Converge on commitment to UP Maroons: “We’ve only just begun”

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The connection is strong between the University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. as they inked a multi-season deal ahead of the 84th season of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

The Fighting Maroons are among the top bets expected to go all the way in UAAP Season 84.

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Mr. Dennis Anthony Uy expressed confidence in the Diliman squad, saying, “Given the caliber and talent of these young guys under Coach Goldwin [Monteverde], I expect no less than a Final Four finish.”

“Converge believes the Fighting Maroons are a strong and talented team that embodies UP’s tradition of honor and excellence on and off the court – values that we also strive for at Converge. This is why we decided to continue our partnership with the team for UAAP Seasons 84 and 85. This partnership goes beyond the court,” Mr. Uy added.

UPMBT team manager Atty. Agaton Uvero expressed appreciation for the assistance and support that Converge ICT Solutions has provided not just to the team but also to the UP community.

“We are truly grateful to Converge for their faith in us and for all the support they’ve given to the team and the UP community throughout these challenging times. This is only the beginning of a strong connection between the Fighting Maroons and Converge. Together we will do great things,” Atty. Uvero said.

Converge started supporting the UPMBT in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Besides support for the basketball team, the telecommunication service provider supplied free internet connection to UP’s varsity student-athletes and other UP students who transitioned to remote learning because of the pandemic.

“Providing fiber connectivity for students and teachers is an advocacy that is close to my heart. It is a privilege for us to help create the classroom environment that will help students to excel in their studies. We will continue to contribute in this advocacy,” Mr. Uy concluded.

SM joins Earth Hour 2022; Lights switch-off, Virtual Run part of activity line-up

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As part of the company's sustainability efforts, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, is once again joining the world in observing Earth Hour, with this year’s theme "Shape Our Future," focusing on how we can work together in halting and reversing climate change and nature loss by 2030.

Earth Hour is an annual campaign launched in 2007 by the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that encourages the turning off of non-essential lights as part of energy conservation efforts for the planet. Since its first observance in the Philippines in 2008, SM has been joining the campaign every year, being one of the first in the private sector to support it.

This year, SM will continue to promote the campaign by being one of the official partners of WWF for the Earth Hour Virtual Run, to be held from March 26 to April 22. Aside from this, all SM malls will be joining the light switch-off on March 26 from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

"SM is proud to have been supporting Earth Hour throughout the last 14 years. Every year, we partake in this very important movement because we want to inspire people to action and tell them that no matter how small their contribution is, it will go a long way if we work together," said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM’s Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Head of Sustainability.

“Through Earth Hour, we want to engage over a billion people worldwide and engage decision-makers whether in business, institutions, and governments, to move the agenda of nature up the priority list in the global sphere and in the national agenda. We want people to lend their voices as we're shaping our future,


and hopefully, we'll be changing the ending for the positive – for both people and the planet,” said Atty. Angela Ibay, Climate and Energy Program Head of WWF-Philippines

Aside from joining the campaign every year, SM has been active in environmental protection in many ways. For instance, all SM malls are equipped with energy and water conservation facilities. The company also regularly joins tree planting activities, and has waste management initiatives such as Trash-to-Cash, e-waste and used acid lead batteries collection programs, and the plastic waste collection program with the Plastic Credit Exchange.

SM has also been investing more in renewable energy. Eight malls in the country and three in China are now equipped with solar panels, with more to follow in the coming months. SM also pledged to increase its use of renewable energy to 50 percent of its overall energy usage by year-end.

 
SM City Tuguegarao Downtown Solar Rooftop

SM's other sustainability initiatives include the annual Green Film Festival, promoting environmental awareness among students and the youth through films; the AweSMSeas project, promoting awareness on the negative impact of plastic waste on seas and oceans; and the International Coastal Cleanup joined by thousands of volunteers every year, to name a few.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, supporting initiatives that focus on communities and the environment. In addition to its programs on the environment, SM Cares’ advocacies include programs on women and breastfeeding mothers, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, children and youth, and the Bike-Friendly SM Program.

Visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares to learn more.

Two Time Medalist in the IMO Tops 24th Philippine Math Olympiad

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A perfect score seals the deal in the recently concluded 24th Philippine Mathematical Olympiad (PMO).

Raphael Dylan T. Dalida of the Philippine Science High School – Main Campus, a veteran and a two-time medalist at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), topped over two dozen finalists in this year’s PMO with a perfect score, a rare feat in the national competition.

Dalida previously won a silver medal in last year's IMO, and a bronze in the year prior.

Joining him in the podium are Filbert Ephraim S. Wu of Victory Christian International School who placed second, and Jerome Austin N. Te of Jubilee Christian Academy who settled for third.

Wu was coached by his brother, Farrell Eldrian, who won the country’s first ever gold medal at the IMO in 2016, while Te is an up-and-coming prodigy.

With the win, Dalida, Wu, and Te bagged P25,000, P20,000, and P15,000 cash prizes, respectively, along with trophies, certificates, and cash prizes for their coaches.

The PMO is organized by the Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP) with support from the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). Students from all over the country showcased their mathematical prowess in a virtual setup from March 19-20, 2022.

“The student’s performances prove that the Filipino youth is ready to take on the world and make a mark in prestigious competitions in the international level,” said DOST-SEI Director Josette Biyo. “They are world-class and are truly deserving to be called Olympians.”

Biyo added the national finalists’ performances also provide optimism in the country’s continuous rise in its international ranking.

The Philippines notably placed 23rd over 107 participating countries in last year’s IMO, and backers from DOST-SEI and MSP hope to add on the medal tally of 26 honorable mentions, 33 bronze medals, 12 silver medals, and four gold medals this year.

The 63rd IMO will be hosted by Oslo, Norway this July.

Final participants to the world stage competition will be announced in May. MSP will conduct the Mathematical Olympiad Summer Camp to determine the six national bets for the upcoming IMO