Events Archives - The Philippine Daily Inquirer at 39

Hurdles still high for PH nuclear energy dev’t

admin — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 08:56:08 +0000

The country’s target to introduce nuclear energy into the local power mix by 2032 remains an iffy proposition for industry stakeholders, as local players have yet to show the capacity to build the needed infrastructure and raise the hefty budget required. This reality check on the planned nuclear deployment was one of the topics at Hybrid Energy: Bridging the Transition to Renewables, a forum held by the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Friday. Joey Ocon, president and chief scientist at energy storage solutions provider Nascent Batteries, noted that China may be the only country (among emerging markets in the region) capable of building nuclear power plants “on time and on budget.” President Marcos wants to have the country’s first nuclear power plants up and running by 2032, with an initial capacity of 1,200 megawatts. “So that’s a big challenge for us if we put nuclear in our energy transition plan. We don’t have the assurance that the developer will be able to build the nuclear power plant on time and on budget,” said Ocon, who is also an engineering professor and scientist at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Modular reactors

“Because if you have a runaway situation where the construction costs are very expensive, it’s going to be a pricey source of electricity,” he added during the panel discussion. Ocon also said that while there were talks on the potential use of small modular reactors in the Philippines, the commercial deployment of such a technology has yet to be realized. “I don’t think it’s possible,” Ocon said, referring to the target.

Irene Maranan, senior vice president and head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability ACEN Corporation at the The Philippine Daily Inquirer and Inquirer ESG Edge forum (Photo by Jay-Em Serapion)

John Charles Altomonte, an environmental scientist who also leads solar energy firm SunFund, echoed Ocon’s statements, saying nuclear energy may “come online way too late and a little bit too expensive.” Altomonte said the government must focus instead on promoting more renewable projects, particularly geothermal energy. “I think nuclear doesn’t seem like a very feasible option right now,” Altomonte said. For Pedro Maniego Jr., Institute of Corporate Directors chair, said that if only the previous government opted to operate the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), the Philippines “[would] not be that far behind other countries.”

Long-mothballed

BNPP was never switched on after construction had been completed in 1986 due to allegations of corruption and issues on safety. The most aggressive local company vying to fire up this technology is Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) of billionaire Manuel V. Pangilinan. Meralco has been exploring partnerships abroad, including France and South Korea, to speed up the realization of nuclear energy. INQ

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Education issues tackled in Inquirer ESG Edge talks

admin — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 08:49:51 +0000

MANILA, Philippines — Lack of funding and the continuing need for reforms in the education system are among the pressing concerns requiring an immediate, holistic response from the public and private sectors. In a recent forum hosted by the Inquirer, the first under its ESG Edge initiative, one of the solutions proposed was for the government to further “decentralize” its functions and “delegate” more of them to private schools. It can start with the expansion of the current voucher system of the Department of Education which, in the process, can help reduce perennial classroom shortage, according to Diane Fajardo, deputy executive director of the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd). Many private schools, Fajardo noted, have classrooms and facilities that are actually more than enough for their students. “You have so many [public] schools lacking classrooms, [or making do] with dilapidated classrooms, with not enough teachers. But you also have private schools with classrooms, many buildings, learning systems—with not so many enrollees,’’ she said. “While there is a lack of classrooms [in public schools], why not allow the private schools to take over some of these tasks in the meantime?” Fajardo added. At present, the Department of Education’s voucher system covers only senior high school students, allowing them to enroll in private schools. There is a bill pending in Congress—and supported by PBEd—to include more students in lower levels down to kindergarten among the voucher recipients, she said. While new classrooms have yet to be built, “why not let the private sector handle those students?’’ she said. “It’s government money and basically you’re delegating the tasks on education to the private sector. [And] the government still has responsibility over private schools considering its mandate to ensure all children [exercise their] right to basic education.”

Investors’ yardstick

The Inquirer ESG Edge initiative seeks to promote ESG (which stands for “environmental, social and governance” principles). ESG is considered a yardstick by which private companies can be evaluated by potential investors based on their adherence to sound business practices, transparency and sensitivity to their community. The ESG Edge forum held on Sept. 18 also served as the paper’s first general meeting with its program partners from the business sector, academe and civil society. “Our moral obligation is to educate the people,” said another speaker, Nico Candelario, education and governance innovator for the Asian Institute of Management-Circularity Club 22. “According to the Constitution, education gets the largest share of the pie, but the question is: How big is that portion of the pie in terms of our GDP (gross domestic product)?” he asked.

Challenge to media

At present, the national budget for education equals only 3.6 percent of the GDP, according to a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, still lower than the standard set by the United Nations which is 4 to 6 percent. In reality, Candelario said, the defense sector always gets the largest share of the budget, along with public works. Also speaking at the forum, Rebecca Padilla-Marquez of the Communication and Women’s Studies departments of St. Scholastica’s College called for deeper media coverage of education and health issues to encourage stronger stakeholder involvement. “All issues of health and education should also be in the front pages. So there should be a shift to what we find important,” she also said. Aurora Geotina-Garcia of the Management Association of the Philippines spoke of how poor access to education contributes to generational poverty. Suiee Suarez, who joined the audience as vice president for corporate affairs of Aboitiz Power, the presentations made by the speakers during the forum about the dire status of Philippine education would still strike the business community as an “eye-opener.” “For us to address the problem, I believe we have to understand what the problem is,” Suarez said in an interview. “To change these, all these have to be recognized as systemic.’’

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INQUIRER LIFESTYLE COCKTAILS AND CONNECTIONS THANKSGIVING PARTY 2024

Dolce Abuan — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 09:53:53 +0000

On June 27, 2024, The Whisky Library at Newport World Resorts hosted the "Inquirer Lifestyle Cocktails and Connections" Thanksgiving Party. This special event was a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the trust and unwavering support from Inquirer Lifestyle’s friends and partners. It underscored Inquirer Lifestyle's ongoing commitment to providing a platform for brands to share their stories, engage with their target audience, and educate consumers about their products.

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2024 MANILA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW / MS. MIAS

Dolce Abuan — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 07:10:48 +0000

Bigger show floor sets another record number of 162,000 visitors

For 19 years now, we’ve paid witness to the marvel and spectacle of the Manila International Auto Show. For that long a duration, at the back of our minds we wonder how come we haven’t grown tired of its pageantry year in and year out? Perhaps, equally, the dedicated men and women behind the show–for this long–have already mastered showmanship and every year, that daunting task of bringing over novelty, brands, people and pizzazz has entirely rested on their shoulders.

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INQUIRER What Works at Work 2023: BEST EMPLOYERS

Dolce Abuan — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 07:48:53 +0000

What Works at Work: Best Employers is a multifaceted initiative designed to elevate Inquirer’s brand while diversifying its revenue streams. Building on the success of our New World of Work initiative, this comprehensive event series highlights the top 300 employers in the Philippines. Partnering with Statista, we crafted a high-profile summit, awards ceremony, and social event that not only celebrated exemplary workplace practices but also established a robust community of industry leaders dedicated to growth, engagement, and workplace excellence. This initiative goes beyond a traditional awards ceremony by integrating a dynamic summit and social gathering, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where thought leaders, HR professionals, and business executives converge to exchange insights and innovations. Through strategic partnerships and sponsorships, What Works at Work: Best Employers has significantly amplified Inquirer’s brand presence and generated substantial revenue growth, demonstrating a successful model of revenue diversification.

Three Events in One

SUMMIT: Keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions were featured, led by prominent experts. The speakers, drawn from the pool of winners of the Best Employers Awards, delved into the five dimensions that defined exceptional workplaces. AWARDS: Outstanding organizations were recognized for their exceptional performance in the aforementioned dimensions through video highlights. In batches, winners were celebrated on stage, acknowledging their dedication to creating workplaces where employees thrived, innovated, and succeeded. SOCIALS: Attendees had ample opportunities to connect during social events, including welcome coffee, breaks, cocktails, and dinner. Branding areas /vignettes also served as interaction areas. Read more: Philippine Daily Inquirer, Statista name Top PH Employers

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National Tournament of 2023 Club Champions

Dolce Abuan — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 07:28:50 +0000

January 15-19, 2024 Presented by: LEXUS Philippines Hosted by: Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club WINNERS Men's division: Junjun Plana of Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club Ladies division: Eun Ha Nam of Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club Seniors division: Kenneth Kim of The Orchard Golf & Country Club

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Inquirer Thanksgiving 2024: Grateful and Hopeful

Dolce Abuan — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 06:51:37 +0000

Inquirer Thanksgiving: Grateful and Hopeful Luncheon

The Philippine Daily Inquirer hosted the "Inquirer Thanksgiving: Grateful and Hopeful" Luncheon at The Sheraton Hotel Manila on January 23, 2024. This event served as our appreciation for the trust and unwavering support of our clients and partners. This is our expression of gratitude as we continue to collaborate with our clients to provide a platform for brands to tell their stories, to connect them to the right target audience, and to educate consumers about their product offerings. Read more: inq.news/INQThanksgiving2024

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INQUIRER WOMEN OF POWER 2024

Dolce Abuan — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 05:40:01 +0000

Philippine Daily Inquirer honors 38 women in Women of Power 2024 at the Seda Hotel, BGC on March 11, 2024, with the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: A Tribute to Women's Leadership and Resilience.” The event is in line with Inquirer’s 38th Anniversary and International Women's Month celebration, recognizing 38 women from across various domains, including science, medicine, arts and culture, education, sports, media, and business. Read more: inq.news/WOP2024

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Inquirer, Malaysia’s Star Media Group, Indonesia’s KG Media launch A-EPIC

admin — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 08:36:57 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — In a historic moment, Star Media Group (SMG), Media Group of Kompas Gramedia (KG Media) and the Inquirer Group of Companies (IGC), three influential media powerhouses in Asia, have joined forces on June 21 to launch Asia’s first ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-Epic or Consortium) at Sime Darby Convention Center here. The A-Epic launch marks a watershed moment for the three media partners which are taking on a shared mission to drive influence of ESG principles in facilitating the region’s green economic growth. The unprecedented cross-border alliance aims to collectively impact 123 million people across the region. SMG, KG Media and IGC share a solidified partnership with a common goal to expedite the adoption of ESG—environmental, social and governance—in the mainstream media, to ensure public accountability and transparency. As key influencers of the media landscape, the Consortium recognizes that its responsibility extends beyond news gathering and distribution on nation-building. It aims to achieve this through the delivery of content that informs, inspires and empowers audiences across the region. The launch ceremony was graced by the prime minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, symbolizing a powerful message and acknowledgment of the regional collaboration for a thriving green economy. His presence, alongside YB Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, signifies the Malaysian government’s unwavering support for the Consortium’s mission. Adding to the event’s prestige were representatives from the Consortium’s regional media partners. These included Andy Budiman, CEO of KG Media; and lawyer Rudyard Arbolado, president and CEO of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), who were present to commemorate the historic occasion alongside Indonesian Ambassador Indera Hermono, Philippine Ambassador Maria Angela Abrera Ponce, as well as other diplomatic representatives from across Asia. “We must recognize that achieving net zero requires a collaborative effort involving all—the government, the private sector and the people. This is where I believe the formation of the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium is timely where it can leverage the prowess of three media groups to facilitate collaborative action between stakeholders, businesses and the public,” says Anwar. Global warming, social inequalities and governance issues are becoming global pressing issues. These challenges have further pinned down the importance of ESG principles in shaping a sustainable and secure future. The media industry plays a pivotal role in raising awareness, fostering collaboration and influencing positive change for a sustainable future. The Consortium strives to build a future where sustainability is at the core of its communities. This will be achieved through a three-pronged strategy focusing on education, engagement and community which will be led by each of the Group’s brands—StarESG, KG Media Lestari and the Inquirer ESG Edge. The Consortium offers a multifaceted approach: Education: Integrating sustainability into the social consciousness through a comprehensive media strategy that will bridge the communication gap between policymakers, businesses, investors and the general public. Engagement: Creating opportunities for aspiring businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to connect with experienced sustainability practitioners, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and professional growth. Community: Establishing a collaborative network by spotlighting the best-in-class in ESG as voices of authority and establishing them as a benchmark for others in the region to aspire toward.

Nat’l, regional awards

Each country will be launching its own local initiative, starting with the local ESG Positive Impact Awards for Malaysia, the Annual Impact Awards for the Philippines, and the Lestari Awards for Indonesia. Local winners from these events will compete at the regional level, building momentum toward the prestigious inaugural Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards and culminating in a regional summit in 2025. The Consortium will also capitalize on its platforms to launch workshops, local summits and editorial content to raise awareness, educate on ESG principles, knowledge-sharing and highlight success stories. With the global economy transitioning toward sustainability practices, ESG practices are becoming essential for businesses to thrive in the green economy. “Through the collective power of our reach to over 123 million people, we envision a sustainable Asia where media collaborations promote progressive environmental, socioeconomic and governance commitments for future prosperity across the region. We are dedicated to promoting and supporting each member’s ESG initiatives to educate, engage and foster a fraternity of like-minded ESG practitioners to hasten ESG adoption across the region. Together, we will tackle challenges and seize opportunities as we move towards a prosperous, resource-efficient and inclusive Asia,” says SMG group CEO Chan Seng Fatt.

For positive change

“KG Media proudly announces our partnership with the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium, a strategic collaboration that reinforces our belief that a sustainable future is our shared responsibility. “This conviction drives our Lestari campaign, aimed at amplifying local sustainability initiatives for greater impact. By joining A-Epic, we seek to further elevate these efforts and open more collaboration opportunities for greater impact. This alliance with top media powerhouses across Asia, positions us as catalysts for positive socioeconomic development, propelling the region towards a sustainable future. Our commitment is resolute: to showcase and amplify impactful local efforts, champion sustainability as the new standard, and empower businesses and communities through bold media strategies,” says KG Media CEO Budiman. He believes that “With A-Epic, KG Media stands steadfast in shaping a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow across Asia and beyond.” “Today marks a significant milestone for the Inquirer Group of Companies as we proudly announce our partnership with Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium. This strategic alliance underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development and social responsibility, reflecting our core values and commitment to positive change,” says PDI president and CEO Arbolado. Joining A-Epic, Arbolado said, is not just an acknowledgment of their past advocacies, but a pledge to amplify collective impact through collaborative and innovative approaches. As a distinguished media entity, the Inquirer Group has stood witness to the tangible impact of ESG challenges to society, economy and the global landscape. The Consortium is looking to collaborate with businesses to amplify sustainable change across the region. It also pleased to announce Sime Darby Property Berhad as the Urban Biodiversity Partner for its initiatives.

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11 groups sign up as partners of Inquirer ESG Edge

admin — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 08:45:14 +0000

The Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) is partnering with 11 organizations from the business, civic, education and environment sectors in support of a regional media collaboration promoting sustainability. A memorandum of understanding was signed on March 22 between PDI and the various groups, who will be forming a network of thought leaders and experts under the Inquirer ESG Edge initiative. ESG stands for “environmental, social and governance,” basically a measure of how a business impacts society and the environment, and its level of transparency and accountability. In the corporate world, it has gained credence as a major factor considered by prospective investors when evaluating a company—its sense of responsibility concerning climate or pollution issues, resource conservation and biodiversity, health and safety, human rights and equality, philanthropy and ethics, among other standards. The Inquirer ESG Edge represents PDI’s participation as one of the three founding members of the Asia Sustainability Impact Consortium, which also includes the Star Media Group of Malaysia and Kompas Gramedia of Indonesia. The consortium is considered the first cross-border alliance of its kind and can collectively reach 123 million people across the region.

Sense of urgency

Inquirer contributions to the consortium may include not only ESG-related reports or commentary but also forums, campaigns and community projects. “We aspire to educate and engage the public and key stakeholders on the importance and urgency of adopting ESG best practices and create a community that will provide insights and lead or guide discussions on ESG matters and practices,” Inquirer president and chief executive officer Rudyard Arbolado said as he formally welcomed the partners gathered for the signing at the company office in Makati. The consortium has adopted a three-pronged strategy—education, engagement and community building—to achieve targets laid out for the next three years, according to Kat Dalusong, Inquirer vice president for advertising and group head for sales. The Inquirer ESG Edge partners are as follows:

Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP)
Philippine Business for Education (PBEd)
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines
Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Inc. (PCEPSDI)
Center for Conservation Innovations PH Inc. (CCIPH)
Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE)
Environmental Studies Institute
PhilinCon
Allianz PNB Life
British Chamber of Commerce
League of Corporate Foundations (LCF)

Creating public demand

Asked what she expects out of the partnership, WWF Philippines executive director Trin Custodio said: “In reaching out to the business sector, our global economy is ripe for a transition to a green/blue/circular one. ESG is a framework for reporting impacts, and there are so many different frameworks […] This information and exchange of best practices will be helpful for making sure the objectives are achieved.” FPE institutional development lead Joan Arbolado added: “By joining this consortium, we hope to strengthen our impact and engage broader stakeholders together to drive action towards positive environmental change and a more sustainable future.” For Gino Riola, chief marketing officer of Allianz PNB Life, “Sustainability is in our DNA as a leading insurer in this space. This consortium allows us to partner with like-minded institutions and amplify our advocacy through the media’s strong reach.” “We want to create public demand for nature conservation. Businesses should invest in nature and we need to measure net positive impacts,” said CCIPH president Neil Aldrin Mallari.

Green skills

“We want to reach more people, including the youth, and inculcate the importance of green skills and contributing to nation-building through environmental efforts,” said Cherry Basbano, PBEd communications manager. “More than getting something out of this, it’s about us giving our expertise on environmental projects to the consortium so we can do more for sustainability,” added Kristine Rivadelo, PBSP operations director. Rainielle Borican, business development and communication officer of PCEPSDI, saw the initiative as a new vehicle for the group’s eco-labeling campaign, saying: “We’re looking forward to promoting each other’s advocacies, especially on avoiding greenwashing.” “We hope to raise ESG awareness and build alliances. If we want to go far with ESG, it’s imperative we work together,” said LCF executive director Celine Santillan.

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