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Aboitiz is undergoing its Great Transformation to become the Philippines' first techglomerate.

The Great Transformation

Innovation

Techglomerate Origins

Column

University of Experience

People & Culture

Global Investment Firm Onboards Aboitiz Foundation To Philanthropy Asia Alliance

Aboitiz Foundation, Aboitiz Land, and CORA Foundation join forces for Coastal Conservation

How Gaile Thinks Like A Customer

One Aboitiz

SMA Imparts Leadership Wisdom At Forbes Global CEO Conference

Aboitiz Group Advisory to External Stakeholders regarding COVID-19

2019 Bankers’ Night

2019 Brigada Eskwela Cebu

Aboitiz Eyes

By Isaac Galang

As the Aboitiz Group boldly strides forward to meet the ever-evolving needs of
our business and stakeholders, our steadfast commitment to adaptability and
innovation stands as a testament to our promise of driving change for a better
world. Our GT2025 hinges on the dedication and teamwork of those fueling these
initiatives, as the success of our efforts relies on the Group’s lifeblood—our
A-People. Ensuring that everyone is aligned and empowered for this
transformative journey is crucial to propelling the country’s first
techglomerate forward.
In this special series, Aboitiz Eyes features our Culture Pillar Squads,
reflecting on the milestones we’ve achieved together as A-People while
overcoming every hurdle that came our way. After all, it takes a collective
approach to transform today and shape a brighter future, and together, we're
making it happen.


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TRANSFORMATION PILLARS
As the transformation takes shape, various success pillars were then identified
to make sure that the evolution runs like a well-oiled machine. These pillars
have their own focuses aligned with the Group’s mission, one of which is
dedicated to transforming mindset, capabilities, and agility– the Culture
Pillar.

The Culture Pillar aims to pave the way for a people-centric focus, making sure
that everyone in the organization is onboard in this mission.

The Culture Pillar or the “Culture Tribe”, as the members call it, put
importance in the aspect of transforming employees’ mindset, capabilities, and
ways of working which are crucial in preparing them with the Group’s
techglomerate aspirations. The tribe is headed by Union Bank’s Chief Human
Resources Officer, Michelle Rubio, and she is joined by different team members
across the Group with a focus on three different missions: Shared Mindset and
Transformed Behavior, Techglomerate Capabilities, and Agile Innovation and Ways
of Working.


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SHARED MINDSET AND TRANSFORMED BEHAVIOR

The first squad focuses on shared mindset and transformed behaviors, which are
crucial to drive change and signal the shift across the organization. It aims to
transform the Aboitiz team leaders and members to be advocates of GT2025 by
aligning it with a higher call of achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.
This is powered by the understanding of a common transformation language,
mindsets, behaviors, artifacts, and rituals. 

While this is a tall order, the squad already made waves in the space for the
past year. Here are some snapshots of what the group has accomplished for the
past 12 months:

A+10 Behaviors and Values

The squad dedicated extensive efforts to align the Aboitiz Group’s A+10
Behaviors (behaviors that were identified and each team member must live in
order to act and behave like a techglomerate) with the Group’s values. They also
took the initiative to rearticulate these behaviors to supercharge them.
Demonstrating the significance of this mission, they also went above and beyond
by developing a tool to assess the profiles of the team leaders, roll out the
assessment, conduct coaching sessions, and sustain these through interventions.

Leader-led cascades and dashboards

The squad developed a playbook designed for team leaders. This playbook serves
as a catalyst for meaningful conversations within their teams, aiming to foster
an understanding of their significant transformative purpose. It guides them in
embracing and embodying the A+10 core behaviors, elevating awareness of the
transformation to every team member. Team leaders, who are at the front of
leading change, led the cascades in their respective SBUs and enjoined their
team members to work together towards the techglomerate aspiration.

To measure progress, the squad also established an internal dashboard, providing
visibility into culture metrics. This tool assists the tribe in monitoring the
success of the ongoing cultural transformation. Moreover, they shared data
models to streamline the process of capturing metrics across the entire group.

GT Storytelling

Stories play a pivotal role in driving change, offering powerful illustrations
of how team leaders and members embody the desired behaviors and embrace the
transformation.

A story-generation program was launched Group-wide to gather inspiring stories
across the organization. The impact was further amplified through the GT
Storytellers Leaders Caravan, a platform that recognized and featured
storytellers who shared their transformation stories at the SuperDuperCon. These
stories serve as proof that the transformation is coming to life!

What’s next?

The next steps for the Squad is to hold assessment coaching sessions to the
leaders and focus on creating Group-wide interventions based on the A+10
results.


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KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CULTURE PILLAR
The Aboitiz Culture Pillar will continue to hold its mandate to support the
Great Transformation of the Group. Each team leader and team members are part of
this journey to reach the organization’s goals and aspirations as they prepare
everyone to join in this cultural revolution. For inquiries, you may reach out
to any of the members of the Culture Pillar to know more. Also watch out for the
Group’s microsite for stories, updates, and resources!

Reflecting On Our Shared Mindset And Transformed Behavior

AboitizPower receives another Golden Arrow. Accepting the award for the company
are (L-R) Corporate Secretarial‌‌Manager Kat Arsua, Chief Legal and Compliance
Officer Atty. Mickey Colayco, AVP - Governance and Compliance‌‌Atty. Clarisse
Osteria, and Corporate Document Assistant Raymond Paran.Aboitiz Power
Corporation (AboitizPower) was awarded a Golden Arrow Award for a second year in
a row, reflecting the company’s consistent success in corporate governance, as
well as its continued efforts in advancing businesses and communities in a
sustainable manner.

The company received a 3-arrow recognition after garnering a score of 105.86 out
of a possible 130 in the 2022 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS)
assessment for publicly-listed companies. It marks AboitizPower’s compliance
with the Philippine Code of Corporate Governance and a favorable standing with
international best practices.

The ACGS takes into account the rights of shareholders, the equitable treatment
of shareholders, the role of stakeholders, disclosure and transparency, and the
responsibilities of the board.

“This award reaffirms the team’s adherence to the shared responsibility of
sustainably managing the organization. This further motivates us to champion the
highest corporate governance and ethical standards as we continue to grow the
business,” said AboitizPower President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel
Rubio. “Likewise, we also exert as much effort and diligence in upholding
environmental preservation and the societal good within the areas we have the
privilege to serve.”

Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) strategies has long been a
part of AboitizPower and the Aboitiz Group, which it is a part of, spanning
decades of aspiring and being recognized as role models for environmental
stewardship, social responsibility, good governance, and corporate citizenship.

This tradition only intensified when the Aboitiz Group launched its Great
Transformation in 2022; gearing itself — comprising its investments in power,
banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, land, construction, and
data science and artificial intelligence — to thrive as the Philippines’ first
techglomerate.

While already an established partner in Philippine development via its power
generation and distribution assets, AboitizPower reaffirmed its mission of
“Transforming Energy for a Better World” by focusing its transformation on the
realms of decarbonization, digitalization, and decentralization or growing
beyond its core business.

AboitizPower had previously indicated its goal of growing its renewable energy
portfolio to 4,600 megawatts or 50% of its generation mix by the next decade to
aid the country’s energy transition to a cleaner power mix. Furthermore, it
began the modernization of its energy systems — from upgrading substations to be
digital in distribution utilities to introducing “digital twin” technologies in
thermal power plants — which will enable real-time monitoring and preventive or
responsive measures to disruptions.

In 2021, AboitizPower received a 4 Golden Arrow Recognition with a score of
111.33, significantly improving from the previous year’s 93.31.

AboitizPower attributed the win to the rise in the volume of public disclosures
published on its website, as well as its Board of Directors’ more earnest and
active participation in overseeing and shaping the implementation of the
company’s ESG strategies. This includes the strengthening of its anti-bribery
and corruption guidelines and promotion of sustainable business practices within
the company and across its whole value chain.

Power

AboitizPower wins good governance award anew

The Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, a home to pawikans old and new
By AA Patawaran

Since its launch in 2014, the park has become home to a mangrove and coastal
forest, almost 100 endemic migratory bird species, marine animals, and the
critically endangered hawksbill, green sea, and olive ridley turtles.

In 2017, a female pawikan (turtle), exhausted and injured from forcing her way
through the vegetation, was rescued in the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park’s mangroves.
She — later named “Turtle Cleanergy” — was saved, rehabilitated, and then
released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region
XI.

Fast forward to 2021, and Turtle Cleanergy makes her way back into the park.
Marine biologists find two new nests by her, and of another new pawikan —
perhaps her recruit — which makes for nine discovered nests, all found in the
first half of 2021 alone.

More turtles are finding their way to the eight-hectare ecological preserve and
biodiversity conservation site, which is perfectly situated along the coast of
Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City. Since its launch in 2014, the park has
become home to a mangrove and coastal forest, almost 100 endemic migratory bird
species, marine animals, and the critically endangered hawksbill, green Sea, and
olive ridley turtles.

The returning Turtle Cleanergy and a second female relative — maybe a sister or
a cousin (they call her “Turtle Hope”) — are believed to be the origins of
several nests discovered in past years, even way before Turtle Cleanergy’s
rescue. This includes one nest in 2014 and 11 nests in 2017. These conclusions
were based on tissue samples and DNA studies undertaken by students of the
University of the Philippines Mindanao and Dr. Ruth Gamboa, a marine biologist
from the same university.

Pawikans are known to return faithfully to the same beach where they were born
or previously nested. Hawksbill turtles, the species to which Turtle Cleanergy
and Turtle Hope belong to, typically lay eggs in two-week intervals. Each female
generally lays three to five nests each season. This year, Turtle Cleanergy has
laid three nests so far, while Turtle Hope has laid two.

Photo shows (from L-R): Cleanergy Caretaker Rodolfo Manib, Sr. assists Fermin
Edillon, Davao Light Reputation Enhancement Department Head, in measuring a
rescued hawksbill sea turtle. The pawikans are nursed back to health before they
are released into open waters.“DENR XI is in strong partnership with
AboitizPower subsidiary Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation for the [care of]
Cleanergy Park, which has long been a safe nesting place and recovery area for
rescued sea turtles,” said DENR Region XI executive director Bagani F. Evasco.
“We are grateful for the conservation efforts of Aboitiz through the park. It is
truly a testament to their continued commitment to protecting and conserving the
environment and the wildlife species around the area.”

“With the sea turtles coming back and laying eggs through the years, the Aboitiz
Cleanergy Park has successfully lived up to its purpose of protecting and
preserving the area and its flora and fauna, despite the daily environmental
threats such as pollution and soil erosion,” said Davao Light president and CEO
Rodger S. Velasco.

It was almost ten years ago when Davao Light, the Aboitiz Foundation, DENR XI,
and the Davao City government entered into a joint memorandum of agreement
establishing Aboitiz Cleanergy Park as a Pawikan Rescue Center. This is in
support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, focusing on Life
Below Water. The regular returns of Turtle Cleanergy and Turtle Hope in the last
seven years, along with the continuous arrival of new pawikans show that the
conservation efforts are fruitful.

Visitors of all ages are welcome to visit the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park. A tour
inside might just turn into something better as one might be lucky enough to
participate in the release of pawikan hatchlings.

Interested locals and tourists can set an appointment by messaging Davao Light’s
email davaolight@aboitiz.com.


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This article first appeared in the Lifestyle section of the Manila Bulletin

Where the pawikans are

Franzia Marie de Leon

Beneficiaries from Samar, Leyte, Negros Oriental, and Misamis Oriental receive
Livelihood Kits under the “Padayon sa Pagbusay” program of Pilmico Foods
Corporation, Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and Ramon Aboitiz Foundation -
Microfinance.It has been over a year since Typhoon Odette devastated provinces
in the Visayas region, but its impact still remains especially among the
residents whose livelihoods were severely affected.

For Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. - Microfinance (RAFI-MFI), Aboitiz
Foundation, Inc. (Aboitiz Foundation), and Pilmico Foods Corporation (Pilmico),
recovery is the most important step for communities and families to be able to
bounce back and become more resilient.

On their 2nd year of “Padayon sa Pagbusay (Paddle Unceasingly)” program, they
gave egg machine livelihood kits to several families in Samar, Leyte, Negros
Oriental, and Misamis Oriental. In addition to the egg machines, they will be
provided with technical and knowledge assistance to better manage their
businesses.


Sustainable Livelihood Program. Aside from egg machines and other equipment,
beneficiaries also receive seminars and technical assistance from Pilmico to
help them maximize their business profitability.Aboitiz Foundation President and
Chief Operating Officer Maribeth Marasigan highlighted the importance of
empowering recovering communities. “We in the Aboitiz Foundation try our best to
help the communities where we operate. We want to see the communities rise and
succeed. Our goal is to help them recover and become more resilient communities.
We thank our local partners, the Aboitiz business units, who came together to
extend valuable assistance,” she said.

The Group’s integrated agribusiness and food subsidiary is always ready to
extend assistance across the nation.

“At Pilmico, we’re not just supporting farmers, we’re aiming to elevate the
agriculture industry as a whole. With the help of the Aboitiz Foundation, our
commitment to empowering farmers nationwide extends beyond this project. It’s a
testament to our unwavering dedication to advancing business and communities,”
 said Greg Canoy, CSR Supervisor, Pilmico Foods Corporation.

This year they extended more livelihood kits to several families in Samar,
Leyte, Negros Oriental and Misamis Oriental in addition to last year’s
 beneficiaries in Cebu and Bohol. Each kit includes an egg machine, 144
ready-to-lay hens, Pilmico feeds, a weighing scale, and animal health products.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Pilmco, Aboitiz Foundation, at RAFI-MFI na isa ako sa
napili na beneficiary sa project na ito. Malaking oportunidad ito para
makatulong sa amin. Maraming salamat sa Panginoon para sa biyaya na ito,” said
Marietta Cadayday, one of the beneficiaries. 


(I thank Pilmico, Aboitiz Foundation, and RAFI-MFI for choosing me as one of the
beneficiaries for this project (Padayon sa Pagbusay). This huge opportunity will
be of great help to us. Thank God for this blessing.)


“Padayon sa Pagbusay” is part of RAFI-MFI’s livelihood program which aims to
empower families by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities.


“This is the start of our rebuilding, which includes rebuilding our businesses
and lives, not just ours but our families and communities where we belong. These
livelihood kits, which I am thankful for, would be impossible without our
partners. We have our grantors who unselfishly helped us in Leyte, Negros
Oriental, and Misamis Oriental,” said Iris Dorado, Vice President for Business
Development, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation. Inc. - Microfinance.

Food

Aboitiz Group’s “Padayon sa Pagbusay” program reaches Eastern Visayas and Northern Mindanao regions

Aboitiz Family & Firm Educational Series
HOW TO LEAD YOUR FAMILY BUSINESS
Excelling Through Unexpected Crises, Choices, and Challenges

By Julie Charlestein



Enrique Aboitiz Mendieta

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Julie shares her experience not only for family businesses but for leading
people and enterprises. What drives her matters for family leaders. She does not
want to be the one that fucked it up. She learned the embroilment of family
businesses because of so many emotions of all kinds starting from envy. I guess
that is why it is so important for her to be data driven, content driven, and
not DRIVEN BY FORM to excuse the weakness of content or to distract, as I am
sure we all have seen and are seeing all too often.

One of the aspects of our ROP culture is where content that challenges is
dispersed by form or some other clumsy excuse.

Data-Driven Culture – her thoughts are Keep At It.

Have you ever been fired? It is humiliating, it is shameful and embarrassing.
What a teacher it is. It is worth it. I, Endika, have been fired. Protecting the
weak and non-performing individuals is doing them harm. They do not learn.

To her, professionalism is about self-reflection, the willingness to
self-correct and being authentic. Veritas. The truth and nothing but. Our ROP
culture is one of omission when someone's ego may be bruised or tarnished. Think
of the harm done to individuals whose reputation is not at risk. They never grow
up.

Julie lists the ingredients for a successful family business.
 1. Family Values and Unwritten Rules
 2. The Desire For Continuity And The Willingness To Pursue
 3. Understanding Of Markets, Industry & The Changing Needs Of The Customer
 4. Legal Documents & Succession Plans
 5. The Foresight & Wisdom To Turn Over The Running Of The Business To
    Professionals
 6. The Financial Philosophy of the Business And The Family
 7. Counselors, Advisors, & Mentors That Need To Be Listened To
 8. The Recognition Of Fragility, The Need For Humility, & The Appreciation Of
    Those Who Have Contributed To Our Success

She ends with 13 takeaways:
 1.  Resentment Sucks
 2.  Exceed Even Your Own Expectations
 3.  Leave The Family Baggage At The Door
 4.  Do Not Be Intimidated By What You Do Not Know
 5.  Before You Hire, Think Once, Twice, and Thrice
 6.  Forget About Work-Life Balance
 7.  Change Is Your Friend
 8.  SURROUND YOURSELF WITH TRUTH TELLERS
 9.  Think Two Steps Ahead
 10. Sweat The Details
 11. Be A Governor. Think Smartly About Business Governance Issues
 12. Remember You Are Also A Person
 13. Be Authentic

Endika Aboitiz

Leading A Family Business Is Leading People And Enterprises

Today marks the 35th anniversary of Aboitiz Foundation’s work in co-creating
resilient, empowered, and sustainable communities. In the Aboitiz Group’s
journey to become the Philippines’ first techglomerate, Aboitiz Foundation
represents what lies at the heart of this Great Transformation: People. The
Foundation optimizes the synergies of Aboitiz business units and its partners
nationwide to create more value for its beneficiaries, its communities, and the
environment.
The Group’s commitment to corporate citizenship traces back to over a century
ago when its founder, Don Ramon Aboitiz, began his corporate philanthropy
efforts to better the welfare of his employees. Founded in 1988, Aboitiz
Foundation has evolved beyond traditional charity, harnessing innovation to
drive change and shape the future of underserved communities. With investments
totaling more than PHP5 billion, Aboitiz Foundation has partnered with some
600,000 individuals and institutional partners and implemented over 5,000
corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.

Aboitiz Foundation provides scholarships and financial aid to students
nationwide so they can seize opportunities for further education, employment,
and entrepreneurship.FUTURE LEADERS
Over the years, Aboitiz Foundation has provided resources, facilities, and
scholarships to Filipino students and young professionals, especially those in
remote areas who have less access. The Foundation made a US$10 million donation
to the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) for the Aboitiz School of Innovation,
Technology & Entrepreneurship (ASITE) to help address the demand for talent in
data science in the country through world-class teaching and research. The
Foundation is also onboarding partners to scale Aurora PH, a project that aims
to provide access to electricity, internet connectivity, and digital tools to
accelerate the learning of students in last-mile schools. Focusing on STEM
(science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and entrepreneurial fields,
the Foundation’s aims aim to empower the nation’s future leaders with
opportunities to drive change for the generations to come.

Aboitiz Foundation’s Byaheng Digiskarte is a mentoring program that empowers
MSMEs to enhance their business operations and expand their market reach by
developing digital skills.ENTERPRISE & JOBS
In an ever-changing economic landscape, Aboitiz Foundation adopts an agile
approach in its development programs. It finds ways to leverage technology to
upskill Filipinos so they can excel in the digital economy. In 2022, over 6,000
beneficiaries, including MSMEs and cooperatives, received support and training
through the foundation’s programs. Byaheng Digiskarte equips MSMEs and
micro-entrepreneurs with the digital tools and skills they need to successfully
grow their businesses. Similarly, the Elevate AIDA (Artificial Intelligence and
Data Annotation) program provides data annotation and other technical training
for homemakers and mothers that will enable them to earn a living while taking
care of their families. With these new capabilities, more and more Filipinos can
shape the future for themselves and their communities.

The Aboitiz Cleanergy Park promotes biodiversity conservation, serving as a
sanctuary for pawikans and dozens of rare bird species so they can thrive in a
safe, secure environment.CLIMATE ACTION
Since its inception, Aboitiz Foundation has been committed to protect the
environment. The Foundation has invested in sites such as the Aboitiz Cleanergy
Park, which serves as a sanctuary for endangered wildlife, built entirely of
recycled materials. Last year, Cleanergy Park released some 8,000 hawksbill
turtle hatchlings and planted more than 19,000 mangroves. A-Park is another
nationwide project towards reforestation and nature-based carbon capture
solutions. The Foundation also works with various government, academic, and
non-profit partners to implement systems that will develop more
climate-resilient, climate-smart communities.

This journey over the years has been guided by an emphasis on the “S” in ESG, in
which Aboitiz Foundation takes a people-centric approach and pairs with
technology-driven solutions to drive positive change. As Aboitiz Foundation
forges ahead, it carries a renewed commitment to expand flagship programs,
foster global collaborations, and harness innovation to continue transforming —
all in its unwavering mission to shape a brighter future for its communities,
and for the nation.

35 Years of Transformation with Aboitiz Foundation

Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) supports the University of the
Philippines Varsity Pep Squad (UP Pep Squad) with P1 million for their team
needs, program development, and other expenses as it participates in major
league and national competitions. In its history, the group was able to bag
eight University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) championships
and multiple medals in international contests. The contract signing was held
recently at the AboitizPower office in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Leading
the event were (seated, L-R) AboitizPower FVP for Regulatory Affairs Cherry
Javier, AboitizPower President and CEO Emmanuel Rubio, UP Pep Squad Head Coach
Felise Pascua, and Nowhere to go but UP Foundation, Inc. President Aruba
Flores-Opida. Also present were AboitizPower team leaders and UP Pep Squad
members.

AboitizPower

AboitizPower cheers on UP Pep Squad with sponsorship deal

TVI, Tuffwow celebrate ‘World Bamboo Day’ with sustainable livelihood
opportunities
By Kaila Jewels Tashvana B. Cajelo

(From L-R) Tuffwow members Poloyapoy, Antopina, and Docor pose with the planks
made from engineered bamboo.Embracing the essence of tradition and innovation,
Toledo City celebrates World Bamboo Day featuring an initiative the local
community can proudly call their own.

In 2021, Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) subsidiary Therma Visayas
Incorporated (TVI) partnered with Kabilin Bamboo and Nature Farms, along with
the Bato Barangay Council, to launch the Ka-BAMBOO-hayan livelihood program,
which transforms the giant woody grass into useful products like tiles,
armchairs, and tables. It began with a humble yet powerful goal of empowering
small communities through economically and environmentally sustainable
livelihoods.

As urbanization reshapes many aspects of the economy, the importance of
supporting local products also becomes even more worthwhile. True to form, not
only does Ka-BAMBOO-hayan provide an opportunity for residents to cultivate
bamboo as a sustainable resource — resonating with the ethos of World Bamboo Day
— but it also unlocks new sources of income to help the locality’s economic
growth and development.

Ka-BAMBOO-hayan improves financial well-being and raises the community’s
appreciation of having bamboo in their environment. Consequently, it also widens
their environmental consciousness, making the program align with the principles
of AboitizPower of helping advance businesses and communities in a sustainable
manner. 

In collaboration with the Toledo United Farmers, Fishermen, and Women Workers
(Tuffwow), a local cooperative, Ka-BAMBOO-hayan took a significant step forward
in furthering human capital development in the community when it started
providing skills training in bamboo manufacturing. Essential equipment like
woodworking power tools were donated by TVI.

Tuffwow members craft bamboo products using the woodworking power tools from
TVI.Johncent Poloyapoy, a trainee who passed the skills training program, said
that the job requires hard work and dedication.

“First, we harvest the bamboo – any kind that we could use. Next, we treat the
bamboo for a few weeks, making it ready to be utilized as a raw material for the
engineered bamboo product. We then chisel the bamboo either into planks or
tiles. These products then will be turned into pieces of furniture and
fixtures,” Poloyapoy explained.

The Ka-BAMBOO-hayan project also aligns with Toledo City Mayor Joie Perales'
vision of making bamboo among the city’s major products.

> “We hope to make Toledo City a ‘Bamboo City’ in the future by, among others,
continuing Ka-BAMBOO-hayan, and further refining it to eventually become a
scalable and sustainable model of grassroots economic development,” Mayor
Perales said.
TVI Vice President and Facility Head Engr. Noel Cabahug and Toledo Mayor Joie
Perales lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the turnover of the equipment
used for turning bamboo into sustainable products.As World Bamboo Day comes,
excitement surges within Tuffwow as they intend to showcase their bamboo crafts,
said Tuffwow Treasurer Manuel B. Docor.

“Gusto namo ipakita among mga na gama para sa celebrasyon kay ang Toledo City
ang ga host ani. Among gi paaningkamutan na ma perfect among gipang himo (We
want to showcase our crafts for the World Bamboo Day celebration [on September
18] especially since Toledo City is [this year’s] host. We aim to perfect our
showcased crafts by then),” Docor said.

UPCYCLED BAMBOO. Tuffwow uses engineered bamboo to make products like tiles,
armchairs, and tables.Tuffwow President Roger Antopina said that the training,
tools, and livelihood provided by Ka-BAMBOO-hayan cushioned the community from
the effects of inflation and aided families in attaining economic sufficiency.

Antopina also added that the Ka-BAMBOO-hayan project is a sustainable approach
to furniture making, explaining how it just takes three to four months to grow
bamboo whereas ordinary trees take several years to reach the appropriate age
for harvesting.

> “Nagtuo ang uban na ang kawayan di makalabaw sa tradisyonal na kahoy. Pero ang
tinud-anay, mas lig-on kini, nya mas sayon ug paspas patubuon (There’s a
misconception wherein bamboo lumber can’t surpass traditional lumber. The truth
of the matter is, bamboo lumber is actually more sturdy and easier to grow).”
The initiative, supported by TVI, not only catalyzes opportunities but also
empowers communities to pave the way for a brighter and greener future.

With each step of the Ka-BAMBOO-hayan project, from cultivation to crafting, the
collaborative efforts inspire a future where tradition, innovation, and social
responsibility intersect, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Cultivating Livelihoods, Crafting Futures

Allyson Mae Espaldon

Scholars of Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation gather for their first Kumustahan
event, which recognizes recently graduated and board passers of their respective
fields.Nearly 50 scholars of Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light), an
AboitizPower subsidiary, gathered for a Kumustahan event at the power utility’s
office in C. Bangoy Sr. Street, Davao City on September 22, 2023. Some of the
scholars were also recognized for graduating and recently passing the board
exams of their respective courses.




“Being a scholar is indeed not an easy feat but you all did well amidst your
difficult situations and challenges. Through your dedication, passion, and
pursuit of academic excellence, some of you have already achieved your ambitions
and others are already on the road to their dreams," Fermin Edillon, Head of the
Reputation Enhancement Department of Davao Light, said in his welcome speech.




Since their scholarship program started, Davao Light and its social development
arm, Aboitiz Foundation Inc., have been supporting more than 100 scholars in
college by providing financial assistance to each beneficiary for their school
needs such as tuition fees, books, uniforms, and miscellaneous expenses.




Three of the scholars recognized, namely Raymund Naungayan, Jonas Meneses, and
Paulo Gallardo, recently passed the Architecture board exams last June 2023
where there are only 2,924 passers out of the 4,784 exam takers.

A recent passer of the Architecture Board Exams, Jonas Meneses, shared how Davao
Light “literally gave light” to his future.“We came from different struggles,
with different stories, but we ended up the same and it’s the success we have
achieved today. Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation have helped each one of
us…they literally gave light to our future,” Jonas Meneses said in his speech.




Meanwhile, other scholars are now registered civil, mechanical, electrical, and
geodetic engineers, nutritionists, and professional teachers. Some have become
firefighters like the Accountancy graduate, FO1 Leonela Mae D. Monloy.




Arlene Tagorda, now a professional teacher, thanks the power utility for the
support she received during the pandemic. She recalled how the scholarship
helped her buy a new laptop, which was a necessity for online classes. “Thanks
to Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation, I was able to survive online education,”
she said in her speech.

Davao Light’s Head of the Reputation Enhancement Department Fermin Edillon
acknowledges the hard work and determination of each scholar, to reach their
full potential. The scholarship aims to provide the beneficiaries with
education, empowering them to become self-reliant and valuable contributors to
society.“We are very grateful to hear stories of you supporting yourselves, your
families, and your communities through your professions after we have supported
your education. You have embodied the aspirations of Davao Light’s scholarship
program,” Rodger Velasco, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Davao
Light said in a statement.




The scholarship aims to provide the beneficiaries with education, empowering
them to become self-reliant and valuable contributors to society.




The scholarship program is in line with the fourth Sustainable Development Goal
of the United Nations, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality
education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Andrea Requizo, a former scholar, is now the Attraction Specialist of the
Quality Human Resource Department of Davao Light. Meanwhile, other scholars are
now registered civil, mechanical, electrical, and geodetic engineers,
nutritionists, and professional teachers.

Power utility recognizes scholars, board passers

Winners. (from L to R) ADI COO for Power Luis F. Gonzalez, ADI Lead Solution
Architect - Power Grid and Distribution Gratz Redoble, Davao Light Meter Shop
Supervisor Mark Catalan, Visayan Electric President and COO Raul Lucero, Davao
Light President and COO Rodger Velasco, and Asian Business Review
Editor-in-Chief Tim Charlton, who presented the award.An artificial intelligence
(A.I.)-enabled software developed by Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower)
distribution utilities Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) and Visayan
Electric Company, Inc. (Visayan Electric) with Aboitiz Data Innovation Pte. Ltd.
(ADI) gained recognition for helping advance technology and digital
transformation in the utilities industry.

ADI was awarded the Philippines Technology Excellence Award for A.I. - Utilities
in the Asian Technology Excellence Awards 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand for Project
A.I. CU (“I see you”), a homegrown idea that began in Davao Light.

The project utilizes A.I. to optically scan images of electrical installation
components — like those mounted on electrical poles — and check if these align
with the records of a distribution utility. After a series of pilot tests in
Davao Light, the software was able to identify and tag the asset by its
individual and unique compatible unit (CU) number which was manually assigned to
it beforehand. Each CU represents a grouping of electrical items that a certain
electrical asset is composed of.

Grouping materials and categorizing assets makes it easier for distribution
utilities to identify its infrastructure. Overall, verifying the accuracy of
records ensures regulatory compliance, better asset management, operational
efficiency, and the continued trust that a distribution utility can deliver
justified and cost-effective electricity prices in its franchise area.

The use of A.I. to recognize CUs can also significantly reduce the need for
manpower and rendered work hours, allowing team members to dedicate time and
effort in other activities. Typically, trained engineers are sent to each
electrical installation and visually identify each item installed.

“The inspiration for Project A.I. CU goes beyond streamlining asset
verification. This initiative serves as a window into how we are leveraging
artificial intelligence to transform our operations, making them more efficient
and smarter,” said Davao Light Meter Shop Supervisor Mark Anthony Catalan,
adding that the idea for Project A.I. CU began in 2019 and was proposed to Davao
Light in 2020.

Catalan was joined by fellow Davao Light innovators Eric Camerino, Jeffrey
Lingatong, Raquel Caro, Russel Bolivar, and Prince Yamyamin in developing
Project A.I. CU in its early stages and rejuvenating the search for other
possible A.I. applications in the operations of Davao Light, particularly in the
aspects of safety, audit, and maintenance.

The group was able to complete an A.I. model for Project A.I. CU as a proof of
concept before turning it over to ADI, the data science and A.I. arm of the
Aboitiz Group. In the near future, ADI aspires to refine and scale the project
for its full implementation in Visayan Electric and Davao Light. These
AboitizPower subsidiaries are the second and third largest distribution
utilities in the Philippines, respectively.

Once fully implemented, Project A.I. CU is estimated to save both companies
millions of pesos in annual operating costs. As such, ADI will also assess its
potential use in other AboitizPower distribution utilities.

“This award demonstrates the data-driven innovations being applied in
AboitizPower and highlights the growing synergies within the Aboitiz
techglomerate, which in this case is between our distribution utilities and
ADI,” said AboitizPower President and CEO Emmanuel Rubio. “It also reaffirms
AboitizPower’s mission of ‘Transforming Energy for a Better World’ as it
continues its digitalization and innovation initiative to ensure quality
service.”

In line with the Aboitiz Group’s Great Transformation, and as a partner in
Philippine development via its power generation and distribution assets,
AboitizPower is focusing its transformation in the realms of decarbonization,
digitalization, and growing beyond its core business. The Company had already
indicated its goal of growing its renewable energy portfolio to at least 4,600
megawatts or 50% of its generation mix by the next decade to aid the country’s
energy transition to a cleaner power mix.

The Asian Technology Excellence Awards was presented by Asian Business Review, a
regional magazine serving Asia's dynamic business community.

AboitizPower utilities score tech win for use of A.I.

Earl Gio Manuel

COMMUNITY BUILDER. Aboitiz Construction received an award for being one of the
top business taxpayers in Claver, Surigao del Norte under the Contractors and
Other Independent Contractor Category. In photo (from L to R): Caryl Dee Lukban,
Municipal Treasurer; Hon. Georgia Gokiangkee, Mayor of Claver; Yvette Torniado,
Aboitiz Construction Project Accountant; Hon. Leah Patan, Vice Mayor of Claver
and Alexander Curada, Panaghiusa Season Director and Municipal Human Resources
Management Head.Last September 11, Aboitiz Construction was recognized by the
municipal government of Claver, Surigao del Norte as one of the top business
taxpayers of 2022 under the Contractors and Other Independent Contractor
category. 


Led by Mayor Georgia D. Gokiangkee, the award was given during the Garbo Nan
Claver Awards Night as part of the town’s 2023 Panaghiusa Festival. Last year,
Aboitiz Construction received the same award for its contribution to the growth
of the municipality through its compliance with community taxation.


“This recognition reflects our commitment to ethical business practices,
transparency, and our contributions to the betterment of the community where we
operate through responsible taxation. We will continue to uphold these
principles as we achieve growth and expansion in the years to come,” said
Aboitiz Construction Assistant Vice President for Finance Charisse Nierra-De
Villa.


For more than a decade, Aboitiz Construction has been involved in the
maintenance works for an industrial plant in Claver. The firm has provided jobs
to nearly 1,000 workers from the local community. The scope of work includes
preventive maintenance, instrumentation, electrical works, and conditional
monitoring to ensure more efficient operations of the plant.


The said maintenance project is now under the newly introduced business segment
of Aboitiz Construction, which is the Industrial Maintenance Services. True to
the firm’s commitment towards safety, as of June 2023, the project site has
achieved 10 million safe man-hours without lost time injury.


As part of the  Aboitiz Group’s  Great Transformation journey, Aboitiz
Construction has been strengthening its presence in the industrial,
infrastructure, and maintenance sectors of the construction industry. In line
with its mission of building a better future, these projects continuously
provide job opportunities for Filipinos nationwide.

Construction

Aboitiz Construction recognized as one of the top business taxpayers in Claver, Surigao del Norte

Proving its status anew as an industry trailblazer, UnionBank recently achieved
another first in the industry after securing a Certificate of Authority from the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to operate as a virtual asset service provider
(VASP), making it the first and only universal bank in the Philippines to offer
virtual asset exchange services.
With the full VASP license from the BSP, the Bank can now extend virtual asset
exchange services to a broader base of UnionBank customers through the
award-winning UnionBank Online app. These virtual asset exchange services
previously were accessible only to randomly selected users of the app through a
limited virtual asset license.

The new feature, set to roll out gradually in the final quarter of 2023, will
now enable UnionBank customers to directly buy and sell Bitcoin (BTC) through
the app, providing a convenient and secure platform for trading cryptocurrencies
through a well-established and trusted financial institution. This will also
allow them to manage both traditional banking and digital assets within a single
mobile platform.

> In this era where change is constant, our pursuit of this license isn't just
about staying current, but about being future-proof and future-ready. The
financial landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and we want to be at
the forefront, ensuring that we are equipped to meet the evolving needs of our
clients.

—Cathy Casas, SVP and Head of Emerging Technology Group, UnionBank
“Our commitment to our clients is the driving force behind every innovation we
introduce,” said UnionBank EVP and Chief Technology and Operations Officer
Dennis Omila. “Through these new services, we are empowering them to be able to
navigate this new space with confidence.”

> This milestone represents a significant leap forward for UnionBank as we
continue to revolutionize the banking landscape. By obtaining this license, we
are not only paving the way for even more groundbreaking opportunities, but also
enhancing our digital capabilities and further transforming the way our
customers interact with us.

—Edwin Bautista, President & CEO, UnionBank
The adoption of blockchain technology has been integral to UnionBank's
future-proofing strategy, and the Bank has been actively exploring potential use
cases, including cryptocurrencies, to adapt to evolving customer needs and
financial trends. For instance, in 2019, the Bank launched the country’s first
bank-operated, two-way virtual currency ATM located in its digital branch “The
ARK” in Makati City, which allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies.

The initiative aligns with the Bank’s "Tech-Up Pilipinas" advocacy, aimed at
advancing digital literacy among Filipinos and enhancing financial inclusion and
technological empowerment in the country.

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