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Unlock business success at Franchise Asia Philippines Expo
The Franchise Asia Philippines Expo 2024 is set to hold a series of dynamic seminars designed to empower entrepreneurs, investors and business enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of franchising. Slated from April 12 to 14 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, these seminars offer invaluable insights into key aspects of franchising and business growth......»»
Lady Bullpups sweep way to glory
Local bet National U-Nazareth School survived the 51-point eruption of Naomi Panganiban for the fancied Fil-Am Nation Select Girls 1, 78-73, to reign supreme in the Manila Live Girls Under-19 Championships powered by the Smart-National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena......»»
ADB approves USD 100 mln loan to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Sri Lanka
Manila [Philippines], March 19 (ANI): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 100 million loan to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka more access to finance and build their resilience to external shocks, such as the economic crisis and climate change. SMEs play a critical role in Sri Lanka's economy, contributing 52 per cent to the country's gross domestic product and employ 45 per c.....»»
Davao City to build shelter for watchers, runners of Lumad, Muslim patients
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 27 February)—A shelter valued at P42 million will be provided for the watchers and runners of indigenous people (IP) and Muslim patients at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) compound. The allocation for a 200 sq.m. shelter was contained in an ordinance approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod Tuesday. The shelter will […].....»»
Eric Quizon gagayahin si Kuya Germs, mag-aalaga at magpapasikat ng artista
HATAWANni Ed de Leon MABIGAT ang sinabi ni Eric Quizon na gagayahin niya ang style ng pag-build-up ni German Morenong mga artista. Si Eric kasi ang namumuno ngayon ng talent center ng isang network at tama siya, walang makakapantay kay Kuya Germs sa pag-build-up ng napakaraming artista na napasikat. Pero baka hindi niya alam kung gaano kahirap din ….....»»
DSWD, Ibajay LGU build Child Development Center for kids of ex-rebels
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Ibajay local government unit (LGU) have initiated the construction of a Php1.7 million-worth Child Development Center (CDC) in Barangay Cabugao, Ibajay in Aklan province that will benefit the children of former rebels now residing in the resettlement site. DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special […].....»»
Converge to build first AI contact center in Philippines
Broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is set to build one of the first contact centers in the Philippines powered by generative artificial intelligence......»»
Quick takes from around the market
AbaCore announced that it has terminated the memorandum of agreement with Greenergy to build a massive food terminal and logistics center in Batangas......»»
BoI grants towers green lane access
Deals involving 6,400 shared passive telecommunications towers nationwide by 2030, which will require an investment that will provide thousands of jobs to Filipinos in the telecom industry, will be fast-tracked following the approval of its green lane application by the Board of Investment. On Wednesday, the BoI provided the green lane endorsement to the Common Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure Project of EdgePoint Tower Inc. BoI Governor Marjorie Ramos-Samaniego awarded the certificate of endorsement to EdgePoint Tower representatives headed by its chief financial officer Vicente Francisco Araña at the BoI Main Office in Makati City last 18 September 2023. EdgePoint Tower Inc. is eyeing to build and lease towers for telecommunications and digital services providers in the Philippines, a P50-billion telco infrastructure project that is expected to generate around 9,700 jobs. Aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2023’s goal of expanding and upgrading infrastructure, the project shall support the government’s initiative to enhance telecommunications services nationwide and increase connectivity, mobile network access, and Internet penetration in unserved and underserved regions of the country. The BoI added the project will provide access to the essential telecommunications infrastructure to enhance mobile telecommunications services and create a level playing field among new and existing Mobile Network Operators. Telecom infra levels up “Through continuous innovation and the use of the latest technology, the project aims to elevate the methods by which telecommunication infrastructure is developed, operated, and maintained in the Philippines. It will optimize tower design to use fewer materials and will begin using indigenous materials to replace steel elements. To lower its carbon impact, the project will promote the use of renewable energy to power telecommunications infrastructure installations,” the BoI statement said. The BoI One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments will monitor the actions taken by concerned government agencies on Edgepoint’s applications for permits and licenses and will submit a report to the Office of the President accordingly. Telco infrastructure is one of the priority sectors of the BoI alongside EVs, smart/high-tech lighting manufacturing, outsourced semiconductor assembly and test, green metals, high-tech agriculture, renewable energy, and data centers. Aside from generating more jobs for Filipinos, the project will strengthen the country’s telecommunications landscape and provide high-speed Internet connectivity to various areas. The post BoI grants towers green lane access appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Celebrating 77 Years of Danish-Philippine Diplomatic Relations through creativity
On 28 September, Denmark and the Philippines marked 77 years of strong diplomatic ties by emphasizing their shared passion for design and creativity. To honor this milestone, the Royal Danish Embassy Manila staged two projects that capture the fusion of Filipino creativity and uniqueness of Danish design, reflecting the richness of the countries’ longstanding relationship. Bridging our countries through LEGO One of the most symbolic representations of this mutual appreciation for creativity is the iconic LEGO – a Danish brand that has found its way to the hearts of many Filipino families, collectors, builder communities, and creative enthusiasts. You can also meet talented Filipinos working in LEGO headquarters in Denmark, driving design processes for various LEGO sets that land on toy store shelves worldwide. Venturing into the heart of the Philippines' historical richness, Danish Ambassador FranzMichael “Dan-Dan” Mellbin and Philippine Ambassador Leo Herrera-Lim explored the Philippines in bricks at the iMake History Fortress LEGO Education Center. The Education Center, nestled in historic Fort Santiago, is a joint project by the Royal Danish Embassy Manila, the Intramuros Administration, and Felta Multimedia, Inc and serves as an exhibition of historical and cultural landmarks in the Philippines – all built using LEGO. The center also conducts workshops to train the youth in architecture, design, engineering, and creativity using LEGO Education modules. Guided by the shared vision of fostering strong connections, the Ambassadors, along with Intramuros Administrator Joan Padilla, Felta Brand Activation Officer Jed Abiva-Sazon, Mme. Eva Fischer-Mellbin, and Mme. Fides Herrera-Lim, took the lead in building a symbolic bridge using LEGO as a representation of the strong connection of the two countries spanning over seven decades. Filipino art LEGO-fied From architectural wonders, LEGO bricks were creatively used as building blocks for classic masterpieces of Filipino maestro and National Artist, Fernando Amorsolo. Project AMORsolo, a mosaic LEGO exhibition by Pinoy LEGO Users Group (PinoyLUG) pays homage to the enduring legacy of the first Filipino National Artist. The exhibit replicates Amorsolo’s iconic paintings “Bayanihan”, “Dalagang Bukid”, and “Early Traders” using LEGO. To support PinoyLUG and masterpieces of Fernando Amorsolo, the Embassy hosted a Project AMORsolo installation in October 2023. During the event, PinoyLUG also unveiled a LEGO brick mosaic based on the iconic Danish artwork “Anna Ancher and Marie Krøyer on the beach at Skagen” by Michael Ancher, specially designed for the celebration. Gracing the event were members of the Amorsolo family including the artist’s daughter Slyvia Amorsolo Lazo and grandson Fernando “Nandy” Amorsolo Lazo, who now leads the Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation dedicated to the promotion of the maestro’s unique style and artistic vision. Named after a playful combination of the Filipino artist’s name and the Spanish term for “love” (amor), Project AMORsolo was born out of interest of PinoyLUG’s members during the pandemic to build projects that go beyond LEGO’s usual notion of “play”, but also represents the Philippines’ rich art and creative culture. Project AMORsolo has been showcased in the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila City Hall, and shopping malls around Luzon, and now at the Danish Residence. Wielding the power of design together Both events contribute to the Embassy’s “Design Matters” campaign. This aims to celebrate and increase awareness on Denmark’s design values and drive for innovation while appreciating the Philippines’ artistic heritage and ingenuity. Danish design, characterized by simplicity, functionality, and minimalism, is a way of life. The campaign aims to inspire Filipinos about the beauty and practicality of Danish design, connecting it to the Filipino tradition of craftsmanship and vibrancy. Since September, the Embassy has featured testimonials, parallel design concepts, and collaborative efforts to integrate design thinking into policies. The Embassy looks forward to continue supporting the Philippines in cultivating a deeper appreciation for design and translate creative ideas to meaningful efforts set to improve Filipinos’ lives. The post Celebrating 77 Years of Danish-Philippine Diplomatic Relations through creativity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cato: Evidence vs Alpha ‘strong’
Krizelle Dianne Respicio yesterday snapped back at two people who had worked for her at Alpha Assistenza SRL, the company now at the center of a visa procurement scandal involving Filipinos seeking jobs in Italy. In an unsigned post that has since been deleted on Alpha Assistenza’s official Facebook account, the agency issued a statement denying Respicio had implicated her aunt, Arlyn Pangan, in any scam. Consul general speaks Pangan, along with Socorro Velasquez who is now cooperating with Philippine authorities investigating Alpha Assistenza, was tagged by some of the complainants as a “runner” for Respicio. Alpha Assistenza said “Ms. Pangan has denied making these statements written” by this reporter. Pangan, however, yesterday stood by her story that was based on her face-to-face interview with DAILY TRIBUNE and Usapang OFW last Friday. The consul general to Milan, Elmer Cato, had issued a statement in a report by TV Patrol on Sunday. “We have strong evidence to prosecute this case, through lawyers here (Italy) and in the Philippines,” Cato said, apparently referring to Respicio and her partner and co-CEO Frederick Dutaro. Cato has denied coddling Respicio and Dutaro and, in an earlier statement by the consulate, averred that they had been undertaking a “case build-up” against the couple’s company. DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega also met with the Filipino community in Milan to look into the cases of illegal recruitment there. To recall, Pangan said that she had agreed to help Respicio because she was family, adding that the Alpha Assistenza co-CEO also offered to help her facilitate her trip to Italy so she could get cancer treatment there. The second employee Alpha Assistenza also hit out at Jeffrey Villalon, the creator of its website who also approached DAILY TRIBUNE to “spill the beans” on the company which, he said, promised to bring him back to Italy at no cost to him. Alpha Assistenza claimed Villalon was never its “marketing manager” although he built the Alpha Assistenza website. “Our website had been under the control of Jeffrey Liwanag Villalon, who had been asking me for money and refused me access thereto,” the Alpha Assistenza post said. Respicio appeared on a news report by ANC’s TV Patrol on Sunday to deny all claims of illegal recruitment allegedly committed by Alpha Assistenza. “We vehemently deny that there were illegal activities perpetrated by Alpha Assitenza. I am not hiding. I am not escaping,” Respicio said. The post Cato: Evidence vs Alpha ‘strong’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New mission: BuCor reform
Following his tenure as chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2015, retired four-star General Gregorio Pio Catapang chose to settle in Pampanga. Here, he embraced a simpler life as a farmer, relishing in the delights of native chicken, fresh produce, and the serene natural surroundings. “I am an environmentalist, so I decided to stay in Arayat, Pampanga, to be a farmer upon my retirement in October 2015, and I prayed, ‘Lord, it has been mission accomplished, so give me a new mission,’” Catapang narrated. The former military chief, the AFP’s 45th from July 2014 to 2015, is not a stranger to close encounters with mortality. Throughout his extensive service in the Philippine Army, from graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, he has endured several clashes with enemies, even more than one could count with the fingers. He held major positions in the AFP as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division — the Army’s largest unit, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, 703 Infantry Brigade, and 28th Infantry Brigade, among others. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His rise to prominence was not without hitches because he barely survived nine brushes with death. His strong faith in the Lord enabled him to be alive today. “The first incident that I encountered that almost ended my life was when I fell from the second floor of our house when I was just a kid; the second was when I was in the field where a provincial bus liner rammed the car I was in,” Catapang said. He was airlifted from Basa Airbase to V. Luna General Hospital and eventually transferred to Quezon City Medical City as he continued to bleed due to his severe injuries. “The doctor told me not to sleep because I might turn into a coma. So I fight on as the doctors continue to treat me,” he added. While still recovering, with his facial wounds still not yet fully healed, he was called by his commander to report back to work. “Nakangiwi pa ako dahil sa sugat (I was still grimacing in pain), but as a soldier, I followed the order, and that was then I realized that he was teaching me how to become chief of staff,” Catapang said, adding that as a good soldier, he had to endure the pain. He recalled that a chopper ride in the mountains of Cagayan also nearly took his life as it flew at 1,000 feet and traveled 18 knots. “The chopper is already old. I just have to make the sign of the cross as the chopper made a low-altitude flight due to poor visibility. We plunged downward, and I thought it was the end for me. But thankfully, the chopper normalized, and we safely landed,” he said. While in a restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga, Catapang said he was informed that NPA (New People’s Army) rebels would ambush him. “We ate at a chicken restaurant in Angeles and received information that I would be ambushed on returning to our camp. It was retaliation for the death of eight commanders of the NPA after movement patterns were detected based on information from barangay chairpersons,” he said. He cannot forget, too, that during the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the roof of the building they were occupying collapsed due to the accumulated volcanic ash. Catapang, named after two generals — Gregorio del Pilar and Pio del Pilar — led his soldiers in helping the indigenous peoples in the area, giving them food, clothing, and other necessities. “The natives very loved us because of that,” he added. He said he is thankful to have emerged victorious and alive from the all-out war against Muslim secessionists in Mindanao. It almost ended his life, but he survived with solid faith in the Lord. Throughout his life, he consistently believed that prayers are always answered, particularly when reciting the rosary. Proof was when he fervently prayed to the Lord to allow him to marry his first girlfriend, and his request was granted. He married Maria Lourdes and has three children. Catapang’s early life lacked the excitement it later encompassed. He was a typical teenager. He attended high school at the Claret School of Quezon City. Shortly after graduating from PMA, he pursued graduate courses at the University of the Philippines. He is the second of four children of Gregorio Catapang Sr., a lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lourdes Punzalan, an accountant at the Department of Finance, from whom he learned the value of public service. As a military officer, Catapang rallied the troops to strictly adhere to the AFP’s slogan of “Kawal DISIPLINADO, bawal ABUSADO, dapat ASINTADO” — three key words that spell out the Do’s and DON’T’s to become proficient in fire and maneuver and avoid collateral damage; be respectful of human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and the rule of law, and the rules of engagement. Catapang moved on with his career and retirement life, carrying an excellent performance standard, exemplary leadership and a keen vision. Answered post-retirement prayer After retiring from active military service spanning 34 years, he received a divine blessing through a new mission. Following seven years of working as a farmer, he experienced a life-altering moment on the evening of October 19, 2021. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla gave him an offer to lead the Bureau of Corrections. Unaware of the challenges that awaited him within the BuCor, especially at the New Bilibid Prison, he accepted the offer. It was only later that he discovered the appalling issues of corruption among the prison staff and the dire condition of the overcrowded facilities. Under the guidance of Secretary Remulla, Catapang’s mission to reform the BuCor is yielding positive results. They are actively organizing culminating activities to release eligible individuals who have been deprived of their liberty. To alleviate the overcrowding in the jail facilities, the BuCor is actively organizing and implementing various reforms. The main goal is to transfer all persons deprived of liberty from the maximum security compound of the NBP to new facilities outside of Metro Manila. Catapang is confident plans will come to fruition, as they have already presented their long-term reform plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approval. “At present, the reformation of BuCor is in full swing. I am confident we will accomplish and make things happen,” he said. The NBP, he said, is undergoing a significant transformation. The plan is to shut down the NBP in Muntinlupa and repurpose the area into a new business district similar to Bonifacio Global City in the southern part of Metro Manila. Explaining the reason behind the decision, he said high-end residential communities surround the current location of the NBP in Muntinlupa. To align with the surrounding environment, the intention is to close down the NBP and relocate all inmates to regional jail facilities nationwide. Catapang shared plans to dedicate eight hectares of land within the NBP to improve the living conditions of the settlers and provide them with opportunities for reintegration into society. “We will build condominium units for the settlers at the NBP, complete with amenities like a swimming pool, multipurpose facilities, and the like. Repair of residential houses is no longer possible, including power lines, so we decided to allocate the lands for them,” he added. The government will optimally use the land area by developing it into a business and government center, aligning with the DoJ’s plan. To support the food security initiatives of the President, he said they have already started the cultivation of approximately 10 hectares of land at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The aim is to grow rice and high-yield crops, contributing to the government’s long-term food security plans. “Hopefully, this will be done also to other penal farms of BuCor because we have ample lands for cultivation,” Catapang said. For the BuCor Director General who refused to be defined by limitations and setbacks, the relentless spirit and passion for reforms radiate triumphs against the most formidable odds. The post New mission: BuCor reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DICT partners with BCDA, JHMC to put up North Luzon Data Center
The Department of Information and Communications Technology has forged a partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the John Hay Management Corporation for the establishment of the North Luzon Data Center. The agreement was signed on Monday, 18 September 2023 by Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John E. Uy, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang, and JHMC President and CEO Allan R. Garcia. The DICT will lead the development of the North Luzon Data Center, which will be an integral part of the Department’s National Government Data Center Project. “The collaboration between DICT and BCDA to establish the North Luzon Data Center is a quantum leap toward a digitally-empowered Philippines. This cutting-edge facility is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to innovative, efficient and exceptional public service. With this data center, we shall drive digital transformation in the region and the country, ensuring that every Filipino can seize the opportunities of the digital economy,” said Uy. The planned North Luzon Data Center will mainly cater to government entities situated in the area of the country, promoting the utilization of e-governance systems and facilitating public transactions. A portion of the data center shall also be allocated for BCDA and JHMC’s use. “As the country’s digital economy and the demand for cloud-based services continue to grow exponentially, the Philippines needs to strengthen its digital infrastructure and build up its data center capacity. Being stewards of national development, the BCDA is ready to support the DICT in this endeavor, and we are willing to extend our efforts so that all Filipinos have access to fast and reliable digital services,” said Bingcang. Garcia added: “Celebrating this groundbreaking and unprecedented partnership, DICT, BCDA and JHMC unite to usher in a state-of-the-art government data center. Together, we aspire to elevate our digital infrastructure, empower efficient public services and ignite a new era of technological progress, all for the benefit of every Filipino.” The DICT has been aggressively pushing for e-governance initiatives, in compliance with the marching order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to facilitate the full digitalization of the country’s bureaucracy. Through forging partnerships with various government agencies and local government units, the department promotes the efficient delivery of public services and the interoperability of government systems and applications. The post DICT partners with BCDA, JHMC to put up North Luzon Data Center appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No torpedoing submarine plan
Mere days had passed after the Department of National Defense signaled a reboot of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Modernization Program when France and South Korea came knocking on the door to offer to develop our submarine force. For an archipelagic country like the Philippines, the versatility and stealthiness of submarines make them ideal for a variety of missions, including intelligence gathering, deterrence, and actual combat. They can, likewise, protect valuable maritime assets and patrol sea lanes without being seen. If the Philippines’ plan to acquire submarines comes to fruition, it will send a strong message to the international community that it is committed to defending its sovereignty and maritime rights, which are currently being violated with impunity by China in the West Philippine Sea. Last 14 September, French Ambassador-designate Marie Fontanel-Lassalle paid Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. an introductory call to reiterate her country’s support for a credible defensive posture by the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific region. According to reports on the meeting between the envoy and Teodoro, an offer by French defense manufacturer Naval Group to fill the Philippines’ shopping list for two to three submarines had been refreshed, including building a base for the modest fleet in Subic Bay. The Philippine Navy had previously announced that Subic Bay would be its preferred location for the submarines that the Philippines has been planning to acquire since the Ramos presidency, a push that was put on hold by the Asian financial crisis in 1997. As early as 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic put everything on hold, Filipino naval and defense officials had reviewed and found worthy of consideration the Scorpene diesel-electric submarine manufactured by France’s Naval Group. France, however, would have to fight it out with other bidders like Spain and South Korea, with the latter stepping up its push to supply the vessels that operate primarily under water. Last week, executives from South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean were in Manila to make a formal pitch for their newest Jang Bogo-III submarine. The Korean offer, like France’s, was a mere update, at the center of which is a 77-meter, 2,800-ton diesel-electric submarine with a beam of 9.7 meters. It boasts the latest propulsion system and lithium-ion battery technology that would allow it to operate longer. Of course, acquiring submarines is not a cheap proposition. However, it is a necessary investment for the Philippines’ national security. Experts have maintained that, in the long run, it will be cheaper to build a submarine force than to maintain a large surface fleet. As Teodoro moves for the “re-horizoning” of the AFP Modernization Program, the Marcos administration may want to start from scratch any negotiations for military equipment that had been made during the two previous administrations. That is as it should be as the Philippines must choose the best updated and re-priced proposals from several countries. As the submarine acquisition will demand a huge capital outlay, it is a must that the country shops wisely, not necessarily for the cheapest, but for what would fill its strategic and defensive needs. The acquisition process should be fully transparent and fair as it would involve taxpayer money, if not more foreign loans. The acquisition of submarines — just like the purchase of planes, ships and tanks — by the Philippines would also necessitate investments in training and infrastructure to support the new force. With increasing challenges from China in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines is being compelled by exigencies to put into motion Horizon 3 of the AFP Modernization Program to bolster its external defense capabilities. There would be those who would oppose more military expenditures, but the Philippines, located as it is in one of the most problematic areas of the world, must be wise to prepare for its security. With the jets and surface ships that the country had procured under Horizons 1 and 2, having a few submarines is the logical next stop for a country of over 7,000 islands surrounded by water. Any decision on which submarines to acquire should be based on a thorough assessment of each proposal’s technical capabilities, cost effectiveness, and the long-term benefits they offer to the Philippine Navy. Transparency in the acquisition process is paramount to ensure that the chosen submarines meet the country’s defense needs while adhering to its budgetary constraints. The post No torpedoing submarine plan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Agusan Norte welcomes first peace center
DAVAO CITY — The provincial government of Agusan del Norte and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Eastern Mindanao has inaugurated last 20 September 2023 the “Kagawasan 143” Peace Center — the first of its kind in the country. The facility is seen to build bridges of understanding and support for former rebels who have chosen the path of peace and reconciliation, while also providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to reintegrate into society successfully. OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao director Atty. Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña revealed that the peace center would serve as a hub for community engagement, where FRS can come together to discuss and address local issues, share ideas, and build a stronger, more cohesive community. She added that OPAPRU would closely collaborate with the “Kagawasan 143” Peace Center that would actively support and engage in peacebuilding initiatives within the city, and the province of Agusan del Norte working closely with grassroots organizations, local organizations, the academe and other government agencies to promote conflict resolution and social harmony. “This endeavor is part of the OPAPRU’s Localized Peace Engagements Cluster’s Transformation Program for FRs in close collaboration with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC,” said Lapiña. The OPAPRU official also vowed to transfer P5 million to initially fund the operations of the 143 Peace Center that would strengthen the implementation of the OPAPRU’s Localized Peace Engagements Cluster’s Transformation Program in the province. The post Agusan Norte welcomes first peace center appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nina Lim-Yuson — A lifetime of girl scouting
The president of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Nina Lim-Yuson, grew up in a family and home of Girl Scouts. Her grandmother, Pilar Hidalgo-Lim, was one of the co-founders of the GSP. “It was actually my Lola Pilar who suggested to Josefa Llanes Escoda, the GSP founder, to go to America to learn about girl scouting.” This tidbit of history, Nina shared in an online interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE. Pilar Hidalgo-Lim became GSP president, and so did Nina’s mother, Estefania Aldaba-Lim, who served as secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Nina’s sister too, the eminent broadcast journalist, Cheche Lazaro, was a Girl Scout. Coming from a lineage of women achievers, Nina could not have chosen a different path. It was scouting that formally introduced the family to social responsibility, skills development and citizenship. Her brothers were also Boy Scouts. “I started when I was six years old and it was my Lola Pilar who inducted me as a Brownie. It used to be called Brownie because we were still using the American pattern,” she related. She belonged to Troop Number One, the first to be organized by the GSP national headquarters. In high school at the Jose Abad Santos Memorial School of the Philippine Women’s University, she became a junior and later a senior Girl Scout. College would briefly end her Girl Scouting as she focused on her studies. Along the way, she also danced with the Bayanihan Folk Dance Company. It was not unexpected that she would return to scouting, her first love, and her first extra-curricular activity. For the last 36 years, she has been active in various organizations and volunteer work. She founded the Museong Pambata. She is a recipient of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service and is active in its various social development efforts. What Nina brings to her post is the legacy of leadership that had been passed on to her through generations of women leaders in the family. “My Lola Pilar was my idol. She was such a nice person and I never knew her totally as a president. I knew her more as a loving lola from all the stories she related when we rode up to Baguio. “My mother, on the other hand, was the opposite. She was very career-minded. I learned naman from her a lot of things, like being thrifty and having a list of things to do. In terms of organization, she was like that. Because she was in government. And, you know, when we started Museo, while it was actually my concept, I learned a lot from her. She would call me up at 5 o’clock in the morning and she would rattle off what needed to be done, like ‘number one, number two and so on.’ That was her. And I’m glad that I worked with her for six years in Museo. She was the president and I was the executive director for six years. I took over in 2000 as president and chief executive officer. And then, I stepped down in 2017.” Girl Scouts who read and tell stories Nina was elected president of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines for the term 2021-2024 during its 2021 national convention. From day one, she shared, “My purpose was to reach out to the community-based troops because we have always been school-based. Many young women now have social problems so we need to reach out to the communities through our community-based troops.” Also on top of her priorities is literacy development, a cause that she addressed even in the Museo Pambata. She explained, “My advocacy has always been education. So, I was very concerned because the Asian Development Bank reported in 2022 that the World Bank found out that our Filipino children at ages 9 and 10 cannot read. So, I felt that because girl scouting is all over the country, with 96 local councils, the organization could serve as a vehicle for improving literacy in our country. “We started the Girl Scout Storyteller project because storytelling affects the heart first before the mind. When young people start with storytelling, they will love the stories and then the written word. They would then want to read. “We now have storytelling in economically challenged communities and we have partners. We sent out 2,500 books throughout the country with the help of our partner couriers.” Initially, she sought the help of her family foundation “to give a donation. I also sought the help of Ging Montinola, who is into literacy development. Together, we founded the literacy program. We are building this fund to cover the cost of buying children’s books. We will have a storytelling contest next year.” Raising funds for Camp Escoda Nina then shifted the conversation to another major endeavor that she is spearheading as GSP president — fundraising for the 27-hectare Camp Josefa Llanes Escoda in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, which was donated by the provincial government during the term of Governor Amado Aleta, the father of consul and civic leader Fortune Ledesma. “Palayan is beautiful because it has rolling hills, but it doesn’t have electrical and water facilities and roadworks. It doesn’t have a swimming pool, and it’s so hot in Nueva Ecija. It also does not have a conference hall. This is a big one-time fundraising project because it’s for the future of the girls who are going to the camp. Because as of now, if you go camping there, you have to walk up the hills to get your drinking water. You have to make buhos to take a bath.” She recalled, “In my time as a young Girl Scout, which was of another era, we had to walk in the dark to fetch water to fill up two drums. I was so scared because there were tuko in Los Baños. That taught me to be courageous. Camps really build up your lifetime skills and attitude. Camping is very integral in girl scouting and boy scouting. So, this camp will serve a purpose. It just needs various basic facilities to make it world-class and convenient with the proper amenities, but the girls will continue to learn all those survival techniques and appreciate nature right on the camp.” She praised architect Pippo Carunungan, “who is an environmental planner. He surveyed the site and drew up everything. It will be a beautiful camp, he said, because it’s a gift of nature.” First Lady as Chief Girl Scout Nina recently led the Girl Scouts in a fundraising ball attended by the “First Lady, Liza Araneta-Marcos, who is our Chief Girl Scout. It’s mandated in the GSP constitution that whoever is the female president of the country or the First Lady is the Chief Girl Scout. In the past, we had Imelda Marcos, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. All the first ladies were all Chief Girl Scouts. “Mrs. Liza Marcos spoke before us and she promised to help. She said, ‘We will make it the best campsite.’ Everyone was excited to see her and she obliged everyone who asked to have selfie with her. She is very friendly. She is really a Girl Scout.” Nina shared, “A generous couple is sponsoring the swimming pool at P6 million, while a gentleman entrepreneur is sponsoring the perimeter fence at P1.5 million. Many other businessmen and leaders have pledged to help build this dream GSP project. “We really need to raise about 50 million to have a very good camp. But when the First Lady heard about it, she said, ‘It has to be P250 million.’ But, really, when we have the funds, we can have deep toilets that have running water instead of tabo-tabo. Since we have a little Pampanga river that runs across the camp, we can build a bridge that crosses it and then the girls can have white-water rafting there in the Pampanga river. “Camp Escoda will be a very important and significant venue for our Girl Scouts to gather, bond, learn new skills and develop as morally upright citizens of the country and the world. It is especially so because camping is integral in any Girl Scout’s life. If you don’t have camping, it’s like half of your scouting life is missing. Every Girl Scout remembers that time of her youth. And being the national camp, it will welcome Girl Scouts representing the 96 councils from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao who will participate in various events and trainings.” Girl Scouts of all ages As GSP president, Nina travels to various parts of the country. “We have regional conferences aside from the meeting of the Central Board when regional heads and executives come to Manila. “I had just come from Baguio where I stayed for two-and-a-half days. I met our young Girl Scout representatives from ages 14 to 18. I enjoyed listening to them and exchanging ideas with them. I am so happy that we have a wealth of intelligent girls who want to serve the country. They are the ones who are going to take over. “It’s amazing that GSP is no longer limited to old people on the board. We finally have young ones on the board. Our Escoda committee is headed by Jade Delgado from Iloilo. Then we have Justine Bautista. She’s a psychometrician. She heads the Program Committee, which is a big committee because when we were in Baguio, we had 86 girls from all the councils throughout the country. Many of them are running for SK. “So, in my 70s now, which I don’t feel at all, I don’t take any medicines or something like that. Being with young people is what inspires me. Because at 15, 16 or 17, they already know that they have some kind of a mission.” Nina proudly shared that the venue of the Baguio conference, 'Ating Tahanan' on the South Drive was bought during the tenure of my Lola Pilar. We have four buildings there, including the houses of Senator and actor Rogelio de la Rosa and Carlos Valdes, the accountant. Lola Pilar, according to Carlos Valdes, twisted his arm to get a low price. I’m so thankful for all those who preceded me because they bought these places. It’s on South Drive which is so valuable. We even have a reserved forest behind us.” As she looks forward to the next camping and gets even busier raising funds for Camp Escoda, Nina feels elated that “every one of us in the Girl Scouts has been together in our various undertakings. The nice thing is we are now intergenerational because we try to bring in the old with experience, institutional memory and their wisdom born of their long life, and the young who are full of enthusiasm, energy and new ideas.” A star scout for a granddaughter While Nina does her part for the bright future of girl scouting in the country, her personal family too has not stopped contributing to the roster of members to this worldwide organization. Today, a granddaughter of hers, seven-year-old Rocio Yuson de Guzman, is a Star Scout. She is the daughter of Nina’s daughter, Nicky. No grandmother could have been prouder. Nina said, “Rufio loves being a star scout. When I arrived from the recent world conference in Cyprus, I came back with some badges and I gave some to Rufio who is very proud of the little badges that I got for her.” For sure, Nina will pass on not just the badges to Rufio. More importantly, she will give her granddaughter the once-in-one’s-childhood experience of being a Girl Scout and learning “the values that are identified in the Girl Scout Promise and Laws. I think that while there is so much to enjoy and learn, it is the inculcation of these values that would mold her into a well-rounded human being. As we all know, a Girl Scout’s honor is to be trusted. A Girl Scout is loyal, thrifty, courteous… and so on. It’s like a mantra -- the values that one lives by. “I have reached that point when it is not about success or what one accumulates in life, whether awards or accomplishments or material things. It is more about what I can share and scouting gives me that honor and privilege — to do my part in helping mold our young girls and making them aware even at an early age that they have a mission and worthy purpose in life. It is not just about being good and outstanding on your own but it is also about helping others to become better in what they’re doing and live better lives. “And I need not look far. As a grandmother, I dote on my Star Scout granddaughter, Rufio. There’s a world out there for her to discover and in which she has a role to play and use the skills and values she will learn from scouting.” The post Nina Lim-Yuson — A lifetime of girl scouting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Addressing vote-buying
It seems that the present Commission on Elections is not running out of ideas on how to effect reforms. It is not “sleeping on their post” as sentinels used to say. It continues to pursue changes in the electoral landscape unmindful of negative social and political headwinds. I just wrote about its speedy action of placing Malabang, Lanao del Sur under Comelec control because of the indiscriminate firing of guns on the first day of filing of certificates of candidacy. Now, it’s tackling the mother of election irregularities — vote buying and vote selling. This illegal practice is anti-democratic. It continues to be the bane of elections. It restricts one’s freedom to choose one’s leaders. That it thrives as endemic in a political milieu like the Philippines is a testament to how difficult life is for the common people. Financial need, especially for those on the margins of society, is so chronic that people are willing to sacrifice their basic freedoms to make ends meet. This is a problem almost beyond solution because of the difficulty of punishing the wrongdoers, both the buyer and seller. We have laws punishing it but prosecutors can only build a case against a suspect with the participation of at least one of the accomplices to the crime. And who would want to testify against oneself unless immunity is assured? And so, we see a mockery of the law. No one gets jailed for violating it. The proactive Comelec comes now with a bagful of measures to combat the anomaly. It has created a special group, the Committee on Kontra Bigay, to address the problem and it is helmed by a no-nonsense reformist, Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr., the namesake of a great and astute statesman who served the country in various capacities for decades. I say he is the right choice, not only because of the reputation he has built, but more so because of the weight of the name he carries which he would not want to taint with a whiff of wrongdoing. The Commission has listed a litany of prohibitive acts associated with vote-buying. It’s too long to list in this limited space. But on top of these are acts and activities “presumed” to be illegal because they lead to the commission of the crime. These include “possessing or delivery of... monies or anything of value together with sample ballots or other campaign materials... queues of registered voters for the distribution of money... and such other goods... employing the hakot system or the gathering of two or more registered voters in a specific place before election day and on election day ...prohibiting the possession... carrying of cash exceeding P500,000 along with campaign paraphernalia two days before an election and on election day... an ‘ayuda’ ban except that which is normally given to qualified individuals...” It also created the Kontra Bigay Complaint Center which will receive complaints of vote-buying. For human rights guardians, consider this: the Comelec allows “warrantless arrest wherein any law enforcement officer may, without a warrant, arrest a person when in his or her presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is committing, or is attempting to commit the election offense of vote-buying.” Wow! A case arising out of these acts is fertile ground for legal hermeneutics. Any two-bit lawyer can find a “palusot” in this scenario. It may be extremely difficult to prove all these by evidence but it’s surely a theoretical force to deter the commission of the crime. And let it not be said that the present Commission did not lift a finger to combat this perennial problem which everyone talks about but was never addressed by past commissions. For this reason, the present Commission deserves our appreciation for a bold ambitious move. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Addressing vote-buying appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSP urges free service fee for small fund transfers
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas plans to issue a payments framework aimed at removing transaction fees for small fund transfers. BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. on Thursday said central bank officials have also been talking with e-wallet firms and other digital financial services providers to create the framework which will require financial firms to offer free fund transfers for small amounts. He said only three major banks are offering such service so far amid the lack of formal guidelines and directive from the BSP. Shame major banks “We’re trying to shame other major banks into following the same service. We’re formalizing it through a payments framework, and we’re in touch with GCash, Maya and other digital financial services providers,” Remolona said Thursday during the Global Policy Forum on Financial Inclusion organized by the Alliance for Financial Inclusion at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. With zero fees for small fund transfers, Remolona said more Filipinos would be encouraged to avail of banking services like deposit accounts, build wealth, and promote equitable financial service. “In general, we want to make sure the poor do not subsidize the rich. If you have a credit card and a big spender, you can get rewards. Guess who pays for the rewards? It’s the poor guys who only use small amounts in their transactions and get charged,” the BSP governor said. As more Filipinos own deposit accounts even with small funds, Remolona added banks and other lenders can strengthen their capital capacities. “We’ve found that when deposits are small, they become sticky and depositors don’t run away at the first sign of trouble. If you can lend to the poor, you have a more diversified portfolio and so it’s safer for banks,” the BSP governor said. Manila Manifesto During the Global Policy Forum on Financial Inclusion attended by over 700 foreign bankers and other stakeholders, Remolona announced the Manila Manifesto. This is a commitment by the Philippines to collaborate with other state-members of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion or AFI on developing global standards for making financial products and services safe, accessible and affordable for all. AFI reported 1.4 billion people worldwide still cannot access financial services due to a range of factors, such as financial illiteracy and lack of Internet connection and digital banking platforms. “In the 15 years since AFI was created, with substantive support from the BSP, our members have brought over 840 million people into the financial system via enlightened national policies and strategies on financial inclusion,” Dr. Alfred Hannig, AFI executive director, said. The post BSP urges free service fee for small fund transfers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PhilMech to build more coco processing facilities
The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) is continuing to establish coconut processing facilities in various parts of the Philippines in a bid to boost the country’s coconut industry......»»
Asian execs bare progress roadmap
Revitalizing traditional Asian companies to adopt to the digitalization wave is the biggest challenge faced by top regional executives. Asian business leaders plotted yesterday the precarious path of the region’s economy through their individual organizations in the annual Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore. Sabin M. Aboitiz, president and CEO, Aboitiz Group said: “We are transforming a 100-year-old company to a 25-year-old athlete.” “Thinking as a startup but not forgetting our legacies,” was how he described the transformation of the Aboitiz group. “And at the heart and soul of everything is people,” he indicated. Known for his passion for people and innovation, he is currently leading the Aboitiz Group on a “Great Transformation” towards becoming the first techglomerate in the country. The Aboitiz Group is one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines with interests in energy, banking, food, real estate, infrastructure, construction, technologies, data science and artificial intelligence. True industrialist Outside the Aboitiz Group, Sabin holds positions in various business and socio-civic organizations including Lead Strategic Convener of the Private Sector Advisory Council to the government, co-chairperson of the Sustainable Growth Working Group in the APEC Business Advisory Council of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, member of the United Nations Global Compact Network Philippines Board of Trustees, and Steward of the Council for Inclusive Capitalism. According to Forbes, Sabin’s creative and resourceful approach to employee engagement has earned him the Philippine Quill Award of Excellence for Communication Management, and his commitment to sustainability has led the Aboitiz Group to the frontlines of renewable energy in the country. In its 21st year, the annual conference convened CEOs, tycoons, entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders to discuss key issues of global concern and to build new partnerships, according to Forbes. The business bible said it takes boldness and vision to pilot an enterprise as the global business scene is transformed by new realities. Valuable perspective “The view from the top provides some perspective, but the rest of the crew must be motivated to embrace change as well,” it added. “Leadership is about appreciating the perspective of all your stakeholders, and I think that’s what politics teaches you,” according to Binod K. Chaudhary, chairperson of CG Corp. Global, said during the Captains Courageous session. The post Asian execs bare progress roadmap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»