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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Malvar, Batangas LGU) |
In a major step toward sustainable development, the Municipality of Malvar in the province of Batangas has partnered with the pioneering waste management firm Alterna Verde Corporation and local hauling expert Damascus Road Logistics Corporation to address the escalating challenge of municipal solid waste (MSW) management. The initiative is a direct response to the town’s recent economic and demographic growth which has placed increasing pressure on its traditional waste collection and disposal systems.
Municipal Mayor Admiral Artemio Abu is the driving force behind the municipality’s push for green projects which put to life significant aspects of his Ten Point Agenda – about health conciseness and sanitation. Mayor Abu hailed the agreement as a significant victory for the town, stating, “We are not just cleaning up our streets; we are securing a healthier, more prosperous tomorrow by turning a major problem — our growing garbage — into a powerful solution: supporting sustainable energy. My administration is fully committed to making this project a success and a model for other municipalities.” he stated. Notably, Malvar, Batangas is the first local government unit (LGU) in South Luzon to fully commit to and support this centralized waste-to-energy arrangement, pioneering a scalable and sustainable model for the region. Alterna Verde Corporation's proprietary Sustainable Environmental Resource Re-Genesis System (SERRS™) facility in San Pablo City, specializes in bio-methanation, a natural, carbon-neutral process that transforms organic waste — a significant component of Philippine MSW — into valuable resources. Instead of incineration, the technology uses anaerobic digestion to capture bio-methane, or Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) which can be used to generate electricity. This not only diverts massive amounts of waste from landfills but also creates a new, sustainable energy source for the community. Furthermore, the process yields organic soil conditioner as a useful co-product for local agriculture.
A representative from Alterna Verde Corporation said, “Our goal is to not just manage waste, but to eliminate the concept of waste entirely, seeing every discarded material as a potential asset. We are committed to helping Malvar meet its sustainability goals by providing an environmentally responsible and scalable off-site processing solution.” The municipal government, through its Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), will play a crucial role in overseeing the transition, implementing stricter waste segregation policies, and educating the public on the new system. This collaborative effort marks a milestone for Malvar, demonstrating how local government, environmental technology leaders, and service providers can unite to solve complex urban challenges, paving the way for a more resilient and environmentally conscious community in Batangas.
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Around 4,500 Runners And Pets Joined Home Credit’s Takbo #ParaSaLife 2026 Manila Leg For Wellness
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| (Image Source: The Manila Times/Home Credit Philippines) |
Close to 4,500 runners and pets gathered at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds last February 1, 2026 for the Manila leg of Takbo #ParaSaLife 2026, marking the second year of Home Credit Philippines’ flagship wellness run. The run, organized in partnership with the country’s elite race organizer RUNRIO, featured race categories for runners of all levels, including a 1KM Pet Run, 3KM, 5KM, and 10KM distances. Beginners, seasoned runners, families, friends, and fur parents took part in the morning event, which highlighted fitness, community, and overall well-being.
The Manila Leg was supported by Slimmers World, Park Access and Security Bank, Home Credit’s gold sponsors which backed the event’s focus on fitness, health, and financial well-being. Pocari Sweat served as the official electrolyte drink while Citadines Bay was the official hotel partner. Cignal and Pilipinas Live joined as the run’s official media partner. Additional partner brands provided race-day support through wellness booths and post-run activities. These included ECPay, M Lhuillier, Dermesse, Xiaomi, Hey! Salad, Fit Bar, MILCU, Leslie’s, Salonpas, Cristalino, Unilever, Rexona, Chef on a Diet, Locally, Birch Tree, Skintec, Everest Appliances, Meralco PowerGen, Rope PH, and DITO which all contributed to a vibrant race village experience. Beyond the races, participants joined warm-up sessions, recovery activities, and interactive booths throughout the venue. Finishers received tote bags containing hydration drinks, snacks, wellness items, and daily essentials from Home Credit and its partners.
“Overall wellness is key to achieving financial confidence. Through Takbo #ParaSaLife, we celebrate the importance of caring for ourselves. Every step, every goal, and every run strengthens not only the body but also the confidence to make empowered decisions in life and finances. When people are healthier and more balanced, they are better equipped to pursue their goals and do more #ParaSaLife,” said Home Credit Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Shiela Paul. Following the strong turnout in Manila, Takbo #ParaSaLife 2026 heads to Cebu on March 29 at Citi de Mare, again in partnership with RUNRIO, Security Bank and Park Access. This leg will feature the same race categories and wellness-focused activities for runners and pets in Cebu. Interested runners may register online at https://bit.ly/49nCWDZ.
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Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Makes Landmark Debut In Gran Turismo 7
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.) |
Xiaomi and renowned video game developer Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc., have recently announced the launch of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra on the acclaimed racing simulation game Gran Turismo 7 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 platforms as part of the upcoming “Update 1.67” patch, marking the brand’s first entry into the storied Gran Turismo franchise.
Players worldwide can experience the prowess of this high-performance luxury car on the game’s virtual tracks. As a benchmark in racing simulations, the Gran Turismo series is globally recognized for its hyper-realistic driving experience and stringent vehicle selection criteria. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra represents a new addition to the series’ curated vehicle lineup, following an official collaboration announcement made last June 7, 2025. Ahead of the launch, Gran Turismo Series Producer Kazunori Yamauchi test-drove the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra on multiple occasions at locations including Beijing, the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and Tsukuba Circuit. To ensure an authentic experience, Xiaomi EV’s vehicle dynamics performance team traveled to Polyphony Digital’s studio in Fukuoka for final driving experience validation.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is powered by an in-house developed Dual V8s + V6s Xiaomi Hyper Tri-Motor system, delivering 1,548 horsepower and achieving 0-100 km/h in 1.98 seconds. The production version previously set a lap time of 7:04.957 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, breaking the record for electric executive vehicles. To celebrate the launch, Polyphony Digital recently hosted a two-week official lap-time challenge on the historic Monza circuit in Gran Turismo 7 which runs until February 12, 2026.
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GCash Enables Seamless Cashless Payouts For Quezon City Scholars
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| L-R: Quezon City Youth Development Head Eddilyn D.C. Dividina, Quezon City Mayor Hon. Joy Belmonte, GCash for Business General Manager and Head Paul Albano, GCash Vice President and Head of Public Sector Cleo Santos, GCash Public Sector Regional Head Rafael Antonio Tecson (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/GCash/Quezon City LGU) |
The Quezon City Government, through the Youth Development Office (YDO), has begun disbursing scholarship grants through GCash as part of its efforts to make education support more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of youth scholars across the city. This partnership allows students to receive and use financial assistance with greater ease and flexibility. Under the cashless setup, scholarship funds are credited directly to scholars’ GCash wallets, reducing delays and removing the need for in-person collection or manual processing. Scholars can use their grants for tuition and other education-related expenses, while the inclusion of GCash Visa Cards allows funds to be spent both online and at physical merchants that accept card payments.
The new system gives scholars greater control over day-to-day education costs such as books, school supplies, transportation, and meals, while also minimizing the risks and inconvenience associated with handling cash, particularly for students managing full academic schedules. Quezon City Mayor Hon. Joy Belmonte said the initiative reflects the city’s commitment to making public services more practical and accessible for young people. She emphasized, “Ngayon, sa pamamagitan ng pagdisburse natin ng scholarship via GCash, mas madali at convenient na para sa ating scholars ang kanilang pagbabayad sa tuition at iba pang pangangailangan sa pag-aaral tulad ng books, supplies at maging pang-araw-araw ng pagkain. Sa malawak na acceptance at paggamit ng GCash, lalo na dito sa Quezon City, maaari na mag full cashless ang ating mga kabataan.” The program is also supported by financial literacy sessions and helping scholars develop safe and responsible digital finance habits as they move toward greater financial independence.
City officials said the move to cashless scholarship payouts strengthens transparency and efficiency in public service delivery, ensuring that education assistance reaches intended beneficiaries on time and allows scholars to focus on their studies and long-term goals. By integrating scholarship disbursement with digital tools, GCash helps Quezon City scholars access their grants more conveniently and safely, supporting their day-to-day educational needs while giving them early experience with managing funds in a digital environment.
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UMak Launches First-Of-Its-Kind ‘Barter Boutique’ For Students
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| (Image Source: Adae To Remember/University Of Makati) |
The University of Makati (UMak), through its Center for Community Extension and Development (CCED), is redefining campus welfare with the official launch of the Pop-Up Corporate Boutique and Community Pantry. “At UMak, we believe that a student’s financial background should never be a barrier to their professional success. This boutique is more than just a clothing drive; it is a lesson in solidarity. By trading a simple snack or a canned good for a corporate blazer, our students aren’t just dressing for the job they want— sila ay nagtutulungan para sa kinabukasan ng bawat isa (they are helping each other for everyone’s future),” said UMak President Elyxzur Ramos.
Breaking away from traditional donation models, this dual-purpose initiative allows students to “purchase” professional attire — essential for internships, job interviews, and academic presentations — not with money, but with basic food items for the community pantry. This innovative barter system ensures that students from less privileged backgrounds can meet professional requirements with dignity while simultaneously contributing to the university’s food security net. The pop-up “Barter Boutique” located at the Lobby of the 4th Floor, Administration Building will be opened once a month featuring pre-loved yet presentable corporate clothing, jewelry, and accessories donated by university employees and partner institutions. By promoting the reuse of quality apparel, the project also champions sustainable consumption and waste reduction within the Makati community.
The CCED will spearhead the long-term sustainability of the project, facilitating continuous resource mobilization from institutional stakeholders to ensure the boutique remains stocked for every graduating batch. For more information about the initiative, visit UMak's official website at www.umak.edu.ph and @UMakPH.
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BYD Cars Philippines Powers Endurance Sports With IRONMAN 70.3 Davao Partnership
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| BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca, BYD Cars Philippines Country Head Adam Hu, ACMobilitu Chief Executive Officer Jaime Alfonso Zobel De Ayala, ACMobility Chief Marketing Officer Dino Obias, Sunrise Events Inc. Founder and Chairman Fred Uytengsu, Sunrise Events Inc. President and General Manager Princess Galura with the BYD Triathlon Team represented by Jens Jacobsen (Bike), Jasmine Alkhadi (Swim), and Jennifer Uy (Run) and the BYD Celebrity Triathlon Team comprising of Nico Bolzico (Run), Alden Richards (Bike) and Wil Dasovich (Swim) alongside their coach Al Gonzalez (Image Source: Speed Magazine/BYD Philippines) |
BYD Cars Philippines, a subsidiary of ACMobility, has officially announced its partnership with Sunrise Events for the highly anticipated BYD IRONMAN 70.3 Davao. During a ceremonial signing event held at BYD Manila Bay, the brand also unveiled the powerhouse BYD Triathlon teams. Representing the brand’s spirit of endurance and performance, the BYD Celebrity Triathlon Team features Nico Bolzico (Run), Alden Richards (Bike), and Wil Dasovich (Swim). They are joined by the BYD Triathlon Team composed of Olympian Jasmine Alkhaldi (Swim), Jens Jacobsen (Bike), and Jennifer Uy (Run). The partnership is driven by the shared belief that true performance is earned through intelligence, discipline, and innovation. As the global leader in New Energy Vehicles, BYD sees a direct parallel between the world’s most respected endurance race and its own engineering philosophy.
“BYD partnering with Ironman is a great opportunity to showcase sustainability in terms of sports and car manufacturing. The goal here is really to inspire a global movement where high performance and technology coexist,” says Alden. “Our partnership with IRONMAN 70.3 Davao is a testament to BYD’s commitment to endurance, performance, and technological excellence. By supporting this premier athletic event, we aren’t just showcasing our vehicles; we are proving that sustainable, electrified mobility can meet the most demanding standards of precision and power. We are excited to engage with the triathlon community and demonstrate how our advanced technology can empower every athlete’s journey toward a better future,” says BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca. For the athletes, the synergy between human endurance and EV technology is a natural fit. Dasovich noted the similarities between managing energy on the road and on the racecourse: “In Ironman, energy management is everything. You have to be efficient and not just fast. Whether it’s a car reaching a 2,000-kilometer range or an athlete finishing a 12-hour race, both are dedicated to the business of ‘Long Range’.” The partnership will bring the brand’s cutting-edge technology directly to the athletes and fans through the BYD Tech Tour: IRONMAN Edition. A centerpiece of the activation will be the display of a special IRONMAN-decaled BYD Shark 6 DMO, a rugged showcase of electric power designed to engage the high-value triathlon community and accelerate EV adoption across Mindanao.
Bolzico highlighted the broader impact of the event, stating, “This collaboration proves that we can host world-class events and I think that’s very important when it comes to athletes especially and at the same time, we can protect the planet.” AC Mobility CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala comments, “As we engage with communities across the country, we are showcasing a future where electrified mobility is within reach for everyone. By linking BYD’s innovative vehicles with our nationwide charging network, ACMobility is building an ecosystem that makes sustainable transport more accessible than ever, especially in Davao for the IRONMAN 70.3.” For more information on the existing vehicle lineup and electrified solutions of BYD Cars Philippines, visit bydcarsphilippines.com.
