Wellness in Environment: Noli Me Tangere, The Musical

Arts & Culture | BusinessWorld Online Edition: "KICKING OF Tanghalang Pilipino’s Silver Anniversary celebration is Noli Me Tangere, The Musical on Aug. 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, and 26-28 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino. This is a restaging of the musical adapted by Ryan Cayabyab, with libretto by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera. The restaging features new songs and a fresh and youthful direction by Audie Gemora. For details, call Tanghalang Pilipino at 832-1125 loc. 1620 and 1621."

Wellness in Arts: 35th anniversary of Philippines-Russia diplomatic relations and the celebration of the Days of Russian Culture in the Philippines

Arts & Culture | BusinessWorld Online Edition: "Russian culture
TO MARK the 35th anniversary of Philippines-Russia diplomatic relations and the celebration of the Days of Russian Culture in the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Ministry of Culture of Russia present soloists from the State Academic Russian national ensemble Rossiya at the Cebu Provincial Capitol on July 29, 6 p.m., and the Ayala Center Cebu on July 30 at 1 p.m. For the Philippine concerts, Rossiya will perform Russian songs and many more. For details, contact NCCA Public Affairs and Information Office at 527-5529, 527-2192 loc. 612 to 615 or 0928-508-1057."

Wellness in Arts: "Choral competition by THE MANILA Broadcasting Co

Arts & Culture | BusinessWorld Online Edition: "Choral competition
THE MANILA Broadcasting Co. is inviting the best choirs around the country to take part in the 2011 MBC National Choral Competitions. The search features competitions for children’s choirs and an open category for schools, churches, residential communities, companies, government agencies, and special interest groups who may want to take part. The winner in the children’s choir category will receive P100,000 while the champion in the open category takes home P150,000. Regional competitions will be held in Cauayan, Isabela (Sept. 3), Laoag, Ilocos Norte (Sept. 10), Iloilo (Sept. 17), Cebu (Sept. 24), Davao (Oct. 8), and Naga (Oct. 22), with the SM Supermalls as co-presentor. Mega-Manila auditions will be on Oct. 15 and 16 at the Star Theater. Winners in these regional contests will receive travel subsidies to compete in the national finals."

Wellness in Environment: WWF Introduces Major Gift Program | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

WWF Introduces Major Gift Program | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "WWF’s Watershed Management project in Ilagan, Isabela provides a sustainable program that projects and conserves the forests and watersheds of the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, considered the largest remaining swath of old growth rainforest in the country.

One of the pressing issues of the environment is climate change and it has started to affect the wealthy natural resources of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) in Davao. To address this, WWF has initiated a comprehensive climate change adaptation scheme to reduce potential climate change-related vulnerabilities.

WWF’s Tubbataha Reef Project, on the other hand, provides practical systems and solutions to sustain operations in this natural resource area.

WWF-Philippines spearheads processes to facilitate the implementation of diver fees, no-take zones and expansion of park boundaries to increase marine biomass, and to push for sustainable ecotour ism, mar icul ture and microfinance.

Through its Major Gift Program, individuals and groups can embark on a lifelong legacy by helping WWFPhilippines and its wide range of products directed towards preserving the country’s natural resources."

WWF-Philippines recognizes that the environment is the social security system of the poor. There is no Planet B and we only have one country. So the time to invest in the Philippine environment is now.

To know more about the WWFPhilippines Major Gifts Program, get in touch with Puch Calma at (927) 793-6133 or pcalma@wwf.org. ph.

Peace Update: Gov't addresses Mindanao peace, dev't | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Gov't addresses Mindanao peace, dev't | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "The Philippine government has stressed that while it is resolved in reaching a negotiated political settlement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other rebel groups within its term, it is also bent on addressing the development needs of conflict areas.

The statement was made by Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chairman Marvic Leonen during a recent forum held at the Ambion Room of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law at Malcolm Hall, UP Diliman. Joining him was Dean Jukipli Wadi of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies.

In his lecture titled “Understanding the Context: Possibilities for Peace in Mindanao,” Leonen explained how conflict disrupts development - not only locally but also nationally. He said with underdevelopment comes a host of other problems including corruption, misallocation of resources and injustices.

“In the administration’s goal to reach a just, comprehensive, workable and negotiated political settlement, we also have to proceed with the development of the area. We cannot stand idly by when we think of basic services and economic development. The promise of the President is good governance and anything that will be committed, will be done. Anything that has been promised will be complied with,” Leonen said."

Rotary Update: Philippines town receives Rotary baseball donation | Sun Journal

Philippines town receives Rotary baseball donation | Sun Journal: "Four or five years ago Gary Kennedy, a Rotary Registered International Volunteer, convinced his Lewiston/Auburn Rotary Club that one of the greatest things the club could give for an international project was sports to a worthy village in Southeast Asia.

Since the beginning of this mission Kennedy has started a Rotary club in Hallowell and became its charter president. However, he never lost sight of his previous club's donation and its intended use.

When telling this story in Southeast Asia, Kennedy stated, 'In Rotary we live by a moral code known as the Four Way Test. 1. Is it the truth?; 2. Is it fair to all concerned?; 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?; 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? How could I possibly live within the constraints of this test if I didn't fulfill my assigned mission, given by my previous club, The Rotary Club of Lewiston/Auburn,' he said.

Although it has taken some time to complete this mission it has been accomplished in a grand manner. The recipient of all the equipment is the hamlet of Amadeo Cavite, Philippines. Also, Kennedy promised them that he would make every effort to continue to support them and others in their area so the sport would grow. There was enough equipment given to allow for two teams both in baseball as well as softball after The Rotary Club of Hallowell contributed softball equipment."

Rotary Update: Photoworld Asia 2012 Chairman guest speaker in today's meeting of Rotary Club of Zambo City

Zamboanga Today Online, the most read newspaper in Zamboanga City | Photoworld Asia 2012 Chairman guest speaker in today's meeting of Rotary Club of Zambo City: "For the past 20 years George Cabig, Photoworld Asia 2012 Chairman has photographed for the country’s top corporations and magazines, such as Caltex Philippines, Equitable Bank, and the Department of Tourism. He has produced stirring images under the harshest conditions for calendars, annual reports, and brochures. He has also contributed photographs for eight books by three of the country’s most renowned writers—Nick Joaquin, Manny Duldulao and Achilles Mina. He has had eight one-man exhibitions, and has won numerous awards in national and international photo competitions."

Wellness in Trade & Industry: Kasadyaan Trade Fair a success | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Kasadyaan Trade Fair a success | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Philippines (PIA) — The Kasadyaan Trade, Science and Industry Fair held here generated a total of P810,210 sales surpassing the P115,000 figure targeted by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Leyte office.

The Fair was held at the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival Park, at the RTR Plaza here. Of total sales, processed food contributed P356,165 or 44 percent while P386,245 or 48 percent came from gifts, decors and handicrafts. The remaining P67, 800 (8%) were generated by furniture products sales."

Children's Causes Update: Disadvantaged kids in Mindanao get Japanese-sponsored education | The Japan Times Online

Disadvantaged kids in Mindanao get Japanese-sponsored education | The Japan Times Online: "Tomo Matsui first set up Tomo Library in 2000 in nearby Davao Oriental Province, followed by the Library Fund for Asian Children in 2002.

MCLF currently has more than 500 students from elementary school to college, comprising Christians, Muslims and members of indigenous tribes like the Manobo. Around 80 of them are housed in the foundation, given free food and other basic necessities.

Supported by benefactors from Japan, the foundation has already produced around 50 college or vocational school graduates, including MCLF President Asrie Sabil Hussain."

Labor Update: Continuing Labor and Employment Education Program (CLEEP)

Fifty-eight participants from different companies attended the first batch of 10-day session on Continuing Labor and Employment Education Program (CLEEP) at Department of Labor and Employment Batangas Provincial Office (DOLE-BPO) in Lipa City recently.

Started in 2008, CLEEP was conducted with the active participation of Batangas Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (BTIPC) held every second and fourth Fridays of each month until October 2011.

"Participants who will complete the 10-day sessions are expected to be equipped with learning on basics of Philippine labor relations system; labor organization; rules in disposition of compulsory arbitration cases; collective bargaining and administration of agreement; labor standards enforcement, among others.
The training program also included fundamentals of overseas and local employment, health, safety and welfare benefits and productivity improvement.
Resource speakers were experts from DOLE BPO, Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR), National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), Regional Wages and Productivity Commission (RWPC) and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)."

Wellness in Tourism: Aquino confident the country will regain reputation as top tourist destination

Aquino confident the country will regain reputation as top tourist destination: "The Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) welcomed a delegation of around 500 tourists courtesy of the Philippines’ Foreign Service Posts in North America for the tour.

The publicity and goodwill generated by the tour provide a tremendous boost for the DOT’s efforts to invite overseas Filipinos to come home in the next five years.

Recently, the President signed Proclamation No. 181 declaring 2011-2016 as Pinoy Homecoming Years, aimed at tapping the huge potential of the balikbayan market as a source of tourism arrivals, especially the second- and third-generation Filipinos abroad.

Joining the Tour this year are Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. and Philippine Charge d’Affaires to Canada Minerva Jean Falcon, as well as six consuls general and four tourism attachés stationed in both countries."

Congress Update: 23 more priority measures bared - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines

23 more priority measures bared - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. bared an additional list of 23 priority measures for the House of Representatives during its second regular session that opens on Monday. He said the measures would cover the areas of good governance, agriculture, human rights, cultural communities, land administration and ecology, education and anti-terror policies.

"Of the 23 LEDAC measures, four bills and one joint resolution were already signed into law by the President. Of the 84 original House priorities, 15 have been approved on third reading and are now awaiting Senate action.

The additional priorities include the Terrorist Financing Suppression Act of 2010; amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; reorganizing the Philippine Statistical System; strengthening the Animal Industry and Veterinary Quarantine Services and providing for the modernization of the state weather bureau."

Other priority measures include the elimination of Gender Bias on Adultery and Concubinage Act; providing for a Maritime Code of the Philippines; amending Republic Act 7877, or the “Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995; amending the Women’s Higher Education Act; providing for a nationwide Scholarship Program for Indigenous Peoples; expanding the coverage of the Science and Technology Scholarship Program; extending the charter of the Land Bank of the Philippines; Land Management Bureau Survey of Cadastral Lots in the entire Country; providing for the delineation of the specific forest limits of public domain; banning asbestos and asbestos-containing products; establishing number portability for mobile telephone service; regulating the placement of billboards; Telecommunications Accessibility Act; Anti-Prostitution Act 2011; prohibiting the use of the words “Muslim” and “Christian” in mass media; debts-for-MDGs swap; creating a Center for Studies on Indigenous Cultural Communities; and FilipinoVolunteerism in National-Building Act.

From the original LEDAC/President’s honor list, the following, among others, have been approved by the committees to which they were referred, including establishing the archipelagic sea lanes, prescribing rights of foreign ships; providing a definite targeting strategy in identifying the poor by amending RA 7875; providing mandatory healthcare coverage; amending the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act; the Whistle Blowers Protection Act; and the National Land Use and Management Act of the Philippines.

The creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the measure instituting a Land Administration Reform Act are both pending with the Committee on Appropriations for its comments on their respective funding provisions.

Wellness in Education: DepEd address malnutrition through school vegetable garden

Vegetable gardens to help improve nutrition of public school children | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "To scale up “Gulayan sa Paaralan,” DepEd estimates an initial cost to start a school garden to cover the cost of seeds, fertilizer, garden tools and farm implements, farmer’s hut, nursery and fencing in all of the country’s 42,076 public elementary and high schools involving 1.8 million students in the Gulayan Project, constituting 15 percent of all public schools in the country.

East West Seed Co. is OMG’s implementing partner in this program, providing technical expertise in modern vegetable farming.

The OMG advocacy program, aims to address the problem of hidden hunger among school children. It is an advocacy program to create awareness about the nutritional value of common vegetables and encourage families to include these in their diets."

Wellness in Environment: Yahoo Phils' "Pitong Pinoy Modern Hero awardee"

Reluctant environmentalist | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "

“This kind of co-existence with nature contributed greatly in being an environmentalist, because there is greater motivation to protect things and places that you have fallen in love with,” says Anna Rosario Oposa, one of the Pitong Pinoy modern-day heroes picked by Yahoo Philippines who have remarkable contributions to society and made a difference.

Anna, whose dad is Ramon Magsaysay Awardee and Philippine environmental law pioneer, Atty. Antonio Oposa, Jr,. is currently involved with The Law of Nature Foundation, Inc., a non-stock, non-profit foundation established by Anna’s father to promote environmental law education and enforcement. She is also one of the people behind Save the Philippine Seas, a blog that post stories on marine and marine wildlife protection."

Peace Update: Prince Kiram | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Prince Kiram | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "Malaysia’s adventurism into the Philippines’ Kalayaan Islands is due to geographical occupation of another of our territory “Sabah” proximate to said Islands. This is best explained by Prince Omar Kiram (in behalf of Sultan Fuad Kiram I of Sulu & Sabah), “that the Spratly Islands owned by the Royal Sultanate of Sulu since 1405, is recognized by China via a ‘most favored nation treaty’ with Sulu in 1417. Malaysia has no right to claim the Spratly Islands because its stay in Sabah is illegal, and Sabah is owned by the Royal Sultanate of Sulu."

Peace Update: China, Asean to Agree on ‘Incomplete’ S. China Sea Rules - Businessweek

China, Asean to Agree on ‘Incomplete’ S. China Sea Rules - Businessweek: "“This is an important milestone document on the cooperation among China and Asean countries,” China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said yesterday, referring to the guidelines on the 2002 declaration. “We have a bright future and we are looking forward to future cooperation.”

The 2002 Asean-China statement calls on signatories to avoid occupying disputed islands, inform others of military exercises and resolve territorial disputes peacefully. In addition to the guidelines to implement that declaration, Asean ministers are seeking a legally binding code of conduct with China, they said in a July 19 statement.

“Unless the code of conduct is a treaty, there will be no difference except it will be new words,” said Carlyle Thayer, a politics professor at the Australian Defense Force Academy in Canberra. “Asean shies away from enforcement. What they would put into a code of conduct that would make it more binding is a statement specifying which body can resolve disputes that arise between signatories.”"

“The necessary elements to make the guidelines succeed are still incomplete,” Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert F. del Rosario told reporters late yesterday in Bali, where he is attending a regional security forum. The failure to deal with competing territorial claims in the waters means “the problem hasn’t gone away,” he said.

The Philippines and Vietnam have pushed Asean to formalize a set of rules to avoid clashes with China, which claims most of the South China Sea as its own. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who angered China last year by declaring a national interest in the waters, arrives in Bali later today after urging India to play a greater role in policing Asia-Pacific waterways.

The U.S. has a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines and has boosted military relations with Vietnam. Both countries reject China’s map of the South China Sea as a basis for joint development of oil and gas resources and have pushed ahead with exploration work, prompting Chinese patrol ships to disrupt those activities in the past few months.

Peace Update: Spratlys' peace and sovereignty mission: What difference did it make? - Home » Other Sections » Breaking News

Spratlys' peace and sovereignty mission: What difference did it make? - Home » Other Sections » Breaking News: "Though not officially sanctioned by the Philippine Congress, the mission of the four Congressmen namely Walden Bello (Akbayan Party List), Kaka Bag-ao (Akbayan Party List), Teddy Brawner Baguilat (Ifugao) and Ben Evardone (Eastern Samar) was accompanied by no less than the Commander of the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Lieutenant General Juancho Sabban, Palawan Governor Baham Mitra and Kalayaan Mayor Eugenio Bito-Onon.

The Office of the President said that the mission was “unofficial” and should not heighten the on-going tensions in the Spratlys. Funding of the said mission came not from the national coffer but from the private pockets of “patriotic” Chinese-Filipino businessmen including Starbucks king, Jun Lopez of the Tantoco family."

There are academic talks in Beijing that while the Philippine government did not officially sanction the mission, the presence of the Palawan Governor, the Kalayaan Mayor and even the Commander of the Western Command of the AFP delivered a message that the visit was “officially tolerated” to assert Philippine sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea and territorial integrity in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

But what difference did the mission make insofar as Philippine positions in the KIG was concerned?

The mission did make a difference.

First, the mission took place despite the stern warning from China. The recent visit to Spratlys by Filipino lawmakers aptly demonstrated that the activity was an internal affair of the Philippines that China had nothing to do about, except to express its disdain through a diplomatic protest. The mission also delivered a message that China should not interfere to the domestic affairs of the Philippines.

Second, the mission indicated that the Spratly issue is strongly becoming a civil society concern in the Philippines with the involvement of the private sector that funded the said visit, not to mention the participation of two Congressmen representing the Akbayan Party with a strong civil society backing. The visit, therefore, meant that official claims of the Philippine government over the Spratlys are getting the ownership of the wider Philippine society.

Third, the raising of Philippine flag, the singing of Philippine national anthem and the reciting of Panatang Makabayan (Pledge of Nationalism) by lawmakers, local government officials, military personnel and officers, and residents of Pag-Asa Island were strong symbols of growing Philippine unity to defend Philippine ownership of the KIG.

Fourth, the mission took place while China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) were crafting the guidelines on how to implement the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). The mission conveyed a message that while the Philippine government has embraced multilateral cooperation to resolve the Spratly Disputes, it reserves its sovereign rights to act unilaterally to protect what it deems as part of its national territory.

Rotary Update: Bamboo project in Baguio bringing Philippines, China together | Inquirer News

Bamboo project in Baguio bringing Philippines, China together | Inquirer News: "A GROUP of Chinese experts is participating in the Baguio-Benguet Bamboo Initiative, a project of the non-government organization Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc. (PBFI), the Catholic diocese of Baguio, the Rotary Club and local officials.

The initiative aims to use bamboo in the reforestation of denuded forests in Baguio and Benguet, to push for Philippines-China partnership in developing the local bamboo industry, and to convince the government to include bamboo in its National Greening Program.

Leading the Chinese delegation are Zhu Zhaohua, former head of the Beijing-based International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, and Wang Anguo of the Lin’an Modern Forestry Technology Service Center, the international cooperation unit of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology.
On July 13 and 14, Zhu and Wang will take part in a PBFI conference at the Baguio Country Club, where they will share their technical expertise on bamboo production and reforestation with local bamboo farmers and foresters.
Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Chinese participation was “good news.”"

Rotary Update: Bamboo project in Baguio bringing Philippines, China together | Inquirer News

Bamboo project in Baguio bringing Philippines, China together | Inquirer News:

"A GROUP of Chinese experts is participating in the Baguio-Benguet Bamboo Initiative, a project of the non-government organization Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc. (PBFI), the Catholic diocese of Baguio, the Rotary Club and local officials.

The initiative aims to use bamboo in the reforestation of denuded forests in Baguio and Benguet, to push for Philippines-China partnership in developing the local bamboo industry, and to convince the government to include bamboo in its National Greening Program.
Leading the Chinese delegation are Zhu Zhaohua, former head of the Beijing-based International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, and Wang Anguo of the Lin’an Modern Forestry Technology Service Center, the international cooperation unit of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology.

On July 13 and 14, Zhu and Wang will take part in a PBFI conference at the Baguio Country Club, where they will share their technical expertise on bamboo production and reforestation with local bamboo farmers and foresters.
Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Chinese participation was “good news.”"

JCI Update: 2011 TOFIL Nomination Site Launched

"Nominating your bet to this year’s The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Award is now just a few clicks away. Simply visit www.tofil.ph and click on the “Nominate” button. The TOFIL Award is a joint project of the JCI Senate Philippines and Insular Life.

The awards program recognizes exemplary Filipinos, 41 years and above, who have excelled in their fields of endeavor and have contributed significantly to uplifting the lives of the underserved. The online nomination is a fresh step for the awards program.

It intends to ease nominations and submission of entries, and increase awareness of the awards program, especially among the online community of Filipinos. Deadline for submission of nominations is on August 31. Visit www.tofil.ph or www.facebook.com/pages/The-Outstanding-Filipino-TOFIL for more details."

Womens' Causes Update:Gender sensitivity is alive and well in tech-voc training | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Gender sensitivity is alive and well in tech-voc training | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "TESDA and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) signed last week in Makati City a letter of understanding for a partnership project in mainstreaming gender sensitivity and life skills in vocational training.

Signatories are TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva and Ugochi Daniels, country office head, UNFPA. They also signed the TESDA Annual Work Plan for the ongoing Youth, Employment and Migration Program (YEM).

This project builds on the accomplishments of the Gender-Responsive Economic Actions for the Transformation of Women (GREAT) Project where TESDA partnered with the Philippine Commission on Women and the Canadian International Cooperation Agency.

The GREAT Project aims to create and support a gender-responsive enabling environment for women’s economic empowerment, particularly those in micro enterprises."

Wellness in Trade & Industry: DTI continues Free Trade Areas (FTA) info drive

PIA daily news in English, Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Waray, Pangalatok from around the Philippines: "The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched yesterday a second round of information session to provide information relevant to respective industries. It was also aimed to engage the business sector to increase utilization of Philippine preferential trade agreements.

“ Even developed countries spend over 60 information sessions to ensure that their exporters would have the knowledge on how to utilize the benefits of FTA,” said Bureau of Export Trade Promotion Director Senen M. Perlada.
Philippines, he added, should do the same in information dissemination so that benefits cited in FTAs will be greatly utilized.

At the moment, Philippines as a member of ASEAN has 7 existing FTAs namely, AFTA, China (ACFTA), Korea (AKFTA), Australia-New Zealand (AANZFTA), Japan (AJCPA and PJEPA), and India (AIFTA)."

Wellness in Tourism: DOT steps up efforts to boost investments in tourism | Inquirer Business

DOT steps up efforts to boost investments in tourism | Inquirer Business: "“Investments in tourism via TEZs (tourism enterprise zones) are a win-win for the industry, with developers rewarded for responsible development initiatives. We have, therefore, made Tieza incentives as attractive as possible,” Tourism Secretary Alberto Aldaba Lim said.
Tieza draws its mandate to designate and oversee TEZs from the Tourism Act of 2009 (RA 9593), specifically from Section 64. It is governed by a board chaired by the tourism secretary.
Tieza’s incentive package compares favorably to those offered by other investment promotion agencies such as the Board of Investments and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza). For instance, Tieza offers an income tax holiday for investors of six years, extendable for another six years, compared to BOI’s three to six years and Peza’s four years. Some incentives, like tax reduction for social responsibility initiatives conducted by a TEZ, are available only under Tieza.
A company needs to invest a minimum of $5 million, exclusive of the cost of land acquisition, to qualify for incentives. In “extremely meritorious cases,” Tieza may accept a lesser amount if deemed sufficient for the requirement of the project."

Children's Causes Update: Photos: Kobe Bryant Visits Manila | Denver Post Media Center — Denver, Colorado, Photos and Video

Photos: Kobe Bryant Visits Manila | Denver Post Media Center — Denver, Colorado, Photos and Video: "Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant embraces a boy during his interaction with his fans Wednesday July 13, 2011 at suburban Taguig city east of Manila, Philippines. Bryant is in Manila for the third time to kick off his five-city tour that would take him to Seoul and various cities in China. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)"

Wellness in Science and Technology: DOST adopts 5-yr digital strategy | Inquirer Business

DOST adopts 5-yr digital strategy | Inquirer Business: "Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo on Wednesday assured ICT industry stakeholders, particularly members of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, that ensuring Internet access for all and enabling government agencies with technology would still be a vital part of the administration’s agenda.

“The DOST is at one with the stakeholders and the broader ICT sector and it fully intends to push forward with the implementation of the newly crafted ICT road map that is the PDS,” Montejo said in a statement.
“It is an impressive body of work and we support the many that were involved in its creation,” he said.
The PDS was crafted by the CICT after nine months of consultations with the private sector and other government agencies.
It aims to provide a guide for social and economic development in the Philippines by harnessing ICT. The ultimate goal is a stronger society with empowered Filipinos at its helm.
The PDS’ major thrusts are e-Governance, Internet access for all, digital literacy and ICT sector development. Each of these has a set of objectives for 2016 and a set of corresponding actions that respond to these objectives."

Wellness in Education: Gov't and private sector pitch in to build over 12,000 classrooms | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Gov't and private sector pitch in to build over 12,000 classrooms | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "Six months after the DepEd signed a memorandum of agreement with municipal, city and provincial government units for the construction of classrooms under the 50/50 counter-parting scheme, a total of 1,054 classrooms have been committed for completion within the school year worth over P800 million.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said some P1B worth of classrooms is up for signing in the weeks ahead.

Based on DepEd figures the number of classroom backlog runs up to 66,800 units based on student population for school year 2010-2011.

From the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), another 1,000 units of fully-equipped classrooms are up for turn-over to DepEd by December 2012.

Based on its 2011 actual budget allocation of some P8 billion for classroom construction, DepEd can only build a maximum of 10,000 classrooms per year.

“From this single government corporation alone"

Wellness in Environment: DENR Chief Paje tells local execs to study geohazard maps | The Philippine Star » News » Headlines

Paje tells local execs to study geohazard maps | The Philippine Star » News » Headlines:

The environment chief recommended to local government units (LGUs) to prohibit habitation in areas declared as “highly susceptible” to flooding and landslides by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), citing as example the Pangi River in Davao City that overflowed following heavy rains.

"Pangi River, according to Paje, has been declared as prone to overflow in a geohazard study, “Terrain Analysis of the Davao City Watershed,” conducted by the MGB-Region 12.

He said the MGB has already completed the geohazard assessment and mapping throughout the country, and has distributed geohazard maps with a scale of 1:50,000 to all LGUs.

Paje also advised the LGUs to monitor areas prone to flooding in their respective municipalities, especially during heavy rains, and to install early warning system that will monitor water level in the rivers, like the one placed in the Marikina River.

Under the geohazard mapping project of the DENR, the following were identified as top 10 flood-prone provinces: Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Maguindanao, Bulacan, Metro Manila, North Cotabato, Oriental Mindoro and Ilocos Norte.

The project has also identified flood-prone provinces along the Eastern Seaboard to include Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, eastern side of Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur and Davao Oriental."

Wellness in Arts: Entry for the CCP Architectural Design Competition for the Artist’s Center and Performing Arts Theatre / Buensalido Architects

Entry for the CCP Architectural Design Competition for the Artist’s Center and Performing Arts Theatre / Buensalido Architects: "Design Concept:
“A TAPESTRY OF THE FILIPINO CULTURE”
Weaving as Core Concept
The Philippines is known for its hybrid of cultural identities. The descendants hailed from different countries, eventually forming intricate layers of diverse characteristics which now define Filipinos. Their distinctiveness, therefore, lies in that hybridity – they are a unique tapestry of interwoven cultures.

Weaving is a manifestation of coming together to bind, intertwine and strengthen materials. With the help of many interlaced threads, a single thread can form part of an extremely stronger fabric, as evidenced in many artifacts of vernacular culture: strands of Buri thread can form a banig; otherwise delicate Jusi Fiber can form an intricate Barong Tagalog; and a united people can overthrow unjust leaders. This symbolism of coming and standing as one– weaving together different parts to form a coherent and strong whole – is applied in different levels of Buensalido Architects’s design proposals to serve as a constant reminder of their collective strength as a country."

Peace Update: Prosecution to quit if Zaldy turns state witness | The Philippine Star » News » Headlines

Prosecution to quit if Zaldy turns state witness | The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "Two state prosecutors handling the Maguindanao massacre case yesterday vowed not to accept the offer of former regional governor Zaldy Ampatuan to turn state witness, even if it would mean resigning from their posts.

The government lawyers, who requested anonymity, said they wanted the case to continue on its course.

They dared Ampatuan to have himself arraigned first if he really wanted to tell the court about his family planning the heinous Nov. 23, 2009 killings.

“We don’t want a repeat of the Garcia prosecutor,” said one of the prosecutors.

The prosecutor was referring to Ombudsman Chief Special Prosecutor Wendell Sulit who agreed to the plea bargain offered by former military comptroller Carlos Garcia to plead to a lesser crime in exchange for returning half the money he allegedly stole.

The prosecutor noted that Sulit ended up being suspended.

“If he really wants to say what he knows, then have himself arraigned first so he can join the trial,” the fiscal added."

Wellness Tip: Healthy Feet: Try "Dr. Fish!"

Wellness Series Int'l: "A half hour session will leave your feet feeling perhaps smoother than they have ever felt, with all dead skin completely removed, but there are also health benefits.

Research is unclear as to whether the fish actually digest the skin or not, as Ralph says, “There is some speculation as to whether they actually eat the skin or not, some people say they are just removing it to look for food underneath, as they would on a rock, for instance.”

But the micro-massage stimulates reflexology points on your feet, increasing circulation, leaving your skin healthy and glowing. And if you have any calluses or corns, the fish will alleviate these conditions.

The fish treatment is followed by a foot massage and the option of a pedicure, and you will genuinely walk out feeling refreshed.'"

Wellness Tip: Healthy starts w/ Healthy Mind: start w/ emotional detoxification

Wellness Series Int'l: "'Every time we feel angry, frustrated, or stressed, emotional residues sink deeply into the subconscious mind. The older we are, the greater the buildup of residue. Accumulated negative energies can harm immune system and as immunity decreases, the weaker our physical, mental and spiritual health becomes.

'So, something had to be done,' says Luanchay, 'and that started with cleansing the mind.' For the tycoon, the solution came through what he calls energy healing.

'This energy, or chi or prana, when swirled, can help us slip out from emotional gravity, while at the same time it serves as a drill to open the door and remove the residue,' he explains.'

For further info, pls check website above"

Wellness Tip:Source of Healthy Carbo & Healthy Fats

Wellness Series Int'l: "Weight change = calories in – calories out. In other words, if you utilize as many calories as you consume then your weight will remain the same. If you consume more number of calories then it the excess is stored as fat. Exercise helps not only keeps your muscles toned it helps you burn any excess calories you might have consumed.

As we move up the Healthy Eating Pyramid, we encounter ‘Whole Grains’. These are the main source of carbohydrates (energy) for your body. Excellent sources of carbohydrates include oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat bread. On the same level are healthy salad dressing, ‘fats and oils’ and ‘vegetables and fruits’. Fats are extremely essential to our body. Healthy fats are found in olive oil, soy, corn, canola, peanut, sunflower, nuts, avocadoes, seeds and fish such as salmon.'"

Wellness in Labor: Authorities increased training and public awareness efforts on trafficking

US Trafficking in Persons Report 2011: Philippines | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features: "Authorities increased training and public awareness efforts on trafficking, including for judicial officials, diplomats, civil society groups, and overseas foreign workers. The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) conducted 1,344 pre-deployment orientation seminars and 863 pre-employment seminars for over 100,000 prospective and outbound Filipino overseas workers. POEA and the Department of Labor and Employment also conducted anti-illegal recruitment and trafficking seminars in the country, attended by local prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, local government units, NGOs, recruitment agencies, and community members. The government conducted training seminars in Malaysia and Jordan for regional Philippine embassy personnel in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa on victim identification, reporting of trafficking cases, victim-centered interview techniques, and discussion of options for filing trafficking cases or related criminal charges against traffickers in the destination countries or in the Philippines"

The DFA also continued to provide pre-deployment seminars on recognizing and responding to trafficking cases to government personnel before being assigned abroad. During the year, the IACAT significantly increased staffing to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons, which now operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, is led by three senior airport officials, and includes 11 full-time airport police department officers, 10 Department of Justice prosecutors and staff members, and seven social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also designated 14 agents to assist the task force in law enforcement operations. Four regional anti-trafficking task forces consisting of prosecutors, law enforcement agents, social workers, and NGOs were created in trafficking hotspots around the country; these task forces received funding and personnel support from the IACAT and the Department of Justice. On March 15, the IACAT launched a 24-hour nationwide anti-trafficking hotline designed to respond to crisis calls from human trafficking victims. Despite significant local demand in the country’s thriving commercial sex industry, the government’s efforts to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts in the Philippines were limited, as were the government’s efforts to address the demand for forced labor. In December, the Philippine Congress appropriated $550,000 in the 2011 national budget to fund, for the first time, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s anti-trafficking programs. The Department of Justice created dedicated office space for the IACAT and increased staffing for the IACAT Secretariat from four to eight personnel, though the majority of these staffers were not assigned on a full-time basis. The government also overhauled its screening of immigration patterns for evidence of trafficking during the year. In August 2010, the Bureau of Immigration instituted new screening guidelines for ports of exit, leading to the interception of over 28,000 passengers identified as potential victims of trafficking, due to their lack of proper documentation and indicators of high risk for illegal recruitment and trafficking. Over 900 cases were referred to the IACAT, NBI, POEA, and DFA for further investigation. Through trafficking prevention efforts at major seaports in partnership with an NGO, over 1,800 potential victims of trafficking were intercepted, resulting in the filing of 21 criminal anti-trafficking cases. The Philippine armed forces reportedly rescued eight child soldiers during the year, all of whom were allegedly conscripted by the NPA. The government provided training, including a module on human trafficking, to Philippine troops prior to their deployment abroad on international peacekeeping missions.

Wellness in Labor: Authorities increased training and public awareness efforts on trafficking

US Trafficking in Persons Report 2011: Philippines | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features: "Authorities increased training and public awareness efforts on trafficking, including for judicial officials, diplomats, civil society groups, and overseas foreign workers. The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) conducted 1,344 pre-deployment orientation seminars and 863 pre-employment seminars for over 100,000 prospective and outbound Filipino overseas workers. POEA and the Department of Labor and Employment also conducted anti-illegal recruitment and trafficking seminars in the country, attended by local prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, local government units, NGOs, recruitment agencies, and community members. The government conducted training seminars in Malaysia and Jordan for regional Philippine embassy personnel in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa on victim identification, reporting of trafficking cases, victim-centered interview techniques, and discussion of options for filing trafficking cases or related criminal charges against traffickers in the destination countries or in the Philippines."

The DFA also continued to provide pre-deployment seminars on recognizing and responding to trafficking cases to government personnel before being assigned abroad. During the year, the IACAT significantly increased staffing to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons, which now operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, is led by three senior airport officials, and includes 11 full-time airport police department officers, 10 Department of Justice prosecutors and staff members, and seven social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also designated 14 agents to assist the task force in law enforcement operations. Four regional anti-trafficking task forces consisting of prosecutors, law enforcement agents, social workers, and NGOs were created in trafficking hotspots around the country; these task forces received funding and personnel support from the IACAT and the Department of Justice. On March 15, the IACAT launched a 24-hour nationwide anti-trafficking hotline designed to respond to crisis calls from human trafficking victims. Despite significant local demand in the country’s thriving commercial sex industry, the government’s efforts to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts in the Philippines were limited, as were the government’s efforts to address the demand for forced labor. In December, the Philippine Congress appropriated $550,000 in the 2011 national budget to fund, for the first time, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s anti-trafficking programs. The Department of Justice created dedicated office space for the IACAT and increased staffing for the IACAT Secretariat from four to eight personnel, though the majority of these staffers were not assigned on a full-time basis. The government also overhauled its screening of immigration patterns for evidence of trafficking during the year. In August 2010, the Bureau of Immigration instituted new screening guidelines for ports of exit, leading to the interception of over 28,000 passengers identified as potential victims of trafficking, due to their lack of proper documentation and indicators of high risk for illegal recruitment and trafficking. Over 900 cases were referred to the IACAT, NBI, POEA, and DFA for further investigation. Through trafficking prevention efforts at major seaports in partnership with an NGO, over 1,800 potential victims of trafficking were intercepted, resulting in the filing of 21 criminal anti-trafficking cases.

Wellness & Health: Nutrition month promotes exclusive breastfeeding

Nutrition month promotes exclusive breastfeeding

PIA daily news in English, Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Waray, Pangalatok from around the Philippines: "Dr. Anthony Redaniel, MDGF-2030 Field coordinator for exclusive breastfeeding, said “Tama” stands for the correct practice of allowing immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth, and initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life.
He said “Sapat” is meant to assure the mother that little breastmilk is enough for the first week and that frequent breastfeeding ensures continuous breastmilk supply to respond to the increasing needs of the baby.
“EKslusibo” on the other hand, Redaniel said, advocates that for the first six months, only breastmilk and no other liquid should be given to the baby as it has all the nutrients and water that the baby needs.
“After which, the baby should be given appropriate complementary foods while continually breastfeeding,” Redaniel said.
On the other hand, NNC Regional Coordinator Nona Tad-y said during a press briefing held July 4, that breastfeeding ranks among the most effective interventions to improve child’s survival.
Tad-y said the World Health Organization has estimated that high coverage of optimal breastfeeding practices could avert 13 percent of the 10.3 million annual deaths of children five years old and below."

Wellness in Governance: Local Chief Executives (LCEs) to commemorate this year's theme, which is 'Making the Rights Real for Filipinos w/ Disabilities

33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week Celebration | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "The Department of Interior the and Local Government (DILG) Sunday expressed support to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in light of the upcoming 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week Celebration, which will be held from July 17 to 23, 2011.

In memorandum circular 2011-81, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo called on local chief executives (LCEs) to commemorate this year's theme, which is 'Making the Rights Real for Filipinos with Disabilities' by calling the public's attention to the plight and challenges faced by PWDs."

Wellness in Science & Technology: DOST installs Automatic Weather Station

DOST installs Automatic Weather Station

PIA daily news in English, Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Waray, Pangalatok from around the Philippines: "The DOST-PAGASA/ASTI Automatic Weather Station joint project will establish and maintain a nationwide environmental monitoring network and will continuously provide solutions for the mitigation of environment-related disasters.
The ASWs are equipped with sensors capable of measuring weather parameters, wind speed and direction, air temperature, air humidity, air pressure, rain amount, duration and intensity.
Aside from Tacloban, DOST will also install Automatic Weather Stations in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, Maasin, Southern Leyte, Catbalogan, Samar and Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
A total of 80 AWSs is programmed to be installed in stations across the country. The DOST hopes to complete the installation by August of 2011.
Mr. Peñaranda said that in addition to the AWSs, DOST-ASTI, in cooperation with DOST-PAGASA, has also developed an Automatic Rain Gauge (ARG) to gather and record the amount of rainfall over a set period of time and automatically sends the data to the central based station on a pre-determined interval basis."

Wellness in Environment: Groups push plastic bags phaseout on plastic bag-free day - Nation - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News

Groups push plastic bags phaseout on plastic bag-free day - Nation - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News: "The groups called for the enactment of a law that will:
phase out plastic bags both regular and degradable;
promote organic reusable bags;
espouse take-back mechanisms and recycling;
support LGUs in their waste management initiatives;
impose environmental levy on plastic bags; and
for accountability purposes, label so-called “degradable' plastic bags to show name of manufacturers, manufacturing date, and the degradation period of the bag."

Wellness in Arts & Culture: Ancient art and culture event wows artists group — Lake Bluff news, photos and events — TribLocal.com

Ancient art and culture event wows artists group — Lake Bluff news, photos and events — TribLocal.com: "An interactive presentation on Philippine arts and culture by renowned Manila born American visionary artist and ancient art historian, Fred DeAsis, excites members of local art group — Artist on the Bluff. The event was held Monday, June 6, 2011 at the Lake Bluff Park District meeting hall.

The cultural art presentation-workshop included a brief history and revival of “Kut-kut”, the ancient lost art and “Baybayin”, an ancient writing system commonly used during pre-colonial years in the Philippines. During the session, participants translated words and names into Baybayin written system."

Kut-kut is an ancient Philippines art style and technique based on early century Oriental and European art forms. Specific designs represent the identity of a tribal unit on the island. The uniqueness of the art form is the story it presents. It has been kept alive by passing it on through the generations. It is described as a production of interwoven lines and multi-layered textures. Artisans from Samar province, one of the 7,107 islands of the Philippines, were known for their kut-kut artistry,” explained Fred DeAsis.

"Baybayin is a writing system commonly used during pre-colonial Philippines. It is one of many writing systems used in Southeast Asia. The origin could be traced back from north central India were artifacts in Brahmic writing system were found dated as early as 3rd century,” he added.

Fred DeAsis received the 2010 CFO Presidential Award from the president of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, for outstanding achievement and service in the field of Arts and Culture. The international award is given every two years to highly selected individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements on their given field. Last year's awards were presented to 24 recipients from 13 countries.

Wellness in Education: Gardening in 403 schools begun | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Gardening in 403 schools begun | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) launched last week vegetable gardening in 403 schools in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur to help address micro problem on food security and malnutrition.

Dubbed as Programang Agrikulturang Pilipino — Gulayan sa Paaralan, the project is part of the state’s accelerated hunger mitigation program seeking to open a 200-sq. m. vegetable garden in each of the selected schools, according to Salik Panalunsong, field operations chief of the DAF-ARMM. (Ali G. Macabalang)"

Peace Update: Cordillera rebels, gov't to sign peace pact today » Nation » Article

Cordillera rebels, gov't to sign peace pact today » Nation » Article:

"The Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA), a group that broke away from the New People’s Army (NPA) in 1986, is set to sign a closure pact with the Government of the Philippines (GPH) today.

“From an armed group, we will now be a potent force that will drive development and economic growth in our communities,' said CPLA Chairman Arsenio Humiding.

Humiding is set to meet President Benigno Aquino III at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace to officially sign the peace agreement.

Humiding, with Marcelina Bahatan, president of CPLA's political wing, the Cordillera Bodong Administration (CBA), will sign the agreement on behalf of the Cordillera rebel group. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles will be government's signatory.

The agreement provides for community-identified projects, livelihood and employment support for CPLA members, sub-regional development projects, legacy documentation and final disposition of arms and forces, all leading towards the group's development into an unarmed, socio-economic organization."

The closure agreement will also be signed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia Jr., Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, Ifugao Congressman Teddy Brawner Baguilat, Apayao Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., local government officials from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and CPLA zone commanders, as witnesses.

Wellness in Business Update: RP to make money in carbon-credit tradeRP to make money in carbon-credit trade

RP to make money in carbon-credit trade: "The Philippines will be a key player in the growing carbon-credit market because its rains, topography and its geothermal resources are suited for producing renewable energy, an Australian carbon services company said.

The carbon credit market was born out of the European Union’s limits on carbon emissions. Any company that exceeds the limits has to buy credits from renewable energy companies and companies that reduce carbon emissions, such as landfills designed for that.
These companies earn these credits when they are registered under the United Nations Framework for Climate Change (UNFCC). While limits have not yet been set, some Japanese companies already buy carbon credits voluntarily.

More than 3,000 projects are registered, 32 of which are in the Philippines. The largest is the Ambuklao, Benguet hydro plant controlled by Aboitiz Power at 160,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
First Farmers Holdings Corp.’s bagasse cogeneration plant (120,000) in Negros Oriental and the biogas emission reduction project at Quezon City’s waste disposal facility (116,000) are next. The windpower plant at Bangui Ilocos Norte has 57,000, on the other hand."