TOWERING ACHIEVEMENTS - A MERALCO PUBLICATION I SEPTEMBER 2019 - Amazon AWS
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A M E R A LCO P U B L I C AT I O N I SEPTEMBER 2019
FREDERICK GO MARIO PAGUIO
PRESIDENT and CEO PRESIDENT and GM
ROBINSONS LAND CORP. LANDEV CORP.
TOWERING
ACHIEVEMENTS
2 MERALCO POWERCLUB SEPTEMBER 2019
MESSAGES
CHANGE IS IN THE AIR
Systems and institutions endure, but focusing on sustainability to chart the future
not because they are strong, states former of their businesses, and of the country.
trader and risk analyst Nassim Nicholas RLC’s master-planned crown jewel
Taleb in his book, Antifragile: Things development on the borders of Pasig and
That Gain From Disorder. “Antifragile” Quezon City, Bridgetowne, is envisioned
institutions gain strength from repeated as a live-play-work community, where
stress, disruption, and upheaval. everything is within easy reach for its
As a 116-year-old business, Meralco residents and nearby communities.
has certainly weathered every kind of Landev, meanwhile, is securing LEED
disruption. War. Economic downturns. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
VICTOR S. GENUINO Political upheavals. Social changes. Design) certification for all the buildings
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT AND HEAD, Technological revolutions. and schools under the YGC Group, future-
CUSTOMER RETAIL SERVICES AND Through all that, we not only survive, proofing them through energy efficiency.
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS but grow stronger. We adapt to change Many companies are heading for
through a sustained effort at innovation sustainability, as with the airline Cebu
amid constant shifts in technology. Pacific, global air conditioner manufacturer
Above all, we always make sure we Daikin, and start-up The Bamboo Co. All
create value and remain relevant to our are taking bold steps toward protecting the
customers. world in which we live.
We are evolving from distributing Our new President and CEO, Atty. Ray
reliable, competitively-priced electricity to C. Espinosa, plans to push Meralco even
venturing into power generation, renewable further in the realm of sustainable energy,
energy, and beyond-the-meter services, to and expand our boundaries in the quest for
ensure we are responsive to our customers’ innovation. His vision for Meralco will be
needs. divulged further in the coming online issues
Even the magazine you hold is already a of Power Club.
relic. After a glorious, seven-year run, Power As I take on the role of First Vice
Club says farewell to print, to be henceforth President and Head of Customer Retail
published purely in digital format. Services and Corporate Communications,
In this last print issue of Power Club, we I am eager to take on the challenges the
celebrate sustainability as a value, and as a energy industry and this new leadership will
viable business model. bring.
Two of the 8th Meralco Luminary Change is always inevitable, but with it
Awardees—Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) comes an opportunity for growth and hope
and Landev Corp.—are honored for for a brighter tomorrow.
MERALCO POWERCLUB SEPTEMBER 2019 3
INSIDE A M E R A LCO P U B L I C AT I O N I SEPTEMBER 2019
A MERALCO PUBLICATION The 8th Corporate Luminaries awardees
VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1 are represented on our cover by Frederick
PUBLISHER: SUMMIT MEDIA Go, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Robinsons Land Corp., and Mario Paguio,
A joint project with Meralco’s Corporate
President and General Manager, Landev Corp.
Business Group, Marketing, Customer
Solutions and Product Management
Summit Media Editorial Team
Photography by Toto Labrador
EDNA T. BELLEZA Publisher
Grooming by Arlene Adto
ESTRELLITA FAUSTINO
Editor-in-Chief
DONDI LIMGENCO Creative Director/ 04 POWER IDEAS
Associate Editor
WHEN RENEWABLES UPHOLD
JANE KRISTINE CRUZ and
RAYNAND OLARTE Art Directors SUSTAINABILITY
ESMI BARRERA Copy Editor The International Rice Research Institute
LIO MANGUBAT Project Manager taps green energy for the thirsty crop
GEM EVANGELISTA Production Artist
BUBBLES SALVADOR Editorial Manager
06 ANALYSIS
Contributors KEEPING THE GOLDEN GOOSE GOING
Arlene Adto, Vincent Coscolluela, Mike A push for conservation ensures a steady
Dee, Ed Geronia Jr., Peter Imbong, stream of arrivals for the tourism sector
Toto Labrador, Cris Laraño, Pauline
Macaraeg, Babe Pañares, Jun Pinzon,
Edwin P. Sallan, Zen Schwartz,
10 INDUSTRY TRENDS
Fennie Tan, Coni Tejada, Vicky Vizcarra MAKING IT GREEN
Companies transition to a sustainable
Meralco Editorial Advisers version of business-as-usual
CORPORATE BUSINESS GROUP
Ma. Cecilia M. Domingo 14
Myricris A. Gonzalo
20 LUMINARY PROFILE
Regine C. Pamintuan EVENTS GROWING IN GREENER PASTURES
BRILLIANT BUSINESSES Carefully balancing consumer needs with
MARKETING The best and the brightest companies share environmental concerns drives Landev Corp.
Jose Antonio T. Valdez the spotlight at the 8th Luminaries Awards
Edeliza T. Lim
Nina V. Posadas
24 LUMINARY PROFILE
Quinnie G. Blanco FINDING A NEW ROLE
Precious K. Almendras FOR THE SHOPPING MALL
Francesca Ma. Isabella P. Picache Robinsons Land makes retail spaces
more meaningful to its customers
To learn more about Power Club,
contact the Meralco Corporate
Partners at: 28 COMPANY PROFILE
PROGRESS IN THE PIPELINE
Meralco, Ortigas Avenue, Maynilad meets the challenge to supply
Pasig City water to an ever-growing population
Tel: (02)16210
corporatepartners@meralco.com.ph 30
www.meralco.com.ph/corporatepartners 30 SPECIAL FEATURE
BRINGING LIGHT TO AN ISLAND
1O KMS OUT INTO THE OCEAN
The first full microgrid in Meralco's franchise area
MERALCO POWER CLUB brings electricity—and hope
IS NOW ONLINE!
For the latest in innovative enterprise 31 ONE MERALCO FOUNDATION
partnerships and developments in the energy
industry, visit us at www.powerclub.com.ph DIVING INTO SOLAR
Residents of Isla Verde trade noisy
diesel-generator sets for sustainable solar panels
4 MERALCO POWERCLUB SEPTEMBER 2019
POWER IDEAS
WHEN RENEWABLES
UPHOLD
SUSTAINABILITY The International Rice Research Institute harvests solar energy
as it goes green for the thirsty crop
BY PAULINE MACARAEG
I
t’s hard to imagine the Philippines The available rice per capita in the
without rice. Philippines steadily dropped from 2012 to
In 2017, each Filipino 2016. It didn’t increase until 2017, and only to
consumed an average of 118 kilos of rice, a level below that of 2012.
reports the Philippine Statistics Authority.
That’s almost 10 kilos of rice per month. HEALTHIER PLANET, MORE FOOD
According to the International Rice To meet projected global demand
Research Institute (IRRI), the world’s premier over the coming quarter century, IRRI is
rice research organization, this grain, the promoting the Sustainable Rice Platform
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUN PINZON, GROOMING BY ARLENE ADTO
staple food of over 3.5 billion people, to encourage one million farmers to adopt
accounts for 20 percent of the global daily sustainable rice farming practices by 2021.
dietary energy, and provides livelihood and One of IRRI’s solutions to the problem of
employment for over one billion households. inadequate rice supply is educating farmers.
Unfortunately, rice farmers in Southeast It’s a program that calls for active, sustained,
Asia are particularly vulnerable to climate- and multisectoral involvement to help
change conditions such as rising sea farmers produce better crops and nurture a
levels, flooding, increased salinity, hotter healthier environment. “Meralco strongly supports renewables
temperatures, and drought. Global warming The research organization also seeks to as a responsible member of the global
brings more intense rains and super ensure its own internal practices align with the community,” declares Victor S. Genuino,
typhoons. environmental stand it advocates for farmers, Spectrum president and chief executive
IRRI predicts rice production must and this is where Spectrum comes in. officer, and Meralco's first vice president
increase by 25 percent over the next 25 Spectrum, a subsidiary of the Manila and head of Customer Retail Services and
years to keep up with growing demand, but Electric Co. (Meralco), focuses on Corporate Communications. “Renewable
producers already have difficulties meeting renewable-energy solutions for both business energy is a disruption that we fully embrace.”
current needs. and residential customers across the country. He acknowledges Meralco’s responsibility
MERALCO POWERCLUB SEPTEMBER 2019 5
as a corporate citizen to preserve the
environment while improving food
production.
WALKING THE WALK
In April 2018, Spectrum launched an
810-kilowatt-peak solar photovoltaic (PV)
system for five buildings in the IRRI campus
in Los Baños, Laguna. The system first went
online on October 20, 2017, six months prior
to the inauguration.
One of the buildings powered by the
solar PV system is the Lloyd T. Evans 'WE NEED
Plant Growth Facility, where IRRI conducts A CONTINUOUS
environment and climate simulation research.
Also within the IRRI campus is the SUPPLY OF POWER
International Rice Genebank, the biggest FOR THE GENEBANK
collection of rice genetic diversity on the
planet. It stores over 130,000 different
TO MAINTAIN
rice accessions from around the world, THE TEMPERATURES
at controlled temperatures as low as -20 SUITABLE FOR
degrees Celsius.
“We need a continuous supply of THESE SAMPLES.'
power for the Genebank to maintain the
temperatures suitable for these samples,” MICK BARTLETT
DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS
says Mick Bartlett, IRRI’s director of IRRI
operations. “This keeps rice seeds viable for
decades, preserving genetic diversity for
the development of new and improved rice
varieties." fertilizers and pesticides to crops. This leading champion for sustainable rice
The PV system also allows the institution reduces time and labor, while limiting human production walks the talk, as Bartlett puts it:
to cost-effectively run the computers and exposure to chemicals. “We aim to be green by doing our part to
lab equipment necessary for research and Successful implementation of these reduce the pressure on natural resources,
testing. sustainable initiatives will be tested at other in the Philippines, and elsewhere across
IRRI facilities in Southeast Asia, South Asia, the world."
SHARING THE BEST and Africa.
IRRI achieved energy savings of 1.3 “The sustainable system grown through
million kilowatt-hours as of March 2019. our partnership with Meralco and Spectrum,” Each Filipino
This is equivalent to powering 9,360 stresses Bartlett, “is something we should consumes almost
computers for one year. replicate wherever we operate globally.”
“Energy was always one of our top On a broader scale, the move towards 10 KILOS OF
spends,” notes Hiram Gomez, senior renewable energy illustrates how the world’s RICE PER
manager of IRRI's Supply Chain Services. MONTH
“Meralco’s PV system lets us save power
(Available rice per capita in the Philippines)
while elevating our green credentials.”
120
Robert Pereja, Spectrum's Commercial 118.87 118.25
118
Operations Head explains: "The PV system 115.63
116
we installed provides about 10 percent of 114.35
114
in kilograms/year
IRRI's energy requirements. From October 112 111.62
2017 to July 2018, it provided about 110
107.83
P800,000 in energy savings." 108
Spectrum and IRRI went on to phase 106
104
two of the partnership: the setting up of a
102
solar-powered drone station. The airborne 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
drones replace manual spraying in delivering
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority
ANALYSIS
KE E P I NG THE
GOLDEN GOOSE
GOING To remain a leading source of growth and development,
tourism must be sustainable
BY BABE PAÑARES
B
oracay is—some would say, was— The numbers overwhelm the
the crown jewel of Philippine imagination, the island’s ecology, and
tourism. the local infrastructure. A government Sustainable tourism
The pristine island, “discovered”
in the 1970s by a foreign film crew, became
audit showed buildings violating local
ordinances and building codes; for one, raw meets the needs of
the backpacker set’s favorite “secret” beach sewage was being dumped by commercial the present generation
getaway in the ’80s. Its fame grew, and so
did the numbers.
establishments into Bulabog Beach, an
area popular for water sports activities. without compromising
Conde Nast magazine named Boracay Authorities also found resorts violating the the needs of
“Top Island of the Year” in 2017, when visitor
arrivals hit an astounding 2 million, and
no-build zone on the main white beach, and
hotels which had no business permits or future generations.
receipts reached P56 billion. All on an lacked environmental clearance certificates.
island which the Department of Closed for six moths beginning April
Environment and Natural Resources 26, 2018 after President Rodrigo Duterte
now says can only support 19,125 tourists described it as a “cesspool,” the resort
at any given time. island famous the world over for its creamy
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOTO LABRADOR, GROOMING BY ARLENE ADTO, SITTINGS EDITOR CONI TEJADA MERALCO POWERCLUB SEPTEMBER 2019 7
'A friendly
local population
is critical
to the success
of any tourist
destination.'
RANDI ALAMPAY
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES -
ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TOURISM
meets the needs of the present generation
without compromising the needs of future
generations.
“It’s not something you can achieve
through an ordinance,” Alampay clarifies.
“It’s not enough to keep your own space
green. You have to go beyond your
property and be engaged in ensuring that
the entire destination is sustainable.”
One way to encourage this is to establish
sustainability standards and give public
recognition to businesses that achieve
or even surpass them. His example is the
white sand beaches was cleaned up and will sustain the ‘more fun’ experience for Anahaw Philippine Sustainable Tourism
rehabilitated, with vital infrastructure future generations.” Certification.
projects such as sewage treatment The current generation certainly finds In cooperation with the European
plants and roads now in various stages of much to enjoy here. In 2018, some 7.1 million Union, the DoT implements this national
completion. foreign tourists arrived in the Philippines, an certification scheme and awards it annually
Boracay threw its doors open to the all-time record high despite Boracay’s six- to hotels and resorts that reduce the carbon
public again on October 26, 2018, with new month closure. Domestic tourism is likewise impact of tourism activities and contribute
regulations to limit visitor numbers and robust: 110 million domestic tourists are well to sustainable and inclusive development.
restrict some guest activities. It remains to above the 89.2 million targeted for 2022. The first awards ceremony was held in
be seen whether the reforms will enable the This yields more receipts for the tourism August 2018.
island to hold on to its top spot as a tourist industry, and a greater contribution to The awardees must be advocates
haven. Its rise and stumble is a cautionary economic growth. It also underscores an of environmental policy administration
tale for other tourist destinations, and a urgent need to institutionalize sustainable and management; electricity and energy
warning of the dangers posed by reckless, tourism policies and practices. savings; sound water use; low-impact
unsustainable development. building infrastructure and surroundings;
GREENER STANDARDS proper waste disposal, correct waste-water
POSITIVE DIRECTIONS “What are we trying to sustain?” asks treatment and management; minimal
In January, the Department of Tourism Randi Alampay, associate professor of the use of chemicals, detergents, and fuel;
(DoT) revealed a new thrust to promote University of the Philippines-Asian Institute environmental protection; and cultural
the Philippines as a “premiere, sustainable of Tourism. “We want to retain the physical preservation.
tourism destination,” one that is still “more features of the destination. We want to Anahaw Philippine certification has five
fun,” but more responsible, too. protect the culture and improve the quality categories, and the fifth ranks highest. Of
“The concept of fun is now redefined of life of the host community. We want to 27 awardees last year, three establishments
to include responsibility in taking care of maintain the quality of visitor experience,” received Level 4 certification: Daluyon
our tourist destinations,” declares Tourism he says. Beach and Mountain Resort, both in
Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. “This Sustainable tourism, he summarizes, Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Amarela Resort
8 MERALCO POWERCLUB SEPTEMBER 2019
in Panglao, Bohol; and Sangat Island Dive marketing purposes; it makes good business ALI subsidiary. She knows the concept of
Resort in Coron, Palawan. sense.” sustainability can be carelessly reduced to a
She adds this shift is driven by a buzzword.
FOR ALL, NOT JUST THE SMALL company where sustainability is integrated “We started with a really simple vision
It is a common misconception that into the culture. “When it was time to statement—man, nature and harmony,”
sustainability only applies to small-scale scale up with Lio,” she says, “it was organic, she recalls. “We ran two island resorts,
endeavors. because we are part of a bigger company Miniloc and Lagen. The catchphrase was
“Lio Tourism Estate is an interesting with many allies internally to support us.” ‘ecotourism.’"
model, because they are scaling up,” Meanwhile, there is a vital role to Yet any business that depends on the
Alampay notes. “It is proof that big be played by the Manila Electric Co. beauty of nature cannot afford to cut
businesses can and, more importantly, (Meralco), which is in the early stages of corners. It was serendipity, she admits, when
should strive to be ecological.” an extensive project for Lio. It will involve “Ayala came in, and sustainability became
Owned by Ayala Land Inc. the installation of a microgrid: a our thrust,” given the costs associated
(ALI), Lio Tourism Estate set-up with generators, solar with operating sustainably. LTE had nearly
(LTE) operates four hotels photovoltaic panels, and a 400,000 guests from January to April 2019
designed to blend in Beach resorts battery storage system. alone, and it needed to ensure it could offer
with the environment. must contribute to A proposal for the a pristine environment for everyone.
These are El Nido their community's solar PV panels and “You can’t hide the impact of your
Cove, Balai Adlao, and development and the storage battery operations on an island for long,” Laririt
Hotel Covo, each with actively promote low- system was put forward emphasizes. “Waste in whatever form will
20 rooms; Casa Kalaw carbon tourism to be by Spectrum, a wholly manifest itself, and it will not clean itself
with 42 rooms; the 153- Anahaw-certified. owned, renewable-
room Seda Lio; and soon energy subsidiary of
to open, Huni with 50 rooms, Meralco. The electrical
all built so no structure juts out of distribution will be handled by
the coconut tree-line. MSERV, a Meralco subsidiary specializing in
“Sustainable tourism must become beyond-the-meter energy services.
more mainstream,” asserts Mariglo Laririt,
director of environment and sustainability BEYOND BUZZWORDS
of the Ten Knots Group of Companies Twenty-four years ago, Laririt
that operates LTE in El Nido, Palawan. “It was a resort biologist with Ten Knots
is something worth doing, and not just for Development Corp. before it became an
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUN PINZON, GROOMING BY ARLENE ADTO MERALCO POWERCLUB SEPTEMBER 2019 9
'Sustainable
tourism must
become more
mainstream.'
MARIGLO LARIRIT
DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT
AND SUSTAINABILITY
TEN KNOTS GROUP
the success of any tourist destination.”
Laririt concurs: “The tourism industry
is such a potent source for change.” To
up.” Proper waste management becomes “We should educate tourists,” he posits. benefit the community, she says, LTE sees
central to the estate’s processes. Sewage “They are stakeholders, because they to it that about half of the retail area’s
from the hotels and the shops is treated, are part of this cycle. They can drive the merchants are Palawan residents from the
and Lio operates an in-house solid-waste demand for sustainability.” area.
treatment facility. Alampay points out that sustainability Given the rich diversity of the
“We’ve partnered with a group,” is not just about green spaces and clean Philippines’s natural attractions, tourism
confides Laririt, “that converts plastics air. Tourism must also benefit local will certainly continue to play a key role
into durable building materials!” communities without harming livelihoods, in the country’s economy for many years.
Thankfully, not all low-carbon efforts living spaces, or indigenous cultures. Empowering all stakeholders to engage
incur cost, extra effort, or advanced “Local community support for tourism in sustainable practices will ensure that
technology. The resort offers planet- is important,” he asserts. “A friendly, tourism will remain viable for many
friendly activities such as biking, hiking, hospitable local population is critical to generations to come.
bird-watching, swimming, and kayaking.
Smoking is severely restricted, and proper
ALL BEACH PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIO TOURISM ESTATE
trash disposal is encouraged.
BENEFITS FOR ALL
ALI’s efforts have paid off. In March
2019, LTE joined the Top 100 Sustainable
Destinations list at the ITB Berlin
(Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin),
the world’s largest tourism trade fair.
The estate was recognized as “a top
destination for the protection of nature,
and landscape and scenery” and the first
master-planned, ecologically sustainable
tourism destination in the Philippines.
Alampay maintains this kind of
acknowledgment persuades more people
to choose sustainability as a criterion for
travel destinations, and to believe that
responsible travel is worth paying more
for.
10 MERALCO POWERCLUB SEPTEMBER 2019
INDUSTRY TRENDS
MAKING IT
GREEN
SUN
VILLAGE
ECOLOGY
CITY
No mere buzzword, sustainability is how many companies do business
BY EDWIN P. SALLAN AND ESTRELLITA FAUSTINO
S
ustainable manufacturing was seekers, share a view of the role of business fully biodegradable grass material.
the norm for millennia, as in society that compels them to seek to be
wind- and water-powered mills, identified with brands that care about the COOL AND CLEAN
forges, and factories. Wood, wool, cotton, environment. HVAC SYSTEMS
and leather came mainly from renewable Green companies often face initially high Daikin Philippines, the Japan-based
sources, and other materials such as metals operating costs, which abate in the long run air-conditioning giant, began its Philippine
were intensively recycled. and yield bigger profits and improved sales. operations in 2009, and today boasts
When the industrial revolution sparked Such businesses also receive tax incentives some P2 billion in sales every year. All
an insatiable appetite for faster, cheaper, to offset production costs. of the company’s manufacturing bases
and more convenient everything, it took just In the Philippines, several companies are compliant with the ISO 14001 global
over two centuries for humans to wreak the that stand out for their sustainable initiatives standard, earning Daikin the coveted
kind of damage that could take the planet help break the barriers which discourage Environmental Management Certification.
several millennia from which to recover. other businesses from going green. They Meanwhile, “We have a unified thrust in
ILLUSTRATION FROM FREEPIK.COM
Today, people around the world make demonstrate how trading in eco-friendly developing the most advanced technology
a serious effort to turn back the clock and products is not a short-lived fad, but a and most environmental-friendly refrigerant
change their consumption and purchasing lasting way to live in greater harmony with – the R-32,” announces Lee Wai Kok,
habits. In response, many companies the world. president of Daikin Philippines. This
transition to significant eco-friendly and Daikin Philippines rethinks its refrigerant is Daikin’s key to minimizing its
sustainable business practices. refrigerants; Cebu Pacific Air finds air-conditioners’ environmental impact.
More than a politically correct move, this alternatives to single-use plastic food As the only company to develop and
also happens to be a business-savvy one. A packaging and utensils; and a start-up, The manufacture both air conditioners and
growing number of consumers, even job- Bamboo Company, taps the potential of a refrigerants, Daikin launched the world’s first11
MERALCO POWERCLUB SEPTEMBER 2019 11
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOTO LABRADOR, GROOMING BY ARLENE ADTO
'We're researching
new refrigerants
that are safe
and eco-friendly.'
LEE WAI KOK
PRESIDENT
DAIKIN PHILIPPINES
residential-use air conditioner using R-32.
“This is Daikin’s main refrigerant of
choice,” Lee declares, “because it efficiently
carries heat and has a lower impact on the
environment.”
Daikin’s current generation of air-
conditioners features the use of inverter
technology. (Read “Cold Comforts” in the
Power Club Q3 2017 issue.) These models
consume about 50 to 60 percent less
energy than older, non-inverter units. kinds of products. Power Lab, appliances such as TV screens,
“Since using less energy consumes less Daikin also looks beyond R-32 to stay kitchen stoves and washing machines are
fossil fuels,” the Daikin chief asserts, “this abreast of the Kigali Amendment of the rated in terms of energy efficiency. Each
leads to considerably lower levels of global Montreal Protocol. This amendment seeks tested model is given a Meralco Orange
warming potential." to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbon Tag that indicates its average energy
Lee concedes that customers are refrigerants, which include R-32. consumption and estimated cost equivalent.
still driven by price over environmental “We’re researching new refrigerants that (Visit the Orange Tag section at meralco.
considerations, but he believes “offices, are more natural, safe, and eco-friendly,” com.ph to learn more.)
manufacturing companies and the says Lee. “Joining Meralco’s Bright Ideas Program
residential sector will shift to what the To strengthen its sustainable environment not only allows us to promote our latest
manufacturers make available for them.” initiative and provide independent ratings technology,” Lee shares, “it also lets us be
He sees this as both an opportunity and for its products, Daikin joined the Bright part of a campaign to encourage consumers
responsibility for Daikin to lead the way in Ideas Program of the Manila Electric Co. to buy energy-efficient products that reduce
sustainable air conditioning. Encouraging (Meralco). This is a customer information the burning of fossil fuels.”
customers to choose green alternatives campaign that educates consumers on
should boost the demand for those energy cost and efficiency so they can make GREENER SKIES
more informed decisions about their home. FOR A LOCAL CARRIER
Daikin also regularly submits units to The aviation industry is often considered
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUN PINZON, GROOMING BY ARLENE ADTO
the Meralco Power Lab for testing. At the among the most ecologically unfriendly
ILLUSTRATION FROM FREEPIK.COM
'THE JUAN EFFECT PROGRAM IS FLEXIBLE
AND SCALABLE. IT CAN GROW TO MAKE
OUR OPERATIONS MORE SUSTAINABLE.'
CHARO LOGARTA-LAGAMON
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
CEBU PACIFIC AIR12 MERALCO POWERCLUB SEPTEMBER 2019
businesses. It accounts for about two consumption more efficient, reduce systems
percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, The airline loss, and minimize the impact of power
which are deposited directly into the upper
atmosphere.
previously used surges on sensitive equipment.
“Having an efficient and reliable power
Cebu Pacific Air (CEB), the country’s around 18,500 pieces supply is integral to our 24/7 operations,”
largest domestic carrier, seeks to minimize
its environmental impact through “Juan
of plastic spoons Lagamon emphasizes. “We need that kind
of reliability, and Meralco gives us that.”
Effect,” a sustainable tourism program and forks, cups, and Over the next few years, the airline plans
launched in August 2018. Juan Effect
encourages passengers to use their own
stirrers every day. to reduce its fuel consumption—and direct
carbon footprint—by acquiring newer, more
reusable water bottles and eco-bags, while It has since shifted fuel-efficient planes.
the airline shifts to recyclable, eco-friendly
utensils.
to utensils made “Our new Airbus A321 Neo can fly from
Manila to Davao using 35 percent less fuel
The airline previously used around of biodegradable than our older aircraft,” she reveals. “That’s a
18,500 pieces of plastic spoons and forks,
cups, and stirrers on 400 flights every day,
materials. big difference when you add it all up across
400 flights a day!”
according to Charo Logarta-Lagamon, has been very vocal about sustainability More measures are forthcoming, assures
CEB director for communications. It across the entire conglomerate. We can Lagamon. “We started small with Juan
has since shifted to utensils made of expect more efforts from the whole JG Effect, but the program is flexible and
biodegradable materials. Summit.” scalable. It can grow to make our operations
“The cutlery is now made from polylactic CEB is exploring the installation of more sustainable, more efficient, and as
acid (PLA) derived from cornstarch,” she solar panels at its Pasay City headquarters green as we can make it. It’s something we
explains. “We use paper cups and wooden in partnership with Spectrum, Meralco's will do, and we will adapt.”
stirrers.” Like other bioplastics, PLA is renewable-energy arm.
derived from biomass. The expense of this initial investment, GRASSROOTS APPEAL FOR A
Lagamon admits the shift to sustainable Lagamon believes, will be offset by SUSTAINABLE STARTUP
utensils represents a significant investment “the savings we generate and, more Frequent traveler Jamico Jamlang was
for CEB. “For the utensils alone, it’s a importantly, the reduced impact on the upset by plastic trash discarded by tourists
46-percent additional cost every year,” environment. These are things you can’t in the seas and on beaches. Looking for
she acknowledges. “As we expand our quantify.” ways to reduce plastic waste and advocate
sustainability initiatives, that cost will Its environmental management an environment-friendly lifestyle, he and
increase.” system has qualified CEB for ISO 14001 his partners set up The Bamboo Company
It’s a cost the company is quite willing to certification. (TBC).
bear. MSERV, Meralco's beyond-the- With a modest P100,000 in capital,
Lance Gokongwei is CEB president and meter energy services subsidiary, also TBC was set up to specialize in consumer
chief executive officer of parent unit, JG contributes with the introduction of products made of renewable and
Summit Holdings Inc. Lagamon says, “He HVAC technologies to make electricity sustainable bamboo. Bamboo is a rapid-MERALCO POWERCLUB SEPTEMBER 2019 13
'WE ARE THE FIRST
COMPANY IN THE
PHILIPPINES TO
INTRODUCE
THE BAMBOO
PHOTOGRAPHY BYNONOY LACZA
TOOTHBRUSH.'
JUSTIN RICHMOND DOMINGO
SALES MANAGER
THE BAMBOO COMPANY
growing grass that matures quickly, usually crafts store, at various bazaars, and on the TBC seeks to create a greater
within a year. Should TBC’s output grow, company’s web site, Facebook page, and impact on the welfare of Philippine
the supply of this raw material is assured. BeautyMNL. bamboo farmers. It hired a community
“The Bamboo Company is the first in Domingo explains that TBC sources development manager to identify areas
the Philippines to introduce the bamboo from Taiwan most of its bamboo, which is where preferred bamboo varieties
toothbrush,” says Justin Richmond thicker and sturdier than local kinds, and flourish, and work with local communities
Domingo, TBC’s sales manager. “It’s our uses thinner bamboo from Bantayan Island to farm, harvest, and supply the bamboo.
very first product. The bamboo handle has in Cebu for its straws. To foster growth, jobs, community
bristles in nylon, which degrade in less than “Of all our products, the bamboo straw development, and the environment; it
100 years.” has the most impact on the local economy,” is quite the lofty checklist, but TBC is
The products are not single-use, he affirms. “It benefits some 30 bamboo confident it can find sustainable solutions
throwaway items. “Bamboo is antimicrobial farmers on Bantayan Island.” with one sustainable material.
on its own,” Domingo adds. “A bamboo
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BAMBOO COMPANY
toothbrush kept in a moist environment
won’t get moldy. It dries really fast and won’t
absorb water.”
The company’s most successful product
to date, the bamboo tumbler for hot or
cold beverages, is a vacuum-sealed metal
canister with a bamboo jacket. Table
utensils, drinking straws, coffee tumblers,
bamboo-covered tin lunchboxes, bamboo-
handled personal shavers, wristwatches, and
many more are also available.
TBC marks its entry to the natural
health and beauty products market with
its charcoal toothpaste. It is also looking
into hair sprays, bamboo-fiber face masks,
personal-care bamboo-charcoal products,
and bamboo containers for cosmetic
products.
The products are available at Biblio, aSEPTEMBER 2019
EVENTS
BRILLIANT BUSINESSES
Corporate power players celebrate excellence and innovation
at the 8th Luminaries Awards night
BY CONI TEJADA
Meralco President and CEO RAY ESPINOSA, former Meralco President and CEO OSCAR REYES; Landev Corp. President and General Manager
MARIO PAGUIO, Robinsons Land Corp. President and CEO FREDERICK GO, former Meralco SVP and Head, Customer Retail Services and Corporate
Communications ALFREDO PANLILIO
Top photo: REYES with Meralco's ESPINOSA and Chairman MANNY V. PANGILINANSEPTEMBER 2019 MERALCO LUMINARIES 15
T
rust the Manila Electric The Net Group Chairman CHARLIE RUFINO
Co. (Meralco) to amp up
an event.
And the 8th Luminaries Night,
held last March 6 at Shangri-la
Hotel Makati’s Rizal Ballroom, is
no exception. The sit-down dinner
preceded the spectacle onstage:
hosts David Celdran and Iza
Calzado turned the spotlight on
Meralco’s distinguished partners
and their significant contributions to
nation-building.
Former president and chief
executive officer Oscar S. Reyes
explained the Meralco Luminaries
Awards are “driven by our vision and
our commitment to help create a
brighter and ever more progressive
future for the country.”
The sustainably bright future
envisioned by Meralco, he added,
can only happen with partners who
share the same aspirations.
Spectrum Commercial Services Head ROBERT PEREJA; Meralco Relationship Ayala Land Inc.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINCENT COSCOLLUELA AND MIKE DEE
Manager VALERIE LIMACO; Global-Estate Resorts Inc. President Atty. SVP and Head,
MONICA SOLOMON; Global-Estate Resorts Inc. EVP-Operations Residential Business
JENNIFER ROMUALDEZ; Meralco FVP and Head, Customer Retail Services Group ROBERT LAO
and Corporate Communications VICTOR GENUINO
Meralco Relationship Manager ARNOLD DE GUZMAN, First Orient International
Meralco Chief Technology Advisor GAVIN BARFIELD, Meralco's GENUINO,
Ventures Corp. GM RON LIM, Meralco Leisure and Entertainment Team Lead
Mitsubishi Motors Phils. Corp SVP for Corporate Management
BERNICE GARCIA, Robinsons Land Corp. EVP FARADAY GO
YASUKI MARUYAMA, Meralco Relationship Manager PAT PANLILIO16 MERALCO LUMINARIES SEPTEMBER 2019
Meralco Consumer Products Industry Team Lead CESAR DAWANA, Outgoing President
MUNEHIRO TAKAHASHI and Incoming President TOSHIYUKI AKAIKE of Terumo Phils. Corp.,
Meralco Relationship Manager KATHERINE TAGUDIN
And the Lumies Meralco Relationship Manager ERICA PEKSON with
Swedish Match Phils. General Manager FELIPE RAMOSO
go to...
Landev, the asset and property
management arm of the Yuchengco
Group of Companies (YGC), received a
Corporate Luminaries Award. Mario Paguio,
Landev president and general manager,
ascended the stage to receive the award.
With Meralco’s help, Landev is acquiring
LEED certification for the RCBC Savings
Bank Corporate Center in Bonifacio Global
City. LEED, or Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design, is the world’s
foremost green building rating system.
(Read “Growing in Greener Pastures” on
page 20.)
A Corporate Luminaries Award also
went to Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC),
represented by Frederick Go, RLC
president and chief executive officer.
Working with Meralco, the property
developer is completing Bridgetowne, its
up-and-coming mixed-use community at
the corner of C-5 and Ortigas Avenue.
(Read “Finding a New Role for the
Shopping Mall” on page 24.)
The cities of Biñan and Makati were
recognized as Luminaries for their
innovative use of energy to enrich
their communities. Acclaimed for their
achievements were Biz partners Princess
Jolliant Corp., a food services provider
for a major convenience store chain, and
Chocovron Global Corp., a manufacturer of
delicious polvoron pastries.
Dazzling talent Top executives
Top
Director PEACHY
of Polyfoam
executives RGCRGC
of Polyfoam
MEDINA
International
; President
Corp. (Uratex):
International
NATIVIDAD
Managing
Corp. (Uratex):
CHENG ;
The world-class entertainment was Managing Director PEACHY MEDINA, President NATIVIDAD
Sales
CHENG,Director DINDO
Sales MEDINA
Director DINDO MEDINA
headlined by Asia’s songbird RegineSEPTEMBER 2019 MERALCO LUMINARIES 17
Velasquez-Alcasid. The show-stopping
lineup included Jed Madela, World
Champion of Performing Arts, and Jonalyn
Viray, the first Pinoy Pop Superstar Grand
winner.
Rom-com heroine Janella Salvador
(daughter of actress Jenine Desiderio and
crooner Juan Miguel Salvador) and singer-
songwriter Jayda Avanzado (daughter of
singers Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa
Zaragoza) represented today’s pop royalty.
The music was by the Manila
Philharmonic Orchestra, led by National
Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab (who
also received a special Luminaries Award).
Offstage, musical director Rowell Santiago
kept the program running smoothly.
The festivities concluded as Meralco
Maynilad Water Services
Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan called Inc. AVP and Head,
on everyone to toast the evening’s Meralco Relationship Manager Government Relations
Luminaries. ANETTE DE OCAMPO,
LORD PATRICK RODRIGUEZ;
Aseana Holdings Inc.
Pag-Asa Steel President
Below: Project Development Manager Managing Director
WELLINGTON TONG; Meralco
JAYSON ROBLES and President and CEO DELFIN WENCESLAO
Relationship Manager
EXEQUIEL ROBLES of Sta. Lucia Land Inc. BERNARD PORNELOS
with Meralco Relationship Manager MELANIE
SENGA
Meralco’s REYES, Meralco Head, Private Sector Relationship Management,
Corporate Business Group JERRY MARVIN JOVERO, and Mitsubishi
REYES with Private Sector Relationship Management, Management Head,
Motors Phils., Inc. President and CEO MUTSOHIRO OSHIKIRI
Corporate Business Group JERRY MARVIN JOVERO and Mitsubishi
Motors Phils. Inc. President and CEO MUTSUHIRO OSHIKIRI
WM Shopping Center Management Chairman ABRAHAM UY; The Net Group Spectrum COO VICTOR RISMA IV; Nippon Premium Bakery Inc. Incoming
Managing Director BOB BARRETTO; Meralco's ESPINOSA; Meralco Head, President and CEO TAKAO OKABE and Outgoing President and CEO
Marketing for Enterprise NINA POSADAS; Meralco VP and Head, Marketing, TOSHIYA TANIGUCHI; Meralco Food & Beverage Industry Team Lead RENE
Customer Solutions and Product Management JOSE ANTONIO VALDEZ SUA, Meralco Relationship Manager DENNIS MIRANDA18 MERALCO LUMINARIES SEPTEMBER2019
SEPTEMBER 2019
Above: International Container Terminal Services Inc. GM
ANTONIO CORONEL
Left: Pinoy Pop Superstar grand winnerJonalyn Viray
serenades the audience.
Below: From City of Dreams Manila: PR Director
ROMINA GERVACIO; VP, Public Relations
CHARISSE CHUIDIAN; and COO KEVIN BENNING
Meralco's ESPINOSA is flanked by Polar Queen
Waterways Inc. President ALICE SAMSON (left)
and Meralco VP and Head, Corporate Business
Group MA. CECILIA DOMINGO.MERALCO LUMINARIES 19
Meralco's REYES and VALDEZ
with Makati Shangri-La GM
GREG FINDLAY
Landev's
PAGUIO
with Maynilad
President
RAMONCITO
FERNANDEZ
Meralco's GENUINO, DILG Undersecretary for Operations EPIMACO DENSING III,
Meralco Head, Public Sector Relationship Management GERALYN SOLIDUM, Batangas
Medical Center Chief RAMONCITO MAGNAYE, PANLILIO, Meralco Public Sector
Relationship Manager BEZIE MINA
Robinsons Land's GO with Meralco PowerGen Corp. President ROGELIO SINGSON
Semiconductor & Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation
Inc.President DAN LACHICA (right) and wife BERNIE with Meralco
Relationship Manager MICHAEL GARCIA20 MERALCO LUMINARIES SEPTEMBER 2019
G ROWI NG I N
GREENER
PASTURES
Landev Corp.'s synergy with YGC powers its expansion
BY ZEN SCHWARTZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINCENT COSCOLLUELA
GROOMING BY ARLENE ADTO
The 34-story
I
t is fitting that a company that Landev Corp., the asset and property
traces its roots—literally—to
trees now plays a role in the
management arm of the Yuchengco Group
of Companies (YGC). RSBCC benefits
continuing growth of the Philippine President and General Manager Mario from MSERV's
landscape. This is particularly visible in
Taguig’s Bonifacio Global City, where it
Paguio says Landev’s ability to keep abreast
of shifts in consumer behavior is the key power-quality audits,
seems as if new buildings rise from the to its success as a mixed-used property preventive maintenance,
ground every few months.
A noteworthy landmark here is the
developer. “To satisfy consumers’ needs,
you need to know their lifestyles,” he technology updates,
RSB Corporate Center (RSBCC). The explains, “how they live, work, play, and eat.” and energy-efficiency
headquarters of RCBC Savings Bank, it
is also home to several multinational and
This information influences the tenant
mix in Landev properties. “We make sure seminars.
business process outsourcing companies. the tenants complement, rather than
The 34-story building is maintained by compete with, each other,” he explains, “toSEPTEMBER 2019 MERALCO LUMINARIES 21
make it interesting for our customers.” Design) Gold Certification from the U.S. In 2014, the property developer
This synergistic approach is borne of the Green Building Council, also in 2018. approached MSERV, Meralco’s beyond-
company’s heritage. the-meter subsidiary, for Meralco-managed
EXPERTISE YIELDS services on RSBCC’s electrical facilities.
COORDINATION SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES Its role calls for preventive maintenance,
FOSTERS STRENGTH Of course, powering Landev’s expansion power quality audits, and the supply
Landev is a unit of YGC, which was requires a constant stream of energy. This and installation of necessary electrical
founded by Enrique T. Yuchengco, whose is why synergy with the Manila Electric equipment.
pioneering business in the 1900s included Co. (Meralco) and its subsidiaries remains “We partnered with MSERV because
lumber, tobacco and building construction. critical to Landev’s success. they are the energy experts,” shares Paguio.
Under the leadership of his son Alfonso “Meralco’s assistance helps ensure “They closely monitor our power usage and
(the late former ambassador) and his our properties are both energy-efficient immediately address any issues.”
granddaughter Helen Y. Dee, YGC’s and environmentally sustainable,” Paguio MSERV also provides regular advice on
interests today span insurance, banking, underscores. improving energy efficiency practices,
education, investments, transportation,
real estate, communication, construction,
and manufacturing.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOTO LABRADOR, GROOMING BY ARLENE ADTO
“The Yuchengco Group Synergy is
our biggest strength,” Paguio declares.
Whether they provide financial and
technical support or find construction
solutions, YGC member-companies rely
on each other to get things done more
efficiently. This system enables Landev 'To satisfy
to go full steam ahead; the company’s
net income surged over 25 percent from
consumers,
2017 to 2018.
The highlights for 2018 included
you need
the opening by Landev of the Malayan to know
how they
Colleges Mindanao in Davao in July;
reaching nearly 100-percent occupancy
of the Malayan Insurance Co.-ETY
building in Binondo, Manila; and a live, work,
refurbish of the RCBC brand in its 500
branches nationwide. play, and eat.'
RCBC Plaza in Makati, the group’s MARIO PAGUIO
flagship headquarters, achieved LEED PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER
(Leadership in Energy & Environmental LANDEV CORP.22 MERALCO LUMINARIES SEPTEMBER 2019
along with seminars on new energy-saving
systems and technologies. “Aside from
lowering our electricity consumption, we’ve
also experienced fewer power interruptions!”
he enthuses.
He also credits MSERV’s assistance in
identifying several potentially dangerous fire
and electrical hazards, and putting safety
measures in place.
AN EYE ON EXPANSION
This system of power-quality audits,
combined with energy efficiency and eco-
friendly policies, creates a best-practices
template for other Landev properties. It is
the reason Landev was selected a Meralco
Luminary Awardee for 2018.
Paguio believes such measures are
crucial to the continued success of current
and future projects. These include the
construction of a new Mapua Makati
campus along P. Ocampo Sr. Ave.; the
redevelopment of the existing Mapua
Makati campus along Gil Puyat Ave. into
The template
a mixed-use property; and the renovation for best practices
of the National Teachers’ College (NTC)
in Quiapo, Manila, as part of the merger
is used on Landev's
between Mapua and Malayan Schools with other new construction
Ayala Education Inc.
“The NTC renovation is very
and modernization
challenging,” he admits. “We need to projects.
modernize the facilities inside, while
retaining the building’s 1930s art-deco
Clockwise from top: Artist's rendering of
the proposed Malayan College in Cavite;
the facades of the newly renovated and
redeveloped National Teachers' College and
Mapua University; HVAC systems inside RSB
Corporate Center; and the NTC lobbySEPTEMBER 2019 MERALCO LUMINARIES 23
architecture and character.”
However, he reveals another YGC unit,
EEI Corp., has also sets its sights beyond
Metro Manila for growth, through the
government’s “Build, Build, Build” program.
“We see opportunities in the north,”
Paguio asserts, “mainly because of the
SCTEx (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway)
and TPLEx (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union
Expressway), as well as developments in
Clark and Subic.” Ongoing infrastructure
projects include the MRT-7 and Metro
Manila Skyway Stage 3, and the planned
Metro Manila Subway System.
He enumerates other opportunities in
Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, Cagayan
de Oro, and General Santos because of
new airports and the urgent renovation of
existing ones and terminal facilities, as well
as the redevelopment of YGC properties in
these cities.
“YGC and Landev can set down roots
and grow just about anywhere,” Paguio
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUN PINZON AND VINCENT COSCOLLUELA
avers, “so long as we remain focused on our
customers, and trust in the strength of our
partners.”24 MERALCO LUMINARIES SEPTEMBER 2019
F I ND I NG A
NE W RO L E FOR
T HE S H OPPI NG
MA L L
Robinsons Land makes its shopping malls
a bigger part of the communities they serve
BY CRIS LARAÑOSEPTEMBER 2019 MERALCO LUMINARIES 25
T
he internet is the end of the
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOTO LABRADOR, GROOMING BY ARLENE ADTO
shopping mall.
Or is it? Because that’s what
some pundits claim, to explain the demise
of several prominent department stores in
the United States.
However, Frederick Go, president and
chief executive officer of Robinsons Land
Corp. (RLC), firmly believes shopping malls
can do so much more than provide retail
therapy for a city’s inhabitants.
From the RLC board room at the 43rd
floor of the Robinsons Equitable Tower
in Pasig, Go possesses a 180-degree view
of Metro Manila on a clear day. It’s a slice
of a megalopolis that is home to around
13 million people, plus three million more
during the daytime work hours.
It’s also a city mired in congestion, traffic,
pollution, and bureaucracy. The shopping
mall, Go fervently believes, is a solution to
many of these problems.
TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS
Traffic congestion costs the economy
an estimated P3.5 billion daily. This was
the finding in an updated study by the
Japan International Cooperation Agency,
announced at the 36th Joint Meeting of
Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation
Committees in February 2018.
An inadequate mass-transport system is
compounded by a considerable shortage 'WE’RE RECONFIGURING OUR MALLS
of roads broad enough to accommodate TO REFLECT THE FACT THAT
the ever-growing number of vehicles. This
keeps many Metro Manila dwellers on the
CUSTOMERS GO TO MALLS TO EAT,
road for probably longer than the time MORE THAN TO SHOP.'
spent in their places of business. FREDERICK GO
To tackle this problem, some of PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Robinsons Land’s shopping malls now serve ROBINSONS LAND CORP.
as point-to-point (P2P) bus terminals.
“By providing an organized, well-
planned, comfortable bus ride, we give car-
riding commuters an attractive alternative,”
Go points out. “P2P bus rides are also much
quicker, since they avoid all stops along the
way, a practice which causes traffic.”
He also instituted Lingkod Pinoy, a
service center that hosts a number of
government-agency outlets at RLC malls,
to spare customers from visits to congested
offices. Lingkod Pinoy allows customers
to process documents such as passports,
postal IDs, driver’s licenses, National26 MERALCO POWERCLUB SEPTEMBER 2019
Some of
Robinsons Land's
shopping malls
now serve as P2P
bus terminals.
Bureau of Investigation clearances, land-
title registrations, and applications for
government loans.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINCENT COSCOLLUELA EXCEPT (MALL SHOPPERS) COURTESY OF ROBINSONS LAND CORP.
Go was inspired by his own experience
when he sought to renew his document at
a government office. The line of applicants
circled the building even at an early hour.
“I assumed the line began around dawn,”
he recalls, but was told, “the line started the
night before!”
RLC operates 37 Lingkod Pinoy centers.
Many are located in the provinces, says Mall-based solar panels form a key
Go, to help decongest major cities, bring part of Robinsons Land Corp.'s
development and jobs to other areas of renewable energy strategy
the country, and reduce the number of
applicants at government offices. All these,
as customers avoid the discomfort of traffic
and crowd congestion, and experience homes, too. of electricity. Going solar this way is like
the convenience of sourcing multiple Significantly, malls that tap into solar planting 224,260 trees, going by standards
government documents from a single power reduce the burden placed on the set by the United States Environmental
location. national grid, particularly during peak Protection Agency.
demand, and make more energy available The most notable example is Robinsons
GREEN ALTERNATIVES to its nearby communities. Starmills in Pampanga, with a 2.88-MW
With many people today being habitual In RLC’s case, 14 of its malls are solar power-generation capacity. Go is
retail-goods consumers, the shopping equipped with solar panels for a total proud that it continues to hold the Guinness
mall acquires some importance as a capacity of 16 megawatts (MW) at peak. world record for the largest own-use solar-
place to showcase green technologies That prevents about 13,563 tons of carbon panel system.
and implement earth-friendly practices. dioxide generated by traditional power Solar panels had been scheduled for
Exposure may persuade consumers to plants from polluting the atmosphere, installation at five other RLC malls by
look into hybrid energy sources for their just to produce the equivalent amount August. This shift to solar energy is madeSEPTEMBER 2019 MERALCO LUMINARIES 27
possible with the advice and assistance of
Spectrum, the renewable-energy subsidiary
of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).
Currently the country’s largest power
distributor, Meralco is also taking the lead
in promoting the use of renewable energy.
(Read more about Spectrum at
spectrum.net.ph.)
Under this setup, the Novaliches and
Palawan malls, two of 14 operational solar
sites of Robinsons, were also installed.
Working with Meralco, RLC found
other ways to reduce its carbon footprint. It
replaced chillers with more efficient systems;
installed variable-frequency drive systems
for pumps, air handling units and other
equipment; implemented water recycling
systems; and converted light fixtures to
LEDs from flourescent bulbs.
SMART SHIFTS
Meanwhile, Go guarantees that RLC
will stay attuned to its customers’ evolving
preferences to address the fallout due to
online shopping. Robinsons Land
“We’re reconfiguring our shopping firmly believes
malls,” he points out, “to reflect the fact that
customers go to malls to eat, more than to shopping malls
shop.” can do more than
The company developed a Robinsons
Mall App to help customers locate its provide retail
nearest mall, discover store promotions, therapy.
purchase movie tickets, and even find
parking spots. “This will make mall visits
more convenient and enjoyable,” Go just a few kilometers from the Robinsons the-meter engineering services subsidiary,
predicts. Equitable Tower. Go knows that problems RLC hasn’t even
By redefining the role of the shopping “It is located in the heart of the anticipated will be spotted and solved.
mall, RLC ensures that it nurtures its bright metropolis,” Go explains, “with malls, “We inform Meralco of our programs
growth prospects. In 2018, its year-on-year offices, residences, a hotel, a school, and ahead of time,” he states, “so they can
earnings rose 40 percent to P8.2 billion. a hospital. All are within walking distance properly prepare and plan for our power
This sets a new record on the back of strong from each other so residents need not requirements.”
residential sales and robust gains from the worry about a long daily commute.” As a result of this coordination, RLC
offices and shopping-mall divisions. Given its envisioned size, the RLC chief donated a plot of land to Meralco to build a
Go announces the launch this year of projects the power requirements of even substation, which will ensure a steady power
five residential projects, five hotels and half of the entire Bridgetowne development supply for the Bridgetowne enclave.
three office towers, along with a shopping to exceed “more than five Robinsons Keeping abreast of the changing habits of
mall in San Pedro and an expansion wing at Gallerias,” referring to the company’s large customers also means Robinsons Land can
Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City. shopping mall along continue to develop better properties that
Edsa, beside the Robinsons Equitable enhance not just lives, but the environment
READY FOR FUTURE LIVING Tower. as well.
Key learnings from environment- But thanks to RLC’s close partnership “A major part of my job is to make life
friendly initiatives and changes in customer with Meralco, Go is confident that easier for our customers, and the Filipino
preferences will be reflected in Bridgetowne, Bridgetowne will have the electricity it needs, people as a whole,” asserts Go. “We certainly
a 30-hectare master-planned community and on time. want to leave this place in better shape than
in Pasig and Quezon City. This project lies Working with MSERV, Meralco’s beyond- when we got here.”You can also read
