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."

'via Blog this'

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."

'via Blog this'

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."

'via Blog this'