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Mikey Belmonte bags Water Warrior Award
Quezon City Councilor Belmonte was conferred the “Water Warrior Award for Advocacy Leadership” during the 2024 World Water Day Awards in recognition of his contributions as an active partner of Maynilad in championing access to safe water, reliable sanitation and environmental responsibility......»»
MVP, Zobel, 7 others conferred papal award
Metro Pacific Investment Corp. chairman and president Manuel V. Pangilinan and eight others were conferred the papal award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice at the Manila Cathedral last Wednesday......»»
493 LGUs to get good governance award
At least 493 local government units will be conferred the 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance in recognition of their commitment to outstanding public service......»»
4 laureates receive 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Award
The four recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation this year were conferred “Asia’s premier prize and highest honor” at the Manila Metropolitan Theater on Saturday......»»
DOLE lauds outstanding Public Employment Service Offices across nation
The Department of Labor and Employment urged collective action to address the Philippines’ job problems on 25 October during the 23rd National PESO Congress in Palo, Leyte. DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma stressed in his speech the vital role of Public Employment Service Offices or PESO and DOLE’s frontline partners in promoting productive employment at the local level. “The responsibility of realizing the objectives of the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan and the Trabaho para sa Bayan Act is not the DOLE’s responsibility alone. It is jointly shared with our social partners, especially our PESOs. The challenges we face in our employment landscape demand collective action and innovative solutions,” Laguesma said. Laguesma also emphasized the need for open and constructive dialogue with PESO managers across the nation as he bared the department's five-point agenda, which includes strengthening its core functions, fortifying partnerships with employers and educational institutions and digitalizing public employment services. DOLE conferred awards to PESOs with outstanding accomplishments in the past year during the 2022 National Search for Best PESO Awards. Among the accomplishments are the 2.4 million jobseekers employed through the facilitation of PESOs, which translates to a 91 percent placement rate across the regions. PESO Bataan won in the first-class province category, PESO Lanao del Norte in the second-class province category and PESO Aurora in the third to fifth class category. DOLE also hailed PESO Iloilo City as champion for the highly urbanized city category and PESO Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental for the component and independent component city category. Among the awardees for the municipal PESOs were PESO Villasis, Pangasinan (first class municipality category); PESO Pila, Laguna (second to third-class municipality category); and PESO Llanera, Nueva Ecija (fourth to sixth-class municipality category). The University of Batangas was elevated to the Hall of Fame for winning the search for best PESO in 2018 and 2019 and the Bayanihan Service Award in 2020 and 2021. The university job’s placement office received a trophy and a P250,000 cash prize. The post DOLE lauds outstanding Public Employment Service Offices across nation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Abalos to LGUs: ‘Eradicate malnutrition’
Committing to his advocacy against malnutrition, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday urged local government units to prioritize maternal, neonatal, and child health nutrition programs in their localities. The call was made in support of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11148 or the "Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act". “The right to health is a fundamental principle guaranteed by the State, and malnutrition continues to threaten this right disrupting the very future of our own children. Kaya naman napaka-importante na magsagawa ng mga hakbang ang mga LGUs para pangalagaan ang kalusugan ng mag-ina – mula sa sinapupunan hanggang sa unang 1,000 araw ng paglaki ng bata,” Abalos said. He said LGUs play a key role in the whole-of-government approach to combat malnutrition among adolescent females, pregnant and lactating women, infants, and young children and the reduction of maternal mortality and stunting in children. “I feel so strongly about this as I have advocated the same since my time as a local chief executive in Mandaluyong City. The movement against malnutrition and the welfare of pregnant and lactating women can start for all LGUs, too. Kumilos tayo laban sa malnutrisyon ng mga buntis, sanggol at mga bata,” he said. During his term as Mandaluyong City mayor, the Nutrition Honor Award, which was the highest accolade conferred by the National Nutrition Council to an LGU, was conferred to the city for three consecutive years. He was cited for his Millenium Baby Project which provided care for women and their babies and the creation of the Breast Feeding Patrol, a group of breast-feeding mothers who can be pulled during emergencies to breast-feed hungry babies. Through the DILG Memorandum Circular 2023-149 dated 12 October 2023, the DILG Secretary directed LGUs to integrate programs on nutrition for adolescent females, pregnant and lactating women, infants, and young children in their investment plans for health, prioritizing those who are nutritionally at risk. Some primary services required by the program include pregnancy tracking and regular counseling for pregnant women, breastfeeding plans and resources for postpartum and lactating women, newborn screening and vaccination for newborn babies, and nutrition counseling for children up to two years of age. Apart from LGUs, Abalos said the whole-of-government approach and delivery of services and interventions must include the participation of national government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. He also said the law shall be implemented through rural health units and barangay health centers, in coordination with the Sangguniang Barangay, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and Barangay Health Workers, to include health and nutrition intervention services at different life stages. The post Abalos to LGUs: ‘Eradicate malnutrition’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LandBank named best for financial inclusion
The Land Bank of the Philippines, or LandBank, was recognized by Kantar Philippines as one of 2023’s Best Philippine Brands under the “Banking” category for providing convenient, accessible and innovative banking services to unbanked and underserved Filipinos nationwide. Kantar conferred the award to LandBank for its strong brand of service, decades of empowering the underserved, and for advancing financial inclusion in the country through the accessibility of its integrated physical and digital banking services. The market research firm also highlighted the Bank’s efficient delivery of cash grants to beneficiaries of the National Government’s social amelioration programs, particularly the digital disbursement of financial assistance under the Conditional Cash Transfer Program. “This recognition is a testament to LandBank’s unwavering pursuit to reach and serve more Filipinos nationwide. We are continuously working towards the strategic expansion of our physical touchpoints and the enhancement of our digital channels to deliver exceptional and accessible banking service,” said president and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz. In support of the National Government’s financial inclusion drive, LandBank has also onboarded 8.35 million Philippine Identification System, or PhilSys, registrants for their own transaction accounts, under the Bank’s co-location strategy with the Philippine Statistics Authority. The partnership aims to bank previously unbanked PhilSys registrants and grant them formal access to basic banking and other financial services. LandBank likewise has 1,111 agent banking partners, or ABPs, nationwide offering services such as cash out, cash in, fund transfer, bills payment, and opening and issuance of LandBank Agent Banking Cards in unbanked and underserved communities. The bank also offers individuals who have no capacity for operationalizing a regular deposit savings account to open a LandBank “Perang Inimpok Savings Option” or PISO account with only P1 as minimum initial deposit and up to a maximum of P50,000 account balance. As of end-August 2023, LandBank has opened 52,406 PISO accounts for unbanked and underserved Filipinos including students, public utility vehicle drivers, vendors, farmers and fishers. Kantar BrandZ report LandBank was recognized for its strong brand image in the Kantar BrandZ Philippine Report, which was based on a comprehensive survey conducted in 2022 covering 44 local brands across four categories — banks, communication providers, general retailers and beverages. Kantar is a global marketing and data analytics company that specializes in analyzing, understanding, and interpreting consumer behavior and trends. The 2023 Philippines Brand Awards is the first edition held by Kantar Philippines in the country to honor the top brands that bring value to the lives of Filipino consumers. The post LandBank named best for financial inclusion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Narcolepsy, cancer tipped as Medicine Prize opens Nobel week
Narcolepsy, cancer, or mRNA vaccine research could win the Nobel Medicine Prize on Monday when a week of announcements kicks off, but experts see no clear frontrunner for the Peace Prize. The awards, first handed out in 1901, were created by Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel in his 1895 will to celebrate those who have "conferred the greatest benefit on mankind." The Medicine Prize is first out and will be announced in Stockholm on Monday around 11:30 a.m. (0930 GMT), followed by the awards for physics on Tuesday, chemistry on Wednesday, and literature on Thursday. The Peace Prize, the most highly-anticipated Nobel and the only one announced in Oslo, will follow on Friday, before the Economics Prize rounds things off on October 9. The Medicine Prize has over the years crowned groundbreaking discoveries like the X-ray, penicillin, insulin, and DNA -- as well as now-disgraced awards for lobotomy and the insecticide DDT. Several Nobel watchers have suggested this year's prize could go to research into narcolepsy and the discovery of orexin, a neuropeptide that helps regulate sleep. It could also go to Hungarian-born Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman of the United States for research that led directly to the first mRNA vaccines to fight COVID-19, made by Pfizer and Moderna. Their discovery has already won a slew of major medicine prizes, but the Nobel committee nowadays often waits decades to bestow its laurels to ensure the research stands the test of time. "Maybe the Academy thinks it needs to look into it more, but someday they should win," predicted Annika Ostman, science reporter at Swedish public radio SR. Gene engineering and IceCube telescope But Ostman said her guess for this year was on Kevan Shokat, an American biologist who figured out how to block the KRAS cancer gene behind a third of cancers, including challenging-to-treat lung, colon, and pancreatic tumors. T-cell therapy for cancer treatment and work on the human microbiome could also be contenders, said David Pendlebury, head of the Clarivate Analytics group which identifies Nobel-worthy research. "There are more people deserving of a Nobel Prize than there are Nobels to go around," he told AFP. Lars Brostrom, Ostman's colleague at SR, singled out two American biologists, Stanislas Leibler, and Michael Elowitz, for their work on synthetic gene circuits which established the field of synthetic biology. It enables scientists to redesign organisms by engineering them to have new abilities. But Brostrom noted the field could be seen as controversial, raising "ethical questions about where to draw the line in creating life". For the Physics Prize, twisted graphene or the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica were seen as possible winners, as well as the development of high-density data storage in the field of spintronics. Peace Prize to Iranian women? For Wednesday's Chemistry Prize, Pendlebury suggested next-generation DNA sequencing could get the nod, or research into how to target and deliver drugs to genes. Brostrom said he would love to see it go to US-based chemist Omar Yaghi for his work into porous materials known as MOFs, which can absorb poisonous gases or harvest water from desert air, and is an "important field for the future" with enormous potential for the environment. Criticism over a lack of gender and geographical diversity has plagued the Nobels over the years. US-based men have dominated the science fields, while women account for just six percent of overall laureates -- something the various award committees insist they are addressing. Among the names making the rounds for Thursday's Literature Prize are Russian author and outspoken Putin critic Lyudmila Ulitskaya, Chinese avant-garde writer Can Xue, British author Salman Rushdie, Caribbean-American writer Jamaica Kincaid and Norwegian playwright Jon Fosse. But for the Peace Prize, experts have been scratching their heads over possible winners, as conflicts rage around the globe. Some have pointed to the Iranian women protesting since the death in custody a year ago of Mahsa Amini, arrested for violating Iran's strict dress code imposed on women. Others suggest organizations documenting war crimes in Ukraine, or the International Criminal Court, which could one day be called upon to judge them. "I think that climate change is a really good focus for the Peace Prize this year," Dan Smith, the head of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, told AFP after a year of extreme weather around the world. For the Economics Prize, research on income and wealth inequality could be honored. Recent winners of the Nobel Medicine Prize Here is a list of the winners of the Nobel Medicine Prize in the past 10 years: 2022: Swedish paleogeneticist Svante Paabo for his discoveries on the genomes of extinct hominins and human evolution. 2021: US duo David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian for discoveries on human receptors responsible for our ability to sense temperature and touch. 2020: Americans Harvey Alter and Charles Rice, together with Briton Michael Houghton, for the discovery of the Hepatitis C virus, leading to the development of sensitive blood tests and antiviral drugs. 2019: William Kaelin and Gregg Semenza of the US and Britain's Peter Ratcliffe for establishing the basis of our understanding of how cells react and adapt to different oxygen levels. 2018: Immunologists James Allison of the US and Tasuku Honjo of Japan, for figuring out how to release the immune system's brakes to allow it to attack cancer cells more efficiently. 2017: US geneticists Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael Young for their discoveries on the internal biological clock that governs the wake-sleep cycles of most living things. 2016: Yoshinori Ohsumi of Japan for his work on autophagy -- a process whereby cells "eat themselves" -- which when disrupted can cause Parkinson's and diabetes. 2015: William Campbell, an Irish-US citizen, Satoshi Omura of Japan, and Tu Youyou of China for unlocking treatments for malaria and roundworm. 2014: American-born Briton John O'Keefe, May-Britt Moser, and Edvard I. Moser of Norway for discovering how the brain navigates with an "inner GPS". 2013: Thomas C. Sudhof, a US citizen born in Germany, and James E. Rothman and Randy W. Schekman of the US for work on how the cell organizes its transport system. The post Narcolepsy, cancer tipped as Medicine Prize opens Nobel week appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Famed environmental warrior graces RC Manila assembly
The Rotary Club of Manila had a brilliant, unique guest speaker at its last weekly members’ meeting at the Manila Polo Club — the famed, internationally acclaimed author, lawyer, environmental activist, and recipient, in 2009, of what is regarded as the Nobel Prize of Asia, the Ramon Magsaysay Award (non-category), Antonio Oposa Jr. For about an hour and a half last Thursday, 21 September 2023, RC Manila members, officers and guests at the MPC’s Turf Room alternately stood up to sing along and listen to Oposa’s telling of “good stories,” his way, he said, of promoting and creating awareness for his advocacies and his passion for the environment. Oposa earned a law degree from the University of the Philippines College of Law. For a short time, he worked in a law firm, until he realized that his heart was not in the practice of law but rather with nature and the environment. He traveled to Norway and enrolled in a course on energy and the environment at the University of Oslo’s summer program and afterwards, to Boston, where he pursued and later obtained his LLM at the Harvard Law School in 1997. [caption id="attachment_188497" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Valiant environmental warrior Antonio Oposa: ‘My biggest achievement is that I have turned some of my adversaries into co-advocates. And what could be more inspiring now than to see their own children out there, protecting the sea?’[/caption] In 1993, Oposa made global headlines for the landmark case, Minors Oposa v Factoran where the Supreme Court ruled that the 43 children counseled by Oposa, who filed legal action against the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, seeking cancellation by the agency of existing timber license agreements and stopping the issuance of new ones, ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. “The case was brought to court amid the government’s then granting over 90 logging companies permits to cut down nearly four million hectares of old-growth forest when only 850,000 hectares remained. And forests were being logged at a rate of some 200,000 hectares per year! I told the Court how my son, only three at that time, would no longer see these forests by the time he was 10. I couldn’t help thinking, that if this wasn’t stopped not a single old-growth forest would remain for him and future generations to enjoy,” Oposa said. The case had initially been dismissed in trial court on the ground that there was no legal personality to sue. Oposa elevated the case to the Supreme Court, and in a much-hailed case of intergenerational responsibility, the Supreme Court upheld the legal standing and right of the children to initiate action on their behalf and on behalf of generations yet unborn. What was so remarkable about the case is that Oposa sued on behalf of generations yet unborn and today that milestone case is known in Philippine and global jurisprudence as the “Oposa Doctrine.” For its part, the Philippine Supreme Court, too, carved a permanent niche for itself in environmental law with its promulgation of Oposa v Factoran. It secured its place in history, earning praises from the international environmental community and a reputation as a champion of the right to a healthy environment. Oposa also recounted at this talk at the RC Manila meeting last Thursday another epic landmark case involving the legal tussle he waged against 11 government agencies for the cleaning up of severely polluted Manila Bay. In December 2008, a decade after he filed that case, the Supreme Court issued a decision in his favor. In a continuing mandamus ruling, the Supreme Court ordered all defendant agencies to implement a time-bound action plan that would clean up Manila Bay and to give the Court a progress report on the matter every three months. Oposa talked about the Island Sea Camp he organized in 2001 in Bantayan Island where he gave children lessons on coral reefs, snorkeling and sustainable practices. In 2003, 2004, while holding weekend training camps for children in the Sea Camp “we noticed the rampant illegal fishing going on. Dynamite fishing and commercial fishing intrusions into prohibited coastal zones went unchecked. Something had to be done,” related Oposa. Thus, was born the Visayan Sea Squadron. “I organized a strike team with crack enforcers from the National Bureau of Investigation, Navy, fishermen, sea watch volunteers, lawyers, law students and even a few foreigners. The target was not small fishermen but crime syndicates and operators behind the sale of blasting caps and dynamite powder. Seizures and raids followed,” he said. Operations were so effective that word went out that his friend Jojo de la Victoria, the fearless Cebu City Bantay Dagat (Sea Watch) chief, and Oposa were targets of assassination. A local newspaper interviewed De la Victoria, revealing an intelligence report about illegal fishing operators putting up a P1-million bounty for him and Oposa. In 12 April 2006, 48 hours after he was interviewed, De la Victoria was felled by a hired gunman outside his house in Cebu City. “Jojo’s life was not in vain. After his funeral, a core team met for dinner to regroup. The tide of illegal fishing started to turn. Exploits of the Visayan Sea Squadron — and the courage and synergy of the men and women who made it happen — became known far and wide,” Oposa said. He continued, “Four years after Jojo died, Visayan Sea Squadron co-founder Alfredo Marañon was elected governor of Negros Occidental province. He gathered the other governors in the region to begin a restorative plan for the Visayan Sea which encompasses an area of over a million hectares. The governors passed a landmark joint resolution declaring the entire Visayan Sea a marine reserve.” For his valiant work as an environmental warrior, Oposa has been the recipient of many award in recognition of his valiant work as an environmental warrior. Aside from receiving the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2009, he was given the equally prestigious Center for International Environmental Law Award in 2008. Earlier, in 1997, he was conferred the United Nations Environment Programme Global 500 Roll of Honor, the highest UN honor in the field of the environment. Asked if there was anything about his attainments that gives him the most satisfaction, Oposa said, “My biggest achievement is not that I caught this violator and that violator when we were busy with our Visayan Sea Squadron operations; it is that I have turned my adversaries into co-advocates. Some of those who had opposed me are now supporting me in my advocacies. And what could be more inspiring than to see their own children helping us out there, protecting the sea?” The post Famed environmental warrior graces RC Manila assembly appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mike Enriquez honored by PMAP with posthumous award
For his contributions to the industry as one of the country’s most trusted broadcast journalists, Miguel “Mike” Enriquez was posthumously conferred a Makatao Award for Media Excellence by the People Management Association of the Philippines. The award was personally received by his wife, Lizabeth “Baby” Enriquez, together with GMA Network first vice president for radio Glenn Allona and assistant vice president for GMA Integrated News John Ray Arrabe, during a ceremony held at GMA Network last 15 September. Presenting the award to Mrs. Enriquez were 2022 PMAP president and board of trustees for Media and Communications member Ellen Fullido; PMAP communication specialist and Makatao Awards for Media Excellence program lead Martin Alcantara; training head Richard Mamuyac; and HR Head Bernadette Tan. A five-time Makatao awardee and Hall of Famer, Enriquez was recognized by PMAP for his dedication to and enduring legacy in advancing public knowledge, as well as his promotion of sound people management in the country through his years of service as broadcaster. Enriquez was recognized as Best TV Male Newscaster at the 3rd Makatao Awards in 2013. He achieved back-to-back Best Radio News Anchor wins at the 6th and 7th Makatao Awards in 2017 and 2018. He then took home the Best Radio News Program Host award during the 8th and 10th Makatao Awards in 2018 and 2022. Enriquez. who passed away last 29 August at the age of 71, was the president of RGMA Network, Inc. and GMA Network's senior vice president and consultant for Radio Operations. He anchored DZBB's “Super Balita sa Umaga” and “Saksi sa Dobol B." He was one of the anchors of GMA's flagship newscast “24 Oras” and of the late-night newscast “Saksi.” He also hosted the long-running public affairs program “Imbestigador.” Several Kapuso news personalities and shows were also recognized at PMAP’s 11th Makatao Awards held last 30 August. State of the Nation anchor Atom Araullo won Best TV News Program Host, while GMA Integrated News Digital Strategy and Innovation Lab's online newscast Stand for Truth was named the Best Online Broadcast for its "Emergency Landing" episode. In the radio category, the tandem of Arnold Clavio and Connie Sison were recognized as Best Radio Public Affairs Program while “Dobol Weng sa Dobol B” was named Best Radio Public Affairs Program. Joey Reyes Zobel and Melo Del Prado completed the awards by winning Best News Program Hosts. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com. The post Mike Enriquez honored by PMAP with posthumous award appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solaire shines at prestigious IAG Academy Awards
Bloomberry Resorts Corporation’s Solaire Resort Entertainment City is pleased to announce a successful evening at the IAG Academy Awards, held last night. The resort garnered significant recognition, including winning the much-coveted awards for Best Regional Asia-Pacific Integrated Resort, Outstanding CEO, and Best Gaming Floor. These accolades are an affirmation of Solaire’s relentless pursuit of excellence and a testament to its commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences to its customers. In a glittering ceremony that brought together the most illustrious names in the industry, Solaire shone brightly, further cementing its position as a leader in the gaming and hospitality sectors. The Hall of Honor Outstanding CEO award was a nod to the visionary leadership of Enrique K. Razon, who has been steering Solaire’s course in the industry, consistently directing the organization towards growth and innovation. Superior gaming environment Meanwhile, the Best Gaming Floor accolade acknowledges the resort’s superior and vibrant gaming environment that offers a unique blend of excitement and sophistication to both seasoned and novice players alike. The highlight of the evening was when Solaire Resort was conferred with the Best Regional Asia-Pacific IR award, a prestigious recognition that highlights the resort’s unwavering commitment to providing an integrated and holistic entertainment experience to guests from all over the world. This award is a validation of the exceptional quality of facilities and services that Solaire has to offer, setting a benchmark in the region for luxury, entertainment, and hospitality. Collective efforts of the Solaire team Speaking on the wins, Thomas Arasi, president and chief operating officer, said, “These accolades reflect the collective efforts of the passionate and dedicated team at Solaire. Our unwavering commitment to excellence and our continuous pursuit to redefine luxury and entertainment in the region have brought us here. I dedicate these awards to every member of the Solaire family who works tirelessly to create magical and memorable experiences for our patrons.” As Solaire continues to pave the way in redefining world-class standards, these awards serve as both an honor and a responsibility to further elevate the level of service and experience offered to its clientele. The resort reaffirms its commitment to its patrons by promising to consistently innovate and offer unrivaled experiences that exceed expectations. The post Solaire shines at prestigious IAG Academy Awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PCL-Gapo signs BIDA covenant
The Philippine Councilors League-Olongapo City chapter signed a Covenant with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to express their support and commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a drug-free society. DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos welcomed the support of the PCL and underscored the vital role of all sectors of society — national government agencies, local government units, religious organizations, civil society, academe, and the private sector — in the whole-of-nation approach to ending the drug menace. “While our police, NBI, and PDEA are catching drug traffickers, we are addressing the root cause of the problem. We are all working together,” Abalos said during the PCL Week celebration in Olongapo City. “That is what BIDA is all about. It is not only about supply reduction but also about demand reduction,” “This fight is for our children, and we are going to approach it the right way,” he added. Among those who signed the BIDA Covenant were Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., PCL Olongapo Chapter President and National Secretary General Gina Gulanes Perez, Olongapo City officials and barangay captains, and PCL members from Region 3. During the event, Abalos also urged LGUs and the councilors to wage a war not only on drugs but also on poor nutrition and stunting, as statistics show that one out of three Filipino children suffers from stunted growth. He shared his “best practices” from his term as mayor of Mandaluyong City, when he launched programs targeting the nutrition of pregnant mothers and interventions in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life for optimal development. His initiatives earned the city the highest award conferred to an LGU, the Nutrition Honor Award. The post PCL-Gapo signs BIDA covenant appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BIDA program gains support from Philippine Councilors League-Olongapo
The government’s anti-illegal drugs advocacy campaign program Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA got a big boost as the Philippine Councilors League- Olongapo City chapter signed a covenant with the Department of the Interior and Local Government expressing support and commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s vision of a drug-free society. DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos welcomed the support of PCL as he underscored the vital role of each sector of society — national government agencies, local government units, religious organizations, civil society, academe, and the private sector—in the whole-of-nation approach to put an end to the drug menace. “Habang nanghuhuli ang ating mga pulis, NBI at PDEA, inuugat natin ang problema, gumagalaw tayong lahat. That is what BIDA is all about. It is not only about supply reduction but also about demand reduction,”Abalos said during the PCL Week celebration in Olongapo City. “Itong laban na ito ay para sa mga anak natin, and we are going to approach it the right way,” he added. Among those who signed the BIDA Covenant were Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen Paulino Jr., PCL Olongapo Chapter President and National Secretary General Gina Gulanes Perez, Olongapo City officials and barangay captains, and PCL members from Region 3. During the event, Abalos also urged LGUs and the councilors to wage a war not only on drugs but also on poor nutrition and stunting as statistics show that 1 out of 3 Filipino children are stunted. He shared his best practices during his term as Mayor of Mandaluyong City when he launched programs targeting the nutrition of pregnant mothers and interventions in the first 1000 days of life of a child for optimum development. His initiatives earned for the city the highest award conferred to an LGU - the Nutrition Honor Award. “What is important is we are all here right now. The government cannot do it alone. Everyone has a role here. Ang importante gawa, hindi salita,” he said. The post BIDA program gains support from Philippine Councilors League-Olongapo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Asian Institute of Management appoints Erramon Aboitiz as new chairman
UnionBank of the Philippines chairman of the Board of Directors Erramon "Montxu" I. Aboitiz has taken on a pivotal role as the new chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Asian Institute of Management beginning 1 September 2023. Aboitiz joins an esteemed group of accomplished business leaders who share the commitment to advance the growth and well-being of Asia and its people. Montxu is the seventh chairman of AIM, succeeding Peter Garrucho who assumed the role in 2017. Montxu served as the president and CEO of Aboitiz Equity Ventures for a decade from 2009 to 2019, and briefly as the CEO of Aboitiz Power Corporation in 2018. Additionally, Montxu is a former trustee of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation before Aboitiz Group president and CEO Sabin Aboitiz assumed the same role. Montxu earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and Finance from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, USA. In 2011, he received the Management Man of the Year award from the Management Association of the Philippines and was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. Seven years later, AIM conferred an honorary doctorate degree in management on Montxu. In 2019, the Aboitiz Group, through its social responsibility arm the Aboitiz Foundation, made a $10 million donation to AIM, marked as the Aboitiz 100th Anniversary Commitment Fund. The said fund is being used to address the local and regional gap in data science and innovation. With this donation, AIM’s Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship conducts world-class teaching and research with real-world applications with data science professionals and leaders. The post Asian Institute of Management appoints Erramon Aboitiz as new chairman appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
National honors conferred on scientist, more R& D needed in healthcare says PBBM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday emphasized the importance of research and development (R&D) in healthcare, saying that the country must be able to develop its own solutions to the health challenges it faces. In a speech during the Conferment of the Order of National Scientists and the Presidential Medal of Merit, Marcos said that the Philippines needs to invest more in R&D to develop new drugs, vaccines, and other medical technologies tailored explicitly to Filipinos' needs. "This R&D is important not only in healthcare but in all sectors of our economy, our society – they should be given attention," Marcos said. He noted that research and development are crucial for the Philippines to be able to face future challenges, such as new diseases and the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses. "We cannot just wait for other countries to develop solutions to these problems," Marcos said. "We need to be proactive and develop our own technologies and products that are specifically tailored to the needs of Filipinos." Marcos also called on the government and the private sector to work together to support research and development in the Philippines. "We need to pool our resources and create a more conducive environment for research and development to thrive," Marcos said. "By working together, we can make the Philippines a global leader in research and development." During the ceremony, Marcos also presented awards to two outstanding public servants: Dr. Carmencita Padilla and Assistant Secretary Ceferino S. Gepty. Marcos conferred the Order of National Scientist on Dr. Padilla for their outstanding service to the country and the Filipino people. Meanwhile, Gepty received the Presidential Medal of Merit for his meritorious achievements and services. Padilla's noteworthy research into national initiatives concerning newborn screening served as the foundation for the passing of the Republic Act (RA) 9288, also known as the Newborn Screening Act of 2004. Currently, the implementation of newborn screening is carried out across more than 7,400 healthcare facilities in the nation. This initiative has played a critical role in preventing mental disabilities and fatalities among infants. Padilla's most recent significant contribution involves the establishment of the PGC, a multidisciplinary institution aimed at integrating fundamental and practical research for advancements in health diagnostics, therapeutic treatments, DNA forensics, preventive solutions, and the enhancement of agricultural crop varieties within the country. Due to her accomplishments, the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) recommended honoring Padilla with an award. Her achievements have not only brought distinction and accolades to the Philippine scientific community but have also garnered recognition at the national level. Meanwhile, Gepty currently works within the Industry Development and Trade Policy Group of the Department of Trade and Investment. This group is tasked with promoting investments in key areas related to the agency's trade and industry development efforts. He played a vital part in ensuring the approval of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), acknowledged as the most extensive international trade agreement globally. Marcos praised Gepty's role as the principal trade negotiator for the country in the RCEP. His efforts significantly contributed to the eventual endorsement of this expansive trade agreement, anticipated to create new prospects for both Filipinos and Philippine businesses. Marcos praised both Dr. Padilla and Assistant Secretary Gepty for their outstanding service to the country. He said that they are examples of the kind of public servants that the Philippines needs to build a stronger and more prosperous future. The post National honors conferred on scientist, more R&D needed in healthcare says PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COA bags highest GADtimpala award
The Commission on Audit was awarded the two highest Gender and Development Transformation & Institutionalization through Mainstreaming of Programs, Agenda, Linkages & Advocacies (GADtimpala) 2023 Awards conferred by the Philippine Commission on Women......»»
Former Manila vice mayor Lacuna, 85
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna on Sunday announced the passing of his father, former Manila Vice Mayor Danilo Lacuna at the age of 85. Through a social media post, the Manila mayor said that their “Daddy Danny” died early Sunday morning surrounded by his loved ones. “A man of great service and compassion, Danny touched many, creating a life that spans further than just his years and into the hearts of us all where he will remain forever,” the post read. To recall, the Lacuna patriarch served as Manila City Councilor from 1968 to 1975, and Manila Vice Mayor from 1970 to 1971; 1988 to 1992; and 1998 to 2007. He also founded the local political party, Asenso Manileño, which produced former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna, according to the Manila Public Information Office. The late vice mayor is survived by his wife Melanie “Inday” Lacuna and five children: Honey, Lei, Dennis, Liza, and Philip. Details regarding the wake will be announced later, according to the Manila Public Information Office. The former vice mayor was also adviser of the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association during his incumbency. During the recent 122nd Founding Anniversary of the Manila City Council, he was conferred the “Dangal ng Konseho Award” in recognition of his decades of selfless service both as member and Presiding Officer of the MCC and for his “compassionate leadership that steered the city council to greater heights, producing measures that redounded to the benefit of a great number of Manilenos and his exemplary performance worthy of emulation by future generation of public servants.” His children, Councilors Dr. Lei and Philip and architect Dennis, received the award in behalf of their father. The post Former Manila vice mayor Lacuna, 85 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Schools and students feted for innovative, tech-based sustainable solutions
The innovative potential of youth combined with the power of technology was the driving force of the 6th “imake.wemake:create.innovate.collaborate” competition final presentation and awarding ceremony recently at Crimson Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute conferred the Youth Innovation Prize to three school teams whose technologies exhibited novelty and patentability, functionality and a unique selling point, collaboration, design and feasibility, extensibility and practicability. The three school teams each received a P200,000 cash prize sponsored by Honda Cars Philippines Inc. through HCPI vice president Atty. Louie Soriano; a trophy, and P20,000 cash prize for their respective coaches. This year, innovations in forest conservation, sustainable agriculture and sustainable microplastic pollution control took center stage. Youth Innovation Prize The Cavite Science Integrated School bagged the YIP for “Project KALINGA: Geolocation Estimation of Forest Activities Using Triangulation and Sound Classification.” The project aims to address the longstanding issue of illegal logging and deforestation in the Philippines by helping forest rangers monitoring such activities. It works by using the triangulation method and sound classification to estimate the geolocation (or geographical location) of sound sources, specifically sounds of equipment used in illegal forest activities like chainsaws and vehicles. The team included Uno A. Café, Rainier M. Guinto, Sigmund Francis S. Manalo and Precious A. Zapanta, with Elain E. Malones as their coach. The Philippine Science High School-CALABARZON Region Campus also received the YIP for “SAMGIOP: Development of an IoT-based Sensory Device for Leaf Damage and Abiotic Factors in Cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) Using Raspberry Pi.” The project, designed as an innovative response to pest infestation problems in cabbages, was developed by Harvae C. dela Cruz, Joanna Daniella C. Fajardo, Ma. Hannah Isabel L. Suguitan, and Anjirehl Ernest Godfrei C. Zapata, with Marizel B. Villanueva as their coach. The project “E-QUIA: Remotely Operated Electrostatic Collector of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics in Freshwater Environment” of Vinzons Pilot High School was the third YIP awardee Addressing the environmental damage caused by microplastics, particularly in freshwater, E-QUIA is a remote-controlled device that uses an environmentally-friendly method to collect microplastics from freshwater environments via an electrostatic filtration system The technology was developed by Alliyah C. Cambronero, Reynier Francis E. Espinola, Allen Misty B. Jalina and Lea Monina G. Pioquinto, with Jason N. Bargo as their coach. Young Scientist Award The Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, through Graciela Mendoza, head of scholarships and community education, also bestowed the Young Scientist Award to four students who were selected from a pool of 80 aspiring young scientists: Sigmund Francis S. Manalo and Precious A. Zapanta of Cavite Science Integrated School, Harvae C. dela Cruz of Philippine Science High School-CALABARZON Region Campus, and Reynier Francis E. Espinola of Vinzons Pilot High School. The YSA is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics college scholarship awarded to outstanding students who exhibit admirable values and a strong commitment to STEM education. GBF has been DoST-SEI’s years-long partner in promoting a strong culture of science among the Filipino youth to encourage, recognize and support them in pursuing careers in STEM on the road to becoming future innovators and nation builders. C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions Innovation Award To complete the roster of winners, Lala National High School received the C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions Innovation Award from C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions vice president Gerric Gomez. CEALS is a special award given to a school team whose project exhibits excellent design using the Arduino platform and has strong market potential. The project, “Automated Calamansi Harvesting Robot”, focused on effective and efficient crop harvesting to maximize crop yield and minimize losses. It was developed by the team of Guilmarc C. Baculao, Luilaine R. Lumanas, Carlo James C. Saladaga, and Jetrice Lesuzest L. Tanguihan, with Harold C. Delostrico as their coach. The post Schools and students feted for innovative, tech-based sustainable solutions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Metrobank rewards 10 outstanding Pinoys P1-M each
Ten Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, comprised of four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers, are recognized for going beyond their duty and making a difference in the community. Recipients of this year’s career-service award for Filipino exemplars in the academe, military, and police sectors were presented to the public on Thursday, 3 August. Each of them will receive a cash prize of P1 million each (net of tax), a golden medallion, and “The Flame” trophy in a conferment ceremony on 29 August, ahead of the Metrobank’s anniversary celebration in September. Outstanding Filipinos embody the true meaning of “Beyond Excellence” as they go the extra mile in their chosen profession and selflessly extend a helping hand to those in need through their various service and community involvements while overcoming adversities and challenges. Bagging the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Teachers are (1) Mr. Rex M. Sario, MAT, Master Teacher I/Teacher-in-Charge of Balogo Elementary School (Pangantucan, Bukidnon); (2) June Elias V. Patalinghug, EdD, Master Teacher II, Catalunan Grande Elementary School (Davao City); (3) Edgar R. Durana, MAEd, Master Teacher I/SPED Coordinator, Don Jose Ynares Memorial National High School (Binangonan, Rizal); and (4) Jovelyn G. Delosa, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Northern Bukidnon State College (Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon). To be conferred with the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Soldiers are (5) Staff Sergeant Danilo S. Banquiao PA, Civil-Military Officer — Non-Commissioned Officer, 103rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army (Marawi City, Lanao del Sur); (6) Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. Bitancur PAF, Assistant Commandant, Basic Military School, Air Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, Philippine Air Force (Lipa City, Batangas); and (7) Colonel Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C. Dator PA, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3), Presidential Security Group (City of Manila) (formerly Commanding Officer, 10th Military Intelligence Battalion, 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Davao de Oro). Meanwhile, recipients of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Police Officers are (8) Police Chief Master Sergeant Dennis D. Bendo, Section Team Leader, District Mobile Force Battalion, Manila Police District (City of Manila); (9) Police Major Mae Ann R. Cunanan, Chief, Police Community Relations, Criminal Investigation, and Detection Group, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Chief, Case Monitoring Section, Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, PRO 9 in Zamboanga City); and (10) Police Colonel Renell R. Sabaldica, Chief, Morale and Welfare Division, Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Provincial Director of Cagayan Police Provincial Office in Tuguegarao City). “Outstanding Filipinos inspire us to go beyond excellence and pursue a mission that is bigger than ourselves. This year’s batch proved to us how the competence of Filipinos combined with character and compassion can positively impact other people’s lives,” said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña. “Educators, peacekeepers, and defenders have chosen to render selfless service to the community and the country despite many adversities. We hope their examples and contributions to society create a ripple effect transcending generations,” he added. The post Metrobank rewards 10 outstanding Pinoys P1-M each appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OCD honors disaster resilience champions
In celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) last July, the Department of National Defense (DND) - Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) concluded the NDRM with a culminating activity themed “Pagpupugay sa Bidang Pilipino”. DND-OCD and its partners, NDRRMC, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Resilience Council (NRC), and ARISE PH co-presented the “Dangal Bantayog ng Katatagan” awards, which recognize national decision-makers, local actors, and changemakers on the ground. The four awardees include SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI) Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., and Center for Disaster Preparedness President Zenaida Delica-Willison. In his welcome remarks, OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said, “The impeccable performance [of our awardees] over the years inspires the Bayanihan spirit and contributes to a safe, secured, and resilient way of life for every Filipino. They exemplify the value that no one is left behind amid managing disaster risks.” Meanwhile, DND Undersecretary Irineo Espino, on behalf of DND Secretary and NDRRMC Chairperson Gilberto Teodoro Jr., extended his congratulations to the awardees and urged stakeholders to continue working together, coming up with new ideas, and advocating for policies that increase the resilience of the country. The Dangal Bantayog ng Katatagan awardees DENR Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga was conferred with “Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pagtataguyod ng Pampublikong Katatagan” for her exemplary service as the incumbent Secretary of the DENR and Chairperson on Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction of the Cabinet Cluster. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. on the other hand, received the “Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pagpapaunlad ng Kagalingan at Katatagan” award, recognizing his decades of public service in the field of DRR management and his fundamental contributions in research and development as a scientist. Another staunch advocate of DRRM is Zenaida Delica-Willison who received the “Dangal ng Pilipino sa Bayanihan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan” for pioneering the advancement and promotion of community-based DRRM at the national, regional, and international levels. Hans Sy was awarded the “Dangal ng Pilipino sa Pag-Agapay sa Ligtas na Sambayanan,” the first-ever awardee from the private sector. “I stand here today as a believer in the whole-of-society approach as well as the use of science and technology. This and the public-private collaboration are pivotal in addressing systemic risk and reducing disaster losses,” he said. “Let us all bounce forward and embrace the spirit of resilience in everything we do. Together, we can create a world not only that endures but thrives in the face of challenges.” Sy is the Chairman of the Executive Committee of SPHI, Co-Chair of the United Nations DRR Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies or ARISE Philippines, and Co-Chair of the National Resilience Council for the Private Sector. Under his dedicated guidance, SMPHI has continuously promoted environmental sustainability and disaster resilience, giving the next generations hope for progress and prosperity. Expanding DRRM partnerships A summit with a number of seminars was held during the morning session before the awards presentation. The summit's talks were put in motion by one of the keynote speakers, Senate President Pro-Tempore, Senator Loren Legarda. She underlined in her message that improving the nation's resilience to climate change and natural disasters requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation strategy. Sen. Legarda also highlighted the need to effectively apply all pertinent legislation in order to achieve the objective of creating communities that are more secure and resilient. See more photos here: The post OCD honors disaster resilience champions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»