WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: 41st Philippine Business Conference set Oct. 26-27, 2015

This year’s theme is “One. Global. Filipino: Synergies in Partnership for Global Competitiveness.” Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, will focus its 41st Philippine Business Conference on how the government and business can intensify their strategic synergies and alliances that would build and strengthen competitiveness in an integrated global marketplace, PCCI president Alfredo M. Yao said. The PBC to be held from October 26 to 27 at the Marriot Hotel in Parañaque City will touch on investment opportunities in the local, regional and global settings. Yao said that the gathering will highlight success stories and global and regional trends on business competitiveness, including strategies for business and economic growth, developing a world-class infrastructure and advancing international trade partnerships. Conference chairman is Benedicto V. Yujuico, PCCI board director and former president of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI).  This 41st PBC has seven plenary sessions: (1) chambers of commerce and trade facilitation: Securing the future of international trade (2) agenda for competitiveness – the infrastructure sector; (3) agenda for competitiveness – doing business in the Philippines; (4) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; (5) instituting partnerships, sustaining the growth of small and medium enterprises; (6) developing competitive human resources; and (7) role of business in nation-building. Awards will be presented for the Business IDEA and Development, ABC Host Chambers, Alfredo M. Yao Intellectual Property Awards, Media Scholarship Awards, and testimonial for the 40th PBC chairman, Asean Business Awards, Excellence in Ecology and Environment Awards, Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards, Young Entrepreneur Award and Most Outstanding Chamber Awards. PBC provides business matching and networking sessions and eight breakout sessions for small groups wanting to hold separate discussions. The breakout sessions are (1) listing in the Philippine Stock Exchange -SME Board; (2) costs and benefits of dual training the Philippines; (3) doing business with Russia; (4) doing business in the Silicon Valley; (5) branding and IP commercialization; (6) involving business chambers, associations and enterprises in dual training: Case studies of pilot sectors in tourism and metal working; (7) opportunities in the Middle east; and (8) new business concepts in franchising. Conference chairman of the conference is Ambassador Benedicto V. Yujuico, PCCI board director and former president of CACCI. A fellowship dinner will end the first day; a gala dinner and awards night follows the PBC on its last night. The PBC is the annual gathering and dialogue of policymakers in the Executive and Legislative branches of government and of decision makers in Philippine business.Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/41st-philippine-business-conference-set-oct-26-27/

WELLNESS IN ARTS: Philippine Art Trek in Singapore officially launched

Apart from the launch,  Asserting/Transforming by Rene Robles open at Momentous Arts. Following this is the opening of “Diamond in the Distance” by Rodel Tapaya at the Arndt Gallery in Gillman Barracks. The third exhibition, “Opulent Surfaces” by Randy Solon open at Utterly Art. The 2015 Art Trek concluded with “Becoming,” a group exhibition by artist-students from selected art schools in the Philippines at Di Legno Gallery. The Philippine Embassy intends to sustain the Art Trek as a unique platform which provides Filipino artists with an opportunity to continue contributing to the vibrant art scene in Singapore and the region. “Filipiniana/Pinoy Collective” is the first of five solo and group exhibitions that comprise this year’s Art Trek. The group exhibition showcased the works of Filipino artists Prof. Ed Defensor, Pierre Patricio, Harry Mark Gonzales, Melvin Guerhim and Larry Calderon.http://www.philstar.com/arts-and-culture/2015/09/10/1498210/filipiniana/pinoy-collective-launches-philippine-art-trek

WELLNESS IN ENVIRONMENT: Filipinos to join “climate pilgrimage” in Vatican

Philippine “climate pilgrims” are set to participate on a 60-day “people’s pilgrimage” from St. Peter’s Square to Paris. They will bring a copy of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’ as they embark on the journey.
Vatican Radio reported that thousands of environmental activists are expected to participate in the said event.
Organized by pro-environment and faith organizations, participants are expected to arrive in Paris two days ahead the opening of the UN climate summit in December.
The pilgrim, which will be backed by major environmental groups like Nobel laureate Al Gore’s The Climate Reality Project, aims to forge a new treaty to limit global warming and to eventually prevent catastrophic consequence. The Vatican to Paris pilgrimage is the height of the six-month journey around the world. It includes places which were heavily affected by climate change. The report added that the highest-profile event would be the 1,000-kilometre walk of pilgrims from Rome to Paris. The goal is to achieve a legal binding and universal agreement on climate. The 2015 UN climate change conference will be held in Paris this year. The said event will start on Nov. 30 and end on Dec. 11. 
by Paulo Cuento
October 2, 2015 (updated)
http://www.mb.com.ph/filipinos-to-join-climate-pilgrimage-in-vatican/

World Bank Program in the Philippines: CCT Proven to Keep Poor Children Healthy and in School

“The CCT grants, on average, only account for about 11 percent of the income of the poorest recipient households,” said World Bank Country Director Motoo Konishi. “Yet, for poor and vulnerable households the grants are very important. Two rounds of rigorous impact evaluation show that they use the money to buy food, school uniforms and school supplies for their children.”
The impact evaluation studies, according to Konishi, also show that CCT is delivering on its objectives: keeping poor children in school and healthy:

• Enrollment among poor elementary school children increased by 5 percentage points, while secondary education enrollment increased by 7percentage points.
• The program increased prenatal and postnatal care by 10 percentage points and increased the delivery of babies in health facilities by skilled health professionals by 20 percentage points.
• Children benefited by receiving higher intake of vitamin A and iron supplementation by around 12 percentage points and by increased weight monitoring visits to health facilities by 18 percentage points.

According to Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman, the government is currently updating the Listahanan, the program’s poverty targeting database, to ensure that CCT continues to respond to the needs of the country’s poor and vulnerable.
“As we speak, DSWD is conducting the second round of household assessment, which is needed to update the database,” said Secretary Soliman. “As of September 22, 2015, we have collected data from almost 14.4 million households. The target is 15.3 million, or 75 percent of all households in the Philippines. This updated database of poor and vulnerable households across the country will be the basis to select the succeeding sets of CCT beneficiaries.”

“What is good about this program is that many sectors are watching: media, local government, civil society groups, local leaders, and policy makers,” Secretary Soliman added. “Their continuing feedback helps ensure continuing improvements in the implementation of the program."
 http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2015/09/23/philippines-cct-proven-to-keep-poor-children-healthy-and-in-school

WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: First Filipino language class for Pinoy kids at Phnom Penh launched

In celebration of Buwan ng Wika (National Language Month), the launch was attended by NCCA Deputy Executive Director Marlene Ruth Sanchez; NCCA-Sentro Rizal Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Shaina Santiago; and Dr. Rosario Alonzo, Dean of the UP College of Education, who developed the module for the class. In his opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Christopher B. Montero noted the importance of preserving the use of Filipino, including regional and local Philippine languages, lest they become forgotten by the young and future generations of Filipinos. "The need to learn and speak Filipino is more felt for Filipino children abroad in order for them to better understand and appreciate their cultural heritage and identity," Montero told the 15 volunteer teachers who attended a two-day training held at the SRPP on August 13 to 14, under the tutelage of Alonzo. The trainees will compose the pool of teachers who will conduct current and future Filipino language classes at SRPP. More than 20 Filipino children living in Cambodia, aged 5 to 14, enrolled in the Filipino language class, which is being offered free of charge, with the generous support of Liwayway Cambodia Food Manufacturing Corporation.Dubbed “Masayang Matuto ng Wikang Filipino,” the module consists of 12 sessions and is expected to last until the end of October.

Source:  http://www.philstar.com/news-feature/2015/08/19/1489864/first-filipino-language-class-pinoy-kids-phnom-penh-launched

WELLNESS IN CULTURE: PHL Gov't accommodates 3,000 Rohingyas seeking refuge from political persecution

Since May this year, thousands of Rohingyas, Muslim migrants from Myanmar, have been going back and forth some Southeast Asian countries—particularly Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia—to flee from severe persecution, human trafficking and strong hostility in their homeland. Called as the "boat people," some Rohingyas were stuck at sea trying to find a country that would help them in their plight. Others starved while others died. The cry for help initially fell on deaf ears, causing a humanitarian crisis that challenged the world's commitment to relieve the plight of displaced persons. The Philippines, however, decided to open its arms like it did before, when other refugees sought safety from conflict and turmoil. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that the Philippines remains in solidarity with the United Nations (UN) in supporting the cause of displaced people by providing assistance and relief.
READ: Palace: Philippines will help save 'boat people'
"We shall continue to do our share in saving lives under existing and long-standing mechanisms pursuant to our commitments under the Convention," he said.

Source: Filipinos helping refugees: A noble tradition, a way to give back

 (philstar.com) | Updated August 25, 2015 - 10:58am

http://www.philstar.com/news-feature/2015/08/25/1489879/filipinos-helping-refugees-noble-tradition-way-give-back?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=branded_article&utm_content=outbrain_brandedarticle_nativeads_2d&utm_campaign=philippines

PEACE UPDATE: South China Sea: PHL fully supports call of US on halt in reclamation, halt in construction and halt in aggressive actions

Following a regional security conference organized at Kuala Lampur, Albert del Rosario, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, stated that, "As a means of de-escalating tensions in the region, the Philippines fully supports and will pro-actively promote the call of the United States on the 'three halts'- a halt in reclamation, halt in construction and a halt in aggressive actions that could further heighten tensions.”

The Foreign Affairs Secretary was quick to add that the Philippines would only observe these commitments if other claimants in the South China Sea dispute, including China, agree to do the same.

The South China Sea Issue

The South China Sea issue is one of the most compelling examples of maritime geopolitical disputes in the modern day, with several nation-states laying claim over the sea. The claimants include Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The Spratly Islands- at the heart of the dispute- are a collection of 750 islands, reefs, cays and atolls in the South China Sea. The region is rich in extensive natural gas and oil reserves and is recognized for the fishing opportunities it offers. The islands enjoy a strategic location in Northeast Asia’s most prominent maritime commerce routes; the waterway facilitates international sea-borne trade worth $5 trillion every year.
It is widely acknowledged that authority over the islands will allow the controlling party unprecedented clout over any and all maritime activity in the region. As such, whoever controls the South China Sea will enjoy a monopoly over resources, commerce, military influence and geopolitical power in the region.
Tensions came to a head in 2014 when China began construction artificial islands in the sea. China has staked a claim over 3000 acres in the region, over the course of the last one-and-a-half years. The figure far outstrips the comparatively paltry 100 acres that have been reclaimed by Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam spread over four decades.

U.S. Concerns Over South China Sea ‘Militarization’

The United States remains opposed to the South China Sea island building project over the threat it poses to peace and security in the region. The South China Sea has become a severely disputed region, with numerous claimants, and the United States is concerned that any move to further these declarations will escalate hostilities.
Even as the primary players continue to debate the economic and trade repercussions of China establishing control over the entire sea, Washington’s reservations are rooted along security and military lines. The construction of military structures on the islands creates a severe threat to stability in the region- an issue that has become a priority matter ever since the proposed use of the South Johnson Reef as a Chinese air base has come to light. Both the United States and Japan have formally expressed reservations over the possibility of China establishing maritime monopoly in the region.

U.S. Calls For ‘Three Halts’

In a bid to stabilize the situation and prevent the militarization of what is primarily a political and diplomatic conflict as yet, the United States has called for all the disputants in the South China Sea issue to observe ‘three halts’:

• The stoppage of building infrastructure and islands in the sea.
• A stop to repossessing and reoccupying different islands in the sea.
• Desisting from any provocative action that carries the potential to exacerbate the conflict.

Washington is committed to helping all the involved actors contain the conflict and solve the same through diplomatic channels.

The Chinese Position

Beijing maintains that China’s activities in the South China Sea fall within the purview of the country’s sovereign territorial rights. Asked to comment on the issue in March 2015, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said, “China’s normal construction activities on our own islands and in our own waters are lawful, reasonable and justifiable”.

In the months since, China has offered greater insight into its actions in the region, claiming that the work on the islands was aimed at improving the livings conditions of those already inhabiting the islands. In a statement in April 2015, Ms. Chunying asserted that China has worked on the garrisons on the islands with a view to “Optimizing their functions, improving the living and working conditions of personnel stationed there, better safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, as well as better performing China’s international responsibility and obligation in maritime search and rescue, disaster prevention and mitigation, marine science and research, meteorological observation, environmental protection, navigation safety, fishery production service and other areas.”
By way of these explanations, Beijing has sought to establish its historical claim to the islands, stressing the existence of its structures and properties in the region prior to the dispute becoming an international issue. Beijing has also emphasized its intention to use the islands for public benefit, advancement and security.
In the time since, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking at the recent bilateral talks, has shared that the general situation in the region is stable and that China is ready to work with all the concerned parties vis-a-vis regional peace and stability. Wang has asked that the dispute be resolved peacefully through negotiations and consultations.

International Law And Island Building

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), countries must abide by the maritime jurisdiction awarded to them as per international law and recognise the rights of other countries over their portions of the world's oceans. As such, countries cannot lay claims to the islands, marine life, natural resources and trade activities in the waters belonging to another country. The convention also stipulates that submerged entities that cannot sustain human habitation or economic activities will not be recognized as exclusive economic zones. This means that even if China were to establish its claim on the Spratly Islands, it would still control only 12 nautical miles of territorial waters without any exclusive economic privileges over at the same.
Other states in the region have recognized a catch in the aforementioned law: if any of the submerged entities are converted into islands capable of and characterized by human habitation, the UNCLOS stipulations would cease to apply. This realization has served as the primary driving force for the other states’ opposition to China’s construction of manmade islands on submerged bodies in the South China Sea.
The Chinese constructions are also in direct violation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. As per the treaty, the signees are to desist from engaging in any actions that carry the potential to escalate tensions amongst them. The agreement parties, of which China is one, have also vowed to refrain from inhabiting any uninhabited islands. As per international law experts, the creation of new islands is in contravention of this law. South Johnson Reef is known to house numerous buildings, including a maritime observation center and is rumored to be in the process of being militarized (for an airstrip). Philippines and Taiwan already have airstrips in the Thitu and Taiping islands respectively.

Kerry Calls For Ending Dispute

In a bilateral meeting held on the 5^th of August, 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the U.S. Secretary of the State, John Kerry, urged China to halt its land reclamation projects in the South China Sea.
Drawing attention to the need to find a solution to the territorial conflict via peaceful channels in keeping with international law, Mr. Kerry said that, “We want to ensure the security of critical sea lanes and fishing grounds, and we want to see that disputes in the area are managed peacefully and on the basis of international law.”
While the United States is keen to find a solution to the South China Sea issue, China has maintained that the issue should be resolved internally between the concerned parties, without any external involvement and influence.

China Halts Construction

In the most recent development to the South China Sea case, China has announced that it has halted island construction. As per a statement made by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Beijing has agreed to halt land reclamation in the sea and called for talks on how all the claimant states should conduct themselves in the disputed water body.
The minister clarified that while new reclamation and construction projects would not be undertaken, Beijing intends to continue its projects on the territories it has already claimed. In keeping with efforts to diffuse tensions and stabilize political ties in the region, China has assured its neighbors that it will not interfere with either the maritime or the over-flight activities of other states in the region.
Whether China will continue observing the halt on a long-term basis will only be established with time; for now, authorities are hoping it will alleviate Sino-U.S. tensions and keep regional hostilities over the South China Sea issue from mounting.

Source:  http://www.valuewalk.com/2015/08/the-south-china-sea-issue/99999/
Here’s The Latest On The South China Sea Issue

Posted By: Brinda BanerjeePosted date: August 08, 2015 06:30:57