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AmbassadorZara Jane Juan:

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The Philippines is hosting two Association of Southeast Asian Nations conferences in Mactan, Cebu on November 12 to 16. These are the 13th ASEAN Telecommunications and Information Technology Senior Officials Meeting (Telsom) and the 12th ASEAN Telecommunications and IT Ministers Meeting (Telmin). The Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DoST-ICTO) is organizing the two events, with DoST Secretary Mario Go. Montejo as chairman of Telmin. Aside from the 10 ASEAN members, also coming for the two events are officials from the regional group's dialogue partners, such as China, India, Japan, Korea, the European Union (EU) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

PH Hosts ASEAN ICT Conferences | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "Leading the country's senior officials' delegation is Undersecretary Louis Napoleon C. Casambre, ICTO executive director.

"We are looking forward to hosting this very important gathering and exchanging ideas with our ASEAN counterparts, as well as exploring new avenues of cooperation with our dialogue partners. The Philippines is looking at playing a more active role in ICT development in the ASEAN region, particularly in the areas of ICT infrastructure and people empowerment," Casambre said.

Delegates will be tackling "the region’s progress in ICT relative to the ASEAN ICT Masterplan (AIM) and map out policy directions for ASEAN’s ICT initiatives for the coming year," the DoST-ICTO said."

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The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has embarked on an information drive to explain to its members the framework peace agreement it signed with the Aquino administration last month. The MILF emphasized the need to explain the framework agreement so its members could better understand the provisions of the pact signed last Oct. 15 at Malacañang.

MILF explains peace framework to members - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "At least six groups have been formed to bring the information campaign to thousands of MILF members in Mindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Palawan.

Mohammad Muntassir, head of MILF’s Da’wah Department, said the six groups were assigned to their respective areas of coverage namely Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan, Zamboanga peninsula, Lanao, Davao, Maguindanao-Cotabato area, and South Cotabato."

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The Mindanao Banana Congress this week aims to set a development roadmap for the Philippine banana industry The Philippine industry will hold the inaugural Mindanao Banana Congress later this week, which aims to set a roadmap for an industry still struggling with the fallout of the Chinese trade dispute begun earlier this year. Around 500 delegates are expected at the conference, which will be held in Davao City on 7-8 November. The event is being organised by the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc (PhilExport), with support from the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Some of the topics up for discussion at the conference include linkages between buyers and suppliers, government support programmes, industry growth and development, as well disease issues, traceability and phytosanitary standards, reported the Manila Bulletin.

Mindanao event opens banana discussion - Fruitnet.com  |  The Global Fresh Produce Portal: "“This is an event that shows how important convergence is between the government and private sector especially in achieving industry growth and development,” said DTI’s regional director Marizon S Loreto.
The development of new export markets for Philippine bananas is also high on the agenda for the country’s industry, and Loreto said the government had been looking at opportunities in Russia, Scandinavia, Canada, the Middle East and other ASEAN countries."

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The Philippines must pass a law increasing the excise levy on liquor and tobacco, or sin tax, to meet its goal of winning an investment-grade rating in four years, Tax Commissioner Kim Henares said. “This is one of two measures that the three major rating agencies have identified as important,” Henares said in an interview in Bloomberg’s Manila office yesterday. “We want to correct a defective system that will increase our revenue and use the funds for health care. Once passed, we think the measure will trigger rating upgrades and positive outlook.”

Philippines Needs to Boost Sin Tax to Win Ratings Upgrade - Businessweek: "Standard & Poor’s raised the nation’s credit rating twice in the past two years, bringing it to one level below investment grade in July, citing a reduced debt burden and improved public finances. The bill that seeks to boost annual collections by at least 60.6 billion pesos ($1.46 billion) and introduce an inflation-adjustment mechanism will test the resolve of President Benigno Aquino, a smoker himself, to battle some of the country’s biggest companies."

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Wellness in Education Update: The Philippines and Spain have signed five agreements aimed at boosting the two countries’ relations in sports, culture, and education, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced Thursday. The agreements were the results of the first meeting of the Philippines-Spain Joint Standing Committee (JSC) held in Manila on October 23, the DFA said in a statement. “They welcomed the signing of several agreements pertaining to the promotion of the Spanish language and culture in the Philippines, on the mutual recognition of higher education studies and academic degrees, and on sports cooperation,” it said. It noted that among the agreements signed were: Agreement of Collaboration on the Mutual Recognition of Higher Education Studies and Academic Programs between the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of Spain; Memorandum of Understanding for the Improvement and Promotion of Spanish Language and Culture Teaching between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, the Cervantes Institute, and the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development; Sports Cooperation Programme between the Philippine Sports Commission and the High Council for Sport of Spain; Agreement of Collaboration between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of the Kingdom of Spain, the Cervantes Institute, the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development; and Agreement of Collaboration between the Philippine Normal University (PNU) and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of Spain, the Cervantes Institute, the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development for the development of the promotion, teaching and learning of the Spanish language in the Philippines

"The Philippine delegation was headed by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Elizabeth Buensuceso and other senior officials from the Department of Education , National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Normal University, National Museum, National Archives, Philippine Sports Commission, and the Information and Communications Technology Office.
The Spanish delegation was led by  Miren Itziar Taboada, director for Cultural and Scientific Relations of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation."

'via Blog this'Philippines, Spain ink 5 agreements | Inquirer Global Nation:

Wellness in Environment Update: The Philippine government has put 158 caves under the protection of the environment department to safeguard them from treasure-hunters, vandals and looters, it was announced on Saturday. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said the caves, which are scattered across the country, would be protected both by the department and local governments. Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said caves were a valuable natural resource for their scientific, historical and cultural value. "Yet they are also in constant threat from destructive human activities like vandalism, treasure hunting, pollution and illegal extraction of resources," he said in a statement.

AFP: Philippines puts 158 caves under protection: "Many caves in the Philippines have been illegally excavated by people searching for treasure, valuable minerals, artefacts to be sold as antiques or even stalagmites and stalactites which are sold as decorations.Under the order, 118 caves have been classified as being closed to the general public because they are too dangerous or contain valuable geological formations, threatened species or historical artefacts.Such caves will be accessible only by scientists, researchers or trained spelunkers, the department said.Another 40 caves were listed as "generally safe," and remain open to the general public to visit or for activities such as collecting guano and bird's nests for soup, the department added.
The department's wildlife protection bureau has counted at least 1,756 caves scattered across the Southeast Asian archipelago but only a small number have been checked and classified by authorities.
Copyright © 2012 AFP. All rights reserved."

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Rotary Update: The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched the year-long book campaign dubbed "Books for Peace" at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Rear Admiral Miguel Jose Rodriguez, Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations (CMO) of the AFP, said the project is in partnership with the Rotary Club of Loyola Heights. Rodriguez said that "Books for Peace" emphasizes the major part being played by education in our nation’s quest for peace. It also recognizes the glaring truth that conditions in conflict areas have spawned widespread poverty, contributing to the inability of families to send their children to school, he said. Rodriguez added that insufficient support to buy the needed reading materials hampers the education of those who are lucky enough to attend school. The project, he said, follows the success of the Philippine Marines battalion landing team in Sulu where more than a million books through a similar campaign were donated and distributed to the needy school-children. Rotary Club of Loyola Heights President Morris Agoncillo said that the project has a potential of making a big impact in the knowledge formation of the youth who intends to finish their studies but are in dire need of financial support.

Military Launches ‘Books For Peace’ | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "During the one-year book drive, the AFP will collaborate with the Department of Education (DepEd) in identifying the project beneficiaries particularly in conflict areas.

The Rotarians will handle the tri-media advocacy and collection campaign which will start in Quezon City, then the National Capital Region (NCR), and eventually in other cities nationwide.

"The RC-Loyola Heights and the AFP recognize that prior to the internet boom, knowledge were accessed mainly through printed forms such as encyclopedias and almanacs. Only the financially-abled families, however, were able to buy these costly books, further contributing to a polarity in educational opportunities in the country," said Rodriguez."

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Peace Update: Muslim rebels waging a four-decade insurgency in the Philippines signed a historic pact with the government on Monday to end the conflict, but both sides warned the road to peace had only just begun. President Benigno Aquino and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief Murad Ebrahim witnessed the signing of the accord, which aims for a final peace pact by 2016, in a landmark ceremony at the presidential palace in Manila.

President Benigno Aquino and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief Murad Ebrahim witnessed the signing of the accord, which aims for a final peace pact by 2016, in a landmark ceremony at the presidential palace in Manila.
Philippines, Muslim rebels sign peace pact - Yahoo! News Philippines: "President Benigno Aquino, who has driven the process since assuming office in 2010, also hailed the agreement as a chance to "finally achieve genuine, lasting peace".
Ebrahim became the first MILF chief to visit the presidential palace, signifying the optimism from both sides about finally ending a conflict that has claimed 150,000 lives and the priority Aquino has put on achieving peace. Under the plan, the 12,000-strong MILF would give up its quest for an independent homeland in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao in return for significant power and wealth sharing in a new autonomous region there."

A Muslim girl flashes the peace sign after a nationwide peace caravan from Mindanao to Malacanang arrived to show its support for the signing of a framework agreement, during a vigil near Malacanang palace in Manila October 14, 2012. The Philippine government and Muslim rebels will sign on Monday the framework agreement to end a 40-year conflict that has killed more than 120,000 people, paving the way for a political and economic revival of the country's troubled south. REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo (PHILIPPINES - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS)

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Climate Change Update: Philippines Project NOAH – National Operational Assessment of Hazards – intends to give Filipinos a better chance of overcoming calamities by providing real-time access to weather information and updating maps. Spearheaded by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology, the 2 billion pesos, or $48 million, project was launched in July 2012. Automated rain gauges first were installed in river basis around the country, allowing scientists and other experts to track rainfall and river water levels in real time. This month, the project will roll out LIDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, technology which allows for high-resolution 3D mapping of the country’s topography – something which scientists say will help the Philippines’ better prepare for potential disasters. The entire country is expected to be digitally mapped within two years, according to scientists running the project. “Using the best technology available is the only way to minimize casualties,” said Mahar Lagmay, executive director of Project Noah and a scientist at the University of the Philippines in Manila. “We need to develop a culture of preparedness and safety.

"Just weeks after Project Noah was launched by the country’s president Benigno Aquino III, the system was quickly tested when monsoon winds and rain dumped unusually heavy rainfall on critical cities in the Philippines, including Manila. The torrential rains caused the most severe floods seen since Tropical Storm Ketsana in 2009 which left the capital submerged for days. Initial assessments of the August floods showed that better tracking and disaster response times helped to limit the death toll to just over 100 people, compared to over 700 during 2009’s floods. A report from the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, said local governments were “managing the situations well”, and that that follow-up relief operation was put into action quickly. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the population displaced by the floods reduced by 10% in a week – a far better record than during Typhoon Ketsana, whose impact lasted months though similar levels of rainfall were recorded, according to Project Noah’s tracking maps."

'via Blog this' Philippines Goes Hi-Tech For Disaster Response Plan - Southeast Asia Real Time - WSJ:

Rotary Update: The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Pangasinan chapter and the Rotary Club of Dagupan East launched the "Blood Samaritan Project" on Monday to address the humanitarian need for safe, adequate and equitable distribution of blood supply. The Blood Samaritan Project is a resource generation activity initiated by the Philippine Red Cross to help indigent clients gain access to blood and blood products. The strong and stable collaboration with Rotary Club led to the "RC-RC partnership in Service for Peace and Humanity."

: "Dr. Vivencio Villaflor, chairman and board of director of PRC-Pangasinan, said every individual deserves quality health care. In cases when a patient needs blood for transfusion and be restored to health, the Red Cross is mandated to provide blood for patients, he said. Safe and quality blood carries cost that most indigent patients could not afford. PRC said though blood itself is free, collecting and processing of one unit of safe and quality blood costs P1,500. PRC recovers the cost of blood operations by charging clients a nominal blood processing fee. Unfortunately, the total cost is hardly met by an average Filipino. Thus, the partnership emerged, which has been strengthened by several humanitarian endeavors, the PRC said. On the same day, the PRC-Pangasinan chapter also conducted its assembly at the Stadia this city led by Chapter Administrator Florame Magalong. An oath-taking of the new officers was held in the evening. (ANL/VHS-PIA 1 Pangasinan) "'via Blog this' PIA | Philippine Information Agency | Philippine Red Cross, Rotary Club launch ‘Blood Samaritan Project’

Peace Update: The largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines said Monday that a peace accord with the government could be forged soon despite recent attempts by a breakaway guerrilla faction to derail the talks. Mohagher Iqbal, chief negotiator of the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front, said more than 50 percent of the issues being tackled by the rebels and government negotiators in Malaysian-brokered talks have been settled in principle. President Benigno Aquino III has expressed hope that a peace pact can be signed as early as December.

 "The Moro group has been battling for decades for self-rule for minority Muslims in the south of the predominantly Roman Catholic country. The rebellion has left more than 120,000 people dead, held back progress in the resource-rich south and sparked worries by Western governments that rebel strongholds could serve as breeding grounds for al-Qaida-linked extremists. The planned signing of a preliminary peace pact in 2008 was scuttled when the Supreme Court declared the agreement unconstitutional, prompting three rebel commanders to launch attacks on Christian communities in the south. The attacks and an ensuing military offensive killed dozens of people and displaced about 750,000 villagers until the two sides agreed on a cease-fire."Muslim Rebels: Philippine Peace Pact Possible Soon - ABC News:

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Climate Change Update: To prevent more deaths during disaster, Surveillance in Post Extreme Emergencies and Disaster (SPEED), a project supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), uses SMS / text messages on mobile phones or the internet to alert emergency health officials to dangerous situations and send them health information, and receive data on health conditions in communities and reports of disaster damage

IRIN Asia | PHILIPPINES: Texting help and health in disaster response | Philippines | Natural Disasters: "SPEED can be activated within 24 hours of any disaster, including displacement caused by conflict, and works by tapping into the vast mobile phone network in the Philippines - official statistics say almost everyone has a handset. Where mobile phone systems are down, field reporters can use radios to send in statistics for their area, she said. Health and emergency “reporters”, usually disaster response or health officers at the barangay (the smallest administrative area) or municipal level, fan out to community health facilities, hospitals and evacuation centres to check on reported cases of the most common post-disaster diseases. This data and other information is then sent via mobile phone - using codes and formats specially designed for the system - to the central SPEED server based in Manila, where it is collated and analyzed before making the information accessible to emergency officials at all levels of government. "

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Peace Update: Philippines isn’t hampered by the absence of the joint statement in the recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers meeting in Cambodia, saying the country would continue finding a peaceful solution to the disputed West Philippine Sea. ASEAN foreign ministers had earlier agreed to key elements on the code of conduct in the West Philippine Sea, but for some reason, a joint communiqué was not issued at the end of the ministerial meeting

PHL to continue claim of West Philippine Sea through diplomacy, Palace says - ZamboTimes: "In April, during the ASEAN leader’s summit in Cambodia, the chair removed the West Philippine Sea issue from the agenda despite Manila’s insistence. Cambodia is this year’s ASEAN Summit chair. “We are not hampered by the absence of a joint communiqué. It certainly would have helped us but we are not hampered by the absence of a joint communiqué,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a media briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday.
Asked by reporters what would be President Benigno S. Aquino III’s approach when he goes back to Cambodia this November for the ASEAN Summit, Lacierda said the President will certainly back the ASEAN centrality. “Number one, tingnan natin kung ano ang magiging developments from here on until the next meeting of the ASEAN leaders. But definitely, one thing that the President has emphasized and will emphasize again in the coming meeting will be the ASEAN centrality,” he said."

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Children's Causes Update: DepEd National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT) and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) launched, on Tuesday, the implementing rules for viewing safety law for 15-year-olds and younger

DepEd releases rules for law shielding kids from TV violence | Inquirer News: "According to MTRCB chair Grace Poe Llamanzares, children watch an average of 21 hours of TV per week and are exposed to up to 18,000 scenes of simulated murder by the time they turn 18.  That is equivalent to 1,000 scenes per year or up to three scenes per day. “The modern age has allowed us to recognize that there is a third leg that is so critical in terms of caring for children: the media.  Whatever values, good things we wish to pass on are sometimes removed from the consciousness of young people because of what they hear media, in this case TV,” Education Secretary Armin Luistro said."

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Wellness in Science & Technology: Students from Philippine Science High School (PSHS) recently showed their craftsmanship and ingenuity in the 2012 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. A part of the annual celebration of the science week - the Interactive Activity - drew in the young crowd that stood amazed at the clever “playthings” fashioned by the students of PSHS. The event, which ended July 15, featured PSHS student-developed gizmos, robots, and other creations that have practical applications.

PIA | Philippine Information Agency | Philippine Science High School students show talents at S&T week: "Some of the featured creations were robots or automated gadgets from the 11 campuses of PSHS, including the one in Quezon City, that have been recognized in national and international robotics Olympiads. These include the robosoccer-real steel kicking robots, Botball, Ilocano Robots, Bioloids, and robots resembling animals.

Through the activity, PSHS students had the opportunity to interact with the public and provide valuable information, especially to young students, that helped increase awareness and appreciation of science and technology.

In his inspirational message, Science and Technology Undersecretary Fortunato Dela Pena said he believes the students can even boost the country’s economy despite their young age.

Dr. Josette P. Biyo, PSHS executive director, acknowledged the active participation of the students, teachers, and the directors of different campuses in this activity. "

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Wellness in Business: Grant Thornton International Business Report; which was released by audit, tax, and advisory services firm Punongbayan & Araullo; showed that the Philippine business community is the second most optimistic in the optimism league table. The Philippines scored 90 percent, just behind Peru’s 96 percent and tied with Chile. The Philippines was at fourth spot last quarter, behind Peru (90 percent), Brazil (86 percent) and the United Arab Emirates (84 percent)

Philippine business community 2nd most optimistic in the world - report | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere: "For this second quarter, a balance of 40 percent of Philippine respondents expected increased profitability, same as last quarter. But in terms of revenue improvement expectations, the balance dropped from last quarter’s 48 percent to 44 percent. The proportion of businesses expecting to hike prices grew to 30 percent from last quarter’s 14 percent.

“The drop in revenue expectations could be due to businesses expecting a reduction in sales volumes as a result of price increases,” Marivic Españo, P&A’s chair and chief executive, said in a statement. “Costs attendant to doing business, such as oil prices for example, which were on the high end at the start of the second quarter, are normally passed on to consumers, so business leaders are naturally looking at a drop in volume sales.”

Also, 80 percent of the respondents in the report plan to increase salaries either in line with inflation or by causes other than inflation. None of the businesses intend to reduce pay."

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Wellness in Education: Department of Education (DepEd) gets the biggest allocation in the proposed P2.006-trillion national budget for 2013 as the Aquino administration aims to solve the shortage in teachers and classrooms by next year, according to Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad. The DepEd gets P292.7 billion for 2013, or P55.9-billion more than its P238.8-billion budget this year

Education Gets Biggest Budget Allocation | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "“Next year, for the first time in Philippine history, we provided enough budget to the DepEd to hire 61,510 teachers,” Abad said in a press briefing in the Palace yesterday.

The construction and rehabilitation of 31,789 classrooms will “finally close the teacher and classroom gap,” said Abad.

Following the DepEd in terms of budget allocation are: the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with P152.9-billion; Department of National Defense (DND), P121.6-billion; Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), P120.8-billion; Department of Agriculture (DA), P74.1-billion; Department of Health (DOH), P56.8-billion; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), P56.2-billion; Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), P37.1-billion; Department of Finance (DOF), P33.2-billion; and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), P23.7-billion."

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Wellness in Trade & Industry: Philippines' $225 billion economy expanded 6.4 percent in the first quarter, the fastest pace since 2010, and the peso is the best performer against the U.S. dollar among Asia’s 11 most-traded currencies this year, having gained about 5 percent. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PCOMP) surged to a record this month. The peso rose a third day today to 41.732 per dollar as of 9:27 a.m. in Manila. Benchmark bonds due March 2021 gained, with the yield falling to the lowest level since February, according to Tradition Financial Services

Philippines Targets $10 Billion of Annual Foreign Investments - Businessweek: "The Philippines said it aims to boost foreign direct investments in call centers, factories and shipyards to more than $10 billion a year, as President Benigno Aquino strives to create jobs and bolster growth.

The Philippines received 24 business teams in the first half of the year from countries including Russia, Turkey and Japan, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said. Investors are keen on shipbuilding, agriculture, energy, steel, garments, and business process outsourcing, he said.

“The biggest thing that has improved our standing in the investment community globally has been President Aquino’s governance,” Domingo said in an interview in his office in Manila yesterday."

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Wellness in Environment: Regulations in Mining: The executive order (EO) on mining that President Benigno Aquino signed in early July is expected to have a significant effect on projects worth $12bn over the next five years, according to recent international press reports. The EO sets standards for environmental protection and paves the way for the government to raise more revenue from mining. The finance secretary, Cesar Purisima, said the order would initiate a “thorough review of all mining operations … to strengthen and promote efficient and effective regulation of the industry, as well as gain popular support for the development of our mineral resources

The Philippines: Regulations in mining | Energy | Philippines | Oxford Business Group: "Environmental measures included in the order are bans on mining in areas identified as sites for ecotourism, agriculture and fishing; tighter regulation on small-scale mining; and a ban on the use of mercury. The EO also requires local mining regulations to be consistent with national legislation, a centralising move likely to be welcomed by the industry, which has occasionally found local administrations sceptical of mine development.

Importantly, the order respects existing mining agreements and allows exploration activities, feasibility studies and the processing of environmental compliance papers to restart. A moratorium on new projects imposed in January 2011, when the government began a review of its mining policy, has been a cause of great frustration for the industry, particularly given the Philippines’ resource wealth and rising global demand for minerals."

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Rotary Update: Metrobank Foundation announces 2012 outstanding Philippine soldiers. They are: Col. Milfredo Melegrito, director of Land Warfare Center, Training and Doctrine Command. He has been in the service for 25 years. M/Sgt. Juana Hernal is the branch non-commissioned officer in the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training and has been in the service for 22 years. T/Sgt. Rolando Diomangay, chief clerk adjutant of the 53rd Engineer Brigade from the Philippine Army has been in the service for 20 years. Capt. Erick Kagaoan is the director of Naval Management and Fiscal Office in the headquarters of the Naval Station and has been in the service for 25 years. Engineman Second Class Arce Balasabas is the petty officer-in-charge in the maintenance and repair branch, headquarters fleet maintenance and support group in Eastern Mindanao and has been in the service for 28 years. Engineman Third Class Ricky Burgos is the petty officer-in-charge, Naval Intelligence and Security Group Unit 2 in Estern Mindanao and has been in the Philippine Navy for 17 years. Lt. Col. Antonio Francisco, Jr. is the Deputy Group Commander of the 505th Search and Rescue Group of the Philippine Air Force and has been in the service for 20 years. Senior M/Sgt. Augusto Reyes is an overall non commissioned officer-in-charge assigned in the Assistant Chief of Air Staff for CMO A-7 HPAF, and has been in the service for 30 years. M/Sgt. Emerito Angcao is the communication/navigation technician from the 463rd Avionics Armament Maintenance Squadron, 15th strike wing and has been in the Philippine Air Force for 24 years. Col. Raul Tangco is dean of the Academic Group of the Philippine Military Academy and has been in the service for 28 years. Metrobank Foundation with Rotary Club of Makati Metro, annually holds the Search for TOPS to honor the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces to highlight their achievements and efforts towards achieving peace and nation building. “We are proud to present to the entire nation 10 of the most dedicated and accomplished members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” says Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña.

Metrobank Foundation announces 2012 outstanding Philippine soldiers - Home » Best of the Philippines » The Good News: "“More than being the private sector’s expression of gratitude to the sacrifices of our soldiers, TOPS also highlights the contributions of the men and women of the military, as vanguards of peace and democracy, to nation building and development,” he added.

The awardees will be feted together with the winners of the Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) and Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) – known as the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos – on Sept. 5 during Metrobank’s 50th anniversary.

TOPS winners will receive a cash prize of P300,000 and a trophy courtesy of the Metrobank Foundation."

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"Many Filipinos believe our peaceful EDSA “People Power” revolution in February, 1986, served as inspiration for peoples of the Middle East and North Africa who demanded and fought for long-suppressed freedoms. Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, and Yemen were able to effect regime change from protracted dictatorship in what is now called the “Arab Spring.” No matter how benign, authoritarianism won’t work in a diverse, democratic society like the Philippines. The Marcos regime was overthrown by the combination of valiant, God-fearing people and a rebellious but professional military component. The winds of change energized by the “Arab Spring,” wiped out despots, no matter how deeply entrenched. While the common denominator of such regime changes was that leaders stayed in power too long and trampled on people’s rights, it was only in the Philippines where democratic transition took place without violence and bloodshed."- FVR, Former Phil President

Waging Peace And Winning Development | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "Violent uprisings – as happened in Latin America, and are still seething in Africa and the Middle East – we must make unnecessary. For their part, Filipinos must not allow their political processes, democratic institutions and elected leadership ever to fail again.

Filipinos, surely, are justified in trumpeting their unique “people power revolution Philippine-style.” But, people power cannot again and again substitute for durable democratic institutions as safeguards against corruption, impunity, cronyism, and incompetence.

Building strong political institutions buttressed by social justice and competitiveness requires unceasing, consistent effort."

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Wellness in Government: President Aquino certifies as urgent new sin tax bill on tobacco and alcohol

Aquino certifies as urgent new sin tax bill - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP) yesterday lauded Aquino for certifying the sin tax reform bill as urgent. “We are happy that the President recognizes the need to reform the currently flawed taxation system in tobacco and alcohol and has acted upon this by making the sin tax reform bill of Abaya as an urgent measure to be passed in Congress,” said FCAP executive director Maricar Limpin.

Limpin said that while the “amended Abaya bill may not be ideal, as the original bill, we believe that this is still in the right direction.”

Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) had pushed for higher taxes for tobacco in the Philippines as the country’s cigarettes were among the “cheapest in Asia.”"

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Wellness in Environment: Swimming Contest in Cebu Advocates for Clean Marine Environment

PIA | Philippine Information Agency | Swimming contest in Cebu advocates for clean marine environment: "The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), in partnership with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA), is inviting all professional swimmers and swimming enthusiasts to the fifth Olango Challenge on May 19 at Tambuli Beach Resort, Buyong Maribago, Lapu-lapu City in Cebu. The open-water swim competition is an annual raising event set to benefit the people of Olango Island in Cebu. It also serves as an advocacy campaign to highlight the importance of a clean marine environment and to raise awareness about the high incidence of drowning in the Philippines. Past proceeds of the competition went to the construction and refurbishment of classrooms, the promotion and practice of organic verniculture and reforestation of Olango Island. "

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Wellness in Arts: Surigao Norte gov unveils Surigaonon Arts and Culture Center

PIA | Philippine Information Agency | Surigao Norte gov unveils Surigaonon Arts and Culture Center: "Governor Sol Matugas along with other local officials led the unveiling of Surigaonon Arts and Culture Center Tuesday at the provincial sports complex here.The center showcases the heritage portraits and memorabilia depicting the richness of the Surigaonon culture. The event coincided with the 111th Founding Anniversary of Surigao on May 15. The province of Surigao was once a premier political jurisdiction in Mindanao when the American colonizers established a civil government, in May 15, 1901, by virtue of the Philippine Commission Act 127 enacted by the US government. Surigao was the capital with Prudencio Garcia as its first elected governor. On June 19, 1960, Republic Act 2786 was passed by Congress which brought the subdivision of the once proud Province of Surigao into what is known today as the Province of Surigao del Norte and the Province of Surigao del Sur. (FEA/ Jun Parada/Prov’l Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)"

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Peace Update: Local Politics In The Sulu Archipelago And The Peace Process

Philippines: Local Politics In The Sulu Archipelago And The Peace Process: "The Aquino government’s peace strategy brings three components together: reform of the dysfunctional government of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which includes the three island provinces plus Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur in Central Mindanao; a review of the 1996 peace agreement with another Muslim insurgent group, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF); and a peace agreement with the MILF.

The last component is what unsettles the governors of the archipelagic provinces. They and the clan-based networks that support them benefit from the status quo: a political system historically rooted in Manila’s patronage of Muslim elite. They fear that a peace agreement would overhaul governance in Muslim areas, disrupt their access to money and power, and boost the Central Mindanao-based MILF, whom they distrust, at the expense of the islands. Their scepticism towards the peace process undermines its objective: to grant the Muslims of the south, known as the Bangsamoro, true autonomy once and for all."

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Rotary Update: G.P. Vanier Rotary Interact Club hosted Collection Drive to Acquire Running Shoes for Young Athletes in Smoky Mountain

Vanier Interact is a shoe-in for Phillipine project: ""We decided to focus on collecting runners, soccer shoes and other sports footwear to add to Jared's collection of sports equipment for the town. Jared is so passionate about this cause, so we really wanted to help him out," says Sandra MacGregor, president of the Vanier Interact Club. "We're hoping that our small contribution can make the lives of kids a world away a whole lot better." Vanier Interact students partnered with Jared, collecting boxes of runners from their school to send with the hundreds of pieces of equipment that Jared collected. "Often we need time to mull over fundraising project ideas but we all got right on board with Jared's project and had a plan of action before he left the room," dxplains MacGregor.

Jared Hendry reports that all the sports items, including those from the Vanier students, were shipped from Victoria on March 15th, and it will arrive Manila on May 3rd"

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Filipinos Worldwide: In Belgium, Filipinos Prayed Holy Rosary for World Peace

Pinoys in Belgium offer rosary for world peace | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere: ""The campaign, which centers on the praying of a Holy Rosary with specific intentions dedicated to every country/nation, is a project launched worldwide by the Family Crusade of the Philippines in celebration of its 60th anniversary this year. It is strongly endorsed by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)," the DFA said.

It added that the participants hope to "bring all the people of all nations of the world to Jesus and His Father and the Holy Spirit, through Mary our Blessed Mother, to bring peace, love, joy and tranquillity to every people and nation."

The Philippine Embassy partnered with the Philippine Chaplaincy in Brussels in celebrating the Holy Mass as well as the recitation of the rosary.

The Mass presiders included Filipino priests Raymund Gaspar and Lyndon Balubar.

Philippine Ambassador to Belgium Victoria Bataclan led the Embassy's participation in the event.

She urged Filipinos to foster the virtues of love, compassion, courage and peace."

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Wellness in Business: Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) shows Philippines as 4th Most Optimistic behind Peru, Brazil, United Arab Emirates and Georgia

PH 4th most optimistic: "Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda yesterday said local business leaders and the business community in general remain optimistic about the country because they could understand and see what the Aquino government has been doing particularly in removing red tape and in improving services.

“I think the business leaders and the business community get it—what the Philippine government is doing; what we have committed to do. We are going to level the playing field. We are going to also enhance the facilitation of registration that means cutting the bureaucratic red tape and we have done so and we will continue to improve our services. It’s something that we intend to achieve to make sure that there is clearly a level playing field for the business community,” Lacierda said.

He also welcomed that the recent row between the Executive and the Judiciary had no impact on the business community citing that there is continued investment interest in the country."

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Wellness in Environment: 1st environment-friendly 'earth chapel' made of mud and bamboo built in Bacolod

1st environment-friendly 'earth chapel' made of mud and bamboo built in Bacolod | GMA News Online | The Go-To Site for Filipinos Everywhere: "A religious environmentalist, Jakosalem underwent training on climate change science by Nobel Laureate and former US Vice President Al Gore through The Climate Reality Project.
Sharing Jakosalem's environmental advocacy, visual artist Marisol Alquizar and social-realist Nunelucio Alvarado contributed their talents to the project. A transformed pen and ink version of "Kristo ni Alvarado" serves as a colorful mosaic centerpiece in the chapel, which was designed by Alquizar, who builds mud houses in Negros island. Student volunteers from the "Tsinelas of Hope" also helped build the chapel.

"We are envisioning the chapel to be the center of our ecological reflection, owing to the spiritual inspiration of our Creator; hoping to be transformed to be men and women of faith committed to protect and preserve the earth," he added.
 "

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Zambales Connection (an introduction to part 1) by Zara Jane Juan

Luscious waves, powerful sunrise, attractive sunsets, calm community, playful birds, kids, and chickens... And on top of it all, the most awesome view of the stars along the dark and quiet shoreline as the neighborhood sleeps in harmony night after night... ... What a paradise!

Where on earth can you find that locked doors are not a requirement to live. Everyone seems to trust anybody... I was able to sleep soundly without worry in my rented humble nipa hut fronting the sea, though that was my first night, alone! I mean literally without a companion! The community respects each and everyone because every member of the community believes that no one who visits the shoreline of  Zambales is a plain stranger. They believe that each one comes back to Zambales, because they belong there... a relative... of the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree, 4th degree... or, simply, just an old friend way back who traveled once and had the longing to come back again... and again...

I came here to prepare myself for my chosen peace mission in the Southern Philippines affected by recent typhoons. However due to my allergies, I need to first ready my health in order for me to survive. Doctors advised me to have a vacation in the beach for natural healing. And what a practical way to do it as fast as I can but to go back to my Grandma's hometown, San Isidro, Cabangan, Zambales. In fact, I long for this, to travel alone, live alone, incognito! Just me and the sea, my pen, my notebook and my quiet private time to pray and meditate. The only problem is, it needs to be safe! And Zambales has it, a wish come true! A very simple life away from the city!

Along the way, however, I got inspired to write about my Grandma's place, not just San Isidro, but the whole Zambales. I find it amazing, how their culture remains so simple... the simple meal... the simple celebrations... the simple smiles that enlightens the crowd... and how they manage to keep it for years with a very dry land, not too much to expect, no flares, no fuzz, nothing. I am practically amazed how they survive without, in my observation, a typical competitive spirit of the city dwellers.

So I made a decision to stay longer because my missionary peace work covers the preparation of the community to the effects of changing climate as part of my worldwide advocacy work on Climate Change Peace Building Adaptation Campaign. Zambales is a good start, I guess for my behavioral study of people living near the sea.

This is the first draft of my behavioral study, I aptly call it the Zambales Connection....

Everything seems beautiful until one night, I've learned that vote-buying is rampant in the place. It completely slips my mind that a special congressional election will take place and I happened to be there, what a vacation! I thought I can forget my work and concentrate on the goodness of life but here am I face with the conflict if I will write what I saw, heard and experience. How naive am I to know that vote buying is an organized activity where the voters have to signed their names in order for them to get their money ranging from P500 to P1,000 per voter. I refrained from knowing further and resorted to meditative prayer to compose myself, however my conscience bothers me, especially when I saw how "malicious" money can turn a peaceful community to a "mob". I need to write it especially when in the course of my investigation, I have found out that vote buying is just a new trend in the 2nd District of Zambales. I've learned that before, people vote their leader because it is their personal choice and they believe in their leader as a matter of principle. Now, with the introduction of the malice that votes can be bought, people vote out of "kahihiyan" that they already accepted some money that "bought their votes". Is there a logic in here?

It is my vocation to teach and promote good culture. And I believe, it is the responsibility of a leader or any politician to lead people to peace by introducing them the proper culture. Vote buying is a malicious intention designed to corrupt even the most innocent ones. Making it part of the people's life is prelude to poverty.

As I said to the community, you deserve more than that! You are the protectors of the sea, you are not beggars! You actually deserve to be given a dignified life through an Environmental Fund which can be allocated by your elected politician to every household living in the shoreline.

People do not know their rights and will remain silent, quiet until numb.That is how corruption works in cycle. Until someone stood up and do something, corruption of the mind will remain a trend.

When do we stop it? When we share what we know to those who don't know. Education, more orientation, and more empowerment will liberate our mind.

Good thing, I still see the kids playing, praying & hoping.... unmindful and innocent.

With this, I am still inspired to work on this further, not just as an advocacy, but as a responsibility to save what remains for the proper culture to survive in this changing climate.

So help me God.

Wellness in Science & Technology: Gov't implements technology dev't agenda

Gov't implements technology dev't agenda | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online: "DoST will rely heavily on research and development programs to address dengue, telehealth services, potable water, malnutrition, rice shortage, brown/fortified rice, baby food program, coral reef rehabilitation, disaster mitigation, red tide control and management, and the Fusarium Wilt infestation problem affecting our banana plantations, among others. Second, the DoST will also develop and diffuse appropriate technologies to create growth in the countryside such as world-class technology-based products, food processing technologies, and super farms. Third, DOST Sec Montejo said that the DoST will leave no stone unturned to improve industry competitiveness. “We already have the Automated Gateway Transit System, while under various stages of development and prototyping are technologies that can raise the productivity of industries spanning BPO, electronics, renewable energy (solar, wind), and mining industry (gold, copper, nickel pilot processing plant),” he said. Fourth, Montejo said they will use Science and Technology to enhance the delivery of government and social services. Initiatives along this line include the Government Broadband Network, National Telehealth Services, and the National 3D Mapping."

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Rotary Update: Cyclone Sendong: Taree helps the recovery

Cyclone Sendong: Taree helps the recovery - Local News - News - General - Manning River Times: "Barry Hicks of the Rotary Club of Taree has worked in the area where the cyclone hit for the past eight years in poverty eradication programs and providing tertiary education to the brightest of the poorest high school graduates in the community. An urgent appeal for help from Rotary Australia was made to Mr Hicks by Ariel Hernandez, the head of Balay Mindanaw, a large non government organisation. Balay Mindanaw is an official disaster relief centre, responsible for sheltering, feeding, clothing and giving medical aid to 4000 families. While hundreds of Rotary shelter boxes were delivered to Cagayan de Oro City in four days, blankets, clothing for children and adults, and walking shoes are still urgently needed as well as kitchen pots, deep bowls, camp stoves, energy fruit, muesli bars, chocolates, vitamins, soaps, tooth paste and toothbrushes. Philippine Airlines will air freight urgent supplies at no cost during the next two weeks, the rest will be packed into two containers and shipped in mid-January by Rotary Donations in Kind from the Wauchope and Sydney depots."

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Peace Update: Phil gov't & Moro National Liberation Front- good news in this season of hope. A good way to end 2011 and start 2012

gulfnews : Philippines, Moro National Liberation Front in deal for 'peaceful communities' plan: "The government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have signed several documents that aim to provide funds for the implementation of the "peaceful communities" programme. The national government, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), signed on Friday a number of Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) with the Provincial Governments of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Sulu to formalise their partnership under Pamana or Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan programme (Peaceful and Resilient Communities).
"The MOA signing for Pamana projects in peace and development communities of MNLF is good news in this season of hope; it is a good way to end the year and start 2012 where implementation of the projects will start right away," Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles pointed out a speech. The agreements provide for funds that will be used for projects in Peace and Development Communities or PDCs of the MNLF in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)."

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