In darkness for more light

In darkness for more light
Cebu's celebration of Earth Hour 2010

In Shetland, people enjoyed the beauty of the 'simmer dim' for one hour.
In Japan, they enveloped their country in 'yami' and saved power.
In America, 'twilight' has transformed into a deeper love for the earth.
In Cebu, the people were basked in 'kangitngit', knowing that this form of darkness
can give more energy for them to use in the future.

AT exactly 8:30 PM, the world stood still in darkness to save the earth. In Cebu, more power was saved for people took their responsibility and switched off their lights for one hour. This is the Earth Hour tradition that has been running for years.







Cebu core group's
Earth Hour shirt design
with a clear-cut message
that must be read.










PBSP at the core. Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in the Visayas is one of the members of the Cebu core group which took part in celebrating Earth Hour 2010. In Cebu, the event was held in SM from March 25 to March 27, 2010. The event included an exhibit of booths from the different members of the core group.

The PBSP reforestation booth with
Ocean Care's marine conservation advocacies.

Ng Khai Development Corporation, also a member company of PBSP,
had their booth which encouraged the mall visitors
to sign up and support Earth Hour 2010.

A greater purpose. With the hosting of Earth Hour 2010 in Cebu, a total of 26 million watts have been saved, enough to light up 2,000,000 compact fluorescent lights or 1,250,000 light bulbs. This equal a 12.8 percent increase in power savings compared to last year, which saved 23 million watts.

These numbers express a deeper purpose which PBSP supports. If more people irresponsibly destroy the resources of the earth without giving back, there will be no bright future—literally or otherwise—that the nation will cherish in the years to come. More action must be done, and it can start from events such as the Earth Hour.



Cebu prays for a
better earth
which was led by
Msgr. Tito Soquino.










A celebration. Cebu celebrated Earth Hour with a showcase of unique talents Cebu is known for. Original Filipino classics and other international songs were brought back to life with the melodic singing of the Mandaue Children's Choir.


A lovely choral performance by the Mandaue Children's Choir.






“We are all gathered together to celebrate an event that is important for the future generations,” Energy Undersecretary Roy Kiamko said in his speech.

For this year, 1,041 cities and municipalities participated in the event, which was more than double the participation the country had last year.

There were only 400 LGUs who participated in 2009.

Department of Energy Undersecretary Roy Kiamko
congratulates Cebu for participating in the event.


Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival thanked the participants
and core group members of Cebu who participated in the event.


Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama
leads the countdown for the switch off
with SM Vice President for Marketing Marissa Fernan
and Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival.

Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival said that for Cebu, 100% of the lights in Persimmon and 80% of the lights in Asiatown IT Park were turned off. Forty percent of the Cebu Archdiocese also participated in the event.

“If we don't take care of the environment, then we don't deserve to live here... If we will not be together, then it will be a failure. Save energy, save the earth,” Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama said.

Performance by the Fire Attraction Dancers.

Cebu Core Group with PBSP.

Earth Hour organizers eye more participants

Earth Hour organizers eye more participants
The Freeman
Updated March 24, 2010


CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival, chairman of the executive committee of Cebu Earth Hour Core Group, said they are pleased with last year’s edition that the country was able to save 600 megawatts of power.

Archival, the chairman of the City Council committee on infra and energy, said they are optimistic that they would achieve a target of 30 to 40 million watts for Cebu alone.

He said private entities as well as schools promised to support the activity.

This year’s Earth Hour countdown will be held this Saturday, March 27, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. at SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, Persimmon Urban Village, Talisay City and Danao City.

Also heading this year’s event are the Cebu City government, Department of Energy, Philippine National Police, Archdiocese of Cebu, University of San Carlos, Rotary Cebu, Hotels Resorts Restaurants Association of Cebu, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Ocean Care, Jaycees, Island Souvenirs, PBSP, REACT and other institutions and companies.

The Earth Hour 2010, according to the organizers, aims “to raise awareness about climate change issues and provide a forum for every individual, groups, communities, and governments to take concrete and sustained actions to address global warming and ensure a sustainable future.”

Different activities in line with the celebration have already started as early as yesterday with a green fair organized by the Philippine Retailers Association in Ayala Center Cebu that will run until March 27.

An eco-fair by the Aboitiz Group will also be opened today at Persimmon Urban Village as well as an Earth Hour exhibit by the Earth Hour Core Group in SM City tomorrow, an Earth Hour Torch Parade and recorida in Talisay City, and a youth congress for the environment highlighting Earth Hour on the 26th to 27th in Danao City.

The Earth Hour photo contest and the local World Youth Day would also be launched on the 27th. Deadline for submissions for the photo contest will be on April 6.

Aside from government offices and private institutions, the church is also actively supporting the campaign with Jaime Cardinal Vidal issuing a circular that encourages parishioners to participate in the activity.

Fr. Tito Soquino, head of social and media action center of the Basilica Del Santo Niño, said they have included the activity in their sermons to raise awareness.

Meanwhile, regional police director Chief Superintendent Lani-o Nerez also promised police support to the Earth Hour.

Nerez said they are not just increasing police visibility during the event but would also turn off their lights in police stations. - AJ de la Torre with Gabriel C. Bonjoc/LPM ( FREEMAN NEWS)

PBSP, VECO sign agreement to plant 1M trees

There will be 1 million trees for Cebu in the very near future.

From left to right: VECO Executive Vice President and COO Jose Jaime Aboitiz,
PBSP Cebu Hillyland Development Committe Chairperson Eileen Mangubat,
PBSP VIXCOM Chairman Jose Antonio Aboitiz
and VECO Vice President for Administration Ricardo Lacson.

Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Visayan Electric Company (VECO) signed a memorandum of agreement that sealed the partnership of the two units for the implementation of the VECO Reforestation Park.

The project will include the planting of one million trees in 540 hectares in the Cebu Hillylands and 10 hectares of mangrove areas in Olango Island, Mactan.


Last March 10, 2010, a ceremonial check turnover was held during the 22nd Visayas Annual Membership Meeting to officially launch this environment project. The VECO Reforestation Park is set to run for five years and is pegged at a total project cost of P19 million.

3rd Olango Challenge blasts off next month

3rd Olango Challenge blasts off next month
Sun.Star Cebu
March 23, 2010
By Marian C. Baring


AFTER two successful stagings of the Olango Challenge open water marathon swimming competition, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) has a tall order to live up to as the third edition of the tournament takes center stage next month in Tambuli Beach Club.

Organizers are expecting close to a hundred swimmers to take part in the tournament, which is aimed not only at promoting the sport, which has become an Olympic event, but also at raising enough funds to finance several projects for Olango Island.

“Through pledges from well-meaning individuals, we hope to raise P1.2 million this year to help us with our projects for Olango Island,” said Visayas Executive Committee chairman of PBSP Jose Antonio Aboitiz.

The funds raised in the past two stagings resulted in the building of classrooms at the Candagsao Elementary School in the island. Students used to hold classes under the shade of trees.

This year, they want to raise funds for composting toilets for the Olango wildlife sanctuary, set up water catchments system in the island and fund inland forest in public areas of the island.

To make the competition more interesting, the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (Pasa), the country’s governing body for swimming, opens its doors to all swimmers—even to unregistered ones. The minimum age requirement is 14 years old and everyone is required to submit a medical certificate before the race.

“One of our objectives is to promote the sport. We want more people to join and know what marathon swimming is like,” said Pasa representative Alexander Reyes.

Aside from the fund raising aspect, the competition will also serve as Pasa’s selection tournament that will help them choose the athletes who will represent the country in two competitions abroad—the Asian Open Water World Cup in Hong Kong on Nov. 3 and the second Asian Beach Games in Oman on Dec. 8.

The registration forms are available at the PBSP office at 4F PLDT building in Mabolo or the Pasa office at the Philsports Complex in Pasig. The forms can also be downloaded at olangochallenge.wordpress.com.


(Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on March 24, 2010.)

Lives transformed through the Olango Challenge

THE Olango Challenge is not merely for professional and amateur swimmers staking their own personal claims, in whatever kilometer they wish to cast on themselves, on the vast seas around Olango. Through the holding of the first and second Olango Challenges, open water swimming was not only promoted as a sport throughout the nation. The challenges’ proceeds also helped the construction of a two-classroom school building which the organizers and participants formally turned over on March 11, 2010.

PBSP representatives, sponsors and swimmers watch on
as the pupils of Candagsao Elementary School perform.

The event was able to raise more than half a million pesos, which helped 36 Grade Five and 22 Grade Six pupils experience better conditions now that they have a place for studying they can call their own. The proceeds were able to shoulder the costs of the building, which include built-in comfort rooms and collapsible walls and the purchase of additional school equipment such as chairs and tables.



1.Unveiling of the framed “plaque” with the sponsors and swimmers of the Olango challenges. 2.The framed “plaque” which lists all the sponsors and partners involved in the challenge.



A legacy of responsibility. In his speech, PBSP VIXCOM Chairman Jose Antonio Aboitiz shared how the Olango Challenge came about as a “crazy idea” he had on his plane while he looked at the Gilutongan Channel from Mactan and Olango and thought that he could swim it from end to end. Now, this idea has carried on for two years, with more than 70 swimmers participating.

“This school inspires the children who go to this school to pay it forward. May you use this school building very, very well and may you teach your children in this school in better conditions,” he said.


1. Ribbon cutting with Division Supervisor Dionisio Loot and PBSP VIXCOM Chairman Jose Antonio Aboitiz. 2. Blessing of the school building with Msgr. Leonel Palacio






Impact on the future. Jophet Barong is one of the Grade Six pupils who will soon use the school building. A year ago, when he was in fifth grade, he was one of those who experienced sharing a classroom with his older

“Nalipay mi kay naa na mi classroom na magamit na bag-o. Karon kay mas naa ko’y gana nga mu-eskwela kay naa na mi tarong na eskuwelahan na amo masudlan ug magamit (We’re happy we can finally have a new classroom. Now I feel more inspired to study since we have a school building we can use),” he said.

Left. Students on their ceremonial entry to the classroom.
Center. The old Candagsao Elementary School building. Right. The new Candagsao Elementary School building.

Cebuanos ready for Earth Hour of darkness, entertainment

Cebuanos ready for Earth Hour of darkness, entertainment
By Ma. Bernadette A. Parco, Aileen Garcia-Yap, Chris Ligan
Cebu Daily News
March 27, 2010

Seven cities and 44 towns in the province will join tonight’s Earth Hour, a symbolic gesture of turning off non-essential lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to fight climate change.

The biggest global energy conservation campaign to cut earth-warming greenhouse gas emissions will also be joined in by the Aboitiz Group of Co., Cebu Holdings Inc. (CHI) and its subsidiary Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corporation, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Cebu Business Park and Asiatown I.T. Park.

Countdowns to Earth Hour will be held at SM City Cebu and at Ayala Center Cebu.

Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines Cebu chapter head Me'Anne Alcordo-Solomon said they will turn off at least 100 billboards tonight

At SM City Cebu, an Earth Hour show after lights are switched off will feature performances by the world-renowned Mandaue Children’s Choir.

A group of fire dancers called Fire Attraction Dancers and a percussion ensemble, the Lupon Anduyo, are also slated to perform.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Department of Energy Usec. Roy Kyamco are expected to deliver speeches during the program.

The “countdown switch-off” at Ayala Center Cebu’s The Terraces will be will be led by the country’s premier band, Side A.

The Department of Energy has launched an exhibit to complement the Earth Hour at SM City Cebu.

The “Energy Exhibit” showcases different energy-saving technologies used by a number of companies.

Eden Biotech has solar panels on display. VE Engineering is introducing microhydroturbines. The energy department is showcasing its wind turbines.

CHI corporate communications officer Jeanette Japson said the company expects to save an estimated 4,626.70 kilowatt hours for an hour-long turning off of lights and unused electrical devises in their properties. These include Cebu Business Park, Asiatown I.T. Park and CHI-managed properties which include Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Holdings Center, Ayala Life FGU Center, City Sports Club Cebu, Park Towers 1 & 2, Amara, Garden Ridge Village, eOffice, eBloc and The Walk.

Japson added that they have also set up a computer terminal at the Active Zone of Ayala Center Cebu where shoppers can register as Earth Hour participants online.

An initiative of the World Wildlife Fund, one of the most respected international environment preservation organizations, Earth Hour started in the city of Sydney, Australia in 2008. It is now a yearly event held from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in every time zone on the last Saturday of March.

According to a statement on the WWF website, Earth Hour “is a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world. It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future.”

15M Pinoys expected to join Earth Hour switch-off

15M Pinoys expected to join Earth Hour switch-off
GMA NEWS - TV
March 27, 2010


At least 15 million Filipinos are expected to be part of some one billion people worldwide who will switch off their lights for one hour for the environment Saturday evening.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said the switch-off at 8:30 p.m. of March 27 will be the highlight of Earth Hour, which has been observed in the last three years.

“The switch-off signifies the start of a very personal and lasting lifestyle change to minimize our ecological impacts and to do our bit for a more sustainable planet. Personal pledges can take many forms, from upgrading to energy-efficient appliances to planting and stewarding a small grove of native trees," WWF said in its website.

As of 7:30 p.m. last Thursday, some 1,041 Philippine cities and towns have confirmed participation.

Also, the WWF said that many of the nation’s most iconic landmarks are expected to dim their lights in the largest call for action on climate change.

Cities from around the world, from Europe to Africa, are expected to join in, it noted.

But this early, WWF reminded the public that Earth Hour does not end when the lights are switched back on.

The main switch-off event in the Philippines is scheduled from 7 p.m. onwards at the SM Mall of Asia. The program will include entertainment numbers from Arnel Pineda, Moymoy Palaboy, Princess, Ballet Philippines and the Philippine All Stars.

10 ways to make a difference
WWF gave the public 10 ways to make a difference during and after Earth Hour 2010:

* Document Earth Hour celebrations
* Host outdoor evening parties
* Encourage children to play outdoors
* Do a “Recyclables Hunt"
* Unplug or use less power, if working the graveyard shift
* Involve local leaders
* Clean up the street
* Unplug and chill out
* Give yourself an energy makeover
* Make a pledge for the planet

WWF said that in 2009, over 10 million Filipinos in 647 towns, cities and towns joined in – more than anywhere else on Earth.

This year, Earth Hour Philippines aims for the participation of over 15 million Filipinos in over 1,000 towns and cities nationwide. Globally,
807 cities, towns and cities in 82 countries across every continent have already signed up.

Official Earth Hour 2010 partners include Ipanema, Motolite, SM Malls, Ayala Malls, Bonifacio Global City, the Century Pacific Group, Sustagen, Philips, Meralco, Arthaland, Shell, First Gen, Energy Development Corporation, McDonald’s, Jollibee, Shangri-La Hotels, ECC International, GMA-7, ABS-CBN, Net-25, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Infinit-1 Communications, FocusMedia Audiovisuals, Leo Burnett, Radio Veritas, Sonshine Radio, ECC International, Dig It All, Friendster, Discovery Channel and the National Geographic Channel.

Groups that have pledged commitments are the Archdiocese of Manila, Archdiocese of Cebu, Diocese of Kaloocan, Diocese of Parañaque, University of the Philippines, Technological University of the Philippines, Manila Doctors College, Silliman University, Adamson University, Asian College of Science and Technology, Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alexandria, Foundation University, St. Paul University Dumaguete, Ayala Foundation, Ms. Earth Foundation, Ms. Teen Earth and Ms. Kids Earth, REACT, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Ortigas Foundation, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Manila Jaycees, Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines, Philippine Science Centrum, World Youth Alliance, Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Iglesia ni Cristo and Gawad Kalinga.

Other companies which have pledged support include BPI, HSBC, Coca-Cola, Tetra Pak, Starbucks, Canon, Abenson, Chowking, Unilever, Globe, PLDT, SMART, BME, PhilBIO, Piandré, ATP, Toyota, the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ascott Group, Dusit Thani Manila, Hilton Cebu, Robinsons Malls, Chevron, SGV & Co and Ricoh Philippines.

Earth Hour was crafted to take a stand against climate change, and became a worldwide phenomenon in 2008 and 2009. The Philippines placed first in this event globally in terms of town and city participation.

Earth Hour kick-off activities were launched in Davao and Cebu. In Davao City, stakeholders from various sectors led by the Green Alliance for Davao, Mindanao Business Council, Save Davao Gulf Foundation and the Davao City National High School pledged collective support.

Since the observance of Earth Hour in 2009, each of the Earth Hour allies has advocated for the adoption of renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient practices.

“Climate change is the biggest threat to the Philippines. We could lose 2000 isles to sea level rise alone – a scenario which could be made worse by dwindling natural resources," said Earth Hour Philippines National Director Yeb Saño.

“Luckily, Filipinos have a unique Bayanihan spirit – a brotherhood of kinship that unites people. Through the message of Earth Hour – that it’s time to think of solutions now – we stand a good chance of adapting to climate change," Saño said.

Photos and videos of Earth Hour celebrations may be sent to kkp@wwf.org.ph for documentation. — LBG, GMANews.TV

Cebu power firm signs agreement with PBSP to plant 1M trees

Cebu power firm signs agreement with PBSP to plant 1M trees
March 25, 2010


CEBU CITY, March 24 — The Visayan Electric Company (Veco), Metro Cebu’s lone power utility firm, has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to plant one million trees in the next three years.

The MOA was signed by Jaime Jose Y. Aboitiz, executive vice president and chief operations officer of Veco and Jose Antonio Y. Aboitiz, PBSP chairman for the Visayas.

Veco turned over to PBSP a check worth P19.4 million to finance the tree-planting activities after the signing of the MOA.

Ricardo F. Lacson, Veco vice president for administration, said the project is one of the most ambitious projects that Veco has undertaken.

He said the power distribution utility had long been committed to the sustainability of power resources, especially that power generators sourced 60 percent of power from renewable sources.

Lacson said Veco has been promoting energy conservation and even going as far as having their program of exchanging energy-saver Compact florescent Lamp (CFL) for incandescent bulbs.

”But the tree-planting truly represents a milestone for us. Our target is to plant one million trees here in Cebu within three years time,” Lacson said.

However, Lacson, in an open forum said their tree- planting project is not mainly in relation to corporate social responsibility but a requirement from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in issuing environmental compliance certificate for Veco’s transmission line project from Cebu City to Toledo City where they will get power supply from Cebu Energy Development Corp.

Lacson said that since the project started last year, they had planted about 50,000 trees in Busay, Cebu City and in Aloguinsan, Cebu.

”While it sounds that it is already a big number, we quickly realized that that would be not enough to meet our target of one million trees in three years time. And so the search began for a partner and we are fortunate to have an experienced partner in PBSP Visayas,” Lacson said.

Lacson said they are going to plant one million trees in two areas, first within a 540-hectare land in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, and in the 10,000-hectare Mactan Mangrove area. (PNA)

VECO, PBSP sign accord to plant 1 million trees

VECO, PBSP sign accord to plant 1 million trees
Manila Bulletin
March 25, 2010


CEBU CITY (PNA) — The Visayan Electric Company (VECO), Metro Cebu’s lone power utility firm, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to plant one million trees in the next three years.

The MOA was signed by Jaime Jose Y. Aboitiz, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operations Officer of VECO and Jose Antonio Y. Aboitiz, PBSP Chairman for the Visayas.

Founded in 1970, PBSP is a consortium of corporations advocating corporate social responsibility (CSR) whose overall purpose is to pool their resources to fund a program of organized professional and sustained assistance. First of its kind in Southeast Asia, it was started during a period of extreme strife by a group of Filipino businessmen who decided to share their experience, technologies, and expertise in making a difference in the lives of the poor. Then, as now, PBSP member-firms pledge to set aside a portion of their companies’ net income before taxes to pursue poverty alleviating programs.

Since its founding, PBSP has been the Philippine business sector’s vehicle in delivering organized, professional and sustainable assistance to landless farmers, fisher folk, rural workers, urban poor and indigenous cultural communities.

Rising above traditional charity and welfare approaches, PBSP promotes the philosophy of efficiency, self-help and participation in the improving living conditions among the underprivileged sectors. It is, today, the Philippines’ largest corporate-led social development foundation.

Regarding aforementioned MOA, the VECO has turned over to PBSP a cheque for P19.4 million to finance said tree-planting activities.

Ricardo F. Lacson, VECO Vice-President for Administration said the project is one of the most ambitious projects that the power distribution utility firm has undertaken.

He said VECO had long been committed to the sustainability of power resources, especially since power generators source some 60 percent of power from renewable sources.

Lacson said VECO has long been promoting energy conservation, going as far as putting up a program of exchanging energy-saver Compact Flourescent Lamps (CFLs) for incandescent bulbs.

"But the tree-planting truly represents a milestone for us. Our target is to plant one million trees here in Cebu within a period of three years," Lacson said.

However, in an open forum, he said that VECO’s tree- planting project is not only in relation with its own CSR program but also a requirement by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in exchange for issuing an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for VECO’s transmission line project from Cebu City to Toledo City where it gets power from the Cebu Energy Development Corp.

Lacson said that since the project started last year, VECO has already planted about 50,000 trees in Busay, Cebu City and in Aloguinsan, Cebu.

"While it sounds that it is already a big number, we quickly realized that that would be not enough to meet our target of one million trees in three years time. And so the search began for a partner and we are fortunate to have found an experienced partner in PBSP Visayas," Lacson said.

He said VECO and PBSP will be planting one million trees in two areas, first within a 540-hectare land in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, and in the 10,000-hectare Mactan Mangrove area.

Aboitiz Group, SM take part in Earth Hour

Aboitiz Group, SM take part in Earth Hour 
Sun.Star Cebu
March 26, 2010


ABOITIZ Group launched the “Passion for a Better World” campaign as it seeks the public’s participation in Earth Hour tomorrow.

It opened Wednesday a “sustainability fair” at Persimmon Plus, the latest project of AboitizLand, located on M.J Cuenco Ave, Mabolo, Cebu City.

The fair, to run until March 28, features a more eco-friendly lifestyle for everyone.

At the fair are an eco-bazaar selling healthy and organic products and a recycling market that accepts recyclable goods such as paper, plastic, metal and rubber.

The donated items to the recycling market will be turned over to Barangay Luz to support the barangay’s waste management initiatives.

A “switch” booth will be put up by the Visayan Electric Company (Veco) where its customers can exchange a maximum of six incandescent bulbs for the same number of energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). They need to present their latest Veco bill to do the exchange.

The “Passion for a Better World” campaign also covers lectures that promote environment-friendly efforts. The lectures are conducted every hour and will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Persimmon Sales Office.

Walkathon
Meanwhile, employees of the Aboitiz Group will participate in a 5 p.m. walkathon starting at the Aboitiz Corporate Center in Banilad to Persimmon in Mabolo.

As his way to minimize his carbon footprint, Aboitiz chief reputation officer Sebastian Lacson said he walks or rides his bicycle to and from work and discourages his household from using bottled water.

SM SWITCHOFF
To show its commitment to Earth Hour, SM City Cebu has put up the Earth Hour Energy Exhibit, which opened yesterday and runs until tomorrow.

An exhibit participant, the Department of Energy (DOE) showcases the wind turbine that can provide alternative source of energy to the community.

“The wind is the most viable energy aside from hydro. In Cebu, Cebu City and Oslob have big potential for wind energy. Visayas has a capacity of producing 70,000 megawatts of wind energy but as of today only 30 megawatts is installed,” said DOE engineer Magdaleno Baclay Jr.

Other exhibit participants are the Philippine Business for Social Progress, VE Engineering, Eden Biotech/Plantex, Maharlikas for Cultural Recovery and Cebu City Vermiculture Project. An online voting booth is also set-up so shoppers can vote their support for Earth Hour.

Tomorrow, SM will switch off lights on its façade to include logos, billboards, signages, dropdown banners, landscapes and advertising signages. It will switch off 50 percent of the lights in the hallways.

Cebu will try to maintain its lead as having the most number of participants in Earth Hour in the country.

Earth Hour is at 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. tomorrow. Last year, 10 million supported the one-hour switchoff in the entire country. (RBF/KOC)

Utility firm signs agreement with PBSP to plant 1M trees

Utility firm signs agreement with PBSP to plant 1M trees
Sun.Star Daily
March 24, 2010
By Elias O. Bacquero


The Visayan Electric Company (Veco) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to plant one million trees in the next three years.

The MOA was signed by Jaime Jose Y. Aboitiz, executive vice president and chief operations officer of Veco; and Jose Antonio Y. Aboitiz, PBSP chairman for the Visayas.

After the signing, Veco then turned over to PBSP a check worth P19.4 million to finance the tree-planting activities.

Ricardo F. Lacson, Veco vice president for administration, said the project is one of the most ambitious projects that Veco has undertaken.

Sources
He said the power distribution utility had long been committed to the sustainability of power resources, especially that power generators sourced 60 percent of power from renewable sources.

Lacson said Veco has been promoting energy conservation and even going as far as having their program of exchanging energy-saver Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) for incandescent bulbs.

"But this (tree-planting) truly represents a milestone for us. Our target is to plant one million trees here in Cebu within three years time," Lacson said.

However, Lacson, in an open forum said their tree-planting project is not mainly in relation to corporate social responsibility but a requirement from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in issuing environmental compliance certificate for Veco's transmission line project from Cebu City to Toledo City where they will get power supply from Cebu Energy Development Corp.

Lacson said that since the project started last year, they had planted about 50,000 trees in Busay, Cebu City and in Aloguinsan, Cebu.

"While it sounds that it is already a big number, we quickly realized that would be not enough to meet our target of one million trees in three years time. And so the search began for a partner and we are fortunate to have an experienced partner in PBSP Visayas," Lacson said.

This time, Lacson said, they are going to plant one million trees in two areas, first within a 540-hectare land in the Central Cebu Protected Land, and in the 10,000 hectare Mactan mangrove area.

"So, today we are going to witness the formalization of this partnership (Veco and PBSP) as well as the start of the project kick off and meet the target within the next three years," Lacson said.

Eileen Mangubat, publisher of Cebu Daily News and chairperson of the Cebu Hillyland Development Committee of PBSP, said that with this reforestation in the backyard of Cebu City and the coastal area of Olango Island (Lapu-lapu City), which is an international bird sanctuary, employees and residents are invited to join the activities.

Shorter, but tougher course for 3rd Olango Challenge

Shorter, but tougher course for 3rd Olango Challenge
The Freeman
March 24, 2010


CEBU, Philippines - The 3rd Olango Challenge set on April 24 at Tambuli Beach Club in Mactan Island will have a shorter course but it will be a tall order for the organizers and the swimmers as well.

From a cross-course challenge from Lapu-Lapu City to Hilotongan Channel to a point-to-point battle in the second edition, the third edition of the annual race will be a box-type course.

The entire course is set at 2.5 kilometers, a design patterned after that of most international open water marathons. The competitive swimmers can chose to compete in either 5K, 3K or 1.5K while the fun swimmers will tackle a total distance of five kilometers.

Over P100,000 in cash prizes will be at stake in the event plus medals for the top performers.

Those who are vying for top honors are also expected to give their all-out best to gain slots to the national team that will be fielded in at least two international competitions this year - the Asian Beach Games in Muscat ,Oman on December 8 to 16 and the Asian Open Water World Cup in Hong Kong on November 3.

The organizers led by Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Visayas executive chairman Jose Antonio Aboitiz said that they are hoping to come up with a more successful staging of the event.

The Olango Challenge is a fund raising event for the benefit of the children of Olango. It also highlights the importance of having a clean marine environment, raises awareness on the magnitude of preventable dcrowning incidence in the Philippines and promotes open-water marathon swimming as a sport that the archipelagic Filipino should excel in.

Registration fee is pegged at P500 for the competitive swimmers and P2,000 for the fun swimmers.

The deadline for early registration is on April 9. Late registrants will pay a higher amount.

For further information, one may call Riva or Mae at 232-5270 or 232-5283 or e-mail rivagv@yahoo.com.—Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN NEWS)

New course set for Olango Challenge

New course set for Olango Challenge
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 03/24/201


THE PHILIPPINE Business for Social Progress (PBSP) promises a more challenging open-water marathon swimming competition in the 3rd Olango Challenge set April 24.

Jose Antonio Aboitiz, PBSP Visayas chairman, said when they first organized the competition alongside the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA), they promised to hold it differently every year.

For this year's undertaking, participants will be swimming in a rectangular-shaped route, which will start and end at the Tambuli Beach Club.

The first challenge in 2008 was a cross-channel swim from the Santa Rosa pier to Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa Cebu. Last year's Olango Challenge had a route that followed the coast from the Pacific Cebu Resort to Tambuli.

Aside from the new race route, organizers have also added two new categories to the 5k competitive and 5k fun swim. These are the 2.5k competitive and the 1.5k competitive.

Aboitiz said they decided to add more categories to attract more participants such as the triathletes.

Each category will have male and female divisions except for the fun category, which will be open to all.

The Olango Challenge, which is for the benefit of the Olango Island, was the first open-water marathon swimming competition held in the country.

It is also one of the qualifyings for the Asian Open Water World Cup in Hong Kong in November and the 2nd Asian Beach Games in Muscat, Oman in December./CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON

Earth Hour organizers eye more participants

Earth Hour organizers eye more participants
March 24, 2010
The Freeman


CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival, chairman of the executive committee of Cebu Earth Hour Core Group, said they are pleased with last year’s edition that the country was able to save 600 megawatts of power.

Archival, the chairman of the City Council committee on infra and energy, said they are optimistic that they would achieve a target of 30 to 40 million watts for Cebu alone.

He said private entities as well as schools promised to support the activity.

This year’s Earth Hour countdown will be held this Saturday, March 27, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. at SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, Persimmon Urban Village, Talisay City and Danao City.

Also heading this year’s event are the Cebu City government, Department of Energy, Philippine National Police, Archdiocese of Cebu, University of San Carlos, Rotary Cebu, Hotels Resorts Restaurants Association of Cebu, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Ocean Care, Jaycees, Island Souvenirs, PBSP, REACT and other institutions and companies.

The Earth Hour 2010, according to the organizers, aims “to raise awareness about climate change issues and provide a forum for every individual, groups, communities, and governments to take concrete and sustained actions to address global warming and ensure a sustainable future.”

Different activities in line with the celebration have already started as early as yesterday with a green fair organized by the Philippine Retailers Association in Ayala Center Cebu that will run until March 27.

An eco-fair by the Aboitiz Group will also be opened today at Persimmon Urban Village as well as an Earth Hour exhibit by the Earth Hour Core Group in SM City tomorrow, an Earth Hour Torch Parade and recorida in Talisay City, and a youth congress for the environment highlighting Earth Hour on the 26th to 27th in Danao City.

The Earth Hour photo contest and the local World Youth Day would also be launched on the 27th. Deadline for submissions for the photo contest will be on April 6. 

Aside from government offices and private institutions, the church is also actively supporting the campaign with Jaime Cardinal Vidal issuing a circular that encourages parishioners to participate in the activity.

Fr. Tito Soquino, head of social and media action center of the Basilica Del Santo Niño, said they have included the activity in their sermons to raise awareness.

Meanwhile, regional police director Chief Superintendent Lani-o Nerez also promised police support to the Earth Hour.

Nerez said they are not just increasing police visibility during the event but would also turn off their lights in police stations. - AJ de la Torre with Gabriel C. Bonjoc/LPM (FREEMAN NEWS)

Olango Challenge in Cebu

Olango Challenge in Cebu
by People's Tonight
Journal Online - Philippine Journalists, Inc.
Saturday, 13 March 2010


CEBU -- It was successful in its first two years, and for this year, the Olango Challenge will make its mark once again.

The first open-water marathon swimming in the country, dubbed as the Olango Challenge, will kick off its third run on April 24 to continue its efforts in highlighting the importance of having a clean marine environment as well as promoting open water swimming as a sport.

It will be held at the Tambuli Beach Club, Lapu-Lapu City from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The event, which also serves as a fundraising activity, aims to raise P1.2M this year to shoulder livelihood and environment projects for the Olango Island.

The open-water swimming competition is organized by Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in the Visayas and Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA).

It launched its first leg on 2008 on the 5-kilometer strip of the Gilutungan Channel from Olango to Mactan and attracted more than 70 seasoned and amateur swimmers to join the event. The second year witnessed the participation of 50 athletes from the pier of Pacific Cebu Resort to the beach front of Tambuli Beach Club. Proceeds of both events were used for the construction of classrooms at Candagsao Elementary School in Olango Island, which was officially turned over to the school last March 11.

The open-water marathon swimming competition is open to all professional and amateur swimmers and swimming enthusiasts all over the country.

Interested contestants can join any of the following categories: 5K competitive, 3K competitive, 1.5 competitive and 5K Fun Swim.

For more information, contact Ms. Riva Valles at (032) 232.5270 or 232.5283 or send your email to olangochallenge@gmail.com.

PBSP turns over school rooms in Olango Island

PBSP turns over school rooms in Olango Island
By Antoniette Parce
The Freeman
March 13, 2010


MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Business for Social Progress in the Visayas turned over a school building at the Candagsaw Elementary School in Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City the other day.

The PBSP was able to raise over half a million pesos from the yearly “Olango Challenge - Open Water Swimming Competition”, an activity they started in support to raising environmental consciousness.

The school building has two classrooms intended for the use of Grades 5 and 6 pupils. It has built-in comfort rooms and collapsible walls.

Before, classes for these pupils were conducted outdoors since the school has seven classrooms only.

Last year, the fundraising was able to make way for renovations and the purchase of additional school equipment such as chairs and tables and for the construction of comfort rooms.

Companies which pledged support include Shell, Nestlé Philippines (maker of Milo Health Drink), Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, the Aboitiz Group of Companies, and Island Souvenirs.

Lapu-Lapu barangay councilwoman Adela Lambujon and Department of Education division supervisor Dionisio Lood also vowed support to the said annual competition.

Olango is one of the communities supported by the PBSP most especially in terms of raising awareness among residents in the area on the importance of protecting and taking care of their environment.

On April 24, the 3rd Olango Challenge will be held at the Tambuli Beach Club in Buyong, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City. — Antoniette Parce/MEEV

Corporate-led group launches projects

Corporate-led group launches projects
By Princess Dawn Felicitas
Sun.Star Cebu
Friday, March 12, 2010


AS it strengthens its effort to unify the business sector to help alleviate the lives of the poor, a corporate-led social development foundation has launched new projects and inducted new members.

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), during its 22nd Visayas Annual Membership Meeting Wednesday launched three new environment projects that cover the coasts, land, and air.

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Philip Tan, president of Wellmade Motors and Development Corporation, a member company of PBSP, said the three projects, which will cost P52 million, will be implemented in the Visayas region in the next five years.

PBSP’s first project involves a collaborative coastal resource management program that seeks to restore the seas and coastal resources destroyed by illegal fishing.

Tan said that the European Union has given P32 million to PBSP for the project that will cover Cebu, Bohol, Guimaras, Olango Island, Samar and Leyte.

PBSP’s second project is the P19.4 million Visayan Electric Co. (Veco) Reforestation Project that seeks to plant one million trees in 540 hectares of hillyland in Cebu and 10 hectares of mangrove in Mactan.

The third PBSP’s project is the establishment of 22 learning centers in the Visayas through the help of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) in partnership with Oriental Motolite and Marketing Co.

Tan said the 22 learning centers will serve as a symbol of the PBSP’s 22 years of service in the region.

Veco, PLDT and Motolite are all member-companies of PBSP.

Jose Antonio Aboitiz, PBSP Visayas chairman, said that through the projects, they hope to help the Philippine government in attaining the United Nations Millenium Development Goal by 2015.

“We want better life for the people from 2010 onwards. We want stable income for farmers, fisher folk and urban poor, better learning opportunity for our children, better health care, and a conserved environment that nurtures community,” said Aboitiz

The PBSP also inducted Wednesday 11 new member companies. The PBSP now has 261 member companies, 71 of which come from Visayas.


(Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on March 13, 2010.)

PBSP Visayas has 11 new members

PBSP Visayas has 11 new members
By Ma. Bernadette A. Parco
Cebu Daily News
March 11, 2010


THE Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in the Visayas yesterday inducted 11 new members, its biggest number in recent history.

“As in any organization, membership is its lifeblood. It is considered a success to be able to attract new members,” said Jose Levi Villanueva, head of the membership committee.

“This year we have the most number of new members.”

The ll new members were presented during the 22nd annual meeting at the Casino Español in Cebu City.

They include Bohol Resort Development Inc., Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa on Mactan Island and Victoria Hard Rock Resort in San Remegio, Golden Prince Hotel and Suites, Qualfon Philippines Inc., Sun Star Publishing Inc., Vivant Corp., and Dumaguete City Development Bank

PBSP’s membership nationwide has reached 261, with 71 member-companies based in the Visayas.

Villanueva recalled that the task of recruiting new members was difficult.

“Eight years ago, we would induct only one or two members at a time,” he said.

New members were presented a plaque after signing a commitment of support.

The PBSP is a private and non-profit organization that promotes corporate social responsibility. Member-companies are required to allot a portion of their income for social development.

The new members also commit to support, among others, as a “private enterprise, by creatively and efficiently utilizing capital, land and labor, generates employment opportunities, expands the economic capabilities of our society and improves the quality of our national life.”

At the same meeting the PBSP's first coffee table book entitled “A Better Life: Stories of Corporate Social Responsibility,” was presented.

Eileen Mangubat, Cebu Daily News publisher and member of the PBSP Visayas executive committee, said the book shows the CSR efforts of 32 Philippine companies operating in the region.

Book proceeds will go to reforestation projects of PBSP in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, which is Metro Cebu's source of water.

“These stories and images are about ordinary people - farmers and fisherfolk, youths, workers and small entrepreneuers - who made extraordinary changes in their lives. Their stories make the book not just a testimonial but a source of inspiration. We hope the contents provoke you to join us in taking positive action,” she said.

The book cover shows a wooden boat paddle, said Mangubat. “It stamps the identity of the Visayas for the book.”

The colored paddles within its pages represent the projects of PBSP on livelihood and enterprise (orange), education (yellow), health (blue) and the environment (green).

Veco targets 1 million trees

Veco targets 1 million trees
By Aileen Garcia-Yap
Cebu Daily News
March 10, 2010


At least 1 million trees will be planted in Cebu over a three-year period as part of a commitment by the Visayan Electric Company (Veco).

Reforestation is one of the conditions in the electric company's Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

Another power firm, Cebu Energy Develoment Corp., has a similar quota of trees to plant, said Juanito Cua, chief of the Forest Reserve Conservatory Division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 7.

“This is not only for Veco and CEDC but for all companies who come and get ECCs from us. It's one of the conditions that we stipulate in the certificates,” Cua said about tree planting.

To roll out the project, Veco is donating P19,402,000 to the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in the Visayas as its partner in planting trees in the hillylands and coastal mangroves.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) to release the funds in four tranches will be signed today by Veco's chief operating officer Jaime Jose Aboitiz and PBSP-Visayas executive committee chairman Jose Antonio Aboitiz along with Eileen Mangubat, chairman of the foundation's Cebu hillyland development committee.

The PBSP, which has environment conservation and poverty reduction among its main thrusts, will identify a 540-hectare reforestation site in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape and a 10-hectare mangrove reforestation site in Mactan.

Veco will provide the manpower and have a tree nursery in the uplands.

The foundation will provide seedlings of native tree species and negotiate with farmers to prepare the planting sites and maintain the reforestation project,to ensure the seedlings will grow to maturity. PBSP Visayas, which leads annual reforestation caravans during the rainy season, started its development efforts in the hillly lands in Cebu City in 1988.

Ethel Natera, Veco orporate communications manager, said the firm decided to partner with PBSP because “they already have the expertise and are better experienced than us. We believe we can better manage the project with their help.”

CEDC, which recently installed coal-fired plants in Toledo City, has set aside at least P4 million for its “Kabilin” environment project launched in October last year.

The legacy project will benefit the host city of Toledo by providing additional livelihood for people they can hire for the project needs like the nursery, planting of the trees and caring for the planted trees.

Jesus N. Alcordo, CEDC president, said they will invest P40,000 per hectare for an initial 100 hectare reforestation project under the Kabilin program.

“We target producing 70,000 seedlings in our nursery every year,” Alcordo said.

About 2,500 seedlings have been planted in barangay Sapangdaku, Toledo City as a start said Mae Catherine Melchor, corporate communications officer.

“We also have a partnership with the PBSP for our Buhisan Watershed Buffer Zone tree planting but we still can implement it because according to our consultant the success rate is too low if we plant in that site,” Melchor said quoting Alix Yao, their technical consultant.

Third Olango Challenge set

Third Olango Challenge set
The Philippine Star
March 06, 2010


CEBU , Philippines –The Olango Challenge will be held for the third time April 24 as a vehicle to highlight the importance of having a clean marine environment as well as promoting open water swimming as a sport in the country.

It will be held at the Tambuli Beach Club, Lapu-Lapu City from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event, which also serves as a fundraising activity, aims to raise P1.2 million this year to shoulder livelihood and environment projects for the Olango Island.

The open-water swimming competition is organized by Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in the Visayas and Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA).

It launched its first challenge on 2008 on the 5-kilometer strip of the Gilutungan Channel from Olango to Mactan and attracted more than 70 seasoned and amateur swimmers to join the event.

The second year witnessed the participation of 50 athletes from the pier of Pacific Cebu Resort to the beach front of Tambuli Beach Club. Proceeds of both events were used for the construction of classrooms at Candagsao Elementary School in Olango Island, which will be officially turned over to the school on March 11.

A Better Life: The 22nd Visayas Annual Membership Meeting

"It is precisely because neither individuals nor small groups can be fully self-sufficient that cooperation is necessary to human survival and flourishing." - Tom G. Palmer

FOR 40 years, PBSP's programs are implemented with the intention of making systems more efficient and livelihood more sustainable. For every project that is adopted, another recipient is grateful for the assistance PBSP has extended. As more companies become increasingly aware of their responsibilities for holistic social development, more Filipinos are likewise being lifted from poverty.

In celebration of its 22nd year of being a corporate-led establishment, PBSP-Visayas recognized the efforts its member companies have given to corporate social responsibility (CSR) by holding their 22nd Visayas Annual Membership Meeting on March 10, 2010. More than 200 delegates from member companies, partners, donors and other sectors convened to express their strong commitment for another year of implementing CSR programs.

"There is no task too great nor a burden too heavy for those who, hand in hand, strive for its fulfilment. Therefore let me start this annual gathering by personally thanking all of you for your involvement in PBSP’s programs and for your belief that a better life is possible for all Filipinos. I think each one of us in this beautiful, familiar hall deserves a generous round of applause," VIXCOM Chairman Jose Antonio Aboitiz said in his welcome speech.


PBSP VIXCOM Chairman Jose Antonio Aboitiz delivers his welcome message.










"We were all made aware that 2009 was going to be difficult for the economy. And it was indeed a challenging period with tens of thousands of our workers here and abroad losing their jobs and hundreds of companies downsizing their operations. Further, the natural disasters in Luzon ravaged many communities, a significant number of which are our priority areas. Yet our hopes were not crushed and our member companies continue to invest in development projects. Hope is truly a stubborn root and now that our economy is recovering, it is wonderful to envision good years ahead. One of the highlights of our program today is the launching of three new projects that are testament to PBSP’s positive outlook for Filipino communities. A better life is possible. A better life is happening," he added.



PBSP VIXCOM Member Melanie Ng
acknowledges the guests
during the 22nd VAMM.


PBSP is the largest and longest established foundation of companies dedicated to the reduction of poverty by implementing projects that gear towards self-reliance. The meeting took account of the various programs PBSP has implemented in 2009 and present PBSP's targets and directions in 2010 with the help of its member companies, partner organizations and donors. During the VAMM, P50-million worth of environment projects were launched and 11 new members were recognized.


A testament of a better life. One of the communities which PBSP has helped, the Sibunag Seaweeds Growers and Traders Association (SSGTAI), also attended the VAMM to share how PBSP has helped them get a better life. When the oil spill hit the island of Guimaras in 2006, PBSP was one of the foundations which led in helping the most affected communities recover from the disaster.

Rodelio G. Gambito of the
Sibunag Seaweeds Growers and Traders Association
shares how SSGTAI's members have earned
a better life with the help of PBSP.

"Nang panahon na yon, ramdam na namin ang paghihirap ng pagkakakitaan. Salamat sa tiwala at tulong nyo lalo na sa panahon na kailangang-kailangan namin ito. Sa Guimaras, kayo lang ang tagalabas na tumulong sa amin. Sa aming donor sa seaweeds – PHINMA/TransAsia Oil Corporation, Angelo King Foundation sa pamamamgitan ng PBSP, sa Mercury Drug Corporation na nagbigay sa amin ng potable water, salamat. Pag-iingatan at papalaguin po namin ang tulong nyo para po sa kinabukasan ng aming mga anak at ang pangangalaga sa dagat," Rodelio Gambito of SSGTAI said.

"We thank the CEOs and CSR heads of our member companies who, through their leadership and action, mobilized corporate resources for social work. We thank those who personally visited our partner-communities to see how our brand of social responsibility is helping create change in our society. But beyond performance in numbers, it is worthwhile emphasizing that our commitment to poverty reduction is permanent and long-term. We do not just come with one-time gifts. instead, we forge a partnership with the families and the community until they develop the capacity—and the will—to continue with the programs we started with them. Our goal of building self-reliant communities in the long-term is what distinguishes our CSR practice. Whilst this path is laborious and takes years of nurturing, the road less traveled is more fulfilling," PBSP Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said in his speech which was read by VIXCOM Chairman Jose Antonio Aboitiz.

More in the bandwagon. The 22nd VAMM also witnessed the recognition of 11 new members in the Visayas.

PBSP VIXCOM Vice Chairman
Jose Levi Villanueva introduces
the new PBSP member companies.




"In the history of PBSP in the Visayas,
this is by far the year with the most number of new members.
We now have 261 member companies
and 71 are based in the Visayas," PBSP VIXCOM Vice Chairman Jose Levi Villanueva said.

These new members are the following: (1) Bohol Resort Development Incorporated; (2) Dumaguete City Development Bank; (3) Golden Prince Hotel and Suites; (4) Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa; (5) Maestrado Creative Communications Consultancy; (6) Markest Corporation; (7)PhilPacific Insurance Brokers and Managers Incorporated; (8) Qualfon Philippines Inc.; (9) Sun Star Publishing Incorporated; (10) Victoria Hard Rock Resort and (11) Vivant Corporation.

Jose Antonio Aboitiz and Melanie Ng with
the new PBSP member companies.

A better life. The 22nd VAMM also officially launched the release of its coffee table book entitled, "A Better Life: Stories of Corporate Social Responsibility," a visual and textual narrative of distinguished companies that have gone out of their way to help their fellow Filipinos. The coffee table book was formally introduced to the public by PBSP VIXCOM member Eileen Mangubat.

Right. PBSP VIXCOM Member Eileen Mangubat as she formally introduced the coffee table book.
Left. Performance by the Cebu Normal University Dance Troupe.

"In the course of implementing our programs in communities far and near, we have also gathered triumphant stories that must never be forgotten. The stories that we have gathered through the years are about ordinary people – men and women, farmers and fisherfolk, children and youth, workers and small en-trepreneurs – who make extraordinary changes in their lives. Their stories make A Better Life a watershed of inspiration. And it is our desire that their vibrant im-ages, moving stories and touching vignettes will enthuse generations of corpo-rate citizens and spur them to action. A Better Life is indeed a celebration of the triumph of the human spirit," she said.

Millions worth of projects. The 22nd VAMM also witnessed the turnover of checks which signified the launching of P50-million worth of projects PBSP will implement in the next years.

The European Union donated almost P32 million for the rehabilitation of degraded coastal resources in the Visayas. The Visayan Electric Company (VECO) and PBSP also partnered for a reforestation project worth P19 million. The project will plant one million trees in 540 hectares in the Cebu Hillylands and 10 hectares of mangrove areas in Mactan.

(Right) Atty. Hidelito Pascual introduced
the event's keynote speaker,
Atty. Antonio Oposa (left).

Atty. Antonio Oposa stresses the importance of conserving and preserving the environment in his keynote address. He was given a copy of the Coffee Table Book as a sign of PBSP's appreciation.

For his years of rendering his service to PBSP, Mr. Ricardo Santiago, PASAR’s consultant on Corporate Affairs and Human Resource Management, was presented with a plaque of appreciation from PBSP. He has served PBSP’s Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao regional executive committees for 20 years.

PBSP believes that by never losing momentum of its pace in giving projects for the poor, a better life for every Filipino is possible. The 22nd VAMM marks another year that promises more projects on education, health, environment, livelihood and enterprise so more Filipinos around the country can achieve better lives.

15 million Pinoys set to participate in 'Earth Hour 2010' on March 27

15 million Pinoys set to participate in 'Earth Hour 2010' on March 27
Katherine Adraneda, STAR
March 1, 2010


MANILA, MARCH 1, 2010 (STAR) By Katherine Adraneda  - The Philippines and the rest of the world are once again gearing for an hour of darkness in this year’s Earth Hour slated on March 27.

Local organizers of Earth Hour 2010, targeted to become the “largest environmental event” in history, is aiming to garner the participation of 15 million Filipinos in 1,000 cities and towns to switch off their lights for an hour in a bid to step up the worldwide call for action on climate change.

“Now in its third year in the country and envisioned as a celebration of climate change solutions, Earth Hour Philippines aims to inspire more and more Filipinos in more towns and cities to switch off and join in the revelry, which is in an environmentally conscious manner,” said Gregg Yan, communications head of Earth Hour Philippines.

“Many of the nation’s most iconic landmarks are expected to dim their lights when the clock strikes 8:30 p.m. on March 27. Cities from around the world, from Europe to Africa, are expected to join in,” he said.

Earth Hour was crafted to take a stand against climate change, which has been called as the “greatest threat” the planet has ever faced. 

It uses the simple action of turning off lights for an hour “to deliver a powerful message on the need for climate change solutions.”

This simple act has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world, according to Yan, as it has become a worldwide phenomenon in 2008 and 2009, where the Philippines placed first globally in terms of town and city participation.

Last year, Earth Hour inspired over 10 million Filipinos in 647 cities and municipalities to switch off, saving an estimated 611 MW/h of electricity that is equivalent to shutting down a dozen coal-fired power plants for an hour.

Event organizers said consultations with various sectors have yielded strong commitments for more sustained efforts on climate change.

They said that among the groups that have pledged commitments are the Archdiocese of Manila, University of the Philippines, Technological University of the Philippines, Manila Doctors College, REACT, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Ortigas Foundation, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Manila Jaycees, Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, Philippine Science Centrum, World Youth Alliance, Habitat for Humanity and Gawad Kalinga.

They said the business community has also pledged participation in the Earth Hour.

Companies, which have committed support, include the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ascott Group, Dusit Thani Manila, Chevron, Abenson, First Gen, Jollibee Foods Corp., Unilever, Globe, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., PhilBIO, and Piandré.

Yan said Earth Hour kick-off activities were launched in Davao and Cebu. In Davao City, stakeholders from various sectors led by the Green Alliance for Davao, Mindanao Business Council, Save Davao Gulf Foundation and the Davao City National High School pledged collective support, while in Cebu, stakeholders gathered at the SM City Cebu to share their collective support for Earth Hour.

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, who is expected to lead the Earth Hour Philippines roadshow, is set to visit Iloilo, Baguio, Ilocos Norte, Laguna, Bicol, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Tuguegarao and Clark in the coming days.

Recently appointed Commission on Climate Change Commissioner Yeb Saño, who is also the national director of Earth Hour Philippines, said that since Earth Hour 2009, each of the Earth Hour allies has advocated for the adoption of renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient practices.

“Climate change is the biggest threat to the Philippines. We could lose 2000 isles to sea level rise alone – a scenario which could be made worse by dwindling natural resources,” Saño said.

“Luckily, Filipinos have a unique bayanihan spirit - a brotherhood of kinship that unites people. Through the message of Earth Hour - that it’s time to think of solutions now – we stand a good chance of adapting to climate change,” Saño added.

Earth Hour Philippines is a yearly effort of WWF-Philippines, Department of Energy, Green Army Network and SWITCH Movement.

2010 partners include Ipanema, Century Tuna, Sustagen, Philips, Motolite, Meralco, SM Malls, Ayala Malls, GMA-7, ABS-CBN, Infinit-1 Communications, ECC International, Dig It All, Friendster, and Discovery Channel.

So far, 807 towns and cities in 82 countries across every continent have signed up for this year’s Earth Hour.

Earth Hour 2009 inspired one billion people in 4,100 cities and 88 countries to switch off.