WWF-Philippines’ Corporates for a Better Planet Initiative invites private entities to operate more sustainably amidst the climate crisis

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




To address the threats of climate change, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines works with the private sector in adopting sustainability in corporate strategy through the Corporates for a Better Planet Initiative (CBPI).

A flagship program of WWF-Philippines, CBPI provides technical support to companies in developing or reviewing their sustainability strategy, using the latest science-backed frameworks aligned with Philippine regulations. The program of activities under CBPI is customized per company, as WWF recognizes different levels and starting points of climate and sustainability commitment that have implications on what a company would need to address and how quickly and intensely if they are to make any claims or sustainability or climate action.

With the Philippines being one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change, it is crucial for businesses to address environmental issues and adequately determine their risk and impacts. It is increasingly possible to identify how much of a company’s profits is ‘unsustainable’ after internalizing impacts and costs that were previously not included in company financial reports. Transformation to a green/blue economy needs to happen now, as our country’s peak growth years given our population make up will last for the next 2-3 decades. CBPI takes a holistic, progressive approach and aims to work with large and small companies alike to accelerate transformation in the private sector.

Real-estate development key player NEO is the first private entity to join CBPI, committing to integrate an actionable and more conscious functional framework to address climate-related risks. Through the partnership, WWF-PH provided extensive assistance in the production of the company's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report to assess the organization’s current state regarding sustainability.

NEO’s Chief Executive Officer Raymond Rufino shared that their organization is eager to be a pioneer in building green, healthy, and resilient establishments.

“Through the program, WWF guided us with their bespoke approach to ESG reporting to draft and develop a report that would be relevant, concrete, and impactful while fully compliant with global standards and benchmarks and aligned with WWF best practices for sustainability,” said Rufino. “We are very grateful for the successful partnership with WWF and wholeheartedly encourage other organizations to join the CBPI program! Together we can #ChangeTheEnding.”

In developing a concrete action plan, NEO commits to several focus areas, including Climate Action, Resource Efficiency, and Infrastructure Resilience. These outline the necessary steps that still prioritize economic interests while fostering a greater positive purpose—something many local companies can certainly accomplish too.

NEO has successfully completed the first step of measuring its sustainability level and is currently in its second phase which involves creating a detailed roadmap to achieving its targets. On the other hand, WWF-Philippines is actively engaging other corporations to pave the way toward sustainable development.

By joining the CBPI, businesses, and organizations can make their impact through sustainable visions and roadmaps and contribute to the overall target of the Philippines on the path towards sustainability and resilience. Moreover, the corporate sector can develop and achieve sustainable approaches through the three main processes of the program: Measure, Manage, and Maintain.

Businesses and economies can never thrive on a dying planet—WWF-Philippines welcomes the contributions of technical cooperations in amplifying the efforts and highlighting the shared responsibility across all sectors in working towards a resilient future. Through CBPI, the organization trusts that more corporations will take on the challenge to #ChangeTheEnding for the next generation.

DBM, PIA-NCR link with MM info officers to boost rightsizing, Mandanas-Garcia ruling campaigns

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Philippine Information Agency - National Capital Region (PIA-NCR) is set to convene the members of the Association of Information Officers in Metro Manila (AIMM) on March 29, 2023 in Manila to tackle two critical issues facing the Philippine government - bureaucratic rightsizing and the Mandanas-Garcia Supreme Court ruling.

Composed by information officers from various government agencies and non-government organizations, AIMM is the biggest information and communication network in the National Capital Region.

DBM Undersecretary and AIMM President Goddes Hope Libiran highlighted the critical role of the communication sector in promoting understanding of the key issues to the public and generate support from the public.

"We recognize the importance of these critical issues and are committed to bring together professionals in this field to exchange ideas and learn from each other's experiences and this assembly provides an opportunity for information officers to share best practices and innovative strategies to help the government address these issues," Usec Libiran said.

The assembly will feature a series of discussions from experts, covering topics such as the impact of bureaucratic rightsizing on government operations, the implications of the Mandanas-Garcia ruling and level of readiness of both national and local government agencies, and effective communication strategies to address these issues.

The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is keen on implementing a program of bureaucratic rightsizing, which aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs by streamlining government agencies and eliminating redundancies. However, this has raised concerns about job losses and disruptions in government services.

The Mandanas-Garcia ruling, on the other hand, granted local government units a bigger share of national taxes, which has significant implications for their fiscal autonomy and development.

"We understand that these issues are complex and have far-reaching consequences, and we hope that this assembly will help information officers gain a deeper understanding of these challenges and explore new strategies to address them," Usec. Libiran added.

About the AIMM:

The Association of Information Officers in Metro Manila (AIMM) is a professional organization of government information officers dedicated to promoting effective and ethical communication in the government. AIMM was established in 1997 to serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences among its members and to help improve the quality of government communication. The Philippine Information Agency-National Capital Region serves as its secretariat and adviser. (PIA-NCR)



cover photo: Philippine Information Agency Director-General Ramon Lee Cualoping III and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora grace the 4th quarter Association of Information Officers in Metro Manila (AIMM) conference and election of officers on December 2, 2022 in San Juan City. (PIA-NCR photo)



.

Globe launches Gen G movement with world champion Alex Eala In celebration of Gen Zs

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Gen Zs make up the young and energetic generation born between 1997 to 2012. They are known to be deeply passionate, socially aware, surprisingly pragmatic, and determined to fulfill their purpose by pursuing their passions and turning them into reality.

With today’s access to technology, the world, as the saying goes, is Gen Z’s oyster giving them a myriad of opportunities to chase their dreams. And to empower all Filipino Gen Zs to own the world, Globe recently launched a new movement called “Gen G”, which gives them the platform to champion their beliefs and thrive in the areas of health, education, finance, and entertainment.

Gen Gs exemplify a go-getter attitude, commitment to excellence, and eagerness to achieve high aspirations–for a purpose, by their own terms and, based on their values. These characteristics define them as Generation Go, Generation Game, Generation Great–and Generation Globe!

Through a video series called “Gen G Portraits”, Globe will share stories of different Gen Gs to inspire the youth to power through despite the world’s perception about them.

First to be featured on “Gen G Portraits” is Filipino world champion Alex Eala, whose international achievements made the Philippines known in the tennis world and in the bigger sports industry. A role model for championing passion into purpose, Eala has turned something she loves into her defining success, pushing past pressure and the weight of expectations.

“Like any other youth, I am taking every chance to take on the world and seize every opportunity, no matter if it is a hit or miss. I remind myself everyday to just go and get it. And I know that other young Filipinos like me can also do the same,” says Globe Gen G Ambassador, Alex Eala.

“With access to technology, Alex is able to nurture her talents and skills in sports and education–two things she cares deeply about,” says Pia Colby, Chief Marketing Officer of Globe. “This allows her to develop and share her unique points of views that inspire others while bringing Pinoy pride wherever she goes, thus, perfectly embodying what it means to be Gen G and the kind of an empowered individual in this generation.”

Eala’s “Gen G Portraits” debut also coincides with the celebration of International Women’s Month, after all, Gen G stands for Generation Girl, too! With her success, Eala proves she’s among the many girls and women today who continue to reimagine the roles and limits the society perceives about them–and Globe celebrates them for that.

“We want passionate Filipino women to overcome the obstacles of a noisy, overwhelming, and high-pressure world. Through Globe, we can empower them to use the technology available to them so they can shape their future and own their world,” says Colby.

Watch how Globe empowers Alex Eala as a Gen G here. For the latest news about Alex Eala and Globe, visit Globe Newsroom.