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Showing posts from August, 2023

Coastal land reclamation: A glimpse into today’s urban development strategies

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Coastal land reclamation is increasing and will continue to grow and be a popular urban strategy in places that experience urban growth.  This is according to a study, “Mapping 21st Century Global Coastal Land Reclamation,” that analyzed landsat satellite images from 2000 to 2020 to quantify spatial extent, scale, and land use of urban coastal reclamation of 135 cities globally with populations exceeding one million. Key findings indicate that 78% of these cities have turned to reclamation to create additional land, resulting in 253,000 hectares of new land, an area equivalent to Luxembourg. Land reclamation is the process of creating new land from the sea. It’s often used in places with scarcity of land and high population density for many purposes. From Western Europe and West Africa to the Middle East, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, these countries’ cities reclaim lands for port extension, residential/commercial, and industrial purposes aimed at creating tourist and green spaces. Ke

SM Foundation introduces rainwater harvesting for sustainable impact

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BANNER:  SMFI Health and Medical Programs Senior Project Manager Albert Uy inspects the water catchment to ensure it reliability. 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

SCPW, UAPSA join hands with SM Prime in promoting wetland conservation

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SCPW president Arch. Celestino Ulep leads a discussion on nature-based architecture \during the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium . 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 leads the opening of the Wetland Center Design Symposium 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

DENR, SM Prime calls on cities to innovate and invest in water-saving technologies to avert water crisis

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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. From left to right: Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas, journalist Ces Drilon, Secretary Loyzaga, urban planning and landscape architect Paulo Alcazaren, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) co-chair Michaela Rossette Santo-Tayag and SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza Silerio. Photo credits to Arnold Almacen/Iloilo City Office of the Mayor. 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 collect

Feel the Cyber Thrill this August!

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Looking for the best deals on everything tech? Ready to play at the largest nationwide sports area? Now is the best time to visit SM Supermalls and unleash the gamer within as it celebrates the latest tech innovations and gadget trends, with exclusive deals and promos this Cyber Month!    From August 1 to 31, a celebration of e-sports and all things tech that make our lives easier and more convenient will take place at SM Supermalls. Essential gadgets, thrilling activities, and new discoveries are waiting to be made will welcome every individual with various needs.   Get ready as SM transforms its malls into a larger-than-life e-sports arena . Gamers and e-sports fans are in for a treat at the CyberMonth celebration, at over 60 malls nationwide, as community tournaments and an immersive gaming environment take center stage. Tag along with your friends and watch some intense and epic battles as players try to outplay each other at the community matches.   Gaming that never goes out of s

SURGERY TO MAGNA CUM LAUDE: A REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF HEALING, HOPE AND HONOR

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I would like to start this blog article with a full disclosure. This article is very PERSONAL. My eldest wanted a "letter" as a graduation gift. I am giving this heartfelt blog article instead. So here it goes....    Today, I embark on an extraordinary quest to chronicle the life of my beloved daughter, a journey that is both deeply personal and universally profound.   From the moment she first opened her eyes to the world, my daughter's presence has been a source of immeasurable joy and wonder. Every step she has taken, every obstacle she has overcome, and every triumph she has celebrated have woven together the threads of an awe-inspiring narrative—a story of growth, resilience, and unwavering love. Soleil in 2000 In elementary, she was diagnosed with dyslexia. But this did not hinder her growth. She blossomed as a student in her non-traditional school. She balanced her academics with her love for soccer. She would commute from our home to the south, just to attend socc