BAN Toxics Launches Infographic to Raise Awareness on Toxic Toys in Time for 'Ber' Months

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Environmental NGO BAN Toxics has launched a new infographic on safe toys today, pledging to intensify its awareness campaign as the gift-buying season begins with the onset of the 'ber' months.

Titled “Mag-ingat Sa Mga Laruang Toxic! (Beware of Toxic Toys!)”, the infographic provides information on hazardous chemicals that remain present in toys—mostly illegally manufactured—that are sold in markets. It aims to educate consumers on how to identify and avoid these dangerous products to ensure the safety of children.

“Toys containing toxic chemicals are being sold in local markets, particularly in bargain shops. Since they are mostly cheap, they become the go-to gifts for those looking to save money. We aim to raise awareness among consumers about the dangers of unwittingly exposing children to health risks from these toys,” said Thony Dizon, BAN Toxics Campaign and Advocacy Officer.

Dizon adds that toys containing toxic chemicals often lack proper labeling and safety information, indicating they may not be adequately tested or compliant with health and safety regulations. Under Republic Act 10620, the "Toy and Gaming Safety Act of 2013," all toys sold in the country are required to have safety labeling.

The infographic cites Lead, Phthalates, Cadmium, Bisphenol A (BPA), Chromium, Formaldehyde, Bromine, Chlorinated Paraffins, Mercury, and Arsenic as toxic chemicals that may still be present in certain toys due to their use as additives during production. While not all of these chemicals are covered by the country’s existing laws and regulations, research studies worldwide have identified them as harmful to children.

The effects of these chemicals range from endocrine disruption and carcinogenicity to neurotoxicity, and they can have lifelong consequences for children.

In the Philippines, one million children aged 5 to 9 years have elevated blood lead levels, according to Pure Earth and UNICEF[1]. Additionally, over 5,000 Filipino children are diagnosed with cancer annually, with nearly two-thirds of these cases already in advanced stages, as reported by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the DOST. Furthermore, one in every 100 Filipinos is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

“We urge our lawmakers to prioritize the legislation of the Safe and Non-Hazardous Children’s Products Law, which would strengthen regulations on the importation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of toys and other children’s products containing hazardous chemicals,” Dizon said.

Aside from publishing online, the infographic will be distributed to BAN Toxics’ partner schools and communities through their Toxic and Waste-Free Schools Program (TFSP), which aims to promote safer and cleaner environments in educational institutions. BAN Toxics also plans to reach out to the newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Education, Sonny Angara, for potential partnership activities under the TFSP.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regularly issues advisories on the safe use of toys, mandatory labeling, and related matters. It conducts research and testing on available toys and childcare articles and is currently drafting an administrative order that includes product standards on chemicals to align with international guidelines. Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry has established the Philippine National Safety Standard for toys to align with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

BAN Toxics also frequently conducts market monitoring and product testing of toys, publishing the results through Balitang Toksik!, a regular safety briefing on toxic chemicals in consumer products, available on the group’s website and social media channels. According to Dizon, they are planning to conduct more monitoring and testing activities on toys in the coming months to update the public on any new findings.

UEM Edgenta Delivers Resilient Performance in 1H 2024, Achieves Strategic Milestones

UEM Edgenta Berhad (UEM Edgenta), a leading Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions company in the region, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first half of 2024, ending 30 June 2024 (1H FY2024).

UEM Edgenta reported a revenue of RM1.44 billion for 1H FY2024, marking a 6.4% increase compared to the RM1.35 billion recorded in the same period last year. The net profit for the second quarter of 2024 (Q2 FY2024) also saw an uptick, rising by 2.1% to RM12.8 million from RM12.5 million in Q2 FY2023. These results underscore UEM Edgenta’s commitment to delivering consistent financial performance amidst a dynamic global economic landscape.

A total of RM2.0 billion in new contracts were secured in 1H FY2024, matching the total new wins in FY2023. More than 90% of these wins came from its international business in Singapore, Taiwan, and the Middle East. In Singapore, continued execution excellence has driven strong and healthy order book replenishment of RM1.2 billion in healthcare support services and integrated facility management contracts with clients beyond the healthcare sector. The operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia successfully secured their first hospital contract, further expanding their footprint in the region. Domestically, the Asset Consultancy division is making significant strides with more than RM67.7 million in new wins, the majority of which are Energy Efficiency (EE) projects, reaffirming its RM200 million zero-capex commitment made in September 2023. UEM Edgenta is bolstered by a solid order book of approximately RM10 billion as of 30 June 2024, providing long-term earnings visibility and positioning the company to navigate potential challenges while maintaining financial stability.

UEM Edgenta’s optimism is strengthened by the significant progress made in realising our targeted cost savings, initially set at RM100 million over five years under EoTF2025, which we are on track to achieve by the end of 2024—a year ahead of schedule. These savings have been driven by operational excellence, optimized procurement, and a leaner business structure. Building on this momentum, the Company is targeting an additional RM150 million in savings over the next five years, focusing on key cost optimisation areas, including spend prioritisation, simplifying the organisation and corporate structure, supply chain management, contract renegotiation, and streamlining operations through automation and technology. The Company is on track to achieve its Phase 1 target of a 10% improvement in addressable costs by the end of the 2024 financial year.

UEM Edgenta Berhad (UEM Edgenta), a leading Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions company in the region, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first half of 2024, ending 30 June 2024 (1H FY2024).

UEM Edgenta reported a revenue of RM1.44 billion for 1H FY2024, marking a 6.4% increase compared to the RM1.35 billion recorded in the same period last year. The net profit for the second quarter of 2024 (Q2 FY2024) also saw an uptick, rising by 2.1% to RM12.8 million from RM12.5 million in Q2 FY2023. These results underscore UEM Edgenta’s commitment to delivering consistent financial performance amidst a dynamic global economic landscape.

A total of RM2.0 billion in new contracts were secured in 1H FY2024, matching the total new wins in FY2023. More than 90% of these wins came from its international business in Singapore, Taiwan, and the Middle East. In Singapore, continued execution excellence has driven strong and healthy order book replenishment of RM1.2 billion in healthcare support services and integrated facility management contracts with clients beyond the healthcare sector. The operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia successfully secured their first hospital contract, further expanding their footprint in the region. Domestically, the Asset Consultancy division is making significant strides with more than RM67.7 million in new wins, the majority of which are Energy Efficiency (EE) projects, reaffirming its RM200 million zero-capex commitment made in September 2023. UEM Edgenta is bolstered by a solid order book of approximately RM10 billion as of 30 June 2024, providing long-term earnings visibility and positioning the company to navigate potential challenges while maintaining financial stability.

UEM Edgenta’s optimism is strengthened by the significant progress made in realising our targeted cost savings, initially set at RM100 million over five years under EoTF2025, which we are on track to achieve by the end of 2024—a year ahead of schedule. These savings have been driven by operational excellence, optimized procurement, and a leaner business structure. Building on this momentum, the Company is targeting an additional RM150 million in savings over the next five years, focusing on key cost optimisation areas, including spend prioritisation, simplifying the organisation and corporate structure, supply chain management, contract renegotiation, and streamlining operations through automation and technology. The Company is on track to achieve its Phase 1 target of a 10% improvement in addressable costs by the end of the 2024 financial year.

In Asset Management Services, the company is focused on maintaining its market leadership by advancing Smart and Green Facilities Management, emphasizing cutting-edge technology for efficient and sustainable asset management. Additionally, our strategic acquisition of the Kaizen Group in the UAE, completed in 1H FY2024, further strengthens our market position and drives financial growth through a cohesive integration with our existing operations in the Middle East, which is certain to unlock new business opportunities in the region.

With a robust order book extending beyond 2030, the Infrastructure Services Division enjoys strong earnings visibility. Concurrently, it is broadening its capabilities beyond road maintenance to include areas such as solar photovoltaic system maintenance and expanding its presence in Indonesia’s infrastructure services market. Additionally, the Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) premix plant in Perak is now fully completed and operational, positioning the business within the pavement products value chain.

Syahrunizam Samsudin, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UEM Edgenta, said, “We are committed to optimizing our resources and refining our operational model to enhance efficiency across all levels. Our strong and steadily replenishing order book not only provides clear visibility into long-term earnings and financial stability but also underscores our resilience in navigating market fluctuations.”

“As we advance with our Edgenta of The Future 2025 (EoTF2025) strategies, we are confident that our resilience and focus on both business preservation and growth will empower us to overcome challenges and deliver outstanding performance throughout the year. Our ability to adapt and persevere positions us strongly to meet future demands and achieve sustained success,” he added.

Looking ahead, UEM Edgenta remains committed to exploring new possibilities and advancing industry standards. By steadily integrating innovation and prioritizing sustainable growth, the company continues to create value for its stakeholders while striving to deliver practical and forward-thinking solutions.

For further information on UEM Edgenta, visit https://www.uemedgenta.com.

About UEM EDGENTA BERHAD

UEM Edgenta (www.uemedgenta.com) is a leading Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions company in the region and is a subsidiary of the UEM Group. Listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (KLSE: EDGENTA), our expertise covers Healthcare Support and Property & Facility Solutions, and Infrastructure Services covering Expressways and Rail, including project management & engineering design capabilities via our Opus Consultants business arm.

Guided by our ‘Edgenta of the Future 2025’ vision, UEM Edgenta’s full suite of business services is driven by technological advancements throughout the business assets’ life cycle including consultancy, procurement & construction planning, operations & maintenance, as well as optimisation, rehabilitation and upgrades. Digital solutions across multiple industries positions UEM Edgenta as a powerhouse to become a Technology-Enabled Solutions Company with a focus on healthcare by 2025.

UEM Edgenta has operational presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

REURASIA supports HDF Energy's Green Hydrogen Initiative in the Philippines

Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) has solidified its partnership with the Department of Energy (DoE) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This pivotal agreement underscores the commitment to advance sustainable energy solutions across the Philippines, particularly through green hydrogen technologies.

Central to this initiative, REURASIA Management Corporation plays a vital role as the local consultant and technical expert, overseeing all critical studies and analyses required for the successful deployment of HDF Energy's projects in the country. With their deep expertise in renewable energy and comprehensive knowledge of the local landscape, REURASIA ensures that the projects align with both technical standards and the unique needs of the Philippine market.

Building on successful collaborations from previous years, the MoU marks a significant milestone in the Philippines' energy transition, emphasizing the decarbonization of its power sector. HDF Energy, in close cooperation with REURASIA, the DoE, and MinDA, aims to foster investments in renewable energy technologies, with a strong focus on hydrogen-based power generation.

As the leading local partner, REURASIA's contributions are instrumental in the realization of these ambitious projects, which are set to bring significant environmental benefits and energy resilience to the Philippines. Through REURASIA’s leadership in conducting technical studies, the initiative is poised to accelerate the deployment of HDF Energy’s Renewstable® multi-megawatt hydrogen power plants, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources.

This MoU signifies a strong commitment to a greener future for the Philippines, with REURASIA at the forefront, guiding the nation’s transition towards sustainable, hydrogen-powered energy solutions.

About Reurasia management corporation

REURASIA is a Filipino company dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions across Southeast Asia. Specializing in renewable energy, REURASIA offers comprehensive services including project management, engineering, and technical consulting. With a strong focus on environmental impact and community development, REURASIA supports industries and local governments in transitioning to clean energy by leveraging innovative technologies and sustainable practices. As a trusted local partner, REURASIA plays a critical role in the deployment of large-scale renewable energy projects, ensuring they align with both international standards and the unique needs of the Philippine market.