Coca-Cola, TESDA Launch Waste Management Training in Naga

Coca-Cola, TESDA Launch Waste Management Training in Naga

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Managing solid waste has become one of the biggest governance challenges for Philippine local governments. While the country has long had a legal framework for ecological waste management, many communities continue to face practical obstacles in implementation, including limited technical expertise, inconsistent waste segregation practices, and insufficient local planning.

To help address these challenges, Coca-Cola Philippines, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the City Government of Naga, and the Camarines Sur Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CASIFMAS) have launched the Solid Waste Management Operations (SWMO) Level III Training Program in Naga City.

The initiative marks the first official rollout under the expanded Trash Free Pilipinas Program (TFPP) framework and reflects a growing emphasis on developing green skills that strengthen environmental governance at the local level.

Why Is This Training Program Important?

The SWMO Level III Training Program is designed to equip frontline local government personnel with practical knowledge and nationally recognized competencies in ecological solid waste management.

Rather than focusing solely on waste collection, the curriculum covers the broader systems needed to improve waste management at the community level, including:

• Waste segregation systems
• Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) operations
• Barangay solid waste management planning
• Environmental education campaigns
• Enterprise development using recyclable materials
• Local policy formulation
• Community engagement strategies

Participants include barangay officials, LGU personnel, and environmental workers responsible for implementing waste management programs in their respective communities.

Addressing Capacity Gaps Under Republic Act 9003

The program responds to ongoing implementation challenges under Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

RA 9003 requires local government units (LGUs) to establish comprehensive waste management systems that prioritize waste reduction, segregation at source, recycling, composting, and the operation of Materials Recovery Facilities.

However, many LGUs continue to encounter obstacles such as limited technical expertise, insufficient training, and resource constraints that affect compliance.

By providing structured technical-vocational training, the SWMO Level III program seeks to strengthen the capabilities needed to translate policy requirements into consistent local action.

Why Naga City Was Chosen

Naga City became the first implementation site under the expanded Trash Free Pilipinas Program because of its established waste management initiatives and active community participation.

City officials expect the program to enhance the capabilities of barangay leaders and environmental workers while serving as a demonstration model that other LGUs can adapt.

Mayor Leni Robredo emphasized that strengthening the people responsible for implementing waste management programs is essential to improving consistency across communities.

For policymakers, the pilot also provides an opportunity to evaluate how technical training can improve local environmental outcomes before expanding the program nationally.

A Multi-Sector Partnership With Defined Roles

The initiative illustrates how public-private collaboration is increasingly being used to strengthen environmental governance.

Each partner contributes distinct expertise:

TESDA - Curriculum development, accreditation, training standards, and institutionalization

CASIFMAS - Local training delivery in Naga City

City Government of Naga - Training venue, participant coordination, and community support

Coca-Cola Philippines - Program framework development and implementation support

The partnership combines government leadership, academic expertise, and private sector support to build long-term institutional capacity rather than relying on one-time environmental campaigns.

From a Local Pilot to a National Green Skills Program

The Naga rollout builds on earlier work that began several years ago.

The Trash Free Pilipinas Program originated from consultations conducted by Coca-Cola Philippines in 2021, during which local officials identified persistent challenges in implementing RA 9003.

In response, Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA developed a pilot training model that was first implemented in Angono, Rizal, in 2022.

That pilot combined classroom instruction, fieldwork, and community engagement, enabling participants to produce:

• Barangay solid waste management plans
• Information and education campaign materials
• Enterprise concepts
• Draft local ordinances

Since then, the initiative has expanded its pool of trainers, strengthened partnerships with local governments, and incorporated livelihood opportunities related to recycling and small enterprise development.

TESDA is now integrating the SWMO Level III program into its broader technical-vocational education offerings focused on green skills.

Why Green Skills Are Becoming a Strategic Priority

The launch reflects a broader trend in workforce development.

As governments and businesses place greater emphasis on sustainability, demand is increasing for workers with specialized environmental competencies.

Green skills now extend beyond renewable energy and climate technology to include waste management, resource recovery, circular economy practices, and environmental compliance.

For local governments, strengthening these competencies supports more effective public service delivery.

For workers, nationally recognized technical training may also create new career pathways in environmental management and sustainability-related industries.

Business Perspective: Sustainability Through Partnerships

For companies, sustainability initiatives are increasingly measured by their long-term impact rather than short-term environmental activities.

The collaboration between Coca-Cola Philippines, TESDA, academic institutions, and local government demonstrates how businesses can contribute to national development by supporting capacity-building programs that strengthen local institutions.

Rather than focusing solely on waste recovery, the initiative invests in developing the technical capabilities needed to sustain ecological solid waste management over time.

The launch of the Solid Waste Management Operations Level III Training Program in Naga City represents more than a local environmental initiative. It reflects a growing recognition that effective waste management depends on skilled people, capable institutions, and sustained collaboration across sectors.

As TESDA moves toward institutionalizing the program nationwide, the initiative could help strengthen compliance with RA 9003 while supporting the Philippines' broader transition toward a circular economy and greener workforce.

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Shell Business Operations Manila Named a Top GBS Employer 2026 by Everest Group

Shell Business Operations Manila Named a Top GBS Employer 2026 by Everest Group

As competition for skilled professionals intensifies, employer reputation has become a strategic advantage for companies operating in the Global Business Services (GBS) sector. Organizations are increasingly evaluated not only on operational performance but also on their ability to attract, develop, and retain talent.

Against this backdrop, Shell Business Operations (SBO) Manila has been recognized as a Top Global Business Services Employer 2026 by Everest Group, placing its Philippine operations among the region's leading employers in the shared services industry.

The recognition highlights the growing importance of workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership in an industry where talent remains one of the most critical drivers of business success.

What Is the Everest Group Top GBS Employer Recognition?

Everest Group is an international research and advisory firm that analyzes outsourcing, technology, and Global Business Services markets.

Its Top GBS Employer recognition is based on an independent, data-driven evaluation of employer brand perception, drawing from employee sentiment and publicly available information to assess how organizations are viewed in the talent market.

For the 2026 rankings, Everest Group assessed more than 400 Global Business Services organizations across India, Poland, and the Philippines.

Rather than measuring financial performance, the recognition focuses on factors that influence an organization's ability to compete for talent.

Why Employer Brand Has Become a Business Priority

The competition for highly skilled professionals has intensified across finance, technology, procurement, human resources, and business operations.

As a result, employer branding is increasingly viewed as a strategic business function rather than simply an HR initiative.

Organizations with strong employer reputations often benefit from:

• Improved talent attraction
• Higher employee retention
• Stronger workforce engagement
• Better leadership development
• Enhanced organizational resilience

For multinational companies operating Global Business Services centers, these advantages directly influence service quality, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.

The Philippines Continues to Strengthen Its GBS Position

The recognition also reinforces the Philippines' growing role as a destination for Global Business Services operations.

Over the past two decades, the country has evolved from primarily providing customer service support to delivering higher-value business functions, including:

• Finance and accounting
• Human resources
• Procurement
• Digital technologies
• Data analytics
• Information technology
• Engineering support
• Business transformation

This shift reflects the broader maturation of the Philippine GBS industry as organizations increasingly locate knowledge-based and strategic functions within the country.

SBO Manila Supports Shell's Global Operations

Shell Business Operations Manila serves as one of the company's global delivery centers.

The organization supports more than 150 Shell companies operating across over 50 countries, providing end-to-end business services in areas such as:

• Finance
• Human Resources
• Corporate Functions
• Contracts and Procurement
• Technology
• Renewable energy operations
• Downstream business support

Its role extends beyond transactional services, contributing to operational efficiency while supporting Shell's broader business strategy and energy transition initiatives.

What Makes High-Performing GBS Employers Different?

Everest Group's recognition reflects several characteristics that have become increasingly important in today's workplace.

According to Shell, these include:

• Continuous learning and career development
• Leadership support
• Employee well-being initiatives
• Collaborative work environments
• Innovation-driven culture

Across the GBS industry, these elements have become important differentiators as employees place greater value on professional growth, organizational purpose, and workplace flexibility.

The recognition highlights a broader shift in how organizations measure business performance.

Today, talent strategy is increasingly linked to operational excellence.

Companies that invest in employee experience are often better positioned to:

For business leaders, this underscores that employer reputation has become a competitive asset capable of influencing productivity, customer outcomes, and organizational resilience.

The recognition of Shell Business Operations Manila as a Top Global Business Services Employer 2026 reflects more than workplace excellence. It highlights how talent strategy has become central to business performance in the rapidly evolving GBS sector.

As organizations compete for skilled professionals across increasingly specialized functions, investments in employee development, leadership, and workplace culture are becoming key differentiators. For the Philippines, the award also reinforces its position as a mature Global Business Services hub capable of supporting complex, high-value operations for multinational enterprises.

To learn more about career opportunities at Shell, visit https://www.shell.com/careers

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FedEx Helps APAC Exporters Meet New U.S. CPSC Rules

FedEx Helps APAC Exporters Meet New U.S. CPSC Rules

Doing business internationally has never been just about moving products across borders. Increasingly, it is about moving data just as efficiently.

Beginning July 8, 2026, businesses exporting certain consumer products to the United States must comply with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) e-filing requirements, a regulatory change that could reshape how exporters prepare shipments for one of the world's largest consumer markets.

Recognizing the operational challenges many businesses face, Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) is expanding its support for exporters across Asia-Pacific, including the Philippines, through digital tools, compliance guidance, and customer education aimed at helping businesses adapt to the new requirements.

For exporters, the new rules are more than another customs requirement. They signal a broader shift toward digitally driven trade compliance that is becoming standard across global supply chains.

What Are the New U.S. CPSC E-Filing Requirements?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates thousands of consumer products sold in the United States to help ensure they meet federal safety standards.

Starting July 8, importers of CPSC-regulated products must electronically submit required product safety information at the time goods enter the U.S.

The electronic filing includes product compliance data, certification details, and other information needed for customs clearance. Companies may also register products in the CPSC Product Registry, allowing them to submit a shorter electronic message for future shipments.

For exporters, this means product compliance documentation must be prepared much earlier in the shipping process.

The United States remains one of the Philippines' largest export markets, particularly for consumer goods such as electronics, toys, household products, furniture, and other manufactured items.

The new e-filing requirement places greater responsibility on exporters to work closely with U.S. importers to ensure product information is complete before shipments leave their origin.

Businesses that fail to meet the documentation requirements may face:

• Customs clearance delays
• Additional compliance costs
• Shipment holds
• Financial penalties
• Refusal of entry into the U.S.

For manufacturers operating on tight delivery schedules, even minor documentation errors can disrupt customer commitments and supply chain performance.

Readiness Gap Highlights a Business Risk

While awareness of the regulation is growing, implementation remains a challenge.

FedEx said customer education webinars held across 12 Asia-Pacific markets reached more than 5,000 participants, ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to multinational companies.

The findings suggest that many businesses understand the new rules but have yet to incorporate compliance into their operational workflows.

For exporters, this gap could become a competitive disadvantage as enforcement begins.

Compliance Is Becoming a Competitive Capability

The survey also provides insight into what exporters believe they need most.

Among respondents, the highest priorities included:

• Better guidance on determining whether products fall under CPSC regulations.
• Digital tools that validate compliance information before shipment.
• Centralized regulatory resources and updates.
• Integrated documentation workflows.
• Access to customs and trade compliance specialists.

These priorities reflect a broader transformation occurring across international trade.

Increasingly, exporters are looking for logistics providers that offer not only transportation services but also regulatory expertise and digital compliance capabilities.

FedEx Expands Digital Trade Support

To help customers prepare, FedEx has integrated CPSC e-filing capabilities into its digital shipping platforms, including FedEx Ship Manager™ and FedEx API.

These systems enable customers to submit compliance information as part of their existing shipping workflow, reducing manual processes while supporting both available CPSC filing methods.

Beyond technology, the company has expanded customer support through:

• Step-by-step compliance guides
• Product classification assistance
• Registration guidance for the CPSC Product Registry
• Access to customs clearance and trade compliance specialists
• Updated regulatory resources and documentation support

For businesses new to CPSC requirements, these services can help reduce the risk of shipment delays as enforcement begins.

Why Digital Compliance Is Becoming a Supply Chain Priority

The CPSC mandate reflects a wider trend in global trade.

Governments worldwide are modernizing customs systems by requiring more electronic documentation before goods arrive at ports of entry.

These initiatives aim to:

• Improve product safety oversight
• Strengthen border security
• Reduce customs processing times
• Increase supply chain transparency
• Improve regulatory enforcement

For exporters, compliance is no longer simply a legal obligation. It is becoming an operational capability that directly affects customer satisfaction, delivery performance, and market access.

Businesses that invest in digital compliance systems today may be better positioned to respond to future regulatory changes in other markets.

The new U.S. CPSC e-filing requirements represent another step in the ongoing digital transformation of global trade.

For Philippine and Asia-Pacific exporters, the changes underscore the importance of preparing product compliance data well before shipments leave the warehouse. As regulatory expectations become more data-driven, companies that embed compliance into their everyday operations can reduce disruption, strengthen customer confidence, and protect access to key export markets.

For logistics providers such as FedEx, the shift also reflects an evolving role—from transportation partner to strategic advisor—helping businesses navigate increasingly complex international trade requirements through technology, expertise, and integrated compliance solutions.

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AXA Philippines Expands CSR Strategy Through Long-Term Community Partnerships

AXA Philippines Expands CSR Strategy Through Long-Term Community Partnerships

Corporate volunteerism has long been a staple of corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. Increasingly, however, businesses are moving beyond one-day outreach activities toward initiatives designed to create lasting economic and social value.

That shift is evident in AXA Week for Good 2026, where AXA Philippines mobilized more than 2,000 employees nationwide under the theme "AXA on a Mission: Together We Move Forward." Rather than centering solely on volunteer activities, this year's program emphasized long-term partnerships, livelihood development, environmental sustainability, and employee-led knowledge sharing.

The initiative reflects a broader evolution in how organizations approach ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), with community investment becoming more closely aligned with sustainable development goals and business purpose.

Why Corporate Volunteerism Is Evolving

Traditional volunteer programs often focused on short-term activities such as clean-up drives, tree planting, or donation campaigns.

Today, many organizations are redesigning these initiatives to deliver measurable, long-term outcomes.

This approach—sometimes referred to as skills-based volunteering or shared-value community engagement—leverages employees' expertise, organizational resources, and long-term partnerships to help communities become more self-sustaining.

Rather than measuring success by volunteer hours alone, companies increasingly evaluate how their programs contribute to livelihood opportunities, education, environmental protection, and local economic resilience.

Livelihood Projects Become the Next Phase of Community Investment

One of AXA Philippines' flagship initiatives this year builds on a project that began with environmental restoration.

The company continues to support Medinilla Café in Siniloan, Laguna, a livelihood enterprise that grew from last year's forest restoration and tree-planting efforts in partnership with Fostering Education and Environment for Development Inc. (FEED).

To help sustain the project, employees participated in the company's first "Declutter for a Purpose" campaign, selling pre-loved items to raise funds for café operations. Unsold items will be donated to partner communities, extending the program's social impact while promoting responsible consumption.

The initiative illustrates how environmental projects can evolve into income-generating opportunities that benefit local communities beyond the initial volunteer activity.

Food Security and Community Resilience Remain Priorities

AXA also expanded its partnership with Project PEARLS, a nonprofit organization that supports underserved communities through education, nutrition, healthcare, and livelihood initiatives.

This year, the collaboration includes support for community gardens, which aim to improve household food security while creating additional income opportunities for participating families.

Across Southeast Asia, community gardening has become an increasingly common component of CSR and sustainability programs because it addresses multiple challenges simultaneously, including nutrition, environmental stewardship, and local economic resilience.

Skills-Based Volunteering Gains Momentum

Community impact is no longer limited to physical volunteer work.

Throughout the week, AXA employees participated in the Impact for Action Podcast Series, where nonprofit organizations and subject-matter experts discussed topics such as:

• Environmental sustainability
• Literacy and education
• Disaster preparedness
• Workplace safety
• Circular economy practices
• Responsible environmental management

Partner organizations included BINHI English Literacy Foundation, FEED Inc., ASSIST, Humble Sustainability, Upstyle, The Soilmate Collective, and the AXA Foundation.

By combining education with volunteer opportunities, the program encourages employees to remain engaged with partner organizations throughout the year rather than only during annual CSR events.

Employee Participation Extends Beyond On-Site Activities

The company's volunteer activities also reflected growing interest in flexible and hybrid volunteering models.

Among the initiatives were:

• e-Waste Collection Drive, encouraging responsible disposal and recycling of electronic devices, with proceeds supporting Project PEARLS.
• Learning Buddies, where remote volunteers created reading activity sheets for young learners.
• Love in Every Bite, a program that gathered affordable and nutritious recipes for partner communities.

These activities demonstrate how organizations are expanding employee participation beyond traditional on-site volunteer events, making community engagement more accessible regardless of work location.

AXA Week for Good illustrates a broader trend in corporate citizenship.

As ESG expectations continue to evolve, investors, employees, and consumers increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate measurable social impact rather than one-time charitable activities.

Companies that successfully integrate community investment into broader business strategy may strengthen stakeholder trust while supporting sustainable development goals.

AXA Week for Good 2026 highlights how corporate volunteerism is evolving from short-term outreach into sustained community partnerships.

By combining employee engagement with livelihood development, environmental stewardship, education, and skills-based volunteering, AXA Philippines is aligning its CSR initiatives with broader ESG priorities and long-term community resilience.

For business leaders, the program offers an example of how corporate citizenship can create shared value—benefiting both communities and organizations through partnerships designed to generate lasting impact rather than temporary assistance.

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Jollibee HR Chief Earns Regional Leadership Recognition Again

Jollibee HR Chief Earns Regional Leadership Recognition Again

Leadership awards often recognize individual achievement, but in today's business environment, they also offer insight into how organizations develop talent and sustain growth.

That is the case for Arsenio "Archie" Sabado, Global Chief Human Resources Officer of the Jollibee Group, who has been named among Southeast Asia's 100 Most Influential HR Leaders for 2026 by ETHRWorld Southeast Asia for the second consecutive year.

While the recognition highlights Sabado's leadership, it also reflects the increasing strategic role of human resources in supporting business expansion, organizational resilience, and long-term competitiveness.

Unlike traditional HR awards that focus primarily on employee programs, the recognition emphasizes how human capital strategies contribute directly to business performance.

For multinational companies, this increasingly positions HR as a strategic business function rather than an administrative one.

HR Has Become a Business Growth Driver

As organizations expand across markets, managing people has become more complex than simply recruiting talent.

Today's HR leaders are expected to help organizations:

• Build leadership pipelines
• Improve employee engagement
• Navigate digital transformation
• Strengthen organizational culture
• Support international expansion
• Prepare workforces for evolving skills requirements

Sabado's recognition comes as the Jollibee Group continues to grow internationally, operating more than 10,400 stores across 33 countries through a portfolio of restaurant brands.

Managing talent across multiple markets requires consistent leadership frameworks while adapting to local cultures and workforce expectations.

The Role of 'Choose Joy!' in Talent Strategy

At the center of Jollibee Group's people strategy is its Choose Joy! Employee Value Proposition (EVP).

What Is an Employee Value Proposition?

An Employee Value Proposition (EVP) defines what employees receive in return for their contributions to an organization. It includes career development, workplace culture, leadership opportunities, rewards, flexibility, and organizational purpose.

A strong EVP helps companies attract skilled professionals while improving employee retention and engagement.

For global employers, a clearly defined EVP also provides consistency across different countries and business units.

According to the company, its people-first approach focuses on creating an environment where employees can continue developing professionally while contributing to the organization's long-term growth.

Employee Engagement Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage

The recognition also aligns with several workplace awards the Jollibee Group has received in recent years.

Among the company's notable recognitions are:

• Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award with Distinction
• Gallup Engagement Award for the fifth consecutive year
• TIME World's Best Companies
• Forbes World's Best Employers
• Forbes Top Female-Friendly Companies
• Fortune Southeast Asia 500

Particularly significant is the Gallup recognition, which measures employee engagement based on workplace research rather than public voting.

High employee engagement has been linked in multiple workplace studies to stronger productivity, improved customer experience, lower turnover, and higher organizational performance.

Why Strategic HR Is Receiving More Boardroom Attention

Human resources has evolved considerably over the past decade.

This shift has become even more pronounced as organizations respond to changing workforce expectations, digital transformation, hybrid work models, and increasing competition for skilled talent.

For companies pursuing international growth, HR strategy is increasingly viewed as a business enabler rather than a support function.

What It Means for Philippine Companies

Sabado's recognition also highlights the growing visibility of Filipino business leaders on the regional stage.

As more Philippine companies expand internationally, leadership capabilities in talent management, organizational culture, and workforce development are becoming important differentiators.

For local businesses, the recognition reinforces the idea that investing in people is not solely an employee initiative but a strategic decision that can influence innovation, customer satisfaction, and long-term business performance.

Archie Sabado's inclusion among Southeast Asia's 100 Most Influential HR Leaders for a second consecutive year reflects more than individual recognition. It underscores how the Jollibee Group continues to position human capital as a core component of its global growth strategy.

As organizations navigate digital transformation, international expansion, and evolving workforce expectations, HR leadership is becoming increasingly central to business success. For companies seeking sustainable growth, people strategy is no longer a supporting function—it is a competitive advantage.

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LG Surpasses 2030 Climate Targets Early, Signaling a Broader ESG Strategy Shift

LG Surpasses 2030 Climate Targets Early, Signaling a Broader ESG Strategy Shift

Companies often set environmental goals years into the future. Few report achieving them ahead of schedule.

According to its newly released 2025–2026 LG Sustainability Report, LG Electronics has already reduced its operational greenhouse gas emissions below the level it originally targeted for 2030. The milestone comes five years earlier than planned and reflects a broader corporate strategy that now extends beyond environmental commitments to include governance reform, accessibility, and responsible artificial intelligence (AI).

For investors, business leaders, and sustainability professionals, the report offers insight into how ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priorities are increasingly becoming integrated into long-term business strategy rather than existing as standalone corporate responsibility programs.

LG Exceeded Its 2030 Carbon Emissions Target Ahead of Schedule

One of the report's most notable findings is LG's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its global operations.

In 2025, the company recorded 842,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂eq) from its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. This is already below its original 2030 target of 878,000 tCO₂eq.

What Are Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions?

Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gases generated from company-owned operations, such as factories, manufacturing facilities, and company vehicles.

Scope 2 emissions refer to indirect emissions produced through purchased electricity, heating, or cooling consumed by business operations.

Reducing both categories is widely considered a key indicator of operational decarbonization.

LG attributes its progress to investments in:

• Energy-efficient manufacturing equipment
• Greater use of renewable electricity
• Company-wide emissions reduction initiatives
• Operational efficiency improvements across global facilities

Product Efficiency Is Becoming Just as Important as Factory Emissions

Operational emissions tell only part of the sustainability story.

Increasingly, global manufacturers are also being evaluated based on the environmental impact of products after they reach consumers.

LG reported a 22.5% reduction in per-unit greenhouse gas emissions during the use phase of seven major product categories compared with its 2020 baseline. This exceeded its previously announced target of a 20% reduction by 2030.

The target had already been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), an internationally recognized organization that assesses whether corporate climate targets align with current climate science.

LG says it remains the first South Korean home appliance manufacturer to receive SBTi validation for this specific product-use emissions target.

Circular Economy Efforts Continue to Expand

The report also highlights LG's progress in resource recovery and waste management.

In 2025, the company achieved a 97.3% waste recycling rate across its domestic and international operations, surpassing its 95% goal for 2030.

LG also reported:

• Sustainability Metric2025 ResultWaste recycling rate 97.3%
• Used electronics collected 640,000 tons
• Countries with e-waste collection 56
• Collection locations 91
• Total e-waste recovered since 2006 5.65 million tons

These initiatives align with the broader concept of the circular economy, where products and materials are reused, recycled, or recovered to reduce waste and demand for new raw materials.

Accessibility Moves Further Into Product Design

While sustainability reporting often focuses on climate metrics, LG's latest report places greater emphasis on accessibility.

Recent initiatives include:

• LG Comfort Kit, designed to make appliances easier to use regardless of age or physical ability.
• Braille labels and tactile controls on selected products.
• Service kiosks equipped with sign-language avatars.
• LG Easy TV, developed with senior users in mind.
• Sign language customer consultations and dedicated support for older consumers.

These efforts reflect a growing business trend where accessibility is viewed not only as regulatory compliance but also as product innovation and market expansion.

Responsible AI Becomes a Board-Level Issue

One of the report's newest additions is a dedicated section on Responsible AI.

Rather than focusing solely on AI-powered products, LG outlines how it intends to govern AI development through ethical principles, accountability, and oversight.

The inclusion reflects a wider shift occurring across global technology companies as regulators, investors, and customers increasingly expect transparency around AI systems.

As AI adoption accelerates, governance frameworks are becoming as important as the technology itself.

Governance Changes Reflect Higher Investor Expectations

The report also highlights governance reforms designed to strengthen corporate oversight.

LG has separated the roles of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board Chairperson, while appointing an independent director to lead the board.

These changes align with governance practices increasingly favored by institutional investors, who often view board independence as essential for effective risk management and long-term shareholder value.

LG's latest sustainability report illustrates how ESG reporting has evolved.

Companies are no longer judged solely on carbon reduction targets. Investors, regulators, and consumers increasingly evaluate organizations across multiple dimensions, including:

• Climate action
• Product sustainability
• Accessibility
• Corporate governance
• AI ethics
• Resource circularity

Businesses that integrate these priorities into core strategy may be better positioned to meet evolving regulatory requirements, strengthen stakeholder trust, and remain competitive in global markets.

The LG Sustainability Report 2025–2026 shows that the company has exceeded key environmental targets well ahead of schedule while expanding its focus to accessibility, governance, and responsible AI.

For business leaders, the report reflects a broader shift in ESG strategy. Sustainability is increasingly becoming a measure of operational resilience, corporate governance, innovation, and long-term business value rather than environmental performance alone.

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Jollibee Chickenjoy Named USA TODAY's Best Fried Chicken Again

Jollibee Chickenjoy Named USA TODAY's Best Fried Chicken Again

Jollibee Chickenjoy continues to strengthen its global reputation after being voted No. 1 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for the third consecutive year.

The latest recognition places the Filipino restaurant chain ahead of numerous established fast-food competitors in the United States, one of the world's most competitive quick-service restaurant markets. The award was determined through public voting after a panel of experts selected the nominees, making it a reflection of consumer preference as well as industry recognition.

For Jollibee, the achievement is another sign that its signature fried chicken has found lasting appeal far beyond its home market.

Why Is This Recognition Significant?

Winning a consumer-voted award once can generate attention. Winning it three years in a row suggests consistent customer satisfaction.

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards recognize standout destinations, travel experiences, attractions, and food establishments across the United States. While experts curate the list of finalists, readers decide the winners through online voting.

For restaurant brands, repeat victories indicate sustained customer loyalty rather than short-term popularity.

Jollibee's latest win also reinforces the growing international recognition of Filipino food, which has gained greater visibility over the past decade as more Filipino-owned restaurants and global brands expand overseas.

What Makes Chickenjoy Stand Out?

Chickenjoy has long been the centerpiece of Jollibee's menu.

The fried chicken is known for its crispy golden coating and juicy meat, characteristics that have helped distinguish it in a crowded market dominated by established American fried chicken chains.

While taste remains subjective, many fans point to several qualities that define Chickenjoy:

• Crispy exterior with a well-seasoned coating
• Juicy chicken that retains moisture
• Signature gravy served alongside each order
• Consistent preparation across locations

Its combination of familiar comfort food and a distinctly Filipino dining experience has helped introduce the brand to both Filipino communities abroad and first-time customers.

Building a Global Presence Beyond the Philippines

Jollibee's success in North America reflects a broader international expansion strategy.

The company now operates around 100 stores across North America and more than 1,800 Jollibee restaurants worldwide, serving customers across multiple regions.

Rather than relying solely on overseas Filipino communities, Jollibee has increasingly attracted a broader customer base through social media exposure, food reviews, and positive word-of-mouth.

The brand's international recognition has also grown steadily over the years.

Previous accolades include:

• USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards – No. 1 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken (2024, 2025, and 2026)
• Eater.com – Best Fast-Food Fried Chicken (2022)
• Thrillist – Best Chain Fried Chicken in America (2021)

These recognitions have helped position Chickenjoy as a serious contender in the global fried chicken category.

Why Filipino Food Continues to Gain International Attention

Jollibee's latest recognition reflects a larger trend in global dining.

Over the last several years, Filipino cuisine has attracted increasing international interest as chefs, food writers, and restaurant operators introduce traditional flavors to wider audiences.

Classic dishes such as adobo, sisig, pancit, and halo-halo have become more familiar outside the Philippines, while brands like Jollibee have helped make Filipino comfort food more accessible.

This growing visibility benefits not only large restaurant chains but also independent Filipino-owned restaurants that continue to expand across North America, Europe, and other international markets.

What This Means for Consumers

For customers, the award offers another reason to try Chickenjoy or revisit the brand if they have not done so recently.

For Filipinos living overseas, it represents another milestone for a homegrown company competing successfully on a global stage.

Meanwhile, for the restaurant industry, the recognition demonstrates that international brands can build strong customer loyalty in mature markets by maintaining product consistency and delivering memorable dining experiences.

Jollibee Chickenjoy has once again earned the title of USA TODAY's No. 1 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken, marking its third consecutive victory in the publication's Readers' Choice Awards.

The achievement highlights the brand's sustained popularity among American diners while reinforcing Jollibee's growing presence as one of the world's most recognizable Filipino restaurant brands. As the company continues expanding internationally, Chickenjoy remains at the center of its success story, proving that a familiar favorite from the Philippines can compete with some of the biggest names in global fast food.

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