As the world celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) joined the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) hosted the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium on May 29th at the MAAX Building in the Mall of Asia Complex.


Bannering the theme "Build Back Biodiversity: Wetland Centers and Nature-Based Architecture," the hybrid symposium featured presentations centered on fostering knowledge and awareness about wetland conservation and innovative design approaches. 


SCPW president Ar. Celestino Ulep opened the symposium by sharing his optimism on how collaboration and embracing nature-based architecture can pave the way towards creating a future where wetlands thrive and biodiversity flourishes.


Notable experts in the field also graced the event, sharing their insights and experiences including Chris Rostron, the global manager of Wetland Link International, and Alex Hughes of Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in London, UK. The guest speakers kicked off the discussion by sharing about the pivotal role of Wetland Centers as a tool for Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) in wetland conservation efforts.


Arch. Ulep, meanwhile, engaged the audience by introducing the concept of nature-based architecture, highlighting the importance of prioritizing sustainability and harmony in design by creating structures that seamlessly integrate with the natural environment.





Meanwhile, Arch. Aaron Lecciones, SCPW Special Projects Officer, made a detailed visual presentation on the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) Design Team's experience. He highlighted the challenges and triumphs of designing a wetland park, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring designers and architects.


Esteemed partners, including Ms. Rida Reyes Castillo of SM Prime, Dr. Arvin Diesmos of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Mr. Laudemir Salac of DENR-Region 3, and Arch. Gleo Raymundo of UAPSA graced the event to show their full support for this endeavor.





"It is an honor and privilege on the part of SM to partner with the SCPW and UAPSA in realizing its common goal of protecting ecosystems, particularly wetlands, by inspiring the youth to engage and take action on the socio-civic and economic issues in their communities by finding workable solutions towards building a sustainable future," SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo said.


Castillo further emphasized that environmental protection and nature conservation are integral pillars of SM Prime's sustainability campaign and that they believe in the power of cultivating the younger generation’s devotion to building a sustainable future.


The symposium concluded with a comprehensive discussion on the rules and guidelines of the design competition, followed by an open forum and exchange of ideas among participants.

The symposium also marked the beginning of the highly anticipated 4th SCPW Wetland Center Design Competition, which aims to create a platform for talented students in the field of construction and design to showcase their skills and ingenuity and encourages them to address environmental challenges through sustainable solutions.
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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading real estate developers in Southeast Asia, recently called on local public officials to avoid the extraction of groundwater and, instead, invest in rainwater collection for recycling and impoundment, as well as explore new technologies such as modular desalination and modular sewage treatment plants, to manage the effects of climate change on the country’s water resources.


At the multi-stakeholder forum, “Towards a Greener Footprint”, in Iloilo City recently, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga shared solutions-focused guidelines to help the local government reduce carbon footprint, with emphasis on water conservation to address the looming water crisis and increase access to safe water and sanitation. 


“We need to invest in the appropriate engineering and infrastructure to deliver water from the source,” Secretary Loyzaga said. “We must avoid, if not reduce drastically, the extraction of groundwater which in low-lying coastal areas causes subsidence and increases flooding.”


 “Rainwater catchments will not only provide additional supply for household use but will also help ensure the availability of surface water through the maintenance of watershed cover when impounded,” Secretary Loyzaga said.





Based on the latest report of the Philippine Statistics Authority, water abstracted for own use increased from 215.2 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2020 to 217.8 bcm in 2021 countrywide. From 2010 to 2021, the largest amount of self-abstracted water is for the power sector (58.7%). This was followed by agriculture (33.5%); mining and quarrying, manufacturing, and construction (5.3%); and services sector and households (2.6%). 


Earlier this month, the DENR said the country still has enough water supply, but proper management is needed to prevent a possible water crisis by the end of the year. 


The call was met with a resounding response from the private sector, particularly, SM Prime.  In the same forum, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Engr. Liza B. Silerio shared how  SM Prime has stepped up the sustainability programs that it has been doing since SM Supermalls started recycling water in the 1990s.


From rainwater catchment to help deter flooding in communities where its malls are located, SM Prime also pioneered the mall-based rainwater filtration system that converts the collected rainwater to be potable enough for washing, cleaning and even drinking. Launched at SM City Baguio, the facility will supply mall tenants with enough potable water to help reduce sourcing from the communities’ water table.


“As an integrated property developer, we have seen the first-hand effects of natural hazards that are caused by the change in weather patterns in the Philippines,” Engr. Silerio explained. “El Nino and La Nina are two phenomena resulting from climate change. Our country ranks number one in the World Risk Index 2022 report as the most vulnerable among 193 nations.”


Faced with this challenge, Engr. Silerio shared that SM Prime will continue to find innovative ways to address the climate challenges. “We continue to evolve and adapt technology to improve our resource consumption as part of our climate action,” she concluded.
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In line with the SM Green Movement, the SM group, through SM Foundation, recently established a rainwater harvesting system at the Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The initiative aims to strengthen their goal of preserving the environment and ensuring the health and wellness of future generations.

To enhance water conservation and management in the facility, the system collects rainwater from the roof and gutter, passing it through vinyl-coated mesh filters to help ensure water quality. With an 800-liter storage capacity, the harvested water serves the facility’s non-potable needs like watering plants, cleaning, and toilet flushing.

The rainwater harvesting facility also operates without electricity and features labeled faucets for intuitive recycled water use.

Midwife Narcisa Jagmis, who leads the said birthing facility, said that the facility will help them reduce their reliance on the city’s water supply systems.



“Mahalagang hindi kami nawawalan ng tubig sa center, lalo na po pag nagsimula kaming magoperate bilang birthing clinic. Ngunit minsan po, walang dumadaloy na tubig at wala kaming mapagkukunan,” Jagmis shared.  




“Kaya napaka laking tulog po ng natural na tubig mula sa rainwater catchment system na. Madali namin itong naaccess upang gamiting panglinis o pandilig dahil konektado ito sa mga gripo. Ang tubig naman mula sa main line ay maitatabi namin para sa aming sterile operations,” she said.
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For the skincare line under AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company, the team are proud with Graceful Skin Essentials. Carefully formulated for all skin types plus scented that you would love to apply it over and over again.

One ingredient that they are proud of is Alpha Arbutin. Extracted from plants such as bearberries, blueberries, and cranberries, alpha arbutin is a safe skin brightening ingredient which helps to fade scars and pigmentation left behind by breakouts and sun damage.
“We are very proud of the products and brands under AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company. The newest line to be launched is Graceful Skin Essentials with the objective to give a skincare for all skin types with carefully formulated products. We will launch our products to the market this February 10, 2021 in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig and the distributorship will be available this March. For the whole month of February, we would like you all to try the products. The Center of our business is FAMILY and we would like to give a livelihood program for everyone who needs it by helping and sharing this opportunity. We will teach all the strategies especially on how to reach their target clients online and offline. In unity, we can do more and in no time, everyone will be successful.”

-Grace Bondad Nicolas, Graceful Skin Essentials, Brand CEO


Your livelihood program will be different this time pushing to earn more for family love since it’s the center of the business- Family.




Contact them for more details and on how to secure your area as distributors or be one of the resellers as low as Php 2998. They are looking for Franchisees also.
For family, they will do more. For the livelihood of the Filipino people and for #Greater2021 For more information about the Graceful Skin Essentials, please contact:
09778978877 or 022193503 or you may email manila@aaacosmetics.asia or
europe@aaacosmetics.asia.
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A year ago we are shock to know about the new strain of virus that made people in all parts of the world go sick. Coronavirus has been with us for a year and yet there are things that we still not now about. With more than 81 million reported infections and 1.7 million deaths around the world.

The plethora of conspiracy theories are all over and there are a few things that most scientists agree on. However, Covid-19 is a coronavirus which type of virus that is responsible for everything from the common cold, to SARS. They say it was originally came from an animal and pointing it to bats as the likely vectors, which are known to carry coronaviruses. While some scientists still think the virus was transferred to humans in China where the first cases were identified.

Below are the common symptoms of Covid-19:

Common Covid-19 Symptoms


More and more pharma company has now finished on their last stage of testing for the vaccine. However, a new variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 was reported. These new variants raise questions like Is the coronavirus more contagious now? Will the vaccines still work? Are there new or different things you should do now to keep your family safe?

Variants of viruses occur when there is a change (mutation) to the virus’s genes.  

"It is the nature of RNA viruses such as the coronavirus to evolve and change gradually. Geographic separation tends to result in genetically distinct variants,”
- Stuart Ray, M.D., Vice Chair of Medicine for Data Integrity and Analytics

They said that there are 17 genetic changes with the B.1.1.7 variant from England and some preliminary evidence that it’s more contagious than the first one. The new version seem to affect the coronavirus's spike in protein which covers the outer coating of SARS-CoV-2 and give the virus its characteristic spiny appearance. These proteins help the virus attach to human cells in the nose, lungs and other areas of the body, causing COVID-19 illness.

In the Philippines, the DOH confirmed that there are also reported cases of new variant of the UK COVID-19 variant in the country from Quezon City, Laguna and Benguet after samples results yielded positive.
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Kojiesan has always been committed to making its products better than ever. After introducing the newest kojic acid skin lightening innovation called Zero Pigment Light, this brand is once again pushing itself further to Go Beyond Ordinary with its improved line of lotions.

Kojiesan Skin Lightening Body Lotion with HydroMoist and Kojiesan Skin Lightening Body Lotion SPF25 with HydroMoist are now infused with the Zero Pigment Light technology, its latest Kojic Acid skin lightening innovation that zeroes in on your dark spots, age spots, scars, melasma, and hyperpigmentation giving you a lighter even skin tone.

Moisturizing the skin is an important step in keeping it soft, radiant, and healthy-looking all day long. Both Kojiesan’s lotions contain HydroMoist, a new formulation that gives hydration to your skin while locking in the moisture. Kojiesan Skin Lightening Body Lotion with HydroMoist has a light, non-greasy formula that’s easily absorbed to help restore and strengthen your skin barrier and minimize the appearance of rough skin and stretch marks. 

What’s more, it delivers on a unique 72-hour moisture lock that keeps skin soft and smooth longer. Meanwhile, Kojiesan Skin Lightening Body Lotion SPF25 with HydroMoist also contains UVA/UVB Filters to protect your skin from harsh environmental factors that can lead to skin damage and hasten the onset of wrinkles and other signs of skin aging. Plus, both lotion variants are dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, and paraben-free.

To achieve the full benefits of Kojiesan’s carefully formulated products, it’s best to use either of these lotions with popular soap variants Kojiesan Skin Lightening Classic Soap and Kojiesan Skin Lightening HydroMoist Soap for a softer and more even-toned complexion.

Why settle for something less when you can Go Beyond Ordinary? With Kojiesan’s improved skin lightening body lotions, you can achieve a healthier glow while addressing your specific skin concerns.

Get exciting updates and information at @KojiesanPH on Facebook and Instagram at www.kojiesan.com. Kojiesan is available at all leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide, as well as Kojiesan’s official LazMall on Lazada and Beauty MNL.
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Amid a raging COVID-19 pandemic that has brought monumental challenges to the global healthcare industry, Taiwan Excellence, a national award in Taiwan with 28 years of history, initiated the Smart Medical Express.


The Smart Medical Express is composed of product launches that seek to enhance cooperation within the international community while highlighting digital healthcare and innovations from Taiwan.


The activities involved in Smart Medical Express included 5 online presentations that focused on technological advancements and innovations in surgical equipment, ophthalmology, assistive devices, dentistry, and innovative healthcare products, all aimed at capturing the attention of global healthcare practitioners.


Just recently, over 300 medical practitioners from various medical institutions, medical colleges, and healthcare industries in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, including the media from these countries, participated in the final event entitled “Taiwan - ASEAN Medical Device and Innovation Forum” to share Taiwan’s latest medical technologies.


With innovation as its theme, the forum invited Faspro Systems Co., Ltd., Taiwan Main Orthopaedic Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Crystalvue Medical Corp., Mediland Enterprise Corp., IEI Integration Corp., and other medical manufacturers to present their new products.


Furthermore, a leading digital healthcare enterprise in Taiwan, Quanta Computer Inc., gave the keynote speech and discussed Taiwan's digital healthcare transformation.


When facing a large-scale pandemic, healthcare is considered the sector that is most at danger and at risk being the first line of defense. Taiwan is using the advantages of its robust ICT industry to assist medical institutions with regard to planning and executing their digital transformations. By sharing experiences in software and hardware integration, Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementation, and establishment of cloud databases, Taiwan creates more opportunities for partnerships between medical institutions around the world.



The presentations during the event included innovations in medical materials and equipment. The Faspro Surgical Video Camera (Fasmedo FM-100) offers a solution for medical imaging and recording. Taiwan Main Orthopaedic Biotechnology Co., Ltd., meanwhile, developed the Foresee-X Smart Surgical Glasses Solution, the first device in the world to apply augmented reality technology to surgery. The Non-Mydriatic Auto Fundus Camera, on the other hand, developed by Crystalvue Medical Corp., uses automatic retina tracking to quickly diagnose the eyes of patients. Mediland Enterprise Corp.’s product, the Hyper Light Disinfection Robot, uses the Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) sterilization method to neutralize pathogens in hospitals and reduce contact infections between patients and medical personnel. Finally, the Body Temperature Monitoring Solution, developed by IEI Integration Corp., incorporates a facial recognition system to quickly detect the temperature of multiple persons via their foreheads.


Using advancements in technology, these companies were lauded for creating new applications for the medical field, thus providing better services to patients. 


Application of new technologies, such as AI, 3D printing, augmented reality (AR), and automatic detection in the healthcare sector have allowed for the creation of new and technologically advanced medical products. COVID-19 has made people realize the importance of transforming healthcare and as such, Taiwan Excellence will continue to introduce new healthcare innovations and share more healthcare products with global buyers.


For more information, visit the Taiwan Excellence digital healthcare pavilion at (www.taiwanexcellence.org/tw/digital_pavilion).
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