unique security codes (UPSC) can claim up to P20,000 worth of essential medicines in any of the ten (10) Generika Drugstore branches in Valenzuela City that have been accredited by PhilHealth as GAMOT Providers:

• Dalandanan

• Parada Capt. Cruz

• Bagbaguin Mariano

• Gen. T. De Leon

• Malinta Santiago

• Maysan Tongco

• Paso de Blas

• Pio St. Marulas

• Poblacion 1 MH Del Pilar (Polo)

• Veinte Reales

Because of up to 85% savings that consumers can get for buying Actimed Quality Generics, YAKAP beneficiaries can buy significantly more medicines—enough to complete their doctors’ prescriptions.

“We are honored to be part of this pioneering partnership. We thank Generika Drugstore and PhilHealth for helping us make Valenzuela City a truly progressive city where no Valenzuelano family gets left behind,” said City Mayor Wes Gatchalian.

For his part, PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in ensuring the success of the government’s flagship health programs. “With active partners like Generika Drugstore and Valenzuela City, Filipinos can rest assured that PhilHealth can help, wherever and whenever they need it,” said Dr. Mercado.

In turn, Guinto thanked partners and stakeholders whose openness and collaboration were key in building the partnership. “With the AC Health group’s support, we invite like-minded local chief executives to follow suit and together, let’s push ginhawa within closer reach of Filipino families,” he added.

To date, 171 Generika Drugstore branches nationwide have been accredited as GAMOT providers. For the full list, click here. 

Smarter Public Service: PLDT, Smart Help Bicol LGUs Level Up with AI Tools

Local government unit (LGU) workers in the Bicol region are keeping abreast with opportunities in applying artificial intelligence (AI) to improve and secure delivery of public service, especially since they serve communities extremely vulnerable to typhoons and other natural disasters.

 

In a recent workshop organized by PLDT and Smart as part of their drive to support LGUs in their digital transformation, almost 50 LGU representatives from across Bicol learned how AI tools can help them manage repetitive inquiries, improve operational efficiency, and deliver more responsive public service.

 

These Bicol LGUs were identified by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) as partners in establishing and operating their own electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), a key component of the government’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the country.

 

The initiative is part of PLDT and Smart’s AI-in-a-Box program, designed to equip organizations, including LGUs, with essential AI skills. The AI workshop complements the PLDT Group’s desktop and laptop computer donation last year to ARTA, supporting LGUs in meeting the eBOSS requirements and fully automating business registration and renewal processes.

 

“Our goal is to build the confidence of LGUs in using AI tools for more efficient and responsive public service, especially in enabling entrepreneurship and keeping services running during disruptions,” according to Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart. “When LGUs embrace these technologies, communities become more empowered, more engaged, and receive better service when it matters most.”

 

Gemma Domalaon-Ferrer, Municipal Treasurer of Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon, shared her perspective. “As a frontline office, we often respond to a high volume of repetitive inquiries,” she said. “The session helped us realize that we can advocate for a Facebook chatbot to handle frequently asked questions, allowing our team to focus on core responsibilities such as managing the municipality’s finances, collecting local taxes, safeguarding government funds, and ensuring proper disbursement.”

 

Rocky Phillip Romero of the Human Resources Department of San Jacinto, Masbate, also highlighted AI’s potential. “AI can support our HR operations by helping monitor and process frequently asked questions and routine tasks from municipal employees and job applicants—regardless of where they are in the Philippines,” he said.

 

James Saludo Flores from the LGU of Polangui, Albay, emphasized how chatbot technology can improve accessibility for constituents. “Instead of traveling to the Municipal Hall, residents can use a chatbot to access information on requirements, permits, document follow-ups, and government fees. AI helps us respond faster and serve better.”

 

PLDT and Smart's efforts to strengthen LGU capabilities through AI align with the PLDT Group's broader commitment to advancing the Government's digitalization agenda and enhancing public service delivery nationwide. 

PH National Cancer Summit 2024 Spotlights NICCA’s Pivotal Role in Cancer Prevention

The 2024 Philippine National Cancer Summit (PNCS) marked a pivotal moment in the nation's fight against cancer, spotlighting the transformative potential of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) in enhancing early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

Cancer continues to be a significant public health issue, contributing to 7.84% of the country's disease burden and ranking as the third highest cause of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY). Breast cancer is the most common among women, accounting for 31.4% of cases, while lung cancer is the most prevalent and deadliest among men, with 19.5% of cases.

Against the backdrop of these daunting statistics, the two-day summit, themed “Advancing Integrated Cancer Care Systems for the Filipino,” offered new hope and direction, aligning with the goals of the NICCA.

Enacted on February 14, 2019, the NICCA provides a comprehensive framework to ensure the availability of quality and affordable cancer care services, aiming to improve survival rates and alleviate the financial burden on patients and their families.

Dr. Manuel Francisco “Ramy” Roxas, chairperson of the Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission Foundation (PCS CanCom), which spearheaded the summit, highlighted the event's importance in bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to improve cancer care.

“We are very honored that many dignitaries are joining us today to make this cancer summit even better than last year. But the task ahead is still long and challenging. We are here to listen to each other and inspire each other to continue to improve cancer care for our people,” he stated, emphasizing a "whole of society" approach to the cancer fight.

In his keynote address read by Philippine Cancer Center Head Dr. Alfonso Nunez III, Department of Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa pointed out the significant challenge cancer poses to public health and its expensive consequences. He stressed the need to educate and inform communities about health-maintaining behaviors and disease prevention.

“Our endeavors covered the end-to-end spectrum of care with a strong emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention,” Herbosa remarked. “Central to our national cancer strategy is the early and regular screening measures such as sparing sufficient time for regular physical checkups. That includes breast examination, specifically mammograms, cervical screening, and many more. These services are available and accessible. Early detection saves lives by enabling timely interventions when treatment outcomes are most favorable.”

Meanwhile, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. underscored the critical role that local government units (LGUs) play in integrating national guidelines with local needs as the primary implementers of healthcare policies.

He aims to unite stakeholders to devise a unified plan for cancer care at the local government level, saying “We should really sit down, look at the capacity of each, harmonize everything, and do a master plan. That is what I commit to this group that we're going to do.”

At the LGU level, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte shared the city's efforts. “We are in the process of crafting the localized version of the NICCA. The city government can allocate a more significant amount of resources kapag mayroon na tayong local version of the national law. Hopefully, this can be done by the second quarter of this year,” she said.

Belmonte also stated that their overarching goal is to develop and maintain a system that combines scientific advancements and practical applications into a comprehensive program aimed at reducing cancer morbidity and mortality, especially in Quezon City.

The PNCS 2024, held on February 29 and March 1 at Novotel Araneta, served as a vital platform for stakeholders to collaborate and share innovations in cancer care, aiming to change the landscape of cancer treatment and management in the Philippines.

By focusing on the importance of early screening and intervention for the most common cancers, the summit sought to gather collective efforts toward a future where cancer is no longer a daunting foe for Filipinos, ensuring access to necessary care and support for everyone.

DTI-12, LGU Koronadal hold Bugal Trade Fair during Negosyo Festival

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 12 through its South Cotabato Provincial Officers forged a partnership with the local government unit of Koronadal City for the conduct of a 10-day trade fair dubbed as “Bugal Trade Fair sa Negosyo Festival” which was launched on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.

The fair, participated by 48 DTI-assisted food and non-food micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of South Cotabato, will run until October 15, 2022 and is part of the enrolled activities in line with the celebration of Koronadal City’s 22nd Charter Anniversary and the 12th Negosyo Festival.

In an interview, DTI-12 OIC Regional Director Flora Politud-Gabunales said that the partnership with LGU Koronadal is proof of the importance viewed by the partner offices in assisting the MSMEs market their products after the more than two years of economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After the hiatus of more than two years because of the pandemic restrictions, we are again intensifying our efforts to market the products of our local producers. By doing so, we help them pivot their businesses,” said Politud Gabunales.

Participating MSMEs in the trade fair were limited to those who have undergone business and product development interventions from DTI to ensure their readiness and safety of the marketed products.

Aside from product selling, DTI will also feature a financing forum, coffee training, orientation on Halal, food safety and good manufacturing practices, and technology development training on coconut by-products.

The public can also avail of the free brewed coffee and chocolate drink using the locally produced roasted coffee and tablea (chocolate liquor) of the South Cotabato at the Tsokokapehan booth.

The trade fair was ceremonially opened with a gong banging and breaking of cacao pod-shaped piñata by DTI-12 OIC-Assistant Regional Director and concurrent Provincial Director of DTI South Cotabato Rictoniel Reginio, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., and Koronadal Mayor Eliordo Ogena.

Reginio invited the public to visit and promote the trade fair, patronize the local products and participate in the free trainings and sessions.

DTI-Laguna Conducts Orientation on the LSP-NSB Program with LGU Luisiana and Sangguniang Bayan

Luisiana, Laguna — On 16 March 2021, the Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office together with Negosyo Center Luisiana facilitated an orientation with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Luisiana regarding the implementation of the Department’s Livelihood Seeding Program - Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (LSP-NSB).

This event was participated by the Luisiana Municipal Administrator, a representative from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the ABC Chairman, and the barangay chairmen and representatives of the selected barangays for the said program.

Discussed during the said event were details of the programs such as roles of Barangay Development Council Members, beneficiaries’ qualifications, and date and venue of succeeding activities prior to the awarding of livelihood kits. In addition to, implementation of strict health protocols was also emphasized.

This activity was conducted in order to ensure smooth coordination and implementation of the said program, in partnership with the LGU down to the barangay level. The LGU will be capacitated with various programs and services of the Department in order to improve the business activities at the barangay level. More so, the partnership with the DTI and the LGU aims to promote an economic friendly community and conduct business-related assistance.

The LSP-NSB is one of the programs of the Department wherein it catalyzes these services. It aims to increase the awareness of barangay officials about the services offered by the Department through the Negosyo Centers.

Present also in the event was Luisiana Hon. Mayor Rondilla who encouraged the barangay chairmen and representatives to implement the program fairly among their constituents and be on track with the municipal’s plan for economic growths.

Solane Gives Back to Cebu Frontliners

Solane, the country’s leading LPG brand, recently showed appreciation and gratitude to frontliners in Cebu who have been selflessly serving the community during provincial lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Solane employees in Cebu prepared and distributed meal packs, grocery items, and other essentials to police officers, security guards, food vendors, barangay officials, and other frontliners in Mandaue City, Liloan, and Consolacion, Cebu.

Previously, Solane, together with Solane Kitchen Hero winner Chef Coke Semblante and his team from Cebu City, also worked together in providing free food to health workers and other frontliners in different areas of the province who are actively fighting the spread of COVID-19.

For more information, visit https://www.solane.com.ph/ or https://web.facebook.com/solane.ph/

Solane’s Kitchen Heroes Cook Food for the Frontliners

Even after the cooking competition is long over, Solane Kitchen Hero Chef’s Edition 2019 winners and ambassador continue the battle, but this time, to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. SKH winner’s chef Roseller “Soy” Fiel and chef Coke Semblante, along with SKH ambassador chef Sau Del Rosario spearheaded food drives for the frontliners, with the support of Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions provider.

Solane Kitchen Hero Chef’s Edition is a cooking competition held last May to September 2019 to showcase talented Filipino professional chefs hailing from different regions.

Chef Soy from Lanao Del Norte has initiated a food provision distribution for frontliners in his province, including those assigned at the Kapatagan Provincial Hospital and Kapatagan Isolation Facility for the persons under investigation, PNP, BFP and other personnel at the Quarantine Control Points in the Municipality of Lala, Salvado, and Kapatagan.

Meanwhile, in Cebu, Chef Coke partnered with Cocina Collective to provide nutritional snacks for frontliners. Together, they produce and distribute 350 to 700 burgers daily. “We have reached out to frontliners in a total of seven hospitals -- both private and public -- as well as in four barangays, Cebu City police offices, and to checkpoint and public sanitation personnel. We aim to do more until this crisis is controlled.”

SKH ambassador Chef Sau from Pampanga has been working, preparing meal packs twice a week for delivery to different hospitals in the province. He called on his colleagues and friends to join his cause, and they are able to procure 500 healthy meal packs per delivery run. “Those working in the hospitals are working 12 to 16 hours a day. And we’re here to cheer them on and nourish them,” he said.

Supporting them in their daily cooking battle against COVID-19 is Solane, which provides the cooking fuel for free. “As these frontliners are working hard to make sure we are safe and healthy, Solane is here to help make sure they are taken care of,” says Solane CEO Ruben Domingo.

From health workers and security guards to restaurant workers and now chefs, heroes can be found everywhere amid these difficult times

Solane Donates Trash Cans to Rosario LGU

As part of Solane LPG’s commitment to supporting communities, its containers which were initially used for replacement of vapor cargo line were converted to trash cans and duly donated to the Rosario local government unit, along with used paint cans. A total of 30 fuel drums and 20 paint cans have been redesigned into trash receptacles that will benefit the people of Rosario. Enrique Estolas, Jr. (left), the official representative of Solane LPG officiated the turn over to Municipal Councilor Raul Flores (right).

DTI PARTNERS WITH MAP TO BOOST LGU COMPETITIVENESS

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) are teaming up to get more local government units (LGUs) to join the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI). The CMCI is an annual ranking of cities and municipalities based on Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, and Resiliency. Through a Memorandum of Understanding signed last 16 January, the MAP will participate in the CMCI annual ranking of LGUs and will conduct regional, provincial, and local seminars and forums with the DTI. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (2nd from L:) said that achieving ease of doing business nationwide takes a whole-of-nation approach and thanked the MAP for lending their expertise to the cause. He also urged more LGUs to work on increasing their CMCI rankings to attract more trade and investments in their localities. In the photo are from (L to R:) DTI Undersecretary Rowel Barba, Sec. Lopez, MAP President Francisco Ed Lim, and MAP Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr.

Statement of Secretary Ramon Lopez on Unified Country Branding

We basically want a clear and focused messaging of the Philippines’ value proposition to investors—the country as an investment destination especially during this administration, given the meaningful reforms and solid macro fundamentals with respect to specific sectors. To achieve this, our 19 Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) are working on a Unified Country Branding, instead of each IPAs working independently and in silo.

If CITIRA is meant to harmonize the incentive regime from the Policy-side; we are also doing the same from the Promo-side. This is for the effectiveness and efficient use of government’s limited resources.

DTI GIVES HALL OF FAME COMPETITIVENESS AWARD TO QUEZON CITY

After winning the overall most competitive Highly-Urbanized City (HUC) for four consecutive years, Quezon City has been inducted in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Hall of Fame. CMCI is an annual gathering of competitive cities and municipalities, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) since 2013. During the 2019 CMCI awarding ceremonies last 24 October, Quezon City was also named the best HUC for government efficiency and infrastructure, and third-best HUC for economic dynamism. Competitiveness awards for different categories were also given to other cities and municipalities. DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez (4th from L) commended the consistent performance of Quezon City throughout the years and highlighted their role in increasing the competitiveness of the whole country by being the pilot city for DTI's ease of doing business reforms. Receiving the award was Mayor Joy Belmonte (5th from L), in the presence of Congressman Manuel Zubiri (3rd from L), DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona (7th from L), and DTI NCR Regional Director Marcelina Alcantara (8th from L).

DTI Lauds Most Competitive LGUs at 7th Regional Competitiveness Summit

The Department of Trade and Industry recognizes the highly competitive cities, municipalities and provinces during the 7th edition of the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI), commending the local government units’ efforts to enhance the competitiveness at the local and regional levels.

For the fourth year, Quezon City is the overall most competitive Highly Urbanized City (HUC), making it to the CMCI Hall of Fame. Manila ranks second followed by Davao City in 3rd place. Antipolo City tops the overall most competitive Component City (CC), with Calamba, Laguna and Santa Rosa, Laguna in 2nd and 3rd places, respectively.

Cainta, Rizal reclaimed its top spot as overall most competitive 1st-2nd Class Municipality, while Taytay, Rizal slipped to second spot, followed by Baliwag, Bulacan in 3rd place. For the 3rd-6th class municipalities, Mambajao, Camiguin topped this category followed by San Remigio, Cebu (2nd) and Baler, Aurora (3rd). The three most competitive provinces are all coming from the Calabarzon region, with Rizal Province as 1st place for fourth consecutive time, Laguna as 2nd place and Cavite as 3rd place.

"I am glad to hear that more and more Local Government Units (LGUs) are seeing the importance of the CMCI project," said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.

“The CMCI now has 1,518 cities and municipalities, from 122 cities and 163 municipalities in its pilot run in 2013. Beyond being an annual ranking event, it is a vital opportunity for policymakers and public officials to see where things are, compare it to past performance, and relate it to the experience of other localities. As such, the program serves as a driving force to do better, to be more innovative, and to utilize and manage resources more effectively," he added.

Most economically dynamic LGUs

The Economic Dynamism Pillar of CMCI measures the economic activity and productivity of an LGU, which include the size and growth of the local economy (business registrations, capital, revenue, permits), capacity to generate jobs, cost of living, cost of business, etc.

Pasay City landed in the top spot for the HUC category, as Davao City improved to 2nd place, while last year’s no. 1 Quezon City dropped to 3rd place. For Component Cities, Gen. Trias, Cavite moved to 1st place, followed by Calamba, Laguna (2nd) and Batangas City, Batangas (3rd). Plaridel, Bulacan emerged as no.1 in the 1st-2nd class municipalities, with Sta. Maria, Bulacan in no. 2, while last year’s top performer Cainta, Rizal fell to no.3. Mambajao, Camiguin led the 3rd-6th class municipalities together with Bacolor, Pampanga (2nd) and Alfonso Lista, Ifugao (3rd).

Most efficient LGUs

In the Government Efficiency Pillar, competitiveness of LGUs is determined through the reliability and quality of government support for effective and sustainable expansion, and absence of corruption.

In this pillar, Quezon City ranked best in the HUC category followed by City of Manila (2nd) and Davao City (3rd). For the Component Cities, Antipolo, Rizal is no. 1, while last year’s top LGU Tagum City eased to no.2, and Sta. Rosa, Laguna is no.3. Cainta, Rizal reclaimed its top rank in the 1st-2nd class municipalities, while Taytay, Rizal and Silang, Cavite landed in the 2nd and 3rd places, respectively. San Simon, Pampanga got the 1st place in the 3rd-6th class municipalities, followed by Taal, Batangas (2nd) and Mambajao, Camiguin (3rd).

Infrastructure-sufficient LGUs

This third pillar measures the availability of necessary physical building blocks that connect and sustain a locality and its surroundings to enable provision of goods and services. Data involved includes existing road network, distance from major ports, availability of basic utilities, internet connection, etc.

Consistent top performers in the HUC Category are Quezon City (1st), City of Manila (2nd) and Davao City (3rd). Legazpi City remained as top Component City followed by Antipolo, Rizal at 2nd place, while Naga City, Camarines Sur slipped to 3rd place. Baliwag, Bulacan improved to the top spot for the 1st-2nd class municipality, with Cainta, Rizal (2nd place) and Taytay, Rizal (3rd place). Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija entered for the first time as top placer in 3rd-6th municipalities, together with Ronda, Cebu (2nd) and Jimenez, Misamis Occidental (3rd).

Most resilient LGUs

The fourth pillar measures the capability of an LGU to sustain competitiveness. Resiliency at the context of local level is defined as ability of the people, households, communities, countries, and systems to mitigate, adapt to and recover from shocks and stresses and manner that reduces chronic vulnerability and facilitates inclusive growth.

Iloilo City secured the top spot for the HUC Category followed by Cagayan de Oro (2nd) and Davao City (3rd). Antipolo, Rizal led the Component City Category with Koronadal, South Cotabato (2nd) while Calapan, Oriental Mindoro slipped to 3rd place. Liloan, Cebu emerged as best in the 1st-2nd class municipalities, followed by Binangonan, Rizal (2nd) and San Mateo, Rizal (3rd). Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur is 1st place in the 3rd-6th class municipalities, with Pagsanjan, Laguna (2nd ) and Magsaysay, Davao del Sur at (3rd ).

Most improved LGUs

DTI also recognized local government units that significantly improved their performance in the CMCI. For HUC Category, Valenzuela and Malabon shared the top spot, followed by Angeles, Pampanga (2nd) and Paranaque and Caloocan (3rd). For Component City, Meycauayan, Bulacan topped the list, while Tangub, Misamis Occidental and Toledo, Cebu tied in 2nd place. San Jose del Monte, Bulacan ranked 3rd. For 1st-2nd class municipalities, Plaridel, Bulacan is 1st place followed by Pandi, Bulacan (2nd) and Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija (3rd). For 3rd-6th class municipalities, Poro, Cebu is the top placer, followed by Penaranda, Nueva Ecija (2nd) and Tabina, Zamboanga del Sur (3rd).

SM Adopts Naga City in Disaster-Resilience Program

The Bicol region is known as a typhoon prone area, with typhoons from the Western North Pacific Ocean hitting the area numerous times throughout the year

To help Bicolanos, specifically residents of Naga City become more disaster resilient during typhoons and other calamities, the National Resilience Council (NRC) once again partnered with SM for its Adopt-A-City Program, a city-specific partnership model that will link the resources of private partners with the specific needs of the LGUs in establishing their resilient LGU systems.

SM, under the leadership of Hans Sy, was the first company to take part in the Adopt-A-City program to help Filipino communities. SM first “adopted” Cagayan de Oro City and recently committed to offer assistance to its second city, Naga in Bicol.

“We are hoping that through this initiative, we will be able to convince the private sector to help in corporate disaster resilience — as SM has already taken the lead — not as a CSR option but as part of their core business value cycle. SM has proven time and again that they are in the lead as far as this is concerned and through the vision of the ambassador and Mr. Sy, we’re now able to make this a reality,” said NRC president Toni-Yulo Loyzaga.

“As I have always emphasized, addressing disaster issues is not just the government’s responsibility but also has to include the initiative of the private sector. This is not only SM’s initiative alone — this should be all private sectors working together so I hope we can also take this opportunity to invite other private sectors to really invest in the cities that they have chosen,” said Hans Sy, NRC co-chair and the only Filipino board member of UNDRR ARISE.

ARISE, the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies, is a network of private sector entities led by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The UN has developed Sustainable Development Goals, which are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The Goals interconnect and in order to leave no one behind, it ís important that we achieve each Goal and target by 2030.

Also present during the signing to support a disaster-resilient Philippines were SM Supermalls COO Steven Tan, Carlos P. Romulo Foundation chairman Ambassador Roberto Romulo and Naga City mayor Nelson Legacion.

SM, which has more than 70 malls nationwide, continues to develop and support environment initiatives that help improve the quality of life of various local communities. SM monitors and implements mitigation measures for the efficient management of its resources, utilizes a daily water recycling system in the malls and has waste management and recycling programs in place.

For more information on how to adopt a city, visit the National Resilience Council website (https://resiliencecouncil.ph/). To know more about ARISE Philippines, you may contact its secretariat via email (arisephilippines@smprime.com) or check out https://cc.preventionweb.net/arise/asia_pacific/arise_philippines.