Children's Causes Update: Central Visayas: NGOs forged partnership w/ DSWD to provide hot meals & supplementary feeding

PPP forged for supplemental feeding | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "The supplemental feeding will be in a form of hot meals for malnourished children outside the government’s day care centers in identified and adopted villages of the NGO beneficiaries. More than 1,300 children will be served by the DSWD and Akap Bata-Cebu, Rotary Club of Metro Bogo, Zenith Foods Corporation, La Consolacion College in this City, Sto. Tomas College in Danao City, and La Consolacion College in Lilo-an, Cebu. Meanwhile, the DSWD will provide 20,000 kilos of Iron-fortified rice while the NGO partners will share the other requirements needed by the program. The feeding program, to run from 120 to 200 days, will be given to malnourished children ages 2-12 years old outside day care centers in the identified barangays. Others entities in the national level partnering in the program are Jollibee Foundation, Augustinian Sisters of our Lady of Consolacion, Operation Blessing Foundation, Phils., Inc., and Hapag-Asa Integrated Nutrition Program. (Phoebe Jen Indino)"

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Wellness in Culture: DOH launches world's safest firecracker

Department of Health launches world's safest firecracker | Sun.Star: "The music CD also has a "Fireworks Symphony" preceded by a countdown, as commonly practiced around the world during moments before midnight of January 1. After being mass produced, the CD will then be distributed to local government officials, which will be tasked to reproduce them and distribute to constituents. Metro Manila will be given priority since it is where most firecracker-related injuries come from, Tayag said. The CD, a brainchild of Six Cycle Mind’s guitarist Herbert Hernandez, may soon be available for download, Tayag said."

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Wellness in Governance: DSWD & DND to build bunkhouses for families displaced by floods from tropical storm “Sendong”

DSWD eyes bunkhouses in CDO - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said 10 bunkhouses are expected to be constructed by the end of the year. The DSWD initially turned over P7.3 million to the National Development Support Command (NADESCOM), an infrastructure and development arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), to fund the construction of bunkhouses. Malacañang, on the other hand, authorized the release of P241 million, which Soliman turned over to Iligan Mayor Lawrence Cruz, for the construction of “core shelters.” “This money will go to the construction of the core shelters, by core shelter we mean four walls, one toilet and one room,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said. Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Romulo Busuego said a 10-hectare lot in Baranggay Kalaanan in Cagayan de Oro has already been identified as the relocation site for the victims during an inter-agency meeting last Friday."

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Peace Update: AFP vowed to continue working with people to promote peace & development in conflict areas thru: "Bayanihan, Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran”

AFP celebrates 76th anniversary - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "AFP donates to flood victims: The President thanked the AFP for the donations it made to victims of flashfloods in Mindanao, “which shows the soldiers’ spirit of bayanihan in times of disasters.” The military hierarchy’s decision to forego the annual AFP Ball, the voluntary donation of soldiers’ P90 daily subsistence allowance to “Sendong” victims, and its refusal to use the flyby during yesterday’s 76th anniversary rites were among the AFP’s contributions"

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Wellness in Environment: DENR pursues clean air program | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

DENR pursues clean air program | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has installed its second fully automatic air quality monitoring station in Valenzuela City Wednesday for the collection of real-time pollution data in northern Metro Manila.

Leading the launch at the grounds of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV) at Mayson Road in Malinta, Valenzuela were Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Director Juan Miguel Cuna, representing DENR Secretary Ramon Paje; Valenzuela City Administrator Teresita Capacillo, representing Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian; and PLV President Nedeña Torralba.

Paje earlier said the station would be part of the agency’s continuing efforts to improve air quality especially in Metro Manila, where vehicles contribute about 80 percent of pollutants.

“As part of our clean air program, the data that this station will collect will be used as reference for crafting air quality management programs and policies especially by the local government unit,” he said."

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Peace Update: Philippines approves holiday cease-fire with communist rebels in traditional good will gesture - The Washington Post

Philippines approves holiday cease-fire with communist rebels in traditional good will gesture - The Washington Post:

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Wellness in Science & Technology: Region XII approved Resolution endorsing Institutionalization of Philippine Halal Laboratory & Halal Science

"DOST XII director Zenaida Hadji Raof-Laidan said the PNHLSC is the first of its kind in the country which shall serve as the country's clearing house of all Halal products manufactured and processed for domestic and international consumption for the protection of the Philippine Halal market. She further said the PNHLSC shall also serve as the center for Research, Development and Extension (RD&E), Halal Education and Training for Halal Science Incubation. It shall be recognized as the competent authority in Halal Science and shall be an accrediting body for Halal laboratories and certifying body for Halal products, Laidan pointed out. The DOST XII director disclosed that as far as the technical aspect is concerned, DOST XII has capabilities referring to the advanced Halal laboratory equipment and competent Muslim scientists." 'via Blog this'[PIA News] DOST seeks Presidential approval in institutionalizing Philippine National Halal Industry:

Wellness in Governance: Worker's Welfare: DoLE's Alternative Employment Program for Workers Affected by Closed Season of Commercial Fishing

DoLE launches alternative employment program | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: Zamboanga City: "The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) in coordination with all the concerned stakeholders launched an alternative employment program for the thousands of workers in the sardines, fishing and canning industries affected by the closed season for commercial fishing in the region. Dubbed as Sustained Availability through Genuine and Intensified Preservation of TAMBAN (SAGIP-TAMBAN), it is a special program that provides alternative employment to the workers affected by the closed season for commercial fishing. Aside from the affected workers, the program will also provide temporary or alternative employment to their dependents through the availment of either skills trainings, livelihood or emergency employment from the government and other concerned stakeholders while their employers in the sardines, fishing and canning industries are still observing the closed fishing season. The implementation of the program shall adopt the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme."

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Women Cause Update: Women Negotiators Hold Positions in the GPH-MILF Peace Talks

"First there was only one: Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, University of the Philippines professor of political science, the lone woman in the Philippine Government (GPH)-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace negotiations, representing GPH. This week, there were three of them across the negotiating table at the Executive Boardroom of the Royale Chulan Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, with the introduction of two consultants – Bai Yasmin Busran-Lao for the GPH peace panel and lawyer Raissa Jajurie for the MILF peace panel. It was the first time since the peace negotiations started in 1997 that the all-male MILF peace panel had a woman on their side across the negotiating table, albeit not as regular member as yet but as consultant."

Read more:
'via Blog this'MindaNews » The women in the GPH-MILF peace talks:

Peace Update: Marawi City sharing the common concern for reconciliation and understanding

"Peace stakeholders in Lanao del Sur vowed to support all peace and development initiatives in Mindanao. They made a commitment to suppress all and every negative actions that hinder the attainment of peace in Mindanao, at the same time conveyed appreciation to individuals, organizations, and international institutions in their various efforts towards the realization of lasting peace in this part of the country. The signing of the unified declaration of commitment for peace highlighted the provincial culmination program of the Mindanao Week of Peace 2011

'via Blog this'Peace advocacy | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online:

Wellness in Environment: Energy Development Corp (EDC) to establish Seed Bank & Arboretum using 96 endangered Philippine tree species

"The EDC, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the municipality of Valencia recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to set up a 9.35 hectare arboretum where a collection of different rare and endemic prime trees will be propagated, according to Toni Nieva, EDC public relations supervisor. DENR Region 7 Executive Director Maxino Dichoso and EDC Senior Vice-President Agnes de Jesus endorsed the MOA to pave the way for the establishment of the arboretum. Nieva said the arboretum serves as learning and training facility for students, faculty, plant enthusiasts, ecotourists and people from various walks of life. It will also serve as a research laboratory for biological and environmental scientists. The EDC Arboretum will host the 96 species of Dipterocarp and non-Dipterocarp families. These species are categorized into threatened, vulnerable, rare and endangered status based on the rules of DENR and the International Union of Conservation of Nature."

'via Blog this'[PIA News] EDC, DENR to establish Philippines’ 1st arboretum in NegOr:

Wellness in Science & Technology: Working on Effective Integration of Genomics to concrete steps to improve quality of life & advance socio-economics

"With its universal use, the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) has six other programs aside from agriculture—Biodiversity for Drug Diversity and Bioenergy, DNA Sequencing and Genotyping Facility, Bioinformatics Core Facility, Health, and Forensics and Ethnicity. “This is an ambitious but much-needed research venture designed to create an environment and culture to encourage new discoveries and innovations in a variety of fields,” said Dr. Carmen David-Padilla, PGC executive director. Projects under drug discovery includes production of drug for pain, epilepsy and neurological disorders from venomous marine snails; development of neuroactive, antimicrobial, and anticancer drugs from microorganisms found in marine snails and sponges; and development of medicinal plants and nutraceuticals containing antioxidants, anticancer, antinfective, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive agents."

'via Blog this'Genome Center to develop superior plants, animal breeds much faster | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online:

Wellness in Environment: 11,000 solar bulbs stalled in 30 communities in Metro Manila in one day

"The Philippines is on its way to set a Guinness world record as civic groups, led by the Rotary Club District 3830 and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), installed more than 11,000 solar bulbs in 30 communities in Metro Manila in one day. The goal was to light 10,000 homes in low-income communities in Metro Manila Wednesday. Shelly Lazaro, president of Rotary Club of Makati San Lorenzo and the overall project manager, said the groups were able to install 11,300 solar bulb devices. The number has to be independently audited by Guinness Book of Records representatives who were on hand during the daylong event. “We are aiming for the largest grassroots green-lighting program in the world,” Lazaro said. She said this was done in Brazil a few years back with 3,000 solar bulbs installed in a day. “For the Rotary, the record is just the icing on the cake. Our aim is community service,” she said. While solar bulb technology is simple and inexpensive, it has a huge impact on the lives of those who live in slum communities."

'via Blog this'Philippines goes for solar bulbs record | Inquirer Global Nation:

Wellness in Culture: Awareness Campaign to Stop Violence Against Women Encouraged

"Initiated by the Philippine Commission on Women (PWC) and the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC), the campaign started on November 25 – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (VAW) – and will run until December 12. Through DepEd Memorandum No. 265 series of 2011, Education Secretary Armin Luistro has urged all Bureau and Regional Directors, Schools Division and City Superintendents and heads of public and private elementary and secondary schools to participate in the campaign. “The campaign focuses on information dissemination about VAW, especially the service of government agencies and NGOs to address the needs of VAW victims and survivors,” Luistro said. “It also highlights the worldwide call to end VAW,” he added."

'via Blog this'Violence against women, children highlighted | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online:

Wellness in Governance: DepEd to act on asbestos-laden wire gauzes in schools

"Associated Labor Union (ALU) commended the Deparment of Education (DepEd) for its positive response to the call to remove from public high schools wire gauzes containing asbestos and to stop the exposure to the substance of millions of students and teachers nationwide. The call was made upon discovery of wire gauze with three percent Chrysotile asbestos that is being used in schools. Asbestos is a banned substance in 54 countries for its carcinogenic effect. “Part of our mandate is to ensure that the learning environment does not pose any kind of threat to the well-being of our students and school officials,” Education Secretary Armin Luistro said. ALU asked Luistro to act swiftly on its call to save millions of students, teachers, non-teaching personnel and communities from primary and secondary exposure to the very dangerous asbestos dust that cause cancer and other incurable diseases."

'via Blog this'DepEd to act on asbestos-laden wire gauzes in schools | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online:

Wellness in Governance: Department of Agriculture advocates Organic Veggie Farming and Consumption

"“Live simply, live healthy, live naturally. Let us go organic.” This was the call made by Department of Agriculture (DA) Gawad Saka Awardee Pat Acosta, proprietor of Master Garden Organic Farm and founding member of the La Trinidad Organic Producers (LaTOP) Multi Purpose Cooperative during the DA-led Food and Organic Agriculture Investment Forum, Friday. Acosta, in his presentation dubbed, ‘Organic Agriculture: A Response to Consumer’s Health and Welfare,’ stressed that choosing between organically grown vegetables and the traditional ones, boils down to a person’s concern to his health. According to Acosta, studies show that organically produced vegetables are better sources of minerals for a healthier body. Organic veggies have five times more in minerals, especially sodium – which is said to be the hardest element to be absorbed by the human body.

Acosta admits that high cost is still an issue or concern on organic vegetables as it plays with the law of supply and demand - organically grown veggies cost more. Should there be more organic farmers, the cost of organic veggies will be lower."

'via Blog this'Philippines: DA advocates organic veggie farming and consumption:

Wellness in Tourism: Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR): Campaign Intensifies after Winning New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN)

"The New 7 Wonders of Nature website describes the Puerto Princesa Underground River as reputedly the world’s longest underground river system, featuring an 8.2-kilometer navigable river through an impressive limestone landscape. It joins the Amazon in South America, Halong Bay in Vietnam, Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil, Jeju Island in South Korea, Komodo in Indonesia, and Table Mountain in South Africa on the exclusive list after a two-year vote among 28 finalists that concluded last 11 November 2011.

As of October 2011, 196,959 foreign and local visitors have been tallied at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) for the year, already more than the 172,827 visitors for the entire 2010."

'via Blog this'DOT, Puerto Princesa City gear up for Underground River tourism boom after win:

Wellness in Culture: Conference on Cultural Renewal to be held @ CCP on Dec 3 by Philanthropists, Art patrons, Cultural Workers, Writers & Artists

"Media/education and the new communication technologies: How may media promote an ethical and just society whose culture — both social and artistic — is part of their environment, embedded in their very lives as craftsmanship, as habit? How do the social media affect society? How may the new communication technologies elevate cultural, political sensibility, improve literacy, thinking, social responsibility, sense of nation?

Culture and the state: How will the state assist in cultural development, through education, a viable cultural program recognizing diversity? As in France, does the Philippines need a Ministry of Culture? There is so much anarchy in beautification, in the naming of streets, the placing of public monuments — how will these be standardized, regulated? How may towns, cities, on their own — enhance cultural awareness through museums, festivals, the writing of local histories?"

'via Blog this'Nation and culture - HINDSIGHT By F Sionil Jose - The Philippine Star » Lifestyle Features » Arts and Culture:

Arts and culture: What is the function of the arts in the formation of identity, in unifying a people and imparting to them a sense of nation, ethics and justice?

Culture and society: How may the awareness of social attitudes and cultural values be developed further and encouraged and how, in a larger sense, will the work of cultural workers be institutionalized and supported by the people? For instance, if people can spend for cigarettes, beer and cockfighting, how may some of that money be channeled towards cultural development?

Wellness in Science & Technology: 1st Philippine Science Digital Library Development by STII or DOST now in Zamboanga

"Regional Information Technology and E-Commerce Committee in Zamboanga Peninsula (RITECC-IX) is launching the Department of Science and Technology-Science and Technology Information Institute's (DOST-STII) STARBOOKS in Zamboanga City. STARBOOKS which stands for Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosk Stations is the first Philippine Science Digital library development by the STII or DOST.

DOST Regional Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano said Thursday the STARBOOKS project, which is funded by her office under its Grants-In-Aid (GIA) Program, will be launched on November 23. RITECC-IX is a special committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) under the Regional Development Council. Manazano said STARBOOKS is a stand alone, onsite research kiosk that provides free access on science and technology (S&T) information for academic and livelihood use."

'via Blog this'RITECC, Department of Science and Technology to launch STARBOOKS project | Sun.Star:

Wellness in Environment: Mindoro Resources Received Awards Reflecting Company's Commitment to Excellence in Social, Environmental, Health & Safety

"The awards were made by the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award Selection Committee, led by the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Forest Management Bureau, Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association and the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.

The Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award for Mineral Exploration Category is the highest performance award in the combined fields of Health, Safety, Environment and Community Relations programs.

The Best Mining Forest Contest award recognizes the Company's work in reforestation and rehabilitation, its adopt a river project, water source protection program, the newly established eco farm, drill site rehabilitation, biodiversity consideration, as well as its other environmental programs.

The Safest Exploration Award recognizes the Company's commitment to occupational and environmental safety standards in all of its exploration activities."

'via Blog this'Steel Guru : Mindoro Resources unit wins top 3 awards for environment and safety programs - 236016 - 2011-11-16:

Wellness in Education: To Improve Performance of 63,000 plus Undernourished School Children, DepEd to Pursue Feeding Program

"According to Education Secretary Armin Luistro, the feeding program aims to address under-nutrition and short-term hunger syndrome among public schoolchildren who do not eat breakfast and walk long distance to reach school. “This is the most vulnerable group who finds it hard to pay attention to the lessons in class because of hunger and are in danger of dropping out if no intervention is made,” Luistro explained.

The DepEd chief added that the program — which was initially implemented in Pangasinan, Bohol and Lanao del Norte — will be expanded to 15 more divisions during the school year. Based on the prevalence of under-nutrition in these divisions and the capability of school heads to manage and administer the program, the new beneficiaries are schools from the divisions of Quirino, Zambales, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Sorsogon, Kabankalan City, Bacolod City, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte, Davao Oriental, Sultan Kudarat, Surigao del Norte, Kalinga, Maguindanao, and Quezon City."
"

'via Blog this'Wellness for Peace: Climate Change: Wellness in Education: To Improve Performance of 63,000 plus Undernourished School Children, DepEd to Pursue Feeding Program:

Wellness in Culture: Arizza Ann Sahi Nocum cited by NCCA & NLP for her Role in Building Libraries & Countering Culture of Guns w/ Books & Education

The 17-year-old Arizza Ann Sahi Nocum recently received an award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the National Library of the Philippines (NLP).

Arizza, an Industrial Engineering freshman at the University of the Philippines, was recognized by the NCCA’s National Committee on Library and Information Services (NCLIS) “for her exemplary and invaluable contributions in the field of library and information services by building libraries, distributing books, and promoting reading to underserved children.” The Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI) joined the NCCA and NLP last November 4 in giving the certificate of recognition to Arizza for playing a key role in her Christian-Muslim parents’ advocacy to distribute books, grant scholarships, provide the free use of computers, and build libraries in conflict areas in Mindanao since 2001.

The young Arizza, who is now the administrator of the Kristiyano-Islam (KRIS) Peace Library, is the daughter of Armand Dean N. Nocum (a Roman Catholic) and Annora Sahi Nocum (a Muslim)."

'via Blog this'Books and Education for Peace | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "

Manny Pacquiao gives Honor to Entire Philippines on Sunday as Winner of his bout with Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez

"As in many of Pacquiao's previous bouts, the country almost shut down as millions of people followed the fight of the boxer who has become a national hero. The wealthy watched at pay-per-view showings in hotels and sports bars while local politicians hosted public displays in town plazas and gymnasiums. Support for Pacquiao crossed political lines, with Darlene Custodio, the mayor of the boxer's home town, the southern city of General Santos -- who defeated him in a 2007 election -- joining in the celebrations. "Manny really proved his worth as the pound-for-pound king. His victory gives more honour to the country, especially to General Santos," the mayor said. Pacquiao, a poverty-stricken high-school drop-out, used his boxing skills to become a world champion and has since parlayed his fame into a career as a product endorser, TV show host, movie star and congressman."

'via Blog this'Philippines celebrates close Manny Pacquiao victory - The Times of India:

Update: Asian Development Bank gives Incentives for the Public and Private Sectors to Invest in Renewable Energies

"Asian Development Bank focuses on delivering projects for the Asia and Pacific region that create economic and development impact. The bank had more than $17.5 billion in approved financing in 2010. Its main devices for assistance are loans, grants, technical assistance, equity investments and policy dialogue. To encourage the shift to clean and efficient energy, ADB is expanding the use of renewable energy, facilitating the introduction of new clean energy technologies, identifying and promoting cost-effective energy efficiency improvements, and giving incentives for the public and private sectors to invest in these areas. On the supply side, ADB is emphasizing the expansion of renewable energy and using focusing on access to energy as a priority for economic growth, with a focus on helping the poor and protecting the environment."

'via Blog this'Banks Provide Critical Support for Hydro Project Development:In February 2011, ADB approved a loan of $57.3 million to Papua New Guinea utility PNG Power Ltd. to fund renewable energy projects, including run-of-river hydro. This loan is part of a broader Town Electrification Investment Program approved by ADB in late 2010 that will improve the power supply in provincial urban centers by replacing diesel generation with renewable energy generation. Total cost of the program is estimated to be $150 million. Projects to be implemented under the first tranche of the program include run-of-river hydro plants in the Northern Province and Autonomous Region of Bougainville, as well as a 66 kV transmission line in West New Britain that will provide access to about 1 MW of spare capacity from the 3 MW Lake Hargy hydro plant.

Sri Lanka is using a $120 million loan from ADB to expand and improve its power network, including support for renewable energy that is to add hydropower to the national grid. ADB approved the loan, along with a technical assistance grant for the Sustainable Power Sector Support Project, in January 2011. The project will help the government reduce imports of fossil fuels by providing a credit line of nearly $1.3 million to private developers for about 19 small hydro facilities and by financing the detailed engineering design of the 30 MW Moragolla hydro plant. The government of Sri Lanka will provide about $42 million, for a total project cost of $162 million. This work supports the government's goal of providing nearly 100% of households in the country with electricity by 2016.

And Himachal Pradesh Power Corp. Ltd. in India is developing four run-of-river hydroelectric projects with a total capacity of 856 MW under the $800 million Multi-Tranche Financing Facility Himachal Clean Power Development program funded by ADB. The objective of the work is to help fulfill local demand, especially energy shortages in the winter months of December to February. Outcomes of the program are to include increased production and use of clean energy in a financially sustainable manner through run-of-river hydro schemes, improved state finances from sales revenue earned from power exports, partial offset of project operation expenses due to potential revenues derived from Clean Development Mechanism carbon credit sales, and improved capacity in HPC for better planning, implementation and management of hydro plants.

One of these four projects is 450 MW Shongtong Karcham on the Satluj River, for which the developer was seeking bids in August to supply electromechanical equipment. The remaining projects are 195 MW Integrated Kashang, 100 MW Sainj and 111 MW Sawra Kuddu.

Wellness in Technology: House backed the establishment of the Department of ICT (DICT) - an essential step towards building ICT infrastructure

"House of Representatives approved one version of a bill that lays out the terms to create a new government department charged with overseeing the development of the nation’s ICT sector. In its second reading of the bill, the House backed the establishment of the Department of ICT (DICT), a move seen as an essential step towards building the country’s ICT infrastructure and developing a focused policy for the industry.
A similar bill is currently before the Senate, where it is expected to be approved in the coming weeks. Among its many tasks, the DICT will coordinate and implement the national ICT development agenda, including policies, programs and projects, according to a briefing the National Economic and Development Authority issued earlier this year. The new department will also be tasked with implementing “national e-strategies cutting across other critical sectors such as e-education and e-health, and the country’s representation in international and regional ICT bodies.”"

'via Blog this'ICT agenda for the Philippines | BusinessWorld Online Edition:

Wellness in Business: Philippines is the most cost-effective outsourcing destination in Asia

"Amid financial uncertainty in the US and Europe, the Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) industry continues to thrive. The downturn is seen to have spurred global financial institutions to accelerate expansion plans and off-shoring, much to the benefit of the Philippines. The BPO office annual take-up was between 250,000 to 350,000 square meters in the last 5 years. "This year’s projected take up of office space in Manila is anywhere between 330,000 and 360,000 square meters of new take-up which is quite large when compared to Singapore’s 150,000 square meters a year. We see continued expansionary demand from multinational companies as there is good value in the Philippine real estate market," said Rick Santos, CBRE chairman and CEO.

The growth of the BPO industry in the country has fueled office demand in Metro Manila. The existing BPO office supply in Metro Manila has reached almost 3.6 million square meters of leasable area."

'via Blog this'PH is best outsourcing destination in Asia: CBRE | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features: The Philippines is the most cost-effective outsourcing destination in Asia, according to real estate advisory firm CB Richard Ellis.

In a recent study by CBRE comparing 15 central business districts in Asia, the Philippines was ranked the second cheapest with lease rates at $19.1 price per square foot/annum, next to Jakarta's $16.3. This despite an increase in office lease rates in Metro Manila and a decline in vacancy rates this year.

The Philippines also ranked second in terms of office rental yields in Asia, at 10% in the third quarter of 2011, following India's 11%.

Peace Update: Military Officer in charge of Internal Peace & Security in Western Visayas now Appointed as Philippine Army's 54th Commanding General

"Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Major General Emmanuel Bautista’s record has been “exemplary, both in the field and in staff positions.” He is currently the commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. He is responsible for Internal Peace and Security Operations in Western Visayas and the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor in Central Visayas. "Bautista has been decorated seven times in combat. Most notably, in his staffwork, as J3 of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), Major General Bautista was primarily responsible for the formulation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan, ‘Bayanihan,’” said Valte. Bautista is also recognized for developing "Bayanihan" from its conceptualization, development, writing, launching, and implementation. He was able to mobilize the participation of different stakeholders in the planning process. "The plan involves innovative approaches and paradigm shifts and is now the blueprint of the AFP in winning the peace," Valte added."

'via Blog this'Major General Emmanuel Bautista is new Army chief | Sun.Star:

Wellness in Governance: South Cotabato received Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) First Year Maintenance Award

"Dr. Ervin Luntao, chairman of the committee on health of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, in behalf of Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. and the province of South Cotabato received the award on October 25 from Health Secretary Enrique Ona, chairman of the governing board of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in a ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center.
Uy announced prevalence rate among children below 6 years old in South Cotabato this year has gone down to 8.16 percent as compared to 9.66 percent in 2010 when it got its CROWN award.

Provincial Nutrition Officer Ma. Anna Uy said the province’s supplemental feeding program could not have achieved such success without the help of partners in the private sector. “Among the most active of these private partners are Dole Philippines, Mahintana Foundation, Rotary Clubs of Polomolok and Koronadal, cooperatives under the umbrella of Dolefil, the Philippine Association of Technologist and many other civic organizations,” she said."

'via Blog this'PIA daily news in English, Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Waray, Pangalatok from around the Philippines:

Peace Update: MILF rebels planning to hold a dialogue with three Catholic bishops

MILF rebels mull holding dialogue with critical Catholic bishops - Home » Other Sections » Breaking News: "Jun Mantawil, head of the MILF peace panel secretariat, said the MILF peace panel led by Mohagher Iqbal was seriously considering to invite Bishops Leonardo Medroso of Tagbilaran, Ilagan Bishop Elenito Galido and Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Colin Bagaforo, after they separately expressed critical views on the donation to the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute. "We will reach out to them first through a mutually acceptable go-in-between. We have very reliable line of communication with the Catholic Church," Mantawil said. The government, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, handed down in August to the MILF the fund to assist the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute."

'via Blog this'

Wellness in Education: Malacanang supports Department of Education’s activities in celebration of National Reading Month this November

“We fully support the Department of Education’s campaign to encourage school children to participate in the month-long reading activities, such as read-a-thons, storytelling sessions, shared readings, and reading camps,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement. The DepEd came up with its declaration on October 25 by virtue of Memorandum No. 244, making November of every year as National Reading Month and November 25, 2011 as Nationwide Araw ng Pagbasa. These particular events are anchored on the 10-point Basic Education Agenda of President Benigno S. Aquino III and the institutionalization of the “Every Child a Reader” Program (ECARP) by the DepEd.
Quoting Secretary Armin Luistro, Valte said the DepEd is initiating programs that would: promote reading and literacy among the pupils and students; motivate our youth to learn from the lives and works of eminent Filipinos; uphold one’s heritage and values; and make reading a shared physical experience, specifically among the youth, thereby increasing its relevance amidst the growing reliance on the internet and inclination to on-line activities."
Philippines - Malacanang supports Department of Education’s activities in celebration of National Reading Month: "
'via Blog this'

Wellness in Environment: Clean Air Month: PHL Local chief executives encouraged to issue resolutions or enact ordinances on air pollution control

November has been declared as the Clean Air Month through Presidential Proclamation No. 1101 issued in 1997. This brings to fore the issues and concerns and the solutions to the growing problem of air pollution in the country today, especially in the urban cities. Clean Air Month comes in a most opportune time as it provides the chance to strengthen advocacies particularly on the adjustment of fuel quality specifications on aromatics and benzene, on the mandatory emission testing prior to registration of vehicles, among others. The month-long celebration serves as a springboard for it is celebrated in the light of decision to be made on adjustment of fuel quality specifications on aromatics and benzene and issues of transport groups in the mandatory emission testing prior to registration, among others, which also served as springboard for a more intensive campaign against air pollution."

PIA daily news in English, Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Waray, Pangalatok from around the Philippines:
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Peace Update: P31-million for community development to finance projects that will enable former insurgents return to society

Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo, of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said the P31 million allotted by the government to the largely Central Philippines' based Marxist-Leninist Revolutionary Proletarian Army (RPA) and the Alex Boncayao-Brigade (ABB), is not intended as a direct pay-out to rebels to lay down their arms, but rather intended to finance projects that will enable former insurgents return to society. Montalbo also clarified the project was not initiated during the current administration of President Benigno Aquino III, but was a hold over programme initiated during the presidency of Joseph Estrada in 2000.
"OPAPP is very transparent in its disbursement of funds. The PAMANA website clearly states that the P 31-million is for community development and livelihood projects for three peace and development community sites in Negros Island where there are members of the RPA-ABB," he said."
gulfnews : Funds allotted to Philippines communist group 'not payout': "
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Wellness in Arts: "DiplomART" Cultural Diplomacy through Philippine Visual Arts

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) with the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) launching a program dubbed DiplomART: Cultural Diplomacy through Philippine Visual Arts.

Art as ambassador | BusinessWorld Online Edition: "Under the MoU, MBFI will be lending pieces from its art collection -- winning entries to the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) competition -- to Philippine embassies and diplomatic residences in other countries. The program will prioritize Beijing, China, a potentially huge market, and eventually cover the rest of the world."

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Peace Update: "Ceasefire Mechanism still in place to prevent violence between MILF & PHL gov't"

"Military spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Burgos said that despite the MILF's fears, a ceasefire mechanism was still in place that would prevent violence between the two sides. He also said upcoming informal talks between the MILF and the government in early-November would hopefully ease the tensions. "We will wait for the feedback from what happens in the peace talks in November," Burgos said. The 12,000-strong MILF are engaged in peace talks with the government and have a ceasefire in place. However the recent violent clashes have stoked popular anger against the rebel group, with growing calls for an "all-out war" against the rebels. Philippine President Benigno Aquino has said he remained committed to the peace process despite the recent violence."
AFP: Philippine Muslim rebels ready 'to fight' if attacked:
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Peace Update: Vietnam & PHL agree for a peaceful and multilateral approach to settle territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said Vietnam expressed support for the Philippine proposal for a zone of peace, freedom, friendship, and cooperation in the West Philippine Sea.

"I think what we committed to do was we embraced the approach of, one, is looking for a peaceful resolution; two, is we want to pursue a rules-based regime; third is we want to do this on a multilateral basis; and fourth is we want to observe the DOC [Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea] and we also are looking for incorporating the Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship and Cooperation (ZOPFFC) framework that the Philippines had introduced so that it can further strengthen the implementing guidelines of the DOC," said del Rosario.

Vietnam also clarified during the bilateral meeting that the recently signed agreement between China and Vietnam for bilateral negotiations on the South China Sea only concerns areas not contested by the Philippines."
Vietnam, PH agree on $3B trade by 2016 | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features: "
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Peace Update: “... launching attacks to avenge the death of soldiers could put the lives of innocent civilians in danger...war is not the answer"

Palace: No AFP demoralization - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said that while they grieve for their comrades who died during the recent clashes, they cannot allow their emotions to overwhelm them.

“We know that people are commiserating with members of the AFP. Their emotions are high. On our part, we feel that way, we are also humans but the answer is not through offensive, that we have to use the barrel of the gun to solve this,” Burgos told dzBB.

“We have to think of this carefully and we have persons in authority who know this better,” he added.

Burgos said launching attacks to avenge the death of soldiers could put the lives of innocent civilians in danger.

“If you want retaliation, we can retaliate but let’s see the casualties not only on the part of the armed forces and the other side but also to the Filipino people. The civilians in the area, the people who will be displaced, we have to study that, we have to consider those factors,” he said, stressing that the military continues to support peaceful ways to resolve the conflict with the MILF."

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Peace Update:PHL has good advantage in agriculture, good opportunity to get partners in business & show what we have & also learn from others-Li Daqiu

A high-ranking Chinese official said yesterday the Philippines has a “very good advantage” in agriculture after a Philippine government official invited Chinese officers and scientists to come and visit the Philippines for cooperation in agricultural technology.

Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya met with Li Daqiu, vice chairman of the Guangxi Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

The 8th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) is being held in this city, capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is co-sponsored by the ministries of commerce/trade and industry of China, the 10 ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat.

The trade exposition is being held concurrently with the 8th China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.

During the meeting, Li noted that both countries could further discuss cooperation agriculture and tourism."
Phl has good advantage in agriculture, says Chinese exec - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "
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Women & Children's Causes Update: Education for Lumad lead by Fr. Fausto Tentorio

In 2008, Fr. Fausto Tentorio took over as coordinator of the Tribal Filipino Program of the Archdiocese of Kidapawan from Fr. Peter Geremia, who was assigned as parish priest in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat. Tentorio also served as board member of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, a progressive congregation forming education support communities in remote areas not normally reached by government services.
“His support was focused on giving education and health services, especially for the Lumad and the deprived sectors,” Capuyan said. For example, she said, Tentorio helped set up daycare centers in remote areas in Arakan, in Kitaotao town in Bukidnon province, and in some parts of Compostela Valley.
Capuyan said these daycare centers used the indigenous people’s curriculum, inculcating the Lumad culture and tradition, and sometimes even using the Lumad language in the classroom. She said there were 47 such daycare centers in Arakan alone, and 23 in the hinterlands of Kitaotao and Compostela Valley, and even in Davao Oriental province."
Pope hails Fr. Pops: A brave, fervent believer | Inquirer Global Nation: "Pope Benedict XVI expressed his condolences on Wednesday for the killing of Fr. Fausto Tentorio in Arakan, North Cotabato province, and praised the Italian missionary for his bravery and good work.The message to Pinto will be in Thursday’s edition of the Vatican’s official daily, Osservatore Romano. Tentorio was “a good priest, a fervent believer who for many years served the people of the Philippines in a courageous and indefatigable way,” the Pope said in a message to Giuseppe Pinto, the Vatican’s apostolic nuncio in Manila.

Tentorio, 59, was shot inside his church compound in Arakan on Monday. He had served for the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) in Mindanao since 1978.
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Peace Update: President Benigno Aquino III said Thursday he would not resort to ordering an army offensive against Muslim guerrillas

"President Benigno Aquino III said Thursday he would not resort to ordering an army offensive against Muslim guerrillas who killed 19 army soldiers in the southern Philippines despite a clamor for tougher government action.

Tuesday’s intense fighting on southern Basilan island between army special forces and members of the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front killed 25 combatants, including six guerrillas. It was some of the deadliest fighting since 2008, when peace talks bogged down and ignited widespread clashes that killed hundreds and displaced 750,000 people."
Philippine leader says no offensive despite Muslim rebel killing of 19 soldiers; army grieves - The Washington Post:
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Peace Update: PHL gov't & MILF struggled to convince sceptics within their ranks on why they should engage in peace talks while clashes occur

Earlier reports from Basilan island said 20 people were killed when soldiers clashed with the MILF on Tuesday, with each side accusing the other of breaking a seven-year truce.

Now, the Philippine military has told Radio Australia's Asia Pacific program, that the military was pursuing a bandit group under a local commander, Long Malat, who was not linked to the MILF or the militant Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)

Western Mindanao Command spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, said ten soldiers were missing after the clash, and the military is pusuing the bandit group who are believed to have taken them hostage.

He insisted Tuesday's clash has not jeopardised the peace process.

"What we were operating against yesterday was a bandit group, not linked to the ASG and not linked to the MILF.

"But since the encounter took nine hours, we saw that some members of the ASG and some members of the MILF participated in the encounter. That is why I believe that the MILF also suffered some casualties." he said."
Australia Network News:Stories:Philippines peace process intact after armed clashes: "Asian Foundation's Steven Rodd told Connect Asia that peace talks were stalled in April but are likely to resume shortly.

But strains on both sides could increase if clashes between troops and rebels continue once new peace talks begin.

Both the government and the MILF have struggled to convince sceptics within their ranks on why they should engage in peace talks while clashes occur.

The Abu Sayyaf is a bandit group involved in terror and kidnapping activities in Basilan and another southern province - Sulu - while the MILF is involved in current peace talks with the government.
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Wellness in Arts & Environment: 13yr old Filipino artist Trisha Co Reyes won top prize in UN painting contest on environment

The awarding was held at the Tunza International Children and Youth Conference on the Environment in Bandung, Indonesia last month."

In a simple ceremony at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City, DENR Secretary Ramon Paje also handed Reyes a plaque of recognition for obtaining the top prize in the International Children’s Painting Competition on Environment organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also presented Reyes with a four-year college scholarship in any DENR-endorsed college or university, which include tuition and other school fees for the regular semesters and summer courses; monthly stipend of P3,000; book and school supplies allowance of P1,500 per semester; and P700 per summer course; and thesis or research allowance not exceeding P10,000.

DENR scholarship grant for children of non-DENR personnel is given to deserving high school students, as provided for under DENR Administrative Order 06.

Filipino painter wins top UN prize | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "
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DOST Update: Technology designed to enhance access to healthcare in remote villages as answer to problem of ‘doctorless’ municipalities

The National TeleHealth Initiative will use wireless technology to enhance access of rural patients to health experts in different cities. An “RxBox” will be stationed in health centres in local government units (LGU) where real-time remote monitoring of health signals can be done by experts stationed at the Emergency Case and Coordination Center.

Critical cases can be monitored in real time even in hospitals outside the reach of wired network structures. The RxBox can also be stationed in any rural health centre with an attending physician, as well as in selected Multipurpose Community Telecentre sites.

The technology also aims to empower the aid-dependent local communities to become self-reliant integrated societies responsible for their own health security."
The Philippines to implement nationwide TeleHealth initiative | Articles | FutureGov - Transforming Government | Education | Healthcare: "
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PHL Peace Update: "Peace entails winning the hearts and minds of the aggrieved and afflicted while retaining the allegiance of the rest.”

Philippine Development Plan for 2010-2016 now contains a chapter on peace, in which it is declared that “promotion of the peace process shall be the centerpiece of the internal security program.” The Plan notes that “peace is not just the absence of war or conflict,” but rather also “entails winning the hearts and minds of the aggrieved and afflicted while retaining the allegiance of the rest.”"
Going beyond ‘peace’ | Inquirer Opinion: "
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Wellness in Culture: "Juan' Time urged to observe in Iligan City PHL

Iligan City councilors here are supporting the resolution endorsed by fellow legislator Councilor Michelle Sweet urging all local and national offices to base their watches on Philippine Standard Time (PST). This is in consonance with the campaign of the Department of Science and Technology (Dost) called "Juan" Time that aims to synchronize the time in the country.

The move also hopes to erase the negative comment that Filipinos do not come on time in appointments/events, which is also known as Filipino Time.

Sweet observed that radio stations have different time and even different departments of City Hall and other establishments.

PST is the official time from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or Pagasa since 1978 in accordance with a law. (PR)"
Iligan City councilors back resolution urging offices, establishments to observe ‘Juan Time’ | Sun.Star: "
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PHL Workers Update: DoLE prepared Emergency Employment Program for Residents & Agriculture Workers hardest-hit by typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel.”

Region 1 office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has prepared a P4-million emergency employment program for residents of the most adversely-affected areas of typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel.” DoLE Region I Director Henry John Jalbuena said Tuesday that Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz approved the release of the fund as emergency assistance to agriculture workers in hardest-hit municipalities of the region.

He said the assistance will provide immediate relief to workers whose source of income has been impaired as a result of the successive typhoons which ravaged Northern Luzon this September and October. “While the agriculture industry is recovering from its losses, the DoLE will provide emergency employment to the affected workers in small infrastructure projects,” he added. The DoLE-Regional Office identified 17 cities and municipalities in Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan as recipients under the program."
DoLE prepares P4-M emergency employment | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "
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Wellness in Economics: DTI's "One Town, One Product (OTOP) program" created 444,709 jobs from 2005 to 2010

During the opening ceremony, Undersecretary Merly Cruz of the DTI-Regional Operations and Development Group said that the OTOP program has set its sights on generating two million jobs by 2016. She told local executives, entrepreneurs and expo participants that this and other OTOP goals can be achieved by enabling the growth of ‘progressive municipalities’ that have local economies generating their own products and services.

The program has so far created 444,709 jobs from 2005 to 2010 a substantial figure that the DTI wants to more than triple under the present administration. President Aquino has given his nod to continue the OTOP program as a flagship government undertaking to expand the trade of products highlighting the distinct culture and tradition of the different provinces, cities and municipalities."
DTI launches 2nd OTOP program | The Manila BulletinThe OTOP program has surpassed almost all its performance indicators from 2005 to 2010. The DTI reported at the expo that OTOP during this period generated investments worth 11.197 billion pesos (50 percent above the program's target); 16.558 billion pesos in domestic sales (over by 34 percent); exports of $677.2 million (over by 30 percent); and, assisted in the development of 45,820 micro, small and medium entrepreneurs or MSMEs (over by 71 percent). Newspaper Online: "
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Wellness in Education: PHL DepEd explores innovations to support schoolchildren of Indigenous Peoples (IPs)

"Sponsored by the Philippines’ Response to Indigenous Peoples’ and Muslim Education (PRIME) Program, the exhibit dubbed “Bunsód: Katutubong Dunong Pagtuturo Pagkatuto” is also in observance of the National Indigenous Peoples’ Month.
“As a response to our commitment to make education universal and inclusive, DepEd has been extending efforts to cross the boundaries on culture, tradition, and religion,” said Education Secretary Armin Luistro. Luistro added that the DepEd, with assistance from the Australian government, is making quality education more accessible to indigenous people through PRIME.
“While this PRIME project is a big boost to the Education for All goal of the department, it is, more importantly, the government’s way of responding to the needs of Indigenous Peoples and Muslim communities for relevant and responsive basic education, one that removes barriers to meaningful participation in society and empowers learners to exercise their rights and duties as Filipino citizens,” he expressed."
Month-long DepEd exhibit on | Tempo - News in a Flash:
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PHL Peace Update: P. Murphy shares "Winning formula to achieve peace: basis of trust, perseverance, intensity, parity of esteem & int'l dimensions..."

A British lawmaker visited two cities - Davao and Manila — last week to share the lessons he learned at the negotiating table in Northern Ireland to provide insights for the Mindanao peace talks. Called the "talks minister" because of negotiations he had done, Paul Murphy, who is also a former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (NI) and Wales, spent two years chairing some of the talks which led to the groundbreaking Belfast/Good Friday agreement in 1998, the framework for peace in Northern Ireland.

"Peace doesn't happen overnight, but if there's a will, then eventually it will," Murphy told members of the peace panels of the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF); the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and key government offices; the Senate and House of Representatives; Armed Forces of the Philippines; Philippine National Police; civil society groups and business leaders in Mindanao."
Peace talks expert shares insights | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "
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Peace Update: PHL pushes for inclusion of climate change in the agenda of the United Nations' Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

"Citing heavy losses to life and property due to recent typhoons, the Philippines pushed for the inclusion of climate change in the agenda of the United Nations' Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The Philippines, together with Bangladesh, urged the UNHRC to help address the effects of climate change on human rights.

In presenting the resolution, Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evan Garcia said, "Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world community, with direct and severe impacts on a wide range of human rights."

Dubbed "Human Rights and Climate Change," the joint resolution aired concerns that climate change threatens people around the world and affects their full enjoyment of human rights.

Garcia said, "The Philippines is extremely vulnerable to climate change, and our people experience the adverse effects of climate change on their human rights and livelihoods on a daily basis.""
PHL pushes for climate change on UN human rights agenda - Nation - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News:
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"If you love whatever you’re doing and focus, you will really succeed

“When I was younger, I always heard people say, ‘be passionate about what you do,’” Mr. Paulino says. “Now, as an entrepreneur, I fully appreciate that attitude. If you love whatever you’re doing and focus, you will really succeed.”Hats off to Filipino craftsmanship | BusinessWorld Online Edition:

Reynaldo T. Paulino
Managing Director
Kraftika Filipina

The winners of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2011 will be announced on October 12, 2011 in an awards banquet at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
The Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines has concluded its 2011 search for the country’s most successful and inspiring entrepreneurs. It is a program of the SGV Foundation, Inc. with the participation of co-presenters De La Salle University, Department of Trade and Industry, Development Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Philippine Stock Exchange and the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. BusinessWorld is featuring each of this year’s finalists."

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ROTARY CLUB UPDATE “Mega Cebu” was described by businessman Roberto E. Aboitiz in a meeting of the Rotary Club of Cebu West

Master plan needed for ‘Mega Cebu’ | Inquirer News: "“Success is no accident. It’s a planned journey and the future does not belong to the small, unprepared, incoherent and divided cities,” said the president of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.
The MCDCB is chaired by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
Aboitiz said that to achieve this goal, proper planning and decision making in the public sector side should go beyond city boundaries of the 13 citizes and towns from Carcar City in the south to Danao City in the north.
Aboitiz said seven businessmen sit in the MCDB : James Velasquez, country general manager of IBM Philippines; Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Samuel Chioson; Cebu Business Club president Gordon Alan Joseph; Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Eric Ng Mendoza; Cebu Leads Foundation president Bunny Pages; Felomino Lim of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and himself."

'via Blog this'The role of business is to contribute “capital, technology and enterprise,” while the government provides the “planning, enabling environment and resources.” Civil society, meanwhile, is the source of “aspirations, obligations, participation and citizenship.”

Aboitiz said a Land Use Master Plan, Transport Master Plan and other sector master plans are crucial elements.

He said MCDB and its committees and working groups would be insitutional anchors, while RAFI will facilite the whole process, provide research and act as knowledge repository, and handle program and organizational development.

Wellness in Environment: PHL government will finally start to put an end to the use of harmful substances that deplete the earth’s ozone layer by 2013

"Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje announced the other day that a freeze order on the importation of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) more than a year from now. He said the ban on ozone-depleting substances (ODS) is pursuant to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, to which the Philippines is a signatory. “Starting 2013, we are putting a cap on the importation of HCFC to 2,644 metric tons (MT) — the country’s average import of HCFC from 2009 to 2010,” Paje said. From the base level of 2,644 MT, the HCFC import will be gradually reduced by 10 percent, to 2,3796 MT by 2015; 35 percent to 1,718.6 MT by 2020; then 67.5 percent, to 859.3 MT in 2025. Paje said that from 2030 to 2039 the DENR would allow the import of the substance to only 66.1 MT annually, representing 2.5 percent of the base level, for the continued use of the servicing sector. HCFCs are a group of ODS controlled by the Montreal Protocol and comprise the last of eight ODS groups to be phased out pursuant to the Protocol."
Phl to start ODS phaseout - The Philippine Star » Business Features » Science and Technology:
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Rotary Update: Citywide Dog Vaccination Drive in QC w/ Rotary Clubs of Dist 3780 QC, Cubao Lions Club, Vet Found & Animal Welfare Coalition

Quezon City (QC) government said it will launch a citywide dog vaccination drive next week in a continuing effort to ensure a rabies-free community. Barangays registering high incidence of animal bites and human rabies deaths shall be given priority during the campaign, which will be conducted by the city government in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Rotary International – District 3780 of Quezon City, Cubao Lions Club, Veterinary Foundation and the Animal Welfare Coalition.

City veterinarian Dr. Maria Ana Cabel said the urban poor communities in the second district posted high animal bite cases. Among the areas recording high animal bite cases are Barangays Gulod, Sta. Monica, Payatas, Kaligayahan, Batasan Hills, Nagkaisang Nayon and Culiat. The veterinary office of the city health department expects to vaccinate 70,000 dogs during the three-month- long mass vaccination drive to ensure public safety.
QC sets dog vaccination drive | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "
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Peace Update: PHL President Benigno Aquino called an emergency security meeting and ordered beefed up security in the mining sector

Communists in Philippines Raid Mining Facilities in South | Asia | English: "The president’s spokesman, Edwin Lacierda, says the attacks on the mines did not help matters. “It undermines the peace process. On our end, we have been doing confidence-building measures and on the side of the rebels, they’ve been doing confidence-erosion measures,” says Lacierda.

The leftist group’s head peace negotiator Luis Jalandoni called it a “positive action.” “Such action should give a signal to the government of Aquino that his mining policies which go for investments but do not regard properly the livelihood and the health and welfare of the indigenous communities and do not give proper attention to the protection of the environment that he should consider changing it,” he said. Jalandoni says the leftists’ proposal in peace negotiations includes a solution to their demand for more equitable economic benefits from the region’s natural resources.
"
Note: The president has been touting the mining potential in the southern island of Mindanao, which is currently worth about $3.8 billion. The government projects increased mining investment could reach $18 billion by 2016. But this could only happen if the region is stable, which is why the Aquino administration has been pushing peace negotiations with the leftists.
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"Bayanihan" Update: Philippine Dragon Boat Team ' paddle to save flood victims

'Dragon warriors' paddle to save flood victims | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "After watching TV footages of hapless people, even children and elderly, wading in neck-deep flood, members of the PDBT volunteered to paddle to rescue their countrymen from the devastating effects of the back-to-back typhoons – Pedring and Quiel – that battered the country in recent days.

Col. Arnulfo Burgos, Jr., chief of the Armed Forces Public Affairs Office, said the PDBT is assisting local governments, non-governmental groups, and those involved in relief and rescue efforts for two days, starting Sunday.

Army deputy spokesman and PDBT team manager, Maj. Harold Cabunoc, led the champion paddlers in the operations. Cabunoc said the team is using the actual dragon boat that they used in the recent world competition in Tampa, Florida, where they emerged as champion paddlers. Their victory was hailed by their countrymen, and the sports world."

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Peace Update: Public Eagerness for Peace Agreement, Strongest in Mindanao - Filipino people already tired of armed conflict

7 in 10 Pinoys believe peace accord possible - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "Combined with those holding a 2014-2016 timeframe, optimism was still highest in Mindanao at 55 percent followed by the Visayas, 51 percent; and 50 percent each in balance Luzon and Metro Manila, 50 percent.

On the other hand, 23 percent in Metro Manila, 21 percent in both balance Luzon and Mindanao, and 15 percent in the Visayas expect an agreement to happen in the next administration, or 2016-2022.

Those who think that a deal will never be reached comprised 30 percent in the Visayas, 24 percent in balance Luzon, 22 percent in Metro Manila and 20 percent in Mindanao.

Of the overall 71 percent “hopeful” of an agreement, 26 percent said they were “very hopeful” while 45 percent described their sentiment as “somewhat hopeful.”"

Note: Results of the SWS survey, which were published in BusinessWorld yesterday, showed that public eagerness for a peace agreement is strongest in Mindanao, with 24 percent expecting a deal to happen in 2011 to 2013, compared to 12 percent in Metro Manila, 10 percent in balance Luzon and six percent in the Visayas.
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Peace Update: PHL gov't offers MILF "enhanced autonomy" (economic dev't & gov't recognition of Bangsamoros' historical ties to the land)

Frustration grows for Philippine Muslim rebels: "There are roughly four million Muslims in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao, an area they see as their ancestral homeland dating back to Islamic sultanates established long before Spanish Christians arrived in the 1500s.

The region is among the most fertile and resource-rich in the Philippines, but it is also one of the country's poorest and undeveloped, a legacy of the conflict that began four decades ago.

Muslims, known as Bangsamoro, are now a minority in Mindanao but insist they should be allowed to largely govern the region themselves and control its potential riches.

The MILF, the largest Muslim rebel group with about 12,000 soldiers, has for the past decade sought to negotiate a settlement rather than achieve its aims through armed insurgency, which peaked in the 1970s when an all-out war raged."
Note: The Philippine government insists on using the constitutional framework to address the Bangsamoro problem. But the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is insisting that what they want is a substate
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Tourism execs promote PHL in Russia - Pinoy Abroad - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News

Tourism execs promote PHL in Russia - Pinoy Abroad - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News: "In a news release, the Philippine Embassy in Moscow reported that the DOT—accompanied by 23 industry partners from 15 Philippine travel companies— participated in the Otdykh Leisure Fair held at the Crocus Exhibition Center in Moscow from September 21 to 24.

During the fair, the Tourism department launched a “travel business interaction activity" that will strengthen its ties with Russian tour operators and their travel agents.

In turn, seven Russian tour operators—all actively promoting the Philippines to Russia and countries at the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)—presented their travel programs at the mini-theater within the Philippine booth.

The presentations included an overview of the Philippines, as well as the launch of the latest edition of the Philippine guidebook."

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Peace Update: United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)

United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women):(click link) "UN Women facilitates “Open Days on Women, Peace and Security” with CSOs in the Philippines

DAVAO CITY, the Philippines (6 September, 2011) – Attention of the United Nations to the situation of communities affected by conflict, especially of women and young girls is needed, a meeting among the women’s peace networks found at a recent gathering facilitated by UN Women."

.....Representatives of indigenous and Muslim women’s groups, women’s peace networks, other civil society organizations from Mindanao, the Cordilleras and other parts of the country, the Philippine Government and UN agencies gathered 5-6 September in Davao City, Philippines, for the “Open Days on

Women, Peace and Security”. The event, facilitated by UN Women and organized in partnership with the Mindanao Commission of Women (MCW) and the Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) of Miriam College, aimed to promote sustained civil society engagement with the UN on these pressing issues. UN Resident Coordinator Jacqui Badcock led the UN delegation in the dialogue, also attended by Moni

Pizani, UN Women East and Southeast Asia Regional Office Representative and Regional Programme Director; Ugochi Daniels, UNFPA Representative and Chair of the Gender Mainstreaming Committee (GMC); Renaud Meyer, UNDP Country Director; and field staff and national officers from WFP, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA and UN Women.

(pls click above link for complete article)
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Rotary Update: Ateneo de Iloilo student Kristiana Claire Yray chosen by Rotary Club of Iloilo City as City Mayor for Boys & Girls Week Celebration

Rotary girl city mayor named | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "Senior Ateneo de Iloilo student Kristiana Claire Yray was chosen by the Rotary Club of Iloilo City as this year’s Boys and Girls Week Celebration City Mayor, announced Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.

Yray, together with 49 other outstanding students from about 45 high schools in the metropolis, will be filling in the shoes of their public-servant counterparts as part of the yearly project of the Rotary Club which aims to instill social awareness among the youth.

Aside from Yray, another Atenean, Enna Faye Tolentino, will also be joining the fold as city councilor. This year’s girl vice mayor is Alera Maristel Lapascua of Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus while the first city councilor is Marie Ailee Siaotong of Central Philippine University."

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Peace Update: Kato, no longer a member of the MILF

The Mindanao Examiner: "Officially, Ameril Umra Kato is no longer a member of the MILF,” said Von Al-Haq, a rebel spokesman.

He said the MILF would come out with an official statement on the expulsion of Kato and would send a copy of this to Malaysia, which is brokering the peace talks between Manila and the rebel group; and the Aquino government.

The MILF has given Kato until September 26 to return to its fold, but the rebel leader flatly rejected the offer. It said the ultimatum was based on the recommendation of the Ulama Council in Mindanao.

Kato has formed his own rebel group called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement and vowed to fight for an independent Muslim homeland. The 60-year old rebel leader has several times criticized Ebrahim for talking peace with the Aquino government which insisted on granting wider autonomy to some four million Muslims in Mindanao."

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Peace Update: TAWI-TAWI, Philippines – Ambassador Xenia Stefanidou, Greece envoy to the Philippines, commended the peace and order situation

Greece envoy lauds peace situation in Tawi-Tawi » Nation » News | Philippine News | philstar.com: "Stefanidou also disclosed her positive impressions on the province’s richness of natural resources, saying “the good ambiance and the sparkling seawaters of the province added flavor to the hospitalities of the islanders.”

“My whole family in Greece is all islanders and I love islands like Tawi – Tawi because this province is just like my home,” she said after an inter-island tour in various municipalities here.

She also lauded the development of the islands here especially on its peace and order situation, saying “I can walk around Tawi Tawi without hesitations of being kidnap because I smell a good peace and order here unlike the other provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.”

Meantime, the celebration of the annual seaweed festivities here has started last week with Governor Sadikul Sahali headed the showcasing of the province’s cultural heritage and natural resources.

The four-day celebration kicked-off with a colorful fluvial parade from different island-municipalities, displaying the colorful attires that boosted the uniqueness of the province’s multi-culture society."

* The Greece envoy issued the statement after her weeklong visit here as she graced the 38^th Kamahardikaan Day, or founding anniversary, of the province this week.
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Peace Update: Japan & Philippines Tighten Defense Ties - WSJ.com

Wellness for Peace: "Japan, Philippines Tighten Defense Ties - WSJ.com: "Japan and the Philippines agreed on Tuesday to strengthen maritime security ties, while also underscoring the importance of preserving peace and stability in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with China.

After his talks with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, on a four-day visit to Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda told reporters that the two sides committed to bolstering "cooperation between coastguards and defense-related authorities."

A joint statement said bilateral ties have evolved from friendly relations to a "strategic partnership," and called for more collaboration on "regional and global issues of mutual concern and interest." The two countries also agreed to conduct frequent discussions on defense at more senior levels and increase the number of Japan Coast Guard missions to help train their Philippine counterparts."
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Peace Update: Philippine proposal for a Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship, and Cooperation (ZoPFF/C) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea)

Peace zone’s legal merit cited | Tempo - News in a Flash: "This agreement was reached at the conclusion of the two-day ASEAN Maritime Legal Experts’ Meeting last Friday evening in Pasay City despite the absence of any representative from two member-nations, both known Chinese allies, Cambodia and Laos.

According to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr., the findings during the meeting will now be elevated to the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (ASEAN SOM), that will then make recommendations for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers to consider before the 19th ASEAN Summit in November in Bali.
Conejos said the experts’ meeting, attended by representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Singapore, Burma/Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines led by director Henry Bensurto Jr. of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is limited to looking into the legal aspect of the Philippine proposal and not to decide on it.
During the meeting, the experts affirmed the need for peaceful solution of the West Philippine Sea conflict and to follow a rules-based approach based on international laws, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)."

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WHO Info: Canada’s urban air among best in world - thestar.com

Canada News: WHO ranks Canada’s urban air among best in world - thestar.com: "Canada’s international reputation as a showcase of natural purity got a boost Monday from a World Health Organization study that found the country’s urban air quality ranks among the best in the world.

Eight of the top 10 least polluted cities are Canadian, the United Nations agency said in its study of outdoor air contamination levels across 91 countries.

Agency officials compiled self-reported data on the number of microscopic airborne particles in some 1,100 cities around the world between 2003 and 2010.

The Yukon capital of Whitehorse topped the list of cities at 2.9 micrograms per cubic metre, the WHO said, with the British Columbia towns of Kitimat and Burns Lake rounding out the top three at 4.0 and 4.8 micrograms, respectively.

Five other Canadian cities made the top 10: the B.C. communities of Nanaimo, Terrace and Nelson, along with Corner Brook, N.L., and Fredericton, all boast air pollution levels below 6.5."

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WHO Info: World Health Organization Ranks Polluted Cities - WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News

World Health Organization Ranks Polluted Cities - WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News: "The World Health Organization released a new list of places with some of the worst air pollution in the world.

The organization measured pollution levels in 1,100 cities worldwide.

The WHO says cities in Iran, India, Pakistan, and Mongolia are some of the worst on the planet when it comes to air pollution.

The worst offender on the list -- Ahvez, Iran, has pollution levels almost 20 times worse than what's recommended for safe breathing.

The cities which fared worse were usually in more densely populated countries with less pollution regulation.

The WHO says cities in the U.S. and Canada were some of the least polluted on the list.

The WHO blames air pollution for more than two million deaths each year, and says reducing air pollution can reduce lung cancer, respiratory disease, and heart disease."

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Peace Update: Gibo: Gov't must be conduit for peace - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines

Gibo: Gov't must be conduit for peace - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "“People have often asked, what is the solution to the Mindanao problem? And answer straightforwardly, I don’t know. Why? Because the solution ultimately has to come from the people of Mindanao who have to live there daily, who have to make a go at making their communities more peaceful, and more prosperous,” Teodoro said.

According to the former defense chief, the government should lead a peaceful dialogue to attain the peace process, ensure infrastructure development and assistance in rehabilitating the communities in Mindanao and prevent armed conflict and violence.

He said the MILF and the government appear to be negotiating quite successfully because there is an absence of conflict at the moment although there is the breakaway group of Ameril Umbra Kato, who is now creating trouble and hampering the peace process.

Teodoro believes that the root cause of the Mindanao problem mostly involved land disputes."

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