SM Prime and WWF Philippines announce partnership towards responsible reporting on climate change solutions

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of Southeast Asia’s leading integrated property developers and leading conservation organization World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines have entered a collaboration in adopting a more robust reporting framework to address the climate crisis.

This is a major partnership of WWF with a Philippine company towards the development of a bespoke program towards decarbonization.

Sustainability at SM Prime is at the core of its corporate identity. SM Prime is at the forefront of spearheading sustainable practices as well as setting records in pioneering programs to consciously protect the environment and strongly focus on resilience in its developments.

Under the partnership, SM Prime will adopt the Corporates for a Better Planet Initiative (CBPI), WWF-Philippines’ flagship program that provides an actionable framework for organizations to operate sustainably within the paradigm of the climate crisis.

“We are delighted to work with WWF Philippines on this sustainable journey. Focusing sustainability within the context of the Philippines ensures that our strategies and projects are highly material, efficient and more responsive in addressing local concerns surrounding resilience and adaptation. We need to be one with the worldwide community to achieve this and we need to work with global experts to get this right,” SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said.

Climate change is one of the most pressing and defining global issues today. The Philippines currently ranks third globally when it comes to climate change vulnerability. In relation to its geographical location, it is more exposed to altering intensities of climate change manifested through erratic weather systems and natural calamities.

These risks are rife with complexity and uncertainty and organizations typically fail to properly assess their implications. The CBPI program takes a holistic approach towards this pivotal issue, addressing these risks from a custom-built, science-based perspective.

By partnering with the WWF, SM Prime will be able to enhance and determine climate change solutions that will be reflected through responsible and transparent reporting.

The first phase of CBPI involves gauging where SM Prime stands in its sustainability initiatives and setting a science-based target in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. SM Prime published its first Integrated Report in 2021 under the Integrated Reporting Framework which provides an overview of our value creation model — how we seek to create value for our stakeholders by contributing to national progress through investments and interventions critical to the country’s socio-economic growth.

As a champion of climate action in the Philippines, our partnership with WWF adds another enhancement to transparent reporting by ensuring greenhouse gas (GHG) computations are accurate and use appropriate methodologies.

With the need to broaden efforts to protect the environment, this partnership forms part of group-wide efforts under the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.

SM Prime’s partnership with WWF dates back to 2007 under Hamilo Coast, its leisure resort development in Nasugbu, Batangas.

WWF closely monitors the health and viability of the Hamilo Coast area including three of its coves designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)—the Pico de Loro, Etayo and Santelmo.

In recognition of its conservation efforts, Hamilo Coast was cited by WWF-Philippines as its longest standing Sustainability Partner in 2020.



About SM Prime

SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, is committed to providing safe and sustainable spaces for its stakeholders. Its development strategy is anchored on the responsible use of resources. In the communities it serves, it is able to promote resource conservation, environmental protection, and disaster resiliency by implementing solutions for water, waste, and energy management.
SM Prime is a key player in the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.



Find out more about SM Prime and the SM Green Movement

DOST-SEI launches STEM competitions anew

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As the nation prepares for the comeback of full in-person classes, the DOST-SEI continues to strengthen its efforts to bring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to young Filipinos.

The Institute has recently announced that it is now accepting proposals for the 6th Indie- Siyensya filmmaking contest and the 6th imake.wemake:create.innovate.collaborate competition.

This year, Indie-Siyensya will highlight the theme, “Communicating Climate Change.” The competition has two categories open for all Filipino citizens. The Youth Category is open for filmmakers who are 13 to 18 years old, while the Open Category is open for individuals who are at least 19 years old.

Filmmakers interested to join the Youth Category should submit a 10-minute science explainer video to creatively elucidate science concepts and theories while those joining the Open Category should showcase a documentary to capture the theme “Communicating Climate Change Action”.

For contest mechanics and other information, interested participants may visit https://bit.ly/6thIndieSiyensyaContestMechanics.

The DOST-SEI is also on the lookout for innovative students who are ready to address important societal and community issues as it opens the 6th imake.wemake competition.

To join, a team composed of four (4) Grade 11 or Grade 12 students and one (1) science teacher as coach per school may submit a project proposal addressing any of the following areas: food safety, security, traffic/road congestion, health, education, disaster mitigation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and environment. This should be accompanied by a 2-3 minute video supporting the concept.

Interested teams may follow imake.wemake’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/imake.wemake for upcoming announcements.

Imake.wemake recently awarded a new batch of young innovators during the final presentation and awarding ceremony held on August 26, 2022.

“It is important that we continue these kinds of competitions that promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among the Filipino youth to provide them opportunities to reach their maximum potential. DOST-SEI will continue to support the youth and commit to inspire them to help create a better tomorrow for the country,” said DOST Director Dr. Josette Biyo.

Top 5 Places To Visit In Europe In Your Next Vacation!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Planning a vacation? Tired of going through the list of ideal places ? This piece here is to solve all your problems. Scroll along!


“ Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one less traveled .” ~ Robert Frost


Writing about traveling and not mentioning Frost- would be practicing injustice towards him. Remember the first time you read this poem? All of you traveled the road, not taken. It is from the spirit of this poem do we get the energy to explore the lands of the unknown.

Vacations are our wonderland. A dream world where we get limited period access. Vacations are all about exploring different countries, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures and cuisines, sometimes picking up a new language, and, most importantly, making new memories.

These memories take vibrant turns; when living with friends or your lover. Both have a charm of their own.
Top 5 Places To Visit, When Backpacking Across Europe

Why should you consider European cities or the smallest island for your next vacation?

Its cities are vibrant with extravagant architecture, vintage museums, five-star rated restaurants, and the most happening nightlife.

Cannot decide on which cities to target? Well, I am not even surprised. Deciding upon which cities to visit across Europe is quite tasking.

Here’s making your job easy by filtering out the 5 best European locations to visit.

1.Paris

The land of romance. Your ultimate honeymoon or anniversary destination. I feel every couple should take at least one trip to Paris. This ‘City Of Light’ attracts millions of tourists every year. You cannot afford to miss the fading sound of the ‘centuries old’ church bells by the gentle shores of River Seine.

Paris is popular for its neoclassical architecture, vintage museums, World-class fashion, and lip-smacking delicacies of Sundae ice cream. The local vendors of Paris offer the best possible crepes.

As Ernest Hemingway rightfully records in one of his memoirs, “A Moveable Feast,” as Paris being the city “ of many splendors.”

Some other places that you cannot afford to miss are, namely, a view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, everything that you will ever need. Do not forget those posh designer boutiques and a day trip to the Versailles Palace.

2.London

As Samuel Johnson rightly asserts, “ …when a man is tired of London,he is tired of life.” One visit is never enough to explore every corner of this 2 millennia old city. It is where the medieval meets the modern. You cannot afford to miss watching one of Bard’s plays at The Globe Theater.

Then marvelous British museums and the Tower of London are the notable attractions of this city. Do not forget to gorge on some delicious fish in chips at the local pub when you plan a trip. *feeling hungry*

Just to let you know, London can be quite an expensive vacay.

3.Rome

“ Rome was not built in a day!”

Home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel located in the Vatican city. Rome offers a plethora of tourist attractions. Venturing around Trastevere and The Spanish Steps will surely satiate that aesthetic appetite of yours.

Rome reeks of historical pride. You might just bump into Hercules at the next turn, while casually venturing around the majestic alleys. This ‘city of seven hills’ does enjoy a mythic history that amalgamates well with the aroma of freshly prepared Italian delicacies.

Do you know what will give you wholesome coverage of your trip to the capital of Italy? A visit to the Colosseum and a beautiful evening at the Roman Forum marveling at the Trevi Fountain.

4.Santorini

This Greek beauty (read: island) is popular all across the globe for its volcanic landscapes, breathtaking architecture, and chill beaches. This city is particularly famous for its ‘sky high village- Oia.’

The city resembles the color combination of the sky. With its whitewashed houses surrounded by the bright blue sea. Another noteworthy visit would be to the Kamari Beach, followed by another visit to the Red Beach. In case you are wondering, why would these beaches be worth the visit?

Hell yeah!

For these are not just ordinary beaches. These are the exotic black and the red sand beaches; that you’ve read about in your Geography lessons. Last but not the least, you cannot leave Santorini without having tried Vino, from the island’s local winery. Santorini is perfect for a laid-back vacay that gives you the ultimate filmy vibe.

5.Dublin

The city of Joyce! That’s how I’ve always addressed Dublin.

A paradise to not only the beer, whisky, and coffee drinkers but also to those historically cultural creatures. It is abode to the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery Bow St. Dublin.

Dublin is particularly famous for its local pubs and taverns. You get to experience the coolest vibe in the pubs at Dublin’s best-known Temple Bar District.

Other notable attractions would be The Dublin University, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol, and The National Gallery of Ireland.


Conclusion

I really hope that the above list of places makes your vacation less stressful and more memorable. To avoid the last-minute hotel hustle, make pre-bookings and plan out your vacation budget. Although, the places mentioned are quite generic vacation choices. You are free to check out other places of your choice.


Author Bio:

Chris Blair, a freelance writer. He is loving every bit of it. His niches are marketing, lifestyle, wellness, travel and entertainment. Apart from writing, Chris loves to travel, binge-watch, research conspiracy theories, Instagram and overthink. The Global Magazine, Lawyer Snote, I Dream Agency, 7 best things. Get Me Seen