Les-eng Rice Terraces: Kibungan’s ‘hidden treasure’

 

LES-ENG, Batangan, Wallayan, Culiang and Lanipew Rice Terraces

 

Eco-tourism

 

Nilo P. Cacay 

KIJBUNGAN, Benguet – In the mountains of Kibungan, Benguet, lies a breathtaking yet little-known wonder—the Les-eng Rice Terraces. Unlike the famous terraces of Ifugao, Les-eng remains untouched by mass tourism.

To get there, one must be willing to embark on a challenging trek, winding through steep trails and pine-covered slopes. But for those who make the journey, the reward is an unforgettable view of lush green terraces carved into the mountainside—evidence of the community’s deep connection to the land. Photo: Cacay Nilo.

More than a scenic view, Les-eng is not just a place to admire; it’s a living testament to the hard work and ingenuity of the indigenous people. For generations, farmers here have cultivated traditional rice varieties such as sampuling, miracle, diket, bongkitan, dinara, palgay, and balatinao, grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

These terraces are more than farmland, they are a way of life, passed down from ancestors who carefully shaped the landscape to sustain their families. The long and extreme trail getting to Les-eng isn’t that easy.

The trek can take up to six to eight hours, depending on the weather and the hiker’s pace. If you have a vehicle, you get there to Tacadang for five hours from La Trinidad Benguet then have a 2-hour walk to arrive at Les-eng.

The trail winds through deep forests, steep ridges, and narrow footpaths, sometimes revealing stunning rock formations and waterfalls along the way like what they called, The Crying Mountain.

Despite the difficulty of the journey, it is worth considering as you can have memorable experience. Every step offers a glimpse into the untouched beauty of the Cordillera Mountains.

The people of Tacadang, where Les-eng is located, live simple yet fulfilling lives. They rely on farming, and traditional hunting, using what nature provides rather than modern conveniences.

A local farmer once joked that he felt shy for serving freshly cooked native chicken to his guest. He thought that canned sardines is better to have than the native chiken but you know that this native chicken is more organic and safe to consume than the process sardines.

This humility and deep appreciation for homegrown food show the Tacadang people’s strong sense of self-sufficiency. Preserving the Cultural and Traditions Treasure Though Les-eng remains largely undiscovered, local leaders and residents are becoming aware of the possible potential that it offers in an ecotourism destination.

They hope that if visitors come, they will respect their land and culture. They believe that tourist could help preserve their way of life while allowing them to witness the beauty of the terraces without causing harm.

Les-eng Rice Terraces were crafted 100 years ago some of it were during the World War 2. During that time famine occurs vegetables and fruit were difficult to grow but because of their resiliency they were able to adopt other methods of farming that’s when they discover and start to build those stairway rice fields.

Les-eng Rice Terraces is more than just a beautiful destination. It is a piece of history, a symbol of resilience and bravery. And a reminder that some of the world’s greatest wonders are found in the most unexpected places.

We are not just aware that there were places like this that just within our backyard. To  individuals seeking for adventure, culture and breathtaking views, Les-eng is waiting to be discovered. – (Nilo P. Cacay is a student of the Benguet State University)  

 

 

 

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Small biz owners see better year with gov’t training

 Entrepreneurship

Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – Small businesses that opened right before the Covid-19 pandemic have high hopes of better opportunities, especially with the capacity building training from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
    Guil Ocampo, a young entrepreneur in his mid-30s who is operating a coffee shop along Session Road here, is hopeful of good prospects for another year after seeing good signs in recent months and after undergoing management and financial preparation training from DTI’s “Kapatid Mentor Me” (KMM) program.
    He said the KMM training “was a big change in the set-up (of my business)” since it allowed him “how to view the daily sales for a long-term situation.”
    “Knowing how to make the financial report and interpret it, and how to properly run the business without encountering problems with government regulatory offices are also important factors. More importantly, having the confidence that I know what I am doing in managing the business is a big boost,” he said in Filipino.
    Ocampo joined the KMM program in 2022, when he nearly lost everything and realized the need to be equipped with additional knowledge.
    “I was unemployed after resigning from work to start a business and my life's savings were drained from opening the cafe and moving to another location along Session Road," he shared.
    Ocampo and his friends opened their business in Feb. 2020 in a hotel near Wright Park after seeing the potential of a coffee-related business while doing documentaries as a government media practitioner.
    Around a month later, a nationwide lockdown was declared due to the pandemic, prompting the immediate closure of the establishment.
    Ocampo tried to continue operating by adopting a delivery service as there were no dine-in clients.
    He said the pandemic taught him a lesson - - to cooperate and collaborate with other businesses.
    The current location of his coffee shop was used as a drop-off area for cosplay items.
    To date, the venue houses not just a coffee shop that allows its customers to play board games but also a place where cosplayers can display and sell their costumes and other items.
    Similarly, Florence Aquino, 45, and her sister opened a mini grocery in 2021 on the ground floor of their family residence in Irisan.
    Like Ocampo, she and her sister first opened a small milk tea and fruit shop at the university belt in January 2020, but which also became a casualty of the pandemic.
    Aquino was forced to attend the KMM training in 2022 since her sister cannot attend because she was working as a nurse at the local health office.
    "The mentoring program of your specific venture was very helpful. It will allow you to take a glimpse at the future while standing in the present," she said in Ilocano.
    Samuel Gallardo, assistant director of DTI-Cordillera in an earlier interview, said the KMM program is a regular activity of the agency that is being implemented with the help of stakeholders from the private sector who serve as mentors.
    "This is a good opportunity to be trained as an entrepreneur since this allow the business to flourish. Everything that will make a person well-rounded in knowing how to start, run the business and improve it are provided free to trainees, " he said. -- PNA
 

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SM Supermalls’ bike- friendly initiatives shine at Mobility Awards 2023

 SM Updates

Jill Galario

SM Supermalls recently clinched accolades at the Mobility Awards 2023, with 13 SM malls being recognized as establishments that champion sustainable and bicycle-friendly practices in the Philippines.
    SM Mall of Asia earned distinction as the "Top 2 Most Bicycle-Friendly Large Establishment" and was awarded a Silver for its exemplary standing. Other Silver Awardees include SM Center Pasig, SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City Angono, SM Cherry Antipolo, SM City Baguio, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM Lanang in Davao. The Bronze Awardees include SM City North Edsa, SM City Fairview, SM City Manila, and SM City San Lazaro.    
    "At SM Supermalls, we believe in promoting a healthier and more environmentally conscious lifestyle. Receiving these recognitions motivates us to continue innovating and enhancing our facilities to better serve the needs of our cycling community," said SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan.
    SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of SM Supermalls, advocates for the bike-riding community through the Bike-Friendly SM Program. Recognizing biking as a safe and economical alternative amid the pandemic, SM has established bike-friendly infrastructures strategically placed at key locations.
    At SM Mall of Asia, an extensive network of 18 kilometers features both shared and dedicated bike lanes, complemented by well-placed bike racks, vending machines, and service repair stations, collectively enriching the biking experience. This commitment to enhancing cycling is mirrored across SM Supermalls, evident in initiatives such as SM Seaside City Cebu's 1.6km of designated bike lanes, a sprawling 2.1-hectare bike trail at SM Center Pulilan in Bulacan, bike lanes at SM City Marikina, and a collaborative effort with SM City Iloilo to actively promote cycling culture.
    Boasting more than 500 bike racks and 80 repair stations nationwide, SM Supermalls ensures a safe and pleasant environment for bike commuters. Through collaborative efforts with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), European Embassies, and cycling advocacy groups, SM has developed educational materials such as the Biker’s Manual and Bike Safety Videos, dedicated to promoting road safety and proper biking etiquette.
The Mobility Awards, organized by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), The Climate Reality Project Philippines, MNL Moves, 350.org Pilipinas, and Pinay Bike Commuter Community, in collaboration with the League of Cities Philippines and 27 regional partners, aim to recognize and celebrate initiatives fostering sustainable and active transportation.
SM Cares champions various advocacies, including programs on environmental sustainability, persons with disabilities, children and youth, women and breastfeeding mothers, senior citizens, and social entrepreneurship. To learn more about SM Cares, follow @SMCares on social media.
 
 

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Converge partners with Caritas Manila for Segunda Mana donations in-kind program

Moving Forward

Rizza C. Ampong

Hikers and climbers can tell you that the number one rule in mountain climbing is to travel light. With less baggage to burden and slow you down, you can swiftly ascend the steep incline and hurdle through obstacles. In the same way, as we prepare to climb the mountain that is 2024 and conquer the cliffs and slopes along the route, we should adopt a ‘go light’ mindset, and leave behind the things that prevent us from moving up and forward.
    In the spirit of figuratively and physically unburdening our loads, and at the same time, sharing our blessings with those in need, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is taking part in Caritas Manila’s Segunda Mana, the charitable organization’s far-reaching donations in-kind program.
    Caritas Manila receives second-hand clothes, gadgets, furniture, and books which are sent to their Charity outlets to be sold and converted to cash. These benefit over 5000 voc/tech and college scholars nationwide and support the livelihood of over 300 micro entrepreneurs and their families from the informal sector.
    “At Converge, we are committed to creating a positive impact in the communities that we serve and this partnership with Caritas Manila supports that mission, especially for those who are most in need. We are thankful to Caritas Manila for allowing us to take part in their Segunda Mana donations in-kind program and evoke compassion and kindness among our ranks during this blessed season and as we prepare to welcome the new year,” said Converge Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado.
    If you still need convincing to participate in this benevolent cause, here are four reasons to declutter your home this New Year: 
A cleaner space is good for your mental health
“Clearing the clutter in your physical space is similar to decluttering your mind. By simplifying our surroundings, we create space for clarity, peace, and focus. This process also allows us to contemplate what is truly important, what can be shared, and what must be let go of,” notes Ree Bringuelo, Converge Employee Health and Wellness Manager.
It encourages the spirit of giving within the family and community
    “When the lockdown happened in 2020, there were several kind people that gave home-schooling books, toys, and clothes for my kids. These became a source of comfort for us during a time of so much uncertainty. Now is my turn to pay it forward. I want to take this chance to teach my kids about the value of generosity and helping others.
    At the same time, I hope my pre-loved items will give someone else the same joy it gave my family,” shared Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Karen Carvajal.
    Decluttering contributes to living more simply and more intentionally
    For those embracing a more intentional (or more values-oriented) mindset in 2024, there’s no better way to start this lifestyle than by purging our house of things that no longer serve their purpose in our life. Living simply and intentionally also means taking deliberate choices in our consumption habits so letting go of things that clutter our mind and spirit is the way to go.
It contributes to waste reduction
‘Recycling’ our items by way of donation is one concrete way we can contribute to a circular economy that reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. By putting our pre-loved things into new hands, they’re given life anew and may serve the needs of a new generation.
    Converge is greeting 2024 with renewed hope and optimism as it turned over more than 10 boxes full last December 28, consisting of clothes, books, toys, and household tools and items. This is the first batch of donations from the company as it kicks-off the program.
    “I’d like to thank the employees of Converge who took part in this charitable cause, embodying the value of charity and compassion for the under-resourced. With institutional partners like Converge, we can strengthen the reach of the Catholic Church to those in need and truly make a difference,” said Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual, Executive Director of Caritas Manila
 
 

 

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Yap helps prepare Benguet athletes for national games

 SPORTS

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Upon learning of their flight, Rep. Eric Go Yap immediately orchestrated a comprehensive support initiative, ensuring that Benguet athletes have the necessary resources to compete at their best in the Batang Pinoy National Games and the Philippine National Games in Pasig City.
    "When I heard of the problems about sending our athletes, hindi tayo pwede mag-turuan, na trabaho dapat ni ganito, or dapat iba yung may responsibility dito. Kapag may kailangan ng tulong, we don’t say yes or no, we should say how and what can I do. These athletes, their parents and coaches are sacrificing, hindi lang para sa pangarap nila, but also para sa probinsya," said Yap.
    Unlike its neighboring city of Baguio, Benguet has only meager resources in sending limited number of athletes in competitions such as Batang Pinoy and the PNG.        
    Yap has arranged for the provision of transportation services for Benguet delegates by providing a coaster that will ferry the delegates from the province to Pasig and back and at the same time, rented 11 vehicles for a day as transport strike has hit Metro Manila on Monday, December 18.    
    The solon is also providing additional meals for the athletes and delegates, and supplying energy drinks to keep the competitors in top form throughout the duration of the events.
    "Kaya binisita natin sila, makita anong sitwasyon nila, kinausap natin yung parents and coaches na nandun, and in our own little ways, tumutulong tayo. Transportation needs, food at magprovide din tayo ng incentives para may dagdag motivation yung mga bata," added Yap.
    Having engaged in discussions with coaches who once wore the same shoes as their proteges, Yap recognizes the echoes of financial strain that resonate through the journey of aspiring athletes saying the lack of adequate financial backing not only affects training and equipment but also hampers the over-all development of potential sports stars.
    "The financial aspect of it has been a perennial problem, I spoke with some of the coaches na they themselves were former athletes, talagang mahirap. Hindi na siya bagong problema.
    Fortunately, ginagawan ng paraan ng local government units natin despite lack of funds. So it should be a collective effort.     There's only so much we can do kaya dapat tulong tulong," Yap said.
    The solon also vowed for substantial incentives—P5,000 for gold medalists, P2,000 for silver, and P1,000 for bronze.
    These incentives not only serve as a reward for their achievements but also as encouragement for future endeavors, fostering a culture of excellence and perseverance among Benguet's budding sports talents.
    Yap also appealed to the organizers of these events to re-think the scheduling of competitions as local government units are also fazed by funding woes.
    "We are also appealing to the PSC, the organizers of this event. Huwag naman sana end of the year nag-oorganize ng ganitong big events. They know for a fact kung gaano kahirap ang pondo ng mga LGUs, at depleted na talaga yan lalo pag patapos na ang taon. And our LGUs are not rich LGUs, unlike big cities and provinces. So kailangan talaga may preparation and proper budgeting para dito. And I heard they (PSC) will give each delegate 600 pesos transportation allowance; I don't think that is enough for a week-long event.  Yung playing venues, sobrang layo sa mga billeting areas. They should make it more systematic and cost-efficient next time," Yap said.
 

 

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Partners leave jobs to start profitable seedling production

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY – Two young farmers in Batac City, Ilocos Norte now find fulfillment in being engaged in farming after leaving their respective jobs in 2022.
    Kevin Wayne Baga, 27, and his girlfriend, Ana Cristina Guiang, 26, are owners of KA-Bukid Propagation Farm, which produces seedlings for local farmers to grow. Both are licensed agriculturists who believe that farmers need quality seedlings to maximize the potential of their produce.
    Located just a few meters along the Manila North Road in Sitio Nagabaan, the farm won in the 2021 Young Farmers Challenge Fund program of the Department of Agriculture. Using their P100,000 grand prize as start-up capital, the two set up the seedling nursery within a 2,000-square-meter agricultural lot owned by Kevin’s grandmother.
    Kevin used to work in a private seed company and agri-machinery firm, while Ana taught short-term agriculture courses offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
    As both realized seedling propagation needs tender loving care, they took a risk and quit their jobs to pursue a livelihood in agriculture.
    “We never regret our decision because we love our job and we are happy helping our fellow farmers,” Kevin and Ana said in a joint interview with the Philippine News Agency at the KA-Bukid Farm on Monday.
    Like in any enterprise, Ana said one must be “hands-on” to make it work.
    "You need to focus and think of ways how to make it a profitable venture,” she added.
    Aside from serving walk-in clients or joining agri-trade fairs to establish a network with clients, the Ka-Bukid Farm is also active on social media where they post their ready-to-plant seedlings such as tomatoes, eggplant, sweet and hot pepper, papaya, fruit-bearing trees and ornamentals, among others.
    They are also open for reservation, pick up, and delivery as they propagate high-value seedlings all year round. To date, the nursery has a capacity of 1,600 trays. Each tray is sold at PHP250.
    “It is a good business because you just don’t earn for money, you can help farmers too by ensuring that the seedlings they are planting are free from pests and diseases,” Ana said, as cited that the farm has also become a source of sustainable livelihood to their elderly kin Norma Rayosa, 65, and Romula Clemente, 60.
    “Seedling propagation is quite an easy and fulfilling job even for seniors like us,” said Lola Norma as she went about her work in the nursery.
    Both she and Romula sometimes help in harvesting vegetables at the production area as they grow high-value crops.
    With a high demand for quality seedlings among Ilocos farmers, the KA-Bukid Farm plans to expand the nursery to cater to more clients in nearby provinces like Ilocos Sur, Cagayan and Apayao.
    The farm is also being eyed as a learning site for practical agriculture. The process of accreditation with the Agricultural Training Institute is ongoing. -- PNA 
 
 
 

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Converge enables PH bizmen in Geeks on a Beach confab

By Rizza Ompong

In a show of support to local startups, leading fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. provided free internet connectivity to the Geeks on A Beach (GOAB) conference, which connects emerging entrepreneurs with venture capital investors and technology, design, and innovation leaders.

    Co-organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the social enterprise #GeeksPH, GOAB returned this year after a five-year hiatus. Over 300 technopreneurs, startups, investors, venture capitalists, and angel sponsors gathered at the Bellevue Resort in the beach town of Panglao, Bohol.
    Converge Co-Founder and CEO Dennis Anthony Uy said Converge has always been supportive of small businesses and has always been inspired to become an enabling force for entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses.
    “Just like many of the GOAB attendees, I was once a startup entrepreneur. My wife Grace and I started Converge with the vision of giving Filipinos access to world-class connectivity — the same kind that you get in progressive countries. From a startup in Pampanga, we challenged the giants and expanded our network nationwide to reach Visayas and Mindanao,” Uy said. “May Geeks on a Beach continues to encourage and support Philippine startups so that more and more Filipinos will benefit from the digital solutions brought about by the creativity and innovation of our young businesses,” he added.
    Leonardo Baniqued, Converge AVP and Head of Innovation and Product Management, expressed the readiness of Converge to work with startups.
    “We have the broadest fiber network in the country and this means that our network is already available. We can now provide budding businesses with productivity solutions that will help them scale up,” he said.
    Converge is going beyond connectivity products with the introduction earlier this year of Converge Workplace, a suite of cloud-based business productivity solutions which are especially curated for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
    During the conference, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said he is heartened to see that the Philippines has been transformed into a pivotal regional hub for startups and digital innovation.
    “Our vibrant startup ecosystem has been promisingly growing with more than 1,100 startups, 60 incubators and accelerators, 50 venture capitalists, and more than 200 co-working spaces nationwide that enable collaboration,” Uy noted.
Among the topics discussed in the GOAB conference are the evolution of the Philippine startup ecosystem, challenges of startup life, venture capital, trends, legislation and policies, and scaling up talent management. Other recurring themes included artificial intelligence, Web3, and cybersecurity.
    A lightning pitch session also allowed startups under the DICT’s startup program – with projects ranging from an agri-tech platform to a security alert system – to showcase their projects in front of investors and other attendees.
    Also present at GOAB were officials from the DICT and representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, and the local government of Bohol.
    The GOAB conference capped this year’s celebration of the Philippine Startup Week, a series of events led by the government and organized by the country’s startup community.
 

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Nurturing youth’s love for books amidst tech advances

Education

BAGUIO CITY – The advent of technology has made libraries farther from the heart of the youth, with preference now on gadgets.
    However, personnel of this city’s public library are not letting their books to just remain untapped. 
    “We try to evolve. We do not wait for the public, especially the youth, to visit us and read a book. We go to them so that we can also encourage them to flip the pages of the books and develop the habit of reading,” said Nowie Chipachap, Librarian III at the city’s public library. 
    Chipachap, who has been working in the public library for around 21 years, said their team is trying their best to improve their services since young people frown upon reading, much so going to the library, because of the accessibility of information at their fingertips.
    He said they started bringing fiction books to Irisan National High School, Happy Hollow High School and Magsaysay High School even before the pandemic to allow more public school students to have access to books. 
    Library staff deliver the books to the schools and the students need to return the books to the public library on weekends.
    “There are children who borrow books and it feels good to see them when they return it. Some were able to finish in a few weeks, some longer than a month. It was fine because fiction books are often read on weekends and as a break from the routine of reading the textbooks,” Chipachap told the Philippine News Agency. 
 Saturday class sessions
 When the renovated children’s playground was opened in March 2022, library staff took advantage of the presence of kids by providing chairs and snacks to hold storytelling sessions. 
     The snacks are donations from technical-vocational schools that offer culinary and baking classes. 
 Storytelling sessions are conducted by Luis Yabut or “Lolo Books’, 80, who moved to Baguio from Manila to retire and enjoy the city’s weather. 
     “This is my Saturday routine. I was a financial analyst, and I was never a teacher but seeing children learning lessons from fables I share with them is fun and satisfying,” he said.  
     Chipachap said there were suggestions for the library to offer academic tutorials to further help students who are facing academic difficulty.
     He said they have no idea yet how to provide this but a math teacher volunteered for it last June, or the start of the vacation after the school year 2022-2023.
    Adonis Togano, 56, has been teaching mathematics for 32 years. He is currently a teacher at the Joaquin Smith National High School. 
    “I pitied the children who are developing math anxiety and I wanted to help. I volunteered because my knowledge is the only thing I have that I can share with our young people,” he said. 
    Togano uses a system that utilizes toys like puzzles, cubes and bingo games to solve math problems.
“I convert the complex math lesson to games to motivate the learners. The usual attitude towards the subject is hatred. They (the students) back out immediately but when you integrate games, they are learning the math concept through games, which is very effective. It develops a positive attitude towards math, enhances analytical skills and improves decision-making,” he said. 
    “I am enjoying the fact that the kids are relieved of their math problems and that is already compensating me,” he added. 
Meanwhile, some University of Baguio (UB) students conduct English subject tutorials at the public library as part of their on-the-job training.
    The library also offered free guitar lessons during the school break.
    Chipachap said the library is now packed especially on Saturdays –small children playing with cubes and blocks and flipping the colorful children’s books, the internet library is occupied by people of different ages for a two-hour use, and the thesis and dissertation area where the tutorials are done.
    He said they cater to about 150 users during weekdays while on Saturdays, they average at 48 learners for each session of the tutorials.
    Chipachap added the math tutorial has four sessions of 55 minutes each for grades 5 to 8 in the morning, and the English tutorial for grades 3 to 6 in the afternoon. 
    The storytelling session at the Children’s Park gets an average of 12 toddlers, with some staying for an hour or so and others until after the fourth story at noon. 
    “We are happy with the acceptance of the parents and guardians. Even the children who learn of the tutorials attend and we are glad we can extend help,” the librarian said.
    Chipachap said they would help village officials comply with the ordinance to establish reading centers in the 128 villages. -- Liza Agoot/ PNA 
 
 
 

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SM Prime: Green buildings toward decarbonization goals

Environment

Josie Lyn Galario

For property developers, transitioning into energy-efficient buildings and greener developments has become the standard in light of the world’s climate change challenges.
    Such is the case for SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia. SM Prime is committed to building innovative and integrated sustainable lifestyle cities, with an eye toward long-term resilience and a healthier environment for future generations.
    “By focusing our efforts on sustainability, climate resilience, and operational excellence, we continue to create practical solutions that will elevate the quality of life of the Filipino people,” said SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim. 
Taking the LEED
Over the years, SM Prime has gained international recognition for its leadership in the industry. Taking the LEED Certification program to heart, several SM Prime developments have secured Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-level certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
    Whether for work or leisure, it is no secret that buildings consume significant energy and resources. Shopping malls have now become vital to a dynamic and progressive urban life, and offices and work spaces in the city play critical roles in a burgeoning economy.
    Thanks to a high-performance building envelope that lowers solar heat, SM Aura Premier by SM Supermalls is the first and only shopping mall in the country to receive a LEED Gold-rating. The mall’s green features surpassed international standards in indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency.
    Along with other SM Malls, recycled water is used in air-conditioning operations, cooling towers, water closets for flushing toilets, and gardens are kept green.
    For SM Hotels and Conventions Corporations, Conrad Manila is an icon in the hotel sector. The high-end hotel and retail complex was awarded a LEED Gold-certification for its sustainable investments in CO2 reducing materials made from non-volatile organic compounds that minimize carbon emissions.
    Its bicycle facilities, occupancy sensors, and insulated glass that keep heat and noise out, combined with world-class hospitality and the Bay City setting, make it an example of more profound luxury. 
Meanwhile, SM Prime’s SM Offices conscientiously built its roster of green commercial properties long before the pandemic.     In the Mall of Asia Complex, multiple E-Com Center office buildings are interconnected to the Mall, Hotels, and other destinations through a series of elevated covered bridgeways that help lessen carbon footprint by promoting a more active and pedestrian-friendly lifestyle.
    Its LEED Gold-certified ThreeE-Com Center and pre-certified LEED Gold FourE-Com Center incorporate expansive sky gardens to earmark spaces that encourage rejuvenation and better work-life balance, as well as emphasize an active effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Adding to SM Offices’ roster of sustainable and innovative properties are LEED Gold-certified office towers linked to SM Malls and major transport terminals, highlighted by the S-shaped Mega Tower landmark at the gates of the Ortigas CBD along EDSA, SM North Towers 1 and 2 in SM North EDSA Quezon City, and SM Aura Office Tower in BGC.
A commitment to Net Zero
In developing communities and creating a climate-resilient future, the property arm of the SM Group believes it is essential to identify and understand the interests of its stakeholders, whether through installing electronic vehicle (EV) charging units across all shopping malls or creating workspaces rooted in innovative green designs. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach toward the decarbonization goal, Net Zero is achievable with the guidance of LEED standards. It has been USGBC’s holistic framework for reducing GHG pollution in buildings for over a decade.
    SM Prime commits to achieving Net Zero by 2040 by continuously expanding its renewable energy portfolio, optimizing energy efficiency, and efficient water management. SM Prime commits to sourcing renewable energy for at least 50% of its electricity consumption.
    These are among the company’s initiatives underpinning the Department of Energy's initiative to increase the country's share of renewable energy supply to 35% by 2030. SM Prime’s journey towards a net zero end, while endeavoring to achieve its business growth and trajectory, is achievable through fruitful partnerships across all sectors.
    “SM Prime’s building strategy is anchored on the practical principles of sustainability and the smart use of resources. As we take the lead in the country’s real estate industry, we are determined to become a role model and show how Philippine companies can innovate to balance economic development with environmental conservation and climate action,” says Lim.
The company’s heightened focus on sustainability and resilience will enable SM Prime to navigate tomorrow’s business landscape, ensuring its continued ability to create long-term value for all its stakeholders through sustainable integrated property developments that thrive for generations. SM Prime has cemented its place as the leading real estate developer in the Philippines.

 

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100-yr.-old man in Tinglayan shares secret to long life

 Health

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga -- A 100-year-old man of this town who recently received a P100,000 centenarian incentive from the government shared his secret to a long and happy life.
    Lolo Andrew Amog Maldis from Barangay Old Tinglayan disclosed in an interview that his diet is his key to longevity.
Lolo Andrew only eats rice with vegetables as his meal. It is only during ‘Pusipos,’ a ritual for sick elders that he gets to taste meat.
    The vegetables the old man has been feeding himself come from those they usually grow in their village. These include beans, cabbage, gabi, chayote, and 'pikaw'—a wild edible taro-like plant that usually grows in moist areas, among others.
    With the topography of the area where he lives, the elderly man walks and hikes, which becomes a regular exercise.
Larae Lactao, the Municipal Information Officer, said that the senior citizen can still walk without a walking stick.
    “During diay napanan da [nagalaan diay cash assistance], ket napigsa pay suna nga magmagna. Saan pay agusar sarukod,” she recalled.
    As part of the implementation of Republic Act No. 110868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, the Department of Social Welfare and Development grants centenarians cash gifts and a letter of felicitation to those who have reached 100 years old and above.
    The awarding of the cash gift to Lolo Andrew by the DSWD-Cordillera, alongside the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office, transpired last Nov. 28.
    Lolo Andrew is the sixth centenarian to have received cash assistance from the MLGU since the program started in 2019.
The first recipient of the program is Apo Whang-od, dubbed the “oldest and last-surviving hand tap tattoo artist” (mambabatok).
 
 

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Coffee project generates income, unites residents of Kalinga village

Coffee Talk

TABUK CITY -- – The transition from agriculture to agri-tourism has been productive economically and socially for the residents of Barangay Bagumbayan in this city.
    The community’s major project, Bagumbayan Coffee Village, started early 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic as restrictions in movement were not too strict then, unlike in the National Capital Region.
    Village folks were hired for coffee processing, with the products sold to commercial establishments.
    Previously, they were content just selling coffee beans outside of Tabuk City for PHP100 or PHP200 depending on the size of the tin can.
    “Now, our people grow the coffee, process the coffee, package it, and sell at premium price,” Cindy Mangliwan, a council member of Barangay Bagumbayan, told the Philippine News Agency after the community was awarded Best Cordillera Tourism Village by the Department of Tourism (DOT) at Camp John Hay here on Monday.
    Barangay Bagumbayan won P1 million which they will use to improve facilities to lure more tourists.
    Mangliwan said that with the increasing sales of their products, coffee shrubs that have been around for as long as 20 years are income-generators again.
    “The shift from plain agriculture to agri-tourism helped a lot. It is very productive, helpful in the lives of the people in the community economically and socially because it also allows us to have closer bonding experiences,” Mangliwan added.
    Mangliwan said their community also received technical assistance from the DOT, aligned with the United Nations world tourism standards; seminars and training on organic coffee production from the Department of Agriculture; and the coffee processing building and materials from the Department of Science and Technology.
    Tabuk is a jump-off point for tourists who visit the world-renowned tattoo artist Apo Whang-od, who is already 106 years old, in Buscalan, Tinglayan, a two-hour drive from the city.
    Jovita Ganongan, DOT-Cordillera director, said the competition aims “to enhance tourism facilities and services and to motivate the pursuit of environment and sound community participatory tourism programs especially involving the Indigenous Peoples.”
    From 20 applicants, they were narrowed to 12 and finally, to six finalists based on sustainable management, socio-economic and rural development sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and environmental sustainability.
    The other finalists were Bila Tourism Village in Bauko, Mountain Province, second place, PHP500,000; Balbalasang Eco Village in Kalinga, P200,000; and runners-up Chaya Heritage Village in Mayaoyao, Ifugao, Nagacadan Open Air Museum in Kiangan, Ifugao, and Tawang Tourism Village in Balbalan, Kalinga, P100,000 each. – Liza T. Agoot/ PNA
 
 

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