Peace Update: Spratly: US officials pledge to help Phl boost maritime security

MANILA, Philippines - The United States assured the Philippines that it will help boost its maritime security and surveillance in the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said today that the additional assurance from the US was conveyed by its defense officials to Secretary Albert del Rosario during a meeting at Pentagon in Washington D.C. on Friday.

The DFA said that among the officials who met with Del Rosario at the Pentagon was US Defense Secretary Robert Gates. The meeting was held after a joint press briefing between Del Rosario and US Secretary of state Hillary Clinton.

It said that Gates assured Del Rosario that the US is prepared to help the Philippines strengthen its capability in securing its maritime territory, particularly in the disputed Spratly Islands.

The DFA said that US National Director for Intelligence James Clapper also met with Del Rosario today and pledged to enhance his agency's intelligence sharing with the Philippines, which will heighten the country's maritime situational awareness and surveillance in the disputed territory.

It said that during the meeting, Del Rosario told US defense officials that to complement the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) which the US traditionally turns over to the Philippines, he is exploring an option to access "newer US military assets which the Philippines could acquire quicker but through a deliberate selection and, which hopefully, are more cost-effective."

US Defense Undersecretary for Policy Michelle Fluornoy answered in the affirmative, the DFA said.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=699768&publicationSubCategoryId=63

The DFA said that according to Fluornoy, the US "would be happy to have our team look into the full range of (the Philippines') requirements (for maritime security)."

Peace Update: China says will not use force in West Philippine Sea | Inquirer Global Nation

China says will not use force in West Philippine Sea | Inquirer Global Nation: "China said Tuesday it would not resort to the use of force in the tense West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), after its neighbors expressed concern about its more assertive maritime posture.
“We will not resort to the use of force or the threat of force,” foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters.
“We hope relevant countries will do more for peace and stability in the region,” Hong said.
Vietnam on Monday staged live-fire exercises following recent confrontations at sea with China which reignited a long-standing dispute over the sovereignty of two potentially oil-rich archipelagos, the Paracels and Spratlys.
Hong insisted Vietnam was to blame for the recent flare-up, sparked by a confrontation between Chinese surveillance vessels and a Vietnamese oil survey ship.
“Some country took unilateral actions to impair China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and released groundless and irresponsible remarks with the attempt to expand and complicate the issue of the South China Seas,” Hong said, in a thinly veiled reference to Hanoi.
“This is where the problem lies.”"

Tourism Update: DTI to make Otop part of its tourism thrust

DTI to make Otop part of its tourism thrust | Inquirer News: "The Department of Trade and Industry plans to integrate its One Town, One Product (Otop) program with the country’s thrust to boost tourism by using local products to attract tourists.

Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said the idea was to make Otop products available in various tourism-related establishments.

“We will offer these products to hotels and other tourist establishments, possibly promote food tourism in some areas. We want to link tourism with the DTI so that we may have a synergy in our promotions,” he said.
Domingo said tourism was identified as a primary engine for the country’s growth over the next several years.
In the draft 2011 Investment Priorities Plan, tourism was named as one of the priority sectors.
“The Philippines is a beautiful country. We just need to put up the necessary infrastructure and project a good image of the Philippines to get tourists to visit us. The DTI and the (Department of Tourism) will be doing joint promotions of tourism,” he said."

Wellness in Science & Technology: Wafer slicing plant which will be capable of producing 400 megawatts worth of solar wafers per year

PIA daily news in English, Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Waray, Pangalatok from around the Philippines: "The First Philippine Electric Corporation (First Philec) is putting up a wafer slicing plant which will be capable of producing 400 megawatts worth of solar wafers per year in partnership with Korean company, Nexolon Corporation.

First Philec is also a partner of the Congressional Commission on Science Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) in developing renewable energy systems, such as the country's first solar testing facility located in the First Philippine Industrial Park in Tanuan, Batangas.

Senator Edgardo Angara, also the COMSTE chair said that this is solid proof that government and industry collaboration can work successfully, and that continued investments through Public Private Partnerships (PPP's) can spur the growth of innovation especially in science and technology."

Wellness in Trade & Industry: 1st Food ingredients (Fi) Philippines trade show will be held in Manila next month

Appetising Opportunities at Food ingredients Philippines 2011 - PR Newswire - sacbee.com: "The first Food ingredients (Fi) Philippines trade show will be held in Manila next month. The special event will present a unique opportunity for members of the domestic food industry to learn about the latest food ingredients and recent technologies, as they meet with manufacturers and suppliers from around the globe.

Key players will exhibit at the show, while the latest industry developments will be discussed at an outstanding program of expert presentations. Networking opportunities will also be on hand during the 3-day event.

The trade show is an extension of the Food Ingredients Asia series, which has served the region for 15 years and attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors annually. The region's prosperity and great developments in the processed food sector, is contributing to the show's success and raising importance."

Wellness in Education: Public Fun Run on National Heroes, Dr. Jose Rizal's 150th b-day!

Public asked to celebrate Rizal birthday by joining fun run | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "Education Secretary Armin Luistro formally invited the public Tuesday to join the Department of Education (DepEd) in celebrating the 150th birth of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal this Sunday, June 19, by participating in its nationwide fun runs.

“We all know how our national hero pushed for the education of the Filipinos and I am sure that a century after his death that remains his aspiration,” said Luistro in a press conference.

Luistro assured that the preparations for simultaneous fun runs are now in full swing. “We invite participants to donate educational materials or volunteer time for education-related activities to benefit public schools nationwide,” he added.

Luistro said instead of participants paying registration fees, they are requested to bring donations or sign a pledge form stating what they can contribute to upgrade the standard of education in public schools.

The DepEd chief explained that participants have a choice of 1-, 2-, or 3 kilometer walk or run. All the different divisions in the National Capital Region will have their fun run at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta starting at 6 a.m."

Wellness in Education: Public Fun Run on National Hero's 150th b-day!

Public asked to celebrate Rizal birthday by joining fun run | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "Education Secretary Armin Luistro formally invited the public Tuesday to join the Department of Education (DepEd) in celebrating the 150th birth of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal this Sunday, June 19, by participating in its nationwide fun runs.

“We all know how our national hero pushed for the education of the Filipinos and I am sure that a century after his death that remains his aspiration,” said Luistro in a press conference.

Luistro assured that the preparations for simultaneous fun runs are now in full swing. “We invite participants to donate educational materials or volunteer time for education-related activities to benefit public schools nationwide,” he added.

Luistro said instead of participants paying registration fees, they are requested to bring donations or sign a pledge form stating what they can contribute to upgrade the standard of education in public schools.

The DepEd chief explained that participants have a choice of 1-, 2-, or 3 kilometer walk or run. All the different divisions in the National Capital Region will have their fun run at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta starting at 6 a.m."

Wellness in Environment: Ecological Solid Waste Management for homeowners associations of subdivisions and condominiums.

Ecological Solid Waste Management gets Tough in the Philippines - Waste Mangagement World: "The Philippines' Environment and Natural Resources secretary, Ramon J. P. Paje has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with 11 Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) establishing ecological solid waste management systems for homeowners associations of subdivisions and condominiums.

Under the Philippines' Republic Act No. 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Act, responsibility of ESWM is lodged with LGUs.

According to Paje, more than a decade after the law was passed, unfortunately waste management remains an environmental problem, especially in Metro Manila.

Paje explained that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is optimistic it can solve the problem. The challenge he said is to find ways to get all families in the act. In an effort to achieve this, the Department of Education (DepEd) has integrated solid waste management into the school curriculum, and is now targeting the adults to be more responsible."

Wellness in Arts & Culture: Sentro Rizal: Institution to promote Philippine arts, culture and language to the world, opened in Madrid, Spain

PIA daily news in English, Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Waray, Pangalatok from around the Philippines: "MANILA, June 13 (PIA)-- An institution that will promote Philippine arts, culture and language to the world, opened in Madrid, Spain yesterday.

Called Sentro Rizal, its main purpose is to foster Philippine heritage across the world in the same way the Alliance Française, Instituto Cervantes and Goethe-Institut do for their home countries France, Spain and Germany respectively.
Its branches will also be established in other places overseas where there are large Filipino communities, especially Filipino children who need to be educated about their native country's history, culture and language.
The launch of Sentro Rizal is part of a series of historic celebrations initiated by the Philippine embassy in Madrid: the 113th year of Independence today, the 150th birth anniversary of Rizal on June 19 and the 9th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day on June 30.

Senator Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, was invited to be the guest of honor at the Spanish capital because of his untiring efforts in enhancing bilateral relations through cultural exchange, dialogue and cooperation.

Sentro Rizal was created under the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, authored by Angara and Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara."

Peace Update: Peace process between Philippine gov't and NDF

"On Thursday, Luis Jalandoni, chief negotiator of the National Democratic Front (NDF), the political front of the communist rebels, called for the postponement of the scheduled resumption this month of formal peace talks until his jailed comrades are freed.

In a letter dated June 2 to Health Undersecretary Alex Padilla, head of the government panel negotiating with the NDF, Jalandoni said that the talks should be suspended until such time that the Aquino government would release 17 of their jailed NDF consultants in compliance with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG).

The JASIG, signed in 1995 by the government and communist peace panels, guarantees immunity from arrest to NDF members, consultants and staff who are part of the negotiating team.

Jalandoni warned that the continuing failure of the Aquino government to stand by its commitment for the immediate release of jailed rebel consultants in compliance with the JASIG 'seriously prejudices' the outcome of the peace talks.

Among the jailed communist leaders are Allan Jazmines and Tirso 'Ka Bart' Alcantara who, according to the military, are both members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)." click site for more info:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/indepth/2011-06/03/c_13909688.htm

Peace Update: Palace prepares Spratlys incursions report - Nation - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News

Palace prepares Spratlys incursions report - Nation - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News:

“We are completing the data for the report to be presented to the PROC [People’s Republic of China], then to the UN,' deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a text message to GMA News Online.

She said the administration intends to bring the issue to the UN attention in relation to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. The Department of Foreign Affairs conveyed on Tuesday to the Chinese embassy's charge d'affaires its 'serious concerns' on the sightings of Chinese military vessels in Philippine waters.

Valte said the administration will push for a diplomatic solution to any conflict that will arise over the disputed Spratly Islands.

“We wish to stress that the way that we are approaching this incident is that we are fully committed to resolving it in the most diplomatic manner and in a peaceful manner,' she said."

Women's Causes Update: Protection of the Unborn Child Act, which seeks to ban contraceptives and provides mothers with healthcare.

Collision of RH, unborn child bills seen | Inquirer News:

Protection of the Unborn Child Act, which seeks to ban contraceptives and provides mothers with healthcare. "Enrile’s bill seeks to “extend the mantle of legal protection to the unborn child from the moment of conception.”

The proposed measure also aims to “enhance the health of the mother by avoiding any means that may adversely affect the viability of the unborn child in all stages of fetal development.”
The bill seeks to guard against abortifacients, which the bill defines as “any device, drug, formulation, substance, practice or procedure intended to damage, injure, interfere with the development, endanger or cause the death of the unborn child or otherwise induce abortion.”"

DTI Update: Groceries inspected for Taiwanese products | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

Groceries inspected for Taiwanese products | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features:

"MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and personnel from the Manila City government conducted inspections this morning in various groceries and supermarkets to check on products imported from Taiwan believed contaminated by Di (ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)."

The inspection and monitoring team saw boxes of Treetop 100% Apple Juice and Grape Fruit Pomelo Juice, as well as boxes of Noyu Oolong Tea and Lychee, already in the supermarkets' warehouses ready to be returned to their suppliers. Though these items are not included in the list of products contaminated by DEHP furnished by Taiwan to the FDA, they still had to be recalled following the FDA advisory recalling all Taiwanese products.

The FDA found it prudent to do this to ensure consumers' safety. They also got some samples to test them for DEHP contamination.

The supermarket's management assured the team they immediately pulled out the recalled products from their shelves as soon as they received instructions from their head office.

DTI and FDA representatives also called the attention of the management about some products from China on their shelves whose labels have no English or Filipino translations. Victorio Dimagiba, DTI director for the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, said this is against the Consumer Act.

Children's Causes Update: Children in China learn about PHL in 'Ni Hao' (Hello)

Children in China learn about PHL in 'Ni Hao' activity - Pinoy Abroad - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News:

"Children in China learned facts about the Philippines because of a 'Ni Hao' (Hello) activity hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Beijing.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the activity was held in Shenyang in Liaoning province on May 26 and 27.

Liaoning Province in Northeast China is host to hundreds of Filipino teachers, musicians and information technology specialists, the DFA said.

'Entitled 'Ni Hao, Philippines: Everything a Chinese Kid Should Know about the Philippines,' the event was attended by more than 400 students of Shenyang's No.2 Hunnanxinqu Elementary School and No.1 Chaoyang Primary School,' the DFA said in a news release posted on its website.

The activity was meant to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

The DFA said the activity aimed to teach children about the Philippines and the things that they have in common with Filipino children.

Embassy Chargé d' Affaires (CDA) Alex Chua said the event was part of the Embassy's series of people-to-people activities 'to create awareness of and appreciation for the Philippines among the Chinese public, including children.'"

Agreement signed by Phil Foreign Affairs Sec, Albert del Rosario & Princess Masna, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam, PH sign agreement on tourism cooperation | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features:

"President Benigno Aquino III and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam witnessed the signing of the agreement in a ceremony on Wednesday at the Istana Nurul Iman, here.

The areas of cooperation specified under the agreement will be on research and development, education and training, promotional programs, medical tourism, meetings and conventions, tourism investment, and aviation industry.

The agreement seeks to increase tourist arrivals for both countries, encourage wider distribution of visitors, as well as enhance visits to each other's country by their respective nationals. It also wants to encourage healthy growth of the tourism industry in both countries.

The agreement also contains protection of intellectual property rights, noting that it will not prejudice any existing or future bilateral or multilateral international agreement entered into by the two governments or their national laws relating to intellectual property rights."

DoLE Update: Livelihood aid - to provide livelihood assistance to the hundreds of distressed fishermen.

Livelihood aid | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online:

"MANILA, Philippines — Amid the recent mass fish kill in two Luzon provinces, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) will deploy it quick response team (QRT) to provide livelihood assistance to the hundreds of distressed fishermen.

Labor Communication Director Nicon Fameronag said that Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz met with Department on Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala to discuss assistance for the affected fishermen in Batangas and Pangasinan through DoLE’s QRT.

“Our quick response teams are already on the alert. We are only waiting for the report from the DA in the number of displaced workers before we could start extending our livelihood assistance to the affected fishermen.” (Samuel Medenilla)"

DOH Update: Public warned vs eating 'double-dead' fish | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

Public warned vs eating 'double-dead' fish | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features:

"MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday warned the public against eating 'double dead' fish, following the massive fishkill that has struck Taal Lake.

Some people in Batangas province are reportedly eating double-dead fish instead of throwing them away.

The DOH said people who eat such fish, even if cooked, will cause illnesses or even death.

The department said symptoms of illnesses related to eating double-dead fish include vomiting, dizziness, and parts of the body becoming swollen.

Lawyer Benjamin Tabios of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said fish that have died and floated on lakes or seas contain harmful bacteria.

He added that such fish can cause food poisoning.

Fish that died from a fishkill can still be used as fertilizer, according to BFAR."

DILG Update: Police to remove illegal fish pens in Taal | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

Police to remove illegal fish pens in Taal | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features:

"MANILA, Philippines – Illegal fish pens in Taal Lake were ordered to be dismantled by the Department of Interior and Local Government on Thursday, as these have been found to be the reason for the recent fish kill phenomenon.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the dismantling of illegal fish pens in the area is in line with the recommendation of the Protected Area Management Bureau in 2009 to reduce the number of fish pens from 14,000 to 6,000.

“Unfortunately, some followed while some disregarded the order and so, as a result, we have this recent phenomenon of fish kill,” Lacierda said.

“[So] today, DILG Secretary [Jesse] Robredo will order the Batangas PD [police department] to dismantle illegal fish cages in the municipalities surrounding Taal Lake,” he said.

Lacierda added that checkpoints will be put up by the PNP to prevent double-dead fish to penetrate wet markets."

Sports Update: Alcala rips Carlos, enters semifinals | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Alcala rips Carlos, enters semifinals | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "MANILA, Philippines — Malvinne Alcala mastered Bianca Carlos in a duel of fancied bets, fashioning out a 21-10, 21-9 romp to roll into the semifinal round of the Open ladies singles in the MVP Sports Foundation-Bingo Bonanza Philippine Badminton Ranking System (PBaRS) tournament at the Pohang Badminton Courts in Bacolod City Friday.

Alcala showed the form that won her the Li-ning Australia Juniors crown recently and outplayed Carlos throughout, dethroning the defending champion in 25 minutes while putting her on track of the crown in the premier division she missed while competing Down Under last March.

The 16-year-old national team mainstay – and the country’s leading player today – will face Danica Bolos for a berth in the finals after the latter stopped giant-killer Paula Filart, 21-13, 21-13, in the other Last 8 clash in the upper bracket of the tournament put up by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Rep. Albee Benitez and businessman-sportsman Manny Pangilinan and backed by official equipment sponsor Victor, exclusive"

Wellness in Science & Technology: "Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Fortunato dela Peña now chairs 15th Session of UNSCTD

PHL official elected UN science body chairman - Technology - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News:

"Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Fortunato dela Peña now chairs the 15th Session of the prestigious UNCSTD at its 14th Session in Geneva.

'Undersecretary Dela Peña's election serves as international recognition of the country's role and efforts in promoting science and technology and the use of information and communications technology for development,' the DFA said in a news release.

The UNCSTD is the agency tasked in promoting science and technology for development.

It was mandated by the Economic and Social Council to oversee the system-wide follow-up, including the review and assessment of progress made in implementing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

'Among others, the UNCSTD deals with issues pertaining to the problem of digital divide and internet governance. It also helps promote technologies that address global challenges,' the DFA said."

Wellness in Business: Business steps in to end Spratlys row | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

Business steps in to end Spratlys row | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features:

"MANILA, Philippines - Filipino businessmen will take the initiative to help finally put an end to the decades-long Spratlys dispute among claimants, including the Philippines and China, by gathering all the business chambers of the different countries that have interests on the islands to a meeting where they will draw up economic, rather than political, solutions to the conflict.

This came as Beijing said on Thursday that it is not violating an existing accord with the presence of its marine research ships in the disputed islands of Spratlys in South China Sea that angered claimant countries to the territory, including the Philippines."

Francis Chua, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said approaching the issue from an economic perspective with all the six claimants benefiting evenly is the key to the Spratlys resolution.

“The PCCI will call all the business organizations of these countries to a meeting. We will start with the private institutions. We will come up with the economic solution and then pressure our governments to toe the line,” Chua, also a former president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and special trade envoy to China, told the BusinessMirror.

The Philippines, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia are the six claimants over the oil-rich Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

Wellness in Education: 'We're ready!' — DepEd, ChEd | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

'We're ready!' — DepEd, ChEd | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online:

"In a media forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Quezon City on Monday, DepEd—despite the existing shortages in classrooms, teachers, textbooks, and sanitary facilities this school year—assured that public schools are ready to accommodate all the incoming elementary and high school students nationwide.

Data from DepEd showed that a total of 22.5 million students—14.25 million in the elementary level, 5.85 million in high school, 1.93 million in the kindergarten as well as 205,000 in the Alternative Learning System or ALS—are expected to troop to the 55,230 public schools. Almost four million students are also expected to enroll in various pre-school, elementary and high schools nationwide.

With the culmination of the Brigada Eskwela, an annual nationwide effort for teachers, parents, students, community members and other organizations to do minor repairs in nearby schools in preparation for the opening of the school year and with the on going Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE), a DepEd-initiated multi-sectoral program to prepare for the opening of school year, DepEd Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Tonisito Umali said that public schools are all set for the opening of classes on June 6. “Handang-handa na po kami. (We’re ready!)”"

Wellness in Arts & Culture: BusinessWorld Online Edition |‘Romanza’

BusinessWorld Online Edition |‘Romanza’:

"Beyond Brushstrokes -- By Marivic Rufino

‘Romanza’

In celebration of Mes Filipino, our National Hero Jose Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary and our Independence Day, this painter-writer will mount 'Romanza,' a solo exhibition presented by the Philippine Embassy and the Museo Nacional de Antropologia in Madrid on June 9th.
There will be a reading of short Filipino poems by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (with translations by Marne L. Kilates) that match the paintings. These poems are in the traditional forms known as diyona, tanaga, and dalit. The Museo will show films by acclaimed Filipino directors on Jose Rizal’s life.
It is an honor to be a part of the Mes Filipino in Spain. A sentimental homecoming, I had attended high school there. It opened my mind to life beyond our shores -- to learn about other peoples, and art and culture in the old world. That enriching experience helped me appreciate our country’s history and our strong cultural ties with Spain."

Wellness in Environment: “Forests: Nature at Your Service”

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

Philippine Environment Month and the World Environment Day on June 5..

The twin celebration focuses on forests and is anchored on the theme, “Forests: Nature at Your Service”. This reinforces the declaration of 2011 as the International Year of Forests by the United Nations.

Forest is an issue with essential links to livelihoods, addressing climate change and other present environmental challenges.

“In fact, the present National Greening Program (NGP) being implemented by the DENR is a government priority program to reduce poverty, promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity conservation, and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation,” RED Galinato said.

"The NGP specifically seeks to plant 1.5 billion seedlings in 1.5 million hectares of public lands nationwide in six years, from 2011 to 2016.
To create public awareness on the significance of celebrating World Environment Day and Philippine Environment Month, the DENR has lined up several activities which involves the participation of a cross sector of society.
Together with representatives of other national government agencies and some industries, DENR employees shall have a parade around the major thoroughfares of Tacloban City on June 6, capped with an environmental program and opening of exhibits at the DENR grounds.
The exhibits shall feature sale and display of products of some DENR partners to include an LGU, some industries and a people’s organization.
“We would like to invite the public to visit the DENR regional office, to view the exhibits and product displays which shall run from June 6 to 10,” says RED Galinato. Video presentations on environmental concerns shall likewise be featured on that day, he added.
Meanwhile, in celebration of its anniversary, the DENR shall have a Health and Wellness Day on June 10 which shall feature lectures on Health Care and other wellness concerns, and free medical examinations for its employees."

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Wellness Series: Career Tips: Stop Hurting Your Career

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