BY ALEX ALAGON
Aboitiz Renewables Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation, recently donated healthcare equipment and medicines to barangay health centers in its host communities in Albay, Batangas, Davao del Sur, and Bukidnon.
Under its Adopt-a-Health Center program, Aboitiz Renewables upgraded four barangay health centers: Joroan, Libtong, and Belen in Albay and San Felix in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas. With nearly ₱3 million in funding, the upgrades included new medical tools, furnishings, essential medicines, and protective equipment.
“Maswerte ang Joroan dahil may Aboitiz Renewables na tumutulong. Mahalaga ang private-public partnership para matugunan ang kakulangan na di kayang sagutin ng LGU. Sa tulong ng Aboitiz Renewables, napunan ang kulang sa gamit, gamot, at equipment ng Barangay Health Station, kaya mas accessible na ang serbisyong pangkalusugan,” said Sheena Marie De Leon, a public health nurse.
(Joroan is fortunate to have Aboitiz Renewables providing support. Private-public partnerships are important in addressing gaps that the LGU alone cannot fill. With Aboitiz Renewables’ help, the shortages in supplies, medicine, and equipment at the Barangay Health Station were addressed, making healthcare services more accessible to residents).
“Lahat ng assistance na nanggagaling sa Aboitiz Renewables ay aming pinangangalagaan. Ang lahat ng pangangailangan na ibinigay ninyo sa amin sa Health Center ay papakinabangan ng bawat mamamayan ng Barangay San Felix,” added San Felix Barangay Captain Gerry Punzalan.
(We value all the assistance coming from Aboitiz Renewables. Everything you’ve provided for our Health Center will benefit every resident of Barangay San Felix).
Since its launch, the Adopt-a-Health Center program of Aboitiz Renewables has improved 14 barangay health centers across Albay, Batangas, and Laguna — host communities of Aboitiz Renewables’ geothermal facilities — reaching over 84,000 residents.
Meanwhile, in Mindanao, Aboitiz Renewables is also helping address the gap in access to medicines through the Botika ng Bayan initiative, implemented in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation and local governments.
The program provided essential maintenance and emergency-use medicines in areas where access remains limited, particularly in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur and Impasugong and Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon, all of which house some of Aboitiz Renewables’ run-of-river hydro plants.
At the Santa Cruz Municipal Health Center in Davao del Sur, the Botika ng Bayan is now better stocked to serve residents, including indigenous peoples, with essential medicines for hypertension, diabetes, infections, and maternal care.
serve more locals, including IPs, with medicines identified as essential by the health center.
In Bukidnon, indigenous communities in Manolo Fortich and Impasugong also benefit from regular medicine allocations tailored to their specific health needs.
To date, the program has distributed nearly ₱500,000 worth of medicines across the three municipalities.
“Programs like Botika ng Bayan make a real, lasting difference. With this support, we’re better equipped to serve those who need it most,” said Dr. Raygene Manuel, the Municipal Health Officer of Santa Cruz.
“Personal health in all its aspects–whether spiritual, mental, physical, intellectual, educational, and economic–is the most important foundation of strong, resilient communities. We do our best to energize progress and uplift communities through long term improvements in the well-being of our stakeholders, whether our employees, our families, or our communities,” said Aboitiz Renewables President Jimmy Villaroman.
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NAST Hails Davao Mathematician as Outstanding Young Scientist
FOR DR. May Anne E. Mata of the University of the Philippines Mindanao, mathematics has never been just about numbers on paper. Her passion for applied mathematics has helped communities respond to public health problems, proving that equations can save lives.
This year, her exemplary research in infectious disease modeling and analysis, applied mathematics, mathematical biology, and operations research has brought distinction not only to her discipline but also to UP Mindanao and the broader Mindanao scientific community – earning her the 2025 Outstanding Young Scientist award from the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Philippines.
The annual recognition is given to Filipino researchers aged 40 and below who have made significant contributions in their fields.
Born and raised in Davao City, Dr. Mata is known for her innovative use of mathematical models to guide public health decisions, particularly in controlling rabies, informing COVID-19 response strategies through data-driven projections, and advocating for digital transformation in local health offices across the region.
Working closely with the Davao City Veterinarian’s Office, she developed forecasting tools to predict rabies cases and helped design an analytics dashboard to monitor outbreaks and plan vaccination campaigns. She is now working with the city to build a pet registry system that will improve tracking of vaccinated animals.
“Before all this, I really thought I would end up as a musician because I was a local rapper in our neighborhood,” she said, smiling.
“But my love for mathematics eventually showed me that I could use what I know to help my community.”
Her academic journey took her from UP Mindanao, where she earned her degree in Applied Mathematics, to the University of Washington in the United States for her master’s, and then to the University of British Columbia in Canada for her PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies.
She is currently serving as the Director of the Office of Research at UP Mindanao, and as a UP System official, she holds the position of Division Head for Complexity under the UP Intelligent Systems Center. These leadership roles reflect her ongoing commitment to building capacities for inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary research not only in Mindanao but throughout the Philippines.
She is also the first Outstanding Young Scientist from UP Mindanao, a distinction she hopes will inspire more young researchers from the region to pursue excellence in science.
Her career is dedicated to mentoring others.
“In our country, there are very few mathematical modelers and data scientists working in this area,” she explained.
“We are training more young mathematicians and scientists so that when critical times arise and our expertise is called upon, we are ready.”
She is an active member of the Modeling Infectious Diseases in Southeast Asia Network, where she helps build capacity among early-career researchers.
For Dr. Mata, the award is not just a personal milestone but a recognition of the potential of Mindanaoan scientists and mathematicians to make an impact.
“This award is a profound affirmation of my calling as a Mindanaoan mathematician who believes in the power of numbers to uplift communities,” she said.
Today, she also serves as the Center Director of the Mindanao Center for Disease Watch and Analytics (DiWA), the first health analytics research center established in Mindanao. Under her leadership, DiWA was recently named one of the recipients of the Gawad Pangulo Award Para Sa Natatanging Administratibong Institusyon, in recognition of its two years of collective commitment to applying mathematics, computer programming, and science in service of communities.
From a young rapper in Davao to an award-winning mathematician and educator, Dr. Mata continues to prove that when guided by purpose, numbers can indeed make a difference.
MANILA — A national consumer survey carried out by leading APAC consumer research agency GMO Research has found that a large majority of Filipino consumers would like food companies—including restaurants, retailers, and packaged food brands—to increase their plant-based food offerings.
Tokyo-based GMO Research is one of the world’s ten largest consumer research agencies, with 55 million online panelists across 16 APAC countries and markets. The survey, which randomly polled hundreds of respondents from across the country, reflects the evolving attitudes of customers in seeking more nutritious and sustainable options from the food brands they patronize.
The nationwide survey found that 85% of respondents believe restaurants, hotels, and retailers should serve more plant-based foods. 80% said they are also more likely to patronize businesses that set policy goals to increase the amount of plant-based foods they serve. Additionally, 93% said food companies are responsible for managing the sustainability and health of their food supply chain.
This consumer preference was also reflected in planned behavior, with 83% of consumers planning to increase their plant-based food consumption in the coming year, creating market opportunities for companies that expand their plant-based offerings. Consumer knowledge drives these preferences, with 91% aware that plant-based foods such as vegetables, grains, beans, tofu, plant-based meat, soy products, and similar are healthier and more sustainable than animal proteins.
“These new survey findings underscore how important it is for food companies to prioritize sustainability and health in their food offerings,” said Marielle Lagulay, sustainability program manager at Lever Foundation, an NGO that supports companies in the Philippines and across Asia on sustainable food sourcing. “As consumer awareness and demand for improvements like increased plant-based options continue to rise, businesses can seize the opportunity to enhance their brand reputation by aligning their food policies with consumers’ expectations.”
Research shows that plant-based proteins generate up to 90% lower greenhouse gas emissions, require up to 90% less land and water use, and generate approximately 50% less food waste than animal proteins, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Studies have also linked plant-based eating to significant health benefits, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as lower rates of obesity, highlighting the substantial environmental and health benefits of shifting towards plant-based foods.
MAYA, the Philippines’ leading fintech ecosystem and #1 digital bank, earned top honors at the 2025 PR Awards Asia-Pacific, taking home Gold for PR Event and Silver for Best Brand Strategy. The recognition spotlights Maya’s bold, people-first approach to making banking digital, inclusive, and culturally relevant.
The winning campaign, Get Banked with Maya, brought financial empowerment to the forefront—reaching unbanked and unhappily banked Filipinos long underserved by traditional banking.
“Great marketing begins with a great product, and at Maya, we build both with purpose,” said Pepe Torres, Maya Group chief marketing officer. “We tell our story with the boldness and heart of a brand that listens—making digital banking feel relevant, inclusive, and delightful.”
Maya’s campaigns are designed for the new majority—Filipinos who live digitally and want more control over their money. From the My Money, My Bank, My Way campaign with Liza Soberano to Get Banked with Maya featuring both Liza and global icon Dolly de Leon, Maya continues to connect with younger, bolder audiences on their own terms.
Get Banked with Maya reflects a deeper shift in how brands grow—through meaningful experiences, behavioral design, and cultural relevance. Maya delivers this not just through its intuitive app and bold marketing, but by creating everyday moments that help Filipinos build better money habits with confidence.
This marks Maya’s third consecutive win at the PR Awards Asia-Pacific—following its recognition for the PayMaya-to-Maya rebrand campaign launched in 2022 and its win for My Money, My Bank, My Way campaign launched in 2023.
The PR Awards Asia-Pacific, organized by Campaign Asia, honors the most impactful and creative public relations work across the region. It celebrates excellence in storytelling, brand communication, and campaign effectiveness—spotlighting standout talent and innovation in the industry.
CITY OF MATI, Davao Oriental – In remote communities where long travel times, costly transportation, and unreliable internet access make it difficult to avail of government services, local business owners are often left with limited support.
To bridge this gap, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao Oriental Provincial Office has launched its mobile outreach activity “DTI on Wheels: Ramdam sa Komunidad” aimed at delivering vital services directly to underserved areas.
In celebration of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Week, the program rolled out its first leg in Barangay Tubaon, Tarragona on July 9, bringing services closer to residents who previously had limited access. These included business name registration, linkage to financing institutions, business counseling, and consumer education closer to the people.
“This activity is designed to really bring the services to barangays that require a lot of effort, especially with higher travel costs,” said DTI Davao Oriental acting division chief for business development and promotions Domingo S. Cruz, Jr. “As a government agency, we are committed to making our services “ramdam” by the people. Today, we can help you register your business names, facilitate loan applications, and empower you as consumers”.
The activity was made possible through the support of the local government unit of Tarragona and the barangay officials of Tubaon.
Aligned with this year’s MSME Week theme, “Asenso Negosyo, Angat Kabuhayan, Bagong Pilipinas!”, the outreach successfully processed 70 business name registrations. The participants were also treated to free sikwate as “Pa-sikwate para sa MSME ug Konsyumante” in a nod to World Chocolate Day, highlighting the region’s local cacao products, particularly San Isidro’s tablea.
By working closely with local government units, DTI aims to expand the reach of this program to more communities across Davao Oriental, ensuring that government support is not only available but also accessible and truly felt at the grassroots level.
In line with strengthening the cacao industry, the Cacao Industry Association of Davao Oriental was recently organized to address the needs of the local cacao farmers. With the support of the RAPID Growth project, cacao rehabilitation and rejuvenation tools have already been distributed to 159 households and to three farmer organizations to boost productivity and promote the chocolate production in the province.
To date, 2,223 MSMEs in Davao Oriental have been assisted through various DTI programs such as the Negosyo Center, One Town, One Product (OTOP), Shared Service Facility (SSF), Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), and Rural Agro-Industrial Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project. The province has already conducted 122 trainings, supported 330 MSMEs in e-commerce, and onboarded 7 mentees in the Kapatid Mentor ME Program.
For more information about DTI Davao Oriental and its services, you may visit the DTI Davao Oriental Provincial Office or contact us through our Facebook page, telephone numbers: (087) 388-3735/ (087) 811-7180, or email: r11.davaooriental@dti.gov.ph.DTI11
BY ALEX ALAGON
Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with Home Credit, a leading consumer finance provider in the country. This collaboration marks the beginning of their shared commitment to making Canon’s inkjet printers more accessible to consumers through flexible and affordable financing options.
With this partnership, customers purchasing Canon PIXMA printers through Home Credit will enjoy easy-to-manage installment plans, making high page yield printers more attainable to households and small businesses alike. Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc., shares, “We’re excited to partner with Home Credit to provide Filipinos more access to our inkjet printers. More people can now experience a wide range of printing capabilities of our G series. I am sure people using it for home, small business, small office, or professional work will appreciate what our products have to offer.”
Jian Liu, Director of Customer Information and Imaging at Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc., added, “This partnership is a significant milestone in our mission to bring Canon’s high-quality printing solutions to more Filipino households and businesses. With Home Credit’s easy payment plans, we’re ensuring that more people can enjoy the benefits of our products without breaking the bank.”
“At Home Credit, we firmly believe that every Filipino deserves access to the latest and most reliable technology without the burden of financial stress. Our partnership with Canon Marketing Philippines marks a significant step toward this goal—making high-performance printers more accessible through flexible and affordable payment options. Whether for school, business, or personal use, this collaboration is all about empowering Filipinos to get the tools they need, when they need them,” says Puneet Suneja, Chief Sales Officer of Home Credit Philippines.
Canon’s PIXMA MegaTank series is known for its high-volume, cost-efficient printing. It is durable to meet all printing needs from reports, photos, certificates, stickers, calling cards, and more. Canon PIXMA G series printers offer 2 years warranty without print page count. Owners can enjoy 2 years of unlimited printing without any worries.
As part of this partnership, Home Credit is offering flexible installment plans for select Canon printers. Starting July 17, 2025, all purchases of Canon PIXMA G1010 MegaTank, Canon PIXMA G2010 MegaTank, Canon PIXMA G3010 MegaTank, Canon PIXMA G4770 MegaTank, and Canon PIXMA E470 will have 0% interest up to 12 months.
These offers make it easier for customers to invest in reliable Canon printers while managing their budget effectively.
The promos will be available nationwide for Canon authorized dealers that offer Home Credit and via the Home Credit app. For more details on this partnership and promos with Home Credit, you can visit https://www.homecredit.ph. For more promos and exciting Canon rewards points, please download the Canon Delightful app.
MANILA — Discovery Primea hotel and residences, one of Metro Manila’s most iconic luxury developments, has signed a strategic partnership with Adventenergy, Inc. (AdventEnergy), one of AboitizPower’s retail electricity supply (RES) arms, to enhance its energy reliability and sustainability initiatives.
Developed by JTKC Land and managed by Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC), Discovery Primea is recognized for its high standards in both residential and hospitality experiences. This new partnership with AdventEnergy marks Discovery Primea’s transition from the captive power market to the competitive retail electricity space—an important step toward long-term cost efficiency and energy resilience. Under the agreement, AdventEnergy will deliver customized energy solutions tailored to the property’s needs, including reliable power supply and value-added services.
“This partnership is a reflection of our responsibility not only to our guests but to our residents and stakeholders as well,” said Christopher John Tiu, president and chairman of Discovery Primea Condominium Corporation and director of Discovery World Corporation (DWC). “As we continue to provide exceptional service and high standards of living, it is equally important that we evolve in the way we manage our resources—starting with smarter, more sustainable energy choices.”
“This partnership empowers us to future-proof our operations while staying true to our brand of heartfelt, world-class hospitality,” added David Pardo de Ayala, general manager of Discovery Primea. “Reliable energy is essential to delivering the seamless and meaningful experiences our guests deserve. We’re proud to take this step forward with a trusted partner like AdventEnergy.”
“Energy is intangible, but its impact is felt in every part of the guest experience,” said AdventEnergy president James Yu “We’re honored to be powering one of the country’s most respected residential and hospitality landmarks with consistent, innovative, and efficient supply solutions.”
Discovery Primea hotel and residences join a growing roster of premium commercial establishments that are leveraging the Energy Regulatory Commission’s Customer Choice Programs for improved service and operational advantage. The collaboration also includes an Electrical Thermography Service—a non-invasive diagnostic tool that detects potential electrical faults using thermal imaging, helping the property prevent issues before they occur.
The signing ceremony was held at Flame Restaurant, located on the 16th floor of Discovery Primea, and brought together key executives from all involved parties. Representing Aboitiz Power Corporation and AdventEnergy were Danel Aboitiz, president and CEO; James Yu, president; Gina Camacho-David, vice president and head of retail energy sales, solutions, and services; and Jonathan Cruz, assistant vice president for business development and strategy. From Discovery Primea, attendees included Christopher John Tiu, president and chairman of Discovery Primea Condominium Corporation and director of DWC; Jose “Jun” Parreño Jr., president of DWC and chief operating officer of DHC; and David Pardo de Ayala, general manager of Discovery Primea.
The agreement reflects both companies’ broader vision of collaborative innovation. For Discovery Primea, the partnership unlocks more than just energy savings—it positions the property to pursue future upgrades such as energy audits and smarter power management systems.
“Our goal is to evolve this from a supply arrangement into a deeper collaboration,” Yu added. “We see opportunities to bring even greater efficiencies and innovations to the hospitality space—and we’re excited to build that future with Discovery.”
The announcement comes at a time when energy flexibility is becoming increasingly critical for high-performance buildings and businesses. It also reinforces the alignment between premium real estate and the country’s growing RES sector—a dynamic that could shape industry adoption in the years ahead.To learn more about Discovery Primea hotel and residences and its commitment to exceptional living experiences in the heart of Makati, visit www.discoveryprimea.com.
UNIONBANK recently inaugurated a new branch at the Aboitiz Corporate Center in Cebu City, enhancing access to financial services in one of the city’s key business districts.
The recently opened branch continues to showcase modern, customer-centric banking that promotes paperless transactions, intuitive self-service tablets, and 24/7 ATM machines —delivering a seamless experience for individuals and businesses alike.
“This new branch is more than just a physical space. It is a reflection of our belief in Cebu’s continued growth and our dedication to being part of that journey. Whether you’re a long-time client or someone who is just beginning your financial relationship with us, we are here to serve you with excellence, innovation, and care,” said UnionBank president and CEO Ana Aboitiz Delgado during the branch’s ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
“Cebu has always been a city full of promise—rich in culture, commerce, and strong community spirit. It’s where my family put down roots more than a century ago, and where our businesses first began to grow,” Delgado shared.
She compared UnionBank’s partnership with Cebu to an acacia tree the Aboitiz family once planted—one that grew steadily, weathered storms, and remained strong over time. “As we grow our presence here, we’re not just opening a new branch—we’re strengthening our bond with the people and businesses that keep Cebu thriving.”
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, who attended the blessing of UnionBank’s 20th branch in the region, commended the Bank’s commitment to service and innovation. He noted the professionalism and personalized approach of its team, reflecting the kind of customer experience that supports growth and trust in the community.
Also present at the inauguration were Cebu City Second District Rep. Eduardo “Edu” Rama Jr.; UnionBank relationship banking head Conception Pearlie Lontoc; UnionBank chief cross-sell and chief external relations officer Anton Corro; and UnionBank chief marketing and experience officer Albert Cuadrante.
“This recent branch opening is a clear sign of confidence in Cebu as one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and we are committed to being part of what supports and enables its exponential momentum,” said UnionBank Cebu sales director for relationship banking center Pico Sarmiento.
UnionBank’s latest branch opening underscores its drive to empower Filipinos through innovative banking even in its physical spaces and its ongoing support for thriving communities.
