Wellness in Culture: Philippines perfect place to study faith, globalization | Inquirer Global Nation

Philippines perfect place to study faith, globalization | Inquirer Global Nation: "The Philippines is in many ways the perfect place to explore the complexities surrounding the relationship between faith and globalization, both past and present. As a society deeply influenced historically by Spanish, Indonesian, Malaysian and indigenous cultures, it finds itself in the 21st century occupying a delicate and profoundly important role in both Asian and Western trade and foreign affairs.

Tony Blair Faith Foundation (TBFF) has just established a deep and extensive partnership in the Philippines: A schools initiative to make inter-faith dialogue a part of social education, a program presently in 17 other nations; and a consortium of universities that will join the global Faith and Globalization course that was begun at Yale in the USA and is now in eight countries around the world."

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Wellness in Environment: Trade dep’t urges consumers to shift to eco-friendly products | Inquirer Business

Trade dep’t urges consumers to shift to eco-friendly products | Inquirer Business: "The Department of Trade and Industry is urging consumers to shift to eco-friendly products and services, especially those marked with the Green Choice seal, to encourage manufacturers and service providers to “green” their standards and processes.

According to DTI Bureau of Product Standards officer in charge Cirila Botor, the Green Choice seal is the country’s version of the eco-label, which identifies products and services that pass certain environmental standards and regulations.
The seal, issued under the DTI’s National Eco-Labeling Program-Green Choice Philippines and administered through the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, is given to products and services that meet a set of environmental criteria.

The criteria are based on the principles and procedures of ISO 14024 on environmental labels and declarations, particularly the rules under Type I environmental labeling or eco-labeling.
Eco-labels are product- and facility-specific, and can be issued to products sold and services rendered in the Philippines, regardless of country of origin.

Application for eco-labels is not mandatory but it is encouraged."

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Peace Update: Aquino says he remains optimistic about peace talks with MILF - Home » Other Sections » Breaking News

Aquino says he remains optimistic about peace talks with MILF - Home » Other Sections » Breaking News: "President Benigno Aquino III remains optimistic about the peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"It is only normal in negotiations for the parties involved to agree and disagree during discussions and debate on proposals," Aquino said in an interview over Radio Mindanao Network that was aired today.

The President assured that whatever agreement reached during the talks would be made public and a final peace accord would be subject to a plebiscite.

The government would not be dictating or forcing anyone to uphold or reject whatever agreement reached by the GPH and MILF panels, he added.

On the issue of Commander Ameril Umbra Kato, who took about 300 followers with him as he broke away from the MILF and formed his own group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the President is banking on the MILF's annoucement that they would resolve the issue."

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Peace Update: MILF said the CPP should understand the Muslim insurgents’ perspective on peace talks

So what, Moro rebs tell Communist Party of the Philippines | Inquirer News: "Reacting to a CPP statement suggesting that the United States had exerted pressure on President Benigno Aquino III to meet secretly with MILF chair Murad Ebrahim on Aug. 4, the MILF said it saw nothing wrong with the US being involved in the peace process, assuming the CPP claim is true.

“Indeed the United States has the moral responsibility to help solve this unfinished Moro question. They must rectify the errors of their past misdeeds,” the MILF said in an editorial posted in its website on Tuesday.

“Had they separated the Moro province from Luzon and the Visayas, there would have been no such thing as the Moro problem or the struggle for the right to self-determination in Mindanao that has resulted in so much bloodshed and destruction,” it said.

The MILF said it was “pragmatic in seeking support, both domestic and international, that would prop up our chances of success.”

Talking to or engaging the Americans does not make you a puppet, it said.

“On the contrary, it shows not only creativity but also maturity and more importantly self-confidence, strength of character and belief that what you profess or stand for is the correct thing,” it said."

Peace Update: Philippine forces upbeat over talks with rebels

Philippine forces upbeat over talks with rebels: "“We are still optimistic (on the negotiations). It is where we see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Commodore Miguel Rodriguez said yesterday.

Rodriguez, however, said military field units are undertaking measures to prevent the insurgents from staging more attacks.

“Ground forces and ground commanders have been given orders to make sure these things would not happen again. We should be reactive and responsive to the situation,” he said.

Rodriguez said military ground troops will remain on alert to ensure public safety. “We should be able to secure the people in any part of the territory,” he said."

Rotary Update: Rotary Club of Dumaguete South in the Philippines District 3860 program for kids

DAILY STAR: Negros Oriental: "A program of a Philippine Rotary Club, in partnership with a Rotary Club in Texas, USA, is starting to provide pupils of the Dumaguete City public elementary school system with advanced computer training.

The program was made possible by a $33,780 grant from the Rotary District 5800 of Texas to the Rotary Club of Park Cities Dallas USA and the Rotary Club of Dumaguete South in the Philippines District 3860.

The grant bought P4 Dell desktop computers that are now being installed in the City public elementary school system, while a pilot program is ongoing at the North City Elementary School “to iron out any kinks,” said BadeehNaifeh, a Rotary ambassador from the RC of Park Cities Dallas.

RC Dumaguete South immediate past president Alfredo Bustamante III, who forged the partnership with Naifeh and his club, said teachers are also being trained to impart computer-aided education to their pupils."

Wellness in Science & Tech: Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE)

DOST sets inventors confab » Nation » News | Philippine News | philstar.com: "The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) called on the scientists and inventors here to participate in the upcoming Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) next month.

Spearheaded by the DOST - National Capital Region, the event will be held at the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) gymnasium in San Marcelino St. in Manila on Sept. 20-21.

RICE categories are as follows – Invention Category (Tuklas Award), Utility Model category, Industrial design category (Likha award) and the Student Research Category for both High School and College levels.

The winners will receive cash prizes and plaques of recognition.It will serve as a qualification round for the National Invention Contest.
"

Wellness in Education: Affirmative action to eradicate all forms of discrimination against IPs in the entire Philippine educational system

"MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education has formulated a policy framework for indigenous peoples (IPs) that aims to make the Philippine educational system truly inclusive and respectful of the diversity of learners especially those belonging to the minority groups.

The signing of the education policy framework for IPs was held last August 9, during the United Nations celebration of World Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

The education policy framework for IP seeks to ensure the provision of quality basic education for all IPs that will lead to functional literacy.

It also calls for the adoption of appropriate basic education pedagogy, content, and assessment through the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs) in all learning areas and processes. The policy framework also seeks to provide adequate and culturally-appropriate learning resources and environment to IP learners including the development of textbooks and other supplementary learning materials.

DepEd will also strengthen the hiring, deployment, and continuous development of teachers and learning facilitators implementing the IP Education Program.

Likewise, It will implement a stronger affirmative action to eradicate all forms of discrimination against IPs in the entire Philippine educational system"

Wellness in Environment: DENR-7 in Central Visayas lauded the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) for its environmental contribution

PIA daily news in English, Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Waray, Pangalatok from around the Philippines: "The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) in Central Visayas lauded the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) for its environmental contribution by establishing a native tree seedling production and plantation.

The recognition was held in a simple awarding ceremony during the culmination of the 2011 Philippine Environment Month celebration at the DENR Regional Office in Banilad, Mandaue City.

The environment agency also acknowledged RAFI for spearheading the Cebu Province-wide Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines activity on June 25 that drew thousands of people running and planting to support the goal of increasing Cebu’s forest cover.

The DENR said the participants from the 48 municipalities and cities in Cebu collectively planted more than 100,000 native tree seedlings in their respective areas."

Wellness Tip: Rice Bran, new functional food,

Agriculture.ph Blog » Food and Nutrition: "Rice bran contains phytosterols, polysaccharides, beta-sitosterol, fiber, Vitamin E complex, and a large complement of B vitamins, including B15, which is a vital antioxidant.

These antioxidants are known for their hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory properties; enhance insulin production; and protect skin against ultra violet rays-induced oxidative stress, among other things.

Rice bran is also rich in co-enzyme q10, omega 3, and omega 6 fatty acids and even oleic acid which are also found in olive oil.
With its packed of nutrients and health benefits, Dr. Rodriguez cited products that may be developed from rice bran. They may not be considered new anymore since other developed countries have already adopted them. The Filipino entrepreneur however, could exploit its potential use since rice bran is practically underutilized"

Rotary Update: Linda Hoops works to weave a brighter future » Evansville Courier & Press

Linda Hoops works to weave a brighter future » Evansville Courier & Press: "The program was the brainchild of childhood friends in Manila. Lulu Trinidad-Ocampo adapted a technique of weaving folded newspaper sheets into bags and wallets. She realized the skill could be a source of livelihood for those in need and developed it into the 'Bags for Life' program.

Newspaper sheets are folded by disabled workers and then woven and sewn into bags by women who do the work in their homes. The program allows them to make a living and it is a way to recycle newspapers and plastic bags.

Ocampo's sister, Mila Trinidad-Puyat, who is now the president of a Rotary Club in Manila, partnered the marketing arm of her organization with her sister's project. Once the bags are created, the Rotary project, called D'yario Bags, buys them in bulk, adds some painting and creative touches and resells them.

Puyat told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the bags practically sell themselves. The same program has been successful in other parts of the Philippines.

Hoops learned of the program on one of her yearly visits to the Philippines. She brought back a suitcase full of the bags to sell and use for not-for-profit auctions here. But she believes it could become a cottage industry here as well."

Women's Causes Update: New tech voc, gender-sensitivity training curriculum

New tech voc, curriculum drafted | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "To break the division along gender lines in technical vocational (tech-voc) education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are coming out with a gender-sensitivity training curriculum.

TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva Wednesday said the curriculum will be rolled out among its trainees and trainers under an agreement with the UNFPA, which gave a total of $89,083 grant. “Embedding the gender dimension is an initiative to empower women across societies,” he said.

In the Letter of Understanding (LoU), the partnership was formalized between the two agencies to implement the project component of the Joint Programme on Youth Employment and Migration (YEM) aiming to bring to technical vocational education and training (TVET) gender-sensitivity and life skills.

“We have opened a wider venue for women, making available variety of courses that they can enrol in, including those previously thought to be only for men. But much more needs to be done and we are continuously working on it,” Villanueva explained."

Children's Causes Update: House okays bill vs child punishment - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines

House okays bill vs child punishment - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "Lawmakers on Wednesday night crossed party lines to pass HB 4455, which will require erring parents to undergo counseling on children’s rights and positive and non-violent discipline of children and anger management.

Under the bill, corporal punishment refers to cruel and unusual punishment or acts that subject the child to indignities and other excessive chastisement that embarrasses or humiliates the child. It includes physical punishment and is imposed by an adult or by another child to discipline, train or control the victim.

Parents found guilty of severe corporal punishment on a child will be penalized under the provisions of Republic Act 7610 or anti-child abuse law.

Persons entrusted with the child, particularly teachers, guardians, yayas and relatives, face maximum penalties provided for under existing laws.

On the other hand, persons who intervene to save a child from further harm are exempt from any liability.

Among prohibited punishment on a child are blows, but not limited to kicking; hitting, slapping, beating, and lashing any part of the child’s body. Also banned are pinching (kurot), pulling of ears (pengot) or hair (sabunot), cutting or shaving of hair, spanking with hand and whipping with belt, among others."

The bill also considers as unlawful the use of power, authority or threats on the child and forcing the minor to kneel on stones, salt or pebbles, and squatting.

On the other hand, acceptable methods of imposing discipline are the following: reprimand, Grandma’s Rule, Beat-the-Clock, praise, and others.

Herrera-Dy, vice chair of the House committee on the welfare of children, said responsibility building or making a child perform age-appropriate and simple household chores is also encouraged.

She said all records about corporal punishment case will be considered confidential. Publication of the identity of the victim and immediate family member will be penalized with a P200,000 fine.

Wellness in Trade & Industry: DTI, DOLE tie up in training OFWs become entrepreneurs - The Philippine Star » News » Business

DTI, DOLE tie up in training OFWs become entrepreneurs - The Philippine Star » News » Business: "The DOLE, through the National Reintegration Center for OFWs has tapped the DTI through the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) to organize a training package for overseas workers and encourage them to venture into business.

These free training sessions, which began this July, consist of key topics on how to start a business, entrepreneurial education activities where they learn the business cycle, market supply and demand, and selling as well as preparing the business plan.

A study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) noted that overseas remittances could spur local development through entrepreneurship. The study also cited the role of government to provide support mechanisms to overseas workers and remittance-receiving families who are self-employed or who have entered into enterprises.

In 2010, the DTI, through the PTTC, has organized similar trainings for som"

Health Update: Malaria cases lower this year | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Malaria cases lower this year | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "The Department of Health (DoH) said it has recorded a total of 765 cases of malaria from January to May 14 this year. The figure is 52 percent lower compared to the same period last year which is 1,595. However, there were 13 deaths compared to last year when only 10 persons died of the disease.

Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. It may also be transmitted through blood transfusion, sharing IV needles, or through transfer of malaria parasites from an infected mother to her unborn child."

Wellness in Business: Dnata rebrands its Philipppine business | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Dnata rebrands its Philipppine business | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "Dnata’s profile and reputation in the Philippines have risen significantly since 1998 – when it first established its operations in the region as ‘dnata Inc.’ – the only internationally owned ground handling agent in Manila's airport.
Services offered by dnata in the Philippines include passenger, ramp and baggage services; cargo handling and ground support equipment.

The firm has invested heavily in its Manila operations, with the purchase of new equipment, introduction of staff training initiatives and renovation of their offices.

The operations have seen significant growth during the years since, with an increase in new customers and organic growth by existing customers.

Today, dnata is one of the most successful and highly reputed handling agents in the Asia-Pacific Region with customers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Hawaiian Air, and Air China.

“We are proud to have strong roots in the Philippines, the team here has worked hard and played an important part in establishing our reputation in the region as a respected global air services provider,” said Dnata President Gary Chapman."

Health Update: Tuberculosis is every Filipino's business - Special Reports - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News

Tuberculosis is every Filipino's business - Special Reports - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News: "Through the Department of Health’s National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) and with the support of local governments, the Philippines achieved great strides in TB control since the institution of the DOTS strategy in the mid-1990s. The country needs to push this momentum forward to accelerate the gains in TB control.

DOTS stands for Directly Observed Treatment Short course. It is a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Government’s National TB Control Program and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) which ensures diagnosis, treatment, and cure of TB patients. Its implementation is based on five elements: (1) Government commitment to control TB, thus ensuring availability of sustained resources for TB control and management activities; (2) Good quality diagnosis using sputum smear microscopy as the primary diagnostic tool; (3) Standardized treatment regimen using good quality drugs and guaranteed uninterrupted drug supply; (4) Directly-observed treatment by a treatment partner; and, (5) Standardized recording and reporting of TB data.

The TB LINC Project is a USAID-assisted and DOH-led initiative to sustain the coordination and collaboration of TB control partners from both the public and private sectors."

Wellness in Education: The Joy of Urban Farming

QC urban farming program expanded - The Philippine Star » Business Features » Agriculture: "The new program was launched last year through the initiative of Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte with the full support of the city government headed by Mayor Herbert Bautista.A showcase program of the expanded program was inaugurated at the Quezon City Memorial Circle in Diliman, the hub of “The Joy of Urban Farming”.

Among those present during the ceremony were Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Mayor Bautista, Vice Mayor Belmonte, and Willy Co, president and general manager of Allied Botanical Corp. (ABC).

ABC, the country’s first fully Filipino-owned vegetable breeding company, supplies the program’s seed needs. It has also allocated a portion of its seed sales to support the city government’s urban farming program, according to Co.

So far, 33 base farms and 19 school farms have been set up, Belmonte reported.

“The city government hopes to replicate the garden in all barangays and schools in Quezon City,” she had earlier told The STAR’s Marianne Go."

Labor Force (Worker's) Update: Spanish-Language Contact Center Solutions May Further Philippines Outsourcing Success

Spanish-Language Contact Center Solutions May Further Philippines Outsourcing Success: "The president of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Benedict Hernandez, said in a press briefing on Monday during the Association’s two-day annual summit, that while CCAP expects the contact center market in the Philippines to grow 15 percent annually, with revenues growing to $14.7 billion and employment reaching 816,000 in five years, the country is struggling right now to supply the qualified workforce necessary to hit these numbers.

According to Business World Online, Hernandez said, 'We have the opportunity to double [revenues and workforce] in the next five years ... [as] there is an existing and growing demand.' Meanwhile, CCAP director Rainerio M. Borja said the Philippines call center industry’s main market remains the United States, accounting for 88 percent of the market, Business World reported.

Given those two facts, it would make sense for the Philippines to further develop its Spanish-language contact centers skills along with the skills of its workforce to staff those call centers. That’s because statistics indicate that the number of Spanish speakers in the United States is growing at a rapid pace."

Peace Update: Philippine President, Muslim rebel leader talk peace in Tokyo

Philippine President, Muslim rebel leader talk peace in Tokyo: "PRESIDENT of the Philippines Benigno Aquino III left the country unannounced on Thursday night to hold unprecedented talks with a Muslim rebel leader in Japan.

Mr Aquino met for two hours with Murad Ebrahim, chair of the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front, in a hotel near the Narita airport in Tokyo on Thursday evening, the first time a Philippine president has met face-to-face with a leader of the rebel group since on-and-off peace talks started 14 years ago.

They discussed ways to push the peace process forward, said Teresita Quintos-Deles, the presidential peace adviser, who was with Mr Aquino in Tokyo.

An official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not directly involved in the talks said the meeting was meant to give the peace talks 'a shot in the arm' and show support from the 'highest level'."

Wellness in Arts: Preserving the art form for younger generations

The Parol ng Pinoy workshop is a partnership project of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Bahay Kubo Center, FilAm ARTS ( Association for the Advancement of Philippine Arts & Culture (FilAm ARTS ) and Western Union in Los Angeles. The purpose of the workshop is to bring life to an old Philippine craft and preserve the art form for younger generations.

“By doing this project not only are we tapping into our cultural identity, but we’re doing things together,” said artist Faustino Caigoy who teaches parol-making.

“I think it’s important for parents and children to work together.”

A goal of this project is to increase consciousness, both of the individual and of the inter-generational community, of Filipino identity and the richness of Philippine culture."

The finished products will be part of the Parol Competition at the 20th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC20) on September 10 and 11 at Pt. Fermin Park. 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of FPAC, a tradition that brings together Filipinos from across California to celebrate community and heritage. The parols will then be showcased as part of the “Simbang Gabi parade” in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, Los Angeles on December 15, 2011