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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'via Blog this'

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wellness in Arts: "DiplomART" Cultural Diplomacy through Philippine Visual Arts

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

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

'via Blog this'