The Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) held at its offices on 29 Jan. 2013 a meeting of all stakeholders to present a draft of the guidelines for the Lighting Industry Waste Management.  This is to address the problem of toxic wastes inherent in fluorescent bulbs especially for Efficient Fluorescent Lamps (EFLs) which is promoted to save on energy. Mercury in these lamps when leaked out causes grave danger to lives and the environment.  It is the objective of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) to make sure that a process of collection and proper disposal for used lamps is in place.

On 24 Jan. 2013, PAGASA held its 1 st Quarter General Meeting at Hotel Astoria Plaza. It was hosted by ICS Universal Transfer.  State of the local industry was discussed together with the latest trends and developments both from the government sector as well as suppliers. Fortunate for the participants that evening, Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III was hosting his birthday celebration in the same hotel; thus, the opportunity to have a picture taken with him (center, on STC's right).

The Phil. Retailers Association (PRA) held its Retailer of the Year/Shopping Center of the Year Awards on the eve of 22 Jan. 2013 and STC was a presenter.  In pic, (L-R) Jerry Angchay/ GM of Blue Wave Drive, Jun Yap/Pres. of Cebu Retailers Association (a chapter of PRA) and Pres. of Junrex Cellphone & Accessories, Inc., the amiable Bernie Liu/Past Pres. of PRA and Pres. of Penshoppe, etc., STC and Suzie Mitchell/Country Managing Dir.-DHL Phils. STC also joined Hans Sy/Pres. of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. celebrating SM Megamall’s having won as Shopping Center of the Year for 2012.

PAGASA Pres. Steven Cua was invited on 1-9-13 as guest on PTV-4’s 1 & ½-hour Special Forum on  THE SIN TAX REFORM LAW. He was invited to discuss how the Bill has affected supply and prices of  tobacco and liquor prior to and after its passing into law effective 1 Jan. 2013.  Other guests are Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares, Dept. of Health Usec. Teodoro Herbosa, MD, Atty. Johannes “Joey” Bernabe, a bar operator and  two cigarette vendors.