What is Wellness Pilipinas?

The Philippines' response to the call of World Health Organization (WHO) in 2009
to lessen the augment of Lifestyle Diseases of stroke, cancer, diabetes, etc, and the country's compliance to United Nations Climate Change Peace Building Campaign in 2007. Wellness Pilipinas! was conceived by "Wellness for Peace" Author, Public Speaker & former Peace Ambassador Zara Jane Juan. It consists of pep talks, workshops, symposiums & fora meant to achieve wellness in mind, body, spirit & economics as tools for peace & nation-building. Wellness Pilipinas aired as a live TV show at GNN via G-SAT Asia from 2009-2010 supported by private and public corporations

Innovating Peace by Amb Zara Jane Juan

Innovating Peace by Amb Zara Jane Juan
Wellness for Peace Education

WELLNESS PILIPINAS INTERNATIONAL

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Friday, September 30, 2011

Tourism execs promote PHL in Russia - Pinoy Abroad - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.....Representatives of indigenous and Muslim women’s groups, women’s peace networks, other civil society organizations from Mindanao, the Cordilleras and other parts of the country, the Philippine Government and UN agencies gathered 5-6 September in Davao City, Philippines, for the “Open Days on
Women, Peace and Security”. The event, facilitated by UN Women and organized in partnership with the Mindanao Commission of Women (MCW) and the Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) of Miriam College, aimed to promote sustained civil society engagement with the UN on these pressing issues. UN Resident Coordinator Jacqui Badcock led the UN delegation in the dialogue, also attended by Moni
Pizani, UN Women East and Southeast Asia Regional Office Representative and Regional Programme Director; Ugochi Daniels, UNFPA Representative and Chair of the Gender Mainstreaming Committee (GMC); Renaud Meyer, UNDP Country Director; and field staff and national officers from WFP, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA and UN Women.
(pls click above link for complete article)
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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Rotary Update: Ateneo de Iloilo student Kristiana Claire Yray chosen by Rotary Club of Iloilo City as City Mayor for Boys & Girls Week Celebration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

* The Greece envoy issued the statement after her weeklong visit here as she graced the 38th Kamahardikaan Day, or founding anniversary, of the province this week.
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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Peace Update: Japan & Philippines Tighten Defense Ties - WSJ.com

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

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

A joint statement said bilateral ties have evolved from friendly relations to a "strategic partnership," and called for more collaboration on "regional and global issues of mutual concern and interest." The two countries also agreed to conduct frequent discussions on defense at more senior levels and increase the number of Japan Coast Guard missions to help train their Philippine counterparts."
"

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Monday, September 26, 2011

Peace Update: Philippine proposal for a Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship, and Cooperation (ZoPFF/C) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Saturday, September 17, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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Peace Update: Gov't, NDF talks to resume soon - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines

Gov't, NDF talks to resume soon - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "Padilla said he would resign as government peace panel chairman if he fails to fulfill his three- year target to finish the talks with the NDF-CPP-NPA.

“I’m still hoping that I could still meet that target. Maybe, by June 2012, we would be able to finish the talks and have an agreement for a lasting peace in the country,” Padilla said.

Padilla said the main stumbling block to the peace negotiations between the government and the NDF-CPP-NPA is the insistence of the NDF to have all its detained members who are currently serving prison terms, released even if they are not covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG).

“On their (NDF-CPP-NPA) part, they viewed us as insincere negotiators,” Padilla said.

He and NDF peace panel spokesman Fidel Agcaoili have engaged in a word war that affected the resumption of the peace talks, over the NDF’s insistence for the government to release all JASIG-protected NDF members from prison." (click link for complete article)

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Peace Update: Radio Australia:Connect Asia:Story:Norway mediates Philippines peace talks

Radio Australia:Connect Asia:Story:Norway mediates Philippines peace talks: (pls click link for complete transcript)
Presenter: Liam Cochrane
Speaker: Luis Jalandoni, the chief peace negotiator for the National Democratic Front Philippines


"COCHRANE: The Philippines government has accused the Communist rebels of abducting a town mayor and four prison officers. Why are the Communists still abducting people when peace talks are going on?

JALANDONI: Well you see, there is people's democratic government in over 100 guerilla area in the Philippines in about 800 municipalities and this people's democratic government has the right to investigate somebody who has been accused of certain criminal charges. Now this mayor is under investigation and if the investigation results in a positive result for him, then as in the past, they have arranged for the release of such persons."

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Peace Update: Norway says gov't-NDF peace talks may resume next month - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines

Norway says gov't-NDF peace talks may resume next month - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "Peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) may resume next month in Oslo, Norway.

Norway’s special envoy Ture N.L. Lundh said he had an amiable and constructive meeting in Manila last Sept. 6 with Alexander Padilla and Luis Jalandoni, chairpersons of the government and NDF negotiating panels, respectively.

“We are communicating with both parties on a regular basis, and this was another welcome opportunity for us to look at ways at taking steps to resume talks in Oslo, sooner rather than later, hopefully already in late October this year,” Lundh said in an email to The STAR.

Although there are complicated issues for the parties to resolve, Lundh said “I am pleased to convey – after the meeting – a sense of moderate optimism and belief in the prospects for moving the peace process further in the right direction.”"

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Monday, September 5, 2011

Children's Causes Update: Muslim kids celebrate 'Peace Month' | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Muslim kids celebrate 'Peace Month' | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Monday disclosed that the event, held at the Bahay ng Alumni inside the University of the Philippines (UP) campus in Diliman, Quezon City, was organized to show solidarity with Muslims in their celebration of the close of Ramadan.

OPAPP said that as part of the activities to be held throughout September, the Grand Hari Raya Puasa gathered less fortunate kids from Muslim areas for a sumptuous feast.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles welcomed the children with greetings of peace.

“Kayo ang mga dahilan kung bakit hindi tayo sumusuko sa paghahanap ng kapayapaan… Ngayong Peace Month 2011, sama-sama nating isipin kung ano ang hitsura ng isang mapayapang Pilipinas (You are the reason why we never give up searching for peace….This Peace Month 2011, let us envision together a peaceful Philippines),” Deles said.

Now on its 8th year, the National Peace Consciousness Month is a celebration of the country’s efforts to engage Filipinos in the peace process and in the search for a just and lasting peace."

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Health Update: Making Metro Manila Smoke-Free: Quit Smoking and Live Longer | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Making Metro Manila Smoke-Free: Quit Smoking and Live Longer | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "MMDA is pursuing the smoking ban in areas covered by Republic Act (RA) 9211 the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, in Metro Manila, citing its mandate under RA 7924, which created the agency, “to pursue more health-related advocacies to promote public health, safety and sanitation, urban protection, and pollution control.’’ MMDA is seeking to transform the metropolis into a smoke-free community.

Section 5 of RA 9211 bans smoking in public places such as centers of youth activity as schools and recreational facilities, elevators and stairwells, gas stations and storage areas for flammable liquids, gas or combustible materials, premises of public and private hospitals, medical, dental, and optical clinics and health centers, nursing homes, dispensaries and laboratories, airport and ship terminals, train and bus stations, restaurants and conference halls.

The main consideration in the campaign to ban smoking in public places is the health and wellness of the public"

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Health Update: Philippines free of 'bird flu' | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Philippines free of 'bird flu' | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government is implementing stricter measures to ensure that the bird flu virus will not spread in the country.

“The assurance of the DoH (Department of Health) is that we have remained bird flu-free,” Valte said.

“Tinitingnan natin yung mga produktong nanggagaling sa ibang bansa na pwedeng maging carrier nito at nagiging strict tayo sa pag allow sa pagpasok ng ganitong produkto [We are monitoring imported products that can possibly carry this virus, and we are strict in allowing these products to gain entry],” she said.


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Wellness in Education: National Teachers' Month Campaign opens | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

National Teachers' Month Campaign opens | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "Now on its fourth year, TMC is the country’s response to the call of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to celebrate World Teachers’ Day meaningfully on October 5 every year.

Programs, projects, and activities are held in all division and regional offices. All public and private elementary and secondary schools, division and regional offices are enjoined to conduct programs, projects, and activities in support of the 2011 TMC, like on-the-spot poster-making contests, essay writing competitions, and designing THANK YOU cards to honor our teachers.

It is hoped that this annual observance of National Teachers’ Month Campaign will serve to provide encouragement and inspiration to our teachers to remain faithful to their vocation and their country by continuing to play a vital role in shaping and challenging the minds of our Filipino youth and equip them with the critical tools for lifelong learning."

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Wellness in Business: Philippine President Benigno Aquino is seeking to boost Chinese investment

Aquino Touts Philippine Business Environment to Chinese Investors « VOA Breaking News: "Philippine President Benigno Aquino is seeking to boost Chinese investment in his country with a pledge his government will operate in “a culture of transparency.”

Mr. Aquino made the pledge Wednesday in Beijing before a group of Chinese business executives at the Philippines-China Economic and Trade Forum. He is leading a group of 300 Philippine business leaders on a five-day state visit, during which the countries are expected to sign agreements that would boost trade by more than $50 billion over the next five years.
Mr. Aquino said Manila was turning a corner from the corruption scandals involving his predecessor, Gloria Arroyo. He promised the law will be followed and that “a level playing field” will exist for all businesses."

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Wellness in Arts: Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture, Southern California’s largest and longest-running Filipino cultural celebration

Latin Soul legend Joe Bataan to perform at 20th Anniversary Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture: "Tens of thousands of attendees are once again expected as the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture, Southern California’s largest and longest-running Filipino cultural celebration, returns for its annual fun and festivity. Now celebrating two decades of tradition, FPAC annually features a variety of pavilions and stages for Filipino artists to showcase their work. Two stages present traditional to contemporary artistry in music, dance, spoken word, and comedy. The Pilipino Artists Network (PAN) Pavilion highlights visual artistry and craftsmanship in live painting, book readings, Baybayin (Filipino script) workshops, and artwork for sale. At the Seniors Village, one enjoys Harana (serenading) and story-telling. The Youth Pavilion engages youth in kite-making, dance workshops, and Pustura (Dress-up in traditional Filipino costumes), and arts and crafts. FPAC is truly a family event with something for every age to enjoy."

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Peace Update: Norway mediates Philippines peace talks

Radio Australia:Connect Asia:Story:Norway mediates Philippines peace talks: "Attempts are underway to try to revive stalled peace negotiations between the Philippine government and communist rebels.

Norway is acting as mediator of the talks, with Norway's special envoy Ture Lundh arriving in Manila on Monday.

The Philippines is dealing two major insurgencies: one on the island of Mindanao involving the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the other involves the Communist Party of the Philippines, which has its own military wing known as the New People's Army.

Since 1986, the Maoist-led insurgency has led to the deaths of 40,000 people and crippled growth and development across many parts of the Philippines.

The Communists, along with some left wing political parties, agricultural unions and trade unions are represented under the banner of the National Democratic Front Philippines. "

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#ASEAN2017:

#ASEAN2017:
Presidential Communications Operations Office – Committee on Media Affairs and Strategic Communications (PCOO – CMASC) in partnership w/ Asia Society Philippines & Asian Institute of Management (AIM) hosted the ASEAN 2017 Dialogues held 11 July 2017 at AIM, Makati, Philippines. Attending the dialogue is Amb.Zara Jane Juan, Convener , Climate Change Peace Building for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNDSG) of sailing for peace United Nation's International Day of Peace Vigil MALUSOG ANG PINOY! United Nations Friends Photo Credit: Aloy Menez

Senator Angara with Ambassador Zara Jane Juan

Senator Angara with Ambassador Zara Jane Juan
@NCCA