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COVID-19

Innovation and DSAI

Sabin Says

Column

University of Experience

People & Culture

Infrastructure

LIMA Estate plays host to football training bubble

Austal Philippines completes 20th world-class ship at West Cebu Industrial Park

Banking and Financial Services

UnionBank’s UBX Opens Singapore HQ

CLICK Inspires Excellence In Public Service, Leadership In The New Normal

Aboitiz Group Advisory to External Stakeholders regarding COVID-19

2019 Bankers’ Night

2019 Brigada Eskwela Cebu

Aly Virrey

U23 Men's National Football Team training at the ‘Aboitiz Pitch’ located within
LIMA Estate’s The Outlets at Lipa.With its numerous open spaces, recreation
areas, and strict implementation of COVID-19 safety protocols, LIMA Estate has
become a safe haven for the Philippine Football Federation and its member clubs. 

LIMA Estate, a 794-hectare industrial-anchored township located in Lipa-Malvar
Batangas, is known for being the largest and best-selling privately owned
industrial estate in the Philippines, but it also has its own Central Business
District (CBD), which includes world class sporting facilities.

The Aboitiz Pitch is one of the largest artificial turfs in Luzon and can be
utilized to play multiple sports including football. The sporting facility is
integrated into The Outlets at Lipa, a lifestyle mall with 167 shops and
restaurants, just a short walk from LIMA Park Hotel, a 138-room 4-star hotel.
These unique features make LIMA’s CBD the ideal location for teams to train
ahead of local and international competition.

LIMA Park Hotel (left) is a 138-room 4-star hotel conveniently located within
the LIMA Central Business District (right).As a result, a number of Philippine
Football Federation member clubs have been training at LIMA, as well as the U23
Men’s National Football team in preparation for the Asian Football Confederation
Under-23 Cup 2022 Qualifiers in Singapore on October 25 - 31, 2021.

To ensure safety, the players, coaching staff, and team officials undergo RT-PCR
testing before entry to the bubble and routine testing during training. They are
all required to wear face masks and shields at all times, except while in
sessions. A health and safety officer is also present to monitor the health of
all the people in the bubble.

To further secure the teams’ health, the training areas and hotel are closed to
spectators, guests, media, and non-essential individuals.

During the pandemic, LIMA hosted Kaya Football Club Iloilo, while prior to the
pandemic, LIMA had hosted a number of games for the Philippine Football League
(PFL) and the Youth Football League (YFL).

> “We are honored to be hosting the Philippine Football Federation and its member
clubs in LIMA and at the Aboitiz Pitch. It ensures that our athletes can
continue their training and development programs in a safe and conducive
environment”, shared Rob del Rosario, Luzon Operations Head of Aboitiz
InfraCapital’s Commercial Business Unit.
“We continue to work hard to ensure safety within the Estate, so they can focus
on training and winning matches,” he added.

LIMA Central Business District (CBD) is LIMA Estate’s 30-hectare commercial area
and the first CBD to rise in the province of Batangas. It currently houses
various commercial components such as The Outlets at Lipa, LIMA Exchange, LIMA
Park Hotel, and LIMA Transport Hub.

In July, LIMA Land, Inc. announced that it was set to build a seven-tower office
park at the heart of LIMA’s CBD. This is to capitalize on the anticipated boom
of business process outsourcing (BPO) companies outside the National Capital
region.

The first tower,  LIMA Tower One, is expected to break ground in the second
quarter of 2022. 

LIMA Land has also put four hectares of commercial lot inventory up for grabs
earlier this year. Lot sizes range from 1,800 up to 5,000 square meters, ideal
for BPO companies, offices, dormitories, condominiums, schools, hospitals,
hotels, civic centers, and other commercial uses. These types of establishments
will complement existing commercial components in the zone and the planned
office complex, giving investors and developers a unique  opportunity to take
part in the growth of LIMA. 

As of September 2021, 54% of the total commercial lots within the CBD have been
sold and investors may start construction by the first quarter of 2022.

LIMA Estate is highly accessible with direct access to freeways, South Luzon
Expressway and STAR tollways. It is an hour and a half away from Makati CBD and
Ninoy Aquino International Airport and 40 minutes from Alabang.

Earl Gio Manuel

Aboitiz Construction donated Material Recovery Facilities to Barangay Simlong
and Pinamucan Ibaba in Batangas City to contribute to environmental
sustainability. This is part of the company’s Scrap to Crop and Waste Management
Program. Present in the photo are, from L to R, Jana De Leon, Aboitiz
Construction’s Reputation Management Manager, Ambrosio Ompad, Safety Senior
Supervisor, Rubirose Adap, Project HR, Ric Qfqueria, Assistant Manager for
Operations, Ruel Guerra, Brgy. Councilor of Pinamucan Ibaba Ruel Arce, Barangay
Captain, and Earl Gio Manuel, Reputation Management Specialist.In order to
contribute to the solid waste management programs of local government units in
Batangas City, Aboitiz Construction formally donated Material Recovery
Facilities (MRF) to Barangay Pinamucan Ibaba and Simlong last October 9.

The MRFs were built by the engineers and welders from Aboitiz Construction’s
project site in Batangas City.

Built by Aboitiz Construction’s engineers and welders, the Materials recovery
facilities (MRF) will support the efforts of Brgy. Pinamucan Ibaba and Simlong,
Batangas City in strengthening their waste management programs.To adhere with
the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2002, the MRFs will serve as
temporary storage areas for the three types of wastes such as biodegradable,
non-biodegradable, and recyclables until they are ready for recycling and proper
disposal.

“Your support in our efforts will also help us educate the communities about
proper waste management. This is a requirement by the City Environment Office
and we are glad that finally, we already have a MRF that will be for long-term
use,” said Pinamucan Ibaba Barangay Captain Ruel Arce.

The donation is part of a larger program of the company which is the “Scrap to
Crop and Waste Management Program” that aims to contribute to the food and
environmental sustainability efforts of the communities through capacity
building and donation of materials.


Under this program, Aboitiz Construction sold scrap materials from its project
sites to raise funds for its waste management initiatives. 


“We are committed to be a reliable partner of the community and the government
towards effective waste management. We believe in the concept of shared
responsibility and we all have to do our part for our environment,” said Aboitiz
Construction Executive Director Antonio Peñalver.

Last month, Aboitiz Construction launched its Policy Against Single-Use Plastic
in all its establishments and project sites.  This is in line with its mission
of building a better future by implementing programs and raising awareness among
its team members about environmental sustainability.


#####


About Aboitiz Construction, Inc.


Aboitiz Construction is the construction arm of the Aboitiz Group of Companies,
one of the prominent conglomerates in the Philippines. Aboitiz Construction is a
privately-held company, with a 45-year track record in value construction and
engineering that advances businesses and communities by building a better
future.

Construction

Aboitiz Construction supports waste management efforts of Batangas City LGUs

Jowelle Ann Cruz

TAGUIG RECEIVES VACCINES DONATED BY ABOITIZ GROUP. (Clockwise) Taguig City Mayor
Lino S. Cayetano, Aboitiz Foundation President and COO Maribeth L. Marasigan,
Head of the City Health Cluster Dr. Peachy Sy, and Aboitiz Equity Ventures
Government Relations First Vice President Christopher Camba during the virtual
ceremonial turnover for the donated vaccines last October 14, 2021.As part of
the Aboitiz Group’s commitment to support the national and local governments in
moving the country towards herd immunity against COVID-19, Aboitiz Foundation,
the Group's corporate social responsibility arm, and holding company Aboitiz
Equity Ventures donated 7,600 AstraZeneca vaccines to the City Government of
Taguig last October 14.

The partnership was formally sealed in a virtual ceremonial turnover led by
Maribeth L. Marasigan, President and COO of  Aboitiz Foundation, and Taguig City
Mayor Lino Cayetano. 

Marasigan said the donation was inspired and motivated by the commitment and
excellent performance of the City of Taguig in its vaccination campaign against
Covid 19.

“The Aboitiz Group is committed to contribute to the fight against Covid-19 and
create meaningful initiatives that will impact the community. As we bounce
forward from the impacts of COVID-19, we need to look after our community and be
of help to them so we can achieve herd immunity together,” she added. 

During the ceremonial turnover, Cayetano said that 79% of the Taguig City
population received their first doses while 70% of the overall population had
been fully vaccinated and the City has the most number of tests done in Metro
Manila.  He extended the free testing to Aboitiz employees with Covid-19
symptoms.

“Thank you Aboitiz for all the help, trust and cooperation. We look forward to a
bright future as Aboitiz is one of the more forward thinking institutions. I
know that you will be a strong partner for the City of Taguig heading towards
the new future. On behalf of all our doctors, and our entire team, the City of
Taguig would like to thank you for the vaccines, we will put them to good use
and we look forward to continued cooperation and partnership,” he said.

Aboitiz Equity Ventures Government Relations First Vice President Christopher
Camba, likewise thanked Mayor Cayetano and his team for the opportunity to
collaborate with the Local Government Unit of Taguig.

“We’ve pursued several collaborations that we believe can create greater value
to our community. Aboitiz remains committed to support the government in
fighting this pandemic, but also in the recovery post-pandemic. We thank Mayor
Lino Cayetano, the frontliners and the uniformed men and women for all your
sacrifices and for making Taguig safe,” he said. 

The Aboitiz Group is also doing its own contribution in helping achieve herd
immunity through its ongoing internal vaccination program. The Group is on track
to vaccinate Aboitiz team members and subcontractors nationwide, exemplifying
its strong commitment to prioritise the health and safety of every team member
as the nation moves towards a “better normal.”

To date, the Aboitiz Group’s total contribution to the national Covid-19
response effort has reached over PHP2.2 billion (excluding various payments
waived, reduced, extended, or restructured to help customers cope with the
impact of Covid-19), underscoring the group’s sustained campaign to help address
the urgent needs of frontliners and affected communities nationwide.

Aboitiz Ramps Up COVID-19 Response Efforts, Donates Vaccines To Taguig City

Cements Balamban’s position as ‘Shipbuilding Capital of the Philippines’ as WCIP
gears up for expansion
Austal Philippines has delivered Bañaderos Express (Austal Hull 395), an Austal
Auto Express 118 high-speed trimaran ferry, to Fred. Olsen Express of the Canary
Islands. [Image courtesy of Austal Philippines]Global shipbuilder Austal has
recently completed Bañaderos Express, the largest high-speed trimaran ever built
in the Philippines and second largest high-speed vessel to be constructed during
the pandemic. Bañaderos Express is also the 20th vessel Austal has completed
since it set up shop in West Cebu Industrial Park (WCIP) in Balamban, Cebu in
2012. It was built for inter-island ferry service Fred. Olsen Express of the
Canary Islands.

Austal Philippines President and General Manager Wayne Murray said the delivery
of Bañaderos Express was a very proud moment for the Balamban-based team of
1,000 employees, who safely and efficiently constructed the 118 metre ferry
throughout the pandemic. 

> “We are understandably very pleased to deliver such an impressive ship to Fred
Olsen Express, soon after delivering Fjord FSTR for Fjord Line of Norway,
earlier in 2021. Now, we continue our efforts on delivering the largest high
speed ferry ever built in the Philippines, again ー the 115 metre Express 5 for
Molslinjen of Denmark. Austal Philippines is not only delivering world-class
ships for customers around the world, but we’re developing Filipino shipbuilding
capability, right here in Balamban. We are indeed very grateful for the
continued support of the West Cebu Industrial Park and look forward to the
facilities’ expansion that will create even more opportunities for local
businesses to join the Filipino shipbuilding industry,” he shared.
The milestone further strengthens Balamban’s position as ‘Shipbuilding Capital
of the Philippines,’ as Cebu Industrial Park Developers, Inc. (CIPDI) is gearing
up for the expansion of WCIP that will see the development of 40 hectares for
industrial locators. There will be 15 lots in total, ranging from one- to
five-hectare areas.

> “We are proud to be hosting Austal, which is renowned for designing and building
world-class ships that allow for the most comfortable traveling by sea. As we
celebrate this achievement with them, we are proud to soon launch the
construction of our expansion that can help bring in more world-class locators
to Balamban,” said Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, CIPDI President and First Vice
President for the Aboitiz Integrated Economic Centers.

“We are excited to fulfill our vision to develop WCIP into a pioneer of
industrial-anchored townships on the west coast of Cebu, enabling businesses and
the local community to thrive,” he added.

Construction for the expansion is set to kick off in January 2022 and scheduled
to be completed by December 2023. It will allow for more industrial spaces plus
a four-hectare Commercial Complex, a Central Terminal, and communal parks. New
locators and businesses that will be brought in are expected to generate up to
14,000 new jobs for the municipality.

With the expanded industrial zone and additional amenities, CIPDI expects to
attract a more varied mix of locators into WCIP, including light and medium
manufacturing companies. The company has started taking reservations for the
upcoming inventory, and has already secured new locators.

Currently, WCIP is a 540-hectare mixed-use estate anchored by a 283-hectare
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) registered zone that has complementary
commercial, institutional, and residential components. The Estate hosts 11
locators from medium to heavy industries, some of which are the biggest
shipbuilding firms in the world. WCIP’s industrial locators and commercial
tenants currently employ a total of 14,000 Filipinos.

The Estate is strategically located in the west side of Cebu, known to be a
major industrial belt adjacent to various access points. It is accessible by
land via the Transcentral Highway and South Coastal Road via Naga City from the
province’s capital, as well as by sea through a private shipping port for common
logistics support.

To help support locators’ manpower requirements, located nearby is the Balamban
Campus of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, which offers basic education up
to Senior High level, and Don Bosco Balamban Technological Center, which offers
skills training programs on welding (arc and smaw), practical electricity,
sewing, automotive mechanic and soon, AutoCAD.

Like other Aboitiz Integrated Economic Centers namely LIMA Estate in Batangas
and Mactan Economic Zone 2 in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, WCIP is thoughtfully planned
and masterfully designed to ensure a vibrant and productive township lifestyle.
It is well-supported by Aboitiz Group affiliates which include Balamban Enerzone
for power, Aboitiz InfraCapital for water, and Aboitiz Construction for building
requirements.

In 1992, Balamban, Cebu was a simple coastal town which transformed into a
first-class municipality when CIPDI began operations in the area to develop
WCIP.

The initial success of WCIP enabled the estate to grow from 202 to 540 hectares.
The expansion hopes to continue WCIP’s growth story and turn Balamban into a
vibrant city.

For more information on WCIP’s new industrial lot offerings, please email 
sales.leasing@aboitiz.com.

Aboitiz Eyes

UBX, UnionBank’s fintech venture studio and fund, expands its operations in
Singapore to further its vision of invisible banking in Asia. Since its launch
in 2018, UBX
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has pioneered financial services solutions integrated into everyday activities
of people and businesses. The new Singapore headquarters is the bridge for
startups who would like to enter the Philippine market by partnering with UBX’s
award-winning ventures.
“Expanding reach within Asia continues to be an important focus for UBX,” Cyrus
Cruz, who joined UBX Singapore as Country Head, said in a statement. “We are
thrilled to further extend our presence in the region, starting with Singapore -
known as the main regional fintech hub of upcoming start-ups and great talents
in Asia. UBX has strategically set up an office here to contribute to, and
benefit from the established ecosystem. This will not only expand our network,
it’ll also help us learn from different companies in the country. ” he added.

UBX is fast-tracking its expansion because of the rapid growth of fintech with 2
out of 3 financial transactions being made online today. In 2020, $1.6 billion
was invested in fintech startups in Southeast Asia according to a study by
Dealrooom. UBX ventures are experiencing significant growth fueled by the
coronavirus pandemic. For instance, SeekCap
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- UBX’s digital lending platform in the Philippines - processed over USD 60
million  worth of business loans for MSMEs just one year after its launch. While 
i2i
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, UBX’s banking-as-a-service platform, had a 3000% monthly volume increase for
its portable Mobile ATM services in 2020.

Fast-tracking regional expansion. (left) Cyrus Cruz joined UBX Singapore as the
Country Head. (right) ​​John Januszczak, President and CEO of UBX.For its impact
on fintech and financial inclusion, UBX was recognized as the Fastest Growing
Fintech Company in South East Asia 2021 by the Global Banking and Finance
Review. As a leading venture studio in the region, it was only natural to open
its 2nd headquarters in Singapore where the growth trajectory of the fintech
industry has been steady and impressive. ​​John Januszczak, the Chief Executive
Officer of UBX reiterates “We aim to support companies who would like to enter
the Philippine market through strategic partnerships leveraging both UBX’s
technological expertise and open finance footprint in the Philippines."

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has put our leadership to the test. Charged
with steering their respective organizations and constituents in difficult
times, it is becoming apparent that to emerge from this ongoing health crisis
stronger and more resilient requires an updating of the technical skills and
refocusing of priorities that are vital in navigating a volatile,
rapidly-changing, and sustainability-challenged world.
Now in its second year, the Executive Course on Leadership, Innovation,
Communication, and Knowledge Management (CLICK) fulfills this initiative as a
capacity-building course for career executive service officers (CESOs) and other
third-level government officials. The program is made possible through a
tripartite agreement between the Aboitiz Group, Development Academy of the
Philippines-Graduate School of Public and Development Management (DAP-GSPDM),
and the National Union of Career Executive Service Officers (NUCESO), Inc.

> The public servant is a unique professional operating in a unique environment.
He or she is constantly demanded to continuously develop and improve in order to
provide better service to the public. It really is to our collective benefit
that they receive the right kind of support to become even better leaders not
only in their respective agencies but, more so, in the communities they belong
to.

—Sabin Aboitiz, President and CEO, Aboitiz Group
The CLICK program equips senior government leaders with a comprehensive set of
leadership and management skills to adapt with the evolving demands in the
workplace. As they apply their learnings by developing sustainable work
strategies, they become phronetic leaders who are proactive catalysts of
positive change amid a dynamic and ever-evolving environment that has been made
more volatile by the ongoing health crisis.

“Our focus drastically shifted when the pandemic happened,” said CLICK Batch 2
co-learner Valery Brion, Director IV of the Department of Finance Strategy,
Economics, and Results Group (DOF-SERG). “We knew we had to do something to help
the economy recover and, at the same time, save lives.”

Director Brion, seeking to elevate her organization and its services to the
public through the pandemic and beyond, became interested in the CLICK program’s
comprehensive modules on futures thinking, human resources, and knowledge
management.

“I want to create agile organizations in my unit that benefit from knowledge
management. I'm fortunate that I have a legislative and engagement team that I
believe is an agile unit but what I want to do is replicate that model by
creating some shadow teams,” she explained, adding that CLICK’s HR Module on
Profiling Talent has been “really helpful” in identifying the right people for
the team.

CLICK2 Co-learners and public servants share how the program is already helping
them in transforming their respective organizations.For Batch 2 co-learner and
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Baguio Extension Director Atty. Regina
Cajucom, the CLICK Program is a chance to pass on fresh perspectives to upscale
service delivery.

“Our module on StratCom (Strategic Communications) really made me appreciate how
to talk to our audience. At SEC, we are practically a frontline service agency
because our main functions include registration, amendments, and monitoring of
corporations. And while we are undergoing digital transformation, we understand
that some of our stakeholders may not be very receptive to change,” Atty.
Cajucom shared.

This enthusiasm has prompted her to already apply her key learnings from the
module at their agency. “We have to effectively communicate the value of our
initiative. So I have already started to apply that in my webinars when there
are new guidelines, processes, or memorandum circulars that our organization is
introducing [to the audience]. We want them to know the rationale behind this
and what value it provides to them.”

As a course delivered through synchronous and asynchronous learning methods, the
CLICK program has been a great advantage for many public service leaders who
otherwise would not have had the time nor opportunity to pursue higher learning
due to their monumental responsibilities. Director Brion and Atty. Cajucom
attend classes in between their own respective virtual meetings. 

“What's also nice is that even for our co-learners who, unfortunately, had to
miss classes, at least there are recordings that they can study at their own
time and these are the conveniences of a digital learning experience. Nobody
gets totally left out,” shared Director Brion.

CLICK has fast become a platform for government leaders to engage in knowledge
sharing, network, and build lasting partnerships with their contemporaries in
the public sector. 

> It really built a sense of community. We're all workers in government, sharing
our best practices, our struggles. It is really a good thing to be able to build
a network for when you engage in interagency initiatives. Work becomes more
efficient if you have established partnerships and connections with other
agencies.

—Atty. Valery Brion, Director IV, Department of Finance-Strategy, Economics, and
Results Group
For Atty. Cajucom, the abundance of leaders in different agencies has enabled
her to paint a clearer picture of the workings of her fellow public servants.
“It will expose you to the functions and programs of other agencies, so it's an
opportunity to be able to understand how the government works as a whole and
it’s very helpful when you also apply it to your agency and think outside of
your agency. It will give you fresh ideas on every aspect of governance.”

Jade Chiu

By Bianca Demafeliz
[https://aboitiz.workplace.com/profile.php?id=100023463751981], Apo Agua

In partnership with the City Government of Davao and Department of Education
Region XI, the Davao-based Aboitiz business units are providing Davaoeños with
more access to COVID-19 vaccines by conducting a mass vaccination drive across
the three congressional districts of Davao City from October to November 2021.

Through Aboitiz Foundation, Aboitiz business units Apo Agua Infrastructura,
Davao Light, Hedcor, and Therma South will spearhead the initiative to help
combat the impact of the pandemic on the community’s health and accelerate
economic recovery. This extends the Aboitiz Group’s commitment to help protect
its team members from the pandemic, to its wider community.

Shake A. Tuason, Operations Head of Apo Agua receives his first dose of vaccine
during the vaccination run for Aboitiz Group team members and contractors held
last July 10, 2021, at the Apo View Hotel, Davao City.> We remain highly committed
to ensure the health and safety of our local communities here in Davao and are
eagerly gearing up for the commencement of our first vaccination site at F.
Bustamante National High School. We at Aboitiz consider ourselves as long-term
partners of the city government of Davao and we are  glad to have the
opportunity to help the City reach its goal of herd immunity against the
pandemic through this partnership.

– Shake Aboitiz Tuason, Operations Head, Apo Agua
The vaccination drive will start in District 2 at F. Bustamante National High
School in Tibungco on October 09, 2021, with a target of 500 jabs per day.
Subsequently,  the vaccination drives for Districts 3 and 1 are set to begin on
October 25, 2021 at Tacunan Elementary School in Mintal and on November 08, 2021
at Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School in Matina. The vaccines will come
from the Local Government Unit, while the mobilization of the drive will be
covered by the Aboitiz Group. This initiative of providing additional
vaccination drive sites to the public will help the local government reach herd
immunity for 1.2 million Davaoenos by the end of 2021.

Residents can either log in and secure their schedule through SafeDavao QR's
online registration platform or personally register at their respective
barangay's master list. 


UPDATE:

Photos from October 9 vaccination

Aboitiz Group To Further Support Davao City’s Pandemic Recovery  With Mass Vaccination Drive

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The Power Of Self Awareness By Bobby Orig

Gero Torres

HELP OUR FARMERS, SAVE THE CHILDREN FROM HUNGER. A collaborative initiative of
the Aboitiz Group through its social development arm Aboitiz Foundation and
AboitizPower subsidiary Hedcor, together with MayaniPH and ‘Save the Children.’
Primary aim is to help alleviate hunger among impoverished children while
bringing sustainable livelihood to Benguet farmers amid the pandemic.The Aboitiz
Group’s ‘Byaheng Digiskarte’, an initiative to elevate and modernize farming in
the country by helping farmers reach consumers through e-commerce, is set to be
a platform to help nourish and feed hungry Filipino children.

Aboitiz Foundation, in collaboration with MayaniPH (the country’s
fastest-growing agriculture e-commerce platform) and Save the Children (the
world’s leading independent children’s organization), recently launched a
donation campaign that would aid in alleviating hunger among children while
creating a sustainable livelihood for farmers.

The donation campaign is centered on ‘nutritional boxes’ containing various
fresh produce sourced from the farmers of Sinacbat Farmers Association in Bakun,
Benguet. Each nutritional box will go straight to the Save The Children
Philippines’ beneficiaries in areas initially identified, including Navotas and
Samar.

The nutritional boxes, which are offered in ‘starter’, ‘junior’, or ‘family’
packs and only costs between PHP50 to PHP260, contain a wide variety of
Benguet-fresh vegetables: potato, bell pepper, cabbage, carrot, green peas,
ginger, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, and broccoli, among others.

There are three nutritional boxes to choose from -- Starter (Php50), Junior
(Php100) and Family (Php260). Proceeds from the donation will feed hungry
children and help sustain local farmers’ livelihood.Under the ‘Byaheng
Digiskarte’ initiative, the farmers underwent a series of mentoring sessions to
improve their digital skills. The program is divided into three tracks and
supplemented with elective courses. The farmers were taught how to maximize the
use of digital tools, primarily to help bring their produce to a wider market.
Aboitiz Foundation President and Chief Operating Officer Maribeth Marasigan
emphasized the importance of helping farmers become digitally literate and
capable. 

> Many agri-based enterprises took the hardest brunt of the pandemic and those
that are now taking small steps to recovery are struggling to adjust to the
‘contactless environment.’ Through digital technology, they find ways to bring
their products to the market.

– Maribeth L. Marasigan, President and COO, Aboitiz Foundation
Benguet-based AboitizPower subsidiary Hedcor spearheads the implementation and
monitoring of ‘Byaheng Digiskarte’ in Bakun, Benguet and provides guidance to
the farmer-beneficiaries.

> Hedcor helps showcase Benguet local produce through unhampered farm-to-market
transactions especially to our Sinacbat farmers despite pandemic restrictions.
We advance our host communities with sustainable projects, as we continue to
keep the lights on with our clean and renewable energy.

– Rolando Pacquiao, President and COO, Hedcor
These enterprising individuals or whom they call “ma-digiskarte” overcome the
challenges caused by the pandemic by using mobile phones, the internet, social
media, and e-commerce platforms such as Mayani, which has been empowering and
providing sustainable market access to over 23,000 smallholder farmers.
“Agriculture and the food we derive from it have always been at the centerpiece
of the fight for hunger and malnutrition. We partnered with the Aboitiz
Foundation and Save the Children Philippines out of this strong mission
convergence,” said MayaniPH CEO and Co-Founder JT Solis.

Mayani onboards the Benguet farmers being assisted by the Aboitiz Foundation and
the platform provides them a stable sales channel for their produce, while
mobilizing shared communities to donate those vegetable boxes to Save the
Children Philippines’ target areas. “This is really the power of partnership and
platform in action,” he stressed.

Every nutritional box purchased will help feed a chosen beneficiary of Save the
Children Philippines. Save the Children Philippines ambassador Xia Vigor
assisting a child eat in one of the organization’s feeding activities. (Photo
Credit: Save the Children Philippines)Child rights advocate and Save the
Children Philippines ambassador Liza Soberano said the COVID-19 has affected
children in the poverty line more than ever. “There is nothing more
heartbreaking than knowing that millions of Filipino children go to sleep
hungry. We can all help change that. Even with just a small amount, you can help
feed and nourish a hungry child; at the same time, help and honor the farmers
who toil to bring food on our tables,” she said.

Other Save the Children Philippines ambassadors Ria Atayde, Katarina Rodriguez,
and Xia Vigor also expressed support for the cause.

The nutritional boxes are available for purchase at mayani.ph/SaveTheChildren
[http://mayani.ph/SaveTheChildren]. The site also offers various vegetables for
the buying public’s consumption, the proceeds of which will go straight to
Benguet farmers.

Vegetable Farmers Tap Into E-Commerce To Help Feed Filipino Children

By Apo Agua and Aboitiz Eyes Team

August 2021 marked seven years since the formal incorporation of Apo Agua, the
Aboitiz Group’s first major PPP (public-private partnership) infrastructure
project under Aboitiz InfraCapital. The company aims to provide sustainably
sourced surface water through its Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP),
one of the Philippines' largest private bulk water supply facilities that will
deliver over 300 million liters per day for the people of Davao City. And
despite the challenges from COVID-19, mainly on the ongoing construction
activities, Apo Agua has continued to serve its host communities through
wide-ranging corporate social responsibility efforts that include scholarship
programs and its watershed rehabilitation partnership with the Davao City Water
District.

Workforce Remobilization
The imposition of ECQ in 2020 along with restrictions on the movement of people
significantly impacted the local communities in Davao City, with many laborers
and skilled workers from local plantations out of work as the lockdown wore on.
When Apo Agua resumed work on its bulk water project, they saw the need to ramp
up manpower in order to expedite construction and recover lost time from the
lockdowns. The company partnered with its host communities as well as the Davao
City government and its Public Employment Services Office for virtual job fairs
and barangay recruitment activities to bring in much needed skilled workers.

To date, Apo Agua’s Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Contractor J.V.
Angeles Construction Corporation (JVACC) has over 4,800 workers on the project
which is double the manpower before the pandemic. More than 50% of them were
sourced from partner barangays situated along the treated water pipelines and
other project components. Most if not all had lost their livelihood due to
COVID’s economic impact.

Creating livelihood opportunities. Apo Agua partnered with LGUs and agencies to
facilitate virtual job fairs and recruitment activities in order to provide
employment to members of host communities.Seeking to provide meaningful
employment, Apo Agua arranged for the recruits to undergo TESDA training to
equip them with skills much needed for the project like welding, scaffolding,
and storage. One of them is Jojo Demayo from Baguio District who used to be a
jeepney driver and now a watchman for the project.

“This job has really helped us. I get to provide for my family, especially
things my children need for school and our home,” Jojo shares. “I’m grateful Apo
Agua’s project reached our community. It’s been a great help to all of us who
work here and our families.”

Aside from directly supporting host barangays through its workforce mobilization
programs, the construction activities have spurred the local economy, helping
surrounding small businesses — such as sari-sari stores and lodging — thrive.

Gainfully employed. Before joining Apo Agua as a watchman, Jojo Demayo was a
jeepney driver until the pandemic negatively impacted his livelihood.> The Aboitiz
Group is committed and true to its promise of improving the lives of the people
at Sitio Maligatong through making way for an accessible, affordable, and
reliable power.
Energizing Through #OneAboitiz In Apo Agua
It is worth noting how even before the DCBWSP begins operations, Apo Agua made
early and significant strides in responding to the needs of communities within
the project work sites, and this is especially true for residents of Purok
Maligatong in Barangay Tawantawan, the community where the water intake weir is
located. In the lead up to the project’s construction phase, Apo Agua took
advantage of the #OneAboitiz mindset of maximizing results through shared
vision, resources, and capabilities. The company partnered with Davao Light to
connect the community to the grid and bring in a stable supply of electricity
needed to power construction activities.

Electric poles were erected in Purok Maligatong in July 2020 as part of Davao
Light’s rural electrification program, paving the way for its residents to
finally apply for household connections to the grid while their barangay was
illuminated with street lights for the first time.

#OneAboitiz in action. Apo Agua partnered with DavaoLight to light up the
residents of the Purok Maligatong in Barangay Tawantawan—the community where the
water intake weir is located.“As someone who has been involved since its
conceptualization, negotiation, up to the execution, it was very fulfilling for
me to see how this project has materialized. Living up to our purpose to drive
change for a better world by advancing business and communities, the Aboitiz
Group is committed and true to its promise of improving the lives of the people
at Sitio Maligatong through making way for an accessible, affordable, and
reliable power,” said Jeryl Regulacion, Apo Agua Technical Engineer.

> We endeavoured to build tight-knit relationships with the barangays so that we
can understand their inherent challenges.
Opportunity For The Brightest Minds 
Aside from infrastructure development and livelihood programs, the company puts
emphasis on improving lives through education. Since 2019, Apo Agua has been
providing high school financial assistance and college scholarships to the
brightest young minds from the project’s surrounding communities. 

What’s more, the company goes above and beyond to support the scholars
throughout their entire educational journey. The student-beneficiaries are
carefully selected based on the ones who are in most need of financial support,
after which, Apo Agua covers for their tuition fees, uniforms, and books to
ensure that the students can fully focus on their learnings.

Scholar Xam Tero is one of over 30 student beneficiaries who are enjoying Apo
Agua's holistic scholarship program, which seeks to cover the entire cost of
their educational journey.And for scholars like Xam Kenobi Tero, Apo Agua’s
program has been nothing short of a blessing as it has enabled him to prioritize
his studies without having to worry about the additional costs of pursuing
education. 

“The Apo Agua scholarship program is impressive. Everything is taken care of by
the company and all I need to do is focus on my studies. Also, the assigned
personnel are very approachable. They also help us when we experience challenges
in our studies and in our personal lives. They provide motivational talks to
secure our wellbeing, especially our mental health,” he noted.

Xam is among 30 scholars currently being supported by Apo Agua's program that is
a mix of 15 college and 20 high school students. This number is expected to grow
in the coming years.

“This scholarship is the best and I am blessed beyond measure being a part of
the Apo Agua scholars, and with that I am going to do the best I can to be a
good example or role model for others to see that everything is possible as long
as you’re willing to give it your best. To Apo Agua, daghang salamat!” Xam said.

A Long-Term Partner Of The Community
Understanding its role as a long-term partner of the community, Apo Agua will
continue to refine its CSR projects in order to address the most pressing needs
of the people and further extend its aid to more members of the community.

“One of our key strategies is to focus on CSR activities that the barangays
actually need compared to what projects we think the barangay needs,” explained
Apo Agua Operations Head Shake Tuason. “To achieve this, we endeavoured to build
tight-knit relationships with the barangays so that we can understand their
inherent challenges and tailor fit our programs to what is most important and
beneficial to them.”

Understanding the needs of the community. (Left) Printer and Projector units
were donated to the 'Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay' Baguio District; (Center)
Apo Agua and local representatives try out newly-installed handwashing
facilities; (Right) Tree-planting in Brgy. Wines, joined by representatives from
AAII, DENR, IDIS, Bantay Bukid, DSWD, PNP, and barangay volunteers.Through this
strategy, Apo Agua has been able to create a more focused approach to its CSR
efforts. In the past year alone, the company has donated printer sets to assist
schools in their modular learning and expanded its high school financial
assistance which has now doubled the number of student beneficiaries since its
inception. In helping its partner barangays fight COVID, the company poured its
support through the donation of PPEs and facemasks.

Moreover, Apo Agua will continue to collaborate with different Aboitiz business
units to deliver more impactful and holistic projects in the coming year. “We
are partnering with Pilmico to provide layer kits and technical training to
coops in our host community, which will ultimately go a long way into helping
augment their income and livelihood,” he adds.

As the construction of Apo Agua progresses steadily, so too will new
opportunities emerge which will be beneficial to its partner barangays. “We
expect to focus more heavily on watershed management initiatives since our
operational performance depends on the ability of the watershed to provide a
clean and reliable source of surface water,” Shake shared. 

To support this, Apo Agua is launching its holistic watershed management program
that includes expanded accident insurance coverage to Bantay Bukid volunteers
and equipping them with mobile phones, battery kits, and rain coats, as well as
in facilitating a long-term tree nurturing program and rolling out IEC campaigns
in host barangays focused on biodiversity and water conservation, and long-term
tree nurturing program.

“We don't want to focus on one-off programs; we want to deliver sustainable
solutions and livelihood opportunities,” Shake asserted. "What's really
important to us [at Apo Agua] is sustainable infrastructure development that
enables economic growth. For us, in the Aboitiz Group, advancing business and
communities is really part of our DNA."

SPECIAL FEATURE: Strong Relationships Deliver Apo Agua’s Early Impact

Over 540 industrial zone workers from Mactan Economic Zone 2 were exclusively
vaccinated at the Lapu-Lapu City Hoops Dome on September 27, 2021.In cooperation
with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and local government units (LGUs),
the Aboitiz Integrated Economic Centers hosted vaccinations for its industrial
zone workers and commercial tenant employees. This is in line with the Aboitiz
Group’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of team members and even
extending to the wider community.

“With the highly transmissible Delta variant in the country, we are working with
PEZA and the LGUs in Batangas and Cebu to ensure safety within our parks,” said
Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, First Vice President for Aboitiz Integrated Economic
Centers. He explained that the Estates value their role in promoting the
well-being of host communities and that putting up the vaccination centers
underscore the Aboitiz core value of Responsibility. 

“It is important for us to do our part in keeping the 90,000 workers in our
Estates safe and employed. The workers’ continued health also ensures that we
can sustain operations, keep the economy running, and that our surrounding
communities remain as safe as they can possibly be.”

LIMA partnered with the Lipa City LGU led by Mayor Eric Africa (in photo,
leftmost), who visited the satellite site to observe vaccination proceedings.In
Batangas, LIMA Estate partnered with the Lipa City government led by Mayor Eric
Africa and Lipa City Administrator Dr. Perceival Lojo. The first batch of
inoculation was held last September 1 with 2,000 employees successfully getting
their first dose. Their second dose was done on September 29. At present, 10,000
of LIMA’s 60,000 workers have already been vaccinated with at least the first
dose. The next batch of inoculations at LIMA will be held in October.

Around 100 volunteers supported the West Cebu Industrial Park’s vaccination for
workers held at the Aboitiz Construction Modular Site, Arpili, Balamban last
September 25, 2021.In Cebu, West Cebu Industrial Park (WCIP) collaborated with
the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, Balamban LGU led by
Mayor Alex Binghay, and volunteers from All-Terrain Medical Relief Organization
(AMRO Cebu), Junior Chamber International (JCI) Metro Cebu Uptown, and the
Balamban Rural Health Unit to vaccinate 320 industrial workers from the Estate.
In total, about 1,400 workers have been vaccinated to date. WCIP is also
endorsing the rest of their workers and their dependents for exclusive
vaccination with the LGU on weekends.

MEZ2 workers were thoroughly screened prior to vaccination and observed right
after.Meanwhile, Mactan Economic Zone 2 (MEZ2) partnered with the Lapu-Lapu City
LGU led by Mayor Junard Chan to host the exclusive inoculation of 544 MEZ2
workers on September 27 at the Lapu-Lapu City Hoops Dome. To date, over 5,000
MEZ2 workers have been vaccinated with at least the first dose.

The Aboitiz Integrated Economic Centers’ vaccination program also complements
locator efforts to inoculate their respective employees.

Managed by Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the Aboitiz Integrated Economic Center
operates a total of 1,000 hectares of industrial land through LIMA Estate, WCIP,
and MEZ2 supported by residential and commercial zones as well as a full
ecosystem of services for power, water, and construction. All the Estates were
able to sustain operations throughout the pandemic, thereby keeping local
economies running and 90,000 Filipinos employed.

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