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Philippines’ top entrepreneurs to be honored at awards gala

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Philippines has concluded its search for the country’s most visionary leaders shaping opportunities and transforming industries. It is a program of the SGV Foundation, Inc., with co-presenters: the Asian Institute of Management, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Business for Social Progress, and the Philippine Stock Exchange.

THE SEARCH for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Philippines is set to conclude with a much-awaited awards gala at the Makati Shangri-La on Wednesday (Oct. 23).

This year’s search has identified 11 outstanding entrepreneurs from diverse industries who are shaping opportunities and leading enterprises that help transform communities and uplift the nation.

George T. Barcelon is a pioneer of the information technology industry in the Philippines. His foresight enabled him to found Integrated Computer Systems, Inc. in 1978. Today, the company has evolved into a systems integrator and managed service provider, offering a wide range of technology solutions and holding strong partnerships with global technology brands.

Despite his early life struggles, Antonio L. Co saved up enough to establish Carrascal Nickel Corp. As a founder of the Philippine Nickel Industry Association, he has been instrumental in positioning the country as a top exporter of nickel ore and is committed to sustainability, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Elenita C. Dela Rosa, after spending years working abroad in the fintech industry, came home to start ECo Global Consulting, Inc., an IT solutions and services provider for core banking systems. Championing local economic development, the company built ECOSLAi, a first-of-its-kind full core banking and lending platform for the digitalization of rural banks and microfinance institutions.

Macario S. Fojas tapped into the potential of Java when he founded Seven Seven Global Services, Inc., propelling it to the forefront of the Philippine Information Technology-Business Process Management sector. His leadership helped the company place thousands of Filipinos in lucrative roles in application development, quality assurance, infrastructure support, technical helpdesk and back-office services across the IT and business process outsourcing sector.

Anna Losanta Marie R. Lagon owns and operates homegrown fashion brand Bayo, acquiring it in 2013. Beyond growing the brand, she has transformed Bayo Manila, Inc. into a sustainable enterprise that celebrates Filipino heritage and practices community engagement, raising consumer awareness and promoting Earth-friendly fashion practices as well as partnering with grassroots associations who practice traditional crafts.

Jacinto Ng, Jr. established Raemulan Lands, Inc. to address the backlog of socialized housing for the low-income market. In addition to developing over 30,000 homes in eight years, the company has implemented values and skills development programs for residents and installed rooftop solar energy panels in their houses, helping to build more sustainable communities.

Ruth Yu-Owen founded Upgrade Energy Philippines, Inc. as a joint venture focused on rooftop solar projects and offering a broad range of services for commercial and industrial solar solutions. Strategic partnerships propelled the company’s growth, with a target of 500-MW renewable energy and 200-MW rooftop solar by 2028.

Rosemarie P. Rafael established Airspeed with just a handful of people and a single van. Now the company has grown into a global logistics powerhouse, AIC Group of Companies Holding Corp., operating in over 90 countries. Always seeking to make an impact, she advocates for women’s leadership and implements initiatives that support small- and medium-sized enterprises that depend on their services.

Czarina J. Sevilla pivoted from a promising career in hospitality to establish Avocadoria.ph, which offers a diverse line of healthy avocado-based treats, such as ice cream, cakes, and shakes. Starting from a single stall then rapidly expanding to more than 200 outlets through franchising, Avocadoria has grown to encompass an advocacy that supports avocado farmers and a new line of avocado-based skincare and oil products.

Barbara G. Tan took over leadership of A.D. Gothong Manufacturing Corp., a major player in the Philippine fats and oils industry, from her late father. She brought a renewed sense of direction to the company, modernizing systems and processes and instilling a culture of professionalism, which have enabled it to thrive for nearly half a century.

Ambassador Leehiong T. Wee was born into poverty, but his relentless pursuit of betterment earned him an education and drove him to start the W Group, which is today an industry leader in the trading and export of seaweed and carrageenan products. Beyond growing the enterprise, his investments in seaweed farming in Mindanao have brought tremendous socioeconomic and ecological benefits in conflict-ridden areas.

From among these 11 finalists, winners will be recognized for each of these categories: Master Entrepreneur, Technology Entrepreneur, Woman Entrepreneur, Small Business Entrepreneur, and Young Entrepreneur.

One of these winners will be named the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Philippines and will represent the country at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards in Monte Carlo, Monaco in June 2025. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program is produced globally by Ernst & Young (EY).

Media sponsors are BusinessWorld and the ABS-CBN News Channel. Gold Sponsors are SteelAsia Manufacturing Corp., Uratex, and Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. Silver sponsor is International Container Terminal Services, Inc. Bronze sponsor is Lausgroup Holdings, Inc. Banquet sponsors are Robert Blancaflor & Groups, Inc., Bounty Fresh Group Holdings, Inc., Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., and Hotel 101.

PHINMA group to build P12-B township in Bacolod

SALUDAD IS A 21-hectare master-planned mixed-use development forged through the partnership of PHINMA Properties and JEPP Corp., with design expertise from Royal Pineda+ Architecture·Design. — PHINMA Property Holdings Corp.

THE PROPERTY UNIT of PHINMA Corp. launched a P12-billion mixed-use township in Bacolod City on Oct. 19, expanding its portfolio and nationwide presence.

PHINMA Property Holdings Corp. (PHINMA Properties) introduced the 21-hectare Saludad township, which will feature a business district as well as various services from the PHINMA group, such as education from PHINMA Education Holdings, Inc. and hotel and event spaces from PHINMA Hospitality, the conglomerate said in a statement to the stock exchange on Monday.

The property developer partnered with JEPP Real Estate Co. for the mixed-use development, with design led by Royal Pineda+ Architecture • Design.

“This township will provide Bacolodnons and other locals more opportunities to improve their lives while finding their own community in Saludad,” PHINMA Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr. said.

“This certainly inspires the group to harness our businesses’ strengths and ramp up investments to boost development in our regions and impact more lives,” he added.

The township will also have a town center with various dining, shopping, and entertainment selections, as well as residential spaces that will feature residential lots and medium-rise condominiums.

“We’re integrating the best of [Bacolod] in this township, embracing both heritage and modernity,” PHINMA Properties President and CEO Raphael B. Felix said.

Meanwhile, PHINMA Properties also launched the Likha Estates residential community inside Saludad.

The project will consist of modern living spaces, upscale amenities, and green spaces.

“Its various amenities enable a well-rounded lifestyle tailored to whatever their needs and desires are,” PHINMA Properties Vice-President and Chief Township Officer Paolo V. Reyes said.

On Monday, PHINMA Corp. shares fell by 2.16% or 45 centavos to P20.35 per share. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

How MGen’s RE focus could lead to MGreen IPO

MERALCO POWERGEN CORP. President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel V. Rubio

By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter

MERALCO PowerGen Corp. (MGen) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel V. Rubio is bullish on the company’s future, banking on its renewable energy (RE) projects to establish MGen as a powerhouse in the Philippines.

“The optimized market that’s running at the moment is enticing for investments,” Mr. Rubio said in an interview with BusinessWorld.

With nearly two decades of experience in the energy sector, Mr. Rubio has a strong background in the energy space, having served as former CEO of Aboitiz Power Corp.

“I have, of course, been exposed to the industry and been part of a number of associations within the industry. Hopefully, we will be able to contribute to some of the policies that are in place at the moment, being involved in the discussion to share insights on policies with the DoE (Department of Energy) and ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission),” Mr. Rubio said.

Incorporated in 2010, MGen is the power generation arm of Meralco, the listed power utility giant of the Pangilinan group.

MGen, through MGen Renewable Energy, Inc. (MGreen), controls SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC), which Mr. Rubio said will put the company at the forefront of the renewable energy space.

SPNEC’s Terra Solar Philippines, Inc. is said to be the biggest renewable energy company, with projects consisting of a 3,500-megawatt solar power plant and a 4,000-megawatt-hour energy storage system. It is expected to generate more than five billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.

“Terra Solar is big. Right away, it is going to put us at the forefront of renewable energy. We will be the largest renewable energy company by the time it gets commissioned, with its first phase by 2026 and second phase by 2027,” he said.

IPO PROSPECTS
MGen is also seeing a growing market appetite for green companies, Mr. Rubio said, noting that MGen might potentially list its unit MGreen on the local bourse.

“There is nothing holding us back from considering listing MGreen. The matter is when and if we really need to. We are evaluating our options,” he said.

He said an initial public offering (IPO) for MGreen could happen sooner than five years.

To fully unlock energy security for the Philippines, Mr. Rubio said there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that energy companies should not be “technology agnostic” and must be open to emerging technologies.

“The reason why there is a portfolio is that each technology has a role to play, but one thing is clear, we really need to transition to clean technologies,” Mr. Rubio said.

MGen is interested in setting up energy storage systems to ensure the reliability of variable renewable energy projects, Mr. Rubio said, adding that it is also studying and evaluating energy technologies that are in the infancy stage in the country, like offshore wind projects.

“We are also looking at other opportunities, people that are offering partnerships with us in solar, and even offshore wind… We are really watching closely the development of energy storage. We are also looking at standalone batteries,” he said.

Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) majority owner, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls.

ABS-CBN’s financial recovery unlikely this year — analysts

PHILIPPINE STAR/BOY SANTOS

ABS-CBN Corp. may not achieve financial recovery this year due to declining advertising revenues and low investor confidence, according to analysts.

“Given the drop in consolidated revenues and the ongoing strain from lower advertising income, ABS-CBN is unlikely to see a significant financial boost this year,” Globalinks Securities and Stocks, Inc. Head of Sales Trading Toby Allan C. Arce said in a Viber message.

Last week, the company announced it would retrench 100 employees, or 3% of its total workforce, due to the ongoing decline in advertising revenues.

“The TV industry as a whole has been hurt by lower consumer spending, which translated into lower advertising spends. The company is also being affected by the global decline in the pay TV business,” it said.

Despite this, the company reported significant improvements in its television ratings and music business.

First Grade Finance, Inc. Managing Director Astro C. del Castillo said the company’s decision would likely spur mixed reactions from investors, while many would view the layoff announcement negatively as it is likely a sign of deeper financial troubles.

“This sentiment could lead to a decline in stock prices as investors sell off shares to mitigate potential losses,” Mr. Del Castillo said.

On the other hand, some investors might see the retrenchment as the company’s cost-cutting move and streamlining options to help improve its overall financial health, he added.

“While there are promising developments in digital platforms and content production, the overall outlook for ABS-CBN continues to be challenging,” Mr. Del Castillo noted.

During former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s administration, lawmakers aligned with him denied ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal application. The House of Representatives committee on legislative franchises deemed the broadcast network critical of Mr. Duterte and “undeserving” of the privilege.

ABS-CBN’s attributable net loss widened to P1.18 billion for the second quarter from a loss of P965.28 million in the same period last year, according to its financial statement.

This is attributed to lower revenues for the period, which fell to P3.71 billion, lower by 18.1% from P4.53 billion a year ago.

“The broader industry decline and persistent losses suggest that ABS-CBN’s financial burdens may continue in the near term rather than showing signs of a full recovery,” Globalinks Securities’ Mr. Arce said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Arthaland P3-B follow-on offering gets PSE approval

ARTHALAND CENTURY PACIFIC TOWER — ARTHALAND.COM

THE PHILIPPINE STOCK Exchange (PSE) has approved the P3-billion planned follow-on offering (FOO) of listed property developer Arthaland Corp. to repay loans and fund a planned residential condominium project.

The FOO has a base offer consisting of up to four million cumulative, nonvoting, nonparticipating, nonconvertible, and redeemable peso-denominated Series F preferred shares and an oversubscription option of two million Series F preferred shares, both at P500 per share, the PSE said in a listing notice on Monday.

The FOO’s expected offer period is from Oct. 28 to Nov. 4, while the target listing date on the PSE is Nov. 14.

The company expects to generate P2.96 billion in net proceeds if the oversubscription option is fully exercised, of which P1 billion will be for the repayment of a short-term facility used to fund the redemption of the company’s Series C preferred shares fully drawn in June.

Another P1.14 billion will be used to partially fund an investment in a project company that will acquire and develop the property for a two-tower residential condo project called Project Teal, which has an estimated cost of P5.87 billion.

Arthaland is acquiring a 3,700-square meter residential property within the vicinity of major universities in northern Metro Manila for the project.

The project will be undertaken by Arthaland’s unit, Sotern Land Corp.

The first tower of Project Teal is scheduled for launch by the second quarter of 2025, with completion expected by 2029.

The second tower is set to be finished by 2031.

The company will also use part of the net proceeds for other loan payments as well as general corporate purposes.

Arthaland is also actively evaluating acquisition targets in the business districts of Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and other emerging cities.

BDO Capital & Investment Corp. was tapped as the sole issue manager, lead underwriter, and lead bookrunner for the planned offer.

Arthaland is a boutique real estate developer engaged in the development of residential, commercial, and leisure properties. Some of its projects include the Arya Residences, Arthaland Century Pacific Tower, Cebu Exchange, Savya Financial Center, Sevina Park, and Lucima.

On Monday, Arthaland shares fell by 1.2% or P0.005 to 41 centavos per share. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Cebu Pacific to add 3 routes from Iloilo in Dec.

JGSUMMIT.COM.PH

CEBU PACIFIC is further boosting its Iloilo hub with the launch of three domestic routes in December, the budget carrier said on Monday.

In a statement, Cebu Pacific, operated by Cebu Air, Inc., said it will mount three new routes from Iloilo in December to increase inter-island connectivity within the region.

Starting Dec. 1, Cebu Pacific will offer daily flights between Iloilo and Tagbilaran, followed by flights between Iloilo and Daraga on Dec. 2, thrice weekly.

It will also operate Iloilo-Dumaguete flights, three times a week, beginning Dec. 3.

With the addition of three new routes, Cebu Pacific will now serve a total of 14 destinations from Iloilo, including two international routes to Hong Kong and Singapore, it said.

“We are excited to introduce three new domestic routes from Iloilo, which comes just in time for the holiday season when many Filipinos go the extra mile to visit loved ones in different provinces,” said Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Alexander G. Lao.

He said the company will continue exploring fresh routes and new opportunities to make travel more convenient and affordable.

Currently, the budget carrier operates flights to 35 domestic destinations and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

At the local bourse on Monday, shares in Cebu Air closed 30 centavos, or 0.86% lower, at P34.70 apiece. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

No change in airline fuel surcharge for Nov.

PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE CIVIL Aeronautics Board (CAB) is keeping the passenger fuel surcharge unchanged for November.

In an advisory on Monday, CAB retained the passenger surcharge at Level 4 for next month, the second time the fuel surcharge was set at this level for the year.

At Level 4, the passenger fuel surcharge is between P117 and P342 for domestic flights and P385.70 and P2,867.82 for international flights originating from the Philippines.

A fuel surcharge may be collected by airlines based on the movement of jet fuel prices, using a benchmark known as MOPS (Mean of Platts Singapore).

All airlines seeking to impose the November fuel surcharge must submit an application on or before the effectivity period, CAB Executive Director Carmelo L. Arcilla said.

For fuel surcharges that will be collected in foreign currency, the applicable conversion rate for airlines will be P56.09 to a dollar.

The global average jet fuel price rose 5.2% week on week as of Oct. 11 to $93.02 per barrel.

Year on year, the global average of jet fuel dropped by 17.2%, according to fuel price monitoring reports by the International Air Transport Association. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Beyond Bagets: Raymond Lauchengco stages 40th anniversary concert

RAYMOND LAUCHENGCO

FORTY YEARS since he started in show business, Raymond Lauchengco has continued his artistic evolution, be it in photography, directing, or visual arts. A 1980s matinee idol behind hits like “I Need You Back,” “Farewell,” and “So It’s You,” audiences have embraced him throughout his creative journey in both music and art.

It is in this context that he has decided to give thanks to those who have supported him all these years by bringing them back to the 1980s, when it all started. Mr. Lauchengco will return to the concert stage in Just Got Lucky at  The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque on Nov. 23.

“I named the concert Just Got Lucky because that’s how I feel about my life, my career, and the audiences who continue to listen to me even after 40 years. The more appropriate term is that I have been immensely blessed,” said Mr. Lauchengco in an e-mail interview with BusinessWorld.

It is also the title of a song from Bagets, the iconic coming-of-age film that launched Mr. Lauchengco, Aga Muhlach, Herbert Bautista, J.C. Bonnin, and William Martinez into 1980s superstardom.

On his varied career, he added that it was a complicated path. “I saw a journey that was just as important, so I took my time to relish it and explore other creative pursuits.”

Today, Mr. Lauchengco’s work spans a wide range of media — professional photography, directing, sculpture, and, of course, his first love, singing.

As for the music to expect in the concert, there will be “familiar love songs” as well as “fast songs with dancers.” Tunes like “Shadow of Time,” “Saan Darating Ang Umaga,” and “Farewell,” plus other favorites and dance tunes from the ’80s will offer a mix of nostalgia and fun.

“In putting the show together, I wanted to make sure I filled it with songs that would make people happy, songs that make your mind wind back to the time you were a teenager experiencing all sorts of emotions for the very first time: falling in love, getting your heart broken, making the friends you’ve kept to this day,” he said.

On giving the songs fresh takes, Mr. Lauchengco said that being an older person and a more experienced artistic storyteller makes all the difference. “We’ve all grown up; we have a lifetime of experiences and stories to draw from. I think that keeps the music and the interpretation fresh and relevant.”

The concert will also feature multitalented performer Bituin Escalante, with Waya Gallardo as the writer and concert director and Marvin Querido as the musical director.

These collaborations are there to “bring out the best” in him, according to Mr. Lauchengco.

“Since Bituin is incomparable, I feel lucky to just be able to share the stage with her. And that goes for the other surprise guests as well,” he said. “These are people I look up to and who have been a big part of my life and career.”

“I have lots of stories to tell the audience about these people I’ve been blessed with!”

Tickets to Just Got Lucky are now available via TicketWorld and at the Solaire box office. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

Gov’t fully awards Treasury bills at higher yields

BW FILE PHOTO

THE GOVERNMENT made a full award of the Treasury bills (T-bills) it offered on Monday amid strong demand and even as rates were higher than market expectations as investors stayed cautious due to the worsening conflict in the Middle East.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised P20 billion as planned from the T-bills it auctioned off on Monday as total bids reached P55.069 billion, almost thrice as much as the amount on offer and higher than the P51.735 billion in tenders seen the previous week.

Broken down, the Treasury borrowed P6.5 billion as programmed from the 91-day T-bills as tenders for the tenor reached P17.61 billion. The three-month paper was quoted at an average rate of 5.463%, 1.9 basis points (bps) higher than the 5.444% recorded last week, with bids ranging from 5.398% to 5.463%.

The government also made a full P6.5-billion award of the 182-day securities, with bids reaching P14.72 billion. The average rate of the six-month T-bill stood at 5.731%, up by 6.3 bps from the 5.668% fetched last week, with accepted bid yields at 5.6% to 5.78%

Lastly, the Treasury raised P7 billion as planned via the 364-day debt papers as demand for the tenor totaled P22.739 billion. The average rate of the one-year debt also went up by 6.3 bps to 5.686% from the 5.623% quoted last week, with accepted rates ranging from 5.65% to 5.7%.

At the secondary market before the auction, the 91-, 182-, and 364-day T-bills were quoted at 5.1499%, 5.5836%, and 5.6926%, respectively, based on PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service (BVAL) Reference Rates data provided by the Treasury.

The government fully awarded the T-bills it auctioned off as the offer was oversubscribed, the Treasury said in a statement.

The T-bill rates awarded on Monday were higher than expected, a trader said in a phone interview.

“Players are more cautious given the geopolitical risks with the conflict in the Middle East,” the trader said.

US envoy Amos Hochstein will hold talks with Lebanese officials in Beirut on Monday on conditions for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, two sources told Reuters, as Israel expanded its air campaign on the group’s assets overnight, Reuters reported.

Israel overnight attacked sites in Beirut, southern Lebanon and the Bekaa valley that it said are used by Hezbollah to finance its operations. Hundreds of families fled homes near the targeted locations ahead of the strikes, with no casualties reported.

Israel has reportedly given the United States a document with its conditions for a diplomatic solution to end the war in Lebanon, Axios reported on Sunday, citing two US officials and two Israeli officials.

T-bill yields continued to correct higher on Monday, tracking the slight increase in short-term BVAL yields last week, ahead of the scheduled cut in banks’ reserve requirement ratios (RRR), Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

Strong demand for the offer led to the full award despite higher yields across the board, Mr. Ricafort added.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will reduce the RRR for universal and commercial banks and nonbank financial institutions with quasi-banking functions by 250 bps to 7% from 9.5% starting Friday (Oct. 25).

It will also cut the RRR for digital banks by 200 bps to 4%, while the ratio for thrift lenders will be reduced by 100 bps to 1%. Rural and cooperative banks’ RRR will likewise go down by 100 bps to 0%.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. earlier said they could bring down the RRR for big banks to as low as zero within his term, which ends in 2029.

The BTr is looking to raise P145 billion from the domestic market this month, or P100 billion via T-bills and P45 billion through T-bonds.

The government borrows from local and foreign sources to help fund its budget deficit, which is capped at P1.48 trillion or 5.6% of gross domestic product this year. — A.M.C. Sy with Reuters

New e-commerce platform partners with J&T Express ahead of Nov. launch

J&T EXPRESS PHILIPPINES, FACEBOOK

FILIPINO e-commerce platform Shoppedia has partnered with J&T Express as its exclusive delivery courier.

Set to launch on Nov. 8, Shoppedia aims to reach 300,000 active buyers monthly.

The two firms signed a memorandum of agreement on Monday.

“By leveraging J&T Express’s unparalleled reach and operational excellence, we can ensure that our customers receive their orders quickly and efficiently, no matter where they are in the country,” said Niel G. La-as, chief executive officer of Shoppedia.

“We chose J&T because they cover almost 43,000 [locations]… That’s the number one qualification we’re looking at for a particular delivery courier,” he added. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Igniting the ‘Likas-Kaya’ spark

FREEPIK

Likas-kaya is the Filipino translation of “sustainability,” defined as a realization that our ability to prosper now and in the future requires increased attention to economic and social progress and to conserving Earth’s life support systems. (Pamela Matson, Pursuing Sustainability: A Guide to the Science and Practice, Princeton University Press, 2016)

“Likas-Kaya para sa Kaunlaran,” on the other hand, is sustainable development, an outcome of sustained sustainability efforts that meet the needs, not only of the current generation, but also of future generations to come.

SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE COURSE
When the De La Salle University (DLSU) School of LifeLong Learning (SOLL) and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), through its Committee on Shared Prosperity, organized the Sustainability Leadership Certificate Course held on Aug. 22-23 at the DLSU Andrew L. Tan Data Science Institute in Bonifacio Global City, little did we know that we would be igniting a spark that would drive a broad and deep awareness of sustainability — in all its different dimensions of planetary, human and self-in the Philippine business community.

A total of 29 participants from 22 different companies, including Monde-Nissin, San Miguel Yamamura Packaging, Aboitiz-Lima Land, and other organizations, graced the event.

The Certificate Course covered the following topics based on the sustainability track in my recent fellowship at Stanford University:

1. Sustainability Leadership: A sustainability leader is defined by the University of Cambridge as “someone who inspires and supports actions towards a better world.” Yet, this writer believes that definitions of sustainability in the literature adopt a western lens. For a developing country, sustainability needs to be reframed to have a greater focus on the social, economic, and governance dimensions.

2. Pursuing Sustainability: Pursuing sustainability is no mean feat. Socio-environmental systems, in which opportunities for sustainable development reside, are complex. Such a realization will provide sustainability leaders the multiple levers that will catalyze “inclusive well-being” (its constituents being material needs, health and education, opportunity, community and security). As they say in Filipino, Walang iwanan (No one gets left behind).

3. Planetary Sustainability: This is the conventional space of sustainability and is also referred to as environmental sustainability. It has six dimensions (Bill Barnett, Leading Sustainability by Design, Stanford University, Spring Term, 2023-2024): a.  Climate; b. Energy; c. Population; d. Sustenance — Food and Water, Waste, and Plastics; e. Integrated Earth System — Biodiversity and Extinction, and Oceans; and, f. Heritage — Preservation and conservation, indigenous peoples, and conflict and displacement.

4. Human Sustainability: This is about rethinking our role as humans and leaders in this ever-changing world and developing a mindset that creates strong relationships to forge better societies, communities, organizations, and teams. Driving human sustainability involves understanding what drives members of your teams and communities. In addition to mere economics as a motivator, sustainability leaders align individual purpose with collective purpose, ensure mastery through continuing growth and development, and embed autonomy through empowerment and delegation.

5. Self-Sustainability: This is personal and inward sustainability that involves deep reflection on what really matters to each of us, what motivates and inspires us individually and what creates a calm mind, healthy body, and a purposeful life. It involves formulating and implementing strategies to redesign our personal lives in the areas of nutrition, exercise, emotional and mental health, and sleep. In the pursuit of longevity and wellness, this marks a shift from remedial medicine to preventive medicine.

‘LIKAS-KAYA’ LIVE CASES
While the topics above served as sustainability leadership theories, the certificate course was equally rich in practice with four guest speakers contributing their perspectives.

Pandayan Bookshop Managing Director Gerardo “Jun” V. Cabochan, Jr. shared how human and self-sustainability are embedded as part of the Pandayan DNA through its “Diwa-Kapwa” organizational model. Through Jun’s People First policy, three outcomes are achieved in this model: personal growth, productivity, and progress of every Panday.

Dr. Benito Teehankee, chair of the MAP Shared Prosperity Committee, advocated the MAP- and DLSU-endorsed Covenant for Shared Prosperity that spells out a company’s pledge to do right by its various stakeholders — the employees, customers, suppliers, communities, the environment, and shareholders. This Covenant is in support of the aspiration of the Constitution for “a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all Filipinos.”

Integrating environmental and human sustainability, CleanTech Global Renewables, Inc. President Salvador “Aboy” Castro presented an overview of his company’s renewal energy business alongside CleanTech Foundation’s dedication to building and empowering communities through a host of various social programs.

Focusing on planetary sustainability in supply chain, procurement, and logistics, Charlie Villasenor discussed developing sustainable supply chains and the advantages they bring.  He also covered how to build a compelling business case and deal with the corresponding challenges.

‘LIKAS-KAYA’ IN ACTION
A major feature of the Certificate Course is the setting up of a Sustainability Leadership community to be dubbed Philippines “Likas-Kaya” Leaders. This was kickstarted during the two days with each participant identifying their top-of-the-mind sustainability challenge and, working with their course teams, developing sustainability solutions they could bring back to their respective workplaces and contexts.

Post-course, I reflected on the following Sustainability Leadership pathways that every Philippine leader should seriously consider:

1. All of us must view ourselves as “sustainability leaders” with a broad definition of sustainability — economic, social, environmental, governance, etc. It must be embedded in every leader’s role, most specially the CEO.

2. A tri-sectoral leadership mindset and perspective to address “wicked” sustainability challenges needs to be adopted, considering the complex milieus with various institutions and actors at play that may help or hinder a lasting solution.

3. Incorporate frameworks, such as the United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), the Covenant for Shared Prosperity, and the “Diwa-Kapwa” advocacy, that encourage and inspire organizations to be People First and Spirit-Led in our sustainability actions and efforts.

4. Large-scale and radical sustainability initiatives are marathons, not sprints. Therefore, it is critical that we promote inclusivity by involving all generations and having a multi-disciplinary approach in our approaches and mental models.

5. As with sustainability initiatives and all change efforts, we must be transformational. We may have to be aware and steer clear of the Goldilocks principle — choosing the middle ground always for fear of “rocking the boat” — and always do our best to push strong and hard for positive change. At the same time, we all know that transformation is hard and that is why sometimes, we may have to start with baby steps.

6. It starts in our own backyards — our organizations, our families and homes — these are fertile areas to practice sustainability, whether it be human, self, economic, environmental, social, etc.

Let the “Likas-Kaya” community flourish!

    

Dr. Ramon “Mon” B. Segismundo is a member of the MAP Shared Prosperity Committee. He is a 2023-2024 fellow of Stanford University Distinguished Careers Institute. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Singapore Management University. He is the CEO of Singapore-based OneHRX.

map@map.org.ph

rbsegismundo@onehrx.com

Netflix PHL makes its first psychological thriller zombie film

ISOLATED in an ominous farmhouse mansion in the Philippine countryside for a zombie film are actors Sid Lucero, Beauty Gonzalez, Marco Masa, and Aiden Tyler Patdu, who play the Abel family in Netflix Philippines’ Outside.

The film sees them seeking shelter in the childhood home of volatile patriarch Francis (played by Mr. Lucero), a decision that unearths a big secret and ultimately brings a threat far greater than the undead corpses around them.

Outside premiered on Netflix on Oct. 17. While it isn’t the first Filipino zombie film or psychological thriller, it is the first that the platform produced, alongside Black Cap Pictures.

Ms. Gonzalez plays the unhappy and restless wife Iris, while Mr. Masa and Mr. Patdu play the teenage Josh and younger brother Lucas, respectively. The story follows their attempts to stay safe — from the apocalyptic scene unfolding around them and the demons hidden within their chosen shelter.

Since the film is in a genre known for visual effects, it was important for everything to “feel real,” said Filipino-Australian director and screenwriter Carlo Ledesma.

“I wanted the ‘dead ones’ to have their make-up look as realistic as possible. The bridge scene shows the utmost attention to detail and mindful consideration for more discerning viewers. It also involved bringing in local creatives from Negros, from theater actors who played the zombies to the production designers who built the setup filled with real cars lining the bridge, to create the very Filipino story of Outside,” he said at the Oct. 16 press launch at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

For Ms. Gonzalez, whose character hopes to get away from her family problems and internal struggles, the bridge scene is meaningful. She said that the entire sequence was filmed over three separate days.

“In many ways, the bridge is like a metaphor for her, like, ‘on the other side of the bridge lies a different life for me’,” Ms. Gonzalez said. “We wanted it to symbolize the crossing to a different threshold.”

“We put our blood and tears into it so it almost doesn’t matter what you guys think because we love what we did. We’re just people trying to make a vision — our director’s vision — and we did it as honestly as we could,” added Mr. Lucero, whose chilling character of Francis faces the most drastic transformation in the film.

Taking on the role of the first-born son is Mr. Masa, whose Josh represents how a teenager may deal with the whole situation. At the launch, he explained that the locked-in taping in Negros was a welcome challenge.

He told the press he was able to focus on a character that is unable to move freely due to his parents’ decisions: “Gusto ko ihiwalay ’yung bonding ng family sa work at nagkaroon ako ng second family (I wanted to separate the family bonding from the work, and so I gained a second family).”

In preparation for the story, which isolates its characters in a large, eerie property not unlike the Torrance family in The Shining, director Mr. Ledesma channeled emotions that arose during the pandemic.

“All my fears and anxieties as a parent suddenly came flowing into the pages,” he said. “It’s a film about zombies but ultimately, it’s a film about an imperfect family really trying to do their best. No one here is perfect; no one here is a bad guy. No one here is an ‘evil character’.”

While Mr. Ledesma and co-writer Anton Santamaria worked on the script together, Ms. Gonzalez found it somewhat personal since she grew up on a farm. She said that getting into character was not difficult.

“I read the script and realized I don’t really need to prepare. I trusted my director and his direction because the script is really beautifully written,” she explained.

Netflix Philippines’ content lead, Vitto Lazatin, said, before the panel with the cast and director was held, that Outside is but one production among the many lined up in the company’s mission to “entertain the world with Filipino stories.” This is why the film is available on the platform worldwide, in 32 languages.

“We’re extremely passionate about it, trying to find the best Filipino stories and bringing it to our platform,” he said. “Naniniwala kami na ang kwentong Pinoy ay kakaiba, ang kwentong Pinoy ay maganda, at ang kwentong Pinoy ay dapat ipamahagi sa mundo (We believe that Filipino stories are unique, beautiful, and worth sharing with the world).” — Brontë H. Lacsamana

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