Expanding Sustainability: SM Foundation's 2nd Rainwater Harvesting System

Rainwater harvesting is a way of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It is an effective and adaptable way to conserve water and reduce reliance on main water supplies. Due to its efficacy, it has been applied by many civilizations in history and is being utilized today by forward-thinking institutions as a sustainable water management strategy.

SM group’s social good arm, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), for one, has embraced this by installing rainwater harvesting systems in two of the local health centers it recently refurbished–Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility. 

SMFI’s Health and Medical Programs proactively implemented this innovation to help sustain the health of the local community while preserving the environment.

Ready in times of emergency

Dr. Alfredo P. Manugas VI, Municipal Health Officer and Health Department Head of San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility, said that while water is crucial to their operations, water supply is not always available in their municipality, even their center.

“The rainwater harvesting system is essential in our health facility because the water supply in our municipality is not available 24/7,” he said. “We are now provided a source of water in times of emergency or any interruption of water supply. Our staff and visitors can use rainwater for cleaning, flushing the toilet bowls, and watering the plants.”

SMFI Health and Medical Programs senior project manager Albert Uy runs through how the system functions.

SMFI ensures that the facility is convenient and manageable to maximize its purpose. It operates without electricity, increasing its sustainability. To harvest water for non-potable use, it collects rainwater from the roof and gutter. The water is filtered through vinyl-coated mesh filters to ensure its quality before being stored in the 800-liter storage tank.

To guide users for safe recycled water use, all faucets connected to the facility have visible labels. Alongside this innovation, SMFI also used air-cleaning paints, LED lighting fixtures and appliances, and locally sourced plants to create a clean and comfortable environment for patients and health workers.

These green innovations exemplify the SM group’s commitment to the environment and community health within the broader context of the SM Green Movement. With the social good impact of the two rainwater harvesting systems, SMFI targets to replicate this initiative in other health centers in its pipeline, further improving water security in the face of challenges. 

Health workers use the rainwater harvesting system for their outdoor cleaning needs.

GCash Supports COMELEC’s Kontra-Bigay Campaign

GCash expressed its full support for the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10946, also known as "Kontra-Bigay", ahead of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Officials from the fintech company attended the campaign’s launch at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila, earlier in September. The launch was also attended by distinguished representatives from lead agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Public Attorney's Office (PAO), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Department of Education (DepEd), as well as prominent election-focused NGOs like National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and Legal Network For Truthful Elections (LENTE).

COMELEC Resolution No. 10946 aims to combat online vote buying and selling by establishing a Kontra-Bigay Committee and expanding the existing vote-buying regulations under the Omnibus Election Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, as well as the other rules and regulations issued by COMELEC.

One of the most significant highlights of the newly passed resolution is its recognition of online banking transactions and the use of e-wallets as potential channels for vote buying under Section 30. During the launch, COMELEC emphasized its authority to scrutinize the financial details of account holders suspected of involvement in such illicit activities.

“GCash reiterates its unwavering commitment to cooperate fully with the COMELEC in the fight against online vote buying. The company recognizes the critical role fintech companies play in safeguarding the integrity of elections by preventing the misuse of digital financial tools for unlawful purposes,” said Martha Sazon, president and chief executive officer of GCash.

GCash believes that fostering transparency, accountability, and trust in financial transactions is paramount to ensuring fair, honest, and inclusive elections that reflect the people's will.
"We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and security in financial transactions and will actively support the COMELEC in their efforts to maintain a level playing field for all candidates and voters,” added Sazon.

As the country’s no. 1 finance super app, GCash embraces its responsibility in ensuring that not only finance but also democracy, is for all.

BayWa r.e. Solar Trade Honoured with Two Prestigious Awards at Solar Week Philippines 2023

Manila, Philippines – October 9, 2023 – BayWa r.e. Solar Trade, a prominent global solar distributor, has been honored with two prestigious awards, Best Solar Service Provider of the Year and the Solar Company of the Year: Distributor, during Solar Week Philippines Leadership Awards 2023 organized by Solar Quarter Southeast Asia, the largest solar energy media network in Asia-Pacific & Africa, at New World Hotel Makati.

BayWa r.e. Solar Trade's commitment to excellence and innovation in the renewable energy sector was celebrated during Solar Week Philippines 2023, showcasing the provider's outstanding contributions to advancing the solar energy landscape in the Philippines. The awards are a testament to BayWa r.e. Solar Trade's ongoing dedication to providing accessible solar solutions and supporting the country's renewable energy initiatives.

Actively pursuing a renewable energy (RE) roadmap, the Philippines has highlighted its energy transition goals to increase its share of renewables in the power generation mix to 35 percent by 2023. In addition, as detailed by the Department of Energy Philippines, the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) is set to increase renewable energy sources in the Philippines. The collaborative program is a significant initiative that would allow engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies to be provided with the necessary components for sustainable energy projects.

Adding his view on winning the awards, Junrhey Castro, Director of Solar Trade in SEA, commented, "We are thrilled to be honored with these awards, especially since this is the third year we are named Solar Company of the Year. It affirms our unwavering commitment and dedication to delivering trusted solar solutions in the region and supporting the Philippines' renewable energy goals. At BayWa r.e., we continue to promote the drive for clean energy transitions and solutions for sustainable power generation for the future. These awards further motivate us to pursue greater heights in creating a Net Zero community."

In addition to winning Best Solar Service Provider of the Year and the Solar Company of the Year: Distributor during Solar Week Philippines 2023, Junrhey shared his insights in a panel discussion on 'Revolutionising Rooftops: A Discussion on the Progress and Technological Advancements of Rooftop Solar in the Philippines' speaking on BayWa r.e.'s commitment to advancing solar technology and its role in the future of renewable energy in the Philippines.

BayWa r.e. Solar Trade continues to be a vital partner in assisting the Philippines achieve their sustainable targets by consulting and supplying solar components that will contribute to the country's sustainable energy future and efforts to reduce carbon emissions.