Corporate concern and care for the planet


Angel thoughts

We feel really sorry for Tourism secretary Cristina Frasco for the mess the ad agency they contracted for a new advertising promotion did. I wrote last Sunday that I like the tagline they thought of, “Love the Philippines,” because, to me, that is the conclusion every local and foreign tourist comes to at the end of their visit to our beautiful isles.

Trouble is, the agency, DDB, used other Southeast Asian countries’ scenic videos! I wasn’t aware of this insanity, but now, that I am, gee whiz, dump the agency and start again, Madame
Secretary!

I still would go for “Love the Philippines.” Just ask former secretary Dr. Mina Gabor!

Why not just have a contest for original scenic video from tourists? Give cash prizes, yes, but it can’t be P240M as what the agency was charging the Department of Tourism. Shame on DDB!

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It’s a refreshing year for Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI), the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country. The company reported a steady growth, after it made P38.36 billion in revenues in 2022, which is 17 percent higher than the previous year and its highest revenue ever. 

During its recent annual stockholders’ meeting, PCPPI’s gross profits reached P6.53 billion. It also registered P2.89 billion in EBITDA amid economic and industry challenges. PCPPI President and CEO Frederick D. Ong said, “Our business gains are noteworthy, as they reflect the concerted efforts of the entire PCPPI team as we gain momentum towards our objectives. Our brands and remained strong as well, as we continue to expand our market share with reinforced distribution initiatives.”

Last year, PCPPI made significant investments to meet customer demand, specifically the opening of a new PET line in Cebu and the preform injection line in its Southern Tagalog Regional Operations (STRO). These help boost PCPPI’s capacity to reach more customers across the country.

Sting enjoyed its highest market share ever in 2022, while Mountain Dew was ranked number one in the flavored carbonated soft drink (FCSD) segment. Gatorade bounced back and registered double-digit growth, while Pepsi made significant headway in terms of brand preference over competition.

In 2022, the organization launched Gatorade No Sugar here in the country, responding to market demand for healthier beverage choices. Also this year, PCPPI announced the availability of South Korea’s leading soju brand, Chum Churum Soonhari, in all 7-11 nationwide.

PCPPI organization’s strategy include refocusing its portfolio, revamping its go-to-market strategy, and rolling out optimization programs that reduce expenses and boost company productivity.

True to its commitment to the planet, Ong shared that PCCPI has reduced the plastic resin in its packaging materials. They also decreased the volume of carton material used in its packaging by 99.1 metric tons. PCPPI’s waste recycling rates have improved at 90 percent, and around 800 seedlings have been donated by employees for various community projects.

PCPPI remains a valued partner of local governments and national agencies like the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) for clean-up drives and the Adopt-A-River program. In fact, in its home city of Muntinlupa, PCPPI is still a valued private sector representative at the Ecological Solid Waste Management Bureau.

Ong continued, “This 2023, our commitment to our mission, vision, and values is ever steadfast. We are confident that with the support and collaboration with our partners at PepsiCo and Lotte, PCPPI will achieve profitable growth as we leap forward towards becoming the country’s leading beverage company.” Cheers!

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Now, the Philippines Society of Nephrology (PSN) recently held its Family Day to, The society urges more Filipinos to take care of their kidneys as impaired kidney function remains as one of the highest causes of death and disability in the Philippines .. Yes, I agree! You see, I only have one kidney now.

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PSN held its 21st Family Day, titled "Bato'y Alagaan, Para Handa sa Kinabukasan" via the PSN Facebook page. (from l-r): Shown in the photo are Dr. Vimar Luz, Dr. Alsun Cabarles , Guest DJ Chloe, Dr. Gene Angcao, and Guest DJ Nick.

To mark the National Kidney month last June, PSN held its 21st Family Day, titled “Bato ay Alagaan, Para Handa sa Kinabukasan” via the PSN Facebook Page, as it aims to promote camaraderie among physicians, patients, and their caregiver.

According to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, one Filipino develops chronic kidney disease (CKD) every 40 minutes, and one Filipino CKD patient progresses to dialysis every hour.

“This is the reason we, at PSN, are proactive in spearheading campaigns to create further awareness on the alarming and growing number of patients with kidney disease in the country. Through this Family Day, we hoped to share with them not only our expertise but also, and more importantly, our concern and care for those suffering from the illness, as well their loved ones. We are here to help them get through this medical predicament,” said PSN President Dr. Gingerlita Samonte.

The PSN Family Day activities include Ulirang Kidney Warrior to award patients with inspiring stories that highlight their plight and how they emerged from his/her medical condition, Bukod Tanging Pagklinga Award to recognize top caregivers who provide holistic care and support for his/her CKD patient, Wish Ko Lang to grant a CKD patient’s wish as he/she battles this life-threatening disease, KTV Music Video Awards to showcase talented CKD patients, and Master Chef Renal Edition to display the culinary skills of CKD patients in preparing healthy meals.

Trivia: It was the late President Fidel Ramos who declared June a National Kidney Month. He lived with one kidney for several long decades.