Collaboration: A key in creating sustainable agri-enterprises

 

KSK Farmers’ Market Day at SM City Sta. Rosa

Limited market information and market access are two major obstacles to increased smallholder farmers’ income. According to studies, farmers in grassroot communities often lack access to profitable, value-added markets. In the absence of critical supporting functions, such as infrastructure and service provision – farmers struggle to transform their traditional subsistence farms into a feasible commercially oriented production. Buyers, on the other hand, such as wholesalers, find it difficult to get the quantity and quality of produce that they need for processing on a timely basis. 

KSK Pop-up booths in Davao

Because of this challenge, SM Foundation collaborated with various government agencies, and engaged various SM business units such as the SM Development Corp. (SMDC), SM Supermalls and SM Markets to ensure that local farmers under the Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program have venues where they can sell their produce amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

From training KSK participants in practicing sustainable farming technologies via technology transfer and product development, SMFI, together with various SM business units used the power of collaboration to create farm-market linkage - which intends to create a powerful driver of rural poverty reduction.

Team social good

SMDC Weekend Market

The Good Guys Market is a weekend market set up in SMDC properties to connect small-scale farmers directly with consumers—condo residents. This initiative links around 26,000 small-scale farmers directly with consumers.

Together with SM Supermalls, SMFI launched the Green Lane initiative. Led by the wives of the KSK farmers, the social enterprise offers a wide variety of quality yet affordable indoor and landscape plants which cater to every enthusiast’s preference. In addition, the team also launched the KSK Farmers’ Market Day to provide farmers with market exposure in select SM Malls nationwide.

Green lane: an agri-enterprise led by the wives of KSK farmers

Meanwhile, SMFI also partnered with SM Markets in creating market for onion farmers. Through the partnership, SMFI was able to establish specialized onion pop-up booths creating a stable market for small scale onion farmers.

Millions of smallholder farmers are seeking ways to improve the productivity of their farms and to improve their market performance. Modern farming technologies, paired with market linkage, such as the SM KSK, plays a vital role in improving the livelihood of small-scale farmers and their families.

Locally farmed onions by KSK farmers in SM Markets

Locally farmed onions by KSK farmers in SM Markets

SM Foundation’s Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) is SMFI’s Social Good program on sustainable agriculture that intends to uplift the lives of Filipinos in grassroot communities through sustainable agriculture via technology transfer, product development and farm-market linkage. To date, the program has trained more than 28,500 farmers from more than 900 cities/municipalities nationwide.

Working together to serve more communities for a sustainable future

“I constantly encourage the private sector to work closely with the government. This way, we can be more cohesive in our efforts to make more meaningful progress towards a better and sustainable future. As a private enterprise, SM Prime will continue to do its share in addressing climate change for the benefit of communities. Climate change is looming over our Mother Earth. If we can contribute no matter how little and if I can get everybody to be aware of it, I think we will make an impact. It’s never too late.” ~Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee

Solar rooftop at SM City North EDSA

Climate change is one of the most pressing and defining global issues today. It has become imperative for both the public and private sectors to continue to band together to primarily, safeguard the welfare of the people and to step up to strengthen the resilience of the nation.

The Philippines currently ranks third globally when it comes to climate change vulnerability. In relation to its geographical location, it is more exposed to altering intensities of climate change manifested through erratic weather systems and natural calamities.

The private sector is called upon now more than ever to align with the principles of sustainable development and to take on the same firm stance on environmentally sound practices in its operations. 

Mr. Hans T. Sy

Water Conservation 

Sustainability at SM Prime is at the core of its corporate identity. SM Prime has spearheaded sustainable practices as well as set records in pioneering programs to consciously protect the environment and strongly focus on resilience in its developments.

For one, the property conglomerate embarked on a campaign to substantially reduce its water consumption. It pioneered the installation of sewage treatment plants even before the measure was required by way of the Clean Water Act in 2004.

Today, its sewage treatment plants recycle 8.7 million cubic meters of water, lessening its dependence on fresh water sources for air conditioning operations, gardening, water closet flushing and other non-potable uses. SM Prime’s water catchment basins across 20 SM malls can also catch and store almost 79 million liters of water in total every time it rains, or as much as 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools. 

By controlling the flow of flood water, surrounding communities have been provided more protection against the devastating effects of floods, alleviating what communities would normally fear when the rains come.

Renewable Energy 

SM Prime continues to explore ways to promote environmental consciousness in its operations and developments to minimize environmental impact.

 

In 2014, SM Prime achieved an important milestone in the country with SM City North EDSA becoming then the world’s largest solar-powered mall. Today, SM Prime is adding eleven more malls with solar roof decks.

Showing its firm resolve to advance its sustainability agenda, the company is committed to increase the use of renewable energy by 50% in 2022 across its various business segments, ahead of the national goals to be 35% renewable by 2030.

Through these efforts, SM Prime is committed to provide affordable and clean energy to its tenant-partners, minimizing the carbon footprint emission in its operations.

Collaboration toward resilience

As a key figure in the private sector, Mr. Sy and his dedication to environmental protection continues to serve as a testament to how Philippine businesses can usher positive change toward disaster resilience and risk reduction management in the country.  

In 2012, Mr. Sy joined the United Nations Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) for Disaster Reduction. In 2015, he was also inducted as the first and only Filipino member UNDRR ARISE (Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies) International Board. He currently serves as co-chair in the ARISE-Philippines network and National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines, representing the private sector. He continues to help develop multi-sectoral partnerships in the country to strengthen the ability of corporations, including MSMEs, to prepare and respond to disasters brought about by natural hazards such as earthquake. 

OPPO Partners with Getty Images to Reinterpret Your Moment through the Find X5 Pro

“As the benchmark in visual content creation and curation, and a name synonymous with quality photography, Getty Images has inspired millions of creatives worldwide. “OPPO has always championed the idea of enabling users to interpret their world through the lens of their smartphone. With its legendary imaging experience, we believe the Find X5 Pro will empower even more people to uncover their inspiration through photography.” ~William Liu, Vice President and President of Global Marketing at OPPO

Leading global smart device brand OPPO announced that it is partnering with Getty Images, a preeminent global visual content creator and marketplace, to launch the Reinterpret Your Moment campaign.

Inspiring photographers from all walks of life to unleash their passion for the craft through the lens of the OPPO Find X5 Pro, Getty Images will partner renowned creative expertise with its global network of Custom Content photographers to yield visuals that ensure true representation, global reach, and, ultimately, visual assets that connect with OPPO customers.

Just this May, OPPO introduced its cutting-edge Find X5 Pro flagship smartphone featuring advanced imaging capabilities. Powered by OPPO’s first self-developed NPU — MariSilicon X — and a revolutionary Five-axis OIS system combined with proprietary algorithms, the Find X5 Pro enables users to capture extraordinary images and express their inspirations to the fullest, no matter what the situation.

To further empower photographers to capture and share unique visual stories through their smartphone, OPPO will provide its latest flagship Find X5 Pro to 20 Getty Images Custom Content photographers, who will use the phone’s industry-leading image capabilities to submit their works to five photography themes, highlighting their unique perspectives:

● Repicture Fatherhood

● Reinterpret the World of Work

● Age is Just a Number

● Repicture Women

● The New Milestones of Success

As the world’s foremost visual experts, Getty Images will also use their expertise in image curation to include images from the campaign in their global online library found at GettyImages.com.

“We are excited by our partnership with OPPO. At Getty Images we have spent over a decade working to break down stereotypes and create a more authentic visual view of concepts such as gender, LGBTQ, religion, race, mental illness and disability across media, advertising, and social media. Just as visuals have the power to shape ideas, we believe they have the power to move the world – elevating diverse narratives that can alter perceptions, evoke empathy and build community. The Reinterpret your moment OPPO campaign centers on our exclusive Custom Content photographers creating authentic views of fatherhood, our new world of work, age, women and the new milestones of success that looks to challenge stereotypes and also reflects what consumers want to see.” ~Kate Rourke, Head of Creative Insights, APAC

With rising consumer demand for top-quality photo and video features on smartphones, OPPO has invested heavily in developing fundamental imaging technology to deliver advanced imaging experiences on its device. As OPPO’s high-end flagship series, the Find X series represents the pinnacle of OPPO’s pursuit in helping users unlock their creative inspiration through professional photography features.

Visit OPPO’s official Instagram page to view images from the campaign and find your own inspiration to Reinterpret Your Moment.

About OPPO

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO provides its users with the ColorOS operating system and internet services like OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO operates in more than 40 countries and regions, with 6 Research Institutes and 5 R&D Centers worldwide, as well as an International Design Center in London. More than 40,000 of OPPO's employees are dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

About Getty Images

Getty Images is a preeminent global visual content creator and marketplace that offers a full range of content solutions to meet the needs of any customer around the globe, no matter their size. Through its Getty Images, iStock and Unsplash brands, websites and APIs, Getty Images serves customers in almost every country in the world and is the first-place people turn to discover, purchase and share powerful visual content from the world’s best photographers and videographers. Getty Images works with over 450,000 contributors and more than 300 content partners to deliver this powerful and comprehensive content. Each year Getty Images covers more than 160,000 news, sport and entertainment events providing depth and breadth of coverage that is unmatched. Getty Images maintains one of the largest and best privately-owned photographic archives in the world with millions images dating back to the beginning of photography.

Cluck Sarap: The New Roast of the Town

A few weeks ago, a new chicken store named Cluck Sarap opened at Barangay Banaba, San Mateo, Rizal. The store offers one of the tastiest and juiciest value for money roasted chickens in the market today.  

 

Cluck Sarap originated in Iloilo. Its first store in Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City opened four years ago.   It all started with an idea on how to provide Filipinos with freshly cooked, flavorful and reasonably-priced food.  The idea came from a family-owned company engaged in the business of growing broilers. Being one of the biggest poultry producers in the Visayas, the company behind Cluck Sarap thought that it would serve its consumers better if they can offer ready-to-eat products using mostly their own-grown birds.  

 

Since then, Cluck Sarap has expanded to serve most of the municipalities in Iloilo. Currently, it’s one of the fastest growing chicken rotisserie chains in the region. It also has opened branches in other provinces such as Antique, Capiz, Aklan, Negros Occidental, Leyte and Cebu. Most recently, it opened its first store in Luzon, the San Mateo, Rizal branch. To date, Cluck Sarap has grown to a total of 40 branches.

 

Cluck Sarap is known for its perfectly roasted chicken.  Their classsic roasted chicken is made with quality fresh chicken and natural herbs and spices.  Fresh dressed chickens are marinated before roasting in an oven rotiserrie, where the juiciness of the chicken is preserved. The ideal blend of Cluck’s unique marinate, coupled with natural herbs such as rosemary and lemon grass, yields an aromatic and tasty roasted chicken treat that every family will love.  Truly, Cluck Sarap’s Roasted Chicken is worth the price.  As most Ilonggos would say, “Sulit Gid!” 

More Cluck stores are set to open this year in Antique, Guimaras and Cebu.

You may visit their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/clucksarap.ph/ and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/clucksarap/.

Get Dad a new toy on Father’s Day – a Gruenheim vacuum cleaner

“The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.”

As they get older, men tend to spend more money on gadgets, cars and even toys. For the more domesticated ones, these men tend to spend more money on household appliances and other similar gadgets that would make staying at home more enjoyable. 

With COVID-19 still lurking in our midst, dads may want to consider investing in a toy that would not only clean the house; it can sanitize it too. This new toy that will bring considerable joy to dads is the Gruenheim vacuum cleaner.

Gruenheim Vacuum Cleaning System (GHV1) makes use of ecologically pure water filter technology. The multi-purpose health cleaning machine serves as an air purifier, air disinfectant, air sanitizer, aromatizer and air medication all rolled into one. 

It can also dry vacuum the floor, ceiling, wall, curtains or blinds and window screens. The vacuum cleaner can also be used to shampoo carpets, sofas, mattresses and even chairs. It has the capacity to remove 99.9 percent of harmful fine dust from the air. It is not only user friendly; it is also energy consumption friendly. 

Perfectly complementing the GHV1 is the Gruenheim Steam cleaning system makes use of dry steam at 170 degrees Celsius to sterilize all types of surfaces, bed materials, upholstery, carpets, kitchens, toilets, and bathrooms even areas that are difficult to reach without using any harmful chemicals. The extreme heat and pressure generated by the machine can visibly remove dirt, kill dust mites and bed bugs, and can do away with germs and molds, leaving the target area 99.99% free of sickness causing bacteria.

This state-of -the-art vacuum cleaner and steam cleaner are products of Gruenheim GmbH & Co. KG. The company was founded in 2014, is based in Stuttgart, Germany and is a subsidiary of Luckner & Lahusen Group GmbH & Co. KG. German made products are synonymous with quality because of the well-paid and highly trained workers who focus on quality. 

It is a trademark of high-end ecological, innovative and premium home appliances. It stands for products that combine functional, timeless and puristic design with impressive technical innovations. Gruenheim products are sold worldwide exclusively by authorized Gruenheim wholesalers.

Its direct distributor in the Philippines is Gruenheim Philippines Inc.. Gruenheim is now available at 1st Megasaver in Tarlac City; Cabanatuan City and in San Fernando, Pampanga. 

So what are you waiting for? Get your dad a new toy! Get him a Gruenheim vacuum cleaner or Gruenheim Steam Cleaner or both!

For more information about Gruenheim Vacuum Cleaner and their other products, call 09175984968 or email gruenheimph@gmail.com.

Here’s why #PinoyFreedom is more than just a holiday

In anticipation of the 124th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, SM Supermalls shares why Independence Day is a pivotal turning point in our history.

It is a celebration of our identity as Filipinos. Independence Day represents the core of our beliefs and our identity as Filipinos – a strong and courageous race willing to fight for freedom’s sake. After almost 400 years of colonization, the raising of our flag and the singing of our anthem serves as more than an obligation; it commemorates the heroism embodied by every Filipino who fought for our freedom. This June 12, 2022 at 8:30 am, come in colors of the Philippine flag and head to the SM Supermalls’ Flag Raising Ceremony as we show love of our country and pay our respects to those who fought to protect it. 

It is a celebration of our rich and diverse culture. Each year, the month of June encourages us to exhibit our country’s rich culture in many different ways. Whether it be through food, fashion, or art, all 18 regions across the Philippines have so much to offer! At an SM mall near you, enjoy a taste of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao’s diverse cultures through Pinoy Eats and Pinoy Buys until June 12, 2022.

It is a celebration of our love for the country. Putting the country above one’s self is a great honor and responsibility. As Filipinos, it is our duty to keep the flame of patriotism alive by learning Philippine culture and history, to cultivate in us a sense of community and accountability towards our Filipino brothers and sisters. Visit SM City Cebu’s HeroiSM phygital exhibit until June 15, 2022 to explore Philippine history in an #AweSM way!

Celebrate #PinoyFreedom at SM Supermalls!

While we each exude patriotism in our own way, one cannot ignore the pride and enjoyment that comes with Philippine Independence Day celebrations! Commemorate Independence Day in a truly Pinoy way— sumptuous food, the company of loved ones, and great deals on all things local!

At SM Supermalls, activities are lined up to keep #PinoyFreedom alive nationwide! So come and celebrate the #AweSM and historic Philippine Independence Day at an SM mall near you.

For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com or like and follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms.

Cleen and Green Cleaning Services Makati Branch is Now Open

Cleen and Green Cleaning Services has always stood above the rest by providing all around home cleaning - deep cleaning services, post construction intensive cleaning, as well as car interior detailing while putting customers in priority at the convenience of their home, observing eco-friendly all natural practices, using plant-based cleaning agents and modern pro cleaning technology. As part of their customer first priority principle, Cleen and Green is now offering a free cockroach management for the entire month of June for every deep house cleaning starting this month as they celebrate their second year anniversary!

Cleen and Green Cleaning Services approaches another year of high quality professional eco-friendly home service deep cleaning, has seen vast expansion, sprouting new franchises and branches from humble beginnings. Cleen and Green skyrockets in advancement with the ecstatic support of the community, currently located in Batangas ,Cavite, Laguna and Quezon City and most recently opened branch in Makati. 

Cleen and Green’s newest franchise owners, Marvin Joseph Amante and Desiree Castillo, an amazing power couple managing Cleen and Green’s new Makati branch, watch as they lead the brand uphill towards success!

Everyday, Cleen and Green is getting closer towards their vision of becoming the top-rated cleaning service nationwide. Cleen and Green stands tall moving forward in its mission towards innovative quality green service, constantly growing and committed to expand and grow the business. Proving only their enthusiasm with a new branch opened in Makati. Happy 2nd Year anniversary Cleen and Green! 

Follow them on their 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleenandgreencleaningservices

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cleenandgreencleaningservices?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Website: http://cleenandgreen.com/