Business United. Lives Uplifted.

Pag-Ibig brings water closer to upland homes

2011-12-08T13:29:00.003+08:00

Pag-Ibig brings water closer to upland homes
Cebu Daily News
December 8, 2011

Officials and members of Home Mutual Development Fund (Pag-Ibig) and its employees’ labor association, with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Sayaw Farmers Association, turned over a spring box water system in barangay Tabunan, Cebu City on Dec. 2.

The project is an offshoot of Pag-Ibig’s 143 program that aims to fund long-term projects in adopted communities in line with its corporate social responsibility.

The agency’s other projects with the PBSP are the read-along session and the distribution of food packs, snacks, school supplies and toys to 48 grade 6 pupils of Cantipla Integrated School in Tabunan.
The spring box water system was funded by the P500 contributions of each employee of Pag-Ibig branch that totaled to P60,000.

“We are trying to show a new face of Pag-Ibig by not only helping people through our jobs, but by sharing our personal resources to help those in need,” Pag-Ibig Fund Cebu branch manager III Rio Teves said.

Rodrigo Tecson, an 11-year-old resident in the area, said, “I’m happy that PBSP and Pag-Ibig invited us here for the turnover and read-along session. We’re not only excited to use the spring box, but we also learned a lot about the importance of water and our place.”

He said that before, he would always watch his parents leave at dawn to collect water. “It was only when I assumed the responsibility from them did I realize the arduous task,” he said.

“We had to walk for at least 30 minutes before we reached the water source. And we kept coming back to the place to store water we need for a day or two,” he added.

Tecson was among the school pupils who attended the read-along session.

The session introduced them to books about the importance of water, such as “The Munting Patak-Ulan” by Gloria Villaraza Guzman and “Lilay” by Becky Bravo.

Barangay Tabunan is located within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape. It is Cebu’s major source of potable water as well as home to a number of native and endemic plant and animal species. Though considered the water basin of Cebu, residents still experience difficulty acquiring water.

“Now that these residents were given access to potable water with the help of Pag-Ibig, our next step is to ensure that they do not waste this resource, and one of the best ways to address this is to educate the young people about the importance of saving water through read-along sessions,” PBSP senior program officer Olivia Jabido said.

Pag-IBIG, PBSP turnover water system to farmers

2011-12-08T13:26:00.000+08:00

Pag-IBIG, PBSP turnover water system to farmers
The Freeman
December 8, 2011

A government institution further expresses its love for the community by making upland homes more complete—and not by just helping finance the construction of houses.

Officials and members of the Home Mutual Development Fund (Pag-IBIG) and its employees’ labor association with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Sayaw Farmers Association turned over a spring box water system in barangay Tabunan, Cebu City on December 2.

Pag-IBIG Fund Cebu Branch Manager III Rio Teves, PBSP Visayas Executive Committee Member Rogelio Lim, PBSP Senior Program Officer Olivia Jabido and 48 Grade 6 pupils of Cantipla Integrated School attended the turnover.

“As a financial and housing institution, we always stress how we maximize our efforts of completing a home by not only providing affordable shelter to our less-privileged communities,” Teves stated during the turnover.

The Sayaw Farmers Association Spring Box Project is an offshoot of the PAG-IBIG Fund’s 143 Program, the institution’s flagship initiative aimed at funding long-term projects to adopted needy communities as its expression of corporate social responsibility.

This is the first time Pag-IBIG initiated a project under the program, led by its Cebu branch. This is also the first effort Pag-IBIG initiated in adopting a community to pour all its CSR efforts to make the impact of their projects more effective.

Funds used for the spring box project pegged at PHP 60,000.00 were sourced from the budget allocation of PHP 500.00 per employee of the Branch.

“We are trying to show a new face of Pag-IBIG by not only helping people through our jobs, but by sharing a bit of our own personal resources to help those that are in most need of basic services,” Teves added.

Barangay Tabunan in Cebu City is located within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL), a 27000-hectare expanse composed of five watershed and protected areas. It is Cebu’s major source of potable water as well as home to a number of native and endemic plant and animal species. To protect the potent resources found in CCPL, massive reforestation efforts and water system installations organized by groups such as PBSP had been going on for years, where community-based groups are tapped to be its partners.

“PBSP implements these water projects for various purposes. First, water is a basic human need and it is every household’s right to have access to safe drinking water. Second, water is integrated in our education projects because sanitation and hygiene is both a need and a discipline that must be understood by our young ones. Third, water fuels agriculture, thus, appropriate water systems are needed by communities to generate good income from their crops. Fourth, water may also be a good enterprise and incomes may be derived from its good management. And finally, water is a resource that must be sustained through simple technologies and holistic measures,” Lim stated.

The spring box will collect water from a spring two kilometers away from the facility and store the water safe from contamination. The facility, located just beside the Trans-Central Highway, will benefit more than 30 households in sitio Sayaw, Tabunan, Cebu City.

Aside from the turnover, the pupils also attended a read-along session and received Jollibee food packs, school supplies, toys and snacks from the Pag-IBIG Fund employees.

“Now that these residents were given access to potable water with the help of Pag-IBIG, our next step is to ensure that they do not waste this resource, and one of the best ways to address this is to educate the younger people the importance of saving water through read-along sessions like this,” Jabido said.

“I’m happy they (PBSP and PAG-IBIG) invited us here for the turnover and read-along session. We’re not only excited to use the spring box; we also learned a lot about the importance of water and our place,” Rodrigo Tecson, one of the pupils, shared.

Bringing water closer to upland homes and hearts

2011-12-07T16:44:00.005+08:00

How can a government institution further express its love for the community?

For the employees of the Home Mutual Development Fund or Pag-IBIG, they make homes more complete —and they do not do this by just helping finance the construction of houses.

Officials and members of the Home Mutual Development Fund (Pag-IBIG) and its employees’ labor association with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Sayaw Farmers Association recently turned over a spring box water system in barangay Tabunan of Cebu City on December 2.

This is the highlight of a series of activities Pag-IBIG held with PBSP, which included a read-along session and the distribution of food packs, snacks, school supplies and toys to 48 Grade 6 pupils of Cantipla Integrated School, still located in Tabunan.

“As a financial and housing institution, we always stress how we maximize our efforts of completing a home by not only providing affordable shelter to our less-privileged communities,” Pag-IBIG Fund Cebu Branch Manager III Rio Teves stated during the turnover.

The Sayaw Farmers Association Spring Box Project is an offshoot of the PAG-IBIG Fund’s 143 Program, the institution’s flagship initiative aimed at funding long-term projects to adopted needy communities as its expression of corporate social responsibility.

This is the first time Pag-IBIG initiated a project under the program, led by its Cebu branch. This is also the first effort Pag-IBIG initiated in adopting a community to pour all its CSR efforts to make the impact of their projects more effective.

Funds used for the spring box project pegged at PHP 60,000.00 were sourced from the budget allocation of PHP 500.00 per employee of the Branch.

“We are trying to show a new face of Pag-IBIG by not only helping people through our jobs, but by sharing a bit of our own personal resources to help those that are in most need of basic services,” Teves added.

Stressing the importance of water through reading
For as long as he could remember, eleven-year-old Rodrigo Tecson would always watch his parents leave in the wee hours of dawn to collect water miles away from their home. It was only when he assumed the water-fetching task himself did he realize how arduous it actually was, prompting him to regret every last drop of water he wasted before.

“It’s no joke when we say we walk for at least 30 minutes before we reach a water source. And we return to that place more than once because we have to store enough water we need for a day or two,” he stated.

Now he realized the absurdity of their situation: how they, residents of Tabunan—considered the water basin of Cebu—still experience difficulty acquiring that water themselves.

This was just one of the things he learned during the read-along session he attended with his classmates. The session introduced them to books such as “The Munting Patak-Ulan” (The Little Raindrop) by Gloria Villaraza Guzman and “Lilay” by Becky Bravo to show them the importance of water.

Through the stories and the spring box turnover he witnessed, he was even more grateful for the assistance given.

“I’m happy they (PBSP and PAG-IBIG) invited us here for the turnover and read-along session. We’re not only excited to use the spring box; we also learned a lot about the importance of water and our place,” he added.

Barangay Tabunan is located within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL), a 27000-hectare expanse composed of five watershed and protected areas. It is Cebu’s major source of potable water as well as home to a number of native and endemic plant and animal species.

To protect the potent resources found in CCPL, massive reforestation efforts and water system constructions organized by groups such as Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) had been going on for years, where community-based groups are tapped to be its partners in protecting these watershed areas.

Despite these efforts, access to water for these communities still remain scarce. This is a gap PBSP has been trying to bridge with help from other institutions such as the Pag-IBIG Fund.

“PBSP implements these water projects for various purposes. First, water is a basic human need and it is every household’s right to have access to safe drinking water. Second, water is integrated in our education projects because sanitation and hygiene is both a need and a discipline that must be understood by our young ones. Third, water fuels agriculture, thus, appropriate water systems are needed by communities to generate good income from their crops. Fourth, water may also be a good enterprise and incomes may be derived from its good management. And finally, water is a resource that must be sustained through simple technologies and holistic measures,” PBSP Visayas Executive Committee member Rogelio Lim stated.

“Now that these residents were given access to potable water with the help of Pag-IBIG, our next step is to ensure that they do not waste this resource, and one of the best ways to address this is to educate the younger people the importance of saving water through read-along sessions like this,” PBSP Senior Program Officer Olivia Jabido stated.

To see full gallery of photos, please visit our Photo Blog.

Cebu, Central Visayas to lead tourism push in PH–Jimenez

2011-12-06T10:43:00.000+08:00

Cebu, Central Visayas to lead tourism push in PH–Jimenez
By Candeze R. Mongaya
Cebu Daily News
December 5, 2011

Cebu will be one of the “areas of inspiration” for development in the country next year, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said over the weekend.

“Central Visayas is a great area of inspiration. It is a primary example of what we can do and what more can be done for other regions,” Jimenez said in last week’s awarding of the 1st Asian Underwater Federation Photography Championships.

Jimenez, who encouraged the local promotion of tourists by maximizing online use specially on social networking sites said the bulk of their tourism promotion efforts will focus on Central Visayas.

Jimenez said the region and Cebu have many things to offer tourists like good services, beaches and established cultural and heritage sites.

From August to November this year, Cebu saw an 11 percent increase in tourism arrivals compared to the same period last year, regional tourism director Rowena Montecillo said.

“We are confident that we can maintain and we will be consistent on the arrivals next year,” Montecillo said in an interview.

She said 2011 is a “good year” to boost tourism in Central Visayas.

She said they are brainstorming on how to brand Central Visayas for 2012.

“It is not costly on the promotions side. We are also planning to synchronize the websites of municipalites in our sites,” she said.

Montecillo said they would also change the checklist of standards on accommodation to be implemented next year.

“We just completed the consultation of all accommodation establishments,” she said.

She said it’s important to upgrade to world class standards for accommodation for its clients.

“We want a very transparent standard, specially in improving the services,” Montecillo said.

In related news, ecology stakeholders are considering to promote Buhisan Dam as an eco-tourism destination for Cebu.

The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) where the Buhisan watershed is located passed a resolution to push the rehabilitation of infrastructures in the area.

The proposal was presented by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) during the quarterly PAMB meeting in the last week of November.

The Save the Buhisan Watershed Project was launched three years ago in an effort to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals of which the Philippines is one of 189 member-signatories.

The project is a joint effort by the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Lexmark, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Shell.

Human AIDS ribbon to form at UST

2011-12-05T13:15:00.002+08:00

Human AIDS ribbon to form at UST
By Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
December 4, 2011

A giant human “AIDS Ribbon” will take shape at the University of Santo Tomas parade ground in Manila today (Sunday) as part of the observance of National AIDS by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Archdiocese of Manila.

Representatives of HIV-positive communities, families and civil society will form the AIDS ribbon at the UST grandstand at 7:30 a.m., according to a CBCP statement.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, bishop-advisor of the Philippine Catholic HIV & AIDS Network (PhilCHAN), said the symbolic human AIDS ribbon aims to raise awareness to the circumstances of people living with HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

“Respecting the sacredness of life also means acceptance without bias of those who are already living with this virus. Their life too is valuable and sacred. They too deserve a dignified life with the help of all,” he said.

The Philippines is one of seven countries in the world with steadily increasing cases of HIV/AIDS.

A total of 7,884 cases have been reported in the Philippines since 1984. Of these, 1,416 were registered from January to August this year. An alarming 30 percent of this year’s HIV/AIDS cases belong to the 15-24 age group and 55 percent are from the National Capital Region.

Pabillo called on the youth and their families to support National AIDS Sunday by wearing red, which means courage to battle the stigma.

“National Aids Sunday aims to make all of us aware of the serious menace of HIV/AIDS. This menace can only be averted if we appreciate the gift of life and love that the Lord gives us and live respecting the sacredness of life and sex,” said Pabillo, who is also the director of the CBCP National Secretariat for Social Action Justice and Peace.

Set to attend the activity are members of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Business for Social Progress.

The CBCP had earlier declared every first Sunday of December as National AIDS Sunday. The decision came with the release of the 2011 Pastoral Letter on AIDS entitled “Who is my neighbor?” which calls on every Christian to reach out to members of families and society who may be at risk of the virus and offer them compassionate understanding and the support they need.

Congratulations, scholars!

2011-12-01T18:19:00.003+08:00

Twenty days ago, they were charcoal makers. Now (20 days later), they've become full-fledged carpenters and masons.

Last November 30, thirty-five men from the barangays of Buhisan, Toong, Sapangdaku and Pamutan finally received their certificates of training after completing the 20-day course on Basic Carpentry and Masonry under the Don Bosco Technology Center. This training course is a component of the diSop Butterflies & Trees Project.

Attending the graduation ceremony were DBTC-TVED Training Director Fr. Rex Carbilledo, SDB; DBTC-TVED Trainor Marcia Roma, Jr.; and PBSP Visayas Executive Committee Member Rogelio Lim.

Following their graduation, the scholars will undergo a TESDA Accreditation Assessment for their NC II certification.

See the full gallery on our Photo Blog.

Unilab, CDO help flood victims

2011-12-01T13:13:00.001+08:00

Unilab, CDO help flood victims
Manila Bulletin
December 1, 2011

Food manufacturer CDO-Foodsphere Inc. and pharmaceutical firm United Laboratories have joined forces with the business group Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in deploying a quick response team to extend assistance to the victims of typhoons Pedring and Quiel in heavily flooded towns of Bulacan.

The three organizations took the initiative as a part of their social advocacy to bring relief goods as a way of helping the flood victims in the towns of Calumpit and Hagonoy, which are the two most affected areas still suffering from the floods.

CDO-Foodsphere distributed hundreds of cases of canned goods, consisting of ready-to -eat CDO Rice-in-a-Can products, which are ideal quick meal for the flood victims who do not have the equipment to cook.

"Our brothers and sisters who are victims of flood need accessible food, something ready to eat, in times like this. We are prepared in our own little way to help meet their needs," said CDO- Foodsphere President Jerome Ong.

Unilab, for its part, donated cases of multivitamins and medicines for the calamity victims while PBSP distributed bags containing important commodities such as rice-in-a can products, noodles, coffee, sugar, canned goods and other basic commodities.

"This assistance from the private sector will help relieve the situation of our people," said Calumpit Mayor James de Jesus.

"We really appreciate your efforts in helping our people and this is a big help for our constituents, especially those barangays that are still in deep waist water," said Hagonoy Mayor Angel Cruz, Jr.

The three organizations are committed to a common objective of helping people in need in times of emergency.

PBSP completes contingency plans in 50 priority barangays in Southern Leyte

2011-11-29T13:11:00.002+08:00

PBSP completes contingency plans in 50 priority barangays in Southern Leyte
By ES Gorne
Philippine Information Agency
November 29, 2011

All of the 50 priority barangays under the Strengthening Disaster Preparedness thru SMS Technology project, spearheaded by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), have facilitated for the completion of each respective contingency plans.

PBSP Project Consultant Jason Calva reported that all of the 10 recipient local government units, under the project with their five priority barangays, have already completed formulation of their respective contingency plans last Saturday, November 26, 2011.

Calva said that since June this year, PBSP have assisted the 5 - barangays of each the municipalities namely, Malitbog, Bontoc, Libagon, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, and Hinunangan and the city of Maasin.

He further disclosed that since the contingency plans at the level has been completed then the project will now undertake for the formulation for the ten municipal contingency plans by the month of January and scheduled for the provincial contingency plan by the month of February next year.

According to Maasin City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) Staff Ritchie Sumalinog that during times of crisis, contingency plans are often developed to explore and prepare for any eventuality, designed to inform citizens and concerned officials by the use of short messages system (SMS) technology through cellular phones.

The project will apply mobile phone SMS technology to improve the communication system among DRRM organizations at various levels of the DRRM command chain not only in Maasin City but throughout the province, he added.

The project also aimed to assess existing vulnerabilities; implement disaster avoidance and prevention procedures; and develop a comprehensive plan that will enable the organization to react appropriately and in a timely manner if disaster strikes, it was learned.

Volunteers help SMEs

2011-11-28T12:57:00.002+08:00

Volunteers help SMEs
By Angela Celis
Malaya Business Insight
Novemeber 28, 2011

A businessman got a loan through the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Three years came and went but the small entrepreneur is still where he was when he started the business.

Obviously, he needs professional help. This is where the PBSP comes in with its slew of volunteer advisers in practically all types of business. Their role is to make a stagnant business grow.

The PBSP selects them from a deep bench. Clearly, the 559 such advisers handpicked by the non-governmental organization want to help the inexperienced owner of a small and medium scale enterprise who found himself unable to make head or tail of the business he thought he could embark on.

The business advisory program’s (BAP) volunteer advisers assist the owners of SMEs become efficient in organization, financial, marketing and operations management.

SMEs entitled to assistance are those involved in agribusiness, food processing, small manufacturing, and tourism. The enterprises must have an asset size of P150,000 to P15 million.

"We look at our roster of volunteer advisers, then we make a match," said Ma. Rocelyn Bernabe, manager of BAP.

"The SMEs have to shoulder the adviser’s transportation, meals, and accommodation. We also ask for a minimal administrative fee," Bernabe told Malaya Business Insight.

Bernabe said that the assistance depends on the style of the volunteer and on the need of the client. During their first meeting, the adviser and the entrepreneur agree on a work plan. The ideal time frame is six months, Bernabe said.

"Basically they’re on their own. At the end of the assistance period, we conduct an exit conference. The program is evaluated together by the client, the volunteer, and PBSP," she said.

From 2003 to 2010, PBSP assisted more than 400 SMEs.

The program was able to generate 979 jobs during the seven-year period.

Bernabe said that BAP began in 1998 when the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) decided to run the program. Canadian volunteer advisers were sent to Bohol, Cebu, and Davao to assist SMEs in the area.

It was in 2003 when the Canadian government decided to localize the program and the PBSP was chosen to operate BAP. The PBSP delivered the business advisory services through the assistance of Filipino volunteer advisers. The program was supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

"When the CIDA funding ended in 2008, the PBSP management decided to include BAP as a regular program under the PBSP’s Enterprise Development Group," Bernabe said.

PBSP grants P2B to small businesses

2011-11-25T12:55:00.001+08:00

PBSP grants P2B to small businesses
By Angela Celis
Malaya Business Insight
November 25, 2011

The total amount lent out by the Philippine Business for Social Progress to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has crossed P2 billion, with more than 15,000 borrowers during the past 22 years, according to Rene Fortuno, director for the development finance division.

Fortuno said that the Small and Medium Enterprise Credit (SMEC) program started in 1989, when the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided the Philippine government with a fund of P286 million.

The USAID tapped the PBSP to craft the wholesale lending facility program which would assist SMEs. The amount is coursed through the Department of Finance and is being managed by the PBSP.

The P286 million revolving fund is loaned to 23 rural banks and microfinance institutions at 5 percent a year.

The banks and the institutions then lend the fund to small and medium businesses, particularly those in trade, manufacturing, services, and agri-business.

The banks can re-lend at a rate of as high as 10 percent.

He said that for fiscal year October 2010 to September 2011, the PBSP lent out a total of P141.5 million.

Fortuno said the PBSP expects to lend out P200 million for fiscal year October 2011 to September 2012.

The PBSP said that it gets a modest management fee out of the total interest earnings. The majority of the earnings goes to the DOF and is remitted to the Bureau of Treasury.

He also said that the program needs more money to beef up the PBSP’s loan portfolio. He said that the PBSP is in talks with an organization in Luxembourg that could probably provide the fund.

DepEd vows to sustain Gilas Internet project

2011-11-22T12:49:00.000+08:00

DepEd vows to sustain Gilas Internet project
By Rainier Allan Ronda
The Philippine Star
November 22, 2011

The Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday pledged to sustain the Ayala Foundation-led Gearing Up For Internet Literacy and Access to Students (GILAS) in some 7,200 public high schools nationwide by providing a budget that will allow the schools to pay the monthly connectivity fees.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro made the pledge at the ceremonial handover held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City by the GILAS consortium.

As of yesterday, the program has provided Internet connection to 4,683 public high schools. Some 2,224 schools are yet to be given Internet connection.

DepEd said that the GILAS program is the first private sector Internet connectivity project to be scaled up by the government.

The GILAS consortium is composed of the Ayala Foundation, Ayala Corp., Ayala-led Globe Telecom, Integrated Micro-electronics, Inc., American Chamber of Commerce, Apple, Bato-Balani Foundation, Bayan, Digitel, GMA-7, HP, IBM, Intel, Makati Business Club, Microsoft, Mitsubishi Corp., Narra Venture Capital, PBSP, Philstar, PLDT-Smart, and SPI.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman of the Ayala Foundation and co-chairman of the GILAS consortium, thanked Luistro and DepEd for the move of mainstreaming the GILAS initiative.

“We thank the Department of Education, under the inspiring leadership of Secretary Armin Luistro, for their commitment to finish what we started through its programs for computer distribution and Internet connectivity,” Zobel said.

He said the GILAS project is a model of a successful private-public partnership (PPP) scheme now being pushed by the Aquino administration.

“We believe that this can be a wonderful template for future public-private partnerships in education where the private sector pilots an idea, shows proof of concept, brings it to scale, for the government to complete and mainstream the program,” Zobel said.

Zobel said that they were aware of the formidable challenge they had taken on when they started the GILAS project.

“When we conceived of the GILAS project more than six years ago, it was an exciting, if not an ambitious, proposition. It was certainly a lofty dream for us to bring computers and the Internet to all the Philippine public high schools. This was driven by our desire to broaden Internet access for our students so that through this tool, they can open up to a whole new world of learning and explore its near-limitless potential,” he said.

DepEd, Bohol to spend P25.4M for classrooms

2011-11-20T12:48:00.000+08:00

DepEd, Bohol to spend P25.4M for classrooms
By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 20, 2011

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the provincial government of Bohol are jointly spending P25.4 million for the construction of new public school classrooms in the province.

Under an agreement signed by Education Secretary Armin Luistro and Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, the partnership, which calls for a 50-50 sharing of costs, will start with the building of 62 classrooms.

It is estimated that the central Philippine province needs at least 600 additional classrooms.

The partnership raised to P1.18 billion the total cofunding pledges from local governments this year. The amount is enough to pay for some 1,300 new classrooms in DepEd’s partner localities.

The 50-50 funding scheme with local governments is part of DepEd’s efforts to address the nationwide classroom shortage of more than 60,000.

The agreement between DepEd and the Bohol provincial government said, through the Counter-Parting Program, the participating local government would share with the national government the cost of building new classrooms in areas with acute shortages.

Bohol was the 10th province to join the cofunding program. Earlier, the provincial governments of Camarines Sur, Ilocos Norte and Occidental Mindoro, among others, signed up for the DepEd initiative. Several city governments are also partnering with DepEd for the construction of more classrooms in their areas.

The cofunding program augments DepEd’s school construction budget this year of P11.3 billion, enough to build 11,000 classrooms. DepEd is seeking P12.4 billion in 2012 to eliminate completely the shortages.

The department has also tapped the private sector in its efforts to provide enough classrooms for the country’s public schools. With its partnerships with the Philippine Business for Social Progress, League of Corporate Foundations and Philippine Business for Education, DepEd expects to build 10,000 classrooms in two years.

Meet our Scholars (Basic Carpentry and Masonry)

2011-11-17T17:22:00.003+08:00

All of them, all 35 of them, were charcoal makers.

With ages ranging from 19 to 42, these men used to trail the densest forests of the Buhisan Watershed and Forest Reserve in search of fine wood, setting aside their own conscience to be able to put food in the table for their own families.

Now they are given better chances of generating more income by learning skills in basic carpentry and masonry for a 20-day course in Don Bosco Technology Center. This is a livelihood initiative under the diSop Butterflies and Trees Project, which will run for three years until 2013.

Through this effort, PBSP helps reduce the pressure on Cebu's treasured forests and uplift the lives of these upland communities.

See the full gallery on our Photo Blog.

Pinoy entrepreneurial mind acceptable to Dutch NGO

2011-11-17T12:33:00.000+08:00

Pinoy entrepreneurial mind acceptable to Dutch NGO
By Angela Celis
Malaya Business Insight
November 17, 2011

One day six years ago, Noel Percil and Jonah Nobleza separately surfed the internet and discovered there is a non-government organization (NGO) in The Netherlands that conducts a contest among foreigners to find out the best project the NGO could grant initial funding for.

Percil was surprised when he was notified by the NGO, called Business in Development (BID) Network, that he won the first prize for his "Palletizing Plant for Waste Plastic Material." So was Nobleza, who won second place for her "Integrated Mobile Service Unit for Coconut Processing."

Word spread like wildfire. The Dutch NGO, which also accepts entries from more than 20 other countries, was swamped with entries from the Philippines.

Including those coming from other countries, the management and operation of the entries became kind of messy and might be administratively expensive.

Not a bit irked but, on the contrary, extremely pleased, the Dutch NGO started looking for a partner in the Philippines and in 2007 found the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) as the ideal local partner.

The result of the partnership is Filipino entries are now submitted to the PBSP, still online, instead of being sent to The Netherlands.

The PBSP has been conducting the same contest for the last five years.

Eric Camacho, PBSP assistant director for the Center for Corporate Citizenship, told Malaya Business Insight that the PBSP receives an average of 150 entries each year, from small and medium enterprises that need $10,000 to $1,000,000 to start or expand a business.

Camacho said that the business ideas must be environment-friendly, profitable, and must have an impact on the community.

Out of all the entries, 10 finalists are chosen by a technical working group composed of individuals from different sectors.

The finalists will receive a start-up capital ranging from P100,000 to P300,000 each.

Two winners will be chosen from the 10 finalists and sent to join the international BiD competition. This gives them the opportunity to be visible in the international market, Camacho said.

Every year since the BiD challenge started, Filipino finalists were given awards for different categories.

After Nobleza and Percil won in 2005, Joel Abiera won in 2006 in the student category with his "Pinyas: Pineapple Industry for Youth and Society."

Peter van der Werf from Palawan province placed third in 2007 with "South Sea Exclusives." Rev. Xavier Alpasa won the grand prize in 2008 with "Rags 2 Riches."

In 2009 and 2010, Marianne Olano and Nathalie Arsonillo were the "Women in Business Challenge" winners for "Baycrafts" and "Mobile Cassava Processing Unit-Factory Goes to the Farmers," respectively.

Camacho said that aside from choosing the entries which will be sent to the international competition, the PBSP assigns advisers for good business concepts, for both winners and non-winners.

He added that the NGO also conducts "investment matchmaking," where individuals will pitch their business proposals to a group of investors, who could invest in the businesses through loans, grants, or equity.

Camacho said that entries submitted by the poor, including women, and by persons with disabilities have a better chance of making it to the finals.

He added that entries with products that are made out of recycled or local materials also have an advantage.

The fund used by the PBSP comes from corporate sponsors such as Citi, Shell, Smart, Nestle, and Accenture, among many supporters.

An organic dinner

2011-11-16T12:45:00.000+08:00

An organic dinner
November 16, 2011
Manila Standard Today

Ten years is a milestone for any organization, more so for non-governmental organizations that have taken upon itself the welfare of the country’s underserved. That’s why when it celebrated a decade of helping alleviate poverty, the Peace and Equity Foundation decided to hold the first “Social Enterprise: The Next Business Model,” a conference that would bring together leaders and NGOs that have been helping rural communities through social enterprise.

The conference featured local practitioners and promoters and their stories of how they achieved both financial sustainability and social impact. The two-day conference, held at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila, tackled different case studies from traditional business people who successfully brought community products into their supply chain, to non-governmental organizations that ventured into profit-making activities to advance social aims.

To mark the success of the conference, PEF tapped celebrity chef Jessie Sincioco to craft a dinner that would best highlight the event’s aims. In turn, chef Jessie turned to the different communities that PEF has worked with and utilized their produce in creating a dinner that would honor the unity among the different participants.

And what the event organizers and chef Jessie decided to bring to the table that night was organically grown ingredients. The menu was a celebration of local ingredients and a new way of presenting Filipino favorites.

Cocktails included crudités made with yacon sticks on ice, taro chips with tzatziki, spinach tempura with wasabi mayo dip, and pickled vegetables. Accompanying these delights were chilled wines of bignay and strawberry, and a refreshing drink made with the juice of red camote tops flavored with calamansi and honey.

The meal started with a novel roll of sautéed oyster mushrooms wrapped in mustard leaf with a dressing of vinaigrette made with sukang Iloko and lemon. The tart dressing balanced the bitterness in the mustard leaf and brought out the sweetness of the mushrooms.

The soup course was a cream of broccoli and cauliflower with whole-wheat croutons.

In between the fish and chicken entrees, chef Jessie served a refreshing sorbet of lemon grass, which cleansed the palate of the sharp flavors of the green. The sorbet highlighted the fresh taste of lemon grass, which was echoed in the lemon grass iced tea served throughout dinner.

The fish course was a baked cream dory fillet with spinach sauce. The dory was farmed locally; guests were assured that the fillets were fresh and not frozen for a long time. The spinach sauce added a piquant taste to the fish, masking whatever fishy taste it might have had.

The chicken course was a take on the popular chicken inasal, but using organic chicken and turmeric. It was paired with choice organic vegetables of baby carrots, chayote, and beans and a pilaf of red and brown rice and capsicum. This was certainly not your ordinary corner-store inihaw. The chicken came in huge portions that have liberally flavored with a turmeric-based marinade. It was a pretty yellow even in the dim light.

Dessert was another innovation: tablea chocolate mousse and Cordillera honey panna cotta. It was served with chilled wine made with coffee cherries. The tablea mousse had a flavor that was as delightful as the best dark chocolate, while the panna cotta was soft and welcome. The coffee berry wine was tart to contrast with the meal’s sweet ending. And as a pleasant touch, coffee and tea were served with polvoron, instead of the usual cookie or biscotti.

Chef Jessie matched PEF’s trailblazing effort in the NGO community with a dinner that was memorable that highlighted what the local communities were good at. If only our other celebrity chefs would sit and take notice of our locally grown produce for use in their delicious dishes.

Chef Jessie Sincioco is one of the country’s top chefs. She is behind the success of her Chef Jessie restaurants at the Rockwell Club and Top of the Citi. She was also associated with Le Soufflé and Enchanté restaurants.

For the past 10 years, the Peace and Equity Foundation has worked closely with people’s organizations to provide potable water, healthcare and disaster relief to the country’s poorest communities. It also assisted non-governmental organizations in their livelihood and micro-finance activities to help small entrepreneurs. For this conference, PEF was partnered by the League of Corporate Foundations, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress and PinoyME Foundation.

PPP project for individuals with special needs

2011-11-14T12:32:00.000+08:00

PPP project for individuals with special needs
November 14, 2011
Manila Bulletin

With sweet and genuine smiles, the children of Elsie Gaches Village (EGV) welcomed their guests from The Hershey Company-ROHQ and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for the turnover of a unique simulation room especially built for them.

Elsie Gaches Village is the only government residential care facility in the Philippines which houses more than 600 mentally challenged individuals from five to 65 years old.

Recently, The Hershey Company-ROHQ teamed up with United Way Worldwide and PBSP to kick off the Life Skills Enhancement Project for people with special needs.

This long-term project is to benefit 100 upper and lower trainable clients of EGV that will equip them with adaptive skills and behavior in the mainstream life. This training will also enable them to effectively deal with the demands of a standard routine.

The simulation room is a specialized area where the trainees are assigned to do functions that can boost their morale in doing possible tasks in the workplace. It has complete tools used in the kitchen, dining and living rooms, bathroom, bedroom, and garden.

Monisha Raut, The Hershey Company HR business partner, is very optimistic with the project which will run for almost three years. “It is our responsibility to share our blessings,” she added, referring to The Hershey Company’s commitment to community and children welfare.

During the turnover ceremony, Ma. Alicia Bonoan, NCR director for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), expressed her gratitude to the project’s donors and implementers, emphasizing the great help of PPP (public-private partnership) programs in creating a better society for the marginalized ones.

Moreover, PBSP executive director Rafael Lopa asserted this promising project, putting value to partnerships as a way to improve lives.

The Life Skills Enhancement Training will have four batches covered by the grant. Each batch will enroll 25 participants into a two-hour session for three days a week in six months. It includes a classroom-type exercise, laboratory, and on-the-job training.

The existing module to be used will be enhanced by the EGV rehabilitation team composed of social workers, psychologists, therapists, and staff. There would be less use of writing and more on drawing, role play, scenario building, and simulation exercises.

EGV was established in 1964 with the assistance of UNICEF. Aside from caring for people with mental retardation, the center also attends to children with autism, Down Syndrome, and cerebral palsy.

One out of 100 babies born in the country is with mental retardation (PopCen 2007). This has become more alarming today due to poor access to basic services and maternal healthcare.

Provincial contingency plan mulled for So. Leyte

2011-11-10T12:09:00.000+08:00

Provincial contingency plan mulled for So. Leyte
By Bong Pedalino
Philippine Information Agency
November 10, 2011

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 11 (PIA) -- Contingency plans in the event of natural calamities have become part of the routine activities of the various municipalities and this city, down to barangay levels.

Recently, however, suggestions were raised as to having a separate contingency plan for the Southern Leyte provincial government, said Efledo Hernandez, the Head of the Provincial Disaster Management Office (PDMO).

Hernandez made the revelation in his welcome remarks during the opening ceremonies for the three-day “Capability Enhancement Training for IEC Educators and Menros” held at Supercha Restaurant 2 here starting today until Friday.

He said as of the moment, only five local government units have submitted their respective contingency plans (CPs), and for the province to have one required the submission of 80% of the LGUs.

Sill, a comprehensive and province-wide CP can be considered in the light of the ongoing 3-day activity, as one of its outputs.

The training was intended for the ten partner LGUs -- nine towns and one city -- selected as pilot sites in an innovative project using SMS technology to warn people of impending disasters that was funded by the World Bank (WB) with Smart Communications and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

Two representatives were sent per LGU, the one in-charge of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Educators and the designated Municipal/City Environment and Natural Resources Officers (MENROs).

Among the expectations aired by the participants were to gain insights, deepened knowledge and understanding, and to learn more about climate change and how it affects the province and their respective localities.

The production of information materials to be distributed to specific communities or barangays was also one of the expected output of the three-day training, said Jason Calva, head of the disaster preparedness through SMS technology project.

The ten pilot LGUs included Anahawan, Hinunangan, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Libagon, Tomas Oppus, Malitbog, and Maasin City.

Private firms tap communities as partners, suppliers

2011-11-09T11:58:00.000+08:00

Private firms tap communities as partners, suppliers
By Cris Evert B. Lato
Cebu Daily News
November 9, 2011

What do world-renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue’s Interior Crafts of the Island Inc. (ICI) and Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corp. have in common?

Both firms have partnered with Strategic Corporate-Community Partnership for Local Development (SCOPE) to fill up their subcontractor and manpower needs.

SCOPE is a program of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), which aims to get the private sector involved in partnership the communities to alleviate poverty.

“SCOPE has been designed to harness private sector’s competence and expertise in doing business to create employment and income opportunities for Filipino men and women,” said Cebu-based SCOPE consultant Janina Wohlgemuth.

Wohlgemuth, who is working with the program for close to two years, said SCOPE’s thrust is to help Philippine-based companies identify opportunities to embed local producer groups as suppliers of services or semiprocessed goods.

This setup creates sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership between the company and community.

Jana Franke, another SCOPE consultant based in Manila since 2006, said they have implemented 36 projects under the SCOPE program in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Interior Crafts of the Island Inc. (ICI), the company run by world-renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue, partnered with SCOPE and implemented an enterprise development project in Cebu.

For years, Cobonpue has been assisting a social sewing center composed of out-of-school boys. They sew bags and T-shirts for no particular market. Cobonpue realized that the sewing center can be turned into a reliable upholstery subcontractor.

Young boys were professionally trained in upholstery and is now serving as ICI’s subcontractor for four years. The sewing center has since named itself to Filo d’ Oro (golden thread).

“The boys are professionals whose works are exported to different parts of the world, used by well-respected people. They have developed themselves for the better,” said Filo d’Oro co-founder Eleuterio Bravo.

Another example is a welding project implemented with the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corp. (PASAR) in Isabel, Leyte.

With its aging workforce, it is now in need of young welders, pipefitters and electricians to substitute more than 30 workers who will retire in the next two to three years.

PASAR partnered with the local government of Isabel, Visayan State University, Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to craft a comprehensive training project for the 38 trainees.

Eleven of the 38 trainees are women, whose welding skills are preferred because of their fine works and attention to detail. Twenty of these trainees are currently undergoing on-the-job training for the regular plant shutdown of PASAR.

PBSP vice chairman Philip Tan said SCOPE creates the venue for companies to rethink about the way they approach corporate social responsibility.

“The common practice is to give doleouts but to ensure that these people become self-reliant, we should open channels for them to earn a living in the long term,” said Tan, also president of Wellmade Motors and Development Corporation.

Read-along becomes real-life tree planting

2011-11-04T11:56:00.000+08:00

Read-along becomes real-life tree planting
By Hendrix Gil B. Lato
Inquirer Visayas
November 4, 2011

Twelve-year-old Kaye Hanna Inocando has seen thousands of reforestation volunteers in a yearly trek to their mountain barangay of Tabunan in Cebu City since she was 5 years old, but she, a farmer’s daughter, had never experienced planting a tree before.

“It’s my first time to plant (a tree). I go to school when Mama plants trees,” said Kaye, a Grade 5 pupil.

Her mother, Rowena, is a member of the Pungol Sibugay-Cantipla Farmers Association, one of the 13 cooperatives and farmers’ groups tasked with raising seedlings and monitoring the growth of trees planted within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL), Metro Cebu’s source of potable water.

Some of the farmers used to be illegal loggers and charcoal makers. Others have found alternative sources of livelihood in building nurseries and monitoring the growth of the trees apart from growing vegetables and fruit trees.

The communities have been working with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), a foundation that aims to alleviate poverty in four focus areas—environment, education, health and sustainable livelihood and enterprise development

“It is ironic really. My child has never planted a tree. This is her first time to plant one although she’s not new to tree-planting because she knows I am a farmer and this is my means of living,” Rowena said in Cebuano.

It was the same story for most of the 34 children who joined the read-along session organized by PBSP and the Inquirer on Oct. 15. They were all raised by farming parents.

“It is essential for these children to understand what their parents do because their parents are contributing so much for the environment. This is also a way of informing them that to be a farmer is not useless at all,” said lawyer-environmentalist Gloria Estenzo Ramos, a coconvenor of the Philippine Earth Justice Center.

Ramos, who also served as one of the readers, stressed that the children must be taught that the place where they live and play had a special contribution in the life and growth of Metro Cebu.

Wildlife habitat, too
Tabunan is located within the CCPL or the “Cebu Hillylands,” a protected area that spans 29,062 hectares of land and nurtures three watersheds (Buhisan, Mananga and Kotkot-Lusaran) and two national parks (Central Cebu and Sudlon). It provides water to the cities of Danao, Talisay and Toledo, and the neighboring towns of Balamban, Compostela, Consolacion, Liloan and Minglanilla.

“Cebu Hillylands is also a home to birds and tree species found only in Cebu,” according to forester Orlyn Orlanes Roxas. It is the habitat of the Cebu Black Shama (“siloy”), Cebu Flowerpecker and the Cebu Cinnamon tree, all endemic to Cebu.

After three books—“Diola: The Heroine of Philippine Eagles,” “Munting Patak Ulan (The Little Raindrop),” and “The Crying Trees” were read, Roxas talked about the relationship of trees, animals and water cycle.

“This is a rare experience for us because we saw a good way to educate children about the environment. We started by reading three stories, then Miss Orlyn wove everything for better understanding and then the children had their practical experience in tree planting,” said Marnie Racaza, representative of The Outstanding Students of the Philippines Alumni Community in Central Visayas.

Racaza joined fellow TOSPians and grade school student Hannah Isabel Lapurga of Saint Theresa’s College in reading to the children.

Maria Luisa Largo, PBSP program coordinator of Metro Cebu Poverty Reduction program, said this was the first time for the annual reforestation caravan to culminate with a conservation education. Her group plans to do more of this format in the succeeding months, she said.

The children were treated to food and beverage from My Joy/Wanna Eat and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa. Toys and books were given as prizes and giveaways.

To Rowena, as well as with the other mothers, the experience helped her explain to her children what she was doing.

“It is important that an early age children already knows how to take care of the environment. By planting trees, they help Tabunan, they help Cebu. What will happen to the world if trees are gone,” she said.

USAID - Ayala Foundation to strengthen capacity of civil society organizations

2011-11-04T11:55:00.001+08:00

USAID - Ayala Foundation to strengthen capacity of civil society organizations
Philippine Information Agency
November 4, 2011

USAID will partner with the Ayala Foundation to implement a project aimed at strengthening the capacities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Philippines.

The project seeks to enhance the core organizational management competencies of more than 100 SUCH ORGANIZATIONS in areas such as planning and strategic management, program design, financial management, governance, and fundraising so that they are able to achieve sustainable and significant impact, be accountable to their stakeholders, and effectively compete for and manage donor resources.

The Ayala Foundation will implement the project in collaboration with a consortium of networks and institutions consisting of the Association of Foundations (AF), Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC), and the National College of Public Administration, and Governance (NCPAG) of the University of the Philippines.

USAID deputy assistant administrator for Asia Gregory Beck who is visiting from Washington, DC to attend the commemorative activities of USAID’s 50th anniversary in the Philippines, affirms USAID’s strong partnership with CSOs in the Philippines.

“I am particularly proud of our long history and association with civil socities in the Philippines. Indeed, one of the most enduring legacies of USAID in the Philippines is the vibrant, active, and diverse civil society community that exists today.”

Solar power good for Quezon

2011-11-01T11:50:00.001+08:00

Solar power good for Quezon
By Marvin Benaning
Manila Bulletin
November 1, 2011

Several fishing and farming barangays in three towns in the Polillo Island group in Quezon now enjoy electricity through solar power through the work of a non-government organization (NGO) and Team Energy.

In a report, the Alliance for Sustainable Partnership and Initiatives in Renewable Energy (ASPIRE) headed by former National Electrification Administration (NEA) chief Rodrigo Cabrera said the use of solar power became viable in the island barangays after the communities were organized and established their own electrification systems.

Cabrera said the ASPIRE project was conducted from May 2009 to June 2011 in the towns of Burdeos, Patnanungan and Panukulan with support from Team Energy.

He revealed that 16 villages were organized into Renewable Energy and Community Development Associations (RECDAs) and it led to the introduction of 3,400 solar home system (SHS) units.

Electrification has already expanded to seven more households in Quezon and in Tawi-Tawi, where ASPIRE is also working.

In addition, Cabrera said initial social preparation is being conducted in 13 barangays in the Alabat group of islands in Quezon.

Work on the project commenced after Team Energy Foundation, Inc. (TEFI) and ASPIRE signed an agreement on May 26, 2009.

Under the accord, ASPIRE was tasked with the necessary ground work and social preparation of the communities to be energized.

"This includes the conduct of a rapid resources survey of the communities, and organization of members into a RECDA. After sufficient social preparation, ASPIRE undertook the installation of solar photovoltaic systems in the communities, and the establishment of sustainability mechanisms that would ensure sustained benefits for community members from the rural electrification project," Cabrera said.

ASPIRE also worked to secure public and private sector contributions for additional component projects that would contribute to sustainability, he added.

The pilot sites were in Barangays Bonifacio, Carlagan and Mabini in Burdeos, Quezon.

Work in Barangay Tondon, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi and in Barangay Lookan, Sapa-Sapa, Tawi-Tawi started in July 2009 and ended on April 2010.

"These barangays were chosen after a household energy survey – which had been conducted in eight barangays in Burdeos and 13 barangays in Tawi-Tawi – and measurement of candidate barangays against a set of criteria showed them to be the most suitable pilot sites," Cabrera noted.

After the pilot sites had been identified, community assemblies and the formation of RECDAs commenced and consequently, the establishment of a cost-recovery scheme was assured.

What followed was the strengthening of the community associations through leadership and financial management training.

ASPIRE also extended technical assistance for each RECDA’s registration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and assistance on partnership building from external organizations and institutions, Cabrera stressed.

In December 2009, a total of 190 solar home system (SHS) units were installed in Burdeos, Quezon, while a total of 100 units were installed in barangays in Tawi-Tawi in April 2010.

A solar-powered distance education facility was likewise installed in Tondon Elementary School, in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

To ensure sustainability, a service center which would supply replacement SHS and battery units, was established in Bongao in partnership with the Angto Ho Business Center.

The Burdeos households could get the same service from the photovoltaic (PV) supplier – Solutions Using Renewable Energy, Inc. (SURE) – which has its own service center in Infanta, Quezon.

A month after the pilot project came to a close in April 2010, Burdeos RECDAs, out of funds pooled from the cost-recovery scheme, purchased 50 additional SHS units.

The Tawi-Tawi pilot RECDAs likewise purchased 20 additional units.

Having demonstrated promise and success in the pilot areas, ASPIRE also embarked on replicating the strong community organizing approach in other barangays in Quezon province.

Ten Moves toward building 10,000 classrooms

2011-10-30T11:48:00.000+08:00

Ten Moves toward building 10,000 classrooms
The Manila Times
October 30, 2011

The country's education system is continuously suffering from different problems and issues that pose a great threat to the future of our Filipino children. And with the shortage in teachers, classrooms and textbooks, poor quality education, and underpaid or unpaid public school teachers, among others, the situation, sadly, is just getting worse.

Of the many concerns in education, the shortage in classrooms is considered as one of the worst.

Data from the Department of Education shows that just for the 2011 to 2012 school year, the Philippines need 66,800 classrooms--a figure based on the ideal 1:40 teacher-to-student ratio.

The government, as well as private sectors in the society, continuously tries to lessen the big backlog, but their efforts never seem to be enough.

Today, a new movement called TEN Moves challenges all Filipinos to help in building 10,000 additional classrooms and be part of a bigger solution. It calls for everyone to contribute P10 each day for 10 months, a total of P3,000, for the construction of the 10,000 classrooms for the next two years.

TEN Moves is a multi-sector and multi-stakeholder initiative spearheaded by the 57-75 Movement, led by the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).

The launch of TEN Moves was held on October 14 at the Filipinas Heritage Library in Makati City and was attended by key leaders who pioneered the program. They were Education Secretary Brother Armin Luistro, PBSP Executive Director Rafael Lopa, LCF's trustee and former president Maria Cecilia Lopez-Alcantara and LCF Chairman Mario Deriquito.

Luistro, being secretary of DepEd acknowledges that the department has intensified its efforts in providing much-needed classrooms, government resources still remain insufficient to address resource gaps.

Other adverse effects from lack of classrooms also arise such as decrease in participation rates among elementary and high school students; an increase in drop-out rates; and poor student performance.

This led DepEd in joining the TEN Moves campaign and call for every Filipino to solve the classroom shortage. "We are calling on all Filipinos to work with us in bridging resource gaps, especially the task of addressing the classroom shortage, which is a critical step in providing enhanced opportunities for millions of Filipino children," Luistro voiced out.

Ideally, 2 million Filipinos or more need to participate in TEN Moves and donate P10 a day to raise enough money to build 10,000 classrooms. But, Luistro clarified that whatever amount could be donated. According to the secretary, it is not the amount of money but actually the social impact matters in the campaign.

The real goal of TEN Moves is to engage more Filipinos from different communities and sectors to improve the education system of the country.

Alcantra added, "The private sector and the communities must work together in mobilizing local resources and energies in order to improve access to education for millions of Filipino children. It is the future of our children and our country at stake if education challenges remain unanswered."

"We recognize that the private sector is in a unique position to help in this cause by providing specific institutional and resource mobilization capabilities," noted Lopa.

Lopa also called on ordinary citizens and said "We also understand that there is untapped potential among ordinary citizens, and it is our goal to engage them in providing our children with the resources they deserve."

And since the private launch of TEN Moves, it has gathered over P2.5 million in donations through individual donations as well as corporate pledges.

"When we combine individual efforts, the impact that we can make toward enhancing education opportunities for millions of Filipino schoolchildren can be tremendous," concluded Deriquito.

Individuals may contribute to the TEN Moves campaign in the following ways: bank deposits to any BPI, BDO, or UnionBank branches; online donations via credit card at the TEN Moves website at ; and via mobile through G-Cash. More donation channels will be made available as the campaign progresses. The youth are also encouraged to mobilize their friends and networks by influencing their circles of family and friends to pool in resources for the campaign.

In social entrepreneurship lies hope for the less fortunate

2011-10-28T11:47:00.000+08:00

In social entrepreneurship lies hope for the less fortunate
By Vanessa B. Hidalgo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 28, 2011

It all started with a vision.

People who were interested in easing the plight of poor people came together and started talking about how to improve the lives of those less fortunate. Together, they dreamed of a better society where our “kababayan” need not go abroad to earn a living. Instead, they can stay in their homeland and live a contented life.

These people are what we know as social entrepreneurs. Through their effort, Social Enterprise became “the next business model.”

This model is geared toward empowerment and financial sustainability for the less fortunate. They aim to connect non-government organizations (NGOs) and the private sector with concerned government agencies to eradicate poverty.

Social enterprise is organized by the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) in partnership with the League of Corporate Foundations, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress and PinoyME Foundation.

The proponents hope to persuade forward-looking Filipinos to share their talents and ideas to address the country’s social problems.

“Now is the time for social entrepreneurs,” says Bobby Calingo, executive director of Peace and Equity Foundation.

PEF has worked closely with NGOs to bring relief to the poorest communities.

The organization is now scouring the countryside to find good products and develop the social enterprise sector. It also aims to provide financial and technical aid to microentrepreneurs. The organization wishes to open new doors of opportunity to small businessmen by providing them with loans, equities and grants to revitalize their trade.

Also, PEF provides quality technical support to microentrepreneurs by arming them with the skills to penetrate new markets and to further harness the full potential of their products.

According to Calingo, PEF has allotted over P1 billion for social enterprises. Each enterprise will be given P10 million. The funds may be tapped by any group or individual who wishes to iron out society’s intricate problems arising from poverty.

Calingo notes that while everyone who has the passion and desire to help can avail of the funds, there are still requirements that need to be met before the funds are released.

First, there has to be a developmental aspect. It has to be very clear who are the groups who will benefit from this venture.

Second, the product has to be business-driven. “They need to have a very good business case. It has to be equal to any other business case. It must be a quality product,” he adds.

Third, it must be market-oriented. And lastly, the value chain orientation will be looked into. The product will be assessed for its strengths as well as its areas of improvement.

PEF envisions that in five years, each social enterprise must be at par with the other giants in the industry. They will also look into the benefits it has brought into the community by verifying its return of investment (ROI) and the income it has raked into its chosen community. Finally, they will also assess the social impacts a product has on society.

It is no secret that in the countryside, many make a living through agriculture. At the end of the day, most of the farmers who have bent their backs under the scorching sun still end up with so little to provide for their families.

Social enterprise aims to improve this sad reality by providing the farmers with the means to be self-reliant. Social entrepreneurs hope to teach them how to market their products and set up sound business practices to make them more sustainable.

“We want them to see the value of different markets, to go for two markets not just one,” says Chit Juan, founder of “ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle,” which is a pioneering venture that provides market access for community products and organic retail goods.

“We are here to help them address the market and link them to other markets. We want to provide them with the skills and motivation,” Juan says.

Though the next business model is not just limited to agriculture, the social entrepreneurs also hope that new ideas will pop up along the way. Little great ideas like how to provide potable water, electricity through solar panels and cheap medicines to the poorest communities in our land.

“We want to teach them how to survive and be more sustainable,” says Jeannie Javelosa, who leads the development arm of ECHO Sustainable Initiatives Foundation which that runs programs related to women’s economic empowerment, social-cultural enterprise development and knowledge management.

While each product is unique in its own way, social enterprise aspires to incorporate all the products and “bring everything together and provide a ‘Philippine look,’” adds Javelosa. “We want to make our products reflect our culture and bring various sectors together and become stronger together in the same direction.”

But they admit that they can only do so much. That is why they are inviting more people to get involved in this advocacy to help our country move forward. This social movement is expected to bring about a change in people’s mindsets.

Social Enterprise is there to bridge the gap, applying firm business practices to move toward sustainability with the help of research and technology.

“Social enterprise is a movement toward change. We want people from NGOs, the corporate world and the fresh graduates to consider this as a career,” Javelosa says. “We want to bring social entrepreneurs into the mainstream and create more synergies and come together as one strong force.”

P10 a day in 10 months = 10,000 classrooms

2011-10-26T11:43:00.000+08:00

P10 a day in 10 months = 10,000 classrooms
The Philippine Star
October 26, 2011

A donation of P10 a day for 10 months is enough to lessen the problem on the shortage of classrooms in the country.

This is how the TEN (The Entire Nation) Moves works. The program calls for Filipinos to contribute P10 a day for 10 months or a total of P3,000 for the construction of 10,000 classrooms in two years.

The program, an initiative of the 57-75 Movement, led by the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), was launched to the public today.

The Department of Education (DepEd) said that for the school year of 2011-2012, there is a shortage of approximately 66,800 classrooms in the country, a figure that is based on the ideal teacher-to-student ratio of 1:40.

Among the priority areas that have the greatest need of classrooms are: Pangasinan, Isabela, Batangas, Quezon, Palawan, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Zamboanga del Sur, and North Cotabato.

The DepEd said that the shortage of classrooms fuels other challenges within the sector, including: the decrease in participation rates among elementary and high school students; an increase in drop-out rates; and poor student performance.

It said that it has intensified its efforts by implementing programs that include the provision of much-needed classrooms.

However, the department said that government resources are not enough to address resource gaps, prompting the DepEd to enter into a partnership with the 57-75 Movement.

“We are calling on all Filipinos to work with us in bridging resource gaps, especially the task of addressing the classroom shortage, which is a critical step in providing enhanced opportunities for millions of Filipino children,” said Education Secretary Armin Luistro.

The campaign was initially launched among the private sector last July. It has gathered P2.5 million in donations through individual donations as well as corporate pledges of employee mobilization and support.

“The government needs our support in implementing reforms in the education sector,” said LCF trustee and past president Cecile Alcantara.

“The private sector and the communities must work together in mobilizing local resources and energies in order to improve access to education for millions of Filipino children. It is the future of our children and our country at stake if education challenges remain unanswered. As such, we must all do our share to guarantee access to education for our nation’s children."

Those who want to join the campaign may bring in their donations through: bank deposits to any BPI, BDO, or UnionBank branches; online donations via credit card at the TEN Moves website at www.tenmoves.org; and via mobile through G-Cash.

The organizers of the campaign said that more donation channels will be made available as the campaign progresses.

The youth are also encouraged to mobilize their friends and networks by influencing their circles of family and friends to pool in resources for the campaign.

The organizers are optimistic about the power in harnessing and mobilizing national support towards their goals.

“When we combine individual efforts, the impact that we can make toward enhancing education opportunities for millions of Filipino schoolchildren can be tremendous,” said LCF education committee chairperson Mario Deriquito.

Noynoy thanks Black Eyed Peas leader for classroom advocacy

2011-10-25T11:39:00.000+08:00

Noynoy thanks Black Eyed Peas leader for classroom advocacy
By Jocelyn Montemayor
Malaya Business Insight
October 25, 2011
At a private meeting Monday night, President Aquino personally thanked international singer Allan Pineda, more popularly known as Apl.De.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, for his classroom building advocacy.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the President met Pineda and the other members of the Black Eyed Peas - Stacy Ann Ferguson (Fergie), William Adams (Will.I.Am), and Jaime Gomez (Taboo) – at the Quezon City house of Rafael Lopa, president of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation and executive director of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

Pineda’s APL Foundation is working with the Aquino foundation in the construction of school rooms. The PBSP is also advocating Ten Moves, or the collection of P10 pesos per day in the next three months to collect P3,000 which would be added to the funds being raised for the construction of 10,000 classrooms in fourth class municipalities in two years.

Lacierda said Aquino declined invitations from the Black Eyed Peas for the Chief Executive to attend their concert at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds last night.

The international pop group arrived in Manila Monday.

4 provinces get US aid

2011-10-25T11:38:00.000+08:00

4 provinces get US aid
By Roy Mabasa
Tempo News
October 25, 2011

The United States Agency for International Development/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) has extended a $750,000 cash grant for the United Nations World Food Program’s (WFP) Disaster Preparedness and Response project in four of the most disaster-prone provinces of Northern Luzon.

The 12-month project in Benguet, Cagayan, Laguna and Sorsogon, which is already up and running, is being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and WFP’s local NGO partner the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

In a statement issued on Monday, WFP Philippines Country Director Stephen Anderson said the support extended by the US government is critically needed for “a country which is so vulnerable to natural disasters.”

“WFP highly appreciates USAID/OFDA’s timely and generous funding for a key government priority,“ said Anderson. “The recent floods and the damage to agriculture caused by typhoons Pedring and Quiel have highlighted once again how essential it is for us to work together to improve disaster preparedness and response.“

The participating LGUs have earmarked P13.9 million in counterpart funds for the projects, while DSWD is providing P3.9 million from its Disaster Fund.

SoLeyte PDRRMC SMS technology system enhanced

2011-10-25T11:34:00.000+08:00

SoLeyte PDRRMC SMS technology system enhanced
By R.G. Cadavos
Philippine Information Agency
October 25, 2011

In a meeting held Wednesday at the Provincial Governor’s Office, presiding officer Jason Calva urged each member of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) and concerned warning agencies to support the Strengthening Disaster Preparedness of Southern Leyte Thru SMS Technology project that focused more in communications to better prepare the communities before, during and after any disaster through free broadcast.

It can be remembered that each member were required to regularly make advisories or incident reports for broadcast using the short message system (SMS) Technology that started last March 2011 yet.

The infoboard system project was in coordination with the World Bank, Smart Communications and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in a Memorandum of Agreement signed with the Provincial Government through Gov. Damian G. Mercado.

“The advisory or any important incident report will be sent to Provincial Infoboard Administrator for broadcast,” Calva, the Project Consultant disclosed, pushing all concerned agencies to report any important incident that happened in each are of concern so that response will be acted accordingly.

The contents of the broadcast are coming from the reports, either advisory or incidents, from all concerned warning agencies, especially from the members of the PDRRMC, Calva revealed. “This will make the operations in full blast,” he said.

He further bared that all reports will be properly documented, validated and authorized by the concerned department head to avoid misinformation or misguidance , especially during calamities.

“The project with Smart and PBSP will end next year, totaling to P3 million for the SL Menu via SMS technology, nobody from the Smart and PBSP will be working with us anymore since everything will be turned-over to the provincial government,” Calva clarified during the meeting participated by the members of the PDRRMC.

Meanwhile, Smart Communications representative Charie Yanella discussed the flow of the Provincial Disaster Management Council-Southern Leyte Menu for the infoboard technology. These include advisories, feedback, and hotline numbers from the provincial offices, including members of the PDRRMC and other priority contacts, the general information site, among other information.

Philippine mining wealth seen at $840B

2011-10-25T10:11:00.002+08:00

Philippine mining wealth seen at $840B
COMP: Security, gov’t policy concerns need to be addressed
By: Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 22, 2011

The Philippines’ potential mining wealth is estimated to reach $840 billion (P47 trillion), or 10 times the country’s annual gross domestic product, according to Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) president Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez.

In a speech during a Philippine Mining Club luncheon, Romualdez said the mining industry could also help curb poverty, citing studies that the industry had a multiplier effect of 28 times on employment. This means that for every person directly employed in mining, 28 more jobs are created in allied and downstream industries.

This means the industry’s growth will help reduce unemployment and poverty, which remain the greatest challenges facing the government, he added.

If the country’s entire mining reserves were mined, the total mineral production could amount to $840 billion.

According to industry data, the Philippines ranks third in total gold deposits, fourth in copper, fifth in nickel and sixth in chromite. The country has 8.03 billion tons of copper, 4.91 billion tons of gold, 0.81 billion tons of nickel, 480.26 million tons of iron, 39.66 million tons of chromite and 433.88 million tons of aluminum.

However, Romualdez said concerns about security, tax system and mining policies of the government had limited the entry of foreign and local investments into the industry.

He criticized security-related and other issues that were plaguing the industry, including insurgent attacks on companies, church leaders relating the recent killing of Fr. Fausto Tentorio to mining, restrictions imposed by local governments on mining operations and additional taxes planned by the government.

Such uncertainties, which companies have to deal with on top of huge exploration and development costs, have driven many investors away, including mining giants Anglo American and BHP Billiton.

Still, Romualdez said, the chamber would continue to promote and defend the industry. Asked whether companies should beef up security in their areas, he said investors, especially foreigners, were “uncomfortable” with that.

“We don’t want to appear as if we are militarizing our operations and that’s really the responsibility of the state. We will leave that issue to individual companies but we welcome the government’s response to the Surigao incident,” he said.

He said COMP had met with the police, the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources after insurgents raided and burned the facilities of three mining companies in Surigao del Sur on Oct. 3.

Romualdez said the industry group had also provided inputs and was awaiting Malacañang’s national mining policy.

While this is happening, he said, mining companies were crafting a “Mining Scorecard” on social and environmental programs in partnership with nongovernment organizations and civil society groups, including the nonprofit Philippine Business for Social Progress and environmental protection group World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Philippines.

Citi celebrates Global Community Day

2011-10-24T18:09:00.000+08:00

In celebration of their Global Community Day, employee volunteers of Citi held a clean-up drive in Cabancalan 2 Elementary School. The company activity is headed by Vice President Tomas Yap.

See the full gallery on our Photosite

Chinabank Savings starts ’em young

2011-10-19T14:42:00.002+08:00

Chinabank Savings starts ’em young
By Jennifer Ambanta
Malaya Business Insight
October 19, 2011

Responding to the central bank’s call to educate the young on being financially responsible, Chinabank Savings, a subsidiary of the China Banking Corp., has launched a start-them-young savings program.

Children as young as 7 are now considered an important component of the savings account portfolio of Chinabank Savings.

At present, 5 percent of Chinabank Savings’ deposit portfolio is from its kiddie savers product called "Easi-save", where children can save as little as P500 initially and build up their savings from there.

If parents opt to start their children’s account at a much bigger sum of P3,000, the kiddy depositors get a free "biggy bank" as an incentive to even save more.

The savings account will yield a 1.25 percent interest per annum with a maintaining balance of P500.

According to Janice Ty, deputy senior manager for product development and marketing services of Chinabank Savings, the bank hopes to improve the 5 percent share of the children’s savings in the total deposit portfolio.

"We aim to improve it in the coming months, we will have tours and we will partner with schools to encourage savings," Ty said.

Data show that only 5 percent of Filipino kids have a savings account and only 22 percent of Filipinos have a savings account with a minimum deposit of P3,000.

"Most of the youngsters’ first savings accounts are payroll accounts, so it is really best to start teaching the kids the value of money at an early age," said Ty.

Chinabank Savings recently opened its 21st branch in Daraga and will open five more before the year ends.

BSP and Citi Foundation have joined hands in maintaining an exhibit that aims to educate kids about the value of money.

Citi Foundation, the social responsibility arm of Citi Philippines, aims to keep kids in the know about saving through an exhibit tagged as "Money Matters for Kids".

The exhibit opened in 2009 and will be housed this year at the BSP.

Sanjiv Vohra, Citi country officer for the Philippines, represented the Citi Foundation during the signing of the deed of donation to the BSP, together with Philippine Business for Social Progress executive director Rafael Lopa and Museo Pambata executive director Maricel Montero.

Vohra said financial education should not be taken lightly by parents.

"Financial education should not be underestimated. Even at a young age, it is important to start a conversation with our children on how they can become wise savers, careful spenders and smart consumers. So, we are very grateful that our long-time partner in advocating financial literacy, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, will continue and develop what we have started with ‘Money Matters for Kids!,’" said Vohra.

The exhibit aims to educate both kids and parents the value of saving at an early age.

According to BSP Gov. Amando Tetangco Jr., "This exhibit will be a great help in enriching our financial literacy initiatives and we look forward to transporting it to different cities, municipalities and provinces around the country. Being involved in financial education is a process, a long-term investment."

"Our taking over ‘Money Matters for Kids!’ is certainly in line with our advocacy and we will pursue its thrust to educate children about the values of money for them to have good financial decisions," Tetangco said.

"Money Matters for Kids!" introduces money concepts to children through different sections and fun activities.

They can learn how to identify authentic bills in "Spot the Difference," develop their budgeting skills at the mock grocery store, and get familiar with bank transactions through the child-friendly automated teller machine (ATM).

The exhibit will run until Oct. 29, 2011, after which the BSP will take it around the country as part of its financial education campaign.

Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan - Culminating Event

2011-10-17T17:09:00.001+08:00

Employee volunteers from Lexmark International Philippines, Inc.; Union Galvasteel Corporation; Accenture Philippines; Muramoto Audio-Visual Philippines, Inc.; Philippine Society for Mechanical Engineers and PLDT joined PBSP for the last leg of the Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan.

On the other side of the hillylands, more than 15 children from Cantipla attended the Read-Along session organized by Philippine Daily Inquirer. Stories that show the importance of water and the watersheds were presented in the activity.

After the read-along session, the children along with their parents and guardians also planted tree seedlings in the Veco Reforestation Park's arboretum.

See the entire gallery on our Photosite.

Responsive, participatory governance

2011-10-17T14:40:00.000+08:00

Responsive, participatory governance
By Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos
Cebu Daily News
October 17, 2011

Congratulations to the Cebu city government and Mayor Michael Rama for the Gawad Pamana Award it received last week, together with 14 other cities, 15 provinces and 16 municipalities. A total of P91 million from the performance challenge fund was given to the awardees as incentive for transparent, accountable and participatory governance. The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi is given for the LGU’s “exemplary performance across major development initiatives in administrative governance, social governance, economic governance and environmental governance.”

In his speech during the ceremony, which was also the culminating activity of the 20th Local Government Code Anniversary, Interior and Local Government Secretary Robredo emphasized that the Code was not enacted to give power to local leaders, but was adopted because of “the belief that when they are measured on how they use their power, capacity, and resources, they will excel in their positions and serve their constituencies well.”

He also mentioned the need to review the Code and make it more responsive to the needs of the times, and to specifically address the dire effects of climate change. If the Local Development Councils are just activated in each barangay, city, municipality and province and a policy of inclusion is put in place, we will have a good fighting chance to surmount the impact of climate change.

It is rather alarming, however, that the minds of policy-makers are seemingly stuck in the financial aspect of disaster response and management and less on community engagement.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte’s comment that our country has enough funds for disasters (Philippine Daily Inquirer, Oct. 15) is rather presumptuous and lulls people to a false sense of complacency, which is by itself disastrous.

How can we possibly predict how much is needed for disaster management especially since the country is considered the third most vulnerable to disaster risks and calamities? Can one ever quantify the value of lives lost, the suffering and anxieties of displaced families and the so-called environmental refugees?

While funds are important, they are not everything. What is essential is to plan and collaborate as a community and together build resilience in responding to the climate crisis and protecting the most vulnerable, our children and the elderly. It is time to mobilize the participation of citizens in governance for them to be fully conscious of their role in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). Nothing beats prevention and preparedness.

The call of Mayor Rama for a multi-stakeholder consultative assembly is a step in the right direction. But it should not just focus on the flooding problem but look at the sustainability dimension including the community-initiated proposals to climate solutions and in “redefining development.” The city’s Sustainability Ordinance could help provide the framework for the expected robust discussion that will ensue.

Last Oct. 13, the International Day for Disaster Reduction was commemorated to heighten our awareness about our individual role in reducing risks due to disasters from earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and other calamities. Instead of waiting for a year, it is be best if we have more frequent and regular DRRM-awareness raising events to make it a part of our lifestyle.

I am sharing with you the 10-point checklist that LGUs and other stakeholders should take into account in undertaking a climate resiliency campaign, culled from http://www.unisdr.org, as follows:

1. Put in place organization and coordination to understand and reduce disaster risk, based on participation of citizen groups and civil society. Build local alliances. Ensure that all departments understand their role to DRRM.

2. Assign a budget for disaster risk reduction and provide incentives for homeowners, low-income families, communities, businesses and public sector to invest in reducing the risks they face.

3. Maintain up-to-date data on hazards and vulnerabilities, prepare risk assessments and use these as the basis for urban development plans and decisions. Ensure that this information and the plans for your city’s resilience are readily available to the public and fully discussed with them.

4. Invest in and maintain critical infrastructure that reduces risk, such as flood drainage, adjusted where needed to cope with climate change.

5. Assess the safety of all schools and health facilities and upgrade these as necessary.

6. Apply and enforce realistic, risk-compliant building regulations and land use planning principles. Identify safe land for low-income citizens and develop upgrading of informal settlements, wherever feasible.

7. Ensure education programmes and training on disaster risk reduction are in place in schools and local communities.

8. Protect ecosystems and natural buffers to mitigate floods, storm surges and other hazards to which your city may be vulnerable. Adapt to climate change by building on good risk reduction practices.

9. Install early warning systems and emergency management capacities in your city and hold regular public preparedness drills. 10. After any disaster, ensure that the needs of the survivors are placed at the centre of reconstruction with support for them and their community organizations to design and help implement responses, including rebuilding homes and livelihoods.

***

I am grateful to PDI and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for the distinct privilege of participating in the “Read-along Session” at the Visayan Electric Co. Reforestation Park Project at sitio Cantipla, barangay Tabunan, Cebu City last Saturday. The theme was caring for our environment and our biodiversity.

After the storytelling proper and being amazed by the highly participative kids and creative and enthusiastic fellow readers, we planted indigenous and native tree species in the area. According to Cris Evert Lato, it was the first time that the reading session was held as part of the closing ceremony of PBSP’s annual and 19th reforestation caravan at the Central Cebu Protected Landscape. PDI’s mascot, the cuddly Guyito, is now a reminder of the enriching moments that we shared last weekend with the kids and their mothers and our inspiring young green leaders.

Group seeks to build 10,000 classrooms in '10 Moves'

2011-10-15T14:37:00.000+08:00

Group seeks to build 10,000 classrooms in '10 Moves'
By Apples Jalandoni
ABS-CBN News
October 15, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - This is how a typical day at Payatas Elementary School looks like.

With so many students, there's a shortage of classrooms, with some classes being held in hallways.

Here, students don't have their own tables and chairs as they share space in benches.

The Department of Education admits, this school year, 60,000 more classrooms are needed to reach the ideal.

This results in a higher drop-out rate and poor academic performance.

But the group 57-75 Movement, which is composed of the league of corporate foundations and Philippine business for social progress, may have just the solution.

Their project "Ten Moves" aims to look for 2 million Filipinos who will donate P10 pesos a day for 10 months to build 10,000 classrooms.

They say P10 is not that big an amount for those have much.

Ten pesos, after all, can only buy 10 candies, a packet of noodles or 2 cookies.

The project hopes to collect P600 million.

"Ten Moves" encourages all Filipinos to participate in improving the quality of education in the country.

Cebu Daily News, NGOs lauded for promoting respect for eco-laws

2011-10-13T14:34:00.000+08:00

Cebu Daily News, NGOs lauded for promoting respect for eco-laws
By Edison delos Angeles
Cebu Daily News
October 13, 2011

Cebu Daily News along with several non-government groups were recognized by the Cebu City Council yesterday in a resolution for their “dedication and active participation” in helping enforce the country’s environmental laws in Cebu.

The paper was cited along with the Philippine Business of Social Progress (PBSP), Kaabag sa Sugbo Foundation and the Kantipla Ecosystem Enhancement and Protection Foundation during the council’s off-site session in barangay Bonbon yesterday.

The council referred to a Cebu Daily News Sept. 29 exclusive story “Trees end up black coal,” which reported how five hectares of a reforestation site in the hinterland barangay Sudlon, Cebu City, were ravaged by illegal tree cutters.

The trees were cut down to be made into charcoal to be sold at P200 per sack in the market.

A father and son were arrested by police after they were caught burning the logs in a pit last Sept. 25. Criminal charges were later filed against them by the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources.

“It just so happened that among all the papers, Cebu Daily News would often publish stories that focus on programs aimed at enforcing laws that protect the environment and resources of Cebu,”said resolution sponsor Councilor Edgardo Labella in the session yesterday.

He was asked by colleagues why the paper was singled out.

In the same resolution, Labella urged the Association of Barangay Councils to “take active steps in crafting a unified environmental law enforcement mechanism by preparing and implementing a tough security plan to protect Cebu City’s forest cover.”

It cited reforestation sites and watershed of the Buhisan Dam, Kotkot-Lusaran Forest Reserve, Sudlon National Park, and neighboring communities planted with indigenous trees like narra and molave found mostly in all 36 mountain barangays of Cebu City.

AboitizPower CEO named Entrepreneur of the Year

2011-10-12T14:33:00.000+08:00

AboitizPower CEO named Entrepreneur of the Year
Business World Online
October 12, 2011

Erramon I. Aboitiz, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of AboitizPower Corp., was named the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2011 in an awards banquet held last night at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

Mr. Aboitiz was recognized for his exemplary vision, leadership and financial expertise, which allowed him to transform AboitizPower from a regional power distributor into a dynamic power generator and distributor operating nationwide.

Guided by his vision of providing stable, affordable and environment-friendly energy throughout the country, AboitizPower has acquired a diverse range of power assets, allowing it to tailor-fit offerings to the needs of Filipino consumers while promoting the use of clean and renewable energy.

Mr. Aboitiz will represent the Philippines in the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Monte Carlo, Monaco in June 2012.

Mr. Aboitiz also received the category award for Master Entrepreneur 2011. He was recognized for applying sound management practices in critical areas of the company, including finance, marketing, human resources and sales. A firm believer in innovation, he led the company to pioneer the construction of small hydroelectric plants around the country, developing the expertise to quickly and efficiently build under-15 megawatt plants. His commitment to promoting sustainability also led to the launch of Cleanenergy, the company’s brand of clean and renewable energy from hydroelectric and geothermal plants.

Other category awards presented were for the Emerging Entrepreneur, Innovation Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneur, Small Business Entrepreneur and Woman Entrepreneur categories.

Ferdinand Y. Marañon, president and CEO of Sagrex Corp., was presented with the Emerging Entrepreneur award for exemplifying the start-up process. Mr. Marañon established his company to improve the volume and quality of the country’s farm produce, applying innovation and technology to develop packing products, quick-freezing technology, and an entire line of frozen food items.

Bienvenido V. Tantoco III, president of Rustan Supercenters, Inc., received the Innovation Entrepreneur award for turning around and growing his company through exceptional change management skills. Mr. Tantoco’s resourcefulness, sound financial practices and winning people skills allowed him to reverse the fortunes of his companies, nursing them back to profitability.

Anna Meloto-Wilk and Camille D. Meloto, founders of Gandang Kalikasan, Inc., were named Social Entrepreneur for building an organization that champions social transformation for the marginalized and the poor. Tapping the residents of Gawad Kalinga communities for their work force and farming communities for raw materials, the sisters began manufacturing and marketing a full line of world-class organic products that also provided vital livelihood to marginalized communities.

Reynaldo T. Paulino, managing director of Kraftika Filipina, was presented the Small Business Entrepreneur award for best demonstrating management excellence in a business with assets amounting to less than P100 million. Mr. Paulino produces high-quality fashion accessories and decorative home pieces using indigenous materials. These items have been featured in international trade shows and are carried by local and global designer brands.

Maria Fe P. Agudo, president and CEO of Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., received the Woman Entrepreneur award for blazing a trail in entrepreneurship, leadership and community development. Her marketing insights and strategic initiatives lifted Hyundai to become the third top-ranked automotive brand in the country in a span of less than 10 years.

Recipients of category awards were chosen from among 17 finalists from diverse industries. The others finalists were Francisco M. Bernardo III (Let’s Go Foundation, Inc.); Raul Anthony D. Concepcion, (Concepcion Durables, Inc.); Bernard Faustino M. Dy, (University of Perpetual Help Systems-Isabela); Prudencio S. Garcia, (Mekeni Food Corp.); Jaime Enrique Y. Gonzalez, (IPVG Corp.); Pacita U. Juan (Earth Life Store Supply, Inc.); Ronnel C. Rivera, (Gensan Shipyard & Machine Works, Inc.); Genevieve Ledesma-Tan, (Southville International School and Colleges), Winston P. Uy, (Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc.); and Francis Glenn L. Yu, (SEAOIL Phils., Inc.).

“For the past eight years, we have honored Filipino entrepreneurs who are, collectively and individually, driving the Philippine economy. The quality of this year’s finalists has shone through in the work they have done and they have been deemed role models in their respective industries,” SGV Chairman and Managing Partner and SGV Foundation Chairman Cirilo P. Noel said in his speech.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year program was founded in the United States by professional services firm Ernst & Young in 1986. In the Philippines, SGV Foundation, Inc. established the program in 2003. Co-presenters are De La Salle University, Department of Trade and Industry, Development Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Philippine Stock Exchange and Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. Program sponsor is SAP Philippines. Official airline is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Media sponsors are BusinessWorld and the ABS-CBN News Channel.

Deal to benefit pupils in low performing schools in Bohol

2011-10-10T14:32:00.002+08:00

Deal to benefit pupils in low performing schools in Bohol
Cebu Daily News
October 10, 2011

A TOTAL of 77 pupils from grades 1 to 3 of Catarman Elementary School in barangay Catarman, Dauis town, Bohol will benefit from mentoring sessions after telecommunications company and Holy Name University(HNU) signed an agreement to implement smart CommuniTeach in school.

CommuniTeach is a program initiated by Smart to improve learning among the lowest performing public elementary schools through the active participation of the parents and the community in mentoring their children.

The agreement was signed by lawyer Maria Jane Paredes, Smart Public Affairs senior manager for Visayas-Mindanao; HNU President Rev. Fr. Francisco Estepa, SVD; Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) senior program officer Riza Horcasitas and Bohol Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Lorna Rances.

“We cannot rely solely on the teachers or an organization to help our children; it requires the collective effort of all sectors. This is why it is called CommuniTeach,” said Paredes.
Fr. Estepa said HNU is privileged to participate in CommuniTeach since the program enables the university to realize its vision of community service.

He said the program would strengthen the vocation for teaching among HNU’s education students.

HNU will identify its students as teacher volunteers for the weekly program held every Saturday, evaluate and customize the learning modules to fit the needs of the schoolchildren.

Prior to their actual assignment, the teacher volunteers underwent capability trainings to fulfill their roles and responsibilities in the program.

Parents, prepare food for the children during the tutorial sessions. They have been invited by HNU to sell their delicacies in the university canteen as part of a livelihood program.
CommuniTeach uses the Silid Aralan Learning Technology (SALT), a teaching module that caters to the various learning styles of children.

Simplicio Gadugdug V, a student volunteer, said the students displayed remarkable improvement after six weeks of mentoring sessions.

“This is what gives us volunteers a sense of fulfillment – to see the improved performance of the children. It tells us that the sacrifice of being here every Saturday is worth it,” he said.

Under the agreement, Smart will provide overall program direction and funding for the first year of implementation while PBSP will implement the program and generate additional funds from its member companies to sustain the program.

DepEd through the Catarman Elementary School will identify the student beneficiaries, provide a CommuniTeach center, monitor and report the progress of the students.

Man, son face charges for cutting trees in watershed

2011-10-06T14:31:00.000+08:00

Man, son face charges for cutting trees in watershed
By Ador Vincent Mayol
Cebu Daily News
October 6, 2011

A complaint was filed on Tuesday against two men accused of hacking down trees to make charcoal in sitio Kulabtingon, barangay Sudlon II in Cebu City.

Richard Ubod and his son Jonard were accused of violating Presidential Decree 705 or the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines in charges filed with the Cebu City Prosecutors’ Office.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) said the two men should be held for trial for destroying the environment.

Both men eluded arrest.

They will be given a chance to submit counter-affidavits to refute the allegations.
Based on a DENR-7 inventory the cut logs in a reforestation site in barangay Sudlon had a value of P1 million.

Tree cutting and kaingin or slash-and-burn farming are strictly prohibited within the 29,000-hectare Central Cebu Protected Landscape.

The trees were in a reforestation site developed by the Philippine Business for Social Progress and the KEEP Foundation of Ret. Gen. Tiburcio Fusilero.

In his affidavit, Cristito Ruaza, project in charge of KEEP Foundation, said he and a laborer saw the two men cutting native trees last Sept. 25.

Ruaza said the men scampered away upon sensing their presence. Juan Pablo Yao, a forester of the PBSP-Visayas, also executed an affidavit about the damage.

Last Sept. 28, Yao, along with representatives of the DENR, Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water, and Kantipla Ecosystems Enhancement and Protection Foundation, went to the area to verify reports of kaingin and illegal logging.

When they arrived at sitio Kulabtingon, the group saw illegally cut trees.

They also noticed two charcoal pits in the area and a pile of logs ready to be burned for charcoal.

The trees that were cut down included 80 mahogany trees, 20 coffee seedlings and a a few others of the species bagalunga, tubog and molave.

Fresh sap in the stumps indicated that they were recently cut down.

PBSP to continue to replant trees

2011-09-30T14:21:00.000+08:00

PBSP to continue to replant trees
By Candeze R. Mongaya
Cebu Daily News
September 30, 2011

Despite the destruction of five hectares in barangay Sudlon by illegal tree-cutters, a foundation said it would double efforts to replant the area.

“While this illegal logging incident in barangay Sudlon is a setback to our reforestation efforts… such incidents strengthen our resolve to continue environnmental conservation projects in the Cental Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) and other critically denuded protected watersheds in the country,” said the Philippine Business of Social Progress (PBSP)- Visayas in a statement.

The area was found ravaged by settlers, who had cut down trees to burn the wood and make charcoal.

Two men were arrested last Sunday and face charges to be filed by the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7.

Four hectares were reforested by the PBSP through its member companies and volunteers. One hectare was tended by the Keep Foundation.

The PBSP leads an annual reforestation caravan in the hillylands of Central Cebu, drawing thousands of volunteers in planting indigenous tree seedlings during the rainy season.

The statement, issued by Jose Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the PBSP Visayas Executive Committee, assured donors, partners and supporters of continued efforts to regreen the area and meet its target of planting 2 milion trees in 1,000 hectares by 2014.

Last Sunday, illegal loggers in sitio Kabingtan, barangay Sudlon Cebu City cut around 600 indigenous trees and cleared about five hectares.

DENR-7 caught two men in the act of burning the trees for charcoal. The lot claimant, Richard Ubod, eluded arrest. Over the past two decades, PBSP with public and private partners has been engaged in efforts to green the CCPL to help sustain Metro Cebu’s water supply, combat climate change and promote biodiversity.

“ We are working with the DENR and our partners in the NGO community to appropriately respond to the logging issue in Sudlon and ensure that similar incidents are avoided in the future,” the statement said.

The CCPL covers five watersheds of the Buhisan Dam, Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve, Kotkot-Lusuran Watershed Forest Reserve and the Sudlon National Park.

The PBSP has programs to engage local communities in sustainable livelihood like raising seedlings instead of cutting down trees for charcoal.

Trees in Sudlon end up black coal

2011-09-29T14:14:00.000+08:00

Trees in Sudlon end up black coal
By Candeze R. Mongaya
Cebu Daily News
September 29, 2011

Five hectares of a reforestation site in barangay Sudlon, Cebu City, was found ravaged by illegal tree cutters.

Indigenous trees, some planted since 1994, were cut down, some of them as recently as Sunday, by settlers.

“They’ve caused big damage in our forest. They’ve been doing this for a long time,” said Ariel Pica, Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Protected Area Supervisor (DENR-7 PASU) in a field inspection yesterday.

Local settlers hack down the trees to make charcoal, which is sold at P200 per sack in Carbon market.

When DENR foresters and Cebu Daily News visited the area yesterday, logs were piled next to a pit, where wood was being burned to make charcoal.

Police authorities arrested 50-year-old Timoteo Boris and his 18-year-old son Richard in the act of burning the logs last Sunday afternoon.

Charges are being prepared against the lot claimant, Richard Ubod, who eluded arrest. They will be charged with violation of Presidential Decree 705 or the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines.

The cut logs were estimated to be worth P800,000 to P1 million.

The damage took place in the middle of a lush forest terrain in sitio Kabtingan. Barangay Sudlon is part of the 29,000-hectare Central Cebu Protected Landscape, which is supposed to be off limits to destructive forest practices like indiscriminate tree cutting and kaingin.

The wide destruction was first alerted by a forest watcher of Kantipla Ecosystem Enhancement and Protection (KEEP) Foundation.

Pica, DENR – Protected Area Supervisor of the CCPL, said his office knew about the illegal activity early this month and caught two illegal loggers burning wood for charcoal.

The logs came mostly from indigenous trees like bagalnga and iba-iba along with mahogany, molave and Gmelina for a total of 40,000 board feet.

Pica said four hectares of the cleared forest was under the management of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), which reforested the site. One hectare is maintained by KEEP Foundation run by retired police general Tiburcio “Tiboy” Fusilero.

Pica said the DENR would need affidavits of both groups to file charges against Ubod.

Cristito Ruaza, project-in-charge of the Keep Foundation, said some of the trees in the area has been planted since 1994 by the DENR. PBSP later became a partner in planting and securing the site, which falls within the Kotkot-Lusaran forest reserve.

“It takes a lot of effort to plant those trees and they cut it down just like that,” lamented Malou Largo, PBSP Visayas program coordinator for reforestation, who visited the site.

She said the seedlings planted over the years cost at least P16 each.

Ubod was one of the lot claimants who coordinated with the PBSP for the reforestation project.

Ruaza said Ubod “fooled” them by pledging to look after the newly planted seedlings, only to eventually cut them down and even threaten other forest watchers of the KEEP Foundation by pointing a high-power firearm at them.

Pica of DENR said that some of the trees has been cut since June, while others looked freshly cut, as recently as Sunday.

Several logs were piled in one area yesterday. Others were freshly cut and arranged around a one-meter-deep hole, a pit used to make charcoal by burning the wood.

“Most of the locals in the area still resort to this kind of activity because they have a limited source of income,” Pica said.

The area, which used to be a forest, was converted into a farm lot by the claimant.

“Unless residents have an alternative source of livelihood, they’ll be tempted to cut down the trees,” said Pica.

“We need the NGOs to protect the forest or all the trees would be gone.”

He said barangay officials are “particular about the votes of the residents so they are not that insistent on implementing the laws.”

The Central Cebu Protected Landscape, which extends to Balamban town and Cebu City, is 29,000 hectares. The DENR said it has only one supervisor and four forest wardens to keep an eye on the area, which was declared a protected area under Republic Act 9486.

The CCPL includes five watersheds of the Buhisan Dam, Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve, Kotkot-Lusuran Watershed Forest Reserve and the Sudlon National Park.

‘Money’ will go ’round

2011-09-25T14:12:00.000+08:00

‘Money’ will go ’round
By Linda B. Bolido
Philippine Daily Inquirer
September 25, 2011

Money may or may not make the world go ’round but, in the Philippines, it is going to make the rounds—or at least the Money Matters for Kids exhibit will.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has accepted the donation by Citibank Philippines for its interactive exhibit designed to improve the financial literacy of children, particularly grade school students. It plans to bring the show to at least three regional offices and 18 branches throughout the country.

The exhibit, as seen from the reaction of Grade 4 students of the Doña Aurora Quezon Elementary School in Quezon City, who were special guests at the handover rites, is expected to be a big hit among children. It lets kids learn and play, even take on different roles and tasks related to money-shopping and banking, among others.

Children can make-believe they are bank managers, tellers or security guards by sticking their head into cut-out figures wearing typical clothes for the jobs they choose. If they have cameras, they can have the role-playing captured for posterity.

A mini-store lets them “buy” stuff, choosing between what they want or need. The exercise is meant to make them appreciate the difference between wants, things that are more luxury than necessities, and needs, things that are basic requirements for day-to-day living.

A “black” light allows them to verify if money (particularly old bills) is fake by revealing the watermark.

In simple ceremonies recently, BSP governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. and Citibank country officer Sanjiv Vohra signed the Deed of Donation placing the exhibit in the care of the country’s premier financial institution. The exhibit was a joint undertaking of the Citi Foundation and Museo Pambata. First mounted at the children’s museum on Roxas Blvd. in Manila, it was also brought to a few places outside Metro Manila.

Now that BSP has placed it under its care, it is expected that the interactive show will reach even more children in a much shorter time.

Tetangco, in accepting the donation, proclaimed that the exhibit would be going places. He said the BSP was accepting “this donation in line with our advocacy on financial literacy and the activities under our integrated Economic and Financial Learning Program (EFLP).”

Currently on show at the BSP’s Metropolitan Museum on Roxas Blvd., the governor said the materials would be a great help in enriching initiatives to promote “greater awareness and understanding of essential economic and financial issues.”

Starting ’em young
Tetangco said “the consensus right now is that financial education must start at the earliest possible age. This recognizes the idea that financial education is a process and not an event, where the learning needs to take deep roots before they can eventually bear fruit.”

Tetangco added, “These exhibit materials will help the BSP to pursue its thrust to promote financial education with the end goal of imparting to the public the ability to make informed and sound financial decisions. By doing so, we expect one’s financial well-being to improve.”

He said the exhibit would be brought to elementary schools throughout the country through a mobile Fin-Ed jeep so it would be accessible to more children.
Vohra said, “Financial education is something that cannot be underestimated. It has to be promoted among people of all races, incomes and ages.”

Vohra reiterated Citibank’s commitment to promote financial literacy, citing as example a recent joint project with the Inquirer’s Learning section and BSP for a six-part series on money matters designed for high school students. The bank donated 109 Inquirer copies to every partner school to mark its 109th year of doing business in the Philippines.

A few days later, in the debriefing session with teachers who participated in the project, BSP vice governor Diwa Guinigundo reiterated that financial literacy was one of the institution’s most important projects. “An educated citizenry is the best way to ensure that policies are understood and supported,” he said.

He cited, as example, the significant change in the attitude toward saving of a growing number of overseas Filipino workers because of the financial education campaign. In 2006, Guinigundo said, savings among this group was only seven percent of remittances while there was hardly any investment. Recent data show that savings now constituted 40 percent of remittances, and 20-30 percent was invested.

Other signatories of the Deed of Donation covering the Citibank exhibit were Maricel Montero, Museo Pambata executive director, and Rafael C. Lopa, executive director of the Philippine Business for Social Progress.

The Money Matters for Kids exhibit is ongoing at the Metropolitan Museum, BSP complex, Roxas Blvd., Manila until October 31. Call 5211517, 5361566 or 5230613.

Mining firms draft ‘scorecard’ on social programs

2011-09-16T14:10:00.000+08:00

Mining firms draft ‘scorecard’ on social programs
By: Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
September 16, 2011

Mining companies are crafting a “Mining Scorecard” on social and environmental programs in partnership with nongovernment organizations and civil society groups, officials said toward the end of the Mining Philippines 2011 Conference and Exhibition on Thursday night.

Chamber of Mines of the Philippines president Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez, Rafael C. Lopa, executive director of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, vice-chair and CEO of environmental protection group World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Philippines, all said there should be a set of parameters to measure the benefits of mining.

Romualdez acknowledged that companies need to communicate how mining mineral resources benefit the host communities and the economy in general.
He said that the Chamber of Mines will hold talks with PBSP and WWF Philippines to formulate the so-called scorecard.

“There has to be a way to show what the mining industry is doing to improve the lives of the people in the communities where they are situated,” Lopa said.

He pointed out that the positive contributions of mining companies in areas where they set up shop are not always known.

The PBSP is the largest corporate-led, non-profit social development foundation in the Philippines.

At the same time, mining companies vowed to step up their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs to be even more responsive to the host communities of their projects.

The country’s five holders of financial and technical assistance agreements (FTAAs)— Oceana Gold Phils., Agusan Petroleum, FCF Minerals, Altamina Exploration and Resources, Inc. and Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI)—all committed to pour in social investments to improve the lives of the people who depend on mining.

“This is a commitment that all mining companies need to honor,” said Jose P. Leviste, Jr., president of OceanaGold, during the conference.

He said that “serious” mining companies, including OceanaGold, have been spending and will continue to spend millions, not only in their host communities and local governments but for other beneficiaries as well.

OceanaGold holds an agreement with the Philippine government to develop Didipio, a copper- and gold-rich project in Nueva Vizcaya.

SMI, contractor of the country’s single biggest investment in mining, has invested as much as P135 million in various CSR programs and as much as P2.5 billion in the Mindanao economy, according to SMI general manager for operations and external relations Mark Williams.

The money, the said, went to employment, annual wages, purchase of goods and services, payment of taxes to the government, power and fuel charges, and community partnerships, sponsorships and donations.

SMI, Williams said, has also granted financial support for the education of around 19,000 elementary, high school, and college students in the Tampakan area of South Cotabato.
The Tampakan project straddles the municipalities of Tampakan in South Cotabato, Kiblawan in Davao del Sur, and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat.

A recent resource estimate showed that the area has a 2.4 billion metric ton deposit, containing 13.5 million tons of copper and 15.8 million ounces of gold at a 0.3 percent cut-off grade.

“If approved, the mine would be the largest in the Philippines and among the largest copper mines in the world. It would generate significant economic benefits that would stimulate the local, regional and national economies of the Philippines,” Williams said.

SoLeyte CFRMO conducts back-to-back conference highlighting Search for the Champions of the Seas 2012

2011-09-16T14:09:00.000+08:00

SoLeyte CFRMO conducts back-to-back conference highlighting Search for the Champions of the Seas 2012
By R.G. Cadavos
PIA Region 6
September 16, 2011

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sep 16 (PIA) -– The Coastal Fisheries Resources and Management Office (CFRMO)based here conducted a joint meeting dubbed as Coastal Resource Management Network and Coastal Fisheries Resources Management Technical Working Group conference, September 14-15, 2011 at the SLEM Coop Function Hall, Maasin City.

Armando Gaviola from the CFRM Office disclosed that the two-day ativity tackled issues and updates of office’s related matters, while highlighting the Search for the Champions of the Seas in preparation for next year’s search.

“Southern Leyte had been preparing for a nominee for the said search, once every three years, it was last 2009, the province participated in the search,” Gaviola bared, adding that the meeting gathered datas relevant to the preparation for the said search from the municipalities and agencies concerned.

On the other hand, the conference raised also major issues and problems that were encountered in each area of concern such as commercial fishing, availability of fish in markets, recruitment overfishing, among other related issues, while strengthening also the FARM-Cs.

The activity gathered agencies concerning coastal management such as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Municipal Fisheries Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARM-C), and some non-government organizations like the Diocesan Social Aciton Center (DSAC), Federation of Omega Benificiaries Inc. (FOBI) , Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), among other participants.

Accenture, PBSP to lead training for promising entrepreneurs

2011-09-14T14:08:00.000+08:00

Accenture, PBSP to lead training for promising entrepreneurs
US News Agency
September 14, 2011

MANILA, Sept. 14The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) recently received a grant of P3.49 million from Accenture Philippines to help set up and manage training development programs for promising entrepreneurs in the country.

The grant is aligned with Accenture’s global corporate citizenship focus, Skills to Succeed, which will equip 250,000 people around the world by 2015 with the skills to get a job or build a business.

PBSP will be handling the grant facility and will later on conduct a business clinic or learning session for BiD (Business in Development) Challenge enterprises that need financial assistance.

BiD Challenge Philippines is a business plan competition for innovative business ideas that combine poverty reduction and profit.

The first recipient of the Accenture grant is the Bote Central Inc. (Chain of Happiness) which produces different kinds of flavorful coffee. The training includes setting up of roasting facilities and training of coffee farmers.

500 delegates expected at 3-day mining meet

2011-09-13T14:06:00.000+08:00

500 delegates expected at 3-day mining meet
Malaya Business Insight
September 13, 2011

At least 500 local and international delegates are expected to attend the three-day "Mining Philippines 2011 Conference and Exhibition" on Sept. 13 to 15 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City.

The mining industry meets at a time of bullish market for metals even as it addresses concerns and a number of issues affecting its growth. The mining sector is expected to sustain its growth in the next decade with the support of the government.

Hosted by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, the conference has lined up speakers to discuss current and global mining opportunities and prospects, industry issues and concerns and how these are being addressed by policymakers, government regulatory bodies and the mining industry.

One of the speakers is Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga, who will discuss "Mining – A Vital Partner for National Progress: The Chilean Experience."

Chile in October last year was the scene of a daring rescue of 33 miners trapped for 69 days in a collapsed mine, a feat that was greeted with worldwide jubilation.

Benjamin Philip Romualdez, president of the Chamber of Mines and president and CEO of Benguet Corp., will deliver the welcome remarks at the formal opening of the conference on Sept. 14.

The keynote address will be delivered by Executive Secretary Paquino Ochoa Jr. on behalf of President Aquino.

During the conference, the region’s top mining companies and suppliers will also participate at the exhibition to showcase their latest projects, advocacies, products and services.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje Jr. will open the exhibition on September 13.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro will sign a memorandum of areement on "Adopt and School Program" with the Chamber of Mines on September 14.

Among the speakers in the plenary session, "Addressing Mining Issues," will be Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, vice-chairman and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund Philippines, who will talk about integrating biodiversity in the mining life cycle, and Rafael C. Lopa, executive director of Philippine Business for Social Progress, who will be presenting Meeting Society’s Social Environmental Expectations: A Score Card.

Other plenary sessions will tackle such topics as industry policy reforms, mineral commodities outlook, exploration as lifeblood of mining, the mining landscape in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, and the prospects in copper, gold and nickel mining.

Chevron donates $5M and an anti-TB bus to fight tuberculosis

2011-09-13T14:04:00.000+08:00

A mobile campaign against TB
Chevron donates $5M and an anti-TB bus to fight tuberculosis
By Jacky Lynne A. Oiga
September 13, 2011
Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines -- Doctors call tuberculosis or TB a disease of neglect. Of the unconscious, of people who insist on saying ‘I’m fine’ or ‘I will be fine’ – until it’s too late.

TB infects 75 Filipinos everyday and is the sixth leading killer disease in the country. The Philippines is the 9th among 22 countries with the highest number of TB cases worldwide and ranks second in Southeast Asia.

Equally important is the fact that most Filipinos suffering from TB aren’t even diagnosed or refuse to be diagnosed. A big chunk of this lot is the hard-working jeepney drivers, the so-called hari ng kalsada, the men (sometimes women) who spend the whole-day in the streets to feed their families.

It is for this reason that Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of Caltex, has decided to focus its resources to public transport drivers, a segment of its customers who are among the most vulnerable to the diseases and who will benefit the most if empowered with the right knowledge on TB.

Five million dollar grant
So what does a gasoline company have to do with tuberculosis? Dean Gilbert, area business manager, Chevron Global Lubricants explains, “Health and safety is a core value at Chevron that underlies the work that we do. It’s a powerful driver for robust business performance. It impacts our business because providing for the well-being of local communities will contribute to the health of the economy.”

Being the first corporate champion of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, CPI committed five million dollars to the Philippines to fight TB. With the grant, it partnered with the Tropical Disease Foundation and the Philippine Business for Social Progress to reduce the burden of TB on the urban and rural poor populations, patients of Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) TB, and people who are co-infected with HIV.

“For the past three years, the grant was used to train more than 8,175 service deliverers in providing quality TB services. In addition, programmatic management for MDR TB was provided to about 1,000 patients who were not responding to first line anti-TB drugs,” Gilbert adds.

The grant was also used for the training of more than a thousand service deliverers for basic community health education and referrals of TB symptomatic to Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) centers, as well as 5,000 private practitioners for DOTS.

Tsuper healthy!
To complement this global donation, CPI recently launched its ‘Labanan ang TB Para Tsuper Healthy’ anti-TB awareness campaign using their vast network, service stations, terminals and other facilities as a way to disseminate the right information to fight TB.

Unveiled at the launch was the Caltex Anti-TB bus was unveiled, which will make the round of the city’s public transport terminals to conduct on-board TB seminars. The awareness drive aims to provide public transport drivers, their families, and commuters with accurate information about TB symptoms, prevention and cure.

The campaign had its pilot site in Makati were 1,800 public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers and their families were engaged. Chevron is replicating efforts in Manila, this time targeting 2,500 drivers, in partnership with the Manila City Health office and the Federation of Jeepney Drivers and Operators Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP).

“We at FEJODAP are very grateful to Caltex for responding to the condition of many of our drivers suffering from TB,” says Zeny Maranan, FEJODAP president. “It has always been our wish to have satellite health centers that drivers can visit for free check-ups.”

Maranan adds, “This will be a big help for us because there are a lot of drivers who continue to ply their route even when they’re sick. The audio-video and slide presentation shown inside the bus will be very helpful to open their eyes to the real issues of TB.”

Bridging the gap
Caltex’ anti-TB helpline (381-1010) established a link between the public and free TB treatment facilities such as the DOTS center. People who call the helpline are directed to the center nearest their residence for assistance.

“We leverage on our marketing expertise and develop various communication tools from flyers, posters, stickers, water bottles, and now a mobile training bus to help spread the word that we are one in helping our fellow countrymen fight this interminable disease,” says Cherry Ramos, Policy, Government and Public Affairs coordinator, CPI.

Gilbert reinstates that the campaign is founded on the belief that the best assistance Caltex can give is by empowering people with the right information, “We may have donated already millions of dollars in medicine but prevention is always better than cure.”

He continues, “By knowing the difference between fact and fiction, the fight against TB is already half won. By encouraging our valued customers such as PUJ drivers and their passengers to have an early check up instead of being ashamed of the stigma that comes with TB, we believe we can stop the spread of tuberculosis.”

2011-09-13T14:00:00.000+08:00

Mining congress to feature top local officials, foreign dignitaries
September 13, 2011
GMA News

Chinese Ambassador Liu Janchao will recall the highlights of President Benigno Aquino III’s recent state visit to China in his talk in the Mining Philippines 2011 Conference and Exhibition from September 13 to 15 at the Sofitel Hotel Philippine Plaza, Pasay City.

During Aquino’s five-day trip to China last month, the Philippine government had lined up six bilateral agreements that included mining projects, having expressed its full support of the local mining industry in which China has already invested a lot.

Aside from the Chinese ambassador’s talk, the three-day event will also showcase the successes and contributions of different mining ventures to the Philippines, as well as discuss the future of the industry as a tool to further national growth. The event carries the theme “Driving Progress, Communicating Results."

On Tuesday (Sept. 13), Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa will deliver the President Aquino’s keynote speech for the conference.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, Jr. will be the guest of honor during the event and, on Wednesday, will deliver a talk on “Instituting Policy Reforms in Mineral Resource Development."

Finance secretary Cesar Purisima will speak on “Promoting Financial Transparency in the Mining Industry."

House committee on environment and natural resources chairman Representative Francisco Matugas Sr. will also attend the conference.

Benguet Corporation CEO and Chamber of Mines of the Philippines president Benjamin Philip Romualdez will lead discussions on industry policy reforms for progress.

Another foreign dignitary will also speak during the conference. Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga will discuss “Mining - A Vital Partner for National Progress: The Chilean Experience"

Chamber of Mines chairman Artemio Disini, meanwhile, will lead a discussion on mineral commodities outlook.

Other speakers and topics include: Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta; International Finance Corporation resident representative Jesse Ang – “World Economic Outlook and the Future of Minerals;" World Wildlife Fund Philippines vice-chairman and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan - “Integrating Biodiversity in the Mining Life Cycle;" Quisumbing Torres Law partner Atty. Dennis Quintero - “The Dynamics between the IPRA and the Mining Act;" Philippine Business for Social Progress executive director Rafael Lopa - “Meeting Society’s Social and Environmental Expectations: A Score Card;" and Ateneo law professor Justice Alberto C. Agra, - “Understanding the Mechanics and Defense Strategies on the Writ of Kalikasan."

Another highlight of the event will be the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for the “Adopt A School" program between the Chamber of Mines and Education Secretary Armin Luisitro.

Mining Philippines 2011 opens today

2011-09-13T13:55:00.000+08:00

Mining Philippines 2011 opens today
By Marianne Go
The Philippine Star
September 13, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon JP Paje Jr. opens today this year’s Mining Philippines 2011 Conference and Exhibition at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, and will also deliver a presentation on the formal opening of the conference on Sept. 14, Wednesday, on “Instituting Policy Reforms in Mineral Resource Development”.

The annual event, which will run until Sept. 15, has adopted the theme “Driving Progress, Communicating Results.” It will showcase the successes and contributions of mining ventures to the country’s economy as well as discuss the future of the industry as a major driver to national progress.

Keynoting the event is Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa on behalf of President Aquino.

The Aquino administration maintains a policy of full support to the development of the mining industry.

Rep. Francisco “Lalo” T. Matugas Sr., the chairman of the House committee on environment and natural resources, will also grace the conference.

Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez, president and chief executive officer of Benguet Corp. and concurrent head of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, will lead discussions on industry policy reforms for progress.

Representatives of foreign governments will also be giving talks, including Ambassador Roberto Mayorga of Chile who will discuss “Mining – A Vital Partner for National Progress: The Chilean Experience”, and Ambassador Liu Janchao of China who will discuss the “Highlights of the State Visit of H.E. President Benigno C. Aquino to China”.

Discussions on the mining landscape in the Philippines and Southeast Asia – including copper, gold, nickel and downstream projects – will be chaired by Dr. Elmer Billedo, assistant director at the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau.

Artemio F. Disini, chairman of the Chamber of Mines will captain discussions on mineral commodities outlook.

For the session on addressing issues in Philippine mining, among the speakers and their respective topics are: Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, vice-chairman and CEO World Wildlife Fund Philippines - “Integrating Biodiversity in the Mining Life Cycle”; lawyer Dennis Quintero, partner, Quisumbing Torres Law Office - “The Dynamics between the IPRA and the Mining Act”; Rafael C. Lopa, executive director, Philippine Business for Social Progress - “Meeting Society’s Social and Environmental Expectations: A Score Card” and Justice Alberto C. Agra, professor, College of Law, Ateneo De Manila University - “Understanding the Mechanics and Defense Strategies on the Writ of Kalikasan”.

There will also be a signing of a memorandum of agreement for the “Adopt A School Program” between the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and Secretary Armin Luistro of the Department of Education.

Mining confab to tackle industry issues

2011-09-12T14:02:00.000+08:00

Mining confab to tackle industry issues
By Daxim L. Lucas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
September 12, 2011

Stakeholders of the mining sector will come together starting Tuesday for a three-day conference aimed at moving the industry forward amid the bullish world market for metals and lingering local issues that are hampering its growth.

Hosted by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, the event will bring together some 500 local and international delegates to discuss current and global mining opportunities, prospects and concerns and how these are being addressed by policymakers, government regulatory bodies and the mining industry.

Dubbed the “Mining Philippines 2011 Conference and Exhibition,” the event will run from September 13 to 15 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City.

One of the speakers invited is Chilean Ambassador to the Philippines Roberto Mayorga, who will discuss the experience of the Latin American country—a global model for a successful partnership between all stakeholders of the mining industry.

Benjamin Philip Romualdez, president of the Chamber of Mines and president and CEO of Benguet Corp., will deliver the welcome remarks at the formal opening of the conference on September 14. The keynote address will be delivered by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on behalf of President Benigno Aquino III.

During the conference, the region’s top mining companies and suppliers will also participate at the exhibition to showcase their latest projects, advocacies, products and services.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje Jr. will formally open the exhibition Tuesday. Education Secretary Armin Luistro will sign a Memorandum of Agreement on “Adopt a School Program” with the Chamber of Mines on Wednesday.

Among the speakers in the plenary session, addressing mining issues, will be Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, vice chairman and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund Philippines, who will talk about integrating biodiversity in the mining life cycle while another speaker, Rafael Lopa, executive director of Philippine Business for Social Progress, will present a scorecard about “meeting society’s social environmental expectations.”

‘Money matters for Kids!’ exhibit finds new home with BSP

2011-09-09T13:53:00.000+08:00

‘Money matters for Kids!’ exhibit finds new home with BSP
Malaya Business Insight
September 9, 2011

The country’s leading advocate for financial inclusion, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), is the new home of "Money Matters for Kids!," a mobile interactive exhibit that teaches children from age six to 13 the value of saving.

Citi Country Officer for the Philippines Sanjiv Vohra represented the Citi Foundation during the signing of the deed of donation to the BSP together with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Executive Director Rafael Lopa and Museo Pambata Executive Director Maricel Montero. BSP Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr. received the donation and also led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the exhibit unveiled at Metropolitan Museum of the Philippines. It will be available for viewing until October 29, 2011, after which BSP will take it around the country as part of their financial education campaign.

"Money Matters for Kids!," first opened to the public in 2009 at the Museo Pambata, who also designed and produced the exhibit with funding from the Citi Foundation and in partnership with PBSP. The exhibit aims to help parents and educators in introducing the concept of money to kids in a fun and engaging way. It features hands-on tools that encourage play and study while exploring money-related themes like knowing the difference between wants and needs, and developing the habit of spending and saving.

According to Vohra, "Financial education should not be underestimated. Even at a young age, it is important to start a conversation with our children on how they can become wise savers, careful spenders and smart consumers. So, we are very grateful that our long time partner in advocating financial literacy, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will continue and develop what we have started with ‘Money Matters for Kids!.’"

According to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., "This exhibit will be a great help in enriching our financial literacy initiatives and we look forward to transporting it to different cities, municipalities and provinces around the country. Being involved in financial education is a process, a long-term investment. Our taking over ‘Money Matters for Kids!’ is certainly in line with our advocacy and we will pursue its thrust to educate children about the values of money for them to have good financial decisions."

Elementary school students from Dona Aurora Quezon Elementary School joined officials of BSP, Citi Philippines, PBSP and Museo Pambata during the simple turnover rites, and also excitedly toured the exhibit when it opened.

Involving beneficiaries ‘better approach’

2011-09-09T09:57:00.000+08:00

Involving beneficiaries ‘better approach’
By Mia A. Aznar
Sun.Star Cebu
September 8, 2011

Rather than dole out cash assistance for corporate social responsibility programs, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) prefers to involve their beneficiaries in projects and allows them to develop things themselves so they can go on without help.

That is PBSP’s thrust with Scope, or the Strategic Corporate-Community Partnership for Local Development program, which works along the value chains of Philippine-based companies.

PBSP vice chairman for the Visayas executive committee Philip Tan said the difference Scope has with other assistance programs is that beneficiaries are able to go through a complete business cycle and can be left on their own once they are established.

He cited as example food production, where beneficiaries are linked with suppliers so they have a proper market, instead of just producing crops without knowing where to sell these.

He hopes such programs, particularly a partnership between a Bohol-based bakeshop known for peanut candies, cookies and pastries, and a farmers’ cooperative will do well.

Scope consultant Jana Franke, who is also with the German Development Corp. (Giz), explained that Scope engages the private sector, determines what it needs and finds ways to meet these needs through beneficiaries.

She said many companies have problems and that their approach is to address the needs of the private sector by developing communities to meet the needs of these companies.

She said that this way, the program is mutually beneficial to both parties.

Self-reliant
She said that in the end, communities become self-reliant and that there is local development through job and income generation. The programs they introduce integrate local communities into value chains of companies as suppliers of services or semi-processed goods.

Franke said they prefer to provide semi-processed products because they want to foster the abilities of beneficiaries without overwhelming them with the amount of work they have to do to complete a project.

She said semi-processed goods are more manageable but they can also mark up their prices because a product has undergone pre-processing.

“There is limited economic risk through a pre-defined market,” she explained.

Fellow Scope and Giz consultant Janina Wohlgemuth said that in the case of Jojie’s Bakeshop in Bohol, they learned the bakery had to import peanuts from China just so they can keep up with the demand for peanut delicacies Bohol is known for.

She explained that Scope came in by introducing peanut planting to the Carmen Multipurpose Cooperative by providing seeds, soil analysis, organic fertilizer and post-harvest facilities. The peanuts are grown during the idle period of rice production, which allows added income for the community and benefits Jojie’s Bakeshop by allowing them to expand their local supply and ensure the quality is high.

In Cebu, scrap materials from furniture company Dedon are given to fashion accessories company GracieQ, which hires out-of-school youths to weave and put together the famous “pusó” designs.

Another group of boys is not shy about working with sewing machines, accepting subcontracted upholstery projects for Interior Crafts of the Islands, owned by Kenneth Cobonpue.

Donations
For Tan, corporate social responsibility should not just be limited to donations.

“If we want to help communities, they have to help themselves,” he said, adding that donations will not last long, as donors will eventually tire of giving out money.

Tan said developing communities this way is better than donating things like a school building, saying there is little impact if the students continue to have poor grades despite the donation.

Corporate Citizenship 101

2011-09-08T15:27:00.000+08:00

Corporate Citizenship 101 | A Traning Workshop

Representatives from selected PBSP member companies attended a training workshop on corporate citizenship. The training course, organized by PBSP's Membership and Development Unit, aims to give participants a solid grasp of the essential concepts and tools of corporate citizenship. Participants will learn how corporate responsibility can be channeled to strategic social investments to help build better communities, and assess the potential of employing market-based solutions to social and environmental challenges.

The event took place last September 7 at the Casino Español de Cebu.

See the full gallery on our photosite

PBSP eyes watershed rehab, TB control as scaled-up PPP programs

2011-09-08T13:52:00.000+08:00

PBSP eyes watershed rehab, TB control as scaled-up PPP programs
September 8, 2011
Balita

MANILA, Sept. 8 — The corporate-led Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) is eyeing the rehabilitation of watersheds and the prevention and control of the spread of tuberculosis as part of two major programs to be scaled up similar to a public-private partnership (PPP) structure.

Rafael Cojuangco Lopa, PBSP executive director, said the programs would form part of the business sector roadmap to support the achievement of the Philippine commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of the United Nations, particularly on health and the environment.

Among the business sector’s response to health-related MDGs are supporting responsible parenthood programs, local health service delivery management, and initiatives on preventing HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, and other tropical diseases.

Meanwhile, among the corporate sector’s response to environment, MDGs are supporting biodiversity programs, sustainable production and consumption, PPP to provide potable water, and slum area development investments.

With a membership of 248 companies, PBSP was established in 1970 as the business sector’s arm in developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating projects that manifest the various companies’ initiatives on corporate social responsibility (CSR).

“We in PBSP envision leading the business sector’s collective efforts to reduce poverty in the country,” Lopa said. “We endeavor to do this by promoting business sector leadership in and commitment to programs that lead to self-reliance.”

PBSP is also involved in the Save the Buhisan watershed project in Cebu, as well as in the reforestation of 5,000 hectares within the Central Cebu protected landscape.

It is also involved in the replication efforts in rehabilitating the Marikina watershed to ensure stable water supply and mitigate damaging flashfloods and mudslides like the ones in the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in September 2009.

On TB prevention and control, PBSP is at the forefront of addressing the threat of the dreaded disease, wherein the country ranks 9th in the world on TB prevalence based on the 2010 statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Still killing an average of 75-80 Filipinos per day and infecting 131 out of 100,000 individuals, TB has already evolved in newer forms that are even harder to treat, such as multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB and extreme drug resistant (XDR) TB.

In its 40 years of existence, PBSP has harnessed a collective force towards social change by mobilizing social investment funds for various CSR projects, and by leveraging these corporate financial contributions together with international multilateral aid and grant-giving institutions, Lopa said.

Among PBSP’s partners in its TB health care initiatives are the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the international PPP organization Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria (GFATM).

From 1970 to 2010, PBSP has invested about P6.2 billion to support 7,828 projects for 4.3 million household beneficiaries, Lopa said.

But beyond mobilizing corporate philanthropy funds and leveraging them with aid monies and grants, Lopa said that there was a need to adopt business strategies and harness existing core business solutions, products, and services that address societal and environmental problems and issues, resulting in a more inclusive economic growth and integrated environmental protection initiative.

“We need to have better ways of measuring the efficiency and effectiveness of our work, and to put in place a more robust capacity to manage multi-stakeholder engagements and fund management and accounting systems,” Lopa said.

.5-M desks eyed for public school pupils

2011-08-30T11:57:00.000+08:00

.5-M desks eyed for public school pupilsBy Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 30, 2011

Seven years before her death, Corazon Aquino started to build yet another legacy in the spirit of people power.

As Filipino students faced another year of learning under a tree instead of a classroom, on the floor instead of seated on a chair, the former President gathered business leaders to find a solution.

The response was a project that brought close to 24,000 school desks to some 120 public schools from 2002 to 2007.

Last week, the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF) and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) revived the program as lack of resources continued to hobble the country’s public schools.

“I am sure you have made mom very happy again,” Viel Aquino-Dee, an Aquino daughter and now NCAF trustee, said of the project that would use the Internet, among others, to reach donors here and abroad.

“I am very hopeful that all Filipino schoolchildren will soon be spending their formative years in a more conducive learning environment,” Dee said at the launch in Makati City.

Target
This time, the project aims to make a dent in the 5-million shortage in the public school system’s seating capacity, said Rafa Lopa, executive director in both NCAF and PBSP.

The goal is to bring some 486,303 seats to 2,523 public elementary and high schools in the country’s poorest provinces, mainly those in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“We need to provide a platform where each individual (can contribute) however small it may be, (but) if put together, can really effect a lot of change,” Lopa said.

He said PBSP and NCAF wanted to reach out to individual donors this time, adding that the project mainly depended on “the usual suspects” in corporate sponsorship in its first outing during Cory Aquino’s time.

“The reason why we put this platform is also to mobilize many people who want to give. You’ll be surprised actually that many people want to help but they don’t know how. And I think it’s important to be able to communicate that this is one way for them to actually do so,” Lopa said.

Online facility
Donors may log on to www.igivebacknow.pbsp.org.ph, an online facility powered by Union Bank and managed by PBSP, to give their share either through credit card, debit or other convenient payment

“This is in the spirit of people power, and President Noy has also mentioned that everybody has to do their share,” Lopa said.

“The launch of this digital platform for individual and corporate giving is indeed a very welcome development as it could further scale up this very important school desk project named after my mother to complement many other classrooms construction projects,” Dee said.

NCAF and PBSP have long been involved in the education advocacy and are running a program to build some 10,000 public school classrooms.

Government figures show that the public school system is short by at least 60,000 classrooms to reach the ideal ratio of one classroom for 45 students.

Watershed, river plan sought

2011-08-29T11:58:00.000+08:00

Watershed, river plan sought
By Candeze R. Mongaya
Cebu Daily News
August 29, 2011

Much work lies ahead for Cebu province if it wants to resolve its flooding and water supply problems.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said this as he called on local government officials and stakeholders to draft a comprehensive water management and flooding plan to protect Cebu’s river basins and ensure the sustainability of province’s water supply.

The Central Cebu River Basins Management Council (CCRBMC) which Palma co-chairs will map plans using an ecosystems approach to river management that considers interdependent factors like forest cover and socio-economics.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7), Cebu province has the most number of confiscated forest products in the region this year with 126.64 cubic meters worth of wood valued at P792,758.00.

About 270 cubic meters of forest products were seized by the agency from January to July 2011 with an estimated worth of P1.4 million.

Palma said the Cebuanos should take an active part towards protecting their river basins, watersheds and forests.

“Everything is inter-related. When people are concerned and aware and will do something to solve the problem, something can be done. We need to understand the importance of water and how it can be sustainable,” Palma told Cebu Daily News in an interview.

Palma said a proper management plan is crucial to protect Cebu’s river basins in order to solve Cebu’s water woes.

In a pastoral letter last July 21, Palma called on the Cebuano flock to participate in the management and sustenance of the river basins.

“We need to actualize an action-reflection-action praxis towards integrated water resources management,” the 61-year-old prelate said.

Palma lamented what he said was the Cebuanos’ failure to be sensitive and conscientious to the water crisis.

“Complacency has no room for a long overdue homework. Cooperation and collaboration will be effective if each one understands their role and can undertake responsibility for their specific function,” Palma said.

Soccoro Artiaga, executive director for Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water (CUSW) said raising awareness among communites is important to keep watershed development and river basin protection projects sustainable.

Artiaga and other CUSW members along with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) led the resource and land use planning for the Buhisan watershed last week.

“We need to train the communities in watershed management and development planning and we should also be aware of the issues and concern from the community,” Artiaga told Cebu Daily News.

She said they discussed such issues as the protection of the watersheds from illegal cutters, the siltation due to lack of forest cover, planting native tree species and the hunting of endemic animals.

Among the native tree species found in Buhisan Watershed are nara, lumbang, tipolo, talu-tu and lagdub.

Artiaga said the communities weren’t consulted on the policies that were later adopted for watershed areas.

“The communities also need to feel a sense of ownership in protecting the watershed areas,” Artiaga said.

In Bohol, about 121.19 cubic meters of forest products valued at P324,376.08 were seized while Negros Oriental apprehended 19.79 cubic meters of forest products worth P271,906.07.

Most of the forest products seized were lumber, flitches, timber, log, squared timber, boat keel, firewood, logbolts, charcoal, tanbark and poles.

They were confiscated from the port areas of Tagbilaran and Talibon in Bohol, Argao, Carmen, Toledo City and Cebu City, Ayungon and Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental and in Siquijor.

Regional DENR-7 Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso said the forest products lacked transportation documents and were mis-declared in violation of the country’s Forestry Code.

Dichoso said transport documents are important to determine the reduction of forest cover where the trees were cut down and ensure a control mechanism on the unauthorized movement and disposition of contraband forest products.

Revival of school chairs project marks launch of donation website

2011-08-29T11:55:00.000+08:00

Revival of school chairs project marks launch of donation website
August 29, 2011
Newsbytes Philippines

The recent re-launch of a school chairs project in honor of former President Cory Aquino also marked the unveiling of a donation website aimed at soliciting funds from Filipinos inside and outside of the country.

PBSP executive director Rafael Lopa speaks during the recent launch of iGiveBackNow as Viel Aquino-Dee and former Ambassador Bienvenido Tan Jr. listen.

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), a non-profit organization whose member companies include some of the country’s biggest corporations, unveiled the online giving facility recently at a simple launch event in Makati City.

The donation website, iGiveBackNow, is separate from the PBSP’s website and is hosted by UnionBank.

The online facility incorporates a number of features, including a dashboard to monitor collection information, guidance for Paypal, Facebook, and Twitter set-up to facilitate local and global donations, mobile text donation, GCash, and Smart Money to make the process easier.

The online giving facility will start off with the President Corazon C. Aquino School Desk Project as the primary beneficiary. The project is being re-launched nine years after it ended in 2007 and nine years after it began in 2002.

After providing desks and chairs to various schools from Iloilo to Basilan and Maguindanao, the project would now be targeting at least 486,303 seats for around 2,523 public elementary and high schools nationwide, mostly in the poor provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The project aims to benefit more than 5 million Filipino students who lack school desks and chairs, squatting on the floor, or sitting on one-slab benches inside their makeshift classrooms.

From 2002 to 2007, the school desk project was able to grant at least 23,259 school desks to around 120 public schools nationwide. PBSP spearheaded the project through Ambassador Bienvenido Tan, a former chairman of its board of directors.

Business fills shortages in school resources

2011-08-28T11:58:00.000+08:00

Business fills shortages in school resourcesBy Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 28, 2011

Aiming to help provide schools what government can barely afford, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) has partnered with imaging company Epson to bring learning resources to public schools in Batangas.

PBSP said it was partnering with Epson CARES [Contribution to the Advancement and Restoration of Environment and Society] to build 11 Learning Resource Centers in Lipa City and fill gaps in critical school resources.

The joint undertaking, part of PBSP’s multipronged approach to help government address school resource shortages, aims to bring desks, tables, books and other school supplies to beneficiary schools.

The project will benefit an estimated 5,503 students and some 94 teachers, PBSP said in a statement.

“This project should really be replicated because more underserved public schools are still in need of such help from the business sector,” said PBSP project officer Maria Kristia Bueno.

The partnership launched the program this month with the hand-over of library sets to San Salvador Elementary School, which has some 334 students, and Pangao Elementary School, where some 665 students are currently enrolled.

Epson president Osamu Koshiishi led hand-over rites at the schools earlier this month. Epson had funded its school supplies donation through proceeds from an earlier recycling program that collected used lead-acid batteries, PBSP said.

“[We are] so glad that Epson has a heart to raise the academic status of our youth,” said Pangao Elementary School principal Erlinda Tiquio in accepting the donation.

Other beneficiary schools of the PBSP-Epson program include Abundio, Santo Toribio, Bugtong na Pulo, San Benito Pagolingin Bata, Rizal, Malitlit-Anangi and Malagundlong Elementary Schools and Teodoro M. Kalaw Memorial School.

Long involved in the education-for-all campaign, PBSP also partnered earlier this year with the Department of Education for the construction of up to 10,000 classrooms to help reduce the shortage of more than 60,000 rooms.

Foundations launch school desk project

2011-08-23T12:00:00.000+08:00

Foundations launch school desk projectBy Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 23, 2011

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Business for Social Progress and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation on Tuesday launched a program aimed at filling a shortage of desks in the country’s public schools.

Reviving an advocacy of the late former President Corazon Aquino, the two groups relaunched their School Desk Project, this time tapping the Internet to reach as many donors from around the country and overseas.

Called iGiveBackNow, the project hopes to encourage individuals to contribute what they can toward filling the shortage of desks, currently estimated at five million.

Through the website www.igiveback.pbsp.org.ph, donors may give a one-time donation or regular donations via credit card, PayPal, Globe G-Cash, Cebuana Lhuiller and Western Union.

The project aims to deliver close to 500,000 monoblock desks within two years to some 2,500 public elementary and high schools nationwide, mostly in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

RAFI, 10 partners back Young Minds Academy

2011-08-19T10:16:00.003+08:00

RAFI, 10 partners back Young Minds Academy
Cebu Daily News
August 19th, 2011

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) entered into an agreement with six civil society organizations and four local government units for Young Minds Academy (YMA) Season 5, RAFI’s youth leadership and citizenship development program.

The agreement was signed together with the YMA scholars last Aug. 2 at the Bryant George Hall of the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC) of RAFI.

Among the project partners are the Fellowship for Organizing Endeavors Inc., Philippine Business for Social Progress, Gawad Kalinga, Mag-uugmad Foundation Inc., Kadasig Parents Association Inc., Lihok Pilipina Foundation Inc., Cebu City and the municipalities of Consolacion, Liloan and Cordova.

These project partners will guide the different teams of YMA scholars in developing a community project and will serve as co-implementing partner should the project of their assigned team qualify for funding.

RAFI may directly co-implement some of the qualified projects through its Integrated Development unit and RAFI Micro-finance.

Since last March, the scholars underwent learning sessions on character and leadership building, creative thinking, social development, research, participatory project development, thematic input sessions, community exposures and immersion.

Each team of scholars was assigned to develop a project addressing issues and concerns related to poverty and social welfare, the season 5 theme.

The project sites were identified by the project partners.

“As we upscale and innovate in YMA, we also make the engagement of our partners more meaningful,” said Evelyn Nacario-Castro, executive director of EADSC.

This is the first time that RAFI engaged project partners in the entire project development process of the YMA scholars.

The project partners will also manage the grant of P100,000 that RAFI will give to qualified projects.

YMA, run by EADSC, is sponsored by City Savings Bank and UnionBank of the Philippines.

For more information about YMA, contact 418-7234 local 110 and look for Mel Yan.

Housing confab

2011-08-19T10:07:00.001+08:00

Housing confab
Manila Standard Today
By Isah V. Red
August 18, 2011

The 2nd National Convention of the Organization of Socialized Housing Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP) and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) to be held on Aug. 25-26, is topbilled by guests and resource persons assured to make it a convergence of multi-sectoral stakeholders in search of low-end housing solutions.

With the Holiday Inn Hotel, Clark Freeport Philippines, Pampanga as venue, the two-day convention targets the active multi-stakeholder participation, not only of government housing agencies, the private real estate practitioners, but also of the local government units, the commerce and trade groups, according to Engineer Jefferson S. Bongat, OSHDP national president.

President Benigno S. Aquino III has been invited to keynote the opening of the convention, with Vice President Jejomar C. Binay expected to lead guests on the second day.

The first plenary session opens with Economic Planning Sec. Cayetano Paderanga to give an overview of the role of housing under the government’s development blueprint, the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.

This early the following speakers for Day 1 have confirmed their attendance: Atty. Miguel B. Varela, chairman emeritus of the Phil. Chamber of Commerce and Industry(PCCI), to speak on “The PCCI as Partner of Government in Sustaining Housing Delivery;” Interior Sec. Jesse M. Robredo, “Local Government Units’ Role in Support of Socialized and Low-Cost Housing;” BIR Dep. Com. Nelson M. Aspe, “Tax Incentives to Socialized and Low-Cost Housing;” Land Registration Authority Dep. Administrator Robert Nomar V. Leyretana and LARES president Delfin T. Hallare, Jr., “Computerization of Land Titling Process.”

For his part, Atty. Christopher Ryan T. Tan, OSHDP vice president and overall convention chairman, reported that Day 2 opens with a Panel Discussion with heads of government housing agencies on initiatives to ensure an enabling policy environment and program implementation impetus to socialized housing.

The Panel of resource persons include: Atty. Antonio M. Bernardo, Commissioner and CEO, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board; Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe, president and CEO, Home Development Mutual Fund; Ma. Ana R. Oliveros, president, Social Housing Finance Corporation; Atty. Chito M. Cruz, General manager, National Housing Authority; Atty. Manuel R. Sanchez, president, Home Guaranty Corporation; and Joseph Peter S. Sison, president, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation.

Special Guest of Honor and Luncheon Speaker is Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, concurrent Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council.

Rounding up the list of afternoon speakers are Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Chairman Committee on Housing and Urban Development, “Updates on Legislative Agenda for Housing;” Guillermo C. Choa, president, Property of Friends, “How Developers Adapt to Limitations in Funding for Housing;” Dr. Nathaniel von Einsiedel, chairman, CONCEP, “Innovative Construction Techniques in Socialized Housing;” Benedict Balderrama, National Coordinator, PHILSSA, and Rafael C. Lopa, PBSP Executive director and Rene Fortuno, director, both on “Success Stories in Cooperative/Corporate Housing.”

NGO in Cebu inks agreement with civil society, LGUs for youth dev't program

2011-08-17T09:24:00.002+08:00

NGO in Cebu inks agreement with civil society, LGUs for youth dev't program
Philippine Information Agency
August 17, 2011

CEBU, August 16 (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) inked a partnership agreement with six civil society organizations and four local government units for the project development phase of the Young Minds Academy (YMA) Season 5.

With the YMA scholars and the project partners they signed the agreement recently at the Bryant George Hall of the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC). YMA is RAFI's youth leadership and citizenship development programs.

Since March 2011, the YMA scholars underwent learning sessions on character and leadership building; creative thinking and social development; research and participatory project development; thematic input sessions, community exposures, and immersion.

These allowed each team of scholars to develop projects that address issues and concerns related to poverty and social welfare, the YMA season 5 theme.

The project partners in concurrence with RAFI identified the project sites for the scholars to work on with.

EADSC executive director, Evelyn Nacario-Castro said this is the first time that RAFI engaged project partners in the entire project development process of the YMA scholars.

The project partners will also manage the grant of not more than Php 100T that RAFI will give to qualified projects. YMA, run by EADSC, is sponsored by City Savings Bank and UnionBank of the Philippines, Castro stated.

“As we upscale and innovate in YMA, we also make the engagement of our partners more meaningful,” Castro added, RAFI has always worked with internal and external partners in delivering the various components of YMA.

Partners of the program are the Fellowship for Organizing Endeavors (FORGE) Inc., Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Gawad Kalinga, Mag-uugmad Foundation Inc., Kadasig Parents Association Inc. (KAPAI), Lihok Pilipina Foundation Inc., Cebu City, and the Municipalities of Consolacion, Liloan, and Cordova.

They will guide the different teams of YMA scholars in developing a community assets or needs-based project model and will serve as co-implementing partner should the project of their assigned team be qualified for funding.

RAFI may also directly co-implement some of the qualified projects through its Integrated Development unit and RAFI Micro-finance. For more information about YMA, please contact 418-7234 loc. 110 and look for Mel Yan. (PIA-7/MBCNewman & RAFI)

Del Rosario dares businessmen to get involved in public education

2011-08-16T10:01:00.000+08:00

Del Rosario dares businessmen to get involved in public education
By Lydia C. Pendon
The Daily Guardian
August 16, 2011

ONE of the country’s top businessmen and trader has hurled a challenge to the business community to get involved in elementary and high school education by helping provide accessibility and quality education to those who can barely afford to go to school.

Ramon R. del Rosario Jr., president and chief executive officer of Phinma Corporation, owner of Phinma-University of Iloilo here, said that private business in Manila and Iloilo could partner with the government in providing better education and upgrade the National Achievement Test (NAT) mean percentage score of 40, 44, 47 in science, math and English in Iloilo City’s elementary and secondary education.

The topnotch businessman disclosed that the country needs 120,000 new classrooms for public education and that the private sector could also help enhance and subsidize the training needs of teachers to improve teacher’s quality.

Del Rosario was a major speaker during the 1st Iloilo City Business Summit with the topic “World Class Education Towards Entrepreneurship spearheaded by the Iloilo City government and the Iloilo City Trade and Investment Promotions Board.

Aside from several business corporations he headed, del Rosario is currently chairman of the National Museum of the Philippines, the Makati Business Club, Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), Philippines-US Business Council, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). co-Chairman of the National Mission Council of de la Salle Philippines, Chairman of the Board of Advisers of the Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. Center for Corporate Social Responsibility at the Asian Institute of Management, Vice chairman of Caritas (Manila) and member of the Board of Trustees of Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Synergeia and the PinoyME Foundation.

He is the sole private sector representative in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) of the Philippine government.

PEZA-MEZ inks partnership for Balik-Baterya program

2011-08-10T09:41:00.002+08:00

PEZA-MEZ inks partnership for Balik-Baterya program
The Freeman
August 10, 2011

In a unified call for environment protection, the Philippine Export Zone Authority-Mactan Economic Zone (PEZA-MEZ) and its locators has commited to support the Balik-Baterya Program by donating all its used batteries for the cause.

The commitment was sealed through an agreement signed between PEZA-MEZ and Balik-Baterya coordinators Oriental and Motolite Marketing Corporation (OMMC) and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in a forum held recently at the PEZA-MEZ session hall of Mactan Economic Zone 2, Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

In attendance were PEZA-MEZ Department Manager of Operations Atty. Rufino San Juan IV, PEZA-MEZ CSR Head Engr. Rolando Patalinghug, OMMC CSR head Eman Ragaza, PBSP Visayas Regional Office Senior Program Officer Olive Jabido and 20 locators that already committed to join PEZA-MEZ for the cause coined 'Batteries for the Earth, Batteries for the Future Project'.

In his speech, Atty. San Juan assured PBSP and OMMC that the newfound partnership will continue to gather more locators to donate their used lead acid batteries (ULABs) to the program.

“With the help of the organizers, the very things we consider wastes like used batteries can help provide for the foundation of our children’s future. This project may not be able to put back power into the used batteries, but the used batteries can put power in the minds of thousands of children,” he said.

“This (partnership) is a ‘solution within a solution.’ The program enables us to address an environmental concern while helping us support better education for the schoolchildren. By having Philippine Recyclers Inc. and Motolite as partners, we know that our ULABs are properly treated and disposed of. Equally important, having PBSP with the program assures us of a sustainable and worthwhile development for the children,” PEZA-MEZ Environment, Health and Safety Officer Verna Luz Daño added.

Launched in 2006, the Motolite-PBSP Balik-Baterya Program intends to protect the environment through proper disposal and recycling of ULABs as well as improve the quality of learning among pupils.

ULABs donated by companies are bought by OMMC and the proceeds are used to fund the establishment of learning resource centers (LRCs), which take the form of mini-libraries that include a table, chairs and a bookshelf filled with books and supplementary instructional materials on basic academic subjects.

The signing of agreement also marked the start of collection of used batteries donated by the 20 PEZA-MEZ locators.

The donation, worth more than 16 tons, could generate more than PhP 380,000, enough to fund for at least nine LRCs.

To make the program more sustainable, PEZA-MEZ plans to schedule quarterly collections for its locators in a year.

"This program focuses on the concerted effort among MEZ locators. No matter how small the amount of ULABs a locator commits for this program, when taken together, the difference these locators make to the environment and to the schoolchildren are even more significant," Daño said.

Locators that joined the program include Accuform Inc., Cebu Chip Connection, Cebu Iwakami Corp., Euro-CB (Phils). Inc., Halsangz Plating Cebu Corp., HPOI Corp., KGS Phils. Corp., Lear Corp., Lexmark International Phils. Inc., MSM Cebu Inc., NKC Mfg. Phils. Corp., Olympus Optical Products Philippines Inc., SAWO Inc., Taiyo Yuden Phils. Inc., Philippine Tonan Corp., Pacific Aeronautical Inc., Philippines Light-Leather Inc., Cebu Logitem Inc., Ina Micro Opto Corp. and Toa Kiko Cebu Corp.

SoLeyte Disaster Mgmt. Office to enlist teachers in SMS early warning

2011-08-09T13:39:00.000+08:00

SoLeyte Disaster Mgmt. Office to enlist teachers in SMS early warning
By ES Gorne
Philippine Information Agency
August 9, 2011

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Management Office (PDMO ) in Southern Leyte will soon enlist the school teachers in the SMS technology in disaster reponse particularly in sending out alerts during inclement weather.

To properly guide the teachers on determining whether to allow the children to come to school especially during inclement weather by sending them the official weather forcasts of PAG-ASA via text messaging, Jason Calva, head of “Strengthening Disaster Preparedness thru the SMS technology project” reported during the “Action, Solusyon, Inisyatibo” radio program over DyDM this morning.

Calva said he hopes to gain the cooperation or support of the school teachers to become actively involved in the early warning during unpleasant weather conditions hence it will aide them to give proper notifications to schoolchildren.

That the schoolteachers in the province will be among the registered moblie users that will be recipient to the text messaging alerts thru the PDMO.

Earlier PDMO had coordinated with the “warning agencies” of the government, such as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), the Red Cross, Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Department of Health (DOH, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the provincial environment office, to avail the disaster preparedness thru SMS technology, Calva said.

He shared that during the last visit of Chis Pablo, the World Bank (WB) representative, together with executives of Smart Communications and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), it was already established an infoboard system of centralized broadcasting using text to registered mobile users has worked quite well.

The project, funded by the WB and supported by Smart and PBSP, was a pilot undertaking In the Philippines since September 2010 for two years, and the success here would mean this will be replicated in other provinces of the country, and in Vietnam, Calva informed. (opt/PIA SoLeyte/esg)

Aboitz plants 35T seedlings in nationwide tree planting

2011-08-09T12:17:00.000+08:00

Aboitz plants 35T seedlings in nationwide tree planting
The Freeman
August 8, 2011

Team members of Aboitiz Group companies planted an estimated 35,000 seedlings in different areas nationwide during their annual simultaneous tree planting last July 23.

In Cebu, more than 500 volunteers braved the muddy and sloping terrain in Barangay Pung-ol Sibugay in Cebu City to plant approximately 17,000 seedlings of indigenous trees on a nine-hectare land.

Other sites of the tree planting included Laguna, Rizal, Compostela Valley, Agusan del Norte, Manila, Subic, Davao, Albay and Maguindanao.

“We do not only plant trees for the sake of planting. We plant indigenous trees that support and complement local flora and fauna and support a healthier ecosystem … Remember that every seedling we plant is a gift to our planet and to our future generations. We create a better world with every tree that we plant,” said Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) President and CEO Erramon Aboitiz, who attended the Cebu leg of the activity.

Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Executive Director Rafael Lopa, who was present in the activity, said, “We are dedicated to the reforestation of critically denuded protected watersheds in the country as a strategy to combat climate change and to reverse the loss of natural resources. We will engage in more integrated watershed management projects … and continue partnering with you in the business community.”
The Aboitiz Group and PBSP have been partners in implementing various social development projects.

The volunteers came from the following Aboitiz Group companies: AEV; AboitizPower; Pilmico Foods Corp.; Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corp.; Union Bank of the Philippines; City Savings Bank; Davao Light & Power Company, Inc.; Cotabato Light & Power Company; Visayan Electric Company, Inc.; Mactan EnerZone Corp.; Balamban EnerZone Corp.; Aboitiz Land Inc.; Cebu Industrial Park Developers, Inc.; Metaphil International; Therma Marine Inc.; Aboitiz Jebsen; SN AboitizPower; Hedcor, Inc.; APRI; and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.

Volunteers from Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., Aboitiz Future Leaders Business Summit, Banilad Night High School, and Aboitiz Race To Reduce runners also took part in the event.

The simultaneous tree planting is part of AEV-Sustainability Team’s Aboitiz Passion for Reforest and Agroforest to Keep (APARK), a Group-wide biodiversity enhancement program that seeks to plant 3 million trees nationwide by the year 2015.

“Since we began our simultaneous tree planting two years ago, I am pleased to inform you that our partners have reported a 90% - 95% survival rate for trees we planted in Aloguinsan in 2009 and in Barangay Sayaw last year,” Aboitiz said.

Summit to focus on innovative entrepreneurship

2011-08-09T12:14:00.000+08:00

Summit to focus on innovative entrepreneurship
By Mia A. Aznar
Sun.Star Cebu
August 8, 2011

Innovative entrepreneurship will be the focus for the day-long One Cebu Business and Sustainability Summit tomorrow, with professors from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business among the resource speakers.

The business summit, which is one of the activities of the Mandaue Business Month, will feature Enrique Soriano III, who will discuss current challenges of family businesses.

Soriano, who is chairman of the marketing cluster of the Ateneo Graduate School of Business, is a senior consultant of Wong+Bemstein Business Advisory Group and was Group CEO of the Belo Medical Group, a statement from the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry stated.

As a professor, his focus is to help family businesses succeed and to educate on the need to utilize comprehensive and integrated approaches for the benefit of a family business system. He often does workshops and advisory work on family succession in business strategy in countries such as the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and China.

His colleague Jorge Wieneke III will discuss building an entrepreneurial character.

Wieneke, who is considered a veteran in the food industry, is known for conceptualizing and expanding Potato Corner.

He considers creating entrepreneurs out of the Filipino majority as his advocacy, with the “ultimate goal” of making Filipinos self-sufficient and proud of their own.

He was one of the founding members of the Association for Filipino Franchisors Inc.

He teaches entrepreneurship at the Center for Continuous Education of the Ateneo de Manila while providing mentoring and consultancy, business development and marketing for food businesses, goods and services.

Andrew Hodges of Microsoft Asia will also speak on innovations for better governance while Go Negosyo Foundation executive director Mon Lopez will discuss The Go Negosyo Quest.

Out of the box
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s vice president for infrastructure, housing and construction, Eric Cruz, will speak on innovative public-private partnership, while Donald Lim of the McCann World group will talk about out-of-the-box marketing.

Participants of the summit will also learn the story of Human Nature from Dylan Wilk of Gawad Kalinga, and the MyShelter Foundation from its executive director Illac Diaz.

Philip Tan, vice chairman of the Visayas executive committee of the Philippine Business for Social Progress, will also explain how to do innovative corporate social responsibility.

Held in partnership with the Cebu Provincial Government, the summit will be held at the Cebu International Convention Center.

Group "helps teachers teach"

2011-08-06T12:14:00.000+08:00

Group "helps teachers teach"
By Maria Corazon Madera
The Freeman
August 6, 2011

CEBU, Philippines - While a common concern is the welfare of the students, a non-government multi-sectoral organization is focusing its efforts on helping the country’s teachers.

The Coalition For Better Education (CBE), according to Dr. Regina Galigao of the University of the Visayas College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), has helped her deal with students more effectively and invoked in them a desire to give time for community service programs.

CBE was first convened in 2001 by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), Aboitiz Group Foundation Inc. (AGFI) and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in cooperation of Cebu Normal University (CNU).

It is composed of different education stakeholders like students, faculty, government and parents. It is also a collaboration of faculty members from both public and private schools.

Its 279 members undergo trainings to improve their teaching methods and assessment of students thru lectures and discussions.

They also hold conferences and seminars such as on the use of technology like websites, where teachers can get something new to offer to students.

Nancy Tampus, a faculty member of Basak Night Highschool and a member of Global Filipino Teachers (GFT), said the group has improved them and empowered them as teachers.

CBE Executive Director Luchi Flores told The FREEMAN that they are celebrating their 10th Founding Anniversary at Radisson Blu Hotel. The celebration is highlighted by trainings aimed at helping students to increase passing rates especially in rural schools.

CBE also conducted a job fair at the SM Ground Floor.

Balik-Baterya Program gets boost

2011-08-06T12:11:00.000+08:00

Balik-Baterya Program gets boost
Cebu Daily News
August 6, 2011

In a unified call for environment protection, the Philippine Export Zone Authority-Mactan Economic Zone (PEZA-MEZ) and its locators sealed its commitment to support the Balik-Baterya Program by donating all its used batteries for the cause.

The PEZA-MEZ and Balik-Baterya coordinators Oriental and Motolite Marketing Corporation (OMMC) and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) signed an agreement during a forum held recently at the PEZA-MEZ session hall of Mactan Economic Zone 2, in barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

Present at the signing were PEZA-MEZ’s department manager of operations lawyer Rufino San Juan IV, corporate social responsiblity (CSR) head engineer Rolando Patalinghug, OMMC CSR head Eman Ragaza, PBSP Visayas Regional Office senior program officer Olive Jabido and the 20 locators.

In his speech, lawyer San Juan assured PBSP and OMMC that the partnership will continue to gather more locators to donate their used lead acid batteries to the program.

“With the help of the organizers, the very things we consider as wastes like used batteries can help provide for the foundation of our children’s future. This project may not be able to put back power into the used batteries, but the used batteries can put power in the minds of thousands of children,” he said.

“This (partnership) is a ‘solution within a solution.’ The program enables us to address an environmental concern while helping us support better education for the schoolchildren. By having Philippine Recyclers Inc. and Motolite as partners, we know that our used lead acid batteries (ULABs) are properly treated and disposed of. Equally important, having PBSP with the program assures us of a sustainable and worthwhile development for the children,” PEZA-MEZ Environment, Health and Safety officer Verna Luz Daño added.

Launched in 2006, the Motolite-PBSP Balik-Baterya Program aims to protect the environment through proper disposal and recycling of ULABs as well as improve the quality of learning among pupils.

ULABs donated by companies are bought by OMMC and the proceeds are used to fund the establishment of learning resource centers, such as mini-libraries that include a table, chairs and a bookshelf filled with books and supplementary instructional materials on basic academic subjects.

The signing of agreement also marked the start of collection of used batteries donated by the 20 PEZA-MEZ locators.

The donation of more than 16 tons of ULABs, which could generate more than P380,000, is enough to fund for at least nine LRCs.

To make the program more sustainable, PEZA-MEZ plans to schedule quarterly collections for its locators in a year.

Locators that joined the program include Accuform Inc., Cebu Chip Connection, Cebu Iwakami Corp., Euro-CB (Phils). Inc., Halsangz Plating Cebu Corp., HPOI Corp., KGS Phils. Corp., Lear Corp., Lexmark International Phils. Inc., MSM Cebu Inc., NKC Mfg. Phils. Corp., Olympus Optical Products Philippines Inc., SAWO Inc., Taiyo Yuden Phils. Inc., Philippine Tonan Corp., Pacific Aeronautical Inc., Philippines Light-Leather Inc., Cebu Logitem Inc., Ina Micro Opto Corp. and Toa Kiko Cebu Corp.

Cebu river basin council formed

2011-08-06T09:58:00.000+08:00

Cebu river basin council formed
By Hazel F. Gloria
Manila Standard Today
August 6, 2011

CEBU CITY—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has gathered a multi-sectoral group to form the Central Cebu River Basins Management Council as a driver for economic growth.

“This partnership with local executives of Cebu, national government agencies, and other stakeholders is proof that the DENR is serious and relentless in the pursuit of our mandate for an integrated watershed management as a national strategy,” said Maximo Dichoso, DENR Region 7 executive director.

He cited the overarching concern of Cebuanos over access to water as a key factor in health, social welfare, and economic progress.

Dichoso said water supply for domestic, industrial and agricultural use was showing increased salinity in lowland urban aquifers.

The morandum of cooperation of 37 representative sectors called for rehabilitation, protection and conservation of the river basins, recognizing that “the process of and Integrated Water Resources Management promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources.”

The memorandum signing was led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, Toledo City Mayor Aurelio Espinosa, and Danao City Mayor Ramon Durano Jr.

“We will seek the endorsement of the Regional Development Council-7 for support and in order to strengthen the organization also,” Dichoso said.

They were joined by Asturias Mayor Alan Adlawan, Balamban Mayor Ace Stefan Binghay, Compostela Officer-in-Charge and Department of Interior and Local Government-7 Regional Director Pedro Noval Jr., Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, Liloan Mayor Vincent Duke Frasco.

Participating agency heads included Metro Cebu Water District general manager Armando Paredes; Agriculture-7 regional executive director Leo Cañeda; Health-7 regional director Susana Madarieta; DPWH-7 director Pedro Herrera Jr.; TESDA-7 director Rosanna Urdaneta; NIA-7 director Diosdado Rosales; BFAR-7 head Andres Bojos; and lawyer Cesar Olaer, finance department.

The advocacy groups were represented by William Granert of Soil and Water Conservation Foundation Inc.; Jose Gapas, Mag-uugmad Foundation; Renato de Rueda, Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation; Rafael Lopa, Philippine Business for Social Progress; Joy Caceres, Environmental Legal Assistance Center; Evelyn Castro, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.; Fe Walag, University of San Carlos-Water Resources Center; Fr. Mar Alingasa; Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water executive director Socorro Atega; and Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Samuel Chioson.

Taking it from the birds

2011-08-06T09:46:00.000+08:00

Taking it from the birds
By Erma M. Cuizon
Sun.Star Cebu
August 6, 2011

CONCERN about nature and our world goes back before Christ.

Like in the Middle East in what Arabs called the Arab Agricultural Revolution in the 8th century, there was concern. Up to the modern times, there was the Great Smog in 1952 that affected London and killed 4,000 people, there was concern.

So now, how come it has taken us so long to do something about our environment? Do we need more natural disasters for us to worry (or do something) about our abuse of the ecosystem, asks one environmentalist.

Nilo Arribas, Jr. is a member of a group called Wild Birds Club of the Philippines who helps neighbors and the public realize the range of our environmental problem, from the point of view of birds.

He grew up in a small city in Mindanao as a boy who expected his parents to give him caged birds as gifts to make him happy.

As a boy, he never realized that the alimokon (brown fruit dove) inside the cage was unhappy. As with other birds, a caged one would have just the right colors, it jumped or flew gracefully in its wild life, it was a living toy for a small boy, or it was a friend for him, but a trapped friend. Then Arribas would later realize the bird was unhappy in his trap of a cage.

Arribas is a member of the wild birds club, which started as a small group of friends in Manila who’d come together for coffee along Roxas Blvd. to watch birds fly by for an hour or more. Then the club organized guided bird tours to the mudflats, like where the Mall of Asia is now, like in places where the sea and river meet, or mangrove areas.

But why care about birds?

In a world without birds, who’d eat insect pests and weed seeds? Some birds are scavengers, helpful in the problems of basura in the city. They also help pollinate flowers and other plants, moving seeds from one place to another and propagating trees in their own way, away from the mother tree, flushing the natural surroundings over and over again into lush growths of greens.

And they give us food, of course, like the chickens and ducks.

But the most interesting thing about birds is the story of bird migrants, which travel across the world annually like you haven’t done, not even on a plane, to cross from the cold countries in the northern hemisphere during winter, to Japan, passing by (to stay a few weeks or a month, or more months) the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Mactan, Cebu.

A photo exhibit put up last July at SM Cebu was probably one of its kind; an exhibit of migratory bird photos photographed by bird lovers. It opened with words from poet Simeon Dumdum, Jr., author of “If I Write You This Poem, Will You Let It Fly,” which is a book of poems on 129 kinds of birds in our life.

The exhibit was undertaken by the Philippine Business for Social Progress, MDR Microware Sales Inc., SM City Cebu, Pacific Online Systems, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines.

Has your grandma seen a photo exhibit of birds with bird-loving amateur photographers as participants? Not photos of tamsi (sun bird) nor goryon (sparrow) but Chinese egrets, Asiatic dowitchers, plovers, sandpipers and others of the world-traveling kind. The migratory birds come once a year to refuel and stay away from the winter and keep warm in Olango Island until it is time to go back to their nesting grounds in China, Siberia, or Alaska.

And again, the thought is simple. You could let it hit you as easily as the tamsi hums, as the sayaw dances, or the manatad swoops. God gave us his creation for us to take care of it and we get what we deserve if we don’t.

So now, shouldn’t we take it from the birds?

PEZA locators donate used batteries, fund mini-libraries

2011-08-05T12:08:00.000+08:00

PEZA locators donate used batteries, fund mini-libraries
By Fayette C. Riñen
Philippine Information Agency
August 4, 2011

CEBU CITY, August 4 – Twenty locators at the Philippine Export Zone Authority-Mactan Economic Zone (PEZA-MEZ) in Lapulapu City, Cebu donated more than 16 tons of used batteries to support the project dubbed ‘Balik Baterya’ Program that aims to establish learning resource centers (LRCs) for poor children, and at the same time to protect the environment.

An initiative of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Oriental & Motolite Marketing Corporation (OMMC), the program is a unified call for environmental protection through proper waste disposal and recycling of used lead acid batteries (ULABs) as well as improve the quality of learning among pupils by establishing LRCs.

ULABs donated by companies are bought by OMMC and the proceeds are used to fund the establishment of LRCs which take the form of mini-libraries that include a table, chairs and a bookshelf filled with books and supplementary instructional materials on basic academic subjects.

The more than 16 tons of used batteries donated by the PEZA-MEZ locators could generate more than P380,000 which is enough to fund at least nine LRCs, the PBSP said.

The donation on the other hand, was made possible through a memorandum of agreement signed between the PEZA-MEZ and program coordinators PBSP and OMMC in a forum held recently at the PEZA-MEZ session hall.

“With the help of the organizers, the very things we consider wastes like used batteries can help provide for the foundation of our children's future. This project may not be able to put back power into the used batteries, but the used batteries can put power in the minds of thousands of children,” PEZA-MEZ Department Manager of Operations Atty. Rufino San Juan IV said.

PEZA-MEZ Environment, Health and Safety Officer Verna Luz Daño on the other hand, said “This (partnership) is a ‘solution within a solution’. The program enables us to address an environmental concern while helping us support better education for the schoolchildren. By having PRI and Motolite as partners, we know that our ULABs are properly treated and disposed of. Equally important, having PBSP with the program assures us of a sustainable and worthwhile development for the children.”

The signing of the MOA also marked the start of collection of used batteries donated by the 20 PEZA-MEZ locators as the newfound partnership expressed hopes that other locators will follow suit. While to make the program more sustainable, the latter plans to schedule quarterly collections for its locators in a year, this is learned.

“This program focuses on the concerted effort among MEZ locators. No matter how small the amount of ULABs a locator commits for this program, when taken together, the difference these locators make to the environment and to the schoolchildren are much more significant,” Daño said.

Locators that already joined PEZA-MEZ for the Balik-Baterya Program include Accuform, Inc., Cebu Chip Connection, Cebu Iwakami Corporation, Euro-CB (Phils). Inc., Halsangz Plating Cebu Corp, HPOI Corporation, KGS Phils. Corp., Lear Corporation, Lexmark International Phils., Inc., MSM Cebu, Inc., NKC Mfg. Phils. Corp., Olympus Optical Products Philippines, Inc., SAWO Inc., Taiyo Yuden Phils., Inc., Philippine Tonan Corporation, Pacific Aeronautical, Inc., Philippines Light-Leather, Inc., Cebu Logitem, Inc., Ina Micro Opto Corp. and Toa Kiko Cebu Corporation.

The Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya Program was launched in 2006.

Pres. Aquino meanwhile, placed emphasis on environment and education as priority thrusts of his administration.

The said forum was attended by PEZA-MEZ Department Manager of Operations Atty. Rufino San Juan IV, PEZA-MEZ CSR Head Engr. Rolando Patalinghug, OMMC CSR Head Eman Ragaza, PBSP Visayas Regional Office Senior Program Officer Olive Jabido and 20 locators that already committed to join PEZA-MEZ for the cause coined ‘Batteries for the Earth, Batteries for the Future Project.’(PIA 7-Cebu with Reggie Marie Barrientos of PBSP)

Firms join hand in Balik Baterya Project

2011-08-04T09:33:00.000+08:00

Firms join hand in Balik Baterya Project
Sun.Star Cebu
August 3, 2011

NKC Manufacturing Philippines Corp., a manufacturing company in Mactan Economic Zone 2, Basak, Lapu-Lapu City recently partnered with the joint Balik Baterya Project of Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Oriental and Motolite Marketing Corporation (OMMC).

Used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) were disposed through the joint project in order to properly recycle the hazardous lead content of these batteries.

Motolite will then donate a financial amount to PBSP for the equivalent scrap value of the disposed batteries.

The partnership of NKC and PBSP will use the proceeds for the joint Basic Education Project, which covers donation of books to a public elementary school in Lapu-Lapu.

The project will also provide trainings for teachers to enhance their skills.

Last June, NKC anti-pollution committee headed by Edmond Ouano, who also serves as the company's environmental officer, disposed about 2,000 kilos of used batteries for recycling.

Trader dares business community to provide education

2011-08-03T10:08:00.002+08:00

Trader dares business community to provide education
By Lydia C. Pendon
Sun.Star Iloilo
August 2, 2011

ONE of the country's top businessmen challenged the business community in Iloilo City to provide accessible and quality education to those who can barely afford to go to school.

Ramon R. del Rosario Jr., president and chief executive officer of Phinma Corporation and owner of Phinma-University of Iloilo, said private businesses in Manila and Iloilo could partner with the government in providing better education and in upgrading the National Achievement Test (NAT) mean percentage score in Science, Math and English in Iloilo City's elementary and secondary education.

Del Rosario said the country needs 120,000 new classrooms for public education and that the private sector could also help enhance and subsidize the training needs of teachers to improve teaching quality.

He lauded the efforts of city Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and assured that Phinma will be active with limitless business opportunities for the city.

"Phinma affirms commitment and access to quality education in a developing [the] city [that] seeks better quality of life for its people. Phinma offers no frills education but right facilities and learning materials that will expand higher education," del Rosario said.

Aside from several business corporations he headed, del Rosario is currently chairman of the National Museum of the Philippines, the Makati Business Club, Philippine Business for Education, Philippines-US Business Council, Philippine Educational Theater Association.

He also is the co-chairman of the National Mission Council of de la Salle Philippines, chairman of the Board of Advisers of the Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. Center for Corporate Social Responsibility at the Asian Institute of Management, vice chairman of Caritas (Manila), and member of the Board of Trustees of Philippine Business for Social Progress, Synergeia and PinoyME Foundation.

Cordova-PBSP MoU signed to protect coastal town's fragile resources

2011-07-30T09:13:00.000+08:00

Cordova-PBSP MoU signed to protect coastal town's fragile resources
By Phoebe Jen Indino
Manila Bulletin
July 30, 2011

CORDOVA, Cebu, Philippines — In its aim to safeguard its coastal resources, this town recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for the proper management of such resources. Said MoU also ensures food security for the local people.

The MoU was also drawn in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 7, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other pertinent non-government organizations.

Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, PBSP’s Linking Initiatives for Collaborative Coastal Resource Management and Governance Program (LINC-CRMG) Program Manager Marivic Abello, DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP) Head Joselito Alcaria and Ocean Care Advocates, Inc. (OCAI) Administrator Mario Marababol signed the commitment at this town’s municipal hall.

Deal inked for Cordova town coastal rehab

2011-07-30T09:12:00.000+08:00

Deal inked for Cordova town coastal rehab
Cebu Daily News
July 30, 2011

The municipal government of Cordova has teamed up with the private and the government sector for the management, development and protection of the town’s aquatic resources.

Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy signed an agreement with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) LINC-CRMG program manager Marivic Abello, DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management project head Joselito Alcaria and Ocean Care Advocates Inc. (OCAI) administrator Mario Marababol at the Cordova municipal hall for the undertaking.

Under the agreement, PBSP will assist Cordova in building up its capacity to conserve and develop coastal resources, food security and livelihood for coastal communities.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, OCAI and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Central Visayas, on the other hand, will handle the enforcement of coastal resource management.

The agreement is anchored on PBSP’s Linking Initiatives for Collaborative Coastal Resource Management and Governance Program (LINC-CRMG), which has already gained ground in the provinces of Bohol, Guimaras, Samar and Southern Leyte.

It is funded by the European Union.

Cordova’s Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (FARMC) will help monitor illegal activities in the town’s coastal waters.

“There will be continuous trainings of the FARMCs to strengthen their ability to respond to the needs of coastal barangays,” said Rei Cabalquinto, LINC-CRMG program officer for Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova.

The LINC-CRMG will run for two years and will cover the 10 coastal barangays of Cordova.

Municipality initiates public-private partnership to protect coastal resources

2011-07-29T10:06:00.000+08:00

Municipality initiates public-private partnership to protect coastal resources
By Fayette C. Riñen
Philippine Information Agency
July 29, 2011

CEBU CITY, July 29 (PIA) -- A coastal municipality in Cebu has initiated partnership among government stakeholders and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to manage its coastal resources and ensure food security for local folks.

The Municipality of Cordova recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the PBSP, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the management, development and protection of its aquatic resources within its municipal waters.

The MoU was recently signed between Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, PBSP’s LINC-CRMG Program Manager Marivic Abello, DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project Head Joselito Alcaria and Ocean Care Advocates, Inc. (OCAI) Administrator Mario Marababol at the municipal hall of Cordova.

Under the MoU, PBSP will assist Cordova in building up the capacities of local government units on the implementation of measures towards the conservation of coastal resources, food security and livelihood generation for coastal communities.

With the MoU, the town will also get the support of BFAR, DENR and OCAI on the enforcement of the Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP) to ensure sustainable management of coastal resources.

The agreement is anchored on PBSP’s Linking Initiatives for Collaborative Coastal Resource Management and Governance Program (LINC-CRMG), which has already gained ground in the provinces of Bohol, Guimaras, Samar and Southern Leyte.

Funded by the European Union, the program aims to achieve effective and sustainable coastal resource management and contribute to poverty reduction through the rehabilitation of the Visayas coastal zones, enhancement of alternative livelihood to further prevent use of coastal resources, and enforcement of fishery laws by enabling local government units through the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (FARMCs), according to a statement from the PBSP.

FARMCs are mandated by the government to oversee coastal resource regeneration and look into the improvement of the fisheries sector in the local level.

The councils are also responsible for drafting the coastal resource management plans and programs that include aspects such as the increase of income of communities living along the coastal zones, management of critical habitats, activities to lessen fishing pressure, enforcement of fishery laws and ecotourism.

Each council in the 13 barangays of Cordova will help monitor illegal activities in their specific areas which largely contributed to the rapid degradation of Cordova’s coastal waters.

“There will be continuous trainings of the FARMCs to strengthen their leadership and systems to respond to the needs of coastal barangays,” LINC-CRMG Program Officer for Lapu-Lapu and Cordova Rei Cabalquinto stated.

Cabalquinto added that Cordova still faces challenges such as providing alternative livelihood projects to augment family income and reduce pressure in the town’s coastal zones.

Furthermore, most fisherfolk organizations in Cordova still lack the skills needed to implement and enforce fishery laws, Cabalquinto said.

At present, the LINC-CRMG Program is advocating for a fisherfolk’s registration and creation of more information materials to help educate the coastal communities on effective coastal resource management.

The LINC-CRMG will run for two years and will cover 10 coastal barangays of Cordova. (FCR with Reggie Marie B. Barrientos of PBSP/PIA 7-Cebu)

Cordova to rehab coastal waters

2011-07-28T10:09:00.000+08:00

Cordova to rehab coastal waters
The Freeman
July 28, 2011

The municipal government of Cordova teamed up with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the management, development and protection of its aquatic resources within its municipal waters through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

The MoU was recently signed between Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, PBSP’s LINC-CRMG Program Manager Marivic Abello, DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project Head Joselito Alcaria and Ocean Care Advocates, Inc. (OCAI) Administrator Mario Marababol at the municipal hall of Cordova.

Under the MoU, PBSP will assist Cordova in building up the capacities of local government units on the implementation of measures towards the conservation of coastal resources, food security and livelihood generation for coastal communities.

The town will also get the support of BFAR, DENR and OCAI on the enforcement of the Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP) to ensure sustainable management of coastal resources.

The agreement is anchored in PBSP’s Linking Initiatives for Collaborative Coastal Resource Management and Governance Program (LINC-CRMG) which has already gained ground in the provinces of Bohol, Guimaras, Samar and Southern Leyte.

Funded by the European Union, the program aims to achieve effective and sustainable coastal resource management and contribute to poverty reduction through the rehabilitation of the Visayas coastal zones, enhancement of alternative livelihood to further prevent use of coastal resources, and enforcement of fishery laws by enabling local government units through the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (FARMCs).

FARMCs are mandated by the government to oversee coastal resource regeneration as well as look into the improvement of the fisheries sector in the local level.

The councils are also responsible for drafting the coastal resource management plans and programs that include aspects such as the increase of income of communities living along the coastal zones, management of critical habitats, activities to lessen fishing pressure, enforcement of fishery laws and ecotourism.

Cordova’s barangay FARMCs will help monitor illegal activities in their specific areas which largely contributed to the rapid degradation of Cordova’s coastal waters.

“There will be continuous trainings of the FARMCs to strengthen their leadership and systems to respond to the needs of coastal barangays,” LINC-CRMG Program Officer for Lapu-Lapu and Cordova Rei Cabalquinto stated.

Cabalquinto adds that Cordova still faces challenges such as providing alternative livelihood projects to augment family income and reduce pressure in the town’s coastal zones. Further, most fisherfolk organizations in Cordova still lack the skills needed to implement and enforce fishery laws.

To date, the LINC-CRMG Program is advocating for a fisherfolk’s registration and creation of more information materials to help educate the coastal communities on effective coastal resource management.

LINC-CRMG will run for two years and will cover 10 coastal barangays of Cordova.

Handling of MPAs vital to catch more fishes, fix prices

2011-07-25T09:26:00.000+08:00

Handling of MPAs vital to catch more fishes, fix prices
The Bohol Standard
July 24, 2011

To increase fish yields and control fish prices, Gov. Edgar Chatto has underlined the best management of marine protection areas (MPAs) as another core intervention of his administration.

Capitol is moving to improve and sustain the management of existing MPAs for better livelihood and socio-economic chances, which can modify the prevailing condition.

The strategy at the same time pursues the goal of breaking free from poverty and ensures food self-sufficiency.

It supports the overtowering sustainable development framework articulated in capitol’s HEAT folder and its wider LIFE HELPS agenda.

The governor observed that many LGUs and communities have invested precious resources in physical development, protection and awareness promotion in support to MPA projects.

Yet regular monitoring of MPAs to ensure that their investments produce the desired effects has been found wanting.

The governor’s office thus had the capitol Social Economic and Environmental Management (SEEM) Cluster conducting a trainers’ training on MPA monitoring and evaluation days ago.

The training was coordinated by the Coastal Resource Management (CRM) sector of the Bohol Environment and Management Office (BEMO) and Philippine Environmental Governance (EcoGov2) Project.

The provincial government and EcoGov2 intend to form a good monitoring-evaluation team who can lead LGUs to accessing to training and mentoring assistance.

This is helpful to the promotion and improvement of MPA management.

The trainers’ training was done to members of the MPA Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) from national agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Non-government organizations such as BANGON, Project Seahorse, Padayon Bohol Bohol Marine Triangle, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Bohol Integrated Development Foundation and PROCESS as well as selected municipal MPA-TWGs also participated.

Training sessions involved a combination of lectures, discussions, workshops and field activities, all to enhance the skills and capacities to gauge the effectiveness of MPA management.

In measuring, they have to use the MPA Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT).

Using the tool, the training participants did actual focus group discussions to assess the status of significant MPAs on sites.

These marine protected areas embrace the seawaters off Biking, Catarman, Bingag and Tabalong, all in Dauis, and San isidro, Dao and Bolod in Panglao.

The focus group discussion results were later reviewed, evaluated and processed by the participants.

EcoGov2 regional coordinator May Elizabeth Ybañez and training officers Rebecca Paz and Anna Meneses and BEMO-CRM sector head Adelfa Salutan led the training staff.

Sandugo expo highlights ‘green opportunity’

2011-07-21T09:27:00.001+08:00

Sandugo expo highlights ‘green opportunity’
By Katlene O. Cacho
Sun.Star Cebu
July 21, 2011

TAGBILARAN CITY – The week-long celebration of the Sandugo Trade Expo 2011 that opened yesterday highlighted not only green products but also opened opportunities for local suppliers to forge linkages with local tourism establishments, officials said.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 said this year’s trade exhibition will focus on the tourism industry as possible market for local players.

“What makes the expo different this year is that we have lined up activities which would help strengthen the products and services of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We are also showcasing new and innovative ‘green products’ for the growing green market,” DTI 7 director Asteria Caberte said in a press conference at the Island City Mall.

Products
The Sandugo Trade Expo, which runs from July 20 to 24 at the Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City, will highlight world class product lines in handicraft, processed food, fashion accessories, gifts, decors and houseware.

The expo carries the theme “Greening Business, Wining Markets.”

DTI Bohol Director Maria Elena Arbon said 85 exhibitors joined this year’s expo. Other activities include corporate social responsibility in Bohol food and tourism sectors, SME summit and the green growth awareness day for local SMEs.

“We are looking at selling our products not only to the export market but also to the tourism and tourism establishments. We would like to influence resort owners to make use of our local materials, which are also competitive with imported products in terms of quality and pricing,” Caberte said.

“In this way, we are not only helping the environment but also helping our fellow Filipinos because of the jobs we create,” she added.

Caberte said a market encounter activity will be organized for the SMEs so they could network with potential buyers.

Aside from tapping the tourism market, German Development Corporation (GIZ) program manager for Private Sector Promotion (SMEDSEP) Program Volker Steigerwald said partner agencies like them would also push SMEs to develop green products for the growing green economy.

“We have come up with SME development strategy in partnership with the DTI which would strongly push for the creation of green products,” he said.

Caberte said they would like to enhance the competitiveness of the SMEs in the Visayas.

“Although going green is an uphill climb as the process is expensive, it has to be emphasized that there is a market outside and inside of the country for those businesses going in the green lane production,” she said.

Requirement
Caberte cited Europe as a good market for green products and said many Cebuano exporters have already started employing green technology in their supply chain management. She cited the allocation of big hectares for planting trees as one form of green advocacy adopted by some exporters.

“Adopting green initiatives in the production is already a requirement by some buyers,” she said.

While there are lot of SMEs now employing green technology in business, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Marietta Gasatan said local SMEs still need more inputs to sustain the initiative. She said that SMEs in Bohol in particular are now maximizing the use of technology to reduce carbon footprint.

DTI 7 said last year’s trade fair held in Dao, Bohol posted total sales of P27.95 million. Total cash sales were pegged at P2.96 million, booked orders amounted to P12.16 million, while sales under negotiation hit P12.83 million.

The trade expo is being held in partnership with DTI, Bohol Province, Philippine Business for Social Progress, German Development Cooperation, Bohol and Medium Enterprise Development Council, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines-Cebu and Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Agreement sealed for water system

2011-07-13T09:30:00.000+08:00

Agreement sealed for water system
Sun.Star Cebu
July 13, 2011

MORE than 30 households from Sitio Sayaw, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City will soon have improved access to potable water through the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-ibig Fund’s Potable Water System Project.

The project was sealed through an agreement between the Cebu south branch of Pag-ibig and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and involves the establishment of a level two potable water system in Sitio Sayaw.

Sayaw is located some 10 kilometers from the Transcentral Highway, which is 25 kilometers away from the city proper. For years, residents from the sitio had to walk for hours to fetch water.

Pag-ibig Cebu branch officer-in-charge and department manager III Rio Teves, PBSP Visayas regional operations manager Jessie Cubijano and Sayaw Farmers Association president Ricardo Labora recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at Pag-Ibig Fund-WT Corporate Tower, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City for the project.

“As a financial institution that largely deals with housing projects, we know how important water is to every household,” Teves said during the MOA signing.

The project, which is worth P60,000, will take the form of boxes that collect water from springs and other natural water resources in upland areas and keep stored water safe from contamination.

The project will allow for two distribution stations for the households within the area.

Under the agreement, PBSP will serve as implementing agency in the construction of the water system, as well as take charge in the monitoring of the project.

The potable water system project signified Pag-ibig Cebu’s commitment to adopt Sitio Sayaw as its community for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives through the Pag-ibig 1-4-3 Program.

Maasin City strengthens disaster preparedness, conducts contingency planning

2011-07-12T09:34:00.000+08:00

Maasin City strengthens disaster preparedness, conducts contingency planning
By R.G. Cadavos
Philippine Information Agency
July 12, 2011

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 12 (PIA) –- Maasin City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) has conducted an on-going contingency planning among 5 recipient-barangays of the Strengthening Disaster Preparedness thru SMS Technology project spearheaded by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

Ritche Sumalinog, a staff from the City Engineer’s Office here said “we have already finished three out of five of the beneficiary-barangays in the disaster risk management and conducted a planning activity in preparation for any calamity.”

These barangays mentioned are Mambajao, Soro-Soro and San Rafael, while Gawisan and Lunas will follow thereafter, Sumalinog who assisted the planning disclosed. The 5 barangays are the recipients of (2) cellphones each from the PBSP project tying up with Smart Communications and the World Bank.

“During times of crisis, contingency plans are often developed to explore and prepare for any eventuality, designed to inform citizens and concerned officials during a calamity by the use of short messages system (SMS) technology through cellphone, Sumalinog bared in an interview.

He further added that the (1) Blackberry cellphone is assigned to the Barangay Chairman in each barangay , while the other one is given to the one identified by the barangay leader, mostly those in-charge in the information unit basing on the BDRRMC organization.

The project will apply mobile phone SMS technology to improve the communication system among DRM organizations at various levels of the DRM command chain not only in Maasin City but throughout the province. There are identified pilot municipalities of the PBSP project throughout Southern Leyte, these are Malitbog, Bontoc, Libagon, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, and Hinunangan and the city of Maasin.

The project also aimed to assess existing vulnerabilities; implement disaster avoidance and prevention procedures; and develop a comprehensive plan that will enable the organization to react appropriately and in a timely manner if disaster strikes.

Maasin City Engineer Aniceto Narit is the Action Officer of the CDRRMC while Mayor Maloney Samaco chaired the council, it was learned.

Guaranteed Safe Delivery for Mothers

2011-07-11T08:58:00.001+08:00

Guaranteed Safe Delivery for Mothers
By Irene V. Fernando
Manila Bulletin
July 11, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — Launched last year as the branded generics company of Pfizer Philippines, Pfizer Parke Davis (PPD) is expanding its CSR efforts by opening its first Nay Bahay Ligtas Paanakan Center—a lying-in maternal facility that will give birthing mothers from indigent communities a safe place for labor with the expert supervision of licensed midwives.

The birthing centers, designed by young architect Jason Buensalido, will be made out of recycled shipping containers, complete with all the necessary equipment and attending staff.

The move is part of PPD’s partnership with the government in addressing the lack of quality maternal healthcare in the country. The pilot center is located in Minabalac, Camarines Sur and is set to open this August.

“We are going to build two lying-in centers this year, with the second one slated to begin construction in October in Balugao, Pangasinan,” shares Obet Bautista, general manager for Pfizer Park Davis during the Bulong Pulungan last June 28 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

“We will also begin intensive training for barangay health workers to ensure that the community will get the topnotch health services that they deserve,” he adds. Aside from the Department of Health (DOH), PPD is also working with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Zuellig Family Foundation, and Lowe Inc.

Maternal Mortality Rate
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 11 women in the Philippines die every day due to pregnancy-related complications. Given this rate, it is no surprise that the country is having a hard time achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) set by the United Nations (UN) on reducing the maternal mortality rate by 2015.

In a presentation before the members of the press, experts discussed the importance of addressing a nation’s maternal healthcare. According to Dr. Rebecca Ramos, consultant for Women’s Health Care Foundation, “good quality maternity services can save lives of newborns” and that “most maternal deaths happen during labor, delivery and the immediate post-partum period.”

She shared that the Philippines is included in the list of countries in Asia where there is a high rate of Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), together with Cambodia, Papua New Guinea and Mongolia.

She also cited how Sri Lanka used to have high MMR but was able to reduce the percentage by introducing a system of health facilities, expanding midwifery skills, decreasing use of home childbirth and births by untrained birth attendants, and promoting family planning.

Training Birth Attendants
Under the DOH’s Administrative Order 2008-2009, the government must ensure that “every delivery of a child is facility-based and managed by skilled birth attendants.” But with the limited budget, there are not enough lying-in facilities in the country—especially in rural areas.

Ramos also shared that the MMR in the country can be partly traced to delays in the decision to seek professional care and the delay in receiving care from skilled personnel. “There is a need for staff that can provide service for 24 hours and who are well-trained on improved maternity and neonatal care practices,” she says. This is why part of PPD’s program is to train birth attendants.

According to DOH Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa, these Nay Bahay centers will greatly complement the existing hospitals and health centers in the provinces. “There is an existing rural (health) center. What we do is build a birthing room and train people.” With the memorandum of understanding with PPD, DOH is hoping to achieve its target of coming up with 4,000 birth facilities around the country.

Aside from the lying-in centers, PPD will also launch other programs in the succeeding months, such as the Alkansya Program that will help would-be mothers save for the birthing expenses and the Buntis Congress which seeks to make would-be fathers more actively involved during the entire pregnancy period.

DepEd: Partnership with LGUs reduces shortage of classrooms

2011-07-10T09:00:00.000+08:00

DepEd: Partnership with LGUs reduces shortage of classrooms
By Jeffrey Tiangco
July 10, 2011
Journal Online

THE Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday said its partnership with the private sector and the local government units (LGU) will reduce shortage of classrooms in public schools, citing the 1,054 classrooms worth P800 million set for completion within the year.

The DepEd said another P1 billion worth of classrooms is up for signing with the LGUs and the private sector, adding that the 1, 054 classrooms are products of the 50/50 counter-parting scheme contained in various memoranda of agreement it entered into with the League of Municipalities, the League of Cities and the League of Provinces since January this year.

The DepEd said the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has also pledged to fund the construction of 1,000 units of fully-equipped classrooms which will be turned over to DepEd by December 2012.

Based on its 2011 actual budget allocation of some P8 billion for classroom construction, DepEd admitted it can only build a maximum of 10,000 classrooms per year. The department was given P207 billion budget this year, a 19 percent hike compared to last year’s P175 billion.

“From this single government corporation alone, 10 percent of our annual capacity to build is already covered,” the DepEd said.

Records showed that there is a shortage of 66, 800 classrooms this school year even as experts pointed out that the influx of students in the public sector, 22.5 million (kindergarten, elementary and secondary) alone this school year, makes it difficult for the government to cope with the problem.

DepEd also has to implement the K to 12 program (the plan to add two more years to the current 10-year basic education cycle), especially because it has started one of the program’s component, the Universal Kindergarten, this school year.

DepEd said that aside from the assistance from the LGUs and other government agencies, the private sector also continues to give funds is by partnering with DepEd’s Adopt-A-School program for the construction of more school buildings under the Bayanihang Pampaaralan program.

Participated in by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), League of Corporate Foundation (LCF) and Philippine Business For Education (PBED), the program calls for the construction of 10,000 classrooms around the country in two years.

“To date, the commitment of the government and the private sector to help bridge the classroom shortage sums up to over 12,500 classroom units in two years. All these are on top of the regular classroom construction programmed by DepEd from its annual allocation,” the DepEd said.

Some of the private businesses that have already committed to the public school building construction program are Jollibee Foundation, SM Foundation, Coca Cola Foundation, Petron, Philamlife Foundation, and PLDT.

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has also come up with a proposal that seeks to construct over 200,000 classrooms from 2012 to 2013 employing out-of-the-box solutions to the perennial problem of classroom shortage.

Among the schemes being recommended are rent-to-own or build-operate-transfer, optimum use of Special Education Fund (SEF) generated by LGUs as loan collateral and allocation of a portion of lawmakers’ pork barrel for classroom construction for at least two years.

Telco supports Cebu hillylands reforestation efforts

2011-07-09T09:36:00.000+08:00

Telco supports Cebu hillylands reforestation efforts
Cebu Daily News
July 9, 2011

Employee-volunteers and security personnel of Smart Communications Inc. trooped to the reforestation site in barangay Tabunan, Cebu City to join the kick-off tree planting activity of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) last June 18.

Called the Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan 2011, the team from Smart, together with the more than 800 volunteers from PBSP member-companies, planted seedlings of Cebu cinnamon tree, tagilomboy, narra, taloto, lanotan and toong.

A first-time volunteer, engineer Jun Lavetoria of Smart’s Property and Facilities Management group was awed by the Cebuano’s spirit and camaraderie.

“It is so heartwarming to see people from different companies and walks of life working together to save and protect Mother Earth,” he said.

For the past seven years, Smart and PBSP have been working together in the greening of barangay Tabunan, one of Cebu City’s mountain barangays that form part of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape—Metro Cebu’s source of water.

Groups commit to build 12,000 classrooms in 2 years

2011-07-09T09:03:00.000+08:00

Groups commit to build 12,000 classrooms in 2 years
By Virgil Lopez
July 9, 2011
Sun.Star Manila

THE Department of Education (DepEd) said its call to ease classroom shortage has been generating positive responses across different sectors as partners from government and the private sector pledge assistance.

A total of 1,054 classrooms have been committed for completion within the school year, worth over P800 million under the 50/50 counter parting scheme between DepEd and some local government units.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said another commitment for more than P1-billion worth of classrooms is up for signing in the weeks ahead.

One thousand fully equipped classrooms from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) are up for turn-over to DepEd by December 2012.

Meanwhile, the private sector will reportedly construct 10,000 classrooms nationwide in two years as provided under the Bayanihang Pampaaralan program.

These will be participated in by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), League of Corporate Foundation (LCF) and Philippine Business for Education (PBED).

To date, the commitment of the government and the private sector to help bridge the classroom shortage sums up to over 12,500 classroom units in two years.

Still, the number is a far cry from the estimated 152,000 classroom shortage for school year 2011-2012 alone based on DepEd data.

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has also come up with a proposal that seeks to construct over 200,000 classrooms from 2012 to 2013 following out-of-the-box solutions to the perennial problem of classroom shortage.

Among the methods being recommended to address classroom shortage are rent-to-own or build-operate-transfer schemes; the optimum use of the Special Education Fund generated by LGUs as loan collateral; and allocation of a portion of the lawmakers’ pork barrel for classroom construction for at least two years.

All this is on top of the regular classroom construction programmed by DepEd from its annual allocation.

Based on its 2011 actual budget allocation of some P8 billion for classroom construction, the DepEd can only build a maximum of 10,000 classrooms per year.

The Philippines’ public educational system suffered a decline in quality over the past decades, attributed to lack of government attention in solving classroom and teacher shortage, among others.

DepEd data also show that the country lacks 103,599 teachers, 13,225,527 chairs, and 95,557,957 textbooks this school year.

IBM Phils adopts 800 trees in La Mesa Watershed

2011-07-06T09:37:00.000+08:00

IBM Phils adopts 800 trees in La Mesa Watershed
ABS-CBN NEWS
July 6, 2011

The La Mesa Watershed, said to be the last remaining forest in Metro Manila, has found a partner in IBM Philippines.

Candy Soto, IBM Philippines Delivery Leader (extreme left) and other IBM officials get ready to plant trees for the Save the La Mesa Watershed Project. Photo courtesy of IBM Philippines

The company adopted 800 trees on July 2 to support the 2nd phase of the Save the La Mesa Watershed Project of Bantay Kalikasan, the environmental arm of ABS-CBN Foundation.

IBM employees, retirees and business partners numbering in the thousands joined an environmental awareness briefing and an eco-'Amazing Race' activity that day.

They were led by IBM Country General Manager James Velasquez. Gina Lopez, president of ABS-CBN Foundation, was the guest speaker.

The La Mesa Watershed houses the reservoir supplying the water needs of Filipinos in Metro Manila. Its rehabilitation and protection programs are spearheaded by Bantay Kalikasan in two phases: reforestation (phase 1), and protection and maintenance of improvements in the past 7 years (phase 2).

In a statement, IBM Philippines said it "supports Bantay Kalikasan in its commitment to look after the environment by rehabilitating and protecting one of the country’s most critical watersheds."

The event last Saturday was part of the company's Celebration of Service program for its employees, retirees and business partners to celebrate IBM's centennial activities. Under the program, IBMers can volunteer their time and expertise to help address civic challenges and societal needs.

A recent project IBMers participated in under this program is the Mangrove Reforestation Project in Olango Island, done in cooperation with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Visayas Regional Office.

The company reported that since January 2001, IBMers, retirees and their families have already volunteered more than 2.5 million hours of service to communities worldwide.

PEZA-MEZ Balik-Baterya Program Launching with PBSP, OMMC

2011-06-30T10:46:00.001+08:00

PEZA-MEZ Balik-Baterya Program Launching with PBSP, OMMC

New-found partnership promises more ULABs, LRCs for the Visayas

In a unified call for environment protection, the Philippine Export Zone Authority-Mactan Economic Zone (PEZA-MEZ) and its locators formally sealed its commitment to support the Balik-Baterya Program by donating all its used batteries for the cause.

The commitment was sealed through an agreement signed between PEZA-MEZ and Balik-Baterya’s coordinators Oriental & Motolite Marketing Corporation (OMMC) and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

OMMC CSR Head Eman Ragaza, PEZA-MEZ CSR Head Engr. Rolando Patalinghug, PEZA-MEZ Environment, Health and Safety Chief Orlando Fuentes and PBSP Senior Program Officer Olive Jabido sign the MOA to signify PEZA-MEZ’s commitment to support the Balik-Baterya Program.

During the activity, PEZA-MEZ Department Manager of Operations Atty. Rufino San Juan IV assured PBSP and OMMC that the newfound partnership will continue to gather more locators to donate their used lead acid batteries to the program.

“With the help of the organizers, the very things we consider wastes like used batteries can help provide for the foundation of our children's future. This project may not be able to put back power into the used batteries, but the used batteries can put power in the minds of thousands of children,” he said.

“This (partnership) is a ‘solution within a solution’. The program enables us to address an environmental concern while helping us support better education for the schoolchildren. By having PRI and Motolite as partners, we know that our ULABs are properly treated and disposed of. Equally important, having PBSP with the program assures us of a sustainable and worthwhile development for the children,” PEZA-MEZ Environment, Health and Safety Officer Verna Luz Daño added.

Motolite's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Head Eman Ragaza discussed into detail the Balik-Baterya Program to the locators that joined the forum, MOA signing and collection event.

Launched in 2006, the Motolite-PBSP Balik-Baterya Program intends to protect the environment through proper disposal and recycling of used lead acid batteries (ULABs) as well as improve the quality of learning among pupils.

ULABs donated by companies are bought by OMMC and the proceeds are used to fund the establishment of learning resource centers (LRCs), which take the form of mini-libraries that include a table, chairs and a bookshelf filled with books and supplementary instructional materials on basic academic subjects.

The signing of the MOA also marked the start of collection of used batteries donated by the 20 PEZA-MEZ locators.

The donation, worth more than 16 tons, could generate more than PhP 380,000.00, enough to fund for at least nine LRCs.

Employees from Oriental and Motolite Marketing Corporation collect ULABs donated by locators of PEZA-MEZ for the Balik-Baterya Program. The batteries will be transported to Philippine Recyclers, Inc. for proper disposal and waste treatment.

To make the program more sustainable, PEZA-MEZ plans to schedule quarterly collections for its locators in a year.

“This program focuses on the concerted effort among MEZ locators. No matter how small the amount of ULABs a locator commits for this program, when taken together, the difference these locators make to the environment and to the schoolchildren are much more significant,” Daño said.

Locators that already joined PEZA-MEZ for the Balik-Baterya Program include Accuform, Inc., Cebu Chip Connection, Cebu Iwakami Corporation, Euro-CB (Phils). Inc., Halsangz Plating Cebu Corp, HPOI Corporation, KGS Phils. Corp., Lear Corporation, Lexmark International Phils., Inc., MSM Cebu, Inc., NKC Mfg. Phils. Corp., Olympus Optical Products Philippines, Inc., SAWO Inc., Taiyo Yuden Phils., Inc., Philippine Tonan Corporation, Pacific Aeronautical, Inc., Philippines Light-Leather, Inc., Cebu Logitem, Inc., Ina Micro Opto Corp. and Toa Kiko Cebu Corporation.

For more photos of the PEZA-MEZ Balik-Baterya Launching, click on the

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PBSP promotes environmental education in 2011 reforestation caravan

2011-06-28T09:50:00.001+08:00

PBSP promotes environmental education in 2011 reforestation caravan
Philippines Daily Tribune
June 18, 2011

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) promises a larger, more proactive greening event this 2011 as it introduces environmental education in its annual tree-planting activity.

In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, PBSP kicks off the Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan today, June 18, in sitio of Cantipla 2, barangay Tabunan, Cebu City.

PBSP targets to plant 15,000 seedlings on six hectares with more than 800 volunteers for the kickoff event. Aside from this, volunteers are encouraged to take part in various breakout activities during the kickoff.

This year, PBSP invited experts from the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. to discuss on the unique biodiversity of the Cebu Hillylands, as well as the components of Cebu’s forests. PBSP also partnered with the Cebu Ornithological Society, which will hold an exhibit on wildlife photography and discuss the mechanics of bird watching.

The Cebu Hillylands is a 28,300-hectare lot composed of five watershed and protected areas that span Central Cebu. It is the major source of potable water for Metro Cebu, as well as home to various endemic plant and animal species and subspecies.

Last year, with help from 3,700 volunteers from 100 companies, PBSP reforested more than 300 hectares with 40 native and endemic tree species.

The foundation hopes to increase participation of agencies, companies and individuals by bringing 5,000 volunteers to plant this year.

Companies and institutions that will join the kickoff on June 18 are the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Colorado Shipyard, KPMG, Dedon Cebu Manufacturing Corp., Halsangz Cebu Plating Corp., PLDT Co., TMX Philippines, Inc., The Islands Group, HPOI Corp., Fooda Saversmart Corp., Philippine Land Corp., Smart Communications Inc., Lexmark Research and Development Corp., Punongbayan and Araullo, The Freeman, Tabok Workers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Cebu Ornithological Society, Lexmark International Philippines, Inc. and Philippine Guardians, Inc.

For the following Saturdays, Yamashin Cebu Filter Manufacturing Corp., Cathay Pacific Airways, Juanito King and Sons, Aboitiz and Co. Inc., Lexmark Research and Development Corp., Taiyo Yuden Philippines Inc., Lexmark International Philippines Inc. and Abag sa Kalikupan Inc. already committed to involve their employees to plant.

PBSP is inviting more companies to join the succeeding Saturdays of the reforestation caravan to meet its target to reforest at least 100 hectares of the Cebu Hillylands. Companies and individuals can participate in PBSP’s efforts by adopting a hectare for reforestation or by bringing employee volunteers on any scheduled Saturday of the annual caravan.

The reforestation caravan will run for 18 Saturdays until Oct. 15.

For more information, interested companies and volunteers may contact Malu Largo of PBSP at (032) 232-5283 or 232-5270 or via e-mail at MBLargo@pbsp.org.ph or pbspvro@pbsp.org.ph.

5,000 Heroes for 18 Saturdays

2011-06-21T16:57:00.043+08:00

5,000 Heroes for 18 Saturdays

2011 Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan

The Central Cebu Protected Landscape, also known as the Cebu Hillylands, remains Cebu’s treasured ecological birthright. It supplies potable water for Metro Cebu, silently spurring the island’s development forward. It stands as a treasured ecological heritage with a number of Cebu’s endemic species nesting in its coffers. With its rich resources, it continues to sustain the communities depending on it for their survival.

However, this fragile structure also remains subjected to various man-made interventions hat only led to its degradation. Century-old native and endemic trees have been logged for their high-value timber. Large portions of the forest cover have been cleared for agricultural, residential and industrial purposes to support Metro Cebu’s development. Denudation drained the Cebu Hillylands’ aquifers as they could no longer hold water to sustain Cebu’s demand. In the Buhisan Reservoir, the amount of water has dropped down from 10,000 to 2,000 cubic meters as of 2009.

An adopted reforestation site in sitio Sayaw, a portion of the Cebu Hillylands

With this alarming rate of deforestation and water shortage, efforts to rebuild the Cebu Hillylands were made even more pronounced. This is how PBSP stepped into the picture in 1991 as it launched the Cebu Hillylands Development Program. An integral part of this program is the holding of the Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan, where it enjoins volunteers from business, government, academe and civil society every year to plant tree seedlings in the denuded areas of the hillylands.

Due to PBSP’s efforts for almost two decades, it recently achieved the largest feat in reforestation as it was able to reforest more than 300 hectares with 40 native and endemic tree species with help from 3,700 volunteers from 100 companies.

Employee volunteers/planters from the 2011 Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan

Moving forward. On June 18, more than 800 volunteers from various institutions planted 15,000 seedlings in sitio Cantipla 2 for the 2011 run of the reforestation caravan. Aside from planting tree seedlings, volunteers also took part in various breakout sessions to promote environmental education awareness.

PBSP invited Lisa Pagbuntalan and Orlyn Orlanes-Roxas from Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. to discuss on the unique biodiversity of the Cebu Hillylands as well as the components of Cebu’s forests.

Nilo Arribas, Jr., Godfrey Jakosalem, Dr. Clemn Macasiano and Marester Macasiano of Cebu Ornithological Society were also invited, who held an exhibit on wildlife photography and discussed the mechanics of bird watching.

PBSP aso aims to make this year's caravan more proactive by increasing its targeted participation of agencies, companies and individuals to 5,000.

A representative from the Philippine Air Force tries to identify the endemic species and subspecies featured in the frames.

Companies and institutions who joined the kickoff include the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Dedon Cebu Manufacturing Corp., PLDT Co., TMX Philippines, Inc., The Islands Group, HPOI Corp., Fooda Saversmart Corp., SMART Communications, Inc., Lexmark Research & Development Corp., Cebu Ornithological Society, Lexmark International Philippines, Inc. and Philippine Guardians, Inc., Qualfon Philippines, Inc., the Philippine Air Force and Cebu Daily News.

For the following Saturdays, Yamashin Cebu Filter Manufacturing Corp., Cathay Pacific Airways, Juanito King & Sons, Aboitiz & Co., Inc., Lexmark Research & Development Corp., Taiyo Yuden Philippines, Inc., Lexmark International Philippines, Inc. and Abag sa Kalikupan, Inc. already committed to involve their employees to plant.

For more photos of the event, click on the following icons:

Green is in

2011-06-21T09:40:00.000+08:00

Green is in
The Philippine Star
June 21, 2011

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) promises a larger, more proactive greening event this 2011 as it introduces environmental education in its annual tree-planting activity.

In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, PBSP recently kicked off the Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan in Sitio Cantipla 2, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City.

PBSP targets to plant 15,000 seedlings on six hectares with more than 800 volunteers for the kickoff event.

This year, PBSP invited experts from the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. to discuss the unique biodiversity of the Cebu hillylands as well as the components of Cebu’s forests. PBSP also partnered with the Cebu Ornithological Society, which will hold an exhibit on wildlife photography and discuss the mechanics of bird watching.

The Cebu Hillylands is a 28,300-hectare lot composed of five watershed and protected areas that span Central Cebu. It is the major source of potable water for Metro Cebu as well as home to various endemic plant and animal species and subspecies.

Last year, with help from 3,700 volunteers from 100 companies, PBSP reforested more than 300 hectares with 40 native and endemic tree species.

Companies and institutions that joined the kickoff last June 18 were the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Colorado Shipyard, KPMG, Dedon Cebu Manufacturing Corp., Halsangz Cebu Plating Corp., PLDT Co., TMX Philippines, Inc., The Islands Group, HPOI Corp., Food Saversmart Corp., Philippine Land Corp., Smart Communications, Inc., Lexmark Research & Development Corp., Punongbayan & Araullo, The Freeman, Tabok Workers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Cebu Ornithological Society, Lexmark International Philippines, Inc., and Philippine Guardians, Inc.

For the following Saturdays, Yamashin Cebu Filter Manufacturing Corp., Cathay Pacific Airways, Juanito King and Sons, Aboitiz and Co. Inc., Lexmark Research and Development Corp., Taiyo Yuden Philippines Inc., Lexmark International Philippines, Inc., and Abag sa Kalikupan Inc. already committed to involve their employees to plant.

The reforestation caravan will run for 18 Saturdays until Oct. 15.

For more information, interested companies and volunteers may contact Malu Largo of PBSP at (032)232-5283 or 232-5270 or via e-mail at MBLargo@pbsp.org.ph or pbspvro@pbsp.org.ph.

Tree-planting caravan kicks off

2011-06-21T08:36:00.000+08:00

Tree-planting caravan kicks off
By Candeze R. Mongaya
Cebu Daily News
June 19, 2011

Instead of waking up late on a Saturday morning, 16-year-old Amor Kris Sabay decided to do something different.

The high school senior of Liloan National High School discovered her green thumb as she joined 800 volunteers in welcoming the rainy season by planting native and endemic tree seedlings in sitio Cantipla, barangay Tabunan, in Cebu City.

“It’s a nice feeling to breathe fresh air, unlike the usual city air,” she said as she planted a narra tree seedling in the slopes of a six-hectare field in Tabunan.

The tree-planting activity kicked off the 2011 Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan, an annual program of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in the Visayas.

About 50 companies and other stakeholders joined the first of 18 Saturday mornings set aside for reforestation.

Volunteers are encouraged to plant trees in a designated area in Tabunan, which is part of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape also known as the Cebu Hillylands.

Seedlings of fruit-bearing trees and vegetative plants for hedgerows were also distributed to participants.

Despite a downpour the day before, Saturday was clear as groups of friends and co-workers traversed rain-soaked slopes.

Sabay said she didn’t expect to enjoy the outdoor event and being close to nature because she had to wake up early and travel for an hour to reach the site.

“I look forward to doing this again,” she said after planting 20 seedlings.

Another volunteer, 32-year-old telecommunications engineer Edgar Alcarez, said he enjoyed the labor.

“It’s fulfilling, both emotionally and morally,” he said.

After the tree planting, plates of vegetable salad were passed around as volunteers munched on lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and bell peppers.

The annual reforestation caravan had a new twist.

After lunch, four break-out sessions were held for mini-lectures on on wildlife conservation, birdwatching, wildlife photography and identifying native plants and trees.

Nilo Aribas Jr. , a bird photographer of the Cebu Ornithological Society, shared his experiences in taking photos of birds since 2003.

He said birdwatching is a good bonding activity for family and friends although Cebu City has only a few parks with a thriving bird community.

Cebu is the habitat of two endemic species, the rare Cebu flowerpecker and the black shama or siloy, both found in the Tabunan forest and the forest of Alcoy town, south Cebu.

This year’s reforestation caravan targets 5,000 volunteers to plant native and endemic trees like Cebu cinnamon, narra , talo-to, bayog, magpuno, pangaton, lanotan, toong and tagi lomboy until October 15.

Forester Orlyn Orlanes-Roxas said native trees would easily survive because they are in their natural environment.

“The aim of reforestation is to bring back the forest and biodiversity, so you also have to bring back the many native species,” she said .

Malu Largo, program coordinator of the PBSP Visayas, said yesterday’s group alone planted 8,000 seedlings in a six-hectare area. Last year’s PBSP tree planting had a survival rate of 95 percent for its seedlings.

PBSP promotes environmental education in 2011 reforestation caravan

2011-06-19T09:58:00.000+08:00

PBSP promotes environmental education in 2011 reforestation caravan
The Daily Tribune
June 18, 2011

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) promises a larger, more proactive greening event this 2011 as it introduces environmental education in its annual tree-planting activity.

In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, PBSP kicks off the Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan today, June 18, in sitio of Cantipla 2, barangay Tabunan, Cebu City.

PBSP targets to plant 15,000 seedlings on six hectares with more than 800 volunteers for the kickoff event. Aside from this, volunteers are encouraged to take part in various breakout activities during the kickoff.

This year, PBSP invited experts from the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. to discuss on the unique biodiversity of the Cebu Hillylands, as well as the components of Cebu’s forests. PBSP also partnered with the Cebu Ornithological Society, which will hold an exhibit on wildlife photography and discuss the mechanics of bird watching.

The Cebu Hillylands is a 28,300-hectare lot composed of five watershed and protected areas that span Central Cebu. It is the major source of potable water for Metro Cebu, as well as home to various endemic plant and animal species and subspecies.

Last year, with help from 3,700 volunteers from 100 companies, PBSP reforested more than 300 hectares with 40 native and endemic tree species.

The foundation hopes to increase participation of agencies, companies and individuals by bringing 5,000 volunteers to plant this year.

Companies and institutions that will join the kickoff on June 18 are the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Colorado Shipyard, KPMG, Dedon Cebu Manufacturing Corp., Halsangz Cebu Plating Corp., PLDT Co., TMX Philippines, Inc., The Islands Group, HPOI Corp., Fooda Saversmart Corp., Philippine Land Corp., Smart Communications Inc., Lexmark Research and Development Corp., Punongbayan and Araullo, The Freeman, Tabok Workers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Cebu Ornithological Society, Lexmark International Philippines, Inc. and Philippine Guardians, Inc.

For the following Saturdays, Yamashin Cebu Filter Manufacturing Corp., Cathay Pacific Airways, Juanito King and Sons, Aboitiz and Co. Inc., Lexmark Research and Development Corp., Taiyo Yuden Philippines Inc., Lexmark International Philippines Inc. and Abag sa Kalikupan Inc. already committed to involve their employees to plant.

PBSP is inviting more companies to join the succeeding Saturdays of the reforestation caravan to meet its target to reforest at least 100 hectares of the Cebu Hillylands. Companies and individuals can participate in PBSP’s efforts by adopting a hectare for reforestation or by bringing employee volunteers on any scheduled Saturday of the annual caravan.

The reforestation caravan will run for 18 Saturdays until Oct. 15.

For more information, interested companies and volunteers may contact Malu Largo of PBSP at (032) 232-5283 or 232-5270 or via e-mail at MBLargo@pbsp.org.ph or pbspvro@pbsp.org.ph.

Quiz Bee on disaster risk reduction and climate change set in Tomas Oppus

2011-06-17T08:30:00.000+08:00

Quiz Bee on disaster risk reduction and climate change set in Tomas Oppus
By ES Gorne
Philippine Information Agency
June 17, 2011

SOUTHERN LEYTE, June 17 (PIA) -- In time with its 42nd founding anniversary, Tomas Oppus will also conduct a quiz bee on disaster risk reduction and climate change on June 21 among its highlights in almost week-long celebration this year.

In close coordination with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) consultants and Disaster Preparations in Southern Leyte thru SMS Technology project manager Jason Calva, Tomas Oppus will sponsor a quiz bee together with the participation of at least five secondary schools in the municipality, Disaster Action Team member Edmar Tambis said in a phone interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Southern Leyte.

Tambis said the organizers will prepare a set of 10 easy questions and another set of difficult questions related to disaster risk reduction and climate change issues.

Meanwhile, still in Tomas Oppus, the founding anniversary will highlight on June 22 the conduct of jobs fair under the leadership of Mayor Agustin Rusca Escano, Jr., Tambis, who is also the Public Employment Services Officer (PESO) and tthe Information Officer designate added.

The jobs fair will open job orders for domestic helpers, various engineers, skilled and non-skilled professionals, cook, waiters, nurses, computer related works, among others, Tambis said.

The said job fair will be participated in by overseas agencies such as Mondial Overseas Agency, Uni-jobs Placement Agency, Pacific Mediterranean International Manpower Agency, ASCEND Agency, Phil Employ Services and Resources Agency, East West Placement Agency, NAPTRON and (3) local employers, all based in Tacloban City.

Tambis also reported that said jobs fair will be assisted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) who will look into the livelihood opportunities, job matching, labor problems and others; the POEA will also provide orientation on overseas employment and Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) problems; the National Statistics Office (NSO) will authenticate for the live birth, CENOMAR certifications and others.

While the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will facilitate for the issuance of new or renewal of clearances; the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) will authenticate for the licenses and the new and renewal and application for examinations; and the Bureau of Internal Revenue for the TIN application and tax payments.

Still no communication signals in key locations of So. Leyte

2011-06-16T08:33:00.001+08:00

Still no communication signals in key locations of So. Leyte
By Bong Pedalino
Philippine Information Agency
June 16, 2011

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 16 (PIA) -- In this age when everybody can be reached by either call or sms, it is surprising to know that there are still locations without communication signal.

In Southern Leyte, some areas that remained unreachable by the technology on communications are vital locations such as the tandem zipline at Agas-Agas, Sogod that promote high-end tourism and in San Ricardo at the southern tip of Panaon island. where disaster preparedness project is located.

Nedgar Garvez, Provincial Tourism Officer, in an interview over “Action Center” program this morning, reported that he already talked with the executive officer of Globe who promised to look into the matter and inform their central office about it.

Garvez said he also had a talk with a representative of Smart so these two private companies would really consider putting up a cell site at the Agas-Agas Adventure Park which has been attracting a steady stream of curious visitors since it opened two months ago, on April 15.

The facility which is touted as the longest zipline in the country at 880 meters, and the highest, has been operating quite well, but the primary concern for now was the lack of signal for texting or calling, more so on laptop internet connections.

As to the lack of signal for an SMS disaster preparedness project supported by Smart Communications, the company’s executives disclosed that this year a rollout of at least eight sites has been programmed to be undertaken, including the San Ricardo site.

This was learned in a recent dialogue held at Malitbog during the supervision mission visit of a top-ranking official of the World Bank (WB), which funded the project, and officials of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), also a supporter of the pioneering undertaking.

In the dialogue, Smart acknowledged the deficiencies due to physical terrain but pledged to do all their best to provide the needed technical solutions as soon as their resources can be made available.

PAG-IBIG, PBSP ink accord for water system project to benefit upland sitio in Cebu City

2011-06-15T08:32:00.000+08:00

PAG-IBIG, PBSP ink accord for water system project to benefit upland sitio in Cebu City
Philippine Information Agency
June 15, 2011

CEBU CITY, June 15 (PIA) -- For years, inhabitants of this mountainous sitio have to walk for hours just to access water from a natural source. Today, residents of Sitio Sayaw in upland Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City can heave a sigh of relief with the construction of a new potable water system.

Over 30 households from mountainous Sitio Sayaw in Cebu City will now have improved access to water through the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG Fund’s Potable Water System Project.

This project was made possible through an agreement between Pag-IBIG Fund Cebu South Branch and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), which involves the establishment of a Level 2 potable water system in Sitio Sayaw, Tabunan, Cebu City.

PAG-IBIG, PBSP and the Sayaw Farmers Group signed the project MOA last June 2 at the PAG-IBIG Fund-WT Corporate Tower in Cebu Business Park, Cebu City. Signatories of the MOA were Pag-IBIG Fund Cebu Branch Officer-in-Charge and Department Manager III Rio Teves, PBSP Visayas Regional Operations Manager Jessie Cubijano and Sayaw Farmers Association President Ricardo Labora.

“As a financial institution that largely deals with housing projects, we know how important water is to every household,” Teves stated during the MoA signing.

The Pag-IBIG Potable Water System Project, worth P60,000.00, will take the form of spring boxes that collect water from springs and other natural water resources in upland areas and keep stored water safe from contamination. The project will allow for two distribution stations for the households within the area.

PAG-IBIG selected Sitio Sayaw as its community because of its difficult access to potable water and other basic social services. Sitio Sayaw is located approximately 10 kilometers from the Transcentral Highway, which is 25 kilometers away from the city proper.

“We are truly grateful to Pag-IBIG for this assistance. Now, we have a potable water facility we could call our own and the health of our children is secured,” Labora said.

Under the agreement, PBSP will serve as the implementing agency on the construction of the water system as well as take charge in the monitoring of the project.

“We want to make sure that our funds will go to projects that are more sustainable and our partnership with PBSP will ensure that these qualities are met,” Teves added.

The potable water system project signalizes Pag-IBIG Cebu’s commitment to adopt Sitio Sayaw as its community for its following Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives through the Pag-IBIG 1-4-3 Program, a flagship initiative of the institution aimed at funding long-term projects to adopted needy communities as its expression of corporate social responsibility.

Funds for the program, which was launched in January 2011, are obtained from P500 contributions of all Pag-IBIG employees.

The Pag-IBIG Fund is the country’s leading housing financial provider for three decades. In 2010, it remains to be one of the most profitable financial institutions having generated a revenue of P22.4 billion and assets worth P278 billion. To date, Pag-IBIG is operating nationwide with 35 branches and more than 17 extension offices.

Last year, the Pag-IBIG Fund through its Employees’ Labor Association also partnered with PBSP for a supplemental feeding program that benefited 60 children in Babag, a barangay identified by the Lapu-Lapu City government as having the highest population of malnourished children.

This is the first time, however, that Pag-IBIG embarked on a CSR program by permanently adopting a community, with its Cebu South Branch taking the lead.

Teves hopes that with the success of this project, other branches nationwide will follow suit or come up with their own sustainable projects applicable in their areas of jurisdiction.

“This is our way of saying thank you to our stakeholders. With projects like this, we make sure that our funds go to something more worthwhile, which leaves a lasting effect to our community,” Teves said.

Aside from the construction of the potable water system, Pag-IBIG is also set to take part in the 2011 Reforestation Caravan kickoff on June 2011. Organized by PBSP, this activity aims to reforest at least 100 hectares of the denuded Cebu Hillylands within the year.

Upland residents to benefit from Pag-Ibig water project

2011-06-13T09:10:00.002+08:00

Upland residents to benefit from Pag-Ibig water project
The Freeman-Community
June 12, 2011

More than 30 households from a mountainous sitio in Cebu will have improved access to water through the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG Fund’s Potable Water System Project.

This project was made possible through an agreement between Pag-IBIG Fund Cebu South Branch and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), which involves the establishment of a Level 2 potable water system in sitio Sayaw, Tabunan, Cebu City.

Pag-IBIG Fund Cebu Branch Officer-in-Charge and Department Manager III Rio Teves, PBSP Visayas Regional Operations Manager Jessie Cubijano and Sayaw Farmers Association President Ricardo Labora signed the MoA last June 2, 2011 which took place at Pag-IBIG Fund -WT Corporate Tower, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City.

“As a financial institution that largely deals with housing projects, we know how important water is to every household,” Teves stated during the MoA signing.

The Pag-IBIG Potable Water System Project, worth P60,000.00, will take the form of spring boxes that collect water from springs and other natural water resources in upland areas and keep stored water safe from contamination. The project will allow for two distribution stations for the households within the area.

Under the agreement, PBSP will serve as implementing agency on the construction of the water system as well as take charge in the monitoring of the project.

“We want to make sure that our funds will go to projects that are more sustainable and our partnership with PBSP will ensure that these qualities are met,” Teves added.

The potable water system project signalizes Pag-IBIG Cebu’s commitment to adopt sitio Sayaw as its community for its following CSR initiatives through the Pag-IBIG 1-4-3 Program, a flagship initiative of the institution aimed at funding long-term projects to adopted needy communities as its expression of corporate social responsibility.

Funds for the program, which was launched in January 2011, are obtained from P500 contributions of all Pag-IBIG employees.

The Pag-IBIG Fund is the country’s leading housing financial provider for three decades. In 2010, it remains to be one of the most profitable financial institutions having generated a revenue of P22.4 billion and assets worth P278 billion. To date, Pag-IBIG is operating nationwide with 35 branches and more than 17 extension offices.

Last year, the Pag-IBIG Fund through its Employees’ Labor Association also partnered with PBSP for a supplemental feeding program that benefited 60 children in Babag, a barangay identified by the Lapu-Lapu City government as to having the highest population of malnourished children.

This is the first time, however, that Pag-IBIG embarked on a CSR program by permanently adopting a community, with its Cebu South Branch taking the lead.

PAG-IBIG selected Sayaw as its community because of its difficult access to potable water and other basic social services. Sitio Sayaw is located approximately 10 kilometers from the Transcentral Highway, which is 25 kilometers away from the city proper. For years, residents from the sitio have to walk for hours to access water from the source.

“We are truly grateful to Pag-IBIG for this assistance. Now, we have a potable water facility we could call our own and the health of our children is secured,” Labora said.

Teves hopes that with the success of this project, other branches nationwide will follow suit or come up with their own sustainable projects applicable in their areas of jurisdiction.

“This is our way of saying thank you to our stakeholders. With projects like this, we make sure that our funds go to something more worthwhile, which leaves a lasting effect to our community,” Teves said.

Aside from the construction of the potable water system, Pag-IBIG is also set to take part in the 2011 Reforestation Caravan kickoff on June 2011. Organized by PBSP, this activity aims to reforest at least 100 hectares of the denuded Cebu Hillylands within the year.

Lim granted authority to accept GSIS donations

2011-06-12T08:55:00.000+08:00

Lim granted authority to accept GSIS donations
The Bohol Times
June 12, 2011

Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim has been given authority to accept the donation of road lots and open spaces from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

The authority was granted to the mayor by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) during the session Friday.

Resolution 66-11 authorized the mayor to accept the donations in behalf of the city government and to sign instruments and documents necessary to or in relation with the said authority.

The resolution, authored by Councilor Doni Piquero, covered the donation of road lots and open spaces at Lindaville Subdivision, Phase 1 from the GSIS.

According to the resolution, the GSIS is now finalizing the documents needed for the transfer and turn-over of the said lots and open spaces in favor of the city government.

Aside from the mayor and the city administrator, copies of the resolution will be furnished to the GSIS regional manager for information and appropriate action.

Earlier, the city council also approved a resolution authorizing Lim to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for collaborative coastal resource management and governance of the city’s coastal resources.

The resolution, also authored by Piquero, noted that the Local Government Code of 1991 underscores the important role of local government units as a primary target for capacity-building programs for the conservation and management of its coastal and fisheries resources.

Piquero, an environmental lawyer before his election, pointed out that Republic Act No. 8550 also known as the Philippine Fisheries Code, likewise confers jurisdiction upon the municipal and city government for the development, management and conservation of fisheries and aquatic resources within their respective municipal or city waters.

“The filed of coastal management in the Philippines has matured from sector-based strategies to broader, integrated approaches with multi-sectoral collaboration institutionalized through various legislations and policy mechanisms,” the resolution noted.

It pointed out that Tagbilaran, a coastal local government unit with a complex mix of management issues and with industrial and tourism concerns, requires multi-sectoral arrangements and plans that are developed with the participation of appropriate national agencies, private stakeholders and the community as a whole.

Piquero described PBSP as a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization committed to poverty reduction by promoting business sector leadership.

PBSP is implementing the project called “Linking Initiatives for Collaborative Coastal Resource Management and Governance (LINC-CRMG)” in Bohol and will be implemented in Tagbilaran.

The resolution said the city government, cognizant of the substantive and vital role that these private stakeholders and NGOs play in the conservation and proper management of coastal resources, also expresses its willingness to have PBSP as partner in the management and governance of the city’s coastal and fisheries resources.

The city’s planned partnership with the PBSP would facilitate exchange of information and expertise and would provide the needed technical and financial counterparts toward the common goal of coastal management and governance, the measure said.

Kids graduate from Veco's summer program

2011-06-11T09:13:00.001+08:00

Kids graduate from Veco's summer program
Cebu Daily News
June 11, 2011

The Visayan Electric Company (Veco) management offered free Kaibigan summer programs on basketball, swimming and cooking to the children of Veco employees.

The one-month summer program was a venue where the children learned to create and develop their social skills.

Seven-year old Mary Chevel Modesto said the cooking class made her learn how to prepare home-cooked meals. Mary can now work in their kitchen with less supervision from her mom. Other graduates of the class were Jamela Valencia, Nina Marie Caberte, Mia Kyla Aniñon, Matthe and Kristine Mei del Castillo, Imma Mariagna Tejam, Xerian Cabansay, Sharina Gonzalez and Delorisce and Angela Coloyan.

In basketball, 11 year old Keneth Klein Bardilas, said basketball is the only sport that gives him the chance to become a Most Valuable Player. Bardilas he aspires to become junior varsity of their school.

Bardilas said “It’s not about winning or losing the game, but having fun with a new set of friends.” Bardilas graduated in the basketball clinic along with 17 others.

An upcoming swimming sensation, 10 year old Nikaclaire Cuizon said the summer swimming lesson has helped overcome her fear of deep water.

Other kids who graduated in swimming classes were Justin Keith Lambo, Mary Therese, Scarlet Therese and Sean Reichen Mission, Carl Xedric Cabansay, Crystal Joy Pajuay, Krisha Lyle Flores, Jeremy Eya and Andre Eric Ching.

Eleven children graduated in cooking, 18 in basketball and 10 in swimming.

Last May 21, the Veco Kaibigans and their dependents visited Veco’s Reforestation park in barangay Tabunan, Cebu City and the Mananga Watershed Reforestation site to show concern for Mother Earth.

In coordination with the Philippine Business for Social Progress, the eco-tour participants planted trees on a hillside of the park. They were also taught how to apply vermi compost on the planted tree sapplings.

The visit was the second of their annual ecological tour.

In the afternoon, the EcoTour brought the group to Buhisan Dam, which is maintained by the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD). The MCWD representatives briefed them on the water treatment process.

The Cemex in Naga City, southern Cebu was their last stop. The group visited the cement factory’s ecological vegetable garden where vegetables are grown through natural farming using organic fertilizers.

Deal inked for water system project

2011-06-11T09:12:00.000+08:00

Deal inked for water system project
Cebu Daily News
June 11, 2011

More than 30 households in a mountainous sitio in the city will have improved access to water through the Pag-Ibig Fund’s potable water system project.

The project was sealed with an agreement between Pag-Ibig Fund Cebu South Branch and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), which involves the establishment of a Level 2 potable water system in sitio Sayaw, Tabunan, Cebu City.

Pag-Ibig Fund Cebu officer-in-charge and department manager III Rio Teves, PBSP Visayas Regional Operations manager Jessie Cubijano and Sayaw Farmers Association president Ricardo Labora signed the agreement last June 2 at the Pag-Ibig Fund -WT Corporate Tower, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City.

“As a financial institution that largely deals with housing projects, we know how important water is to every household,” Teves said during the signing.

The project, worth P60,000, involves spring boxes that will collect water from springs and other natural water resources in upland areas and keep stored water safe from contamination. The project will allow two distribution stations for the households within the area.

PBSP will implement the construction of the water system as well as monitor the project.

“We want to make sure that our funds will go to projects that are more sustainable and our partnership with PBSP will ensure that these qualities are met,” Teves added.

The potable water system project signals Pag-Ibig Cebu’s commitment to adopt sitio Sayaw through the Pag-Ibig 1-4-3 program, which aims to fund long-term projects of its adopted community as corporate social responsibility.

Sayaw has difficult access to potable water and other basic social services because of its remote location.

Funds for the program, which was launched in January 2011, are obtained from P500 contributions of Pag-Ibig employees.

For years, residents from the sitio have to walk for hours to access water from the source.

“We are truly grateful to Pag-Ibig for this assistance. Now, we have a potable water facility we could call our own and the health of our children is secured,” Labora said.

Aside from the construction of the potable water system, Pag-Ibig will also join the 2011 Reforestation Caravan kickoff on June 18.

Foundation promotes environmental education

2011-06-09T14:13:00.001+08:00

Foundation promotes environmental education
The Freeman Community
June 9, 2011

Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) promises a larger, more proactive greening event this 2011 as it introduces environmental education as another component of its annual tree-planting activity.

In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, PBSP will kick off with the Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan on June 18 at sitio Cantipla 2, Cebu City. PBSP targets to plant 15,000 tree seedlings on six hectares with more than 800 volunteers for the kickoff event.

Aside from planting tree seedlings, volunteers are encouraged to take part in various breakout activities organized during the kickoff. For this year, PBSP invited experts from Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. to discuss on the unique biodiversity of the Cebu Hillylands as well as the components of Cebu’s forests. PBSP also partnered with the Cebu Ornithological Society who will hold an exhibit on wildlife photography and discuss the mechanics of bird watching.

PBSP is the largest corporate-led foundation in the country that leads the promotion and practice of corporate social responsibility. Since 1991, the Foundation has been organizing annual reforestation caravans with help from companies and other agencies to help recover the barren areas of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape or Cebu Hillylands.

The Cebu Hillylands is a 28,300-hectare lot composed of five watershed and protected areas that span Central Cebu. It is the major source of potable water for Metro Cebu as well as home to various endemic plant and animal species and subspecies.

Through its environmental efforts, PBSP was able to reforest more than 4,000 hectares of the Cebu Hillylands with more than 10,000 volunteers from 211 institutions planting more than 10,000,000 tree seedlings.

Last year, with help from 3,700 volunteers from 100 companies, PBSP reforested more than 300 hectares with 40 native and endemic tree species.

The Foundation hopes to further increase participation of agencies, companies and individuals by bringing 5,000 volunteers to plant this year.

To date, companies and institutions who will join the kickoff on June 18 include the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Dedon Cebu Manufacturing Corp., PLDT Co., TMX Philippines, Inc., The Islands Group, HPOI Corp., Fooda Saversmart Corp., SMART Communications, Inc., Lexmark Research & Development Corp., Cebu Ornithological Society, Lexmark International Philippines, Inc. and Philippine Guardians, Inc.

For the following Saturdays, Yamashin Cebu Filter Manufacturing Corp., Cathay Pacific Airways, Juanito King & Sons, Aboitiz & Co., Inc., Lexmark Research & Development Corp., Taiyo Yuden Philippines, Inc., Lexmark International Philippines, Inc. and Abag sa Kalikupan, Inc. already committed to involve their employees to plant.

PBSP is still inviting more companies to join the kickoff on June 18 and the succeeding Saturdays of the reforestation caravan to meet its target to reforest at least 100 hectares of the Cebu Hillylands.

Companies and individuals can participate in PBSP’s efforts by adopting a hectare for reforestation or by bringing employee volunteers on any scheduled Saturday of the annual caravan.

The reforestation caravan will run for 18 Saturdays until October 15.

Reforestation caravan kicks off June 18

2011-06-09T09:27:00.001+08:00

Reforestation caravan kicks off June 18
Cebu Daily News
June 9, 2011

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) promises a larger, more proactive greening event this 2011 as it introduces environmental education in its annual tree-planting activity.

In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, PBSP will kick off the Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan on June 18, Saturday in sitio Cantipla 2, barangay Tabunan, Cebu City.

PBSP targets to plant 15,000 seedlings on six hectares with more than 800 volunteers for the kickoff event. Aside from this, volunteers are encouraged to take part in various breakout activities during the kickoff.

For this year, PBSP invited experts from the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. to discuss on the unique biodiversity of the Cebu hillylands as well as the components of Cebu’s forests.

PBSP also partnered with the Cebu Ornithological Society, which will hold an exhibit on wildlife photography and discuss the mechanics of bird watching. The Cebu Hillylands is a 28,300-hectare lot composed of five watershed and protected areas that span Central Cebu.

It is the major source of potable water for Metro Cebu as well as home to various endemic plant and animal species and subspecies. Last year, with the help of 3,700 volunteers from 100 companies, PBSP reforested more than 300 hectares with 40 native and endemic tree species.

The foundation hopes to increase participation of agencies, companies and individuals by bringing 5,000 volunteers to plant this year.

Companies and institutions that will join the kickoff on June 18 are the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Dedon Cebu Manufacturing Corp., PLDT, TMX Philippines, The Islands Group, HPOI Corp., Fooda Saversmart Corp., Smart Communications, Lexmark Research and Development Corp., Cebu Ornithological Society, Lexmark International Philippines and Philippine Guardians Inc.

For the following Saturdays, Yamashin Cebu Filter Manufacturing Corp., Cathay Pacific Airways, Juanito King and Sons, Aboitiz and Co. Inc., Lexmark Research and Development Corp., Taiyo Yuden Philippines Inc., Lexmark International Philippines, Inc. and Abag sa Kalikupan Inc. already committed to involve their employees to plant. PBSP is still inviting more companies to join the kickoff on June 18 and the succeeding Saturdays of the reforestation caravan to meet its target to reforest at least 100 hectares of the Cebu Hillylands. Companies and individuals can participate in PBSP’s efforts by adopting a hectare for reforestation or by bringing employee volunteers on any scheduled Saturday of the annual caravan.

The reforestation caravan will run for 18 Saturdays until Oct. 15.

For more information, interested companies and volunteers may contact Malu Largo of PBSP at 2325283 or 2325270 or via e-mail at MBLargo@pbsp.org.ph or pbspvro@pbsp.org.ph.