Who Cares About Sustainability

Who Cares About Sustainability

Published by The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.

SEPTEMBER 2021 VOL 96 NO 10

www.amchamphilippines.com

BUSINESS Journal

2 | Header AmCham Philippines | June 2021 3

AmCham Philippines | June 2021 5

ContentsSeptember 2021 | Vol 96 | No 10

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Ebb HinchliffePUBLICATIONS CONSULTANT/EDITOR: Leslie Ann MurrayCOMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING MANAGER: Chi PeñaADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS HEAD: Chet GuevaraMULTIMEDIA DESIGNER: Keith SiguaPUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Ernie CeciliaPUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE MEMBER: J. Albert GamboaPUBLISHED BY: The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.MEMBER: Publisher Association of the Philippines, Inc.

All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not of The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. accepts no liability for the accuracy of the data or for the editorial views contained in the articles. Publication of unsolicited articles is at the sole discretion of the Publications Committee. To adhere to publication deadlines, the Publications Committee reserves the right to defer for subsequent publication any submission due to matters of space or time constraints. Further, the AmCham Publications Committee reserves the right to refuse any submission due to style or content, or context, which may be in conflict with AmCham mission. No article or any content thereof may be reproduced in any manner or form without the prior written consent or authorization of The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.

All rights reserved. AmCham Business Journal is a general business magazine published monthly by The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc., with offices at 2nd Floor, Corinthian Plaza, 121 Paseo De Roxas corner Gamboa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229 (C.P.O. Box 2562, Makati City 1265), Philippines; telephones: (632) 8818-7911 to 13;email: [email protected];website: www.amchamphilippines.com.

Publication Registration No.: ISSN-0116-452X

GUIDELINES FOR ARTICLE SUBMISSIONSThe AmCham Business Journal welcomes articles of interest to our readers, who are primarily members of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. We look forward to your submissions and are keen to share them with our readers according to these guidelines:

Deadline, Length, and FormatArticles must be in Word (.doc/.docx) format and emailed [email protected]. To ensure objectivity and credibility, superlatives and awards must be cited from a third source.

Author IdentificationAlong with the article, add a biography with a maximum of 70 words. This should include the author’s present position, organization, and email address. Previous experience, educational background, and previously published articles can also be added.

Style and Editorial ReviewThe Journal endeavors to preserve your intended message; however, articles will still be edited for clarity and readability. Depending on the nature of the changes, the Journal will notify you of changes. If no response to these changes is made within three (3) working days, we will assume to mean acceptance. The Journal holds the right to final publication.

Images, Charts, and GraphsImages, charts, and graphs are encouraged. Images must be unedited and saved in JPEG format with a minimum 300 dpi resolution. Please include captions. Charts/graphs must be sent in Microsoft Excel or PDF format with a title.

Questions and Comments to the Editor

Any content that appears in the Journal may not be reprinted, copied, or reproduced without the written permission of the Chamber; upon such permission, acknowledgment must be given for any item reprinted, copied, or reproduced as to the source of the item.

For questions about the Journal, kindly email the team [email protected].

Organizational Sections08 AmCham Officers &

Directors

08 AmCham Mission Statement

10 AmCham Corporate & Associate Partners

11 How to be an AmCham Member Partner

12 AmCham Chapters & Advocacies

14 AmCham Committees - Your MAIN Partner in Business

15 AmCham Committees

16 Members' Birthdays:June - August

44 AmCham Staff

44 Connect with AmCham

Cover Stories18 Who Cares About

Sustainability...

Company News35 BDO ramps up

digitization efforts withBDO Pay

36 Closing the loop on recyclable plastic packaging in the Philippines

40 The Future of Work in 2021: According to IWG's CEO Mark Dixon

42 Why I chose IWG: Meet Franchise Partner Ricardo Lagdameo, Philippines

Editorial06 The Imperative in

"What's Next?"

Features24 Amcham launches its

Creative IndustriesComittee

28 Bamboo Offers FlexibleSolutions to Mine Rehabilitation

31 Bamboo: Timber of the21st Century

32 Project HARVEST

Sustainability must stand on three legs – people, planet, and profit. Sustainable companies try to balance all three by “using sustainable development … to positively affect the environment, business growth and the society.”

Photo by: Lara Jameson from pexels.com

6

positive impact on nature and contribute to rebuilding and (re)generating nature in the locations where it operates?”

Finding answers to these questions requires meaningful, context- and science-based targets and goals to focus efforts and measure progress. Science Based Targets Initiative, with over 1000 private companies committed to set science-based emissions reduction, targets in line with climate science. Car-bon Disclosure Project (CDP) and Global Reporting Initiative allow companies to understand their baseline.

Other initiatives such as United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), with over 12,000 participants, and the United Na-tions Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI), with over 3,000 signatories, provides guidance, metrics and reporting framework that provides pathways to greater transparency and accountability. It also helps private companies to get started in goal setting with a community-based-shared-knowledge approach.

Other more matured framework such as Taskforce for Cli-mate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) allows businesses; investors and insurers to better understand the company’s exposure to climate related risks. The B Certified Corpora-tions provide a comprehensive checklist for businesses to meet the highest standards of verified social and environmen-tal performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

Next step is by knowing that you are not alone. Coalitions emerge with a diverse cooperation from multi-stakeholder groups that aims to create positive environment and social impact. These types of coalition often support shared value creation, such as community or public goods and services. Some examples of these business coalitions include Corpo-rate Leaders Group on Climate Change, We Mean Business, Global CEO Alliance and World Business Council for Sustain-able Development. These groups not only create space for collaborative strategy development and M&E but also provide mitigation mecha-nisms that future-proof companies in the midst of uncertainty.

On to my last point, I have firmly believed that businesses are at the forefront of this sustainable development transforma-tion. This global push for sustainability transitions creates an enabling business environment for new types of entre-preneurship—one that is purpose-driven and is committed to delivering positive impact for societal challenges. Look-ing at science and the state of the world today, there is only one direction it can take. These transformative forces will be big, but these strategic risks have now become systemic, meaning that change driven by nature or society, or both, will lead to disruptive market shifts. Failing to create a company’s transformative pathway risks the business's future. Compa-nies, large and small, governments and civil society are all on this journey together. It is our generations “moon shot”, our defining moment and for all future generations.

Guest EditorJames DonovanCo-Founder and CEOADEC Innovations

| Editorial

The world is witnessing dramatic change from the physical risks and transition risks brought about

by the core environment issues of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution crises. “Business as usual” is no longer acceptable and challenges the question, “How long the world can continue pursuing production and consumption the way we know it?” The

COVID-19 pandemic has increased concerns about the inter-connectedness and vulnerability of the environment, society and that of the global economy.

To navigate and survive this transformative change, every business will need to harness ingenuity, creativity and innova-tion. We will need CEOs, entrepreneur and C-level executives to overhaul their purpose, plans and strategies for this new narrative, engage with like-minded partners and create a thoughtful business models. With so much at stake, cling-ing to “business as usual” is not only risky but creates an irreversible conflict with society and nature. The only way to prepare for the future is to explore how businesses can take a positive approach, starting today.

Private sector and business intervention first needs to happen from within. There is no better incentive than survival. We have seen tremendous impact of physical and socio-econom-ic risk of the pandemic that has toppled some businesses and impacted those who managed to survive. The next one is no longer a question of “if” but rather a question of “when”. For businesses operating in such end-of-life contexts, shifting to completely new business models that are based on different types of resources, technologies, value propositions and mar-ket structures will be challenged by their “sunk” investments on equipment, personnel and assets. But businesses in such contexts are the most vulnerable and will be potentially out-competed soon by better alternatives. This transformational change will not happen overnight, but commitment, long-term vision, entrepreneurship and innovation will be key. Below are some key considerations in getting started.

Business leaders must first commit by setting transformation-al goals to achieve success that includes the health and well-being of people and nature. This inspiring idea of generating positive impact for nature and people can be the starting point for any business to start exploring its own role, position and contribution. This journey starts with business models that generate positive impacts for employees, communities and environment within which businesses operate.

Getting on does not require a “hard start”. Several guidance platforms are available that allow businesses to align their core business assumptions to a nature-positive approach and define the business’ role in a broader sustainability and targets—one that is supporting the ambitious environmental and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Business leaders must start to seek to find answers in questions such as “What is the contribution of the business to national and global emissions?” and “How can the business shift to renewable energy source?” And “What can the businesses do, through its products, services and practices, to improve human well-being and community resiliency?” “Can the business have a

September 2021 | Vol 96 | No 10

The Imperative in “What’s Next?”

8 AmCham Philippines | June 2021 9| Amcham Officers & Directors

The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.Putting your Business Forward

Since 1902

FRANK THIELQuezon PowerPresident

AILEEN JUDAN JIAOIBM Philippines1st Vice President

ROBERTO BATUNGBACALDow Chemical Pacific Ltd.2nd Vice President

PHILIP SOLIVENCargill Philippines, Inc.Treasurer/Director, Ex-Officio

MARISSA DE UNGRIAS.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.JAMES DONOVANADEC InnovationsRAFAEL S. FAJARDOProcter & Gamble International Operations (SA) ROHQCARLOS MA. G. MENDOZAJPMorgan Chase and Co.TONY RUTLANDFluor Daniel, Inc.RICK SANTOSSantos Knight Frank, Inc.BRUCE WINTONMarriott InternationalMARK LWINReed Elsevier PhilippinesDirectors

GEORGE M. DRYSDALEMarsman Drysdale GroupDONALD R. FELBAUMOptel LTD.Directors, Ex-Officio

EBB HINCHLIFFEAmCham PhilippinesExecutive Director

ATTY. AILEEN TOLOSA-LERMARomulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc de los AngelesLaw OfficeCorporate Secretary

JOHN D. FORBESThe Arangkada Philippines Project (TAPP)Senior Advisor

DR. FRANCISCO VILLANUEVAClark Development CorporationPresident, AmCham North Luzon Chapter

BRIAN CONNELLYMarco Polo Plaza CebuPresident, AmCham Visayas Chapter

LUIS BONGUYANIndividual MemberPresident, AmCham Mindanao Chapter

MISSION STATEMENT

The Chamber exists to serve the needs and wants of Filipino and U.S. businesses through the participation of members in promoting their long-term objectives, while fostering closer relationships between the two countries and contributing to the civic and economic development of the Philippines.

For more information, please contact AmCham’s Head of Corporate Partnerships.Email: [email protected] / Tel: (+632) 8818 7911 loc. 218

AMCHAM CORPORATE & ASSOCIATE PARTNERSAmCham Philippines is the longest-serving and most vibrant American Chamber in Asia, and is recognized as the voice of business since 1902.

The AmCham Corporate and Associate Partnership offers companies year-round benefits, including expanded access to AmCham core membership resources for an enhanced leadership status within the community, as well as greater intelligence, access, influence, and exposure. Regular Firm Membership

*A – Php 57,800 | B – Php 47,300(*+Php 5000 one-time registration fee)

This membership is available to corporations, partnerships, proprietorships, and other business organizations and enterprises that are registered and qualified to do business in the Philippines, with 30% or more of the ownership held by American citizens and/or corporations.

In a partnership, the American partner/s must have a share of interest of 30% or more. In the case of nonstock corporations and unincorporated associations, at least 30% of the voting members must be Americans.

In this classification, the firm shall be represented by an accredited individual who must rank as a senior executive but may not be necessarily be an American citizen.

Regular Individual Membership Php 34,700(*+Php 5000 one-time registration fee)

This membership is available to individual persons residing in the Philippines who are American citizens and who are not eligible for any other membership classifications.

Associate Firm Membership *A – Php 57,800 | B – Php 47,300(*+Php 5000 one-time registration fee)

This membership is available to firms that are qualified to do business in the Philippines, with 71% or more of the ownership held by citizens or corporations that are non-Americans. The firm shall be represented by an accredited individual who must rank as a senior executive and may be of any nationality.

Associate Individual Membership Php 34,700(*+Php 5000 one-time registration fee)

This membership is available to individuals residing in the Philippines who are non-American citizens and who are not eligible for any other membership classifications.

Non-Profit and Government Membership Php 23,400(*+Php 5000 one-time registration fee)

This membership is available to: non-profit, charitable, civic, educational, religious and eleemosynary organizations, associations and institutions in the Philippines. Under this classification, an individual accredited by the organization shall serve as a representative. Employees of the U.S. Federal Government can also avail of this membership category.

Non-Resident Membership Php 23,400(*+Php 5000 one-time registration fee)

This membership is available to firms and individuals who are doing business outside the Philippines but would like to support the Chamber in its activities and events.

Additional Firm Membership Php 5,250

This membership is available to any employee of a firm member residing in the Philippines who wish to be recognized as an official member of the Chamber.

*A- Annual Revenue of US$ 5 million and above B - Annual Revenue of US$ 4.9 million and below

For queries please contact AmCham’s Membership Manager.Email: [email protected] / Tel: (+632) 8818 7911 loc. 207

For more information, please contact AmCham’s Head of Corporate Partnerships.Email: [email protected] / Tel: (+632) 8818 7911 loc. 218

AMCHAM CORPORATE & ASSOCIATE PARTNERSAmCham Philippines is the longest-serving and most vibrant American Chamber in Asia, and is recognized as the voice of business since 1902.

The AmCham Corporate and Associate Partnership offers companies year-round benefits, including expanded access to AmCham core membership resources for an enhanced leadership status within the community, as well as greater intelligence, access, influence, and exposure.

Regular Firm Membership *A – Php 57,800 | B – Php 47,300(*+Php 5,000 one time registration fee)

This membership is available to corporations, partnerships, proprietorships, and other business organizations and enterprises that are registered and qualified to do business in the Philippines, with 30% or more of the ownership held by American citizens and/or corporations.

In a partnership, the American partner/s must have a share of interest of 30% or more. In the case of nonstock corporations and unincorporated associations, at least 30% of the voting members must be Americans.

In this classification, the firm shall be represented by an accredited individual who must rank as a senior executive but may not be necessarily be an American citizen.

Regular Individual Membership Php 34,700(*+Php 5,000 one time registration fee)

This membership is available to individual persons residing in the Philippines who are American citizens and who are not eligible for any other membership classifications.

Associate Firm Membership *A – Php 57,800 | B – Php 47,300(*+Php 5,000 one time registration fee)

This membership is available to firms that are qualified to do business in the Philippines, with 71% or more of the ownership held by citizens or corporations that are non-Americans. The firm shall be represented by an accredited individual who must rank as a senior executive and may be of any nationality.

Associate Individual Membership Php 34,700(*+Php 5,000 one time registration fee)

This membership is available to individuals residing in the Philippines who are non-American citizens and who are not eligible for any other membership classifications.

Non-Profit and Government Membership Php 23,400(*+Php5,000 one time registration fee)

This membership is available to: non-profit, charitable, civic, educational, religious and eleemosynary organizations, associations and institutions in the Philippines. Under this classification, an individual accredited by the organization shall serve as a representative. Employees of the U.S. Federal Government can also avail of this membership category.

Non-Resident Membership Php 23,400(*+Php 5,000 one time registration fee)

This membership is available to firms and individuals who are doing business outside the Philippines but would like to support the Chamber in its activities and events.

Additional Firm Membership Php 5,250

This membership is available to any employee of a firm member residing in the Philippines who wish to be recognized as an official member of the Chamber.

*A- Annual Revenue of US$ 5 million and above B - Annual Revenue of US$ 4.9 million and below

For queries please contact AmCham’s Membership Manager.Email: [email protected] / Tel: (+632) 8818 7911 loc. 207

12 AmCham Philippines | June 2021 13| Amcham Chapters & Advocacies

AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC.(North Luzon Chapter - 2015)

DR. FRANCISCO VILLANUEVA Clark Development CorporationPresident

JOAN SABROSOChapter Office Manager

Claro M. Recto Highway, Clark Freeport ZoneMabalacat City, Pampanga 2010Telefax: (632) 8811 3081 • Mobile: +63 (927) 912 3248Email: [email protected]

AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC.(Visayas Chapter - 1987)

BRIAN CONNELLYMarco Polo Plaza CebuPresident

BRENDA LISENChapter Office Manager

RUTHCEL ARAGONChapter Marketing Manager

Unit 303, Clotilde Commercial CenterM.L. Quezon Street, Casuntingan, Mandaue City 6014Tel.: +63 (32) 316 1093 • Fax: (032) 232 2373Mobile: +63 (917) 323 1972Emails: [email protected]@[email protected]: www.amchamvisayas.com

AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC.(Mindanao Chapter - 1988)

LUIS BONGUYANIndividual MemberPresident

ANNIE QUITAYChapter Office Manager

2nd Floor, Door 207-208, Don Cesareo, Villa-Abrille BuildingJacinto corner Juan Luna Street, Davao City 8000Mobile: +63 (916) 876 7729Emails: [email protected]@amchamphilippines.com

AMERICAN CHAMBER FOUNDATION PHILIPPINES, INC.(Founded 1985)

EDWIN FEISTAdvanced Nutrition TechnologyPresident

16th Floor, Sagittarius Condominium111 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227Trunkline: (632) 8816 3716 • Directline: (632) 8867 2426E-mail: [email protected]: www.amchamfoundation.com

FILIPINO-AMERICAN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT, INC.(Founded 1986)

LT. COL. ARTEMIO MATIBAGPresident

LESLIE ANN MURRAYTrustee

DIVINA COMBESCoordinator

c/o The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.2nd Floor, Corinthian Plaza Building, 121 Paseo de Roxascorner Gamboa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229C.P.O. Box 2562, Makati City, 1265Tels.: (632) 8818 7911 to 13 • Fax: (632) 8811 3081Email: [email protected]: www.filipino-americanmemorials.org

AMERICAN DESK AT THE BOARD OF INVESTMENTS(Established 1992)

EBB HINCHLIFFEDirector

MC BENSALAmerican Desk Specialist

385 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati CityTels.: (632) 8895 8851; 895 3918 • Fax: (632) 8896 2315Emails: [email protected]@amchamphilippines.com

AmCham News |

14 | Header 15AmCham Committees | 4 | Header

GET INFORMED. BE INVOLVED.STAY CONNECTED.

AMCHAM COMMITTEESYOUR MAIN ALLY

MARKETING OPPORTUNITIESPromote your brand among top executives and business movers via email blast and advertising on the AmCham Business Journal.

ADVOCACYAmCham works closely with the Philippine Government to address business issues on your behalf.

INFORMATIONStay up to date with the latest business and economic issues by engaging in meetings year-round.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIESTap into AmCham’s solid network of over 700 members in the Philippines and abroad. Take advantage to meet and exchange ideas with industry leaders and key business personalities.

Join the AmChamCommittee Network today!For further information, you may contact us at (632) 8818 7911 loc. 226

/AmCham.Philippines

@AmChamPH

in/amchamphilippines/

www.amchamphilippines.com

Your MAIN Partner in Business

INDUSTRY Chair INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Agribusiness Atty. Mel Hernandez / Chris Ilagan Bernice Ermac

Education Terry Farris Lia Daus

Energy & Power Frank Thiel Mark Rabago

Environment and Urban Development Arch. Jun Palafox, Jr. Bernice Ermac

Financial Services, Taxes & Tariffs Atty. Jules Riego / Rombit Co Jeanne Moreno

Healthcare and Wellness Donald Felbaum / Jaeger Tanco Lia Daus

Human Capital & Resources Ernie Cecilia / Grace Sorongon Lia Daus

Information & Communications Technology Donald Felbaum Jeanne Moreno

Infrastructure & Logistics Jaime Faustino / Garrick Thompson Mark Rabago

Intellectual Property Rights Atty. Divina P.V. Ilas-Panganiban, LL.M.Atty. Princess Ascalon

Jeanne Moreno

Legislative John D. Forbes / Atty. Elaine Collado Mark Rabago

Manufacturing Dan Lachica / Chris Ilagan Mark Rabago

Pharmaceutical Rose Lauren Mariano Lia Daus

Professional Women of AmCham Atty. Melanie LageraAtty. Chel Ramirez-dela Cruz

Jeanne Moreno

Security & Disaster Resources Group Simoun Ung / Pete Troilo Lia Daus

Sustainability Atty. Mimi Malvar / Mardie C. Torres Bernice Ermac

Tourism & Hospitality Dorothy Drysdale / Anna Liza Vergara Jeanne Moreno

Trade & Investment Mario Biscocho / Douglas Fowler Mark Rabago

Young Professionals of AmCham Atty. Paolo Villonco / Paolo Abellanosa Bernice Ermac

Internal CHAIR CONTACT

Membership Roland dela Cruz / Cesar Ginete Vicky San Juan-CoChet Guevara

Kapihan Ebb Hinchliffe / Leslie Ann Murray Bernice Ermac

Networking / General Membership Meetings Ebb Hinchliffe Bernice Ermac

Communications & PublicationsErnie Cecilia

Chi PeñaLeslie Ann MurrayAya Sigua

Corporate & Associate Partners Ebb Hinchliffe Donna Marcelo

AmCham Center for Training and Development (ACTDev)

Ebb Hinchliffe Mc Bensal

A C T I V I T I E S / A D V O CA CY / A F F I L I AT E C H A I R C O N TA C T

Business Leadership Program (BLP) Jun Salipsip / David Caldwell Pinky Jamili

Filipino-American Memorial Endowment (FAME)

Lt.Col. Art MatibagLeslie Ann Murray

Divina Combes

The Arangkada Philippines Project (TAPP II) John D. Forbes Mark Rabago

Washington Relations / AmChams of Asia-Pacific (AAP)

Ebb HinchliffeRick SantosGeorge Drysdale

Divina Combes

16 AmCham Philippines | June 2021 17| Members' Birthdays

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

New AmCham Members,Representatives and Individuals

National Capital Region

Afni Philippines Inc. Khalid Khursheed Vice President of Operations

New Corporate Member

Newtech Pulp, Inc. Petra Bursian General DirectorNew Primary Representative

Paypal Pte Ltd. Steven Chan

Senior Director and Regional Head of Government Relations, Asia-Pacific

New Primary Representative

Sykes Asia, Inc. Shane BaetzVice President, Regional Support Services

New Primary Representative

Tech Audit Systems Company, Inc.

Arnel Angcos President New Corporate Member

North Luzon Chapter

Omni International Consultants,Inc./ Omni Insurance Brokers(Clark Branch)

Mary Evangeline dela Cruz Branch Manager New Member

Visayas Chapter

Radisson Blu Cebu Bjorn-Henning Buth General Manager New Representative

New Company AddressesVisayas Chapter

Author Solutions Phils. Inc. 18th floor Skyrise 4A, Cebu It Park, Lahug, Cebu City 6000 Cebu PH; New Tel. No. (032) 252-1000 to 1003, and Fax No. (032) 252-1004

Rider Levett Bucknall 9th Floor, Unit 2-901, OITC2, Oakridge Business Park, 880 A.S. Fortuna St., Brgy. Banilad, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines 6014.

National Capital Region

Tim Kuehn Principal, Global Flight Consultants LLC New Individual Member

TO BE UPDATED

Bernas, Joanna 1

Narvacan, Derick

Nakagawa, Kazuya 2

Toze, David Ortola, Andres 4

Tolosa-lerma, Aileen Sarah

Riego, Jules E. 6

Williams CPP, Jeffrey A. 7

Du-Baladad, Benedicta Batuhan, Allan 9

Fleras, Jomar Olivier Larcher

Saporsantos Jr., Napoleon L.

Dustin Onghanseng 10

Pascual, Raymund M. 11

Yang, George T. 12

Lietz, Rudolf Johannes Hermann

13

Angeles, Raymond Sinha, Anshum 14

Mabatid, Lope 15

Drysdale, George 16

Carado II, Carlos Acesor, Steve 17

Clement III, Carlos "Charlie" S

Tanco, Joseph Augustin 18

Dearing, Wayne

Reyes, Paul Jason Toth, Elek Christopher 20

Tiongson, Rolando 21

Villonco, Rolando Mario G.

Dan Wolbert 22

Romero, Gella 23

Donovan, James del Sol, Romil Rayos 25

Rivera, Paul 27

Kaufman, Eric 28

Dagdag, Marites T. Busmente, Theresa 3

Dumlao-Nulud, Rosario

Frankum, Trent 5

Vincent, Steven Alexander

6

Villegas, Noel S. 9

Whisenhunt, Judy Jacob, Ruby I. 13

Tan, Arthur R. 14

Ordono, Angel Lwin, Mark 15

Pascual, Mary Rose

Marshall, Jan Trabado, Dexter 16

Tang, Nikki 19

Del Rosario, Ruben T. 20

Reidenbach, Patrick D.

Quraeshi, Safdar 21

Kang, Jikyeong 22

Slough, Matthew 24

Fitzgerald, George 25

Torres, Mardie 28

Kerckhofs, Marc 29

Perez, Magdiel Enrique Oliver, Darren 30

Mueco, Ivic Ancheta, Alonzo Q.

Pangan, Jon Carlo Picache, Milagros Sering

31

NOVEMBERTacandong, Protacio 1

Aboitiz, David Pallasigue, Rodolfo 2

Fernando, Carlos Serrano, Mark 4

Garcia, William Sudolsky, David 8

Go, Henry Tioco, Andrew

Parieto Jr., Valentin Buendia, Lei 11

Tuazon, Marilen “Mayen”

Lockyer, Troy Adam 12

Carnites, Leonara

Wittig, Lars 13

Ty, Vida C. 14

Bagabaldo, Aniano 17

Rillera, Allan Fernando 18

Cipriano, Ariane Bianca 19

Thompson, Garrick 21

Cariaso, Reginaldo Anthony B.

Merot, Franck 24

Españo, Marivic C.

Co, Joaquin Joson 28

Buenaventura, Odezza Biscocho, Mario A. 29

Canilao, Andres 30

Raghu Krishnan William Lee O'Brian 29

Angeles, Nico Somera Jr., Bienvenido I.

30

18 AmCham Philippines | June 2021 19| Cover Story

Corporations operate for 50 years, and are allowed to extend for another 50 years

per extension. Chief Executive Officers or CEOs have a five-year term, more or less. Government leaders are elected for three or four or six years, depending on the country’s Constitution and the position.

UNSEEN COSTS

This political situation forces leaders to manage for the short term. In both private and public sectors, leaders often would not tolerate short-term pains for long-term gains.

The world is run by politics, economics and finance. Leaders often fail to factor in the value of Nature. Policy decisions and enabling rules often forget to consider the side effects on Nature. Economists know about “externality” – the cost (or benefit) incurred by the producer, that is paid (or received) by

a third party who did not agree to it. Today’s relevant externalities cause great financial costs and losses for those affected by so-called natural disasters like droughts, floods, typhoons, hurricanes, flooding, rising sea levels, air and water pollution, etc. Leaders seem to have the propensity to ignore these facts as the unseen costs are just starting to appear and only in places of high vulnerability, and not where they comfortably sit.

Wittingly or unwittingly, Man has treated Nature as his servant. Unbeknownst to many, Nature has a way of getting back at Man. Consider the following:

• Roughly 700 million people worldwide suffer from malnutrition, but 1/3 of the world’s food is wasted every year. Lost food of 1.3 billion tons can feed three billion people. Yet, hunger and malnutrition rise unabated in

Who Cares About Sustainability…

Photo by: Markus Spiske from pexels.com

By Ernie Cecilia, DPM

the Third World, as people in the First World suffer from obesity due to overeating.

• Biodiversity has declined by 68% since 1975, according to the Living Planet Report of the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF). Latin America and the Caribbean registered a 94% loss since 1975.

• In the 1950s, two million tons of plastics were produced annually. Today, more than 270 million tons are produced every year, eight million tons of which end up in the oceans and are ingested by marine life that we eat. What goes along, comes along.

• In the beginning, the world was 71% water and 29% land. Of this land, 71% were habitable. Ten thousand years ago, 57% (or six billion hectares) of this habitable land were forests,

20 | Cover Story

while 42% were grassland and shrubs, while 1% were fresh water lakes and rivers. Five thousand years later, the forest areas were reduced to 55% and the grassland/shrubs rose to 44%. Then Man became more civilized. By 1700, there were only 52% forests, 3% crop land, 6% grazing land, and 38% wild grassland and shrubs. By 2018, forests accounted for only 38% of habitable land; crops 15%, grazing 31%, and grassland/shrubs 14%. “One-third of the world’s forests have been lost; half of this occurred in the last 100 years. Almost half of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture – 77% for livestock (grazing and crops for animal food), 23% for crops for human food.” – Source: OurWorldinData.org

Food sufficiency is going to be a major problem in the near future. But food production using technologies that increase the carbon dioxide footprint is going to harm Nature as well. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) can threaten food sufficiency as “global warming can change rain patterns and make droughts more frequent and intense, and rains more torrential and destructive.” Livestock farming can likewise affect climate change from emission of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane.

GLOBAL WARMING

The term is used for “the observed century-scale rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s climate system and its related effects.” Scientists are almost unanimous in saying that it is caused by “increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases and other human-caused emissions.”

What worsens global warming is the melting of the ice caps at the North and South Poles, which trap most of the world’s freshwater supply. If all of these would melt, sea level would

We need to understand the urgency of the situation, and we need to see this from a holistic point of view.” Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg

"rise by some 70 meters. It is expected that by the start of 2100, sea level would have increased by 1 to 2 meters. Rising sea levels will mostly affect European countries, especially Netherlands, and Asian countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines.

While the world has warmed by an average of 1 degree Celsius, the North pole is now 2.8 degrees Celsius hotter than it was 100 years ago.

Here’s why global warming is worrisome. The Earth is protected from the sun’s rays by its atmosphere, where “greenhouse gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone” are accumulated. As these gases are emitted from the Earth to its atmosphere, they are kept there and are agitated, heated, and “boiled” by the sun’s rays. As these gases increase the Earth’s average temperature, some parts may actually get colder and other parts warmer. This increasing “hotness in some parts and coldness in others make the weather and climate dramatically change in severity, scale and frequency – of storms, wildfires, and extreme temperatures.”

Job One for Humanity, a non-profit, warned that scientists believe that global warming has now reached a level of irreversibility and, if unabated, increasing levels can eventually reach an extinction level which can wipe out all forms of human life on Earth.

Irreversible global warming will

be caused by an increase in average global temperature of 2.2 to 4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Extinction level global warming is when temperature exceeds pre-industrial levels by 5 to 6 degrees Celsius (9 to 10.8 degrees Fahrenheit). When the atmosphere is lost, “runaway global warming” ensues, a phenomenon that happened to the planet Venus four billion years ago. Venus had a carbon-rich atmosphere and minimum surface temperature of 462 degrees Celsius.

Job One for Humanity also gave the following observations:

• Carbon pollution of our atmosphere has nearly doubled in 60 years – and escalating at a faster rate.

• Carbon from fossil fuel burning isn’t our only problem.

• It is still possible to slow down and lessen global warming and establish a new, stable equilibrium. It may, however, be different from the past, and it may not be suitable for humanity to thrive.

For the planet to sustain human life, we need to mitigate environmental risks NOW.

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

Sustainability refers to doing business in a way that does not

Cover Story - Women's Month | 21

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Ernie Cecilia, DPM, is a regular contributor to the AmCham Business Journal. Ernie is the chairman of the Human Capital Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines; Co-Chairman of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines’ TWG on Labor Policy and Social Issues; and past president of the People Management Association of the Philippines.

For comments or questions, please e-mail the author at [email protected].

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negatively impact the environment, the community, or society. It is also referred to as green business or green capitalism. Some criteria for a sustainable business are 1) it incorporates principles of sustainability into business decisions; 2) it supplies environmentally friendly products or services, using renewable resources; and 3) it makes enduring commitment to environmental principles in its business operations.

It is about profit with honor. Sustainability tries to meet the current needs of the business and its stakeholders, without compromising the next generations’ ability to meet their own needs.

Sustainability must stand on three legs – people, planet, and profit. Sustainable companies try to balance all three by “using sustainable development … to positively affect the environment, business growth and the society.”

Sustainability is not the same as corporate social responsibility (CSR). Bansal and Des Jardine (2014) wrote, “The notion of ‘time’ discriminates sustainability from CSR. Whereas ethics, morality, and norms permeate CSR, sustainability only obliges businesses to make intertemporal trade-offs to safeguard ‘intergenerational equity’.”

Corporate Knights is a Toronto-based media, research and financial information products company founded by Toby Heaps. It focuses on promoting economic system where prices fully incorporate social, economic and ecological costs and benefits, and market participants are clearly aware of the consequences of their actions. Every year since 2002, Corporate Knights lists down the top sustainable companies among 8,080 firms that report more than US$1 billion in revenues. In the 2021 list, there are 46 corporations based in Europe, 33 in North America, 18 in Asia, two in South America, and one in Africa.

The top companies and their ratings are Schneider Electric SE, France, 83.2%; Orsted A/S, Denmark, 82.7%; Banco de Brasil SA, Brazil, 81.7%, Neste Oyj, Finland, 80.7%; Stantec Inc., Canada, 80.5%; McCormick & Co., Inc., US, 79.3%; Kering SA, France, 78.4%; Metso Outotec, Finland, 78.4%; American Water Works, US, 77.1%; Canadian National Railway, Canada, 77.1%; Rexel SA, France, 76.6%; Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure PLC, UK, 76.5%; Cisco Systems, US, 75.8%; Storebrand ASA, Norway, 75.2%; and Owens Corning, US, 74.6% round up the top 15 most sustainable large companies in the world today.

It is heartening to know that big business is helping mitigate the threats to the planet and its residents.

For Sustainability to succeed, there must be a collective effort among all stakeholders. Public and private sector leaders must be fully

committed to make Sustainability their leadership agenda. But short-term leadership, and the leaders’ penchant for short-termism, will always be the bane of Sustainability.

If you closely examine global warming, climate change, and massive hunger, you’d realize that they are not natural disasters, but man-made disasters. The ill effects continue to destabilize organizations, governments and people, but many people don’t seem to understand Sustainability or care about the destabilizing effects of environmental issues on their lives.

An 18-year old Swedish environmental activist, Greta Thunberg, challenged world leaders, “As long as we do not treat this crisis as a crisis, and as long as the facts and the science are being left completely ignored, then we will not be able to solve this crisis. We need to understand the urgency of the situation, and we need to see this from a holistic point of view.”

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AmCham launches its Creative Industries CommitteeWriter: Lia DausJunior writer and research assistant: Dana De Leon

AmCham Philippines officially launched its Creative Industries Committee

through a virtual event on August 3, 2021, coinciding with UNCTAD’s International Year of Creative Economy. The Creative Industries committee is the chamber’s latest addition to its 19 active committees, and is led by acting chairman Mr. John D. Forbes, Senior Advisor of AmCham-Arangkada and Project Director of the AmCham-RESPOND Project.

AmCham has advocated for the development of Creative Industries together with its partners in the Joint Foreign Chambers since

Official committee launch group photo • (Top most L-R): John Forbes, Dr. Rafaelita Aldaba, Paolo Mercado; Celina Agaton, Frank Thiel, Ebb Hinchliffe, Terry Alan Farris, Atty. Princess Ascalon, Mario Biscocho, Anna-Liza Vergara, Atty. Ricky Salvador, Atty. Divina Ilas-Panganiban, Lia Daus, Sarah Gomez, Tin Tuguigui, Kieroville Rojas, Mark Rabago, Jeanne Moreno, and Dana De Leon

2010, when the sector was included among the Seven Big Winners of the Arangkada Philippines Project. The Philippines is making great strides to further develop the high potential of its many creative industries, accounting for 7% (PHP 383 billion) of the country’s GDP and employing approximately 5 million Filipinos under formal and informal employment.

The launch featured speakers Dr. Rafaelita Aldaba, Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry's Competitiveness and Innovation Group, and Mr. Paolo Mercado, founding President of the Creative Economy Council of

the Philippines (CECP) who gave enlightening discussions on the country’s rich and growing creative economy. The speakers were joined by various AmCham committee chairmen, namely Terry Farris from the Education committee, Atty. Ricky Salvador from the ICT committee, Mario Biscocho from the Trade & Investment committee, Anna-Liza Vergara from the Tourism & Hospitality committee, and Atty. Divina Panganiban and Atty. Princess Ascalon from the Intellectual Property Rights committee, all of whom expressed their support and emphasized the role of creative industries in their respective sectors.

Paolo Mercado gave an in-depth outlook of the Philippine creative industries and the status of the sectors amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the 2014 IPOPHIL report, Mercado stated that the Creative Industries account for 7% (Php 383 billion) of the country’s GDP, however the report excluded the value of heritage, which is a part of tourism, and gastronomy. Moreover, the industry employs approximately 5 million Filipino creatives, comprising less than a million workers in the formal sector FTEs, 2 to 3 million project freelancers in the local scene, and 1.5 million online creative freelancers working for international clients. In trade competitiveness, the Philippines ranks low compared to its neighboring ASEAN countries, with Singapore taking the first spot, followed by Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines taking only the fifth spot with $4.1 billion in Total Creative Exports. Interestingly, on the other hand, the Philippines contributes $3.2 billion in creative services, taking the top spot among ASEAN countries. Mercado emphasized that this can be an area the country could maximize and expand on even further.

As part of the country’s effort to intensify the promotion of the creative industries, Undersecretary Aldaba shared about the Department of Trade and Industry’s active collaboration with key stakeholders to further explore the opportunities of the growing sector and showcase its transformative role for economic development. Creative Industries is considered as one of DTI’s priority sectors under its Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy (I3S) and thus creativity and innovation are at the core of the department’s policies. DTI aims to implement programs to scale up creative talents and provide services such as mentorship, incubation and acceleration, industry matching, and internationalization.

Furthermore, DTI has set roadmapping projects that aim to define the country’s strategic priorities and action plan for the development of the creative industries. The department actively engages with the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, World Intellectual Property Office, and British Council to identify the definition and scope and limitations of Philippine creative industries as well as provide comprehensive industry statistics that are vital to decision making. To attract foreign investments in the said sector, Undersecretary Aldaba highlighted key legislation such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act which allows investors to choose and benefit from the array of incentives.

Similarly, the Creative Economy Council of the Philippines (CECP) created the 2030 Creative Economy Roadmap (see Table 1) with a goal in mind that by 2030 the Philippine creative economy shall be leading in the ASEAN region. This concurs

with the statement of John Howkins, author and leading strategist in creativity and innovation, which states the ambition is to make the Philippine creative economy not only internationally recognized but also “measurably number one in the ASEAN region”.

The roadmap comprises six key pillars, namely the Creative Policies, Creative Industries, Creative Clusters, Creative Cities, Creative Tourism, and Creative Education. Each of the pillars have specific objectives in their respective scopes that could help the Philippine creative economy evolve. Furthermore, it identified five priority sectors: 1) Advertising, 2) Film, 3) Animation, 4) Game development, and 5) Design for a more granular and achievable approach.

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The Philippines' 'Hidden Wealth'

By 2030, The Philippines will be the #1 in Creative Economy in ASEAN in terms of size and value of our creative industries, as well as competitiveness and attractiveness of our creative talent and content in international markets.”

"

Table 1: Overview of the Creative Economy Roadmap (CECP)

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As for the Creative Industries, the sector was tagged as yellow to some of its areas still in red. This is due to the difference in the demand and condition of each sub-sectors under the industry, which is illustrated in a ‘pain scale’ to specify the status of each sector (see Chart 1). Digital creative services such as software development and social media contents are marked as slightly green for it may be affected by the

The COVID-19 pandemic that has swept across the world and threatened the global economy certainly did not spare the developments of the Philippine creative industries. As mentioned by the DTI Undersecretary, independent businesses and creatives lost an estimated 5,549 projects affecting 4,458 creative freelancers, and with total loss of income amounting to PHP 268 million. Table 2 shows the revenue and job loss in the fields Film, Performing Arts, Heritage Sites, Traditional Advertising, Software Development, and Digital Marketing. However despite the disruption and issues brought by the pandemic in this industry, there was still progress made within some of the pillars.

Mercado showed the status of each element under the creative economy, which were color coded in green, signifying that the pillar is in good position; yellow, symbolizing the pillar approaching green but may not be fully developed; or red, meaning the pillar is behind in particular action items (see Table 3). Those in green are Creative Policies, with national policies such as the Creative Industries Charter Of 2019 (Senate Bill no. 411) and Philippine Creative Industries Act (House Bill No. 8101) filed under the 18th Congress; and Creative Cities, with Baguio and Cebu being accredited as UNESCO Creative Cities in 2017 and 2019 respectively. Furthermore, Creative Education is marked as yellow orange for the reason that it has an unknown status due to shifting preferences of the students taking art-related courses.

On the other hand, Creative Clusters and Creative Tourism are in red--in the danger zone--due to lack of support from government agencies and/or are highly in demand but gravely affected by the restrictions imposed to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and the creative industriesTable 2. COVID-19 Impact on PH Creative Industries

Table 3. Status of 2030 Creative Economy Roadmap Pillars

pandemic yet they are still fully operational. On the opposite end of the line, performing arts, crafts, and heritage sites were all marked in red due to their high dependence on face-to-face set up. Nevertheless, despite the challenges faced by the creative sectors, it gave the country a wider chance to make room for recovery and growth, especially that each sector is now transitioning towards digitalization.

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Although the Philippines is among the many nations gravely affected by the global health crisis, Mercado pointed out that there remain numerous ways for the Philippine creative industries to overcome the obstacles brought by the pandemic. Firstly, the Philippines yields abundant creative resources and talents; however, too much of it would depreciate the value. This could be solved through a global approach. Secondly, there needs to be an understanding that “excellence is the price of entry for creative industries.” Mediocrity will not survive in the global competition. Lastly, the creative industry of the Philippines should invest in international studies in order to comprehend the international demands.

Mercado pointed out that the ‘pain scale’ serves a second purpose---to track the needs of each sector and formulate tailored solutions. For the sectors marked as green, these are the industries that still need investment and incentives, while the industries that were highlighted as yellow are the sectors that need to adapt to new business operations, need more government support, and must apply flexibility in their field. Those in red are in need of thorough assistance from the government through loans, protection, and purchasing in order for the industry to foster.

Overall, the success of the creative industries would not be possible without support from the public sector, business sector, civil

Moving forward...service organizations (CSOs), academe, and many others. AmCham recognizes the need to support the creative industries to promote sustainable and inclusive development in the country. Hence, the chamber aims for the newly established committee to be an avenue for stakeholders to discuss important issues and policies relating to creative industries and drive the Philippine creative economy forward.

The Creative Industries Committee plans to meet every two months. Future sessions will focus on the Philippine Creative Industries Act, followed by meetings to discuss the largest creative industry sectors, including advertising, animation, design, film, and software.

“The creative industries are at the crossroads of the arts, culture, business, and technology, and these activities are intensive in creative skills and can generate income through trade and intellectual property rights leveraging on our cultural richness, highly skilled content artists and creators, and their use of new technologies; we can transform the creative industries to drive and fuel or economic recovery and growth.”

Chart 1: Pillar: Creative Industries ‘Pain Scale’

Sources:

The Arangkada Philippines Project. “A Policy Brief on the Philippine Creative Industries,” Creative Industries Policy Brief No. 10, November 2018, 1-14.

Ilostmygig.ph (2020 May 4). Ilostmygig.ph Report. Retrieved from https://i lostmygigph.fi les.wordpress.com/2020/05/ilostmygigph05042020.pdf

IPO Philippines. (2014, November 25). Updating the 2006 WIPO Study of the Economic Contribution of Copyright Based Industries in the Philippines. Retrieved from: https://www.ipophil.gov.ph/ images/WhatsNew/phi l ipp ines%20 updat ing%202006%20wipo%20study%20economic%20contribution%20cbis%20final%20report%20edited%2025%20 nov%202014.pdf

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. (2019, January). Creative Economy Outlook and Country Profile Report: Trends in international trade in creative industries. Retrieved from: https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/ditcted2018d3_en.pdf

AmCham Philippines | June 2021 2928 | Feature

Bamboo Offers Flexible Solutions to Mine RehabilitationBy Fernando S. Penarroyo

The general perception of the mining industry is often associated with the destruction of forest cover and disposal of toxic wastes in water systems. Mining,

like any anthropogenic activity, affects the ecosystem, resulting in the loss of forest, cultivated grazing lands, leading to the overall loss of agricultural production. Eco-rejuvenation efforts, a biotechnological approach of rejuvenating degraded lands, are currently being done to rehabilitate and restore ecosystems in mined-out and mine tailings-covered areas.

The industry seems to have found a solution in putting up bamboo plantations for the rehabilitation of lands affected by mining operations. Because of its wide distribution, availability, rapid growth, low-maintenance, and high survival rate, bamboo is ideal for arresting soil erosion, landslides, and flooding in mine sites. Aside from releasing up to 35% more oxygen than any other trees, segregating up to 12 metric tons of carbon dioxide per hectare, and absorbing heavy metals from contaminated soil or water, bamboo is also widely used by local communities for domestic purposes.

It is fitting then that on October 17, 2019, industry stakeholders from the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) inaugurated the “Bamboo Initiative”, which is part of their plan to rejuvenate mined-out areas. At the same time, this will increase bamboo production to spur economic activities in host communities. The DENR and the DTI initiated the rehabilitation of mined-out areas in response to President Duterte’s order for the mining industry to repair the environment and rejuvenate mined-out areas. According to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), 12 mining companies have already started planting bamboo in 12 provinces across nine regions all over the country.

In an MGB Memorandum entitled “Establishment of Bamboo Plantation in Mining Areas” dated 11 June 2020, mining sites are now mandated to put up bamboo plantations as part of the DENR’s post COVID-19 recovery efforts. DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu wants all mining contractors to establish additional bamboo plantations, equivalent to 10% of their declared final mining area, to bring the total target bamboo plantation area to at least 20%. MGB ordered that all offset bamboo plantations should be covered with a Memorandum of Agreement between the mining company concerned and private landowners or people’s organizations. This is to ensure that mining companies will monitor the growth

of bamboo species planted with the corresponding appropriate measures.

In addition, the offset bamboo plantation area shall not be covered by the existing expanded National Greening Program (NGP) or any projects of the DENR or any non-government organizations. Launched in 2011, the NGP is the government's plan to reforest denuded and degraded lands. NGP's original run ended in 2016 but Executive Order No. 193 (series of 2015) extended the implementation to 2028, to cover all remaining unproductive, denuded and degraded forestlands.

According to the DENR's Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), the “Bamboo Plantation Development Project” of the expanded NGP aims to use bamboo specifically in rehabilitating one million hectares of denuded uplands, within the country's critical watersheds. The rehabilitation is targeted to help alleviate poverty while promoting food security, environmental stability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. In line with this, the ERDB organized and provided resource persons for the “Learning Event on Bamboo Propagation and Nursery and Plantation Establishment” held March 11-12, 2021, with representatives from mining companies and MGB regional offices as participants.

During the forum on “Bamboo Economics and Initiatives of the Mining Industry”, DTI Secretary and Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council Chairman Ramon Lopez announced that House Bill No. 9576 has been approved on its third reading, August 24,2021. Once enacted, the bill will contribute to the development of the “Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program” to include programs and projects for the scientific propagation, development, management, processing, utilization, business development, and commercialization

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Photo by: Emre Orkun Keskin from pexels.com

Photo by: Alex Keda from unsplash.com

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resources. Through this survey, the actual number of bamboo species, currently recorded at 62 species, and their quantity can be determined. The identity of each bamboo species should be determined, with priority on bamboo species which the local communities depend on. Properties of different bamboo species should be studied, so as to develop new products. Likewise, the survey can determine the presence of lesser known species with possible greater potential for use. Rare and endangered bamboo species should be identified, conserved, and protected from over-exploitation. More plantations should be established in different parts of the country with proper management of natural stands. According to the Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc., only 52,000 hectares in the Philippines have been planted with bamboo, and with mining industry using the grass for rehabilitation, the figures could go much higher.

ConclusionThe practical and aesthetic symbolism of the bamboo runs deep because it provides sustenance in human life, including food and shelter. The bamboo’s longevity, durability, strength, and resilience offer many lessons, especially for the mining industry. Despite adversities, its ability to stand and bend firmly without losing its original ground should serve as an inspiration to miners. Like the bamboo, the mining industry must be flexible and adaptable to seek practical solutions to environmental and social acceptability challenges.

of Philippine bamboo and bamboo products. It will also lead to the creation of the Bamboo Industry Research and Development Center which will provide incentives for bamboo plantation development, in cooperation with raw material producers, processors, retailers, and local government units. Meanwhile, the DENR recently issued Department Administrative Order No. 2021-26, which covers the eligibility of mineral lands

for the establishment of bamboo plantations.

In actual practice, Marcventures Mining and Development Corp. (MMDC) is utilizing bamboo farming in the implementation of its mine rehabilitation program. MMDC believes that rehabilitation should have two purposes - to restore and enhance the environment and provide long-term sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The bamboo industry is a $60 billion industry where mining communities can participate by manufacturing and supplying high-value products globally. The country’s bamboo-based furniture industry multiplies at an annual rate of 15% with export revenues amounting to US$3.2 million per year. Worldwide, bamboo-based handicraft industry swells by an average of 7 percent with export revenues of $8 billion yearly.

The development of certification standards for bamboo is also an important way to realize the importance of nature-based solutions for climate change. Certification helps identify, monitor, and ensure the sustainable development and use of bamboo and forest resources. China is the leading country in developing an independent certification standard for bamboo forest management.

In the Philippines, with the alarming shrinkage of tropical forests and government restrictions on timber harvesting due to environmental concerns, research on the substitution of timber with bamboo has been intensified. Due to advancements, new bamboo-based products with special properties were developed replacing timber as the raw material. Much progress has been made in bamboo research through the government-initiated Bamboo R&D Project, which initiated research and establishment of pilot plantations. Improvement can be made by further research on the physical, mechanical, chemical, and technological properties of bamboo.

It is also important for the government to conduct a nationwide survey to determine existing bamboo

References

Bamboo for Climate Change, The International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation, https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/28818/inbar.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

DENR-ERDB Trains Mining Sector on Bamboo Propagation, https://erdb.denr.gov.ph/2021/04/21/erdb-denr-trains-mining-sector-on-bamboo-propagation/

Message of Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, Mining Summit, 10 September 2021, https://www.dti.gov.ph/speeches/message-of-secretary-ramon-m-lopez-mining-summit/

Miraflor, Madelaine B., Miners Now Required to Establish Bamboo Plantations at Site, 21 August 2020, Manila Bulletin, https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/21/miners-now-required-to-establish-bamboo-plantations-at-site/

Mothapo, Makgamatho Godfrey, Economic Evaluation of Bamboo Cultivation and Potential Yield on Rehabilitated Mine Sites, https://hdl.handle.net/10539/24092, 2017, https://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/24092

Restoring Degraded Mines with Bamboo, 22 December 2020, https://www.bamboobioproducts.com/post/restoring-degraded-mines-with-bamboo

Roxas, Cristina A., Bamboo Research in the Philippines, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, https://www.bioversityinternational.org/fileadmin/bioversity/publications/Web_version/572/ch30.htm

Sanjog, Lal Singh, Thul, T., and Mohan Manu, T., Chapter 18 - Development of Bamboo Biodiversity on Mining Degraded Lands: A Sustainable Solution for Climate Change Mitigation, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128212004000029

Teves, Catherine, Bamboo to Help Boost Climate Change Mitigation in PH, 15 September 2021, https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153499

Villanueva, Val A., Mining Turns to Bamboo for Help, Business Mirror, 17 October 2019, https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/10/17/mining-turns-

Fernando “Ronnie” S. Penarroyo specializes in Energy and Resources Law, Project Finance and Business Development. He may be contacted at [email protected] for any matters or inquiries in relation to the Philippine resources industry and suggested topics for commentaries. Atty. Penarroyo’s commentaries are also archived at his professional blogsite at www.penarroyo.com

BAMBOO: THE TIMBER OF THE 21ST CENTURYBy Conrado S. Perreras

In 2010, an Executive Order was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo creating the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) with a

mandate to strengthen the Philippine bamboo industry, to counteract the worsening wood crisis brought about by massive deforestation in many wood producing countries including the Philippines. While the Philippines has its supply of bamboo, the available species are not the right kinds that are needed to be able to manufacture the marketable products. Some right species are available but their supply is thin. Bamboo can be used as substitute raw material for almost all products traditionally obtained from wood.

An integrated approach is recommended to strengthen the bamboo industry in the Philippines and should be guided by the provisions of EO 879 and the bamboo master plan. Definitely, the area planted should be expanded threefold and this is the responsibility of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which should select only those species of economic value. DENR should also provide long- term permits to companies or organizations engaged in bamboo processing to establish their own bamboo plantations of sufficient size to meet their raw material requirements within public forest lands. The Department of Agriculture (DA) should identify idle and marginalized agricultural areas suitable for bamboo plantations, without sacrificing areas used for food production. The Department of Education (DepEd) should procure the equivalent of at least 25% of the annual desks and arm chairs requirement of all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) should activate the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) and identify a bamboo specialist. Research should be a continuing endeavor especially in the following areas - pulp and paper, textile production, development of processing machinery, use of bamboo for power generation, etc. Likewise, training should be an inherent development requirement particularly in the aspects of bamboo production and utilization, plant propagation, plantation development and harvesting.

This book has assessed comprehensively the local supply situation of bamboo and provides key marketing information from primary and secondary sources. Scope includes industries using bamboo as raw material, bamboo species and bamboo resources in various regions of the Philippines, estimated area with bamboo stands, extent of bamboo forest area and bam- boo master plan among others. Insights about the international market were obtained from personal interviews with experts. Moreover, several barriers to entry were identified.

Conrado S. Perreras is an economist by training, marketer by profession and entrepreneur by choice. With 30 years of experience as chairman and CEO of his holding company, he has navigated it into several strategic business units (SBU) that included realty, beauty and

wellness among others. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, eventually earning full academic credits for a Master of Science in Industrial Economics from the University of Asia and the Pacific. This was further boosted by a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a thesis on “Strengthening The Supply of Bamboo” on which this book is anchored.

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Project HARVEST

PlantAsian Agro-Forestry Management Systems Inc., has been developing Project HARVEST (Holistic Agribusinesses for Renewable Valuable Enterprised Social Transformations) since 2016 as the company’s integration of bioremediation R&D designed to assess intercropping capacity for terraforming vetiver grass and other plants suitable for both lahar and river basin wetlands for siltation-flood control and reduction of pollution (uptake of heavy metals) to stimulate aquatic and foreshore flora-fauna ecological support as well as being a source of biomass for multi faceted commercial purposes, all which are predicated on CO2 sequestration.

The past 12 months evolved a Netherlands government sponsored Grant with Dutch NGO Wetlands International and its Clean Water programs, that have included pilot studies with UP Los Baños as one of many benefits from HARVEST’s multi faceted dynamic, together with post COVID recovery CSR programs that where initiated with local NGO’s to assess production of building materials and handicrafts plus, duckweed based Agri-feed enterprises now being developed with BAFS, to assist local fisherfolk around Casinsin, Pakil Laguna and surrounding environs.

Sustainable Development of Laguna Lake Wetlands

PlantAsian’s Chairman and CEO; “Developing these CSR programs and conducting initial R&D fieldwork under COVID protocols has been challenging and would not have been possible without the Dutch Embassy’s support for PlantAsian to focus on our primary roll for scaled biomass commercialization”.

HARVEST’s economic assessments for crops and manufacturing proof of concept, tests on various commercial production methodologies is scheduled for completion over the next year in association with the Laguna Lake Development Authority and the Lumban Municipality, who will benefit through major commercial developments as catalyst linkages to other CSR and ESG programs (as defined in the projects MOU) some of which, are critiqued as follows.

Creating Solutions

HARVEST provides sustainable Green Energy through carbon sequestration along with increased Rural Transformation (zero hunger) by innovative biomass cropping to help convert unusable lahars and re-invigorate associated wetlands areas into productive agricultural farmlands to grow high protein based plants that will

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Commercial Opportunities

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Author and photos: Timothy Collver

promote collaboration-alliance food production and animal FEED opportunities through national and international strategic partnerships with the following immediate goals;

Research & Development

The University of the Philippines (Los Baños - Dr. Sanchez, Professor and Director, Agricultural Systems Institute, College of Agriculture and Food Science) accredited Project HARVEST (Aug 2019) with the Philippine Department of Science & Technology’s (DOST) for being aligned with the Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD) of the Philippines Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). Previously, the Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA Secretary Piñol, April 2018) endorsed HARVEST, which has been reconfirmed by Secretary Dar (Sept 2019) for R&D funding support. HARVEST’s R&D Concept Note was tabled for link-up with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR Canberra Dr. James Quilty, Soil and Land Management) at PCAARRD’s project proposals meeting (19 October 2019) with participation subject to budgeting.

Transform Lahar and Floodlands into Viable Farmlands

Similar to nutrient poor desert sands, HARVEST integrates technologies (AgriSoil™ +Nano-Clay processes) with biomass composting, micro irrigation and cropping methodologies to stimulate lahar conversion into a sandy-loam soils and to improve floodlands for greater agricultural productivity.

34 35Company News || Feature

BDO ramps up digitization efforts with BDO Pay

BDO Unibank has broadened its roster of digital banking channels with the introduction of a mobile payment app that links directly to the client’s BDO account and credit card—making banking even more convenient, safer and responsive to its clients’ needs. Called BDO Pay, this app will enable clients to use their savings account or credit card to do contactless payments for bills, to online sellers and various stores nationwide. With this newest initiative, BDO clients need not move in and out of different apps just to transfer money from one account to another. Moreover, having a mobile payment app linked directly to a client’s bank account allows the former to save from paying cash-in fees repeatedly. BDO clients with existing online banking account can easily use BDO Pay by just downloading the mobile app from Google Play, App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. For existing clients with no online banking account, they are encouraged to sign-up first via online.bdo.com.ph and enroll. Once the online banking account is activated,

clients can already download the BDO Pay app and start using it. Meanwhile, non-BDO clients are invited to open a BDO account to experience the features of the said mobile payment app. Digital upgrades to better customer journey BDO, which currently operates the most number of branches and ATMs in the country, has been enhancing its technology and security infrastructure to deliver its products and services in a faster, simpler, and more secure way for the clients. “The digital initiatives do not only revolve around technology infrastructure, but also the revamp of operational processes and the engagement of experts to enable the Bank to be more agile and responsive to its clients’ needs,” said BDO. During the height of the pandemic, the Bank saw a substantial increase in usage of its BDO Online Banking and Mobile Banking channels as they provide BDO clients instant and easy access to all their BDO accounts, namely, credit cards, deposits, loans, and investments. The widespread adoption of the mobile and online banking habit is rising rapidly around the world largely due COVID-19. This has propelled the banks to embrace the advantages of digital banking and give their clients the ability and control to do bank transactions and payments without the need to visit a branch. In the Philippines, Filipinos are becoming more and more comfortable with cashless payments and doing online banking transactions in the new normal. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) targets to bring 70% of adult Filipinos into the banked population by 2023, and hopes that 50% of transactions—in terms of volume and value—done digitally.

Got questions or need more help? Reach out to us through our email [email protected], or call our hotline at (+632) 8631-8000. You can also chat with us at BDO Unibank on Facebook Messenger—just look for the BDO Unibank account with the blue check mark!

https://www.bdo.com.ph/features/BDO-Pay-Digital-Banking-Channel-Mobile-Wallet-Online-Banking-Cashless-Payments-Send-Money-Pay-Bills

Providing Bio-Engineering accredited ESG services to stimulate co-generation of sustainable Agriculture projects and related business enterprises to support CSR through value-chain enhanced off-take marketing of Agri-products and manufactured goods. Additional details please visit Website; (www.plantasian.com) or Email; ([email protected]).

About PlantAsian

CSRTo enable new agricultural based industries that will create employment through primary production and community enterprise secondary manufacturing as economic contributors focused on women and youths to stimulate a broader community social-economic impact supporting agricultural educational hubs for desert and wetlands ecological studies integrated with nearby schools to partner with international institutions with a focus on organic foods, medicinal plants and the manufacture of home wares and cosmetics (essential oils, soaps and other toiletries etc.).

ESG

By assisting with development and rehabilitation strategies within the ecosystems of Laguna Lake, as well as the reclamation-remediation of former wetlands

for increased environmental beneficiation of water, flora and fauna that have been classified as Strategic Policy Planning Areas: (1) for bioremediation (uptake of heavy metals + other pollutants) and flood retardation (siltation and water retention-redirection), improved Flora & Fauna (insects, birds & fish) and Higher Water Quality (increase O2, neutral to alkaline pH) plus significant and sustainable (blockchain) CO2 absorption.

PlantAsian Chairman & CEO; “Structuring agricultural R&D has natural constraints (such as 20,000 vetiver seedlings overdue for transplanting!) and our approach to funders is open to both private and government, who appreciate of our company’s working policy of enterprise building for commercialization that we support by reinvesting 90% of profits into associated Agri-businesses for increased employment of impoverished persons within our projects environs. Hence, approaching LLDA and surrounding LGU’s for their (gratis) participation can assist prioritizing R&D commercial trials to generate partnerships unique to HARVEST’s landmark status as a working example for other leaders of how commercial enterprises between government and business, may eventuate; the results of which, we welcome NGO’s and business to dutifully examine, and with an open invitation to assist funding and management support.”

» Biofuels (generation of Biocoal, Syngas-Methane, Aviation fuel etc.)» Activated Carbon (Biochar for AgriSoil + Filtration; AC, Water etc.)» Building Materials (Paneling, Roofing, Flooring, Doors, Furniture etc.)» Handy Crafts (Scrubs, Matting, Handbags, Sandals etc.)» Cosmetics (Essential Oils, Soaps, Perfumes etc.)» Plant based Protein for Food Ingredients (Emulsifiers etc.) and

Agricultural Feeds

36 37Company News I| Company News

Closing the loop on recyclable plastic packaging in the Philippines

Coca-Cola Philippines shares progress towards a ‘World Without Waste’ in the Philippines

MANILA, September 28, 2021 – Coca-Cola Philippines today shared three-year progress of their ‘World Without Waste’ program at an online event for media and stakeholders, including the latest details around their efforts to drive a circular economy in the Philippines and an update on PETValue Philippines, their pioneering bottle-to-bottle plastic recycling facility set to open in early 2022.

In 2018, The Coca-Cola Company pledged robust ‘World Without Waste’ global goals to help collect and recycle the equivalent of a bottle or can for every one the company sells by 2030; to make 100% of its packaging recyclable by 2025; and to use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030. In the Philippines, the company and its local bottling partner Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. are strongly committed to these goals.

“When we shared our World Without Waste roadmap for the Philippines three years ago, we recognized at that time that it was an ambitious goal. But, together with fellow businesses, recyclers, government agencies, NGOs and community organizations in the Philippines, we have made progress. There’s still a lot more to do and we are energized by the prospect of creating a circular economy

for recyclable PET plastic here in the Philippines,” said Tony del Rosario, Coca-Cola Philippines president, and VP for franchise operations for Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific – East Region.

Over the last three years, the company has rolled out packaging innovations and partnerships in the Philippines towards the global World Without Waste goals including: • Launching the first beverage brand in the Philippines

to be made from 100% recycled plastic – with Viva! Mineralized Water followed by Sprite 500ml plastic bottles also made from 100% recycled plastic.

• Changing their iconic Sprite bottles in the Philippines and other parts of the world from green to clear plastic to make the bottles easier to recycle into something new. Clear plastic bottles are more likely to be collected and recycled compared to colored plastic bottles.

• Supporting packaging collection initiatives and working together with other industry partners, recyclers, government agencies and NGOs to accelerate a closed loop economy in the Philippines. This includes investing in the largest, state-of-the-art bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in the Philippines, allowing recyclable plastic bottles to be used again and again.

Philippines—the country’s first food grade bottle-to-bottle recycling facility—is set to be operational in the first quarter of 2022. The 2.28-billion-peso multi-phased joint venture investment between Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc (CCBPI) and Indorama Ventures—a global leader in green technology and packaging solutions— will significantly expand domestic recycling capabilities and accelerate the development of a circular economy for recyclable PET plastic bottles in the Philippines. The facility’s operations will also generate around 200 direct jobs for Filipinos.

In 2020, the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, granted “Pioneer Technology Status” to PETValue for its 8-step green technology process for post-consumer PET plastic bottles. This is the safest and most advanced recycling technologies for recyclable plastic (PET) bottles; the process includes flaking, washing, extruding, and pelletizing, and solid state polycondensation or super-cleaning and decontamination. The BOI grants the pioneer status to programs or projects that involve manufacturing or processing activities that have not been done in the Philippines on a commercial scale or use a system that transforms raw materials through new technologies.

PETValue’s projected capacity is approximately 30,000 MT of post-consumer PET plastic bottles, equivalent to around 2 billion pieces of plastic bottles. “Sustainability is not merely a buzzword for us, it is the way we do business and is manifested across our operations— from water use to energy consumption, packaging innovation, fleet management, and even our coolers in the market. Every step of the process of producing Coca-Cola products, and in their post-consumption processing, is made with the highest standards in mind,” says Gareth McGeown, CEO and President of CCBPI. McGeown adds, “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we did not lose sight of our environmental targets and our commitment to making impactful investments. We are very excited about PETValue and how it will positively influence and affect the country—from making sure that our packaging doesn’t end up as waste, to the jobs it will generate for Filipinos. We are certain that its effect will contribute to both the economic recovery of the Philippines and its goals for responsible environmental stewardship.”

Senator Cynthia Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee for Environment and Natural Resources, in a video message shares her thoughts on the three-year progress that the beverage company has made towards its vision of a litter-free Philippines. "I recall I attended it in July 2019 where the company declared its commitment to be a responsible steward of its packaging from design, collection to recycling, and its brave vision of collecting and recycling the equivalent of every bottle or can it will sell around 10 years’ time,” says Sen. Villar. “Coca-Cola’s

• Launching more than 40 grassroots partnerships to support the ’informal collection’ sector, helping to improve working conditions, health and safety, job stability and income. With support from the Coca-Cola Foundation in the Philippines, these programs are now operational across 36 cities and municipalities.

Today, Coca-Cola announced milestones and upcoming initiatives in the Philippines as it continues with its World Without Waste journey. The company has pledged to use more recycled content in its line-up in the Philippines starting 2022 and beyond, as it expands the number of products that use 100% recycled PET in its packaging. By next year, the company will also be phasing out the use of unrecyclable sachets from its packaging portfolio in the Philippines. The company is also introducing paper straws for its juice and dairy products. With these decisions, the company will be fast-tracking the achievement of its commitment to make 100% of its packaging recyclable by 2025. Today, all the company’s bottles and cans are recyclable by design, on top of how Coca-Cola’s business in the country remains to be in refillable glass bottles.

The company has also been light weighting its recyclable (PET) plastic packaging, which has resulted in the removal of approximately 10,000MT of new or virgin plastic materials from its packaging. To mention a few examples, its packaging for single-serve (500ml and 330ml) Wilkins and Viva! is now approximately 20-25% lighter, while its 500ml bottle for carbonated drinks is now approximately 23% lighter.

“Our goal is to create closed loop systems, extracting the maximum value from packaging materials and products while in use, then preventing them from becoming waste through recovery, recycling and reuse,” said Del Rosario. “Ultimately, we aim for every package we sell to be recycled and reused.”

In order to remind consumers to help recycle the bottle after they have enjoyed the drink, Coca-Cola Philippines is launching this month a prominent ‘Recycle Me’ message on its package labels across all its brands and products.

Coca-Cola also announced today that PETValue

38 39| Company News

FACT SHEET:

Quotes from some of our partners:• Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, Undersecretary of Department

of Environment and Natural Resources Climate Change Service and Mining Concerns: “As we grapple with the pandemic and climate crisis, the initiative of Coca-Cola of collecting and recycling bottles or cans and making its packaging recyclable is a sufficiently ambitious pathway. Such efforts will contribute significantly to combating marine pollution. It also opens an opportunity for circular economy specifically in recovering and recycling waste.”

• Mr. David Katz, Plastic Bank® CEO and Founder: "We are moving past the conversations to sustainability moving powerfully into a new purpose driven economy. That is the regeneration economy. The world is now gathering together to repair the damage that has been done and Coca-Cola and a World without Waste and the Philippines Team is powerfully standing for just that."

About our partnerships• Indorama Ventures: Indorama Ventures Public Company

Limited, listed in Thailand (Bloomberg ticker IVL.TB), is one of the world’s leading petrochemicals producers, with a global manufacturing footprint across Europe, Africa, Americas, and Asia Pacific. The company’s portfolio comprises Combined PET, Integrated Oxides and Derivatives, and Fibers. Indorama Ventures products serve major FMCG and automotive sectors, i.e., beverages, hygiene, personal care, tire and safety segments. Indorama Ventures has approx. 24,000 employees worldwide and consolidated revenue of US$10.6 billion in 2020. The Company is listed in the Dow Jones Emerging Markets and World Sustainability Indices (DJSI).

As a global leader in green recycling technology and packaging solutions, Indorama’s global vision is to increase our global recycling capacity to 750,000 MT or 50 billion bottles annually by 2025. www.indoramaventures.com

• Plastic Bank® Philippines: Coca-Cola Philippines’ partnership with Plastic Bank®, a social enterprise that is helping the world stop ocean plastic while improving the lives of collector communities. Through this partnership, Plastic Bank collectors was able to gather around five million bottles of ocean-bound plastic in General Trias, Cavite and have source of income to cover their families’ necessities.

• World Wild Fund-Philippines (WWF) and Pure Oceans: Meanwhile, the ongoing partnership with World Wild Fund and Pure Oceans has been making incredible progress on the rehabilitation of watershed and marine life conservation. Currently, the Pure Oceans: Pure Islands project recovered over 30,000kgs of marine waste and provided its volunteers an individual income of Php 3,000 per month.

• Partnering for more zero-waste communities: Projects with different NGOs such as Peace Pond Farmers Association, SPECTRUM - Sarangani, Philippine Business for Social Progress, and Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement have helped the communities in Negros Occidental, Bacolod, Cavite, Bataan, Albay, Davao, Nueva Ecija, Marinduque, and Sarangani to understand the importance of recycling and up-cycling, as well as the economic viability of PET bottles. It also transformed all recovered plastic bottles and caps into something useful like chairs, home decor, handcrafted bags, and even construction materials. Aside from giving plastics a second life, these initiatives also enabled the residents of the communities to have another source of income by selling their PET bottles to project volunteers and local recycling partners.

initiative under its World Without Waste program are clearly within the spirit of the Extended Producers Responsibility bill. I hope Coca-Cola, true to its stature as one of the world's iconic brand, will likewise serve as a genuine icon of an ideal extended producers responsibility practitioner that either manufacturing enterprises could emulate," she further added.

Coca-Cola also said it would be supporting more zero-waste communities in the Philippines as it continues to focus on capacity building for the informal sector. The company will support the development of a vocational training toolkit and program for waste collectors in 2022 and will pilot recycling awareness programs through micro retailers and sari-sari store owners at the barangay level.

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, its social investment arm, will continue to replicate best practices, scale up working models, and develop high-potential communities with waste management solutions that will demonstrate circularity and sustainable, positive behavior change.

“Our projects in partnership with local government units and different organizations have begun to change lives and ways of living at the community level. The Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines remains committed to help and empower local communities as we continue to make a difference together, one bottle at a time,” shares Cecile Alcantara, President of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines.

The challenge of packaging waste and plastic pollution is large, but it is not insurmountable according to the beverage company. “This is a moment for all of us to accelerate the work, the progress and the partnership towards a circular economy in the Philippines. And we at Coca-Cola are fiercely committed to do just this,” del Rosario concludes.

To learn more about their World Without Waste vision, visit: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/content/dam/journey/us/en/reports/coca-cola-business-environmental-social-governance-report-2020.pdf.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Coca-Cola Philippines and Coca-Cola Foundation PhilippinesLani Bernal/Evident – [email protected]

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc.Nicolle Garrido/Team Asia –[email protected]

40 41

THE FUTURE OF WORK IN 2021:

ACCORDING TO IWG’S CEO MARK DIXON

“The future of work is with us today,” says IWG’s CEO. “It would be easy to assume that the shift we’re seeing in the way people work, away from a shared physical environment to wherever is most convenient and productive, has been driven entirely by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Mark Dixon, IWG CEO, recently in an interview for fDi Intelligence.

Dixon continues, “the pandemic has certainly had a dramatic and permanent effect, but it’s merely accelerated a trend that’s been underway for several years, as organizations progressively move to a ‘hybrid’ way of working: at home, a local office and occasionally at corporate HQ.”

Below, Dixon shares 5 views on the world of work this year.

1. It will be tech-driven

The shift in the way people work is not just down to the pandemic, says Dixon. He says that the real catalyst is the digital revolution, which started in the 1970s with the launch of the first personal computers. “Today, herding people to the office is looking increasingly obsolete, expensive and inconvenient. Why should workers go to the effort and expense of dragging themselves into work to spend the day working on a device that they have brought with them, and will return home with at the end of the day?”

2. Home will only be one of the places we work

Dixon acknowledges the surveys that regularly find remote work is one of the most sought-after perks among employees, and he also points to a study by the London School of Economics showing that many of the positive effects of home-working can wane over time. Ultimately, it suggested, home-workers can even come to resent their employers and feel less loyalty towards them.

“This is because people naturally come to miss the

buzz of human interaction, the creative energy and shared spirit of inspiration and innovation that comes from bouncing ideas around, face-to-face, with other people,” he explains.

3. It will happen within a hybrid model

The hybrid ‘hub-and-spoke’ model of working is emerging as the preferred way ahead for many

| Company News

businesses, says Dixon. This involves more than one solution working in tandem.

First, people can work at home,

enabled from the center by the technology they need to do their jobs and supported by regular communication and virtual meetings. Second, they can travel a short distance to a local office or business centre close to where they live so they can interact with others.

“For several years, we have seen

companies across the world begin to shift their operations to the suburbs and the towns where their employees actually live, helping to rebalance the economy by providing more opportunities for local communities and service businesses,” says Dixon.

“Today, we are seeing enquiries

and demand for suburban locations across our brands, including Regus and Spaces, increase exponentially around the world.”

4. It’s a win-win for employers and employees

“The hybrid model is delivering spectacular benefits for employees and employers alike,” declares Dixon. “Team members gain better mental health and reduced costs through not having to travel into city centres, along with greater career opportunities closer to home.”

And it gives companies the

financial flexibility to invest in their staff and in growing the business, instead of the buildings from which they operate. “In our experience, businesses that opt for a fully equipped workspace, with everything from furniture to super-fast Wi-Fi provided, often see an immediate halving of

their property costs, releasing capital to invest in generating stakeholder value,” he says.

“These are some of the reasons

why, at IWG, we are aiming to expand our network, mostly by franchise, to provide a flexible workspace in every village, town and city,” he concludes.

5. And it has environmental benefits

There is one other very important reason why the hybrid property model has been gaining so much support in recent

years, and that is to do with the ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) agenda. Explains Dixon: “Companies of all sizes see addressing the need for their people to commute to work as the single greatest contribution they can make to reducing their carbon footprint. They understand that by bringing work into the home, and into the heart of communities, they will immediately and significantly reduce the weight of traffic on roads and in cities across the world.”

Company News |

42 43

WHY I CHOSE IWG: MEET FRANCHISEPARTNER RICARDO LAGDAMEO, PHILIPPINES

Back in 2001, years before flexible offices became a global trend, franchise partner

Ricardo Lagdameo recognized the potential of the industry while working from a Regus centre. The president of Damosa Land, a Philippines property development firm based on the island of Mindanao, was always excited about the possibility of similar centres opening in his region, but it wasn’t until 2016 that opportunity knocked.

At the time, IWG was expanding across the country and approached him about its office building in Davao city. Together they opened the largest Regus centre in the Philippines, attracting clients from a diverse range of sectors, from IT to consultancies, and from beyond the local area, including the capital Manila and internationally. It proved a huge success, filling up fast and maintaining a high occupancy rate.

The next step

Yet, while Damosa Land had invested in the centre and had a profit share agreement, IWG was still responsible for running the business. It wasn’t until December 2019 that Lagdameo took the next

step, becoming an IWG franchise partner committed to opening eight new centres in the region over a five-year period.

Lagdameo says that his business made this decision based on the fruitful relationship it already enjoyed with the brand and, importantly, the impact the Regus centre was having on the region’s business environment. The flexibility the centre offers attracted an even more diverse cross-section of customers and it allowed a lot more investors from outside of Davao to do business in the city.

“Previously, investors were hesitant to visit the city because they didn’t want to spend much and there was a lot of uncertainty about whether they could earn back the costs,” Lagdameo explains. “But by having a Regus centre offering flexible workspaces it removed that whole variable. It meant now they could come in and not have to spend so much on capital expenditure. They could scale up or scale down as needed. The centre also acts like an

incubator for new business. There have been a lot of positive effects.”

Navigating the new world of business

Lagdameo says it’s still early days for his franchise and Damosa Land is still working on plans to open its first centres on the island – something it is currently fully focused on. His main involvement with the franchise in the future, therefore, will be its expansion, as well as driving customers to the centres. The day-to-day operations will be left to a team on the ground that he will liaise with on a regular basis. He will also pay special attention to choosing the best location for the new centres.

Of course, opening eight brand

| Company News

LHH Philippines

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LHH Philippines

new centres in the middle of a pandemic comes with its own challenges. But IWG has been incredibly supportive throughout, arranging for training on everything from sales to operations. Top management from IWG has also played an active role in guiding Lagdameo’s team on the measures that need to be taken because of Covid-19, as well as helping them navigate this new world of business over the next year or longer, if necessary.

“They are extremely accessible,” Lagdameo says. “The good thing about IWG is that it understands that our success is its success. It’s not as if the organization just left us alone with the business and collected the royalties. The team is there when you need them.”

The best thing about being an IWG franchisee is the brand recognition that comes with that partnership. As the global leader in the flexspace industry, the company has decades of experience under its belt and that’s a vital ingredient to ensuring the success of your own venture, claims Lagdameo.

He says: I feel the same way about IWG – we could have tried to do this on our own

but partnering with IWG as a globally recognized brand definitely makes it easier to bring in new clients to our office buildings.”

Effort will be rewarded

What advice would Lagdameo give to someone

considering becoming an IWG franchise partner? Make sure that you are committed to really rolling out the business – and don’t be afraid of hard work, he says.

“This is a very serious business for IWG, so if you’re thinking of getting into this as an add-on to another business, you might want to think again,” he says. “IWG is the gold standard in what it does. To be successful, you have to be prepared to put in the same amount of effort. I can tell you that it’s worth it when you do.”

Company News |

AmCham Philippines | June 2021 4544 | AmCham Staff

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