9:31 p.m. September 5, 2024

SM City Baguio is making significant strides in water stewardship with its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF), launched in July 2023.

In the months since, the facility has already processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater – equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools, or enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers – into potable water for the SM mall’s operations and for their lessees’ use.

This initiative supplements the mall’s water supply from the Baguio Water District and significantly contributes to the city’s water security and the safety of its residents. Located at the mall’s basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly average requirement for clean water that is safe for consumption and food preparation.      

“There is a critical need for reliable and safe water sources,” said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. “And SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility is a commendable initiative that directly addresses this need. We hope that other private establishments can adopt similar projects for the efficient use of our water resources.”

The RTF utilizes a meticulous six-step treatment process, with equipment monitored and parameters checked in real time to ensure optimal performance. The processed water undergoes regular testing by the city’s accredited testing facility and consistently passes all water potability standards.

“This facility is a testament to SM Prime Holdings’ commitment to sustainable operations and to the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls’ Vice President and Sustainability and Resilience Head. “By maximizing rainwater harvesting and treatment, we are not only reducing our reliance on the city’s water supply but also contributing to a healthier and more resilient Baguio City.”

The impact of the RTF extends beyond the mall itself. With reduced reliance on the city’s water supply, water haulers have been able to service more households, particularly during periods of water scarcity experienced throughout the city.

SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility stands as a shining example of how businesses can play a vital role in addressing critical community needs through innovative and sustainable solutions.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon in integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future. 

11:14 a.m. September 4, 2024

SCG recently announced its operating results for Q2/2024, reporting a surge in its second-quarter profit, buoyed by economic upturns in Vietnam and Indonesia. 

The company is implementing strategies to counter domestic economic headwinds and global uncertainties, including cost-cutting measures, AI integration, and a push into low-carbon cement.

 Thammasak Sethaudom, SCG President and CEO, revealed that total revenue for Q2 reached P202.456 billion (US$ 3.542 billion), a three percent quarter-on-quarter increase. 

Net profit surged by 53 percent to P5.856 billion (US$ 102 million) during the same period.

 For the first half of the year, SCG generated a total revenue of P398.707 billion (US$ 6.976 billion), nearly matching the previous year’s figures. 

The company’s revenue streams were diversified across its business units, with SCG Chemicals contributing the most significant portion at 39 percent.

 Despite facing headwinds such as the petrochemical downturn, intense competition, and a sluggish domestic economy, SCG has managed to sustain its growth trajectory through a series of strategic initiatives.

 To mitigate rising energy costs, the company has boosted alternative fuel use in its cement operations, achieving a 47% utilization rate in Thailand. SCG also focuses on high-growth segments like solar energy solutions and has invested in technology to optimize its supply chain and distribution network.

 Furthermore, the company has leveraged artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency by tailoring its product offerings to meet customer needs, such as CPAC’s compact concrete mixer trucks designed for urban construction.

 SCG had robust sales in the first half of 2024, with new products and green initiatives contributing significantly to its overall performance. High-value-added products and services accounted for 39 percent of total sales, while environmentally friendly products under the SCG Green Choice brand made up 54 percent. The company also saw strong growth in its overseas operations, with 44 percent of total revenue generated outside Thailand.

 By the second quarter, SCG had a strong financial performance, driven by robust economic recovery in Vietnam and Indonesia. However, the company cautioned that the overall economic landscape remains challenging, particularly in Thailand, where recovery has been slower.

 To navigate these conditions, SCG has built up a substantial cash reserve of 124,616 Million PHP (US$ 2,180 million) and focuses on innovative solutions to meet customer needs. The company is also capitalizing on infrastructure development in Indonesia and Vietnam, where government spending is on the rise.

 SCG is ramping up its global presence and product offerings. The company is aggressively promoting its Low Carbon Cement, with exports to the US surpassing 1 million tons. Expansion into Vietnam and Australia is underway. In addition to cement, SCG is diversifying its portfolio. Its distribution arm, SCG Distribution and Retail, is expanding its retail footprint in ASEAN, with Mitra10 leading the charge. SCG Smart Living is introducing new landscape materials and HVAC systems.

 The company is also making significant strides in the construction materials sector, with a focus on high-value products and expanding into new markets like India. SCG Chemicals is recovering from plant disruptions but faces industry challenges. To mitigate risks, the company is investing in green innovations and plastic recycling. The upcoming Long Son Petrochemicals project is a key growth driver.

 SCG Packaging is expanding its capacity to meet rising demand, especially in tourism and services. The company is also venturing into medical supplies and labware. SCG Cleanergy is focusing on solar energy solutions and energy storage.

 Despite economic challenges, SCG’s ASEAN operations have shown strong growth, driven by the recovery in Vietnam. The company continues to invest in research and development, with a focus on sustainability and innovation.

 SCG’s commitment to the local market is evident through initiatives like the NATCON-CONEX 2024 exhibition and dealer appreciation programs. The company is poised to capitalize on growth opportunities in the ASEAN region and beyond.

9:35 p.m. September 3, 2024

BIGTIME Filipino boxing prospect Carl Jammes Martin will be debuting in the American continent on Friday against Mexican battle-tested Anthony Jimenez Salas in a non-title super bantamweight bout at Culican, Sinoloa, Mexico. 

The 25-year-old Lagawe, Ifugao warrior will be bringing his unbeaten win-loss record of 23-0 with 18 knockouts to Mexican country to start his journey of becoming a world champion next year after moving to the United States six months ago. 

“I feel this is the right time to fight and prove myself here abroad. This is the time to show that I am ready after being trained in the Knuckleheads Boxing Ranch training compound in Las Vegas, Nevada,” Martin said. “This is what I needed to take me to the world title in 2025.”

“I would like to thank Manny Pacquiao, Sean Gibbons, and then my team for all the help in my move to Las Vegas, the high rugged training and conditioning that I have been throughout my stay in the US to intensify myself,” Martin added. 

Martin has been honing his skills in Las Vegas since a few months ago, taking on world class fighters Bruce “Shushu” Carrington and another Filipino-American prospect DJ Zamora, among others, in sparring sessions. 

“He has been sensational training and working with the best boxers coming in the Knuckleheads gym everyday. They are seeing his diet and training workouts. By coming to the US, he’s there to improve more his craft and be a global boxing star, a world champion,” Sean Gibbons said. 

Gibbons, the Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions president and international matchmaker, said that Martin is the last of the best prospects that were left from the Philippines and helped to train in the United States. 

“Martin is a diamond in the rough or has a great potential to be a world champion. Just like the other Filipino boxers, he is a promising individual, has the talent, the attitude, and the skills to follow the footsteps of former world Filipino champions,” Gibbons added.

Martin is presently ranked No. 3 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 6 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF). 

Salas, 28, is a very tough brawler from Mazatlan, Mexico. He is sporting an 18-9-1 win-loss-draw record with five knockouts. 

“Carl Martin will be carrying the tradition of a great rivalry between Philippines versus Mexico. He looks forward to carrying on that tradition,” Gibbons said.