THE VIEW 5/2023

Indomie brings inspiration to life. Indofood’s famous noodle brand, Indomie, has recently completed its 50-year anniversary celebrations. A creative and colorful array of events with a theme of innovation culminated in an exhibition, Indomie Nation.

As part of the inspiring collaborations with artists, fashion designers, musicians, product designers and more, a series of Indomie innovations were unveiled. One is IGOR, an Indomie noodle collectible created by Alam Taslim and showcased at the Museum of Toys in Jakarta. A limited edition line was produced for the 50th Anniversary and was available for purchase at the Museum.

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CONTENTS

1 A Word from the Chief

2

3

4

6

First Pacific Company Limited

24/F, Two Exchange Square

8 Connaught Place

Central, Hong Kong SAR

Telephone: +852 2842 4388

www.firstpacific.com

PUBLISHER

Manuel V Pangilinan

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

John Ryan

EXECUTIVE EDITORIAL ADVISOR

Sara Cheung

EDITORIAL AND DESIGN TEAM

Editor

Julia Brown

Production Director

Katy Li

Creative Director

Jan Adams

First Pacific is a Hong Kong-based investment holding company with investments located in Asia-Pacific. The Company’s principal investments are in consumer food products, telecommunications, infrastructure and natural resources.

Within these sectors, our mission is to unlock value by:

Delivering dividend/distribution returns to shareholders;

Delivering share price/value appreciation of First Pacific, and

Making further investments in value-enhancing businesses, taking into consideration all relevant criteria, including Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) factors to better manage risk and generate sustainable long-term returns.

A Word from the Chief

This is a very special issue of The – it celebrates fifty years of Indofood’s brand Indomie. For many of us, Indomie conjures up a remembrance of things past, like dinner with Mum and Dad, a late-night snack while studying or working. How entrenched is Indomie into our lives? It’s older than First

Moving into our News section, we see that Indomie is launching a very successful Japanese ramen collection and elsewhere in our mighty food company we see that Indomilk is wowing teen consumer with its K-Pop

Over in Hong Kong we have reported the best ever financial results in our history, with First Pacific reporting record high turnover, contribution from operations, and recurring profit for fiscal 2022. This was made possible by record high turnover and core profit at Indofood, the same at PacificLight Power, and stronger contributions from MPIC and PLDT. It warms my heart to see our thousands of hard-working colleagues gathering together to deliver again the outstanding performance. Well done everyone!

Back home in the Philippines, President Marcos Jr. has inaugurated the NLEX Connector Road’s CaloocanEspaña Section which shortens commute times between the north

and south of Luzon and unclogs the streets of the Philippines’ capital city.

PLDT is not one to be left behind. Its technology and performance derived therefrom were behind the rise in the Philippines’ broadband internet speed rankings to the highest-ever level. How does PLDT do that, year after year delivering the best customer experience to all its mobile and fixedline customers? There’s a hint from the business networking site LinkedIn; they have awarded to Smart the title of “Best Talent Acquisition Team” in what was likely not much of a contest, given their impressive network quality, stability, and strength.

MPIC’s mWell PH gained its spot as among the best players in the digital world as it bagged the highlycoveted 2023 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards - Best Mobile Innovation for Digital Life Award, in the Digital Everything Category at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Spain. This prestigious accolade, judged by the mobile industry’s most prominent experts, affirms mWell PH’s position at the forefront of the digital shift in its rise above other global brands.

Rounding out this issue of The View is a series of reports on the awards and sustainability successes of our group companies. There is a lot to be proud of here.

Fellow members of the

Indomie brings inspiration to life

Celebrating 50 years of innovation

Indofood’s famous noodle brand, Indomie, has come a long way since the company pioneered the instant noodle in Indonesia. It’s now the largest global instant noodle manufacturer. Today, Indomie is available in over 100 countries worldwide, and its annual production capacity is approximately 35 billion packs.

To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, Indomie presented an array of events and programs throughout 2022, themed Indomie 50 Years Hidupkan Inspirasi (bringing inspiration to life).

This theme summarizes Indomie’s 50 years’ journey, which is inspired by the diversity, cuisine and rich culture of Indonesia.

CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS FOR THE INDOMIE NATION

Innovation energized the year’s events, with a creative TV commercial, a music festival, collaborations with local musicians as well as fashion, toy and ceramics designers, plus the sporting, technology and sustainability communities. Just as the beloved noodle is enjoyed by generations and throughout multiple age groups, Indomie’s Anniversary offered inspiration for all.

The wide-ranging collaborations were organized under the Kolaboramie concept, while Indomieusic Fest presented musicians with an XR (Extended

PT Indofood CBP

Sukses Makmur Tbk Director Axton Salim

Indomie launches Japanese ramen collection

Reality) immersive technology. The year culminated with the vibrant Indomie Nation exhibition, where the public experienced the story of Indomie’s journey and the inspirational collaborative works from the Anniversary year.

LOOKING OUT FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION

Indomie concluded its series of events by supporting 50 selected local schools in improving their facilities. The Indomie Untuk Negeri (Indomie for the Nation) Corporate Social Responsibility program reflects the brand’s aim to engage and inspire the generation of tomorrow. <<

Indomie unveiled a taste of Japan in March this year with its Indomie Premium Collection Ramen Series.

The new products aim to appeal to Indonesian consumers, who are known to be inspired by Japanese cuisine and especially ramen noodles.

Indomie created a unique experience during the launch, with traditional Japanese food stalls popping up in eight key cities throughout Indonesia. Visitors were enticed by the authentic Japanese ambience and a delicious ramen and drinks offer.

The three flavors of the new Premium Collection Ramen are:

[ Indomie Tori Miso Ramen: A perfect blend of rich miso soup with tasty seaweed and sesame aroma.

[ Indomie Shoyu Ramen: A clean, light, savory Shoyu soy broth paired with delicate Narutomaki (cured fish surimi).

[ Indomie Takoyaki Ramen: Fried ramen with a creamy, sweet and savory taste of Japanese Mayo sauce, topped with Katsuobushi (smoked bonito flakes). <<

“INDOMIE WILL CONTINUE TO CREATE INNOVATIONS FOR THE COUNTRY AND INVITE THE YOUNGER GENERATION TO CONTINUE THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS, AS A PLATE OF INDOMIE CAN RESULT IN SOMETHING INSPIRING - NOT ONLY FOOD, BUT ALSO OTHER MEANINGFUL CREATIONS AND INNOVATIONS. ”

INDOMILK WOWS TEEN CONSUMERS WITH K-POP BLACKPINK CAMPAIGN

Indofood has leveraged a sponsorship promotion of Korean K-Pop superstar band, BLACKPINK, to create new products and connect with Indonesian urban teen consumers aged 15+.

KPop is a phenomenon that has a powerful influence on Asian culture - and especially in Indonesia.

Indofood’s dairy brand Indomilk launched two new BLACKPINK inspired UHT milk variants as limited editions: Indomilk Black Latte and Indomilk Pink Blossom. The “Black Latte” version is made from fresh milk with Korean Coffee flavors and the “Pink Blossom” features unique Cherry Blossom flavors. These new flavors aim to build on the success of Indomilk’s UHT Milk Korean Series of Seoul Banana, Busan Vanilla, Jeju Chocolate and Korean Strawberry.

JAKARTA HOSTS BORN PINK 2023 WITH INDOMILK

As record-breaking BLACKPINK blazes its Born Pink 2023 World Tour across the globe, Indomilk was a sponsor for the Jakarta concert held 11-12 March. It launched a two-month multichannel campaign, #IndomilkinYourArea, in cooperation with minimarket networks.

The shop-and-win campaign offered 140 free concert tickets and 21 rare tickets for access

to BLACKPINK’s rehearsal soundcheck. The program created huge buzz, positivity and excitement amongst teens in Indonesia. Indomilk will continue to engage with and grow these young consumer segments through various programs in future. <<

First Pacific FY2022 Financial Results

All-time highs for turnover, contribution from operations, and recurring profit

[ Turnover rose 13% to a record high US$10.3 billion, led by PacificLight Power in Singapore and Indofood with its global markets

[ Contribution from operations rose 17% to a record high US$593.3 million driven by PacificLight Power and Indofood

[ PacificLight Power saw its contribution rise almost four-fold on surging demand for electricity in Singapore

[ Indofood and PLDT delivered their highestever revenues on continuing growth in demand for food products and data services

[ Net interest expense rose 7% to US$54.8 million amid an environment of rising interest rates, driving a 6% rise in overall Head Office costs to US$84.5 million

[ Recurring profit rose 19% to a record high US$508.8 million

[ Reported profit rose 17% to US$391.6 million as non-recurring losses fell 71% to US$19.7 million

[ The final shareholder distribution rose 15% to 11.5 HK cents/share, bringing the 2022 full-year distribution up 16% to 22.0 HK cents/ share

HEAD OFFICE BALANCE SHEET AS OF END-2022

[ Investment-grade issuer credit ratings from Moody’s and S&P initiated in April 2022

[ Moody’s rating: Baa3 with Stable outlook

[ S&P rating: BBB- with Stable outlook

[ Gross debt US$1.5 billion, net debt US$1.4 billion

[ Net debt to GAV ratio at approximately 30%

[ Blended interest cost of approximately 4.8% and average maturity of 2.8 years

[ Interest coverage ratio at 4.0 times (dividend income minus costs, divided by interest bill)

[ Fixed-rate borrowings amount to 64% of total

OUTLOOK

Continuing strong growth in the Group’s key Southeast Asia markets and in Indofood’s global food products business is expected to buttress continuing earnings increases at nearly all investee companies in 2023. <<

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION OF NLEX CONNECTOR CALOOCAN-ESPAÑA SECTION

Transforming the landscape of Metro Manila

In its entirety, the NLEX Connector stretches eight kilometers from Caloocan up to the vicinity of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila. It aims to serve around 35,000 vehicles daily, providing better access to Manila Ports and airports such as NAIA and Clark and advancing economic development opportunities in north and south Luzon.

RISING ABOVE DEMANDING CHALLENGES

NLEX President Bautista recognized the completion of Caloocan-España Section as “A new chapter in our history as we inaugurate the first section of NLEX Connector, an infrastructure project that transforms the landscape of Metro Manila and celebrates the best of the Filipino spirit. One of which is being indomitable. We rise amidst the hardest trials and most demanding challenges.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (“MPTC”) recently completed another infrastructure milestone in the P23-billion North Luzon Expressway (“NLEX”) Connector.

On 27 March 2023, President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the NLEX Connector Caloocan-España Section along with Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. Also present were MPIC and MPTC Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan, MPTC President Rodrigo Franco, and NLEX Corporation President J Luigi Bautista.

As Pangilinan noted, “The NLEX Connector is expected to spur economic development as it eases

Metro Manila’s traffic congestion, increases productivity, improves logistics, and boosts communities.”

He added that MPTC sees to it that it builds sustainable infrastructure for future generations, ensuring that the company will leave our planet better than it is today. The NLEX Connector reinforces the primary objective of infrastructure development which is to improve the lives of people.

SHORTER TRAVEL TIMES, SPEEDY PORT AND AIRPORT ACCESS

Two days after the Inauguration, the 5-km Caloocan-España Section of the NLEX Connector was opened to the motoring public. Motorists may now enjoy shortened travel times between Caloocan and Manila of just five minutes instead of 30 minutes or more.

“As most of you know, the construction of this expressway started in the middle of the pandemic–along with the lockdowns, social distancing practices, and economic losses. There were many setbacks, but we remained hopeful and implemented the project with courage, grit, and agility,” Bautista added.

He acknowledged the government’s “Build Better More” team and Departments and all the partners for their hard work and incessant support for the project.

After opening, the expressway link was toll-free for an introductory time. Bautista said, “We are offering free access for a limited period, so motorists can experience for themselves the convenience of using the NLEX Connector.” <<

Left to right: MPTC President Rodrigo Franco, Dept. of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautistia, Dept. of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., MPIC and MPTC Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan and NLEX President J Luigi Bautista.

Download, Drive and Win! boosts MPT DriveHub app

MPTC has turbocharged its MPT DriveHub app with a Download, Drive and Win! promotion campaign. It culminated in February this year with two lucky winners receiving MG ZS crossover SUVs and 10 winners each awarded a cash prize of 100,000.

Indofood stages The Fun of Being Together

MPT DriveHub is a key technology in the company’s mobility strategy. Integrating motoring and travel services in one digital platform, it elevates customer experience, allowing expressway users to enjoy not just the destination, but the journey itself.

SMOOTHER JOURNEYS EVERY TIME

The app was launched in 2022, coinciding with the opening of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway. It is effective for both short and long drives, such as quick runs between cities or road trips provinces apart. With its real-time RFID balance check and reloading, toll fee computation, traffic advisory and emergency roadside assistance features, the app sets up each user for the smoothest possible drive every time. <<

KEY FEATURES OF THE MPT DRIVEHUB APP

RFID account balance check and reload in real time

Compute the toll fees before beginning a journey

24-hr calls for roadside emergency assistance

Track and find gas stations, restaurants and facilities en route

Real-time traffic condition alerts

PLDT Enterprise fuels ‘myTOYOTA Connect’

PLDT, through its B2B solutions arm PLDT Enterprise, has partnered with the Philippines’ largest automotive company Toyota Motor Philippines (“TMP”) to launch new digital mobility solutions.

MyTOYOTA Connect drives the benefits of smart connected cars and intelligent platforms technology for major fleet business operators and Toyota car owners. It promotes the safe and efficient use of Toyota vehicles by monitoring their location, car condition, and driver speed, among other features, through the myTOYOTA App. PLDT provides the app with smart IoT eSIM solutions powered by PLDT wireless unit Smart – and backed by the country’s Fastest and Best Mobile Network according to Ookla®

THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY

“We at PLDT are proud to partner with Toyota Motor Philippines

in advancing the value of technology for the benefit of Toyota customers. Through this milestone, we are powering the changing landscape of the automobile industry to be more ‘intelligent’, with newer and smarter solutions,” said PLDT and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S Panlilio.

TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto added, “With our unified vision and combined efforts, we were able to launch a service that is the first of its kind in the country… Our partnership with you brings us a step closer to this goal – by making CASE or Connected, Automated, Shared, and Electrified mobility a reality to more and more Filipinos.”

TAPPING INTO THE BENEFITS OF IoT

First Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International Business Groups of PLDT and Smart Mitch Locsin noted, “As newer and more sophisticated technology becomes central to how businesses operate now, companies who are already tapping into the benefits of IoT have seen their revenues increasing and lowering their spend as they become more efficient and productive because of data-backed decisions and factual insights from real-time, downloadable reports.” <<

PLDT and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S Panlilio

“

THROUGH THIS MILESTONE, WE ARE POWERING THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TO BE MORE ‘INTELLIGENT’, WITH NEWER AND SMARTER SOLUTIONS. ”

Maya hones its competitive edge

Maya appoints Brand Ambassador and launches campaign

PLDT continues to expand its digital financial services through Maya – the most comprehensive fintech ecosystem in the Philippines, providing end-to-end financial services to enterprise and consumers customers. It was rated number one in the merchant acquiring business, the number one consumer finance app, and the number one digital bank in the country. For consumers, the Maya all-in-one money app includes an e-wallet with best-inclass payments, savings, credit, and cryptocurrency under one platform.

As of end-March 2023, the all-inone digital banking app had over 1.8 million customers and the most active monthly users in the Philippines, as tracked by data.ai. Maya is growing its customer base with new innovations and a striking marketing campaign.

MY MONEY. MY BANK. MY WAY.

The new campaign is led by Maya Brand Ambassador and Chief Advocacy Officer Hope Elizabeth “Liza” Soberano. Soberano is an actress, influencer, and ambassador for Save the Children since 2021. She will advocate for Maya’s mission to grow financial inclusion and empowerment in the Philippines.

In a complementary initiative, the new campaign includes a joint activity with Save the Children while engaging Maya customers in digital banking.

Soberano has a personal engagement with the Maya brand, explaining to Malaya Business Insight, “I’m excited for everyone to level up their banking experience with me through Maya because I love using their app. On top of that, working with Maya truly feels like a level up for me – it’s a joy to collaborate with them creatively, and I’m excited

for the professional challenge of becoming their Chief Advocacy Officer.”

GROUNDBREAKING INNOVATIONS

Breaking new ground in financial services, Maya’s campaign promotes a range of innovations. Customers may now achieve a higher interest rate for deposits, customized usernames, easier account opening and real-time transaction history. The stylish black Maya card is also an attraction and is accepted by over 80 million global traders.

Maya Group President Shailesh Baidwan believes that the seamless experience has simplified financial services for customers. The new marketing campaign is a key move in attracting new customers and engaging the growing pool of Filipinos with savings in beneficial financial practices. <<

1.8 million

My Money. My Bank. My Way. is a powerful call to Filipinos to take control of their financial well-being, manage their money and learn about the possibilities of saving, credit and investment.

As of end-March 2023, the all-in-one digital banking app had over

bank customers

PLDT drives Philippines’ rise in broadband internet speeds ranking

The Philippines’ rank in the Ookla Speedtest Global Index rose in January 2023 to fourth place in Southeast Asia, amongst nine countries.

PLDT continues to drive this national improvement in rankings as it expands its fiber network. Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index rankings are based on median download speed that reflects

the most accurate internet speeds users are likely to achieve.

PLDT is the only telco provider in the Philippines that can provide a fiber-optic service with speeds of

up to 10,000 Mbps. PLDT has the most extensive fiber network in the Philippines with over 1.1 million cable kilometers and 6.1 million ports passing 17.2 million homes in 68% of the country’s cities and municipalities as of year-end 2022. <<

PLDT AWARDED CISCO GOLD SERVICE PROVIDER

First telco in the Philippines to receive Cisco’s Gold Certification

PLDT achieved another strategic milestone - the first Philippine telco to receive one of the most respected designations in the global networking industry, Cisco’s Gold Certification as a Service Provider.

The certification was awarded this March after a third-party audit on PLDT Managed Networking solutions processes. It recognizes PLDT’s exceptional performance in delivering and supporting Cisco-Powered Services for Cisco SDWAN, Meraki SD-WAN, and Meraki Access Point.

EXCEPTIONAL NETWORK AND TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International Business Groups

Mitch Locsin said, “PLDT affirms its promise to always innovate and deliver valuable solutions for enterprise customers across all industries; in this case, our Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN), Branch-in-a-Box, and Beyond Fiber.”

“This achievement is a testament to PLDT’s expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional network and technology solutions to its customers. With this designation, PLDT is poised to support the digital transformation of businesses in the Philippines and drive economic growth on a global scale,” added Cisco Philippines Managing Director Zaza Soriano-Nicart. <<

7th from the left: PLDT Enterprise First Vice President Enterprise Product Management Nico Alcoseba, PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International Business Groups Mitch Locsin, and Cisco Philippines Managing Director Zaza Soriano-Nicart, with their teams.

In a first for the Philippines, ePLDT was recognized in November 2022 as a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Digital & App Innovation (Azure) and Modern Work.

The Digital & App Innovation (Azure) specialization demonstrates ePLDT’s capability to help its clients to build, run, and manage applications across multiple clouds. The Modern Work specialization showcases ePLDT’s support for its customers throughout digital

transformation and making the shift to hybrid work with Microsoft 365.

ePLDT President and CEO Victor S Genuino commented, “These recognitions strengthen ePLDT’s capability and reinforces our commitment to deliver customer-centric solutions to our enterprise customers, wherever they may be on their digital transformation journey.” <<

ePLDT recognized for quality cloud solutions

ePLDT has taken its multi-cloud offerings to new levels with the recognition of three Microsoft Philippines 2022 Partner Awards out of seven on 14 December 2022.

The awards are Customer Centricity Award, Tech Intensity Award, and Azure Customer Recruit Award. They were chosen based on three criteria: business performance, innovative use of Microsoft Technology, and subsequent impact delivered to the customers.

“We are honored to receive these awards from Microsoft. ePLDT will remain steadfast in our commitment to providing quality cloud solutions for our customers, and these recognitions are a clear sign that

we are on the right track,” said ePLDT President and CEO Victor S Genuino.

ePLDT received the Azure Customer Recruit Award for its successful migration of one of its academic customers, achieving a significant decrease in enrolment time for students. The Customer Centricity Award demonstrates ePLDT’s exemplary customer knowledge, and the Tech Intensity Award recognizes its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation through continuous learning and upskilling of their employees. <<

SMART AWARDED BEST TALENT ACQUISITION TEAM BY LINKEDIN

Smart Communications (“Smart”) was recently recognized at the 2023 LinkedIn Awards as Best Talent Acquisition Team.

This award is given to companies for demonstrating remarkable adaptability, innovation, and creativity throughout one of the most challenging years for talent.

“We are honored to be recognized anew by LinkedIn for our efforts to be one of the best and most dynamic workplaces in the country. This

highlights our intent to build relevant programs and leverage with the right partners to engage the talents now and in the future,” said PLDT and Smart Chief People Officer Gina P Ordoñez.

PLDT 2025 VISION AND STRATEGY

PLDT and Smart’s talent acquisition and engagement programs are part of the PLDT 2025 vision and strategy laid out by its President and CEO Alfredo S Panlilio. It aims to further strengthen PLDT’s standing as a premier workplace in the country, bring the best experience to its customers, and establish industry-leading operational excellence across the group. <<

MPIC’s mWell PH wins at 2023 GLOMO Awards

MPIC’s health technology platform, mWell PH, has won the Global Mobile (“GLOMO”) Award for the Best Mobile Innovation for Digital Life.

MWell PH emerged as the sole winner from the Philippines this March, with the technology sector’s most prestigious accolade. The GLOMO Awards enlist the expertise of over 200 independent global judges, comprised of leading industry

experts, analysts, journalists, and academics.

“Digitalization is pivotal in MPIC’s commitment to ushering national progress,” said MPIC Chairman, President, and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan. “Shepherding advancements

across all essential sectors, primarily health, furthers our mission to improve the lives of all Filipinos.”

AT THE FOREFRONT OF DIGITAL HEALTHCARE

MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer and mWell PH CEO, Chaye Cabal-Revilla, said in her acceptance speech, “Your appreciation of our efforts inspires us to keep going and to remain at the forefront of digital healthcare in the Philippines. As the country’s first and only health and wellness mega app, our innovative digital solutions continue to respond to our country’s needs, ensuring good health, and enabling economic productivity and nation-building through a fully integrated, sustainable, and future-proof digital platform.”

mWell PH’s GLOMO Award is aligned with MPIC’s efforts to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (“UNSDGs”) #3 Good Health and Well-Being, and #9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. <<

MPIC Acclaimed in The Asset ESG Corporate Awards 2022

MPIC received top accolades in The Asset ESG Corporate Awards in December 2022. Honors include Best Sustainability Officer for Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Best Investor Relations Team, and Best Initiative in Social Responsibility for its Puhunang Pangkabuhayan Program for alternative livelihood.

ustainability and the passion for inspiring positive change have always been the backbone of the work that we do, pushing us to continuously do good while doing well,” said MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

“I gratefully share this recognition with my MPIC Family, the entire MPIC Group and the wider MVP Group. This is a testament that our collective efforts are making a difference as we pursue our commitment to creating better lives for our countrymen.”

MPIC Vice President for Investor Relations

Maricris Aldover-Ysmael added, “The changing times have called for innovative and accessible, yet still deeply connected

relations with our investors who have been instrumental in MPIC’s success.”

Metro Pacific Investments Foundation President and MPIC’s Vice President for Public Relations and Corporate Communications, Melody del Rosario, noted, “With our purpose to reach out and change lives, we believe that it also entails empowering our beneficiaries to have a sense of responsibility to constantly uplift their quality of life. Through this program, we were not simply giving them the fish to eat in a day, but the means and ability to learn how to fish, to eat for a lifetime.”

The Asset ESG Corporate Awards offers a rigorous benchmarking service for listed companies in terms of corporate sustainability. The awards testify to MPIC’s contribution to the UNSDGs, particularly SDG #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and #17 Partnerships for the Goals. <<

MPIC wins big at the 12th Asian Excellence Awards

Last November MPIC won six coveted awards at the 12th Asian Excellence Awards 2022 of Corporate Governance Asia.

Accolades included Asia’s Best CEO (Investor Relations) for Manuel V Pangilinan, Asia’s Best CFO (Investor Relations) for Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Best Investors Relations Professional for Maricris Aldover-Ysmael, Best Investor Relations Company (Philippines), Best Environmental Responsibility, and Asia’s Best CSR.

SETTING HIGHER STANDARDS

MPIC Chairman, President, and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan noted, “MPIC was established with the goal of achieving synthesis between global governance standards and Asian values and practices. We regard this award as a responsibility to set a higher standard for here in the Philippines, as well as in Asia.”

Beyond the crisis, MPIC saw an opportunity to embrace advancement and innovation and to

position itself as a key contributor to the country’s gradual socio-economic recovery.

“The past years have strengthened our resolve to chart a definitive roadmap towards a more sustainable and resilient future,” said MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

LEADING WITH PURPOSE

The changing times deepened and broadened environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility and sustainability for MPIC.

In line with its recognition for Asia’s Best CSR and Best in Environmental Responsibility, MPIC heeded the call for stewardship and action through three specific focus areas. These are: integrating CSR in the way businesses are designed, built, and operated

with the least environmental and social disruption; investing in environmental protection programs such as reforestation and ecosystem preservation - most evident in Shore It Up!, the MPI Foundation’s (“MPIF)” fifteen-year-old flagship initiative on coastal and marine biodiversity conservation; and fortifying the protection of nature by meaningful collaborations and the use of technology.

To create long-term benefits for its beneficiary communities, MPIC and MPIF go beyond providing handouts to those in need, and instead organize efforts that promote self-sufficiency, such as Bayan Tanim!, its community gardening program for food security and Puhunang Pangkabuhayan, its alternative livelihood program.

The awards are a testament to MPIC’s contributions to the UNSDGs, particularly SDG #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and #17 Partnerships for the Goals. <<

INDOFOOD SHARES SUSTAINABILITY MODEL AT B20 SUMMIT

Inclusivity is central to Indofood’s business activities, so the company had much to contribute at the B20 Summit Indonesia 2022, held on 13 -14 November, themed “Advancing innovative, inclusive and collaborative growth”.

SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE

Indofood is committed to providing safe, high-quality, and halal products with improved nutritional content. It implements sustainable and responsible sourcing throughout its supply chain. The company strives to build the knowledge, technologies and capital base of its farmer partners by sharing good agriculture practices to improve their productivity and quality as well as their economic wellbeing.

Indofood’s Director Axton Salim noted, “With the inclusive business model, Indofood has empowered thousands of farmers, SMEs, and their families. This collaboration has not only generated sustainable growth for Indofood as a Company but also strengthened the economy of communities along our value chain.”

INDOFOOD’S SUSTAINABILITY APPROACH

Indofood continues to champion collaborative growth, guided by its three sustainability pillars - Resilience in Delivering Food for All, Environmental Stewardship, and Stronger Together with Our People and Communities.

As a responsible food and beverage producer, Indofood manages its energy and water

23,000+

50,000+

resources prudently - reducing waste and emissions, protecting and preserving biodiversity, and working towards climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Indofood proudly supports Indonesia’s national sustainable development agenda by contributing to the social, economic, and physical wellbeing of its employees, and by running health, education, environmental and economic programs in its communities. <<

68,000+

potato, chili, cassava farmers, coconut tappers and dairy farmers

oil palm plasma smallholders

Indomie food stall (Warmindo) entrepeneurs

52,000+

flour-based food entrepreneurs (Bogasari Mitra Card program)

Supply chain partnerships

Upstream

Downstream

PLDT advances ESG with technology leadership

PLDT group continues to strive for ESG leadership in Asia, with sustainability embedded in its business and its overall strategy.

based truth across the entire Smart network and will facilitate faster and data-driven decision-making. The use of drones replaces timeconsuming, sometimes dangerous manual tasks, and will decrease the PLDT group’s fuel consumption and carbon footprint.

FULLY AUTOMATED, INTELLIGENT AND HIGHLY EFFICIENT

FVP and Head of Network at PLDT and Smart Eric Santiago explained, “Digital Inspection is a good example of how we are holistically transforming every aspect of our network to a future state through new ways of working and using automation to evolve our operations. This is a step towards Smart’s vision of being the best in customer experience by building a fully automated, intelligent, highly efficient network, and putting in place sustainable network elements and operations.”

Its ESG strategy includes initiatives not only in the environmental space, but also those support the social and governance pillars. The use of technology plays a key role in advancing PLDT’s initiatives in sustainability.

DIGITAL INSPECTIONS POWERED BY DRONES

Smart is paving the way for a safer, more cost and operational efficient,

and environmentally friendly initiative by deploying drones to carry out digital inspections of its cellular sites. It has successfully completed a Proof of Concept of drone-aided digital inspection of its cellular sites in Metro Manila, to capture multiple cell sites’ information and produce “digital twins” of these network towers.

The information captured will enable Smart to build a single source of field-

Digital inspection is one of the building blocks of PLDT and Smart’s future mode of operations. This pioneering network initiative is aligned with the PLDT group’s support for the UNSDGs, particularly SDG # 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

ENSURING BUSINESS CONTINUITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The group has attained Certifications for Business Continuity Management System (ISO 22301:2019) covering 22 PLDT and Smart facilities. This will ensure that PLDT and Smart operations are resilient to support the PLDT group’s

Smart Tower Digital Twin: Drone-captured images are turned into a “digital twin” of the tower with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

commitment to provide connectivity to the country.

In addition, ePLDT’s VITRO Data Centers in Clark, Makati, Pasig and Cebu have also obtained the ISO 50001:2019 Energy Management System, ensuring energy efficiency which not only helps in cost management but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

ADVANCING TRANSITIONING TO RENEWABLES

PLDT and Smart are transitioning to renewable energy with the full switch of seven of their facilities in the Visayas to geothermal electricity use - one of the wide range of initiatives to reduce scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.

Through a supply partnership with energy company First Gen Corporation (“First Gen”), PLDT and Smart will power the seven facilities located in Cebu, Samar, Capiz, and Iloilo by sourcing their energy supply from First Gen’s 100% renewable energy arm, Energy Development Corporation (“EDC”).

SAFE ONLINE ENVIRONMENT FOR CUSTOMERS AND FOCUS ON INCLUSION

In line with providing connectivity, PLDT and Smart are committed to ensuring a safe online environment for its customers, with investments focused on data privacy and cybersecurity. In particular, PLDT and Smart have taken measures to

protect the most vulnerable of their customers – children, protecting them from the dangers of online sexual abuse. In 2022, PLDT group foiled over 1.3 billion attempts to gain access to online child sexual abuse materials.

PLDT and Smart have numerous initiatives that foster diversity and inclusion: both digital and financial inclusion. The group supports over 200 farmers nationwide. It also collaborates with Maya to champion financial inclusion at all levels of society.

CONNECTED WITH NATURE

The PLDT group continues to support the protection of natural capital and promote natural climate solutions leveraging the use of communications technology and implementing these to support the business. This includes the use of IoT and AI technology to manage biodiversity and carbon sequestration in the mangrove forest of Sasmuan, rollouts in support of reforestation and forest protection in areas where Smart’s network is present, partnership with University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute to map out and measure blue carbon footprint of 17 chosen seagrass sites in the Philippines, and aiming to convert these into protected areas, with priority in areas where PLDT’s network operates.

It is also in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (“DENR”) and the

National University of Singapore, in conducting research in carbon stock estimation. The research is centered on the Caimpugan Peatlands in Mindanao with the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Protected Area Management Office.

The collaboration will leverage technology solutions and crosscountry expertise to enhance carbon estimation methods and support baselining to create a carbon register on the peatlands.

AN EMERGING GLOBAL CARBON TRADING MARKET

Once completed, the research will help unlock the potential of the Philippine peatlands to participate in the emerging global market for carbon trading. The initiative delivers on PLDT and Smart’s alignment with the Taskforce on Naturerelated Financial Disclosures and their commitment to the UNSDGs #13 Climate Action, #14 Life Below Water, #15 Life on Land, and #17 Partnerships for the Goals. <<

Left to right: First Gen VP and Head of Power Marketing Carlos Lorenzo Vega, First Gen Chief Financial Officer Emmanuel Singson, First Gen Executive Vice President Victor Emmanuel Santos, Jr., First Gen President and COO Giles B Puno, PLDT and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S Panlilio, PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Investor Relations Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Vice President for Property and Facilities Management Leonard Gonzales, and PLDT Facilities Management Head Jeffrey Tanjutco.

Left to right: First Gen Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer Giles B Puno and PLDT and Smart President and Chief Executive Officer Alfredo S Panlilio seal the partnership.

PLDT, Smart boost provincial disaster resilience

PLDT and Smart have teamed up with the Mindanao provincial government of Davao de Oro to create a more disaster-resilient community.

On 7 March this year, two earthquakes with magnitudes 5.9 and 5.6 rocked the province, displacing residents and damaging property. The group was swift to donate a PLDT-Smart Ligtas Kit – an all-in-one emergency communications package.

The Ligtas Kit contains a power station, solar panel, satellite phone (SmartSAT), smartphone, Smart LTE pocket Wi-Fi unit, rechargeable megaphone, crank radio, whistles and flashlights. The kit enables local emergency responders to conduct free calls to evacuees with support from PLDT-Smart.

BETTER PREPAREDNESS FOR NATURAL DISASTERS

Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy P Montejo-Gonzaga said, “The recent turn of events has heightened our understanding of the importance of fostering communities that are more resistant to natural disasters. Your generous donation of a Ligtas Kit will facilitate emergency communications, allowing for prompt responses and aid to the residents of Davao de Oro Province during disasters. This is a huge contribution towards establishing disaster-resilient communities.”

PLDT and Smart, in partnership with the Philippine Disaster Resilience

Foundation, will also conduct an emergency communications training course with local responders. The initiative is part of the PLDT group’s #SafeandSmart advocacy which promotes preparedness and immediate response for communities.

It also aligns with the PLDT group’s commitment to UNSDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. <<

Expected carbon emissions savings

237,082 kilograms or the equivalent of 7,076 trees planted

DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY: SOLAR POWER AT CCLEX

Company invests more than 150 million in sustainable projects

Can an expressway actively reduce its carbon footprint and showcase the use of renewable energy? The answer lies in the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation’s (“CCLEC”) strategic solar farm situated within the expressway area.

CCLEC has completed its 60-million on-grid and hybrid solar farm that is expected to generate at least 50,400 kilowatt hours of energy per month. The company has installed a total of 862 photovoltaic panels, strategically located in three different areas inside the expressway.

CLEAN ENERGY AND CARBON EMISSION REDUCTION

It is anticipated to bring in substantial cost savings, supplying the expressway’s daytime power requirement for roadway lights, traffic control room, closed-circuit television cameras, road weather information system, variable message signs, and toll plaza.

“The completion of our solar farm is a significant milestone in our drive towards being more sustainable in our operations by reducing our carbon footprint and promote the use of clean,

renewable energy,” said CCLEC President and General Manager Allan G Alfon.

MINIMIZING WASTE, POLLUTION AND NOISE

The project forms part of the more than 150-million investment that the company has invested in sustainability and socio-economic development.

CCLEC has installed 13 oil interceptors along the expressway, a 60.7 million investment, to prevent contaminants from polluting the sea. The interceptors collect vehicle grease and oil waste in rainwater run-offs. They separate the waste from water before water reaches the sea.

Its 9.6-million sewage treatment plant has an advanced and efficient system for treating sewage at a capacity of 65 cubic meters per day to best protect people and the environment.

In consultation with the management of a nearby orphanage, the Children’s Haven of Albert Schweitzer Familienwerk Foundation Philippines, Inc., CCLEC installed a 20 million 235-meter noise barrier. The barrier reduces traffic noise for the children and the local environment. <<

MPIF expands blue biodiversity footprint

Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (“MPIF”) continues to grow its 15-year-old environmental flagship program, Shore It Up! (“SIU”), and to expand its blue footprint in the Philippines.

MPIF supports the protection of the 97,030 hectares of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, as well as the Municipality of Del Carmen, Siargao. MPIF is also working on a partnership with the Department of Natural Resources to enhance mangrove initiatives in the Las Piñas – Parañaque Wetland Park (“LPPWP”).

“Our archipelagic country is rife with world-renowned hubs of biodiversity and requires a strong support system from the private sector when it comes to preservation and conservation,” says MPIF President Melody del Rosario. “No solitary entity can undertake that responsibility and we at MPIF want to ensure that we play our part in futureproofing what we have and help in mitigating climate change through the work that we do.”

WHERE CONSERVATION LEADS TO ECOTOURISM

Since 2013, MPIF has supported the municipality of Del Carmen in Siargao Island, through establishing a Mangrove Protection and Information Center. Since its inauguration, there has been 0% mangrove destruction. Ten Mangrove Eco-guides are directly employed across three sites, including Alaminos, Pangasinan and Cordova, Cebu. These centers collectively protect over 5,200 hectares of mangroves, creating ecotourism hubs in their cities that spawn a myriad of tourism-related businesses that employ locals.

Del Carmen developed a thriving community-based ecotourism program that generated 1,000 direct employments, more than 10 homestays, 20 transport services, 20

restaurants, an operational mall, 146 boat tour operators, and a poverty reduction of 29% as of 2019 data. During the World Wetlands Day on 2 February 2023, the Philippine government declared the Municipality of Del Carmen’s mangrove forest as a wetland of international importance.

A COMMITMENT TO TUBBATAHA REEFS

As of 2022, MPIF has committed to support the conservation of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site for four years. This was named a Ramsar site – a wetland site of international importance – by the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental environmental treaty established in 1971 by UNESCO.

MPIF’s support enables the Park’s Biodiversity and Habitat Protection, Research, Monitoring, and Restoration program by providing the necessary funding to mobilize ecosystem research, monitoring, and enforcement.

PARTNERSHIP IN MANGROVE PROPAGATION

MPIF is also working with the LPPWP Protected Area Management Board to establish a mangrove nursery in the area. A Ramsar site since 2013, it is also designated as a Critical Habitat for the survival of threatened migratory bird species.

MPIF intends to continue its journey of rescuing, restoring, and reviving the Philippine biodiversity landscape by extending to more partner sites in the future. This commitment aligns with MPIC’s efforts to contribute to the UNSDGs, particularly #14 Life Below Water, #15 Life on Land, and #17 Partnerships for the Goals. <<

Better futures through education

Gabay Guro launches portal, supports students.

“Widening access to quality education is one of the most sustainable and cost-effective ways of ensuring future progress. The private sector must fulfill its part in honing the talents of our youth.” MPIC Chairman, President and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan said.

Gabay Guro’s core pillars are educational facility donations, scholarships, teachers’ training, livelihood programs, connectivity and computerization, teachers’ tribute, and digital innovations.

This March, Gabay Guro and MPIF together with key partners PLDT Home, PLDT Enterprise, Smart, Meralco, mWell PH, and City Savings, proudly launched the DepEd Partnership Assistance Portal. The portal is designed to directly connect donors – companies and organizations who would like to adopt and support schools – with public schools in need of additional assistance.

PRACTICAL SUPPORT FOR RIZAL STUDENTS

Gabay Guro supports the Rizal’s Direct Financial Assistance Program, providing monthly allowances to 50

deserving high school students, from January to June 2023.

The Alay sa Batang Rizal scholarship program was founded in honor of Mr. Benito Pangilinan, former DepEd Director of Public Schools and grandfather of Manuel V Pangilinan. It is funded by the Gabay Guro program and the Pangilinan family and focuses on mentoring for college-entry readiness of the students.

“We express our deepest thanks to Gabay Guro, MPIF and the Pangilinan family for supporting more scholars by providing the opportunity to pursue their studies with fewer

worries,” says DepEd Rizal Schools Division Superintendent Susan DL Oribiana. “Their support helps us in our mission towards inclusive education for all.”

The Gabay Guro initiatives and partnerships are in line with MPIC’s efforts to contribute to the UNSDGs, particularly #4: Quality Education and #3: Good Health and Wellbeing. <<

IdeaSpace launches next-generation startups

IdeaSpace continues its mission to pave the way towards a tech-forward future for the Philippines.

Over the past 10 years, it has graduated some of the country’s most successful startup ventures through its flagship Accelerator Program. The theme for this year is “Igniting Innovat10n”.

IdeaSpace partnered with Microsoft and PLDT in launching 10 high-potential tech startups from its 10th Cohort at its Demo Day event this March.

“This Demo Day showcases some of the most promising startups in the country.

Today we showcased Artificial Intelligence, Future of Work, Fintech, Logistics and e-commerce solutions that could redefine the landscape not just locally but in Southeast Asia and beyond.” said IdeaSpace Executive Director Katrina Rausa Chan.

Promotes technology and science-based entrepreneurship in the Philippines:

 Sustains the growth of IdeaSpace and QBO Innovation Hub, by engaging start-ups, partners and collaborators, and raising community interest

 Nurtures community ecosystems through its annual Philippine Startup Week, start-up development programs, and start-up funding

 Offers financial support and training to technology and technology-enabled start-ups

 Supports corporate innovation programs through innovation workshops

FAST TRACKS TO NEW TECHNOLOGIES

IdeaSpace’s Accelerator Program is designed to support startups in rapidly scaling their ventures by providing resources and mentorship. This year’s program featured two specialized tracks with its partners, Microsoft and PLDT Enterprise. Microsoft worked with the startups to co-pilot and co-develop B2B enterprise tech solutions while PLDT Enterprise steered them in IoT, smart city, AI, and blockchain technology.

Microsoft Chief Marketing and Operations Officer Abid Zaidi noted,

SHOWCASING THE 10TH ACCELERATOR PROGRAM STARTUPS

 Aiah.ai, an AI assistance platform for sales and HR teams

 Britana, an enterprise resource planning software that digitalizes SMEs

 Payday Today, an impact fintech for low-income households

 Hier Payroll, a flexible payroll system

 Ignite Careers, a hiring and training platform

 KargaX, a service that connects shippers and truckers to make use of underutilized miles

 Kwik.insure, a digital insurance platform for businesses

 On Demand Deals, a social franchising commerce company

 Revastaff, a platform that creates augmented virtual reality content for real estate sellers

 Smile API, a credit data platform to enable the underbanked with better access to credit

“We know that the IdeaSpace Accelerator Program is highly regarded within the startup ecosystem because of the industry role models it has helped cultivate.”

PLDT Enterprise Head for Innovations and Product Development Niko Peralta said, “At PLDT Enterprise, we strive to ideate, scout, and develop solutions across the areas of 5G, AI, and IoT to drive the digital transformation of our enterprise customers. We recognize the key role our young, agile, and ingenious startups play in this ecosystem.” <<

“

FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS, IDEASPACE HAS GRADUATED A COHORT OF STARTUPS AND LAUNCHED THEM INTO THE WORLD. THIS TIME, WE HAVE ONE OF OUR VERY BEST COHORTS EVER. ”

Rene “Butch” Meily, President of IdeaSpace Foundation

Captivating moments

Winners of the 8th First Pacific Group Photo Competition

Our photographers excelled themselves by expressing the themes of: Teamwork in action, pride in our companies, and our unique culture. We received a total of 323 photos from 23 investee companies.

Congratulations to the eight winners!

4th Runner-up Laro Tayo by Jovit Angelo D Caballero NLEX

Merit award Taas Noo, Meralco Linemen Ako by Catherine Rose P Sta Romana Meralco

1st Runner-up Solar Energy, Support Sustainability by Girlblu Y Miranda MPT South

2nd Runner-up Bali Kecak Dance by Eri Pramono Indofood

Champion Dragon Boat Competition, Synchronicity and Teamwork by Lemuel Amano Ragasa Meralco

3rd Runner-up Risk for a While, to be Safe Every Time by Jeffrey Capinpin Fernandez Philex

Merit award Bayani Ka

by Heinz Reimann D Orais MPT South

Merit award Popmie Culture by Keleri Ginting Indofood