Commendable Philippine Companies: Aboitiz Power Corporation

Our electric bill proves how essential electricity is.  The total amount that appears in our monthly bill shows the relation of how much electricity we have used.  So, the higher the usage of electricity, the higher our total bill goes as well.  This is why we have to be aware that we need to save on our electricity consumption.

However, another factor that contributes to the usage of electricity is the source of energy where it comes from.  There are different ways to produce electricity but the most ideal way would be to get it from clean sources of energy.  For this post, I would like to introduce another Philippine company that helps in the sustainability of the environment by providing its clients electricity through renewable sources of energy.  This is none other than Aboitiz Power Corporation.

Aboitiz Power Corporation is one of the leading companies in the Philippine power industry.  They are involved in providing power generation and power distribution operations through hydroelectric, oil, coal, and geothermal power plants.  What makes them notable is that they encourage their clients to take on the option to go green when it comes to their power supply.

For clients to gain more knowledge about renewable sources of energy, Aboitiz Power Corporation has launched Cleanergy, the company’s brand name for their clean energy.   This focuses on the company’s hydroelectric and geothermal generation assets.  Those clients, who have closed the deal for getting Cleanergy as their source of energy, get a special recognition for choosing to be responsible in the sustainability of the environment.  Two of the Philippine companies that have been given this recognition are San Fernando Electric Light and Power Company (SFELAPCO) and SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation.

Aboitiz Power Corporation did not only become a key player in the field of the power industry in the Philippines.  This company is also able to make other companies see the potential of renewable sources of energy and how it could help in protecting our planet.

Commendable Philippine Companies: Smart Communications, Inc.

Can telecommunication companies work towards the sustainability of our environment?  Is it feasible to incorporate this mission in their business?  Is it really possible?  Smart Communications, Inc. answer is a YES!

Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), the leading wireless services provider in the Philippines, has been working on a program called “Alternative Power for Cell Sites”.  Because of this, the company received the first ever Green Mobile Award given by GSM Association in 2009.  Currently, SMART works on building new additional hybrid-powered cell sites that run on renewable sources of energy, particularly wind and solar energy.  According to a news published by The Philippine Star, the completion of this project aims to have 160 green cell sites nationwide.

This is how one of SMART’s hybrid-powered cell site looks like (photo courtesy of philstar.com).

True enough, this company has shown that they really have what it takes to be a leader in their field.  As stated in their website, Smart Communication Inc.’s mission is “To be the true measure and standard of leadership in everything we do”.  Not only does SMART focus on making their customers satisfied with their services but they also make sure that they could incorporate social responsibility in their business.  This is a good start knowing that an influential Filipino company could make that big step in taking care of our environment.  I could definitely say that they did a “Smart” move!

Commendable Philippine Companies: Gandang Kalikasan, Inc.

Another new segment that I will be featuring in my blog is about Philippine companies that work towards making sure that our society and our environment are among their top priorities.  One way of promoting this kind of advocacy is through social entrepreneurship.

Social entrepreneurship is a type of business that focuses more on giving answers to societal problems and environmental issues rather than on monetary gain.  It is all about putting together an enterprise that aims to make the world a better place to live in.  An example of this kind of company is none other than Gandang Kalikasan, Inc., the manufacturer of my favorite local organic beauty brand, Human Heart Nature.

Gandang Kalikasan, Inc. is brought together by Anna Meloto-Wilk, her husband Dylan Wilk and Anna’s sister Camille Meloto.  All three of them have been working as volunteers of Gawad Kalinga and they have already been exposed to people experiencing poverty in our country.  This is why they have come up with the idea to setup a business that would give work to these people and that would patronize Filipino products.  Also, they have taken into account that their business should be environment-friendly.

Anna Meloto-Wilk, President of Gandang Kalikasan, Inc. (photo courtesy of Philippine Online Chronicles)

Gandang Kalikasan, Inc. is, up to now, staying true to their core principles: PRO-PHILIPPINES, PRO-POOR, and PRO-ENVIRONMENT.

1. PRO-PHILIPPINES – All the ingredients used in the products of Human Heart Nature are being grown here in the Philippines.  Even the bottles and packaging that are being used for the distribution of the products are locally made.
2. PRO-POOR – Since the products are being made here in the Philippines, our local farmers, suppliers and cooperatives who are working for Gandang Kalikasan Inc. already have a steady supply of income.  The company depends on the raw materials of these people so as to deliver a good set of products to the consumers.
3. PRO ENVIRONMENT – Not only does Gandang Kalikasan, Inc. provide income for the poor but it also gives the best products at a low and competitive price compared to commercialized chemical products.  No harmful chemicals are used so the consumers are sure that they only use what is natural and what is safe for them.

To know more about Gandang Kalikasan, Inc., visit their website www.humanheartnature.com.