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Smart to power cell sites with green energy through fuel cell technology

Smart’s shift to green energy follows the announcement of the Department of Energy in Q4 of 2020 that the Filipino government will no longer accept proposals to build new coal power plants, from the new Energy Conservation and Efficiency Act signed into law in 2019. These significant policy shifts help boost the deployment of cleaner energy sources, to help ensure more sustainable growth for the country.

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Photo by Aaron Burden from Unsplash.com

In an effort to transition to more sustainable and environment-friendly solutions, while providing connectivity to more communities, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) will roll out fuel cell sites in challenged-grid areas nationwide starting Q2 2021 until the end of the year.

As the wireless arm of the Philippines’ largest integrated telecommunications company, PLDT Inc., Smart’s shift to green energy follows the announcement of the Department of Energy in Q4 of 2020 that the Filipino government will no longer accept proposals to build new coal power plants, from the new Energy Conservation and Efficiency Act signed into law in 2019. These significant policy shifts help boost the deployment of cleaner energy sources, to help ensure more sustainable growth for the country.

“PLDT and Smart are active advocates of sustainable development.  As we face daunting challenges on how to protect our environment and promote more equitable social development, Smart’s cutting-edge technologies can play a significant role in rallying the right socio-environmental mindset and driving a greater sense of responsibility to the planet,” said Smart Communications President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Alfredo S. Panlilio.

Smart’s 2021 foray to green technology will be made possible through a partnership with Denmark-based renewable energy company SerEnergy. A world-leading developer and supplier of methanol-based fuel cell solutions, the company will install over 90 green cell sites for Smart in off- and bad-/challenged grid urban and rural locations.

What is fuel cell technology?

In a fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen are combined to generate electricity, heat, and water to produce electricity through an electrochemical reaction, instead of combustion. The system is based on methanol-powered fuel, which can be combined with solar, wind and other renewable resources to present a sustainable, cost-effective eco-system. Stationary fuel cells provide virtually emission-free power and do not produce particulate pollutants or unburned hydrocarbons. They emit less carbon dioxide than other technologies, and when using fuel generated from renewable sources such as biomass, fuel cells are completely carbon neutral.

“Smart’s transition to green energy places the company upfront as one of the pioneers in its industry, setting an important agenda in securing the environment through sustainable solutions,” said PLDT and Smart SVP for Network Planning and Engineering Mario G. Tamayo.

With over 15 years of experience with cutting-edge fuel cell technology, with power and backup solutions for telecom as a prime segment, SerEnergy also provides utility and industrial sectors with methanol-based fuel cell systems. “We are excited that Smart has chosen our clean power technology that besides from delivering people-, nature- and environmentally friendly energy, makes no compromise on quality,” said SerEnergy Commercial Manager Morten Thomsen.

Aside from the environmental benefits of fuel cell -powered sites, the technology is said to be more cost-effective over the lifetime of the unit, compared to existing technologies. In cost-per-unit-of-energy terms, methanol compares favorably with both gasoline and diesel.

In many cases, fuel cells are also able to offer higher reliability, with no degradation of capacity over time and limited maintenance needed. These solutions also operate with low noise and vibration, meeting regulations for low environmental impact. In terms of safety, methanol is less prone to ignite than gasoline.

GSMA’s Race To Zero global movement

Smart’s partnership with SerEnergy follows its commitment to the Race to Zero campaign of the United Nations and GSM Association (GSMA), as a member of the trade alliance’s Climate Action Task Force.

The movement of the global industry organization of mobile network operators highlights broad-based commitment to zero emissions from all stakeholders, building back better from the COVID-19 context. Race to Zero is a global campaign that aims to mobilize leadership and support from business cities, regions, and investors for a net zero greenhouse gas emissions economy by 2050, preferably earlier.

“PLDT and Smart have been incorporating sustainable development into our strategies and have adopted relevant practices such as shifting to green technologies, progressively improving operational efficiencies, and pursuing the use of renewable energy in our facilities,” Panlilio said.

Live Smarter for a Better World

Smart’s venture into fuel cell technology for more environment-friendly cell sites is a key pillar of its “Live Smarter for a Better World” campaign. Under the movement, Smart intends to inspire people to commit to sustainable actions with lasting, positive impact to society.

“Being the country’s largest telecommunications company has put us in the best position to give back to society through initiatives that leverage on our integrated technology, digital innovations, and robust network – the fastest in the Philippines,” Panlilio said.

Smart aims to increase public awareness on green energy as it deploys fuel cell -powered sites until the end of 2021. “This initiative underscores what we have communicated in our Better World campaign: That we should strive to save what we can, while we can. Share more knowledge to build, and not to destroy. Show the ways to heal, and not to hurt. That we should strive to live smarter and make the world better, as we have the power to create a better world not just for our individual selves, but for the good of all,” Panlilio detailed.

Ethical Biz

Canon Marketing Philippines leads Brigada Eskwela to help prepare Lagro High School for new school year

Beyond the physical improvements, the initiative reflected the collaboration and community spirit that Brigada Eskwela represents each year.

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Canon Marketing Philippines recently led faculty, students, and employee volunteers at Lagro High School for this year’s Brigada Eskwela, helping prepare classrooms ahead of the opening of classes.

The activity brought together Canon employees and the school’s student council to repaint and refresh classrooms, creating a more welcoming environment for returning students. Beyond the physical improvements, the initiative reflected the collaboration and community spirit that Brigada Eskwela represents each year.

Volunteers worked side by side through a morning of paint-streaked shirts, teamwork, and meaningful conversations, all toward a common goal: classrooms where students feel motivated to learn and grow.

Canon Marketing Philippines also donated printers to support the school’s teaching and administrative needs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to empowering educators and students through technology.

“Our participation in Brigada Eskwela reflects Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good,” said Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO of Canon Marketing Philippines. “We believe education plays a vital role in shaping communities, and through simple but meaningful initiatives like this, we hope to help create better learning environments for students and teachers alike. Kyosei is most meaningful when experienced through collective action and genuine care for others.”

Through initiatives like Brigada Eskwela, Canon Marketing Philippines continues to strengthen its corporate social responsibility commitment by supporting communities and contributing to spaces where people can learn, connect, and thrive.

Canon is a multibillion-dollar company with one of the most extensive product lines of digital imaging devices. 2020 marks the company’s 35th consecutive year it has been ranked among the top five U.S. patent holders and the 16th consecutive year it has been ranked first among Japanese companies for the number of U.S. patents granted. It continues to enrich lives through technological innovation.   

Guided by its commitment to its Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon provides total imaging solutions to improve personal and professional lives. The brand ranks as one of the top 20 brands in the region according to a 2018 study conducted by Campaign Asia-Pacific and Nielsen thanks to its strong reputation on performance and good corporate citizenship.   

Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. has offices spread across the Philippine archipelago supported by its vast network of authorized service centers. Recognitions and awards received include the Corporate Award and Gold Bagwis Seal of Excellence for providing distinctive service to customers.    

Canon Marketing Philippines reaffirms its dedication to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across all its operations and product lifecycle, striving for a greener future for generations to come.    

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Ethical Biz

Climate change is reshaping how companies do business

Ccompanies exposed to higher climate change risks are deliberately reducing their reliance on a small number of major customers. Instead, they are spreading sales across a broader customer base as a way of managing risk.

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Climate change is not only disrupting supply chains and asset values, it is also quietly reshaping companies’ choice of business partners.

New research based on nearly two decades of data from thousands of US-listed firms shows that companies exposed to higher climate change risks are deliberately reducing their reliance on a small number of major customers. Instead, they are spreading sales across a broader customer base as a way of managing risk.

The study, published in Business Strategy and the Environment, finds clear evidence that climate risk is driving this strategic shift, rather than simply coinciding with it. Firms facing greater exposure to extreme weather, climate-related disruption, or regulatory transition risk are less likely to concentrate revenue among a handful of large buyers.

Amplifying shocks

Authors Dr Eric Boahen, Dr Cuong Nguyen and Thi Thuy Trang Nguyen found this behaviour is particularly pronounced among firms with strong corporate social responsibility performance, higher levels of innovation, and heavy investment in physical assets such as plants and infrastructure. These firms appear to recognise that customer concentration can amplify climate shocks.

“What this evidence shows is that climate risk is no longer abstract or future-facing. It is shaping everyday business decisions in the here and now,” said Dr Boahen, Cluster Lead for Accounting, Finance and Economics at the University of East London.

“Boards and executives are not just thinking about emissions or disclosure. They are quietly rethinking who they depend on for revenue. When climate shocks can hit firms and their biggest customers at the same time, relying too heavily on a small number of clients becomes a strategic vulnerability.”

The research draws on real-world behaviour observed across almost 4,800 firms over a 17-year period.

Why it matters

For investors and lenders, the study highlights customer concentration as a potential blind spot in climate risk assessment. Companies with diversified customer bases may be better insulated against earnings volatility, financing stress, and supply-chain disruption.

For boards and regulators, the findings point to customer structure as a governance issue. Persistently high customer concentration in climate-exposed regions may signal weaknesses in risk management.

“Climate resilience is not just about where assets are located or how much carbon a firm emits,” Dr Boahen said. “It is also about how exposed a company is through its commercial relationships. Customer concentration is now a climate issue, whether companies label it that way or not.”

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Ethical Biz

Maxim Cebu drivers extend help to communities affected by natural disaster

Driver-partners of Maxim Cebu extended humanitarian aid to communities affected by the recent natural disaster, delivering water and rice to the damaged area and donating blood at the local hospital.

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In the first days of October, driver-partners of Maxim Cebu extended humanitarian aid to communities affected by the recent natural disaster, delivering water and rice to the damaged area and donating blood at the local hospital.

The assistance reached about a hundred families in Bogo City, who had taken refuge in temporary shelters set up at Cebu Provincial Hospital Bogo City and Bogo Gymnasium. The supplies were transported in Maxim’s trucks, but since the road leading to the shelters had been destroyed, the task of delivering the goods was taken on by driver-partners using more mobile vehicles – motos.

A total of 62 Maxim driver-partners took part in distributing relief goods to those in need. Together, they delivered more than 500 kilograms of rice, 200 packs of biscuits, and around 100 bottles of water. The campaign was jointly sponsored by the company and its partners, who were eager to help the affected residents during this difficult time.

The following day, a group of driver-partners visited Vicente Sotto Hospital to donate blood. More than 60 victims of the earthquake had been admitted to the hospital, which, subsequently, left the medical facility with critically low blood supplies. Seventy-two driver-partners donated approximately 35 liters of blood, while their colleagues in Lapu-Lapu City followed with 30 more donors, contributing nearly 15 liters. All donations will be used to treat the patients injured by the earthquake.

To further support recovery efforts, Maxim Cebu also organized a street cleanup to help mitigate the disaster’s aftermath. From 5 to 8 a.m., the company’s team cleared debris and helped restore order in the affected zone. This initiative not only improved the local environment but also reinforced Maxim’s commitment to supporting local communities in times of crisis.

Building on these humanitarian efforts, Maxim–Angeles Pampanga will also hold a blood donation activity at the Mabalacat LGU this coming October 30, continuing the company’s advocacy of helping communities in need and promoting volunteerism among its driver-partners.

“This earthquake has become a grave challenge for our communities, and it is at a time like this when we must stand together,“ said Poliran Christopher Landong, Head of Maxim Cebu. “Maxim and our driver-partners are doing everything we can to support the people, be it street cleanups, blood donations, or whatever else that is needed. We are a team, and only by staying united can we overcome major difficulties.”

This effort is one of the many social initiatives launched by Maxim Rides & Food Delivery and its driver-partners. It marks another important step in community support, showing that Maxim’s partners are always ready to come together when lives are at stake.

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