BY ALEX ALAGON
Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) was formally recognized for its inclusion in the 2026 S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook during the event “Corporate Risk to Return: The Business Case for Sustainability: Insights on Nature, Supply Chains, and Long-Term Value Creation,” held at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, in recognition of its strong performance in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA).
Organized by S&P Global in collaboration with the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE), the event brought together leaders from government, business, and the investment community to discuss how sustainability considerations—including nature, biodiversity, and supply chain resilience—are increasingly shaping enterprise risk management and long-term value creation.
Ayala Land received its 2026 Sustainability Yearbook certificate from Michael Taschner, Global Head of Sustainability Services at S&P Global, in recognition of the company’s leadership in sustainability in the Real Estate Management & Development industry.
Ayala Land scored 68 (out of 100) in the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA Score as of 11/02/2026). This score earned Ayala Land its place as a member in the prestigious 2026 Sustainability Yearbook, alongside global sustainability leaders in real estate, evaluated on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.
Strong Performance Across Global ESG Benchmarks
The Sustainability Yearbook recognition further strengthens Ayala Land’s growing portfolio of ESG distinctions from leading international rating agencies and disclosure platforms.
- MSCI ESG Ratings: Maintained a BBB rating, reflecting the company’s ability to manage material ESG risks and opportunities relative to industry peers.
- CDP: Received a B rating for Climate Change and a B rating for Water Security, while also being recognized as a CDP Supplier Engagement Leader for its efforts to address climate-related risks across its value chain.
- Morningstar Sustainalytics: Earned a Low-Risk Rating, placing the company in the Low-Risk category for material financial impacts arising from ESG factors.
Delivering Measurable Sustainability Outcomes
Ayala Land’s ESG performance is underpinned by concrete sustainability initiatives and measurable results across its portfolio.
The company has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, reinforcing its contribution to global climate goals and to the Philippines’ transition to a low-carbon economy.
Ayala Land has accelerated its transition to renewable energy over the past decade. Today, 98% of its commercial properties are powered by renewable energy or supported by renewable energy certificates. The company has installed more than 15 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity across its mall portfolio and plans to expand it to 34 MW by 2027.
Beyond energy, Ayala Land continues to mainstream sustainability across the design and operation of its developments. 62 properties in its portfolio are certified under globally recognized LEED, EDGE, or WELL standards, promoting energy and water efficiency, climate resilience, resource optimization, and occupant well-being.
Ayala Land also advances circular-economy practices across its estates, malls, offices, hotels, and residential developments through waste diversion, recycling, composting, and materials recovery programs, thereby reducing landfill waste and promoting responsible resource use.
Sustainability as a Business Imperative As investors, regulators, customers, and communities increasingly recognize the importance of sustainability, Ayala Land continues to integrate ESG considerations into decision-making across its business. The company views sustainability not only as a responsibility but also as a key driver of resilience, innovation, and long-term value creation.
WHEN WE first heard President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s pronouncement to remove the system loss charge from electric bills, it sounded like good news for consumers. Removing the system loss charge, including the 12% value-added tax (VAT) imposed on it, would certainly provide much-needed relief to Filipino households.
However, we believe this proposal deserves a more thorough study.
Every power distribution system experiences some level of system loss. Electricity is naturally lost as it travels through power lines and equipment, while some losses also result from authorized non-technical losses such as electricity theft and faulty metering.
The System Loss Charge is a fee collected by power distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to recover the cost of electricity they have already purchased but could not bill because it was lost within the distribution system. It is not an additional source of profit for power distributors.
Without corresponding policy and regulatory changes, simply removing the system loss charge raises the question of how these legitimate costs will eventually be recovered. There is a possibility that these costs may later be reflected in another recoverable component of the electric bill, defeating the purpose of removing the charge in the first place.
This is why the President’s announcement should be more than a response to the growing frustrations of consumers over rising electricity bills. It must be accompanied by meaningful policy and regulatory reforms that genuinely reduce the cost of electricity rather than merely shifting charges elsewhere in the bill.
We therefore urge the government to thoroughly study the system loss charge and pursue reforms that provide sustainable relief while continuing to protect consumers.
The government can begin by reviewing the disparity in the allowable system loss recovery between private distribution utilities and electric cooperatives. Private distribution utilities are allowed to recover up to 5% of their system losses, while electric cooperatives, which serve around 70 million consumers nationwide, are allowed to recover up to 12.5%. This means consumers served by electric cooperatives may shoulder significantly higher system loss charges than those served by private distribution utilities.
For example, a household in Davao Light’s franchise area was charged around P0.6322/kWh for system loss in June 2026, while a NORDECO consumer paid P1.4025/kWh. For a household consuming 250 kWh per month, this translates to approximately P158.05 in Davao Light compared to P350.62 in NORDECO. This illustrates how consumers served by electric cooperatives may pay higher system loss charges because of the different regulatory caps.
The government may therefore consider gradually bringing down the allowable system loss recovery for electric cooperatives to levels closer to those of private distribution utilities, while also providing support to help cooperatives improve the efficiency of their distribution systems.
Another area that deserves attention is the overall composition of the electric bill. The government should conduct a comprehensive review of existing electricity charges under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) and other related policies to determine which costs should continue to be passed on to consumers.
For example, the Lifeline Subsidy should no longer come from the pockets of electricity consumers but instead be funded through the appropriate government agencies. Other charges that deserve review include the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) and the Feed-in Tariff Allowance (FIT-All).
Likewise, the 12% value-added tax imposed on several components of the electric bill – including generation, transmission, distribution, system loss, supply, and metering charges – should also be reviewed. Reducing or removing the VAT on these charges would provide immediate relief to consumers while broader reforms are being considered.
We support every effort to reduce electricity costs and ease the burden on consumers. However, reforms should be carefully studied to ensure they provide genuine and lasting relief rather than simply shifting costs from one part of the electric bill to another.
Ryan Amper
Convenor, Davao Consumer Movement
0905-5634083
QUEZON CITY – The Social Security System (SSS) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Friday formalized a landmark partnership to strengthen compliance with tax and social security laws, enhance data sharing, and improve public service delivery.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed by SSS president and chief executive officer Robert Joseph M. De Claro and BIR Commissioner Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza at the BIR National Office in Quezon City, establishes a framework for stronger institutional coordination in carrying out the agencies’ respective mandates.
The MOU also lays the groundwork for a memorandum of agreement that will govern specific collaborative initiatives, including the establishment of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) as a common and reliable identifier across the BIR and the SSS to enhance data integrity, strengthen compliance monitoring, and improve ease of doing business.
PCEO De Claro said the MOU marks a significant step in aligning the mandates, expertise, and resources of the SSS and the BIR.
“We all recognize that taxes provide the resources that enable our government to deliver essential programs and services to the Filipino people. Likewise, the social security contributions are the lifeblood of SSS operations, allowing us to provide meaningful protection and financial security to millions of workers, pensioners and their families,” De Claro said.
“By strengthening our collaboration between our agencies, we are creating a more coordinated and responsive government, one that makes compliance easier, improves service delivery and ultimately benefits every Filipino.”
Mendoza said the MOU provides a strong foundation for sustained collaboration between the two agencies, adding that its success will ultimately be measured by “simpler processes, stronger coordination, better informed decisions and more effective public service.”
“Our mandates may be different, but our work is closely connected. Government works best when institutions trust one another enough to share responsibility, information and expertise,” Mendoza said.
MANILA, Philippines — VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, has officially released its seventh Sustainability Report, covering its 2025 performance. The 2025 report highlights steady operational growth and major milestones in digital transformation, including the successful integration of Responsible AI frameworks and the expansion of the company’s global footprint.
The report follows the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, one of the most widely used and recognized global sustainability reporting frameworks, and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) for the Professional and Commercial Services Sector.
Zubin Karkaria, founder and chief executive officer, VFS Global, said: “2025 marks a landmark year where our sustainability commitments actively advanced our global growth and drove significant value creation. We have made meaningful progress by strengthening employee engagement, nearly doubling our CSR investments, and further reducing greenhouse gas emissions across our operations.”
“Furthermore, by achieving a 41% surge in e-waste recycling and ensuring women represented 65% of our new hires, we have reinforced our commitment to environmental stewardship and to women empowerment. This progress is anchored by a stellar 97.6% customer satisfaction rate, demonstrating that deep societal impact and high performance go together,” he added.
In 2025, VFS Global reinforced its dedication to cutting-edge, secure technology by introducing enterprise-wide governance for Responsible AI adoption, ensuring privacy-conscious and human-supervised AI operations. These efforts earned the company the prestigious Dubai AI Seal, formally certifying VFS Global as a Trusted AI Enterprise.
Following this emphasis on responsible technology, by the close of 2025, VFS Global had deployed six AI-enabled solutions, with at least one live application utilised by more than 20 client governments globally. The year also marked the company’s acquisition of a majority stake in CiX Citizen Experience, a leading provider of digital and physical citizen services in Brazil.
Shireen Mistree, head of sustainability, VFS Global said, “Our 2025 Sustainability Report highlights our progress in embedding sustainability across our business and driving responsible growth. Our second Double Materiality Assessment marks a key milestone, enabling us to better understand, prioritise, and manage our social and environmental impacts alongside business-critical factors. This approach strengthens our ability to anticipate risks, respond to regulatory expectations, and make informed decisions that support long-term resilience.”
Access the full report here.
FOR MANY young Filipinos, the biggest question isn’t whether they want to see the world. It’s how to turn that dream into something bigger. Whether it’s earning an international degree, building a global career, or simply taking on a new challenge, studying abroad can be a life-changing next step. But figuring out where to begin isn’t always easy.
To help make the process easier, AECC, a global international education consultancy, is holding its free Study Abroad Simplified seminar in Davao on Aug. 8, Iloilo on Aug. 9, Manila on Aug. 15, and Cebu on Aug. 16.
Designed for students, young professionals, and even parents exploring overseas education, the seminar will walk participants through every stage of the application process.
Topics include the advantages of studying abroad, how to choose the right destination and university, application requirements, important admission timelines, scholarships, financial capacity requirements, tuition and living costs, part-time work opportunities while studying, and post-study work options.
The seminar will cover popular study destinations including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the interactive Choose-a-EASY-c Q&A, where AECC education counselors will address common concerns about studying overseas, visas, career opportunities, and student life.
Recognizing that English proficiency tests remain one of the biggest challenges for many applicants, AECC has also partnered with 9.0 Niner, British Council, and Pearson to present Mind Your English: Introduction to English Proficiency Reviews and Tests. The session will introduce participants to internationally accepted English language examinations, including preparation options and review programs.
The free seminars are part of the AECC Study Abroad Fair, where students can meet representatives from internationally recognized universities and institutions from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Japan, Singapore, Germany, Switzerland, and Spain.
Unlike online consultations, the fair allows students to speak directly with university representatives, ask program-specific questions, and receive guidance tailored to their academic goals. Qualified students may even receive on-the-spot assessments or begin their application during the event.
Participants are encouraged to bring their passport, diploma, transcript of records, birth certificate, updated curriculum vitae, and English proficiency test results such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, if available, to maximize their consultation with school representatives.
The AECC Study Abroad Fair will be held at Seda Abreeza Hotel in Davao on August 8, Seda Atria Hotel in Iloilo on August 9, Dusit Thani Hotel in Manila on August 15, and Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu on August 16. Admission is free.
To get the detailed schedule or more information, visit aeccglobal.com.ph.
DISCOVERY Samal continues to redefine island escapes with its signature blend of warm hospitality, breathtaking coastal views, and unforgettable experiences. While its recent anniversary celebrated another milestone on Samal Island, the festivities didn’t stop there.
Guests now have even more reasons to make the trip, thanks to a lineup of dining experiences that are just as worthy of the journey. From leisurely breakfasts with ocean views and indulgent afternoon treats to sunset cocktails and thoughtfully curated themed dinners, Discovery Samal proves the best way to experience paradise is one delicious bite at a time.
Start the Day at Morning Catch
There’s something different about having breakfast by the water. At Morning Catch, guests can begin the day with views of the Davao Gulf while enjoying a generous spread of local favorites, international breakfast staples, freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, and made-to-order dishes.
As part of its third anniversary celebration, Discovery Samal is making every visit to Morning Catch even more rewarding. For a limited time, guests can purchase a Php 3,333 dining voucher for only Php 3,000, adding extra value to the restaurant’s well-loved Asian fusion and Thai-inspired buffet. The anniversary offer is valid until September 2026, giving diners plenty of opportunities to return.
Set against Samal’s tranquil coastline, Morning Catch pairs flavorful cuisine with a laid-back island atmosphere, encouraging guests to linger a little longer. It’s the kind of place where a meal naturally stretches into an unhurried afternoon, made even better by the resort’s anniversary dining offer.
Beachfront Evenings at Haribar Lounge
As the sun begins to set, Haribar Lounge offers another reason to stay a little longer. Every Friday, Saturday, and on holidays, guests can experience Fiesta sa Pilipinas, a festive beachfront dinner that celebrates Filipino culture through food, music, and entertainment. The evening features a BBQ dinner buffet paired with live performances, including cultural dances, drum beaters, fire dancers, live acoustic music, and a bonfire by the bay. Priced at Php 2,700 net per person, the experience also includes round-trip boat transfers to and from the Davao Welcome Center, making it an easy evening escape from the city.
Guests can also take advantage of Haribar’s 3+1 Glamping Anniversary Offer, where purchasing three (3) glamping dining vouchers at the regular rate includes one (1) complimentary voucher free. At Php 8,100 net for four guests, the offer brings the equivalent rate down to Php 2,025 net per person, making it an ideal option for double dates, family gatherings, or small group celebrations by the beach.
To complete the evening, guests can also try the Samal Sapphire, a limited-time signature cocktail created for Discovery Samal’s third anniversary. Inspired by the island’s crystal-clear waters, the cocktail blends premium rum, elderflower, and coconut into a refreshing drink that’s best enjoyed with a sunset view.
A Slower Pace at The Bistro
As the sun sets, The Bistro offers a more intimate way to end the day. Its contemporary menu showcases premium ingredients in thoughtfully prepared dishes, creating an elevated dining experience that feels right at home in Discovery Samal’s laid-back island setting.
Guests can make the experience even more rewarding with The Bistro Promotional Voucher. For Php 3,000, diners receive Php 3,333 worth of dining credits, redeemable toward the restaurant’s five-course dining experience. Valid until September 2026, the offer also includes round-trip boat transfers to and from the Davao Welcome Center, making an evening at The Bistro an easy escape from the city.
Make the Most of Your Island Getaway
Three years since opening its doors, Discovery Samal continues to find new ways to give guests a reason to return. From leisurely breakfasts at Morning Catch and lively evenings at Haribar Lounge to refined dinners at The Bistro, every visit offers something different to discover.
Guests can also enjoy 20% off Best Available Rates for bookings made until August 15, 2026, with stay dates until October 22, 2026. With Junior Suites starting at PHP 13,900 per night, extending the getaway has never been more tempting.
Good food, warm hospitality, and the unmistakable charm of Samal continue to come together at Discovery Samal, inviting guests to return not just for the views, but for the experiences that linger long after the trip ends. For inquiries and reservations, visit www.discoverysamal.com, email reservations@discoverysamal.com, or call +63 84 308 2998.
AS THE Philippines continues to address childhood malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies, experts are emphasizing that investing in children’s nutrition is one of the most effective ways to build a healthier, more productive future generation. Through accessible, high-quality dairy products and partnerships that strengthen school nutrition initiatives, ABI Pascual Foods, Inc. is supporting efforts to help close nutrition gaps while contributing to the growth of the country’s local dairy industry.
The need has never been more urgent. According to findings presented by Dr. Liezl M. Atienza, nutritionist-dietitian, professor, and director of the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, around 94% of Filipino children are calcium-deficient.
“Childhood nutrition is not simply about preventing hunger. It is about giving children the opportunity to grow, learn, and reach their full potential,” she emphasized.
The data underscores the importance of sustained nutrition interventions during early childhood and the school-age years, when proper nutrition has the greatest impact on growth, learning, and long-term development.
“Good nutrition is one of the most meaningful investments we can make for the country’s future,” said Michael G. Tan, board member of ABI Pascual Foods, Inc. “When children receive the nutrients they need to grow, learn, and thrive, we create opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom. At ABI Pascual Foods, we are committed to making quality dairy more accessible and to working with partners who share our vision of building a healthier future for Filipino families.”
Investing in nutrition through dairy
Good nutrition does more than support healthier bodies; it helps children learn better and build a stronger foundation for the future.
According to Dr. Atienza, “Parents often think of nutrition in terms of helping children grow taller or stronger. But good nutrition also supports learning, memory, concentration, and overall development. It gives children a better opportunity to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.”
Milk remains one of the most nutrient-rich foods for growing children, providing calcium, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals that support healthy bones, physical growth, and cognitive development. Studies on the National Dairy Authority’s milk feeding initiatives show that fresh milk contributes approximately 41% of participating children’s daily calcium intake, while also providing meaningful amounts of energy and protein.
These findings reinforce the importance of the government’s School-Based Feeding Program under Republic Act No. 11037, or the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, which includes milk as part of the nutritious meals provided to participating learners. While the program continues to make a positive difference, experts agree that expanding its reach will require stronger collaboration among government agencies, local communities, and private sector partners to address challenges in funding, logistics, and long-term sustainability.
Dr. Atienza supports this platform, saying, “Government nutrition programs have already demonstrated the value of milk feeding in improving children’s nutritional status. Expanding these programs through responsible partnerships with the private sector can help reach more children while making these interventions more sustainable over the long term.”
As one of the country’s leading dairy companies, ABI Pascual Foods continues to support initiatives that improve access to high-quality dairy while strengthening the local dairy value chain.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to reach his or her full potential, and that starts with good nutrition. Supporting milk feeding programs is one way we can help children build brighter futures while creating greater opportunities for local dairy farmers and a more resilient dairy industry,” said Tan.
As the country continues to invest in the health and well-being of its young learners, ensuring access to nutritious dairy remains a simple but meaningful step toward raising a healthier, smarter, and stronger generation. After all, investing in every glass of milk today is an investment in the nation’s future.
“Minsan, may mga pangarap na hindi natutupad. Pero may mga pangarap na hindi sinusukuan.” These words anchor the journey of Atty. Sheila Gomez, the spotlight of the latest #GCashStories installment that recently moved audiences online.
Her path—juggling the demands of being a working law student, falling short of passing her first Bar exam, and ultimately triumphing to become a lawyer—stands as a powerful reminder: sometimes, a second chance and the right financial support through tools like GLoan are all it takes to rewrite a life’s trajectory.
But while Atty. Sheila’s milestone is an extraordinary feat, millions of Filipinos are winning their own victories on different stages. Progress, after all, looks different for everyone. Behind each of these milestones is the indomitable Filipino spirit—and the value of a trusted financial partner committed to helping each one see their dreams prevail.
The Dignity of the Daily Hustle
Neighborhood sari-sari stores serve as the lifeblood of local communities. Yet, for the millions of micro-retailers managing these stores, formal credit lines remain out of reach.
For Juvy Camante, a sari-sari store owner from Pateros, Metro Manila, this reality was a daily hurdle for nearly five years. But when cash flow tightens—especially when daily earnings are diverted to urgent school expenses—restocking those shelves becomes an agonizing challenge.
Juvy was initially deeply skeptical of digital credit alternatives when she first encountered them through app promos and a friend’s recommendation. “Ayoko ng mga ganyan. Parang nakakatakot,” she admits, recalling her initial hesitation. But when a soft drink delivery arrived and her budget fell short, she decided to try GLoan. “Nagulat ako… saglit lang, pumasok agad yung pera sa wallet,” she recalls.
Beyond speed, loaning through GCash offered something she couldn’t get from borrowing through informal lenders: protecting her dignity. “Mas magaan po sa loob na parang hindi mo kailangan makiusap,” she explains.
Today, Juvy has turned GLoan into a part of her financial routine. After manually navigating her very first payment, she activated the auto-deduction feature. Now, she simply ensures her GCash wallet is sufficiently funded before her due date every month.
By managing her credit responsibly, Juvy has transformed borrowing from a source of anxiety into a strategic business tool. Her advice to fellow cash-strapped entrepreneurs is simple and fearless: “Huwag matakot mangutang, lalo na kung gagamitin naman talaga sa negosyo.”
Education without Compromises
For many Filipino parents, the ultimate measure of progress is securing their children’s education. Often, micro-retailers face an agonizing compromise: using up funds to pay for tuition, or keeping their business running.
It is a balancing act that carinderia owner Fevelyn Bellen knows all too well. Running her small eatery, she managed to send her children to school. But when her youngest child moved to the province for a college education, the daily budget often fell short. Whenever emergency school expenses arose, she relied on GLoan to bridge the gap instantly from home: “Pag kailangan ng anak ko ng pera, ‘matic yan. Pag lumabas na sa wallet ko, ise-send ko naman kaagad sa kanya. Walang hassle.”
The pressure peaked during her child’s final year in college. To avoid disrupting her household cash flow during enrollment, Fevelyn used GLoan strategically as pandagdag-puhunan. She increased her daily sales volume, eventually funneling her business profits directly into school tuition.
“Sa tulong ng GLoan, hindi ko kailangang mamili kung negosyo ba o tuition ng anak ko ang uunahin—natutugunan ko pareho,” she shares.
Like Juvy, Fevelyn saw GLoan’s value beyond mere convenience—it provided a level of dignity and financial privacy that traditional, informal borrowing formats often cannot. “Sa GCash, walang nakakaalam. Ikaw lang at saka si GCash ang nakakaalam,” Fevelyn shares.
The investment paid off fully. Her youngest child recently graduated with a degree in education, moved back to Manila, and has already started working at a corporate call center while actively preparing for the teaching board licensure examinations.
Hand in Hand in Realizing the Filipino Dream
The stories of Juvy and Fevelyn prove that the Filipino spirit doesn’t look for handouts—it looks for fair opportunities.
Marking its 10th year of service, Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash, is actively championing fair, transparent, and deeply respectful financial practices.
“When given the right tools, everyday heroes can help navigate systemic hurdles on their own terms,” said Tony Isidro, Fuse President and CEO. “By providing fast, collateral-free loans, we ensure a safe and secure credit experience that, most importantly, enables Filipinos to borrow with absolute dignity.”
Kasama mo Mangarap by GCash, continues to act as a reliable ally, empowering millions of Filipinos to look toward the future with confidence and write their own stories of perseverance and success.
PUBLIC works authorities reopened a single lane of the Davao–Bukidnon Road in Sitio Marahan, Barangay Marilog Proper, to light vehicular traffic on Monday, Aug. 3, following ongoing road rehabilitation work in the area.
According to a traffic advisory released Monday, the partially opened section is accessible to light private vehicles, public utility buses, and light cargo delivery vans. Heavy-load commercial trucks remain restricted while repair operations continue.
Transportation officials cautioned motorists that access along the one-lane stretch will remain conditional, depending on real-time road conditions and active site repairs.
Periodic full closures may still be implemented without prior notice to accommodate heavy machinery, ensure uninterrupted engineering works, and protect the safety of field workers and travelers.
Local traffic management personnel deployed to Sitio Marahan are directing the alternate flow of vehicles.
Authorities urged drivers to exercise heightened caution, strictly follow field controllers, and monitor official bulletins for further updates.
Newer Posts
