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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