Mars Petcare launches ‘Fur The Best’ SWAP consumer recycling program in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Mars Petcare partners with Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX) as part of its global efforts to increase the circularity of packaging waste



Mars Petcare recently announced a packaging recycling initiative in the Philippines as part of its global efforts to create a circular economy for plastic packaging where it doesn’t become waste. The collaboration with Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX) and retailer Pet Express is called “Fur The Best”, which is an extension of the “SWAP Recycling” initiative from Thailand that will enable the collection and recycling of mixed post-consumer flexible plastic packaging waste into useful products. It’s one of the many sustainability initiatives that Mars Petcare is running to give pet parents the opportunity to recycle their plastic packaging.

At Mars, we take our responsibility for sustainable packaging seriously, so we’re working globally toward 100 percent recyclable, reusable or compostable plastic packaging and reducing our use of virgin plastic by 25%. To reach our goal, we’ll need not only recyclable materials, but we also need collection and recycling infrastructure in place and the right consumer behavior to make it happen.

According to the 2021 Who Cares, Who Does report by Kantar Philippines, 75% of Filipinos actively seek out brands that offer ways to reduce their impact on the environment. In the Philippines, the passage of the Extended Producer Responsibility (RA 11898) law has heightened attention on solid waste management, particularly of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods post-consumer waste.

Petcare commits to a sustainable business–Johny Racoma, General Manager of Mars Philippines, highlighted how Mars Petcare takes a sustainable approach in dealing with the plastic pet-food bags. He was joined by Ian Miguel Garcia, Business Development Manager of PCX, who demonstrated the step-by-step process of how to swap empty pet-food packages. All recycled materials will be handed to PCX, the recycling arm of the program where the materials will be recycled and upcycled.

Mars PetMars petcare: Making the world a better place for pets–Mars Pet Nutrition Scientific Communications Manager for Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore Dr. Saza Curaming shares how Mars is committed to helping the country by raising the quality of pet food, investing in education opportunities to better serve the pet health ecosystem, help those pets who are in need, and support the Filipino veterinarians. Dr. Curaming is also joined by veterinary experts (From Left to Right: Dr. Jomar Castro, Dr. Gen Maala-Castro, and Dr. Norbert Robles.

Mars Petcare: Making the world a better place for pets–Mars Pet Nutrition Scientific Communications Manager for Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore Dr. Saza Curaming shares how Mars is committed to helping the country by raising the quality of pet food, investing in education opportunities to better serve the pet health ecosystem, help those pets who are in need, and support the Filipino veterinarians. Dr. Curaming is also joined by veterinary experts (From Left to Right: Dr. Jomar Castro, Dr. Gen Maala-Castro, and Dr. Norbert Robles.

Local petLocal pet owners can collect and recycle the empty food packaging of their pets–Pet Express Assistant Vice President for Marketing Janine Ngo shares that participating pet parents will scan the QR code to register and answer the survey and will receive a Php 100 coupon per transaction, once daily, regardless of the quantity given. Ngo also shared the recycling drop-off points are available in 15 of the participating Pet Express locations in in Metro Manila. Customers can redeem the Php 100 discount until May 31, 2023.

Johnny Racoma, General Manager for Mars Petcare in the Philippines, highlighted that Mars Petcare aims to meet consumer desire for more sustainable packaging options. He said, “Consumers continue to be concerned not just about the content of what their pets eat but also about reducing their environmental impact.”

Packaging plays many vital roles: protecting ingredients, preserving freshness, conveying nutrition and health information, and differentiating brands. However, it also poses real challenges. This means it can end up in landfills, as litter, or even find its way into the environment.

As a leader in manufacturing, Mars Petcare believes it is important to work to address environmental challenges and create a more sustainable future. “As more Filipino shoppers are willing to shift to sustainable practices, this presents us an opportunity to invest in eco-friendly practices and take the lead in meeting consumer needs while reducing waste and increasing circularity,” stated Racoma.

To implement its collection for the recycling program, Mars Petcare is partnering with Pet Express and Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX). Through this partnership, pet parents can collect and surrender clean and empty packaging of any number of PEDIGREE, IAMS OR WHISKAS Dry food and any petfood flexible plastic packaging in any of the following sizes: 1kg, 3kg, and 8kg.

Recycling drop-off points are available in 15 of the participating Pet Express locations in International Toyworld Inc. stores in Metro Manila, such as Megamall, Mall of Asia, SM Fairview

Pet Express North Edsa, Bonifacio Global City, SM Masinag, SM Cubao, SM Makati, Festival Mall, Pet Express Dasmarinas, Pet Express Hyper Makati, Grand Central Caloocan, Pet Express Molino, Pet Express Madison Alabang, and Pet Express Estancia.

All collected materials will be handed to PCX, the recycling facilitator of the “Fur The Best” program. The materials will be recycled into useful products such as benches that will be donated to pet shelters in the Greater Manila area.

“PCX has always advocated the need for both upstream and downstream solutions to the plastic pollution crisis. Mars’ “Fur The Best” campaign is an important step to ensuring that brands are attempting specific recovery which builds a more circular economy “, said Nanette Medved-Po who founded PCX.

Participating pet parents should scan the QR code to register and answer the survey and will receive a Php 100 coupon per transaction, once daily, regardless of the quantity given. With the Php 100 coupon, pet parents can use it on the same day of swapping as a discount when the customers purchase ANY Mars Pet Nutrition Products for their fur babies. Customers can redeem the Php 100 discount until May 31, 2023.

“Our chances of achieving a sustainable future will be determined by how we protect our planet. As a result, sustainability activities will always be a component of our global efforts. We want to see significant development in the Philippines, where customers can join our ‘Fur The Best’ program,” Racoma added.

“Fur the love” of our dear pets and the environment, head to the nearest Pet Express in your area to SWAP empty packaging of pet foods and EARN P100 discount vouchers!

#furthebestSWAPrecycling #proudlymars #marsphilippines

For further information on the Mars Sustainable in a Generation Plan and Circular Packaging commitments, visit www.mars.com/sustainability-plan.

Cover photo:

Mars Petcare, Pet Express, and Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX) work together ‘Fur the Best’–World-leading manufacturer of pet food Mars Petcare partners with Pet Express and PCX to promote the principle that plastic packaging should be collected, recycled, and have commercial value and not end up as waste. From Left to Right: Plastic Credit Exchange Sustainability Campaign Manager Meg Anne Santos, Mars Philippines General Manager Johnny Ludger Racoma, and Pet Express Assistant Vice President for Marketing Janine Ngo.    

Philippine Post Office launches Express Pada-LOVE on Valentine’s Day

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Express your Love with a Song!

The Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) Mega Manila Area launches the “Pada-LOVE! Magpadala, Kiligin, Ma-inlove”, offering its traditional “Singing Kartero package” worth P2, 500, which includes a bouquet of flowers, a greeting card, and two (2) songs from the singing mailman.

The “Express Pada-LOVE” is not just for Filipino lovers but also to promote its Domestic Express Mail Service (DEMS) which will run until February 15.

Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said that the project caters same-day/next-day delivery of flowers, chocolates, cakes, stuffed toys, cards, and other gift items along with the services of Singing Kartero to their loved ones during the week-long celebration of Valentine’s Day.

The Manila Central Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio will serve as the central hub for swapping of parcels/gift items for delivery. The services will be delivered within Metro Manila.

Aside from the Singing Kartero Package, the public can also buy flowers, chocolates and other Novelty items to be delivered by the Post Office.

This special Valentine’s Day service is also available in Iloilo City {Area 6}, Cagayan De Oro City (Area 8) Tuguegarao City (Area 1), Cebu City (Area 5) and Davao City (Area 7).

The public is advised to pre-book their orders online at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088016513954, or thru the following: Mobile No. 0927-2450837 or 8527-01-35 and Ms. Liaver Briones at 0915-9418196.

Meanwhile, along with the celebration of Valentine’s Day, on February 10, at 11:00 in the morning, the Post Office in cooperation with Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, will launch the Valentine’s Day Stamps and Greeting Cards entitled “Pupusuan Kita – Araw ng mga Puso 2023” to be held at the Ponte Lobby OF Venice Grand Canal, McKinley Taguig City. The public is invited to witness and participate in all of the activities prepared by the Post Office meant to celebrate the season of hearts by sending messages of love and affection to partners, family and friends.

Crucial Facts About Applying for U Visas in New Jersey

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



New Jersey has many immigrants. If you walk around Newark, you will see the American melting pot in all its glory. You’ll hear many languages and see individuals with many clothing styles enjoying different ethnic foods.


Many people feel America works so well because of this thriving diversity. Immigration comes into play, as many desire US citizenship for various reasons. They come seeking U visas in New Jersey and elsewhere.


We will talk about obtaining U visas in the Garden State right now.

What is a U Visa?

U visas are available for some crime victims. The U visa means you can help law enforcement agencies prosecute or investigate crimes without having any deportation fears.


Applying for a U visa in New Jersey isn’t very difficult, though getting one presents certain challenges. If you apply, understand that the U visa does not cover all crimes. It exists for serious ones. Those usually include things like felony assault, sexual violence, stalking, or domestic violence.

Can You Use It to Get Citizenship?

Say that you’re a New Jersey resident, but you’re not a US national. You don’t have citizenship. Instead, you’re living here in the US and have temporary legal status.


Someone harms you through a serious crime like we’ve described. The US might grant you a U visa. You think you might leverage that and become a US citizen. Can you do it?


A U visa holder can try getting lawful permanent resident status after living in the US for three years. Lawful permanent resident status means getting a green card. The two terms mean the same thing.


You can go from having a U visa to enjoying permanent resident status. If you live in the US for five years with a green card, you can attempt the citizenship application process at that time.


You can sometimes go from having a U visa in New Jersey to enjoying US citizenship status, but that takes eight years, minimum. You might go that route, but you must exercise patience and not get into any legal entanglements in the meantime.

How Can I Get a U Visa in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, getting a U visa isn’t the easiest prospect. You must prove that someone committed a serious crime against you and that you suffered mental or physical harm. Ultimately, you can present your case, and a judge will decide whether you qualify.


You must also assist law enforcement. Usually, that means reporting what happened and who harmed you. You get preferential treatment because you helped the police. If the court system convicts the person who hurt you, you helped get a dangerous criminal off the street. You will likely get your U visa if that happens.

Is a U Visa Like a Green Card?

Having a U visa helps you as you live and work in the US, but your situation with one remains somewhat tenuous. With a green card, you have more protection, and you can feel more secure.


The U visa status grants you some deportation protections. You can also work in the US with a U visa. Not all companies will accept you as an employee, but many will if you have a helpful skill set.


We already explained how the U visa can open up a potential citizenship pathway. It’s one good thing that might come if someone harms you. From their crime comes a citizenship opportunity.

What Helps You Get Your U Visa?

If someone harmed you, and you help the police capture and convict them, you must demonstrate that during your U visa hearing. If you can get someone from the police to testify on your behalf, a judge should regard that favorably.


If you have several police officers, detectives, prosecutors, or anyone else who might say you provided critical witness testimony and put someone dangerous behind bars, you’re in good shape. The law enforcement agency you helped can give you a special certification. It talks about what you did. The police call this document a I-198B.


You Might Face a Backlog

There’s one more issue worth mentioning. The US does not grant many U visas per year. You might wait several years while the courts process your request.


Getting a competent lawyer who knows this citizenship pathway can sometimes help you. They can guide you as you navigate this sometimes-tricky process.


You might eventually earn citizenship this way, but it takes time, patience, and fortitude.