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Laguna hydro plant auction set for April — DoE

CBKPOWER.COM

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporter

THE AUCTION for the privatization of the 796.64-megawatt (MW) Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) hydroelectric power plant (HEPP) complex in Laguna is scheduled for April, according to the Department of Energy (DoE).

Initially planned as a major privatization project by the state-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) last year, the auction for the asset will now proceed in April, Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara announced during a briefing on Wednesday.

“The only reason why it has been delayed is that the price determination methodology was supposed to have already been acted upon by ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) in October, but Chairman [Monalisa C. Dimalanta] was suspended by the Ombudsman and that cascaded in all the delays and therefore that’s why we could not proceed with it,” DoE Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said.

Mr. Lotilla was referring to the pricing determination methodology for the third round of green energy auction (GEA-3) set in February, which will also offer pumped-storage hydro capacities.

The government waited for the pricing scheme for GEA-3 so as not to affect the value of the CBK hydropower plant complex.

“The pricing [of the CBK plants] could be affected that’s why [the auction] will be held in April instead of November [2023],” Ms. Guevara said.

The ERC was only able to issue the pricing mechanism for GEA-3 late last year.

“The concern that had to be addressed was how to maximize the value of CBK, so it’s not PSALM’s fault. PSALM would have been able to privatize that even without GEA-3 but the concern of the Department of Finance was to enhance the privatization value of CBK and that’s why it got delayed,” Mr. Lotilla said.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto has said that the government is likely to raise between P50 billion to P100 billion from the privatization of the CBK power plants.

The CBK hydro facilities are under a 25-year build-rehabilitate-operate-transfer and power purchase agreement between independent power producer CBK Power Co. Ltd. and National Power Corp. (NPC), which will expire in 2026. These facilities are composed of the 39.37-MW Caliraya HEPP in Lumban, 22.91-MW Botocan HEPP in Majayjay, and 366-MW Kalayaan I and 368.36-MW Kalayaan II pump storage power plants in Laguna.

PSALM is tasked to lead the privatization of the remaining generation and transmission assets of the NPC and the National Transmission Corp., which includes the CBK plants.

The state-run firm has identified six qualified bidders for the asset’s auction.

“We are finalizing our documents, subject to the comments that we received from the various bidders. We hope to have a successful bidding by next year, and turnover also next year,” PSALM President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Edward A. Dela Serna told a Senate hearing in October last year.

Mr. Dela Serna said that the company is targeting to determine the indicative price for the CBK hydropower complex one to two months prior to the bidding date.

In 2023, PSALM turned over the ownership and operation of the 165-MW Casecnan Hydroelectric Power Plant to Fresh River Lakes Corp. (FLRC), a subsidiary of First Gen Corp. FLRC offered the highest bid at a price of $526 million, way above the minimum bid price of $227.27 million.

The Casecnan hydro is a run-of-river type of power facility that generates energy by diverting water from the Casecnan and Taan Rivers through a 26-kilometer-long tunnel.

WEF: PHL should fix educational shortcomings

FREEPIK

THE Philippines is well-positioned to capitalize on demographic changes reshaping economies given its burgeoning working-age population, but it should address critical shortcomings in education and job preparation according to a World Economic Forum (WEF) report.

While many high-income countries have aging populations and shrinking labor forces, the Philippines continues to enjoy an expanding working-age demographic, which is an advantage as industries worldwide get transformed by technology, climate change and economic shifts, the WEF said in its Future of Jobs Report 2025.

“Many economies’ actual ability to leverage demographic dividends will depend on their accompanying success or otherwise, in inclusive job creation,” it said in the Jan. 8 report.

This potential can only be unlocked if investments are made in education and skill development to enhance talent availability.

Employers around the world in the WEF survey identified the top five public policy priorities to enhance talent availability in the Philippines. At the top is flexibility in hiring and firing practices (57%), followed by provision of reskilling and upskilling (52%), funding for reskilling and upskilling (48%), improvements in public education systems (48%) and changes to immigration laws (44%).

Two-thirds of employers in the Philippines identified skill gaps as a significant barrier to business growth in the next five years, prompting many to scale up reskilling initiatives.

The upskilling and reskilling outlook showed that 32 of 100 Filipino workers would not need training by 2030, 28 will be upskilled in their present roles, 29 will be upskilled and redeployed and 10 were unlikely to upskill.

“Employers operating in the Philippines anticipate that almost three in 10 workers will be upskilled and then redeployed to new roles,” it added.

The study also showed the top core skills in 2025 and the skills expected to grow the most by 2030 in the Philippines. These are skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and big data at 85%, followed by resilience, flexibility and agility (77%), creative thinking (76%), networks and cybersecurity (73%) and technological literacy (65%).

It said technology-related roles are the fastest-growing jobs in percentage terms.

These include professionals such as big data specialists, fintech engineers, AI and machine learning specialists and software and application developers. 

In the next decade, about 1.2 billion young people in emerging economies would become working-age adults, the WEF said, citing the World Bank. The job market in these economies is only expected to create 420 million new jobs, leaving nearly 800 million young people in economic uncertainty.

Aging and expanding working-age populations are the two demographic shifts seen transforming global economies and labor markets, according to the report.

Higher-income economies predominantly have aging working-age populations, while lower-income economies like the Philippines are experiencing expanding working-age populations.

“These trends drive an increase in demand for skills in talent management, teaching and mentoring, and motivation and self-awareness,” it said.

“Aging populations drive growth in healthcare jobs such as nursing professionals, while growing working-age populations fuel growth in education-related professions, such as higher education teachers,” it added.

The report gathered insights from more than 1,000 global employers, representing more than 14 million workers across 22 industries and 55 economies.

It explored how macroeconomic trends will affect jobs and skills, and outlined workforce transformation strategies employers plan to implement from 2025 to 2030. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Netflix and WWE aim to fuel wrestling fervor worldwide

LOS ANGELES — Netflix’s next venture into live programming started on Monday when the company streams its first episode of Raw, the weekly World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) spectacle that has been a staple of US television for three decades.

WWE executives are moving their flagship show from Comcast’s USA Network to the new streaming home with hopes that they can bring in more fans of all ages around the world.

“When you look at Netflix and its global reach and the power of its brand, it was time that our brand met up with theirs,” said WWE President Nick Khan.

Netflix agreed to pay more than $5 billion for rights to show Raw and other WWE programming including Smackdown and Wrestlemania over 10 years, part of the streaming service’s move into live events that are attractive to advertisers.

WWE rose to popularity with colorful characters such as Hulk Hogan and future movie star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in ongoing storylines that hooked viewers.

One fan was Bela Bejaria, now the chief content officer at Netflix. She recalled watching outsized personalities such as Hogan, Randy Savage, and Andre the Giant with her grandfather after her family moved to Los Angeles when she was nine.

“It turns out that my experience of watching wrestling with my family isn’t that unusual,” Ms. Bejaria said. “They have a huge multi-generational fan base with a roster of stars and exciting drama.”

Today, the WWE has more than 1 billion followers across social media, Ms. Bejaria said. “Combining the intensity of WWE fans with the fandom and reach of Netflix just made sense,” she said.

Raw will stream live every Monday exclusively on Netflix in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and other territories. It will arrive on Netflix in some countries later this year, including India in April.

In 2025, WWE will stage more Raw and Smackdown events in international markets and aims to find superstars around the world.

“We can’t just be an American company, piping out American content, hoping that people will show up and tune in,” Mr. Khan said. “We have to be boots on the ground.”

Raw will air 52 weeks per year, a significant jump from Netflix’s handful of live events to date.

In November, Netflix reported 65 million concurrent streams for a boxing match between 58-year-old Mike Tyson and 27-year-old YouTube personality Jake Paul. Some users reported buffering issues during the fight.

Netflix attributed the glitches to the large number of viewers and said it had since shored up its technology. On Christmas Day, Netflix’s streams of two National Football League games went smoothly and drew more than 30 million viewers each. — Reuters

Chinabank to raise P100 billion via bonds, commercial papers

BW FILE PHOTO

CHINA BANKING Corp. (Chinabank) is looking to return to the debt market to raise P100 billion in fresh funds via bonds or commercial papers over the next three years.

Chinabank’s board of directors approved the three-year P100-billion fundraising program at its regular meeting on Jan. 8 (Wednesday), it said in a disclosure to the stock exchange on Thursday.

The total amount will be raised in several tranches via issuances of retail bonds, commercial papers, or a combination of both.

“The proceeds shall be used to support the bank’s strategic initiatives and expansion programs,” Chinabank said.

The program will mark Chinabank’s return to the debt market after nearly four years.

The listed bank last tapped the domestic debt market in February 2021, raising P20 billion from the issuance of three-year peso bonds, four times the minimum target amount of P5 billion.

The notes, which matured in 2024, were priced at 2.5% per annum, payable monthly.

Chinabank Capital Corp. was the issue coordinator, structuring advisor, joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner for the offering.

The lender also appointed Philippine Commercial Capital, Inc. and HSBC as the joint lead arrangers, joint bookrunners, and selling agents for the issue.

The bonds were issued under its P45-billion bond and commercial paper program that was approved in September 2020.

Chinabank’s net income rose by 29.43% year on year to P6.93 billion in the third quarter of 2024 on the back of continued core business growth.

This brought its nine-month net profit to a record P18.4 billion, up by 13% year on year.

Chinabank’s shares went down by 30 centavos or 0.43% to close at P69 apiece on Thursday. — A.M.C. Sy

Bossjob AI resume tool makes hiring easier

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

RECRUITMENT platform Bossjob on Thursday said its latest artificial intelligence (AI) Resume Analysis tool is expected to help simplify companies’ hiring process.

“The AI Resume Analysis tool offers a dual advantage for employers and jobseekers by using cutting-edge AI technology to review, evaluate and optimize resumes, ensuring alignment with job requirements,” it said in a statement.

The tool uses AI to evaluate resumes and provide tailored recommendations for both jobseekers and employers, it said. “The goal is to streamline the recruitment process for employers, while providing jobseekers with actionable insights to improve their chances of landing their dream jobs.”

About 89% of Filipino leaders think their organizations must leverage AI to remain competitive, according to the 2024 Work Trend Index from Microsoft Corp. and LinkedIn.

The AI Resume Analysis tool lets employers scan and assess resumes, cutting down the time spent on manually checking applications, Bossjob said. The tool highlights top candidates by matching resumes to specific job descriptions.

It also focuses on qualifications and skills to eliminate human biases and promote fairness in hiring. Recruiters gain all these valuable insights in just one click, it added.

The tool also gives jobseekers personalized feedback to help them refine their resumes. It highlights their key skills and experiences to attract hirers.

Through keyword-optimized resumes, jobseekers have an increased chance of matching their qualification with suitable job roles, Bossjob said.

“Our AI Resume Analysis is designed to empower both jobseekers and employers, bridging the gap between talent and opportunity in today’s competitive job market,” Bossjob Country Manager Kimberly Chen said in the statement.

“For jobseekers, it’s a real game-changer, providing insights that make their applications stand out. For employers, it’s about making smarter, faster, and fairer hiring decisions.”

“With this feature, the platform simplifies hiring processes, reduces inefficiencies, and empowers users to navigate the job market confidently,” it added. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Nowhere to go but Net Zero

FREEPIK

(Part 2)

BEYOND CREATING a future-ready energy system, our being among the top five countries in the world’s climate vulnerability list necessitates that we prepare Philippine cities, communities, and infrastructure for resilience in a climate-changed world. The impacts of the climate crisis as well as climate action that will be demanded of everyone are among the forces in history that are in no way linear.

These are forces that will transpire “gradually and then suddenly.” If we’re not prepared and conveniently ignore it, we’ll be overwhelmed and not recognize the world around us in the coming 30 years.

The science tells us we no longer have a choice. We need to act in a systematic and collaborative way if we want to succeed and make serious headway in tackling other issues like hunger, poverty, and the other pressing Sustainable Development Goals of our time. Trying to solve those will be futile if we don’t build for the resilience we need, and if we don’t ultimately solve the climate crisis.

We also need to be cognizant of the changing demands of consumers. According to the UNDP-Oxford University “Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024” survey, 80% of people globally want their governments to take stronger climate action to tackle the climate crisis. A higher 86% want to see their countries set aside geopolitical differences and work together on climate change. The Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024, which is the biggest global standalone survey on climate change, offers undeniable evidence that people everywhere support bold climate action.

All these beliefs are embedding themselves into consumer buying habits; the companies that people now choose to work for; global supply chains; the availability of financing and insurance for assets and projects; and even social acceptability, to name a few. The combined effects of all these forces are being seen in how companies and brands are reorienting around decarbonization goals.

Many governments are also strengthening their climate policies and targets while more countries are introducing carbon pricing instruments like emissions trading system, carbon taxes, and carbon trading.

For the Philippines, we see our government’s efforts for a more systematic and comprehensive approach to climate action through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Climate Change Commission. Following the submission of our country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in April 2021, the National Greenhouse Gas Inventories for 2015 and 2020 were completed. With stakeholder support, the NDC Implementation Plan and the National Climate Change Action Plan were developed with a focus on food security, water sufficiency, ecosystem and environmental stability, and human security.

Complementing the government blueprint are planned regulations to align the private sector to this course, given that businesses contribute a large portion to the national greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint.

It’s evident that decarbonizing and scaling up a green electricity grid over the next 25 years is the greatest energy transition in the history of mankind. It’s not just changing the electricity system but building a new global energy system with components we have never built before and at a massive scale. This will need nothing short of collaborative action among various players and well-coordinated and timely action on the part of regulators, who must ensure energy security and be well-versed on the elements that make for a successful and just energy transition.

We recognize though that it takes more than energy security and the energy transition to stabilize the distressing state of the climate.

While addressing the climate crisis feels like such a daunting task, we remain optimistic as we see a myriad of sectors coming together and taking collective action. Our Mission, “to forge collaborative pathways to a decarbonized and regenerative future,” continues to guide our path. It reaffirms our commitment to work together with all stakeholders, including the Net Zero Carbon Alliance, to rally more businesses and organizations across all sectors to achieve our Net Zero ambition.

(See Part 1 here: https://tinyurl.com/2dzzte3d)

 

Federico R. Lopez is the chairman and chief executive officer of First Gen Corp. and its parent firm First Philippine Holdings Corp. He is also the chairman of the First Gen subsidiary Energy Development Corp. This commentary was lifted from the keynote speech that Mr. Lopez delivered during the Net Zero Carbon Alliance 2024 Conference held at The Fifth at Rockwell in Makati City.

Shari’ah-compliant securities fall to 53; ICTSI, PAL Holdings added

REUTERS

SHARI’AH-COMPLIANT securities declined to 53 from the previous 56 following the quarterly review ending Dec. 25, according to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE).

The updated list saw the addition of six companies and the removal of nine companies, the PSE said in a notice dated Jan. 8 on its website.

The additions to the list were Razon-led International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), Lucio Tan-led PAL Holdings, Inc., and AbaCore Capital Holdings, Inc.

Also included were Far Eastern University, Inc., Steniel Manufacturing Corp., and STI Education Systems Holdings, Inc.

The review saw the removal of companies such as APC Group, Inc., iPeople, Inc., Lodestar Investment Holdings Corp., Mabuhay Vinyl Corp., Marcventures Holdings, Inc., and Medilines Distributors, Inc.

Other omitted companies were Now Corp., SSI Group, Inc., and SFA Semicon Philippines Corp., which voluntarily delisted on Dec. 12.

The PSE released the previous list of Shari’ah-compliant securities on Oct. 4, covering the period ending Sept. 25.

“Shari’ah-compliant investment instruments create a mechanism for listed companies to gain access to potential funding from Islamic investors, including those in countries in the Middle East and other countries with high Muslim populations such as Malaysia and Indonesia,” the PSE said.

Shari’ah refers to the moral and religious code of Islam that covers rules, regulations, teachings, and values governing the lives of Muslims.

The quarterly review is done by Islamic finance information provider IdealRatings, Inc., which examines the adherence of the companies’ business activities and financial ratios to Shari’ah standards.

IdealRatings inspects listed companies in accordance with Shari’ah standards under the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions.

Under the business screening, the income of companies derived from activities such as adult entertainment, alcohol, cinema, defense & weapons, financial services, gambling, gold and silver hedging, interest-bearing investments, music, pork, and tobacco must be less than 5%.

In terms of financial ratio screening, a company’s cash or interest-bearing deposits or investments should not exceed 30% of its market capitalization, while its interest-bearing debt should not go beyond 30% of its market capitalization. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Unilever’s Indonesia headache worsens with boycott as local brands seize the day

REUTERS

LONDON/JAKARTA — A boycott against Unilever and other multinationals operating in Israel has worsened the global consumer company’s loss of market share in Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, where it is battling smaller, often cheaper local rivals.

Unilever, like other big consumer goods companies, has been under fire in many Muslim-majority countries for what some shoppers see as tacit support of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza through business activity.

Unilever first said last February that sales growth in Southeast Asia had been hurt by shoppers in Indonesia boycotting its brands in response to the geopolitical situation. In October, it revealed its market share in Indonesia had declined to 34.9% in the third quarter from 38.5% a year before.

The group’s Jakarta-listed business brought in $2.39 billion in 2023, contributing 3.8% to group sales, but the trading environment is difficult. Despite owning major brands including Axe deodorant, Cornetto ice creams and Royco seasoning powder, Unilever has struggled to grow market share for nearly a decade as shoppers switch to cheaper local brands.

According to research firm Kantar, Unilever’s Royco, Lifebuoy and Sunlight brands were among Indonesia’s top 10 consumer brands in 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, earnings reports show Unilever raised prices sharply to keep up with rising costs. By 2023, only Royco remained in the top 10 with local laundry detergent SoKlin maker Wings Group and Roma biscuit maker Mayora Indah stepping in.

Unilever is also facing competition from homegrown halal beauty firm Paragon’s Wardah, Aice, which makes ice cream, and new international players such as Skintific from China.

At a local online store, a 400-milliliter bottle of liquid soap made by Wings Group’s Nuvo brand was selling for about 20% less than Unilever’s Lifebuoy liquid soap in the same size. A 700-ml bottle of Wings’ SoKlin liquid laundry detergent was about 7% less than Unilever’s Rinso detergent.

‘SOCIETAL CHANGE’
Unilever’s pricing challenges in Indonesia come as recent data show that the size of Indonesia’s middle class shrank between 2019-2024 due to layoffs and lower job opportunities, prompting demand for cheaper groceries, according to local retailers’ association Tutum Rahanta.

Unilever executives said in October they are trying to give their Indonesian brands a makeover given the “significant societal change” taking place, with people increasingly shopping online and looking for better prices. They expect to see an improvement in the next six months, they said.

Unilever’s Indonesia president, Benjie Yap, told Reuters in a statement: “It can be seen that we are navigating in a situation full of challenges, but we clearly understand the steps necessary to overcome it while continuing to adapt to a rapidly evolving market landscape.”

“The decline in market share occurred in almost all categories due to several things, one of which is negative consumer sentiment,” YMr. Yap said.

Unilever is aiming for more consistent pricing, getting its products into “more” and “better” stores, and improving the way it manages inventory and sells and distributes products online, it says.

BOYCOTTS MAKE AN IMPACT
Unilever acknowledged in October that the boycotts had made a dent in sales, though it has not provided details.

PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk in October reported an 18.2% decline in quarterly underlying sales to 8.4 trillion Indonesian rupiah ($533 million).

About 87% of Indonesia’s population of 280 million is Muslim, and pro-Palestine groups and apps have emerged urging people to boycott brands, including those made by Unilever.

A Reuters review of the global “No Thanks” app — built by pro-Palestine developer BashSquare — shows shoppers are urged to boycott, for instance, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream while locally produced brands such as Indomie noodles are highlighted as “good for now!”.

The app enables shoppers in many countries to scan product barcodes and recommends buying decisions based on parent companies’ action — or inaction — when it comes to the war. The app’s Instagram page claims it has 7 million users.

Riska Rahman, a 31-year-old mother of one, has been boycotting products from Rinso laundry detergent and Pond’s moisturizer to Rexona deodorant and Pepsodent toothpaste in protest against Unilever’s continued presence in Israel.

“We cut everything straight away,” she said.

Competitors have enjoyed strong growth in most of Unilever’s categories, including packaged food, beauty and home care, analysts said.

The Indonesian homecare market is expected to grow this year by 11.5% to $3.4 billion, and the packaged food market is estimated to grow roughly 11.7% to $21.8 billion, according to Euromonitor International data.

Meanwhile, underlying sales for Unilever’s homecare and personal goods unit in Indonesia fell 20.8% in the third quarter. Underlying food and refreshment sales were down 13.3%.

“Local and foreign brands seized this opportunity, ramping up aggressive promotions, particularly on e-commerce platforms,” Cheria Widjaja, an analyst at DBS Bank, said. The brokerage last month downgraded Unilever’s Indonesia business to ‘fully valued’ from ‘hold’. — Reuters

Jay-Z seeks to sanction rape accuser’s lawyer as legal fight escalates

JAY-Z — COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG

RAP MOGUL Jay-Z on Wednesday asked a judge in Manhattan to dismiss a lawsuit accusing him and fellow rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl during a party in 2000, and to sanction the Houston attorney who filed the case.

Jay-Z accused the lawyer, Tony Buzbee, of multiple inaccuracies in the complaint, and of failing to investigate the allegations before filing the lawsuit.

Mr. Buzbee’s lawsuit, which initially named just Mr. Combs and later added Jay-Z as a defendant, alleged that the unnamed girl was drugged and raped by both men at a party hosted by Mr. Combs following the MTV Music Awards in 2000. Mr. Combs and Jay-Z have denied the allegations.

Monday’s filing from Jay-Z’s lawyer Alex Spiro at law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan said NBC News had determined that a number of claims in the Buzbee case “were either false or highly doubtful.”

Mr. Buzbee’s client, identified only as Jane Doe, claimed that her father picked her up after the alleged assault, but her father does not remember doing so, Jay-Z said, citing a December NBC News report.

These inaccuracies cast “considerable doubt on plaintiff’s allegation that Mr. Carter raped her, which he did not,” Jay-Z told US District Judge Analisa Torres.

In addition to dismissing the claims, the filing asked Ms. Torres to punish Mr. Buzbee by imposing a monetary sanction, such as forcing him to cover Jay-Z’s legal fees.

Mr. Buzbee in an e-mail to Reuters said the filing “reeks of desperation.” He accused Mr. Spiro and his team of trying to “bully or intimidate counsel by filing meritless and frivolous pleadings full of lies and half-truths.”

A Quinn Emanuel spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The filing marks the latest salvo in an escalating legal battle between Buzbee, Jay-Z and his legal team.

In November, Quinn Emanuel sued Mr. Buzbee and the Buzbee Law Firm on Jay-Z’s behalf in Los Angeles, alleging Mr. Buzbee threatened to lodge “wildly false horrific allegations” in order to “extort exorbitant sums.”

Mr. Buzbee countered by suing Quinn Emanuel in Harris County, Texas, last month, accusing the firm of harassing his colleagues, his clients and his family. Quinn Emanuel has denied the allegations.

Mr. Buzbee’s firm has also brought two lawsuits against Quinn Emanuel and Jay-Z’s company Roc Nation, alleging they encouraged the Buzbee Law Firm’s former clients to bring “frivolous” cases against it. Quinn Emanuel and Roc Nation have not formally responded to the lawsuit. — Reuters

Waste and repurposed plastics

Happy New Year!

Do you know that the Philippines produces about 61,000 metric tons of solid waste daily? This is projected to increase further in 2025. On average, each Filipino generates around 0.4 kilogram (kg) of waste. That’s you and me contributing to the Philippines’ pollution problem. And the majority of solid waste is plastic waste.

When you go shopping, do you bring your own bag? Do you know that a significant contributor to the waste crisis in the Philippines is the heavy reliance on single-use plastics, resulting in the annual generation of 2.7 million tons of plastic waste? Plastic is not biodegradable. Its debris clogs landfills, pollutes waterways, and disrupts environmental habitats and natural processes. Additionally, the infiltration of microplastics into the food chain poses a direct threat to human health and food security. These microplastics are ingested through contaminated food, water, and even the air, leading to potential long-term health complications.

The adverse impacts of plastic pollution extend beyond environmental concerns. According to Environment Secretary Toni Yulo Loyzaga, improperly disposed plastics cost the Philippine economy an estimated $890 million yearly, stemming from materials that could otherwise be repurposed or recycled. This provides a clear picture of the effects of environmental damage and economic inefficiency.

The Ocean Conservancy in 2015 listed the Philippines as the third biggest ocean polluter in the world. The World Wildlife Fund also estimates that there may be more plastics in terms of weight than fish in the ocean by 2050 if we don’t do anything about it.

Amidst these challenges, numerous individuals, organizations, and government bodies have taken significant steps to address the plastic waste problem in the Philippines. These initiatives demonstrate the power of collective determination and long-term commitment to fostering environmental sustainability.

Innovations and proactive measures against plastic pollution will pave the way to a cleaner, greener future.

The Philippine government has taken steps in the right direction, enacting policies to mitigate plastic waste. A landmark initiative is the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022 led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This legislation mandates companies to take responsibility for their products throughout their life cycle — from manufacture to post-consumer stages. By requiring companies to offset their plastic emissions, the EPR Act contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of industrial production. However, implementing this act has challenges such as cost concerns and potential impact on profitability. Stronger enforcement mechanisms and incentives for compliance must be implemented.

I heard Nanette Medved Po speak passionately about plastics, and she really walks the talk. She founded Plastic Credit Exchange to help tackle the plastic waste crisis and promotes the Plastic Pollution Reduction Standard, a comprehensive framework designed to establish a circular economy and minimize waste through recycling, reusing, and repurposing materials. Other private companies are also at the forefront of innovative sustainability in the Philippines. Just this week, Edmund Dimalanta of D&G Pacific Corporation and Repurpose, Inc. invited me to visit his plant near my garden in Antipolo. It was interesting to know that he collects waste, including plastics, leaves, and branches, from villages like Forbes and Dasmariñas. His factory diverts plastic waste from landfills and waterways and recycles them into durable materials for construction, housing, and furniture. These initiatives not only combat plastic pollution but also contribute to economic growth by creating new markets for recycled products, as plastic doesn’t decay.

The waste management crisis in the Philippines will require a collective effort from government organizations, the private sector, and the general public. By prioritizing sustainability and fostering a circular economy, the country can minimize and mitigate the negative impacts of plastic waste. Corporate efforts and government action will be the foundation of a future where the Philippines is no longer a profit-driven, waste-laden society, but a model of environmental responsibility and sustainability.

This new year, let’s start waste segregation. All biodegradable waste, like fruit and vegetable peels, grass, and leaves, please compost them to be organic fertilizer for healthy plants and a beautiful garden. The plastics, separate them so they can be put to better use. Let’s do our part to minimize waste and help our environment. This year, let’s be part of the solution. Happy Zero Waste Month!

The views expressed herein are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of her office as well as FINEX.

 

Flor G. Tarriela was former PNB chairman and now serves as board advisor.  A former undersecretary of Finance, she is lead independent director of Nickel Asia Corp., director of LTG Inc., FINEX and Philippine Bible Society. A gardener and an environmentalist, she established Flor’s Garden in Antipolo, now an events destination.

Lessons before they kick you out of your job

I’m a regular junior supervisor in a private organization. Due to my low pay and benefits, I’m thinking of having a second job that could augment my income. Is that possible? Please advise. — Leap Frog.

You’re not a key player in the National Basketball Association where team owners and management would allow some of its players to agree on a two-way contract. That’s only possible in the NBA because it benefits team owners and potential young players to play for a regular team and its G League affiliates.

NBA’s two-way contracts allow young players to gain experience and be exposed to professional basketball without committing to a full-time contract.

It’s different in the corporate world. If you pursue your plan, you’ll face a lot of opposition, mainly from your current employer. Their objections are grounded on many issues, including lack of work-life balance, physical exhaustion and loss of trade secrets.

That’s assuming you will be working only for a part-time job of four hours per shift or full-time for the night shift. Imagine the possible conflict in work scheduling alone. Surely, your main employer would object to a double job when you show signs of lethargy. But that’s not all.

Even if your boss agrees with you having a second job, what’s the assurance that you’ll get lucrative pay? I bet there’s almost none. So, what’s your best option? There’s no other way but to explore better opportunities with your current employer. You’ll get a better chance of receiving the right pay and perks that you deserve if you stay.

LESSONS TO LEARN
In my 2010 book entitled Lessons to Learn Before They Kick You Out of Your Job, I listed down 101 tips that I learned from both enjoyable and painful experiences while working for different bosses with contrasting management styles. Here are the top 10  tips that may apply to you and other people with different personalities.

One, ask and you’ll receive. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know the answer. It’s the Alladin Factor popularized by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. It has its biblical origin in the powerful message from Matthew 7:7 – “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

Two, be growth-oriented. And not a cost-oriented person. Create more innovative ideas than what your colleagues could accomplish. Make it part of your key performance objectives. Empower yourself with the boss’s support. Grab every opportunity to solve problems.

Three, be an administrative champion. Work like a Toyota manager. Create an army of workers who will help you achieve your goals in solving problems. Be a proactive listener of employee ideas. Reciprocate with your unqualified commitment in helping them achieve their career goal.

Four, count your cashless motivational blessings. In the meantime, if you can’t get a pay increase, be positive by listing down all the good things about your current employer. They include positive work relations with your boss, the chance to work on challenging tasks or simply being trusted.

Five, exceed the expectations of people. Know and understand the work standards and the goals. Work hard enough to achieve your career goals. Don’t allow the status quo to lull you into oblivion. Do a better job than before. You will never run out of things to do if you try to exceed doing your best.

Six, get organized and do things in proper order. Keep a daily to-do list. Prioritize each item starting from high-value tasks. Handle a task not more than once. Act on it, send it to a colleague, file it or ditch it. Make it a daily habit before leaving the office. That would give you a sense of satisfaction.

Seven, be a risk taker and don’t be afraid to commit mistakes. Break your daily routine. Don’t settle for creating out-of-the-box ideas. Instead, build another box full of ideas. Apologize and seek the forgiveness of people who may have been affected by your mistakes. Accept imperfection.

Eight, negotiate for a win-win option. Set a friendly and cooperative approach with people. Clarify the issues. Ask a lot of questions to know the answers. Stay calm and rational during a negotiation. If a discussion becomes emotional, ask for a break. Then leave the door open.

Nine, resist the temptation to be an average person. Promise reasonable work standards. Then, overdeliver them. When working on something, always strive to improve on your previous record. Note the clear definition between “exceeding” and “meeting” the minimum work standards.

Ten, give full credit to the boss. Make your boss look good in the eyes of other people. That way, you will also look good in the eyes of your boss. At times, you may feel cheated for giving away all the credit, but a good boss would always know how to reciprocate. You can’t win them if you don’t win your boss.

 

Join Rey Elbo’s Japan Kaizen Study Mission on April 20-26, 2025. Reward your hardworking managers with a trip designed to further motivate them. E-mail elbonomics@gmail.com or via https://reyelbo.com

The Philippines: A low testosterone country?

FREEPIK

Word came out online that 80% of men purportedly have given up on dating. This comes amidst reports that marriages went down in 2023. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), “There were 414,213 registered marriages in 2023, a decrease of 7.8% from the total registered marriages of 449,428 in 2022.”

Further the PSA: “Of the 86.33 million persons aged 10 years and over in 2020, 34.26 million persons (39.7%) were never married, while 33.87 million persons (39.2%) were married. The rest of the population was categorized as follows: in common-law/live-in marital arrangement with 14.7%, widowed with 4.5%, and divorced/separated/annulled with 1.9%.”

Finally, reiterated here are data showing that 20% of marriages in the Philippines will be broken, with 82% of such broken marriages involving children. That a World Health Organization (WHO) study finds there are 15 million solo parents in the Philippines, 95% (or more than 14 million) of whom are women. That 58.1% or 844,909 of newborn Filipino babies are illegitimate. That the Philippine fertility rate is continuously declining: 2019 registered 2.87 births per woman, compared to 3.21 in 2009. In 2020, the fertility rate fell to 2.53, fell again in 2021 by 1.03% to 2.504, then another 1% decline to 2.479 in 2022.

The question of fertility is usually ascribed to women but the country’s declining fertility rate do not seem to be due to women’s fertility capabilities but rather the decision of many women not to have children. On the other hand, one measure of the fertility capabilities of men is to determine their testosterone levels. And in this regard, Filipinos seem to be on the low end of the spectrum: Of the 86 countries rated by testosteronedecline.com (in its March 2022 report), the Philippines ranked 62nd, with a rating of 413 nanograms per deciliter of testosterone (ng/dL).

Compare that with the countries that have the five highest testosterone levels: Uzbekistan 773 ng/dl; Cameroon 731 ng/dl; Azerbaijan 694 ng/dl; Mongolia 693 ng/dl; and Ethiopia 671 ng/dl. The five countries with the lowest testosterone levels, on the other hand, are: Belarus 356 ng/dl; Kazakhstan 356 ng/dl; Bahrain 346 ng/dl; Latvia 342 ng/dl; and Czechia 315 ng/dl.

Low testosterone is a national concern because of its obvious health and population implications. “Low testosterone levels can affect your libido and cause physical changes, sleep issues, and trouble with emotional regulation.” While found in both males and females, testosterone has higher levels in and is more important for men. Testosterone helps maintain a number of important bodily functions in men, including: sex drive, sperm production, muscle mass/strength, fat distribution, bone density, and red blood cell production. Because “testosterone affects so many functions, its decrease can bring about significant physical and emotional changes.” (see “Low Testosterone in Men,” Healthline, March 2023).

Excuses can be made, of course, but even then most are off the mark. Some myths regarding low testosterone are:

Myth No. 1: Low testosterone is a normal part of aging

Fact: Low testosterone can develop at any age for a number of reasons. In fact — this is important — testosterone levels have been dropping since the 1980s and the drop has nothing to do with age levels (see “Men’s testosterone levels declined in last 20 years”; Reuters, August 2007).

Myth No. 2: Low testosterone only affects a man’s sex drive

Fact: While one of the signs of low testosterone is loss of sex drive, such may also cause mood swings, fatigue, low energy, and a sheer lack of drive. Low testosterone can also be caused by other health conditions.

Myth No. 3: It’s safe to order testosterone supplementation online

Fact: Testosterone medications are controlled substances that can only be prescribed by a physician. Men who use testosterone without a physician’s supervision run several risks. (see “Top 3 Myths vs Facts When It Comes to Low Testosterone,” Urology Care Foundation, March 2021).

What are the possible causes for a national decline in testosterone? One is ingestion of agricultural chemicals, either through food or the water supply. Plastics and chemicals (food packaging, detergents, clothes, furniture, and synthetic underwear) are other possible causes. Eating seed oils is another. And, of course, inactivity and obesity. (see testosteronedecline.com).

There are ways to counteract this: get more sleep; avoid personal care products, such as moisturizer or body wash, that contain “xenoestrogens” which are unnatural chemicals that act like estrogen and lower testosterone levels; and avoid microplastics (particularly in clothing and underwear).

What is key, however, is to have a leaner population. Contrary to the progressive notion regarding body positivity, a fat or obese population simply is unhealthy on so many levels. Seed oils, carbohydrates, and junk food are to be discouraged, while an unprocessed beef or oily fish protein-based diet should be welcomed. Physical exercise, particularly through team sports, must be made mandatory in our youth’s education. Individual sports simply do not provide the same benefits.

Finally, we should really bring back the ROTC and impose mandatory military service for our young adults.

The views expressed here are his own and not necessarily those of the institutions to which he belongs.

 

Jemy Gatdula is the dean of the Institute of Law of the University of Asia and the Pacific and is a Philippine Judicial Academy lecturer for constitutional philosophy and jurisprudence.

https://www.facebook.com/jigatdula/

Twitter  @jemygatdula

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