To mark this year’s National Zero Waste Month celebration, Nestle Philippines and GMA Network are launching an online video series aimed to raise awareness about the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. This is part of the Kapuso at Kasambuhay ng Kalikasan partnership that aims to educate the public about our individual responsibility to the planet and engage them to be more actively involved in the advocacy for the environment.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Your Way to a Zero Waste Life

Carbon Insetting: Capturing and Storing GHG Emissions to Mitigate Climate Change

A new report by the UN Environment Program (UNEP) emphasized the need for the world to reduce 45% of emissions within the next eight years in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030. Transformational change across industries, governments, and society as a whole is key to making this a reality.

Innovators for the Planet: UPLB and Nestlé PH Name First Set of IdeaNation Champions

 

The University of the Philippines Los Baños, together with Nestlé Philippines, celebrates youth innovation with its Net Zero IdeaNation competition.

Innovators for the Planet: UPLB and Nestlé PH Name First Set of IdeaNation Champions

Nestlé Philippines in partnership with the Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) has launched the Net Zero IdeaNation, a program where ABME10 (Foundations of Entrepreneurship) students were challenged to ideate innovative business concepts and solutions centered on Nestlé Philippines’ three net zero focus areas. 

From 90 teams, 18 were selected to advance to the Net Zero IdeaNation Grand Finals that was held virtually on July 15, 2022. Before this, the finalists first underwent a mentoring session led by experts from Nestlé Philippines to help them further develop and polish their ideas for the pitching competition that took place from July 13 to 14.

In the end, three teams were named as the first set of IdeaNation Champions.

The Coffee Cubes concept of Team Cris’ Angels, composed of Aneka Abarrientos, Mahonri Alquisalas, Justine Faith Deverla, Angel Vi Manong, Ma. Jhoanna Zapico, clinched the 2nd runner-up award.  Their product offers the beloved Filipino commodity, coffee, in a compact, travel-friendly form, which comes in 100% plastic-free packaging. This aims to uphold sustainable material packaging and reinforce coffee plantations in the Philippines.

BayanBiogas, a community-based generation of sustainable and alternative LPG from manure and food waste, bagged the 1st runner-up award. This concept by Crizza Rodolfo, John Jayme, Justine Zamora, Ashley Anyayahan, and Roque Banzon aims to fuel the community through more affordable and eco-friendly resources while promoting solid waste management.

Arianne De Goma, Neel Farson Angeles, Carmila Villaseran, Eljon Geroleo, Veronica Parreño, whose initials form their team name ACENV, emerged as the very first IdeaNation Champion. From the crisis of increasing gas prices experienced by the nation these days, their concept takes off by combining solar power and electric vehicles that delivery riders can utilize as a more sustainable and economical alternative to motors.

Aside from the champions, Nestlé Philippines has selected Hijo Hija Enerhiya! as the team with special citation for their concept about innovative playgrounds and parks that can generate electricity through tiles and equipment with built-in Piezoelectric Transducers. The innovation is conceptualized by Abbey Jimenez, Mariellen Silab, and  Leara Varquez.

“This partnership with UPLB was an avenue to help mold future entrepreneurs who prioritize social responsibility, critical thinking, and innovation by providing them a platform to come up with solutions that help address climate change and first-hand industry knowledge through the mentoring sessions,” said Jose “Joey” Uy III, SVP and Head of Corporate Affairs of Nestlé Philippines. “When it comes to mitigating our environmental challenges, innovation is really important. We, as organizations and as individuals, must explore new ways to become more sustainable for the sake of our planet and the future generations.”

“It is fulfilling to witness our students get involved in our shared journey towards Net Zero through innovations that will be beneficial to the world. We are grateful that this partnership with Nestlé Philippines has brought them beyond the four walls of our classroom and beyond the screens of their devices,” said Prof. Chip de Guzman, from the UPLB DAME-College of Economics and Management.

Through initiatives like the Net Zero IdeaNation and Klimathon: Our Race Towards a Net Zero Reality, Nestlé Philippines continues to empower the youth in embracing their crucial role in ensuring a greener, more livable future in the planet they will inherit.

Ribbon cutting and turnover of Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Brgy. Bagong Pook from Nestlé Philippines led by Lipa Batangas City Mayor, Mayor Eric B. Africa, Nestlé Lipa factory Manager, Eric Angulo,  Nestlé Sustainability Lead, Christine Ponce-Garcia, Nestlé Public Affairs Executive Atty. Degee Anastacio, City Environmental and Natural Resources Office, Kap. Lope Lina with the local barangay functionaries and barangay officials of Brgy. Bagong Pook

 Tackling solid waste: Nestlé PH turns over materials recovery facility in Lipa City

 

The growing solid waste management (SWM) problem in the Philippines can be attributed to factors such as improper waste disposal, inefficient waste collection, and the lack of disposal and recycling facilities in many cities and municipalities. While the solid waste collection rate varies across the country—ranging from 40 percent to 85 percent, it’s still evident how a sizeable portion of uncollected trash end up in the environment. In fact, out of the 2.7 million tons of plastic waste that the Philippines generates annually, an estimated 20 percent of these seep into the ocean.

 

Helping to shape a waste-free future as a top priority, Nestlé Philippines, one of the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, is tackling solid waste, especially plastics, with a holistic approach. The company is developing the packaging for the future, increasing collection and recycling efforts, and driving new behaviors and understanding through solid waste management (SWM) education.

 

In its latest initiative, Nestlé PH turned over a new materials recovery facility (MRF) in Barangay Bagong Pook in Lipa City, as part of its program to support the construction of MRFs in barangays. The turnover was attended by Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa, barangay officials and residents, officers from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and company representatives.

 

MRFs are essential for more efficient collection, segregation and recycling of wastes. As mandated by R.A. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, each barangay or cluster of barangays in the country is required to establish an MRF.

 

According to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DENR), and the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), only 35 percent of barangays nationwide have MRFs. The lack of an MRF is one of the challenges that barangays face in implementing their SWM programs.

 

Mayor Africa congratulated Barangay Bagong Pook officials and residents during the turnover. “My wish is for everyone to work together to maintain this structure so you can maximize its purpose for your barangay. Not only will this help the environment, it’s also a way to encourage discipline among residents and to learn more about the importance of proper waste segregation and recycling,” he said.

 

“Our old MRF was already too small to accommodate all the recyclable materials from our barangay. This new MRF is a great help because it can lessen the volume of waste we currently deliver to the city,” said Lope Lina, barangay chairman of Bagong Pook. “Our aim is that alongside our existing collection and recycling programs, this MRF will enable us to become a model barangay for solid waste management.”

 

“At Nestlé PH, it is important that we partner with local government units or LGUs in addressing solid waste management problems. We explore different opportunities for plastics to be recyclable in the country.  Through the construction of this MRF, the community will be able to generate value through recycling and reduce the volume of plastic waste that goes to the landfill and oceans,” said Christine Ponce-Garcia, Sustainability Lead of Nestlé PH.

 

Nestlé Lipa Factory Manager Eric Angulo underscored the long-term partnership between the company and the barangay: “During our presence of 30 years in this community, we have formed a strong bond with its residents. We have been there for each other through thick and thin, especially in times of calamities and crises. Today, we sincerely hope that this MRF will help Barangay Bagong Pook to better manage their solid waste.”

 

Among its SWM milestones, Nestlé PH is the first multinational fast moving consumer goods company in the country to achieve plastic neutrality, recovering the equivalent amount of plastic it puts out in the market. From August 2020 to May 2022, it collected 48 million kilos of plastic waste. Another of its initiatives is the development and rollout of SWM education modules that reaches grades 1-10 students in 20,000 public schools nationwide under the Nestlé Wellness Campus program. Recently, DENR, NSWMC, and Nestlé PH also launched the No Time To Waste: Climate Change and SWM Talks for officials of LGUs and government agencies, and community leaders.

Climate Change Commission and Nestlé PH announce Klimathon Champions

 

Three teams emerged as winners in the recently concluded “Klimathon: Our Race Towards A Net Zero Reality,” a joint initiative of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and Nestlé Philippines that provided a platform for the youth to develop innovative and sustainability-based solutions addressing the impacts of climate change.

Climate Change Commission and Nestlé PH announce Klimathon Champions

The Klimathon grand finals ceremony was held virtually on April 22, 2022 with the top ten finalists presenting their project concepts to the judges chaired by Dr. Maria Angela Zafra of the National Panel of Technical Experts of CCC, with members Ms. Adona Princesa San Diego of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Ms. Laarni Piloton of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Ms. Antoinette Taus, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador and founder of CORA Philippines; and Ms. Jasmine Estacio, Innovation Portfolio Management Head of Nestlé Philippines.

The proposals were judged based on their relevance to climate action, innovativeness, community impact, and sustainability.

Klimathon Champions

Team Econique from the Ateneo De Naga University bagged the third place for their entry, “PH Green Energy Harvesting Using Modified Triboelectric Nanogenerator (M-TENG),” while Team Genoplas from The Mabini Academy placed second for their proposal, “GENOPLAS: A Revolutionary Sustainable Multifunctional Bioplastics from Upcycled Fish Waste Components.”

  

Team Neutralizer from the University of Mindanao emerged as the first-ever Klimathon Champions with their project concept, “Synthesis of Engineered Bamboo Nanocomposite Through Sol-Gel Technique: A Breakthrough in Automated Vertical Farming using Hydroponics in the Philippines.

 

“We are really honored to become the first-ever Klimathon Champions. All our hard work over the past six months to hone and improve our proposal has been worth it. We would like to thank CCC and Nestlé Philippines for believing in what the youth can do for the environment; for giving us the opportunity to showcase our ideas and learn first-hand from industry experts through the mentorship program,” said Jeremiah Malalis and Larry Competente from Team Neutralizer

 

The top three winning teams received cash prizes that they can use as seed money to further develop and/or implement their project concepts. Special awards were also given to teams that developed embodying and promoting gender empowerment, originality, and community participation:

• Team Genoplas - Gender Empowerment
• Team Econique - Originality
• Team Tagubtub - Community Participation

 

“As we commemorate Earth Day, let us continue to invest more in our youth, in our communities, and in our creativity and intellect as a nation towards sustainability and resiliency. This is the only way to go in order for us to secure a better future for our nation,” said Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director of CCC.

 

Youth as inheritors of the planet

During the program, House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda expressed her support for the Filipino youth and what they are doing for the environment through a special message.

 

“It is encouraging to see young people already very heavily involved in climate action, all the more because you are doing this in the face of immense challenges and uncertainties because of the pandemic. You are an inspiration to us all,” Deputy Speaker Legarda said. “The next few years ahead will be critical in securing a livable future for humanity. To do so, we will need to stimulate and scale up innovation. The youth of the world are going to be key partners in this endeavor.”

 

 

The youth participants committed to use their capabilities toward net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the Klimathon Pledge led by Ms. Antoinette Taus.

In his closing remarks, Nestlé Philippines Chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki emphasized the importance of initiatives like the Klimathon in keeping with the inclusive approach of empowering the youth and consumers to take action. 

 

“Through Klimathon, we are privileged to be able to work with the youth in particular, providing a platform for developing science-based solutions to climate change,” he said. “To our youth participants, you are among the most passionate and creative members of society, and you can make a difference. It is for you to apply the knowledge and insights that you have gained, to be the changemakers that the world needs today.”

 

In order to achieve its goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, Nestlé Philippines continues to engage in partnerships with like-minded stakeholders and work with different sectors in the country. 

 

Net Zero IdeaNation MOA Signing held recently with UPLB Officials, Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Associate Dean of College of Economics and Management Arlene Gutierrez, and Department Chair of Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship Mar Cruz, together with Nestlé Philippines Senior Vice President and Head of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Arlene Tan-Bantoto, and Assistant Vice President for Sustainability and Public Affairs Christine Garcia

A Net Zero IdeaNation: UPLB and Nestlé PH partner to generate sustainable solutions from the youth

 

Stronger typhoons and rising threats to biodiversity and food security are just some of the impacts of climate change that have become more evident in the Philippines over the years. Therefore, tackling climate change cannot wait and urgent action is needed across all sectors of society.

 

As a Kasambuhay ng Kalikasan, Nestlé Philippines is taking a leading role in tackling climate change in the country. Guided by Nestlé’s global ambition and roadmap of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, it is committed to source responsibly, transform its operations, and help shape a waste-future.

 

These three Net Zero focus areas are the central theme for Net Zero IdeaNation, a program launched by the University of the Philippines - Los Baños (UPLB) through the Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship (DAME), and Nestlé Philippines to harness the potential of the youth towards climate action. The partnership was made official with a recently signed agreement between the two parties.

What is Net Zero IdeaNation?

Net Zero IdeaNation consists of two phases. The first phase will run throughout the second semester of Academic Year 2021-2022 during which students of the ABME 10 (Foundations of Entrepreneurship) course will be asked to generate innovative and sustainable solutions geared towards achieving net zero emissions. By the end of the course, the teams with the best concepts will be selected to proceed to the second phase of the competition in July 2022.

 

During the second phase, the winning teams will receive mentorship from industry experts to further develop their ideas. All will culminate through a pitching competition in which one team will be named the Nestlé Net Zero IdeaNation Winner.

 

“This undertaking will be an excellent mentoring opportunity for our students, that will further inspire them to become innovative and creative in helping find solutions and avenues for sustainable business,” said UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., “Our vision is a future-proof UPLB in society with its stakeholders and communities. We hope to engage actively with industry, and this new form of partnership with Nestlé Philippines will significantly contribute to enhancing the quality of education in the university amidst the pandemic.”

 

Nestlé Philippines Senior Vice President for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Arlene Tan-Bantoto recognized the capability of the youth in being agents of change in society and creating a lasting positive impact on the environment.

 

“Engaging the youth in climate action is important because of their crucial role in ensuring a livable future on the planet they will inherit. Through initiatives like this, Nestlé Philippines aims to empower the youth and provide them platforms that they can use to help address environmental problems that affect not just our country but the rest of the world,” she said.

 

Nestlé Philippines also offers a post-graduate sustainability scholarship in partnership with the UPLB Graduate School. 

(Right) Rene Acosta, Clean Cities, Blue Ocean Program Asia Regional Director, and Arlene Bantoto, Nestlé Philippines Senior Vice President and Head of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, sign the memorandum of understanding to help improve local solid waste management in the country. 

 

USAID, Nestlé Philippines Partner to Support LGUs in Solid Waste Management and Climate Impact Reduction

 

Manila—To mark the Philippines’ Zero Waste Month in January, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—through its Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program—and Nestlé Philippines, Inc. partnered to help local government units (LGUs) and community leaders better understand the link between climate change and solid waste management.

 

Tetra Tech’s Rene Acosta, CCBO Asia Regional Director, and Nestlé Philippines Senior Vice President Arlene Bantoto signed the memorandum of understanding on January 31. 

 

Together, USAID and Nestlé Philippines committed to share practical tips about improving local solid waste management, increase communities’ access to solid waste management education, and implement Nestlé Philippines’ Climate Change and Solid Waste Management Education Program.

 

“Combatting ocean plastics pollution is a challenge that requires strong partnerships,” said USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn.  “USAID is pleased to partner with Nestlé Philippines in supporting local governments to reduce waste-linked contributions to ocean plastics and the climate crisis.”

 

The Philippines generates an estimated 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, of which 20 percent is estimated to end up in the ocean.  While the country has legislation on solid waste management, LGUs sometimes struggle to implement and enforce regulations.

 

By extending Nestlé Philippines’ Climate Change and Solid Waste Management Education Program to USAID CCBO engagement sites in Metro Manila and Iloilo, USAID and Nestlé Philippines will support local government efforts to enhance their solid waste management systems and develop resilience to climate change.

 

“As a food and beverage manufacturer with a major presence in the country, we are called upon to be at the forefront in helping tackle the urgent issues of climate change and plastic waste.  As Nestlé Philippines sustains plastic neutrality, and other pioneering initiatives for the environment, it is important for us to help capacitate people at the grassroots level,” said Nestlé Philippines Chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki.  “We welcome this partnership with USAID Philippines and look forward to working with other partners as we accelerate our journey toward a waste-free future.”

 

USAID launched CCBO in August 2019 as its flagship program to respond to the ocean plastics pollution crisis.  The five-year (2019-2024), $48-million (Php2.5-billion) program works at the global level and in specific countries like the Philippines to address ocean plastics directly at their source.

 

By strengthening waste management systems and building circular economies city by city, the program builds sustainable solutions that reduce ocean plastics while empowering vulnerable populations and mitigating pollution that affects human health and the climate.

 

For more information, please visit www.urban-links.org/ccbo.

KLIMATHON: Our race towards a Net Zero Reality Finalist showcase was held last January 25, 2022
#ClimateActionPH #SustainablePH #KasambuhayNgKalikasan

 Youth for the environment: Climate Change Commission and Nestlé PH gather the brightest ideas for climate action at the Klimathon Finalist Showcase

10 teams selected to advance to the final round and undergo mentorship sessions from industry experts.

The impacts of climate change have gradually intensified around the world with countries experiencing more severe weather conditions, and sea levels rising at an increasing rate. Without urgent action, these are only foreseen to worsen and among those who will bear the most burden is the next generation.

Recognizing this, the youth is taking a stand towards mitigating climate change in various ways such as supporting environmental causes, reducing their carbon footprint, and using their voices in raising awareness on the current climate situation. The United Nations even described them as “agents of change, entrepreneurs and innovators” when it comes to climate action.

As a way to provide the Filipino youth a platform to develop new and workable solutions that can help address pressing climate concerns, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and Nestlé Philippines launched “Klimathon: Our Race Towards a Net-Zero Reality” last October 2021. Students and young innovators were asked to send in their project concepts focusing on any of these three pillars: plastic waste management, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and food security. 

After receiving entries from participants nationwide, CCC and Nestlé have selected 10 teams that will advance to the final stage of the Klimathon and undergo a mentoring program led by experts in the fields of sustainability, agriculture, energy and technology. The finalists presented their project concepts during the virtual Klimathon Finalist Showcase.

Engr. Angelica Anne Munar, winner of the International Eco-Concrete Competition in 2019 and youth innovator, gave her words of wisdom and advice to the finalists

Each of the top 10 entries exemplified the youth’s innovative thinking and out of the box approach in helping addressing environmental concerns in the country. From upcycling fish food waste into bioplastic to solar-powered temperature and humidity-controlled food storage boxes.

During the event, the members of the mentoring pool were also introduced to help participants refine their proposed solutions and support them the as they become more involved in climate action moving forward.

After the mentoring sessions, the three winning teams will be named at the Klimathon Finals happening in April 2022. Special citation awards will be given to entries that embody and promote gender empowerment, originality and community participation.

The top 10 finalists and mentors gathered during the showcase together with Nestlé Philippines and the Climate Change Commission during the virtual showcase. Also present was Department of Finance Assistant Secretary Paola Alvarez who talked about the role of the youth in mitigating climate change 

“When the CCC and Nestlé Philippines launched this competition last year, we aimed to showcase what the Filipino youth can offer when it comes to climate action. We want to provide an avenue where they can freely create and develop sustainability-focused ideas for the environment. Knowing more about their innovative and refreshing project concepts today, I do believe we have achieved this goal,” said Mr.  Ludwig O. Federigan, Chief of Information and Knowledge Management Division from the Climate Change Commission.

Nestle Philippines AVP for Sustainability and Public Affairs, Ms. Christine Ponce-Garcia, also commended the young finalists: “Seeing these bright minds come together shows us that the future is indeed bright as we journey towards a net-zero reality. At Nestlé PH, we celebrate the youth engaged in climate action with their vision and passion. They will be the leaders in ensuring a healthier, more livable planet that they will inherit.”

 Nestlé Philippines Named Among Top Workplaces in Asia at the ACES Awards 2021

 

In time for the celebration of its 110th year presence in the country, Nestlé Philippines was recently named as one of the top workplaces in Asia by the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards. This distinction is given to companies that “take on a people centric approach and demonstrate strong commitment towards employee empowerment and enrichment.”

Today, Nestlé prides itself with a highly engaged and diverse team of 5,000 individuals, unified by its shared purpose of delivering Good food, Good life all over the country. Its brands are some of the country’s leading and most trusted today, and have become staples in every Filipino household. 

As a community that comes together with a shared purpose, its people drive the strength of its brand, the quality of products, and the impact of its work. Nestlé cultivates an inclusive and collaborative environment that empowers people and teams to shape a happier, healthier future for individuals and families, for communities and for the planet. 

A force for Good in Diversity 

In its drive for diversity and inclusion, Nestlé has actively created programs that foster a workplace culture that generates equal opportunities for everyone, where people are treated with dignity and respect. Through its evolving workplace policies, Nestlé employees enjoy flexible work arrangement options and maternity protection for women as well as expanded benefits eligibility for employees in same gender and common law partnerships.

 

Its deliberate actions and strategic approach towards gender balance acceleration the past years have resulted in increased representation of women in management positions and key business critical positions. Nestlé’s global monitoring also affirms no significant pay gap exists between men and women at Nestlé.  

As a people-inspired company, respect and trust are the greatest strengths of Nestlé. The organization places high value on the unique perspectives that people bring to the team, which sharpen performance and drive the business. 

 

A force for Good in Well-being 

As an organization committed to offering good nutrition, Nestlé applies the same duty of care for the health and overall well-being of the people behind its products to nurture the best ambassadors for Good food, Good life. Through its advanced health and wellness programs, employees are supported across life stages with above-industry standard medical coverage and interventions focused on holistic health.  

Nestlé Philippines’ response to the pandemic for its employees has been remarkable. Beyond flexible work arrangements and workplace safety protocols, it increased focus on mental health and equipped people managers on mental first aid as the first line of support for employees. The company continues to encourage employees to seek mental health assistance through the Employee Assistance Program hotline.  

 

A force for Good in Talent Development 

Nestlé prides itself in attracting, retaining and developing talented people driven to be a force for Good. Through the years, the company has consistently demonstrated high employee engagement and kept attrition rates at remarkably low rates versus the industry standard.  

Through Nestlé’s presence in almost every country in the world, Nestlé Philippines continues to bring local talent to the global stage with over 37 Filipino expats leading teams in different markets across the globe. 

Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards (ACES) recognizes Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI) as the Top Workplace in Asia. In the photo, NPI SVP and Head of HR Mitzie Antonio, and NPI Chairman and CEO, Kais Marzouki.

As one of Nestlé’s key markets, Nestlé Philippines is an excellent training ground that provides holistic development opportunities for individuals across all career stages. It also takes pride in being local-led, with over half of its current executive committee composed of Filipinos and mostly home-grown talent from the company’s Management Trainee Program.   

 

With a proud heritage built over 110 years for the Filipino families, Nestlé celebrates the people behind its iconic brands and products and commits to nurture a culture of Good to keep its employees inspired and engaged to fulfill their purpose and help others fulfill theirs. 

Being a Kasambuhay for the Environment
#DoMoretogether #KasambuhayForTheEncironment

 

 Nestlé Sustainable Lifestyle Webinar Series: Learning and Doing More Together for the Planet

Environmental awareness is the first step towards living sustainably. For us to make effective lifestyle changes and better choices for the planet, we must know more about the problem and understand what steps we can take as individuals and a nation to be part of the solution.

 

So, how do we do this? We can begin by doing our own research. The internet has enough resources to walk us through the current climate situation and how we can lessen our impact to the environment. We can also learn more about sustainable organizations and companies to support and how we can be part of their cause.

 

Nestlé Philippines, as a Kasambuhay for the Environment, places great importance on solid waste management education. Throughout the month of September, it held a series of webinars that discussed how consumers can practice a more sustainable lifestyle and become environmental Kasambuhays themselves.

 

“We believe in the power of education to inspire and encourage people to take the necessary steps to live more sustainably. Knowing how leads us to take action,” said of Nestlé Philippines Chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki.

Facilitated by Ms. Anna Oposa, Executive Director and Chief Mermaid of Save Philippine Seas SPS), the webinars featured simple and easy ways for parents, young professionals, and students to practice low waste living and responsible solid waste management in their homes and communities.

Attendees learned 3 ways different ways to do more together from home: low-waste ways to cut down on consumption, proper waste segregation and composting!

Here are just some of the topics that were covered:

 

Be a waste watcher

Before we’re able to reduce the waste that we consume (plastics, especially), we must first assess the amount of waste we produce and what mostly make up the contents of our trashcans. Ms. Oposa recommended using templates such as SPS’ Waste Watch Report Card to keep track of what products and items we usually use and dispose and assess what we can lessen or replace moving forward. You can download a copy of this on Nestlé’s website.

 

Practice low-waste habits

Throughout the sessions, the attendees were able to learn tips and tricks to reduce their plastic waste consumption. These are as simple as buying in bulk when doing the groceries to cut the amount of plastic packaging, opting to purchase products that are more sustainable and eco-friendly, and using reusable alternatives to plastics, among others.

 

Segregate your waste

Segregation plays a big part in diverting plastic waste away from the environment because this creates higher value for plastics and gives them a higher chance for recovery and recycling. There are three main categories of waste: recyclables, biodegradable, and residuals. For recyclables and residuals with potential for recycling, it’s important to make sure that the items are clean and dry before dropping off to collection points to make the recycling process much easier.

 

When it comes to their journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle, Ms. Oposa advised the attendees to aim for progress, not perfection. “When we aim for perfection, there’s a tendency for us to get overwhelmed and when we get overwhelmed, parang nagkaka-analysis paralysis tayo and we don’t know how to act from there. But if we aim for progress, we can focus on one or two things first, do it well and consistently, and before you know it, it’s part of your lifestyle already. You just keep doing it and then you'll see other people doing it as well. We are all multiplying our environmental practices,” she said.

Different groups from parents, professionals and the youth attended the webinars to learn more about how we can do more together for the planet.

As the largest food and beverage company in the country, Nestlé Philippines recognizes its responsibility to take a leading role in tackling the plastic waste crisis. The company’s ambition is for all Nestlé packaging to be 100% recyclable by 2025 and to reduce its virgin plastic use by 1/3 by 2025. It is also committed to collect and process the equivalent amounts of plastics used in its packaging so that these do not end up in the environment. This year, Nestlé Philippines is celebrating its first full year of plastic neutrality, having collected and diverted from oceans and landfills over 27,000,000 kilos of plastic from August 2020 to July 2021 which is equivalent to the amount of plastics it put out into the market.

 

There is much more to be done to protect the planet from waste, especially plastic waste. Just like Nestlé Philippines, consumers can also be plastic neutral in their own ways. Nestlé has provided education resources as well as information on collection points. To download solid waste management modules, you can visit Nestle’s website. After segregating your waste at home, collect and drop off your plastics at any of these plastic collection points across the country to have them processed or recycled. You can also help in building Nestlé’s list of these collection points by visiting rplr.co/PlasticDropPH. We can #DoMoreTogether and be a #KasambuhayForTheEnvironment.

Together with TESDA, Nestlé remains steadfast to its commitment in nurturing the next generation of coffee farmers and uplifting their livelihood.

Nestlé local coffee buying up 39%, joins TESDA to train coffee scholars

When you start your mornings drinking coffee that is locally manufactured with beans grown in the country, you are directly contributing to the livelihood of the hardworking Magkakapeng Pillipino.

As the country’s only large coffee manufacturer and the leading buyer of domestically grown Robusta beans, Nestlé Philippines is deeply committed to help grow the local coffee industry through the NESCAFÉ Plan, a long-term program that seeks to boost the supply of local Robusta coffee while helping farmers increase their yields and incomes from coffee farming, in the process uplifting their quality of life. The company's strategy is to favor and push for the local sourcing of raw and packaging materials in its manufacturing. 

Significant increase in local coffee buying 

Today, Nestlé Philippines announced that in crop year 2020-2021, its local coffee buying had increased by 39 percent, following an increase of 27 percent in 2019-2020. These increases are attributed to higher yields because of intensified classroom and hands-on training for Robusta coffee farmers, and greater availability of credit for farming, aspects of coffee production in which the NESCAFÉ Plan is actively involved. Nestlé Philippines aims to continue increasing direct buying from individual farmers and farmer groups as a component of the NESCAFÉ Plan.

Nestle continues to support our local coffee farmers by buying 39% more Robusta coffee beans in 2020

At present, coffee consumption in the country totals approximately 100,000 metric tons while local production stands at only about a fourth of demand. While the Philippines is an ideal country in which to grow coffee, production has decreased by 3.5 percent with consumption increasing by 8.8 percent annually in recent years.

According to the Philippine Coffee Industry Roadmap 2017-2022, the continuous drop in production has been caused by various factors such as an increasing number of coffee growers shifting to other crops, old age of trees with limited or no rejuvenation, poor farm practices and limited knowledge on appropriate coffee technology among farmers, aging farmers, limited access to certified planting materials, and limited access to credit. Still another factor is climate change with its adverse effects on agriculture. 

Due to the gap between supply and demand, local manufacturers are forced to import raw coffee from Vietnam and Indonesia, which the country can very well produce for itself.  The shortage in supply represents ready-made opportunities for local coffee growers. 

Notwithstanding the complex challenges, with the right policies and technologies, with sufficient investments and support from both the government and the private sector, and with adequate economic benefits and incentives for land owners and farmers as well as producers, the local coffee sector can achieve self-sufficiency in the future.

“Given our involvement in coffee manufacturing in the country, we have a major responsibility to take a key role towards building a progressive coffee industry. This involves growing enough so that there will be no need to import coffee, and includes helping farmers become agripreneurs, observing equitable labor practices on the farms, and respecting the environment. That is why we are deeply committed to the continuing implementation of our NESCAFÉ Plan as a vehicle for driving coffee sustainability,” said Nestlé Philippines Chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki.  

A banner component of the NESCAFÉ Plan called Project Coffee+ in collaboration with GIZ, the German development cooperation agency, has been training 1,500 farmers in Sultan Kudarat and Bukidnon intensively over the past three years to approach small-scale coffee farming as a business. The initiative is on track in doubling the participants' average yields per hectare.    

Nestle visits the Maramag coffee buying station

 

Upskilling coffee farmers with TESDA 

Recently, Nestlé Philippines signed an agreement with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide scholarships for farmers, particularly smallholders, youth, women, and Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao, where 80 percent of the country’s coffee is grown. The partnership aims to strengthen and empower farmers by providing them proper training in coffee production, based mainly on the Farmer Business School for Coffee training materials developed by Project Coffee+. 

Last June and July, the first three batches – each composed of 25 farmer scholars, began training in Coffee Production Level II at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The 25-day training module teaches and trains participants the fundamentals of modern coffee growing and entrepreneurship. 

This year, there are 450 initial scholarship slots allotted for Bukidnon and Sultan Kudarat. Nestlé and TESDA intend to expand the project to other locations.