Embracing Sustainability in the Workplace

In line with its commitments, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PPCPI) continues to develop programs and methods to ensure that its employees can fully appreciate and embrace the value of sustainability as part of their lives. The exclusive manufacturer and distributor of well-loved brands such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Gatorade, PCPPI holds itself accountable to three key pillars in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals: inclusive business, water stewardship, and circular economy. 

“Today’s consumers exercise a keener sense of discernment, particularly when it relates to the values of the companies they support,” said Atty. Carina S. Bayon, PCPPI’s Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Officer. “For PCPPI, sustainability has always been at the heart of our operations. From encouraging process and technological innovation to employee education and engagement, we make a conscious effort to create positive impact on society, the environment, and the communities where we operate,” she added. 

Caring for the environment remains a top priority for PCPPI, and programs that encourage employees to adopt mindful habits is key. For example, waste segregation is practiced across its facilities as part of its guidelines. There are separate bins for recyclable and non-recyclable waste materials to allow the proper handling and recycling of items that may still be processed for alternative use. 

Select PCPPI offices also utilize LED and motion sensor lights, as they consume less energy compared to regular incandescent lights. Through the annual Working Environment Measurement (a sampling method for measuring work environment or conditions) review conducted by its Environment, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS) team, management gets to ensure that all of PCPPI offices and production facilities observe optimal working conditions for employee well-being and operational productivity. 

PCPPI employees are also encouraged to bring their own reusable utensils at work, like stainless utensils and bamboo tumblers. Water refilling stations are also set up to minimize the use of plastic cups when employees refresh themselves throughout the day. Going digital also allows employees to reduce paper use, as emails, conferencing platforms, and other network-based channels facilitating information exchange and collaboration across PCPPI’s offices nationwide. 

Atty. Bayon shared that aside from saving on expenses, implementing sustainability-focused policies in the workplace can contribute to employee health and well-being, as well as a shared sense of purpose. “Achieving sustainability is a shared responsibility—there’s no single team or department that carries it forward. It is the promise of creating a better future for generations to come drives us at PCPPI to champion this cause as we practice responsible operations,” she said. 

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

PLDT, Smart Reinforce Mental Mealth Well-Being of Passerelles Numériques PH’s Scholars and Faculty

PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) organized a psychological first aid (PFA) training for over 50 scholars and faculty of Passerelles Numériques Philippines (PNPh). The training session was facilitated by millennial psychologist Riyan Portuguez in-person at Smart’s Regional Office in Cebu.

“At PLDT and Smart, we are committed to using our resources and reach to drive meaningful change. By equipping the youth and educators with crucial PFA skills, we hope to de-stigmatize conversations around mental health while building more empathetic and resilient digital communities in the Philippines,” said Marylou Gocotano, PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Visayas Relations Head.

PNPh is a Cebu-based non-profit organization that provides scholarships in IT-related fields to select youth who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

“On behalf of PNPh and our country representative, Luchi Flores, we thank PLDT and Smart for this meaningful partnership that focuses on promoting mental health awareness among our scholars. Through this Psychological First Aid training, our scholars gained a deeper understanding of how they can extend help to their friends, family members, or fellow scholars who are dealing with mental health-related concerns, making our community a safe space for all,” said Alreen Omang, PNPh Partnerships and External Relations Officer.

A fundamental part of the PLDT Group’s advocacy to promote and encourage digital wellness, the PFA training equipped the student-scholars and faculty members with skills to provide initial support to peers experiencing emotional distress. It upskilled participants with practical stress management, referral techniques, and various techniques to provide initial psychological support.

Mark Kevin Chavez, a first-year college scholar taking up Associate in Computer Technology in Software Development at the University of San Jose Recoletos said he is grateful for the chance to participate in the PFA training. “This motivated me to continue taking care of myself and my mental well-being, as well as provide proper support to others with mental health needs, so that we can all be better every day,” he added.

This mental health training for PNPH scholars and faculty is part of PLDT and Smart’s sustained digital wellness campaign, focused on responsible online behavior and emotional resilience. These initiatives help underscore PLDT and Smart’s contribution to the Philippines’ attainment of UN Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-being.

Coca-Cola PH Strengthens Recycling Presence in Bacolod, 500 Stores to Join Tindahan Extra Mile

MANILA, Philippines, 08 March 2024 — Coca-Cola Philippines, in partnership with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST) and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), has launched the Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM): Balik PET Bottle Program in Bacolod City.

By engaging 500 sari-sari stores and carinderias as new collection partners, consumers in Bacolod City can take more action around recycling and help advance a circular economy for plastic packaging.

Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of partnering with industries, companies, social enterprises, and non-government institutions to deliver impactful and sustainable opportunities that can help uplift lives.

"The Tindahan Extra Mile Program is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By mobilizing our local entrepreneurs and fostering community engagement, we are taking significant strides towards a greener and more sustainable Bacolod,” he said.

"As we launch the Tindahan Extra Mile Program, we are not merely initiating a program; we are igniting a movement," Mayor Albee emphasized. "Together with BENRO, BEST, Coca-Cola Philippines, and our dedicated micro-retailers, we have the power to effect real change and preserve our environment for future generations,” he added.

How does TEM benefit micro-retailers?

Through Tindahan Extra Mile, participating micro-retailers will receive financial incentives by collecting PET plastic bottles. The program encourages the community to partake in a shared responsibility towards a cleaner Bacolod by providing convenient collection points in front of sari-sari stores and carinderias. Residents can easily drop off their empty bottles for recycling. Store owners will accrue environmental points proportional to the bottles they collect, redeemable for cash or products through the bXTRA app.

"Investing in the Tindahan Extra Mile program aligns perfectly with Coca-Cola Philippines' goal to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle we sell in the country. By empowering women micro-retailers, who make up a significant portion of sari-sari stores and carinderia owners in the Philippines, TEM creates a convenient and accessible network for consumers to recycle,” said Pablo Medina, Senior Director for Franchise Operations at Coca-Cola Philippines. “This program not only helps foster environmental responsibility but also provides opportunities for financial independence and growth for these female entrepreneurs, driving positive change within their communities.”

How can a micro-retailer become a TEM member?

Any sari-sari store and carinderia owner can become a member of the Tindahan Extra Mile in three easy steps.

Step 1: On the Tindahan Extra Mile Facebook page, sign up on the bXTRA website using your email address.
Step 2: Collect empty PET plastic bottles and bring them to the nearest TEM Trash to Cashback Collection Hub.
Step 3: Exchange your PET bottles for a TEM kit and card to start earning environmental points.


Watch here to learn more about Tindahan Extra Mile.

BEST Senior Vice President Jan Vincent Mercado urges micro-retailers to join TEM as
members. "In partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines, our aim is to empower micro- entrepreneurs to become environmental stewards,” he said. “We acknowledge their significance and influence within communities, emphasizing their potential to encourage community members to segregate plastic waste and participate in recycling endeavors,” Mercado said.

Empowering micro-retailers for a World Without Waste

To enable more micro-retailers and inspire collective action towards plastic bottle recycling, Coca-Cola Philippines will bring the Tindahan Extra Mile Program to other areas such as Cebu and Cagayan de Oro in 2024.

Last year, Coca-Cola Philippines launched its consumer engagement program, “May Ikabobote Pa”, to educate, inspire, and engage more consumers to return their empty bottles and cans for recycling.
 
To advance the circularity of plastic packaging, the company also introduced new bottles made from 100% recycled PET plastic. This packaging innovation is now available in Coca-Cola Original 190ml, Wilkins Pure 500ml, and Sprite 500ml. These bottles can be recycled many times, significantly reducing the volume of virgin plastic created and used. 
 
Consumers can locate the nearest collection points and discover more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ recycling initiatives through the Coca-Cola Sustainability Hub. 

Jollibee Group Foundation Supports Ilocos Sur Farmer Group to Become Agro-Entrepreneurs

MANILA, Philippines. – Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social responsibility arm of Jollibee Group, continues to capacitate youth scholars, farmers, and local farming communities nationwide through its local implementing partners like the Sacred Heart Savings Cooperative (SHSC) in Galimuyod, Ilocos Sur.

JGF’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) has been enabling several SHSC members and groups through scholarships and training since 2013. 

The Tagudin Agroentrepeneurs Association, Inc. (TAA), was the first farmer group organized by SHSC through the agro-enterprise clustering approach introduced by JGF. SHSC has been assisting TAA in marketing their products, agri-financing and agri technologies, among others.. 

“Dati kasi wala naman kaming kakayahan na magkaroon ng capital dahil nakatutok lang kami sa pagtatanim. Pero dahil sa tulong ng coop at ng JGF ay natulungan kaming makapagumpisa at magkaroon ng magandang variety ng binhi. Naturuan din kami ng iba pang kaalaman tungkol sa pagsasaka at pagnenegosyo,” said TAA’s General Manager, Michael Lorica. (“Before, we didn't have the ability to have capital because we only focused on planting. But with the help of the coop and JGF, we were able to start planting and have access to a good variety of seeds. We were also taught other knowledge about farming and doing business.”)

“Bukod pa dito, siyempre malaking bagay rin sa amin na meron na kaming sure buyer para sa aming mga produkto” he added. (“In addition to this, of course it is also a big deal for us that we now have a sure buyer for our products.”)

FEP centers on developing smallholder farmers’ leadership and technical skills by helping them become direct suppliers of high-quality vegetables to corporate buyers such as the Jollibee Group and ensure their sustainable profitability. 

With a huge pool of farmers under their cooperative, SHSC farmer members have become part of the Jollibee Group’s growing roster of produce suppliers. They started supplying green bell peppers, tomatoes, and hot peppers to the Jollibee Group in 2018. Apart from vegetables, SHSC has expanded its products for the restaurant company by supplying white onions in 2022. The SHSC farmer members have delivered a total of 170 tons of vegetables to the Jollibee Group to date. 

TAA farmers, for their part, have been supplying white onions to the Jollibee Group brands since 2015. They have provided almost 600 tons of their products since their first delivery. 

Farmer collaboration

For Lorica, the years of partnership between SHSC and JGF have helped reshape their mindset as member farmers and now, as entrepreneurs.

“Dahil iba-iba ang covered ng seminar ni JGF marami sa mga nakagawiang pamamaraan namin ang nabago. Kasama na rito ang paggamit ng consolidation area to promote food safety at mga training tulad ng AE Clustering Approach, soil testing, at livelihood recovery program. Tinulungan din nila kami na makakuha ng mga sapat na accreditation gaya ng Good Agricultural Practices,” he said. (“Many of our usual methods have been changed because of the different topics covered by JGF's seminars. This includes using a consolidation area to promote food safety and trainings such as AE Clustering approach, soil testing, and livelihood recovery program. They also helped us get adequate accreditations such as Good Agricultural Practices.”)

“Ngunit para sakin ang isa pang malaking pinapagpasalamat namin sa JGF ay ang pagbibigay nila ng training para sa farming para sa mga kabataan dahil patuloy nang tumatanda ang edad ng mga magsasaka,” Lorica added. (“But for me, another big thing that we’re thankful for about JGF is how they provide farming training for the youth, mainly because the farmers in the country are continuously aging”)

Apart from providing opportunities for economically disadvantaged sectors, JGF, through its Access, Curriculum, and Employability (ACE) Scholarship program, partners with technical-vocational training institutions to provide indigent youth with the opportunity to stay in school by developing their agro-entrepreneurship skills.

The ACE Scholarship Program aligns with the United Nations’ transformative Sustainable Development Goals aimed at bringing peace and prosperity to the world, particularly its Quality Education (SDG4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG10) pillars.

Commitment to contribute

JGF has long been committed to developing relevant, effective, and sustainable programs. With the support of its partner communities and institutions, JGF continues to leverage its expertise and resources to create valuable interventions that help uplift the lives of many Filipino farmers. 

“We believe that by fostering a sustainable collaboration between the Jollibee Group and FEP partners like SHSC, we help strengthen the future of the country’s agricultural sector. Together with our partners, we will continue to develop FEP into a more inclusive and expansive program that would help address the urgent needs of various farming communities and expose them to new and innovative farming practices,” said JGF President Gisela Tiongson. 

Since 2009, the FEP has capacitated 25 farmer groups of more than 3,000 farmers. To date, these farmers have supplied a combined 10.7 million kilos worth of assorted vegetables to Jollibee Group, which amounts to Php477 million in sales. 

Pilipinas Offshore Wind Energy Resource, Inc. (POWER)

Global and local offshore wind energy join forces with POWER. Pilipinas Offshore Wind

Energy Resource, Inc. (POWER) a Philippine-based organization was launched with the
primary objective of providing expertise and technical resources to fast-track country’s
ongoing transition towards clean energy by harnessing the potential of offshore wind energy.
Present during the event were (left to right): Ronald Conquilla, ASec and Chief of Staff
(DOE); Atty. Jay Layug, Senior Partner (DivinaLaw); Keisuke Osuga, President (Marubeni
Asian Power Philippines); Atty. Poch Ambrosio, Vice President for External Affairs (ACEN);
USec. Rowena Cristina Guevara (DOE); Usec. Sharon Garin (DOE); Raymund Pascual,
Country Manager (BlueFloat Energy); Hon. Raphael P.M. Lotilla, Secretary (DOE); Olivier
Duguet, CEO and Chairman (The Blue Circle), USec. Sandy Sales (DOE); Ari Natividad,
Partner-President (Ignis ZA Global); USec. Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo (DOE); Hugo
Gutierrez, Project Manager (Ignis ZA Global); Sheila Cabaraban, Director (PNOC).

PCPPI, GMA Kapuso Foundation Promote Better Eye Health

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) and GMA Kapuso Foundation come together for Sight Saving Month. Together with other private sector volunteers, PCPPI supports GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Kapuso 20/20 Eye Project last August 2023 (Sight Saving Month). Optometrists performed free eye check-ups among beneficiaries of the two medical missions held in Sampaloc Elementary School in Quezon Province and at the GMA Network Studio in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Volunteers and beneficiaries received Premier Purified Water as complimentary beverages during the event. Through this initiative, more Filipinos had better access to proper eye care and treatment.

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) recently partnered with GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMA KF) for the Kapuso 20/20 Eye Project last August to mark Sight Saving Month.

PCPPI donated 2,000 bottles Premier Purified Water, which were distributed during the two medical missions held at the Sampaloc Elementary School in Quezon Province and GMA Network Studio in Quezon City. The medical missions included free eye check-up and a short seminar, which benefited more than 200 participants. There were also 48 students from Sampaloc Elementary School who received prescription glasses during the event.

The program aims at promoting eye health and care, in light of increased gadget and technology use, which affects one’s vision. Gracing the events were GMA KF Ambassador and Special Adviser Mel Tiangco and GMA KF Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Ms. Rikki Escudero-Catibog.

Premier Purified Water is PCPPI’s trusted water brand. With its clean taste and standard quality, it is a good drink for hydrating the body especially when engaged in several activities. It is available in 350 ml, 500 ml, and 1L (PET) in stores nationwide.

For more information about PCPPI, please visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.

Boehringer Ingelheim Launches its First-in-Class Broad-Spectrum Topical Parasite Treatment for Cats

Manila, Philippines – Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, has launched the parasite treatment, NexGard® COMBO for cats. With nearly 20 years of expertise in preventing parasites such as fleas, ticks, Lyme disease and more in dogs, NexGard® now adds a feline-specific product to the NexGard® family. The new treatment is designed to safeguard cats from a wider range of parasites than any other product on the market, covering both external parasites and internal parasites such as fleas, ticks, ear mites, face mange, hookworm, roundworm, vesical worm, lungworm, heartworm prevention, as well as tapeworm infections that affect their health and quality of life. 

Parasite infections are common in cats and prevalent across Asia. According to an epidemiological study of over 1,000 cats in eastern and Southeast Asia, 43% of pet cats suffer from external parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites and 14% harbour deadly internal parasites such as hookworm, heartworm and roundworm.

“Boehringer Ingelheim has always been on the cutting edge of research and development in the parasiticide space. Trusted by pet owners and veterinarians alike, our NexGard® family of products is currently ranked top in pet parasiticide sales worldwide. In Asia where over 26% of pet owners have cats, we are thrilled to expand our feline parasite prevention line-up, which includes Broadline® and FRONTLINE PLUS® Cat, with NexGard® COMBO for cats. It is an innovative one-and-done formula with esafoxolaner, the first isoxazoline parasiticide formulated for cats plus eprinomectin and praziquantel for the broadest external and internal parasite coverage to date,” said Sukje Sung, Head of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc.

Common misconceptions about parasites in cats

Parasite infections are often disregarded as trivial issues but can cause serious health complications in cats such as bloody diarrhoea, dehydration, skin inflammation and anaemia. Ear mites are common causes of feline ear infections which are often picked up when roaming outdoors and can cause itchiness, inflammation and swelling of the ear canal.3 Additionally, some internal parasites such as hookworms can attach themselves to the intestines and to feed on the blood of cats. Left untreated, hookworm infections can result in potentially life-threatening blood loss, weakness, and malnutrition.4 

Despite the high prevalence of parasite infections, many pet owners remain unaware of how common they are. In fact, according to veterinary specialist Dr. Ross Antonio Banayo, Technical Manager for the Companion Animal Business Segment of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. pet owners remain misinformed about how these parasites are transmitted and impact their cats. These common misconceptions include: 

• Cats that are kept indoors are not susceptible to parasite infections and do not require regular veterinary visits.

• Cats only require treatment when they are infected with parasites. Preventive treatment is not necessary.

• Parasite infections are self-limiting and do not cause serious health issues.

• Removal of ticks and fleas can be effectively managed with parasite prevention shampoos alone.

According to Dr. Ross Antonio Banayo, Technical Manager for the Companion Animal Business Segment of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. “Parasite infections can be particularly dangerous for cats. Common feline behaviours like grooming and roaming outdoors put them at a higher risk of contracting a variety of parasites. Often, cats only present with symptoms much later into the infection, resulting in worse complications. This highlights the need for us to change perceptions and move towards a preventive approach to parasite infections to safeguard their health.”

Parasites can be transmitted and affect human health too

Parasite infections not only impact the health of cats but can be transmitted to humans to cause complications such as skin infections, anaemia, gastrointestinal disturbances and more. Fortunately, transmission can be effectively prevented by administering regular parasiticide treatment for cats and adhering to regular follow-ups with a veterinarian. 

“The lives of pets and humans are so deeply interconnected that their health issues can impact our own. Just as we are shifting towards a preventive approach to human health, NexGard® COMBO is our preventive solution to preserve the health of cats. It represents the next step that we are taking to improve the health of animals across the region and drive a positive impact on our own health into the future,” said Sung.

The monthly treatment protects pet cats and their households from the deadly, debilitating, and transmittable internal and external parasites.

Important Safety Information 

NexGard® COMBO is for topical use only in cats. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, application site reactions, and anorexia. If ingested, hypersalivation may occur.

Avoid direct contact with application site for 4 hours or until visibly dry.

Esafoxolaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures in cats with or without a history of seizures. 

Use with caution in cats with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.

The safety of NexGard® COMBO has been tested and is approved in breeding, pregnant, or lactating queen (cats) in the Philippines. The safety of the product has not been established in breeding male cats. 

NexGard® COMBO is for use in cats 8 weeks of age and older, weighing 0.8 kg or more.

For more information, click here for full prescribing information.

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About NexGard® COMBO

NexGard® COMBO offers the broadest spectrum protection for kittens from eight weeks age and adult cats against external and internal parasites including adult fleas, flea eggs, ticks, ear mites, face mange, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, lungworms, vesical worms, and tapeworms. 

It eliminates ear mites, face mange, fleas and ticks, prevents heartworm disease, and treats hookworm, roundworm, vesical worm, lungworm, as well as tapeworm infections. Active ingredients are esafoxolaner (the new generation of afoxolaner), eprinomectin, and praziquantel.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health 

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-in-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, farmers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock. As a global leader in the animal health industry and as part of family-owned Boehringer Ingelheim, we take a long-term perspective. The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. By using the synergies between our Animal Health and Human Pharma businesses and by delivering value through innovation, we enhance the health and well-being of both. For more information visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health.