CATARMAN, N. Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar First District Engineering Office(NSFDEO) conducted its Annual Planning for Fiscal Year 2025 on November 25, 2024, at the DPWH-NSFDEO Conference Room.

The activity involved presentations from representatives of various sections and units, outlining their goals, targets, available equipment, manpower resources, strengths, weaknesses, and strategies for improvement.

The event aims to refine operational reports, meet targets, and ensure the office operates efficiently in fulfilling the DPWH’s mandate.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio and Assistant District Engineer Vivian G. Biaco reviewed the presentations and provided insights/recommendations to improve performance and achieve stated objectives. Both leaders have commended the achievements of the sections and urged them to maintain their progress and pursue further improvements.

In his message, DE Ignacio highlighted the importance of teamwork and proactive engagement to overcome challenges and deliver results. He stated that the planning session fosters a culture of continuous improvement essential for the district’s development.

“Let us continue to work together, not only to meet but also to exceed our goals. By doing so, we encourage active participation and foster a culture of continuous improvement for the development of our district,” he said.

The activity is expected to guide the district in enhancing its operational efficiency and delivering quality infrastructure projects for the benefit of local communities it serves.(PR)

ORMOC CITY-Energy Development Corporation (EDC) has been named Green Company of the Year at the 2024 Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards in Bangkok, Thailand, recognizing its leadership in renewable energy and environmental conservation.

The award highlights EDC’s success in advancing clean energy, particularly through its flagship BINHI program, a national greening initiative launched in 2008.

BINHI has planted over 6.8 million trees, focusing on endangered native species, restoring forest lands, and preserving biodiversity. Partnerships with local farmers, the University of the Philippines, and international groups like Botanic Gardens Conservation International further strengthen its impact.

EDC’s 100% renewable energy portfolio includes geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar power, helping avoid nearly 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Integrated watershed management programs ensure forests around geothermal plants absorb more carbon than the company emits, reinforcing EDC’s mission to decarbonize the Philippines’ energy grid.

With nearly 1,500 MW of installed capacity, EDC provides 20% of the country’s renewable energy and 80% of its geothermal power, positioning the Philippines as the third-largest geothermal producer globally.

Erwin Magallanes, EDC Leyte’s corporate relations head, emphasized the company’s dedication to a regenerative future, stating, “Our profits can serve a good purpose, and our purpose can drive profitability while benefiting the planet.”

Dr. Shanggari Balakrishnan, president of ACES Awards, praised EDC’s commitment to sustainability, calling it “inspiring and necessary for a cleaner, greener world.”
The recognition cements EDC’s role as a leader in renewable energy and ecological restoration, setting a benchmark for sustainable business practices.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

Manila, Philippines – McDonald’s Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to improving public school classrooms across the country through its ReClassified initiative. The program repurposes decommissioned furniture from its renovated restaurants, to address the ongoing challenges faced by Filipino learners in their classrooms. By transforming materials from over 70 McDonald’s restaurant renovations each year—including still-usable chairs, tables, and steel—McDonald’s ReClassified provides durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing furniture to public schools in need.

Rather than letting these materials go to waste, McDonald’s reimagines and repurposes them into classroom furniture that meets the specific needs of public school students. To date, McDonald’s ReClassified has distributed over 500 chairs to public schools in Isabela, Marikina, Cebu, and Sta. Rosa, benefiting 1,500 students. The program will continue to expand with an additional 250 which will be delivered to schools in Zamboanga and Agusan del Sur by the end of the year.

In an exciting new collaboration, McDonald’s has partnered with the College of Saint Benilde’s Interior and Industrial Design programs. The partnership invited students to create innovative furniture designs to be used in public schools across the Philippines. This collaboration not only provided students with the opportunity to apply their skills to real-world projects but also allowed them to make a meaningful contribution to improving education in the country. The furniture designs were showcased at the Main Activity Center of Ayala Malls Manila Bay on November 25, 2024. Notable designs included a chair by Willie Garcia from Junknot, a design expert in transforming waste into functional furniture, as well as three finalists from the ReClassified Student Competition.

According to Adi Hernandez, AVP for Corporate Relations and Impact at McDonald’s Philippines, the company is excited about the potential impact of the new designs. “We are proud of the furniture created by these talented and passionate Industrial Design and Interior Design students from CSB. Their creativity and passion have resulted in pieces that we’re confident will help improve the learning environment of students in our public schools. We look forward to rolling out these designs across more schools in the country and will continue to work on making a positive difference in public education together with organizations that share our goals and commitment,” Hernandez shared.

McDonald’s ReClassified is a program with a clear mission: to enhance the learning experience for students in public schools by providing them with the furniture they need and creating better classroom environments. By repurposing decommissioned restaurant furniture and partnering with creative design professionals, McDonald’s is giving new life to old materials, turning them into valuable educational tools.

The company’s efforts are not only making a difference in the lives of students but are also encouraging other companies to adopt similar sustainable, community-driven initiatives. McDonald’s hopes that this innovative approach to furniture design and waste reduction will inspire other organizations to contribute to improving public education in the Philippines.
Through ReClassified, McDonald’s is proud to play a part in creating more inviting and functional classrooms for the country’s students, proving that even the smallest efforts can make a big impact in shaping a better future for the next generation.