SM Prime explores potential partnership with Japanese firm for waste-to-fuel solutions

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




IN PHOTO (Left to right): SM Supermalls Vice President Liza Silerio, SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans T. Sy, GUUN Chief Executive Officer Shinji Fujieda, GUUN Philippine Branch Senior Managing Director and General Manager Takeshi Konishi

Leading real estate developer in Southeast Asia, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s GUUN Co. Ltd. to explore a potential partnership to implement waste management solutions by recycling waste paper and plastics as an alternative source of energy called ‘fluff fuel’.

Fluff Fuels are one type of RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) which are produced from shredded and compressed plastics, papers, and fibers. These are used as fuels in cement manufacturing, paper mill companies, or power companies in Japan.

SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans T. Sy is positive that a partnership with GUUN will contribute to the waste reduction goals of the country. “Today, Japan’s waste management and recycling technology is among the most advanced in the world,” he said. “There is no better partner for SM because we do not just talk about being big, we make sure we do it; we do not talk about being environment friendly but we do take bold steps to save the environment. I am looking forward to growing with GUUN as among leaders in solving environmental issues in the Philippines.”

GUUN Co., Ltd., founded in March 2001 and headquartered in Yokohama City, Japan, piloted the production of fluff fuel from plastic waste in Inayawan, Cebu in 2014 and recently inaugurated its P200-million, 2,400-square meter waste recycling plant in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu.

Since then, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has adopted GUUN’s waste-to-fuel technology as a model for advanced low-carbon technology innovation for further deployment in developing countries.

“This will be a milestone partnership for us,” GUNN Chief Executive Officer Shinji Fujieda said after the signing ceremony. "I understand very much how important waste management is for SM and for the Philippines and we look forward to more projects we can do with the properties of SM Prime.”

SM Prime’s initiatives for waste management include waste reduction and effective waste collection and segregation. Over the years, it has implemented programs such as Trash to Cash, Plastic Waste Collection, and E-Waste Collection that have contributed to reducing the total solid waste generation across its real estate portfolio.

Through its pioneering Trash to Cash recycling market, SM Prime has collected and recycled 1.4M kg of plastics, paper, metals, and others in 2022. “We have saved 16,766 trees from the 986,222 kg of paper recycled,” SM Prime disclosed in its 2022 Integrated Report to shareholders.

Meanwhile, SM’s Plastic Waste Collection program, a partnership with the Plastic Credit Exchange that was launched in February 2021, has accumulated 42,541kg of plastic waste from 14 mall sites. Also present in all its 83 SM Supermalls is the E-Waste Collection program for the responsible disposal of WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment). This drive has helped process close to 7,000 kilograms of e-waste. 

Advocates support the Senate in the swift passage of Maritime Zones Bill

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Maritime specialists, development workers, scientists, and advocates send their unequivocal support to the Senate in swiftly passing the Maritime Zones Bill as it conducts the second hearing to discuss the legislation under the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones (Special Committee); they likewise laud the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) for including the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (MZ Act) among the priority measures that will be adopted within the year 2023.

President Marcos met with the LEDAC last 20 September 2023 for the inclusion of the declaration of the Philippines maritime zones in the Common Legislative Agenda of the 19th Congress. The MZ Act is among LEDAC’s new priority legislations.

The group backs the Senate on its sense of urgency in adopting the MZ Act amidst the varying issues arising in our maritime domain, including escalating tensions on the West Philippine Sea and the continuous destruction of our marine wealth and natural resources, among others.

Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva released a statement on the installation of floating barriers in the Scarborough Shoal and reiterated the importance of the immediate passage of the MZ Act: “Kaisa po tayo ng Presidente Bongbong Marcos sa paniniwalang prayoridad ang agarang pagpasa ng Philippine Maritime Zones Act na naglalayong magdeklara ng mga maritime zones na nasa pamamahala ng Pilipinas kabilang ang internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, EEZ at continental shelf.”

“Congress needs to pass the Maritime Zones Act to clearly delineate the geographical extent of our maritime jurisdictions and define the applicable powers and authorities over our marine waters consistent with international law.”, said Dr. Jay Batongbacal⁩ of the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and the Law of the Sea (IMLOS).

The MZ Act will declare the country’s maritime zones based on standards set by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It also reinforces the Philippines’ victory in the South China Sea arbitral ruling which declared illegal the nine-dash line, among others. Mr. Julio Amador⁩, CEO of the Amador Research Services, further emphasized that it is imperative to fortify our claims through the Maritime Zones Act in order for us to effectively protect what is ours.

“Time is of the essence. Everyday we are confronted with news about aggressive and assertive activities that undermine our rights over our own waters. Policymakers should firm up policies and strategies that protect the country's status as an archipelagic and maritime nation. They can by passing a foundational policy clearly defining and declaring the extent of what is ours. The time to pass the Maritime Zones Bill is not after the next incident, not towards the end of the year; it is now.”, adds Amador.

The House of Representatives approved House Bill 7819 or the proposed Philippine Maritime Zones Act in May 2023 while eight (8) versions of the Maritime Zones Bill have been filed in the Senate, as to date. In August 2023, the Senate created the Special Committee to focus on measures in connection with the country's maritime and admiralty zones. This is led by Senator Francis Tolentino with members Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, Robin Padilla, Christopher Lawrence 'Bong' Go, Juan Edgardo 'Sonny' Angara, and Risa Hontiveros.

In August 2023, Senate President Miguel Zubiri committed to prioritize the passage of the measure: "We commit to you by the end of the year, before December, we will deliberate it during the budget deliberations. Isasabay namin to, ipapasa namin ang Maritime Zones Act ni Sen. Tolentino and several senators. We are going to pass it."

During the Senate Special Committee hearing today, Senator Tolentino emphasized: “What we’re doing is for the Filipino people. Ang ginagawa natin, para sa Pilipinas.”

Why Money Shouldn’t Prevent You From Seeking Mental Health Treatments

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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it's estimated that around 1 in 4 people globally will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. This shows that mental health issues are common and can affect people of all different ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.

Therefore, those experiencing mental health issues should know it's okay to seek out help. Mental health significantly affects an individual's overall quality of life. Seeking mental health help is important for several reasons. For example, when mental health issues are left untreated, they can impact various aspects of life, including relationships, work, academic performance, and physical health.

However, for many, the costs of regularly meeting with a therapist or having a prescription can cause hesitation. Fortunately, there is good news—there are many different ways to receive affordable mental healthcare.


Getting Affordable Care

If someone needs mental health services but is concerned about the costs, there are several steps they can take to access the help they need without putting too much strain on their finances.


Insurance Coverage

Check if you have health insurance that includes mental health coverage. Many health insurance plans offer therapy, counseling, and psychiatric services coverage. Review your policy or contact your insurance provider to understand the extent of your coverage.


Additionally, Medicare also covers mental health services! Medicare is similar to Medicaid in that it's a federally-run health insurance plan. Also, it's similar to a private health insurance plan, with deductibles and copays. Medicare is divided into four parts, and you might be eligible for more than one.


Medicare Part A: covers inpatient mental health care

Medicare Part B: covers outpatient mental health care

Medicare Part D: covers prescriptions


In-Network Providers

If you have insurance, try to find mental health professionals who are in-network with your insurance plan. In-network providers typically have negotiated lower rates, which can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Community Mental Health Centers

Local community mental health centers often provide affordable or even free mental health services to individuals who cannot afford private therapy. Government agencies often fund these centers and offer various services.

Nonprofit Organizations

Many nonprofit organizations focus on providing mental health support and services. These organizations might offer low-cost or free counseling options.

Online Therapy Platforms

Some online therapy platforms offer more affordable options compared to traditional in-person therapy. These platforms connect individuals with licensed therapists through video, chat, or phone calls.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)


Check if your workplace offers an Employee Assistance Program if you're employed. EAPs often provide a limited number of free counseling sessions for employees.

Universities and Training Clinics

Universities with psychology or counseling programs often have training clinics where graduate students provide supervised counseling services at reduced rates.




Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

Local Support Groups

Support groups might not replace therapy, but they can provide valuable emotional support and a sense of community at little to no cost. Many local organizations or churches host support groups for various mental health concerns.


Telehealth Options

With the rise of telehealth services, you might find more affordable options for online therapy sessions. And the great thing about telehealth services is the flexibility. You can find a therapist that works with your time and schedule.

The Importance of Mental Health Treatments

There are many reasons why mental health treatments are important. Here are a few of them.

Early Intervention

Like physical health issues, early intervention for mental health concerns can often lead to better outcomes. Addressing issues early can prevent them from worsening and becoming more difficult to manage over time.

Improved Well-being

Mental health professionals are trained to help individuals understand their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. People can develop coping strategies, communication skills, and tools to manage their emotions and challenges through therapy and counseling.

Reduced Stigma

Seeking help for mental health issues helps to reduce the stigma associated with these conditions. By being open about seeking treatment, individuals contribute to a more supportive and understanding societal attitude toward mental health.

Suicide Prevention

Many individuals who struggle with mental health issues also experience suicidal ideation. Seeking help can provide essential support and resources to prevent suicide.

Learning Coping Skills & Resilience

Mental health professionals can teach valuable coping skills and strategies that empower individuals to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other challenges healthier.


Also, learning how to navigate and cope with mental health challenges can enhance an individual's resilience and ability to bounce back from difficulties. Therapy gives people hope for a better and much brighter future.

Validation and Support

Talking to a mental health professional provides a safe and non-judgmental space to express feelings and concerns.

A therapist is a neutral party—someone who isn't your parent or friend. They can provide unbiased advice and encouragement. This validation and support can be immensely beneficial, especially to individuals who feel like no one understands them.

Understanding and Self-awareness

Therapy and counseling help individuals better understand themselves, their triggers, and their patterns of thinking and behavior. This self-awareness can lead to personal growth and positive change.

The Effect on Relationships

Improved mental health can positively impact relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.

Therapy helps to give a different perspective on things and can help you view the people in your life through a different lens. Also, effective communication and emotional regulation learned through therapy can lead to healthier interactions.




Photo by Văn Thắng

Final Thoughts

Remember that seeking mental health help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Mental health is vital to overall well-being, and taking steps to care for your mental health is an important investment in your future happiness and success. Money shouldn't prevent you from becoming your best version of yourself. Reach out to a professional today to begin your journey.