PARE Calls for Electric Cooperatives to Focus on Service, Not Politics

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

With the 2025 Midterm Elections fast approaching, concerns are mounting over the involvement of electric cooperatives in political endorsements. The advocacy group Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) has issued a strong statement urging electric cooperatives and their board of directors to remain politically neutral and focus on their core duty: delivering affordable and reliable electricity to consumers.

Electric Cooperatives and Political Endorsements

PARE has observed that some electric cooperatives have been posting content that seemingly promotes certain candidates or party lists. Additionally, political figures’ presence at general assemblies and member-consumer-owners (MCO) gatherings has raised alarms. These events, according to PARE, should strictly be venues for discussing power rates and energy-related concerns—not platforms for political campaigns.

"When leaders of electric cooperatives use their influence for political endorsements, it diverts their attention from pressing energy concerns," PARE stated. "Consumers are left with higher rates, unreliable service, and mismanaged resources."

The Call for Neutrality and Consumer-Centric Governance

PARE emphasizes that electric cooperatives exist to serve the public, not politicians. Their primary responsibility is ensuring least-cost power and improving service quality, rather than engaging in electoral politics. The advocacy group warns that failure to maintain neutrality could result in poor energy management, increased electricity rates, and diminished public trust in these cooperatives.

To address these issues, PARE calls on electric cooperative officials to:

Cease any form of political endorsements—direct or indirect

Ensure transparency in service operations

Refocus on improving energy infrastructure and affordability

Conduct assemblies purely for energy-related discussions

PARE’s Chief Advocate Officer, Nic Satur Jr., reinforced the group’s stance, stressing that EC officials must “uphold neutrality and focus on improving energy services, not politics.”

The Bigger Picture: Ensuring Reliable and Affordable Energy

Electric cooperatives play a vital role in ensuring energy security and accessibility, especially in rural areas. However, their effectiveness is undermined when political agendas interfere with decision-making and operations. With the upcoming elections, it is crucial for these cooperatives to remain committed to their mandate—serving the energy needs of Filipinos without political bias.

As watchdog groups like PARE continue to advocate for transparency and accountability, the public is encouraged to stay vigilant and demand consumer-centered leadership from their electric cooperatives.

Shop, Earn, Fly: The Game-Changing AirAsia-SMAC Rewards Hack You Can’t Miss!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

AirAsia rewards, the loyalty platform of Capital A (formerly AirAsia Group), has partnered with SM Advantage Card (SMAC), the Philippines' largest retail loyalty program under the SM Group. This collaboration, unveiled on March 5, 2025, at the SM Retail Headquarters in Pasay City, introduces the "My SMAC, My MOVE" campaign, enabling seamless conversion of points between the two programs, thereby enriching both shopping and travel experiences for members. 

Seamless Points Conversion: A New Era of Rewards

The crux of this partnership lies in its innovative two-way points conversion system:

For SMAC Members: 200 SMAC points can be converted into 300 AirAsia points via the AirAsia MOVE app. 

For AirAsia Members: 500 AirAsia points can be exchanged for 125 SMAC points through the same platform. 

This integration allows members to maximize the value of their points, transforming everyday shopping into travel opportunities and vice versa. 

Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership

Key executives from both organizations have expressed their enthusiasm:

Nicole Tan, Chief Business Officer of AirAsia rewards, stated, "We are excited to team up with the Philippines' biggest loyalty program to offer a truly rewarding experience for both SMAC and AirAsia rewards members." 

Patrick Cua, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC, remarked, "By combining shopping and travel rewards, we're enhancing the value of our loyalty program and offering more meaningful experiences to our members." 

Ricky Isla, CEO of AirAsia Philippines, added, "We are positive that this partnership will further boost the appetite of travel tourism in the country." 

AirAsia MOVE App: The Ultimate Travel Companion

Central to this partnership is the AirAsia MOVE app, formerly known as the airasia Superapp. This all-in-one platform offers a comprehensive suite of travel services:

Flight Bookings: Access to over 700 airlines, including AirAsia, allowing users to compare prices and book flights that fit their budget. 

Hotel Reservations: Availability of over 900,000 hotels worldwide, catering to various preferences and budgets. 

Additional Features: The app also offers ride-hailing, dining experiences, insurance, and more, underpinned by integrated financial services provided by BigPay. 

The app's recent rebranding to AirAsia MOVE reflects its commitment to evolving and enhancing user experience. The refreshed interface aims to provide a more intuitive and seamless navigation experience for users. 

FACES: Pioneering Contactless Travel

AirAsia MOVE also introduces FACES (Fast Airport Clearance Experience System), a facial recognition technology designed to offer a fully digital and contactless travel experience. This feature allows guests to check-in, clear security, and board flights using facial biometrics, enhancing convenience and safety. 

Conclusion

The partnership between AirAsia rewards and SMAC signifies a transformative approach to customer loyalty, blending shopping and travel rewards into a cohesive system. With the AirAsia MOVE app at its core, members are poised to enjoy a more integrated and rewarding experience, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of loyalty programs in the ASEAN region.

Digido Finance Corp. Leads the Charge in Coastal Conservation with Bataan Cleanup Drive

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are becoming increasingly crucial in fostering sustainable communities. In a commendable effort, Digido Finance Corp.—operator of the fintech platforms Digido and UnaCash—has spearheaded a coastal cleanup drive in Barangay Camachile, Orion, Bataan, strengthening its commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement.

A Collective Effort for a Cleaner Future

Held on February 28, 2025, the cleanup event gathered over 70 volunteers from various sectors, including:

Digido Finance Corp. staff

Local residents

Municipal workers

Fishermen from Samahang Magdaragat of Camachile (SAMACA)

Personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO)

The Philippine National Police (PNP)

Together, the volunteers collected 136 sacks of waste and debris, making a tangible impact on the local coastline.

More Than Just a Cleanup

Before the activity, a MENRO representative conducted an awareness session, highlighting the importance of marine ecosystem protection and how sustainable practices can mitigate environmental degradation.

This initiative marked Digido’s second major CSR project in Barangay Camachile. Less than a year ago, the company collaborated with the local community to plant over 1,100 mangrove trees, reinforcing coastal resilience and biodiversity restoration.

Introducing “Lend A Hand” – A Long-Term CSR Commitment

This cleanup also launched Digido’s revamped CSR advocacy, “Lend A Hand.” Inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this program embodies Digido’s core values by prioritizing long-term community-focused projects.

According to Rose Arreco, Digido’s Business Development Manager, “Genuinely lending a hand is not a one-and-done situation. As a company, we believe that intentional focus on communities is more favorable in order to achieve significant and long-term impact. Building on our past initiatives, we saw the activity as an opportunity to highlight the importance of environmental stewardship and creation care. We implore communities to remain proactive in finding ways to protect our marine ecosystems.”

Addressing the Philippines’ Marine Waste Crisis

The Philippines is the world’s third-largest contributor to marine plastics, largely due to the overuse of single-use plastics and challenges in waste management. Digido’s initiative is a step toward tackling this crisis, promoting sustainability while setting an example for other corporations to integrate environmental responsibility into their operations.

Digido and UnaCash: Financial Innovation with a Social Purpose

Beyond their environmental efforts, Digido and UnaCash continue to transform the Philippine fintech industry by offering inclusive lending solutions and innovative financial tools. Their commitment to bridging financial gaps is now complemented by their dedication to corporate social responsibility.

A Call to Action for Sustainable Communities

The success of Digido’s Bataan Coastal Cleanup Drive underscores the power of collaboration in environmental conservation. As companies take the lead in sustainability efforts, communities and individuals must do their part in protecting the environment.

With initiatives like “Lend A Hand,” Digido Finance Corp. is setting an inspiring precedent—proving that businesses can thrive while making a lasting, positive impact on society and the planet.