WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: APEC economies’ push for globalization of MSMEs, support for climate change mitigation and more trade agreements in the region

Leaders pose for a group family photo at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila, Philippines, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015. Pictured from top left, Hong Kong's Chief Executive is Leung Chun-ying, Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe , South Korea President Park Geun-hye, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. front row from left, Chile's President Michelle Bachelet, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Philippines President Benigno Aquino III, Peru's President Ollanta Humala, Vietnam's President Truong Tan Sang, U.S. President Barack Obama, Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Taiwan envoy Vincent Siew. AP/Bullit Marquez

 Major business groups in the country were specifically pleased with the APEC economies’ push for the globalization of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as support for climate change mitigation and more trade agreements in the region. “We applaud most of all the successful hosting of the Philippines of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting, the APEC CEO Summit, the APEC MSME Summit as well as the fourth meeting for 2015 of the APEC Business Advisory Council,” Makati Business Club (MBC) executive director Peter Angelo Perfecto said. “APEC was well planned and interesting especially topics on innovation, trade relations, women empowerment, SMEs and inclusive growth,” Management Association of the Philippines president Francisco Del Rosario Jr. added. Perfecto said both public and private representatives from the 21 APEC member-economies have expressed gratitude for the Philippines’ successful hosting of this year’s summit.
http://www.philstar.com/business/2015/11/21/1524095/apec-summit-gets-mixed-grades-business

WELLNESS IN ENVIRONMENT: Global Climate March: Prayer-march for the environment Nov. 29 before U.N. climate change conference in Paris, expected to gather more than 1 million people in more than 2,000 cities worldwide

Anti-coal and climate justice groups and residents of communities affected by coal mines in the Philippines began a five-day caravan on Nov. 24 to highlight the impact of coal in their communities. "The people are now demanding to stop coal in all forms," said Gerry Arances, national coordinator of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice. The caravan, which started on Semirara Island in the central Philippine province of Antique, is also a response to calls by church leaders to be part of a prayer-march for the environment on Nov. 29. The Global Climate March, which will start the day before the U.N. climate change conference in Paris, is expected to gather more than 1 million people in more than 2,000 cities around the world.Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila has urged Filipinos to participate in the march to tell world leaders that "climate change is real, and we care." The global movement, which is being organized by Catholic communities around the world, is expected to submit a petition with more than 20 million signatures to world leaders calling for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

In the southern city of Cagayan de Oro, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma appealed to Catholics to join the global march.
"Let us be united and help restore our common home," the archbishop said. The Philippine Catholic bishops earlier called on Filipinos to do their part to combat global warming by planting trees, not using plastic, segregating waste, and promoting renewable energy, among others things.
Environmental activist Gina Lopez said the peace caravan of coal-affected communities symbolizes "the growing clamor against dirty and harmful energy." Lopez said the people's caravan "proves to the government that the people are resisting coal projects." In the past five years, the Philippine government has approved the building of 59 coal-fired power plants, in addition to 19 existing ones, that will be operational by 2020.  A total of 188 coal-mining permits have also been issued by the government.
Coal-mining sites on Semirara produce more than 90 percent of domestic coal resources. The industry has also adversely affected the island's seaweed sector, which produces US$8.5 million worth of seaweed annually. http://www.ucanews.com/news/philippine-activists-faith-groups-march-for-climate-justice/74667

WELLNESS IN ARTS: Filipino designers Oskar Atendido and Sophia Manimbo placed the Philippine filigree craft and indigenous fabrics under spotlight

...during the 1st ASEAN International Bazaar of the ASEAN Women’s Circle of Los Angeles (AWCLA).
According to a Department of Foreign Affairs statement, jewelry designer Atendido gave a lecture about Philippine filigree craft, which has always been among his interest. Filigree, an ornamental work of fine wire formed into delicate tracery, found its way to the Philippines through schools with Belgian missionaries. Atendido considers the craft worth saving as it is slowly disappearing in Philippine culture.
On the other hand, Sophia Manimbo, daughter of Cora Manimbo, who is known in the Philippines for her dresses made from various Philippine fabrics, talked about Philippine indigenous fabrics such as abel iloco, piña, t’nalak and tapis. Manimbo described each fabric, including where they were sourced in the Philippines. Fine handcrafted filigree jewelry made of silver, copper and gold; traditional ternos and blouses made with indigenous Philippines fabric were also put in display on the bazaar.
The event held at the Starview Room of the Sheraton Universal Hotel showcased artifacts from ASEAN countries, cultural performances and many more.
http://www.philstar.com/arts-and-culture/2015/11/23/1525083/philippine-filigree-indigenous-fabrics-featured-international

WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: Global Filipino School Program: To adopt the use of mobile devices in enhancing formal education

"The move would also substantially reduce public spending in education and infrastructure and enhance competitiveness of the country’s learning institutions amid global shift towards digitization. In line with efforts to integrate ICT tools into formal education, Globe Telecom has been implementing the Global Filipino School program for over three years now. The program is a long-term educational initiative that seeks to transform select public schools into centers of so-called “ICT excellence” and provide new high-tech teaching methods. The program aims to create a center for ICT excellence in schools that exemplify commitment to ICT-integrated education and also create teacher training hubs to increase understanding and effective usage of ICT in the classroom. In partnership with the Filipino Department of Education and selected public schools, the program involves providing schools with “superior online connectivity,” a Globe Mobile Laboratory package, and 21st Century Teaching Methods using ICT in the classroom.
Selected public schools are utilized as a teacher training hub on ICT excellence in the classroom, for the entire division where the school is located." Read full article from the source: Telecom Firm Invests in ICT Education in the Philippines November 17, 2015 by Mike Hower
http://www.sustainablebrands.com/news_and_views/ict_big_data/mike_hower/telecom_firm_invests_ict_education_philippines

Our Lady of Lourdes, heal us: Our Lady of Lourdes is a Roman Catholic title

of the Blessed Virgin
Mary venerated in honor of the Marian apparitions said to have occurred
on numerous occasions in 1858 in the vicinity of Lourdes, France

In 1858, Bernadette Soubirous's reported a vision of Our Lady of Lourdes. Soubirous claimed she saw a miraculous Lady in white, with a golden
rosary and blue belt fastened around her waist, and two golden roses at
her feet on a hill who asked her to request that the local priests build
a chapel at the site of the vision. After church investigations confirmed her visions, a large church was built at the site, Our Lady of Lourdes in France.


A simple, 14-year old peasant girl of no significant educational
experience, reported that in her vision a woman in white spoke to her, Que soy la Immaculada concepcion, I am the Immaculate Conception,
and asked that a church be built there. At first ridiculed, questioned,
and belittled by Church officials and other contemporaries, Bernadette
insisted on her vision. Eventually the Church believed her and she was
canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1933. Lourdes is now a major Marian pilgrimage site: within France, only Paris has more hotels than Lourdes.

Our Lady of Lourdes, heal us: Our Lady of Lourdes is a Roman Catholic title of t...: In 1858, Bernadette Soubirous 's reported a vision of Our Lady of Lourdes. Soubirous claimed she saw a miraculous Lady in white, with...

Our Lady of Manaoag, pray for us...: “The Virgin told the farmer, ‘Call other people an...

Our Lady of Manaoag, pray for us...: “The Virgin told the farmer, ‘Call other people an...: Built in the 17th century following aMarian apparition to a local farmer, the famous pilgrimage site in Pangasinan province, where ma...

ROTARY: Bruce McTavish, 1983 Rotary Club Pres, Mabalacat, Pamp introduced World’s First Polio Plus Project

Rotary's successful drive to eliminate polio throughout the globe. His pilot program became the template. The club approached then First Lady Imelda Marcos, forming one of the first private entity partnerships with a government agency. Because of the lack of media attention, members literally went door to door to get parents to have their children inoculated, saving over 500 children from the debilitating disease. Bruce even brought his two daughters, Jean and Michelle, to administer drops so that the children being vaccinated would feel more at ease. Bruce and his genteel wife Carmen have bred a family and community culture of selflessness, first and most important to them is the care for the children of the country they both love. Bruce McTavish has brought a new honor to the country. McTavish was at the just-concluded World Boxing Council convention in Kunming, China, where over 750 delegates – 550 from other countries and over 200 from China, converged for their annual meeting. For the second time in three years, the long-time resident of Angeles, Pampanga was named the World Boxing Council Referee of the Year, adding another sterling achievement on an incomparable career.http://www.philstar.com/sports/2015/11/09/1519996/mctavish-philippines

WELLNESS IN TRADE & INDUSTRY: Mang Inasal, Most Outstanding Filipino Franchise, 2015 Franchise Excellence Awards (FEA)

FEA is a biennial, and the Philippines’ first and only, industry awards that recognize top homegrown and international franchisors in the country. It was established in 1998 by the Philippine Franchise Association in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. FEA recognizes the country’s “best-managed companies” which serve as benchmarks for franchising businesses. It aims to promote the growth of local franchising operations and encourage franchises to meet world-recognized standards of operations. “Since 2003, we’ve worked towards bringing the distinctively Pinoy chicken inasal to Filipinos all over the country and this recognition highlights an important milestone for us,” Mang Inasal Philippines Inc. President JJ S. Alano, III said. “This award is testament to our commitment to high quality food and customer service and topnotch business management, and we are truly honored to be among renowned franchise businesses.”

Currently, Mang Inasal has over 450 branches across the country.

GLOBAL PINOY: National Scientist Dr. Benito Vergara, Author, Farmer’s Primer on Growing Rice, published in more than 50 languages and used around the world

The man behind the development of the Riceworld Museum and the Philippine Heritage Center in NAST was recognized for his exceptional contributions to scientific knowledge on plant physiology and for promoting Philippine science locally and internationally. His fascination with plants led him to his decision to pursue agriculture. He obtained his BS Botany degree from UP Diliman in 1955, MS Botany from the University of Hawaii in 1959 and PhD in Plant Physiology from the University of Chicago in 1960.
Afterward, he worked as an assistant professor at UP Los Baños in 1961. This was followed by a long stint at the then newly launched International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) as associate plant physiologist in 1969, and then as plant physiologist in 1970 and finally, as head plant physiologist in 1984. At IRRI, Vergara focused on three major research areas: the flowering response of rice to photoperiodism (the plant’s ability to flower in response to seasonal changes), rice physiology and deep-water rice. He then worked on the physiology of deep-water rice and flood-tolerant rice plant and developed techniques and methods for the development of rice-growing. His methods were later adopted by national breeding programs and other rice-growing countries. Vergara was also behind the conceptualization of a model for the super rice for higher rice yield. His group pioneered research on the possible effects of ozone depletion in the atmosphere on the growth, development and yield of rice. Vergara’s passion in promoting science to the public gave way to the publication of his book Farmer’s Primer on Growing Rice, published in more than 50 languages and used around the world. In addition, he also published a plant catalogue and a children’s literature about the rice plant.For his achievements, he was elected as Academician to the NAST Phl in 1987 and was conferred the title National Scientist in 2001, the highest award accorded to Filipino scientists. National Scientist Dr. Benito Vergara, who succumbed to a heart attack at 81. Vergara is survived by his wife Lina Manalo-Vergara, who was IRRI’s first head librarian, sons Sunny and Happy, daughter Joy and four grandchildren. http://www.manilatimes.net/genius-and-goodness-of-a-national-scientist/228247/

WELLNESS IN CULTURE: Pres. Aquino awarded Outstanding Public Servants including female fire officer who responded to call of duty in the face of tragedy

In a ceremony in Malacañang on Nov 9, 2015, President Aquino conferred the Presidential Lingkod Bayan, Dangal ng Bayan and Pag-asa awards to 28 individuals and two groups. Among the awardees is Trixie Dagame, Fire Officer II of the Bureau of Fire Protection Regional Office No. 8 in Tacloban City. Dagame received the Dangal ng Bayan Award, which is conferred to an individual for performing extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior. Aquino praised Dagame for being true to her mandate during the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 even if her two children were among the fatalities.

List of Awardees:

Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award

• Teodora B. Balangcod, Professor III, University of the Philippines, Baguio City
• Alma C. Dickson, Agricultural Center Chief IV, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Quezon City
• Arsenio B. Ella, Scientist III, Forest Products Research and Development Institute – Department of Science and Technology, Los Baños, Laguna
• Dina A. Genzola, Senior Agriculturist, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist – Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, Bacolod City
• Roberto C. Guarte, Professor VI, Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte
• Julius A. Lecciones, Executive Director III, Philippine Children’s MedicalCenter, Quezon City
• Lilibeth B. Martin, Medical Technologist II, Provincial Health Office – Provincial Government of Abra, Bangued, Abra
• Amer A. Saber, Medical Center Chief I, Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur
• Gilbert C. Sosa, Police Senior Superintendent, Philippine National Police, Quezon City
• Cecilia B. Vidoy, Special Education Teacher I, Rabat-Rocamora Mati Central School SPED Center, Mati City, Davao Oriental
• Jonar I. Yago, Professor IV, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

Dangal ng Bayan Award for ethical public service

• Menia S. Alvidera, Education Program Supervisor, Department of Education Division of Roxas City, City of Roxas, Capiz
• Maria Daisy O. Bercede, State Auditor IV, Commission on Audit Regional Office No. 7, Cebu City
• Vivencio B. Claros, Jail Officer II, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Rodriguez, Rizal
• Trixie M. Dagame, Fire Officer II, Bureau of Fire Protection Regional Office No. 8, Tacloban City
• Roy A. Esteron, Truck Driver, National Food Authority Quirino Provincial Office, Cabarroguis, Quirino
• Juvy S. Gaton, Information Officer II, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 6, Iloilo City
• Jo Anne D. Haber, Director IV, Office of the President, San Miguel, Manila
• Mario V. Navasero, Scientist I, University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna

Pag-asa Award for outstanding work performance

• Danny C. Cachola, Elementary School Principal II, Matucay Elementary School, Allacapan, Cagayan
• Jinglebert P. Collado, Teacher I, Department of Education Division of Davao del Norte, Tagum City, Davao del Norte
• Gloria M. De La Cruz, Agricultural Center Chief IV, Philippine Carabao Center – DMMMSU Campus, Rosario, La Union
• Virgilio M. Fuertes, Senior Science Research Specialist, Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. 10, Cagayan de Oro City
• Eunice A. Layugan, Associate Professor V, Cagayan State University Aparri, Aparri, Cagayan
• Luz R. Marcelino, Chief Science Research Specialist, Department of Agriculture Regional Office No. 5, Pili, Camarines Sur
• Albert G. Ramos, Senior Water Resources Facility Technician, Plaridel Water District, Plaridel, Bulacan
• Ernesto F. Rivera, Information Technology Officer II, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Pasig City
• Mary Anne T. Timbreza, Civil Registrar, Municipal Government of Tayum, Poblacion Tayum, Abra
• COMELEC – ITD iREHISTRO Team, Commission on Election Manila
• Office for Agricultural Services (Rice Group), Provincial Government of Kalinga, Tabuk City, Kalinga
•  
•  Source: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/11/09/1520092/pnoy-awards-heroic-fire-officer-who-lost-2-kids-yolanda

WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: Philippine businesses going global

Filipino businessmen, buoyed by excess cash and soaring profits brought by a continuing economic boom during the Aquino administration are following suit as reported by AFP.  Prominent among them is real estate magnate Andrew Tan who is adding to his “spirits” business by acquiring Whyte and Mackay of Scotland and part of Bodega Las Copas of Spain.  Monde Nissin owned by low profile entrepreneur Betty Ang has stretched its local instant noodle business to gobble up the fruit juice brand Nudie and chilled dips manufacturer Black Swan from Australia as well as British meat substitute manufacturer Quorn.
Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/philippine-business-going-global/#QPUoDagFiyG8Sp8U.99

WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art will help teachers and students delve into “a wider concept of cultural identity".

Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is launching the newest edition of the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, a comprehensive source of information covering diverse artistic inclinations. The collection’s editor-in-chief Nicanor Tiongson, professor emeritus of Film and Audio-Visual Communication at the College of Mass Communication in University of the Philippines-Diliman, says the encyclopedia will help teachers and students delve into “a wider concept of cultural identity.” Tiongson added the collection will make it easy to understand Filipino art and culture because of its “comprehensive and systematic” presentation of different scattered data. Its first edition was published only in 1994. To date, the collection remains the only encyclopedia on Philippine arts. In putting the encyclopedia together, Tiongson said extensive research was done by a staff of “people who are recognized as authorities in their field.” In addition to the updated print version, CCP will also launch a digital edition featuring additional images, audio, video clips and navigational tools designed for students and online educators. With the support of the government, CCP hopes to make the digital version available to the public for free. The encyclopedia has 12 volumes: Peoples Of The Philippines, Architecture, Visual Arts, Dance, Music, Theater, Film, Literature and Broadcast Arts, which is also the latest addition the collection highlighting major events, movements, and developments in field of Philippine radio and television. “The updated version unfolds a host of learning resources that organizes the content for use in classrooms, making it an essential source for scholars and students alike,” Tiongson said. The print and digital version of CCP Encyclopedia of the Art is set for release in 2016. http://www.mb.com.ph/a-deeper-understanding-of-filipino-arts-and-culture/