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A Ruby Christmas
Issue 5
December 2015
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3 Donning beautiful ensembles in Christmas colors, members of the entire Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) family celebrated the Yuletide season in a gathering held last Dec. 10, 2015 at the Marco Polo Hotel. Dubbed as “Christmas Cheers,” the event became a night of thanksgiving and celebration that featured a twopart program. RAFI President Roberto E. Aboitiz (REA), in his message, said the event was a good time to reflect on the past year. “This is a time to reflect on where we might have done better and produce better impact, to celebrate success and to acknowledge good work,” he said. He also recognized the efforts of everyone in the organization and called on them to make the best of 2016 by producing greater outcomes. Together with REA, RAFInians and other members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) then recognized Chief Operating Officer Dominica B. Chua (DBC), who marked her 40th year in the organization and whom REA described in his message as a principal architect in RAFI’s history.
the two most significant persons in her 40 years of service. The locket, REA said, was a symbol of love and gratitude. Ruby years As part of the recognition, a short video clip was played, showing individuals who have worked with DBC and have been part of her 40-year journey in RAFI. Other highlights were the animated musical performance of the children from the Guadix Kiddie Center and the preview of the Christmas gift-giving activities that were conducted by RAFI teams in selected institutions in Cebu for the rest of the Christmas season. These were done to honor DBC and her example of generosity and untiring gestures of kindness and compassion to the less fortunate. In her response, DBC shared that she was reluctant when the opportunity to lead RAFI was presented to her, saying she was aware that there were those who questioned her background in being able to lead an organization like RAFI.
in society is still very big… and I believe that we have the best team now, the best people who have the passion. Forty years is nothing as long as you have the passion in you,” she said. Christmas cheers After a sumptuous dinner, RAFI teams geared up for the party’s second main event, the Look’a Lip Sync Battle, an individual and group competition, with a concept that combined the popular Lip Sync Battle and Dubsmash sensations.
Members of the RAFI Board of Trustees and RAFI Executive Committee chairperson Maria Cristina Aboitiz (2nd from left) flank DBC (center) during the celebration of her 40th year in the organization.
Eight individual contestants and groups competed for the night, showcasing their lip-syncing, dub-smashing and overall performing prowess, proving that RAFI employees have the awe-inspiring talent and competitive energy combined.
Emerging as the top winners were ‘Lady Gaga’ Maria Liza Visande, HR Officer of RAFI Micro-finance, for the individual category, and the group composed of PSD, Reputation Management, Facilities and HRD teams, Not one to back down from who performed as the popular a challenge, DBC accepted the singing group Pentatonix, for the position. group category. “I don’t think this is about In between performances, me but of a legacy, a legacy that RAFI employees also enjoyed I should be part of. The only way a unique twist to the coveted for me to do that is to stay behind raffle prizes—they were made and accept the post,” she said. to answer Christmas trivia Forty years later, DBC questions as a team for a chance said she’s not tired yet and has, to win raffle prizes. in fact, shared with REA her Also awarded with special dreams for RAFI and what has tokens were the Male Star of to be done for the organization. the Night, Mark Acapulco of IT,
In an orchestrated surprise, she was given a second round of awarding by members of the BoT and the Aboitiz families. RAFI Vice President Jon Ramon Aboitiz awarded DBC with stock certificates in Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. while REA handed “There are still a lot of things and Female Star of the Night, her a white gold necklace with a locket containing photos of Don that we can do. New ideas, Maybellane Sanchez of Culture Ramon and Don Eddie Aboitiz, more people to help. Our role & Heritage Unit.
Children from the Guadix Kiddie Center in their cute presentation.
RMF’s Maria Liza Visande as Lady Gaga
‘Pentatonix’ performing for RAFInians
Maybellane Sanchez of CHU and Joseph Mark Acapulco of IT were named the Female and Male Stars of the Night.
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A day of fun for kids
RAFI continues to make kids happy during Christmastime by hosting a kiddie party, a tradition that started in 2001.
Christmas has always been the most special time of the year for kids. The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) made this true for 100 kids ages seven to 10 from Barangays Tinago, Parian, and Sawang Calero, Cebu City who were treated to a Christmas party last Dec. 22, 2015 at RAFI’s parking grounds. Several days earlier, the different teams of RAFI went to their chosen communities to spread Christmas cheers. During these parties, dubbed as DBC’s Gift of Love, RAFI team members spent time with the less privileged children and made them feel what Christmas is all about. Annabelle Abalorio, senior accountant of the RAFI-Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC), said the activity last December 22 aimed to give back to the neighbor communities
of the foundation as thanksgiving for the success of its projects. The program began with a solemn prayer followed by a welcome remark by RAFI Communications Head Rianne Tecson and Christmas story telling by Elizar Sabinay Jr., capability training and education officer of the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board-Research, Program and Organizational Development. Games and giving of gifts followed thereafter. The children enjoyed the fun-filled games “PaintMe-A-Picture,” “Open the Basket,” and “Paper Dance.” The kids were given a bag full of school supplies, which includes a tumbler, lunch box, notebooks, pencils and crayons. They also received hygiene products like toothpaste, shampoo, and soap. RAFI took care of the food, prizes and gifts, while donors
added to the toys and the food. The program ended with RAFI giving ice cream to the kids. “Happy ko kay nakaapil ko sa party. Nalingaw sab ko kay nindot ang mga games ug daghan ang mga panghatag. Thank you,” said Carl, one of the participating kids from Tinago. Jovelyn Mangyaw, mother of one of the kids invited to the party, said she was likewise happy her child was able to join a Christmas party. “Nalipay ko kay naapil sila ug nakadawat sila og mga school supplies. Sakto kaayo kay wala namo ang naay trabaho. Nagpasalamat sab ko sa mga sponsors,” she said. Abalorio said that RAFI, believing that Christmas is celebrated most especially for kids, started hosting a Christmas party for children in 2001.
DBC’s Gift of Love: RAFInians reach out
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IDU
YEARENDER
2015 in review The time is always right to do what’s right, Martin Luther King Jr. once said. For us in the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), the year 2015 became yet another opportunity for us to fulfill our mission of touching lives and shaping the future. Through the different program units and support teams, we pursued various initiatives in different communities. We inaugurated resettlement sites and school buildings, facilitated donations to other organizations, opened more branches to support micro-enterprise initiatives of nanays, and launched a coffee table book that promotes a town’s culture and heritage. We also continued to forge partnerships with more institutions and organizations, honored groups and individuals working to elevate lives and implement projects that answer the community’s needs, and lauded towns and cities in Cebu that implemented initiatives to strengthen local governance. The past year was definitely a busy one, yet there is still so much work to be done. But, as Mahatma Gandhi said, “A small body of determined spirits, fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission, can change the course of history.”
IDU held the 5th edition of the Run 2 Plant, continued the construction/turned over resettlement homes, and conducted trainings in communities in 2015.
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EJACC
YEARENDER
Several cancer awareness and prevention talks, and the 12th Moonwalk were conducted by the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center in 2015.
RMF
YEARENDER
RMF opened several branches in 2015, including those in Palompon, Leyte (left) and in Carcar City, Cebu.
Renoir closeout was also done in 2015.
A new product, the Better, Flexible and Family – Oriented, was launched this year.
The Center Meeting Module of Savings Training to the nanays was started this year.
RMF bagged 3 awards in the Bugsai Awards given out last Nov. 16, 2015.
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CHU
YEARENDER
In 2015, the Culture & Heritage Unit of RAFI held the 9th run of the Gabii sa Kabilin, conducted Kids at the Museum sessions, and launched the Argao In Search of a Usable Past. book.
EADSC
YEARENDER
USJ-R and RAFI personnel pose after the signing the agreement for the YMA-NSTP integration.
Students listen attentively to the S-Leadership vassal teacher.
Screening and selection to the 6th RTA was stringent as teams were fielded earlier in the year to interview and validate semifinalists and later present their findings to the Search Committee.
Anita Castillon, winner of the Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individual category, and Hadja Diobay Diocolano, Executive Director of the Kadtabanga Foundation for Peace and Development Advocates, Inc., winner of the Eduardo Aboitiz Award for Outstanding Institution Category of the 6th RAFI Triennial Awards.
The Circle of Laureates of the RAFI Triennial Awards take part in the 6th Leaders of Change Conference.
The RTA Circle of Laureates participated in the 7th Leaders of Change Summit in Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro which included learning visits to select project sites of the Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. and Agri-Aqua Development Coalition Mindanao.
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EADSC
Dr. Thongchai Roachanakanan, an urban planner from Thailand, sharing his observations of Cebu as well as their experiences in Bangkok to tackle the importance of Land Use Planning in Mitigating the Effects of Flooding during the Understanding Choices Forum Water Series 1+ last Aug. 28, 2015.
Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, past president of World Wildlife Fund Philippines, presenting to key stakeholders the results of their study, “Business Risk Assessment and Managing Climate Change Impacts” in the context of Cebu City.
The Research and Knowledge Management cluster of EADSC took on a new identity as the Knowledge Resource Center of RAFI.
Sec. Neric Acosta, Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection, expressing the different challenges in implementing the Clean Water Act, which he authored as a legislator, during the Understanding Choices Forum Water Series 2 last Oct. 9, 2015.
KAC
YEARENDER
RAFI-KAC facilitated trust activities, initiative games and challenge course activities during the Ayala Young Leaders Congress 2015.
Pilmico Feeds employees share their songs and dances to beneficiary kids during their four-day Land Expedition Program organized by RAFI-KAC.
Participants from the Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu huddle up for their final team plan before they proceed to their checkpoints and complete the challenges during the Urban Backpacking facilitated by RAFI – KAC.
RAFI – KAC facilitated the Urban Backpacking as a kick-off activity for the RAFI Founders Day Celebration last Nov. 9, 2015
IamMandaue partnered with RAFI-KAC in the recent IamMandaue Panagtagbo Activities 2015. RAFI-KAC was the specific support team on the safety and risk management concerns.
RAFI-KAC facilitated two major activities for the 90 selected future leaders coming from the different colleges and universities in the Philippines as delegates of the 10th Aboitiz Future Leaders Business Summit (AFLBS) last Nov. 5 to 7, 2015.
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EDU
YEARENDER
DACF
YEARENDER
The EDU team facilitated several teachers’ trainings and inaugurated/ turned over schools that it constructed or rehabilitated.
Among DACF’s many activities for 2015 were the several trainings for day care center teachers and personnel, and turnovers of day care centers.
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Mega Cebu
YEARENDER
PSD
YEARENDER
The Cebu Brand Team toasts to the result of their collaboration during a grand unveiling at the Ayala Activity Center last Nov. 13, 2015. The logo and tagline “Cebu, where the heart sings” is flashed on the screen after the program of songs and dances put together, like the brand, “for the love of Cebu.”
The theme of the 3rd Mega Cebu Month is “Mega Cebu, Pwede Kaayo”, which was designed to further drive public awareness and emphasize that simple acts citizens can contribute to making Mega Cebu happen.
Cebu’s leaders join RAFI President Roberto E. Aboitiz in “paddling” toward unity.
The Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) conducted a series of Full Board Meetings every quarter of 2015 and one of the most significant actions the body made was proposing to the lawmakers a bill seeking the institutionalization, which would pave way to a strengthened coordination among concerned local government units.
PSD conducted a team building to the Junior Task Force with the objective of enhancing and strengthening the roles and social relations of each member. It ended the year with an impression of facing a brand new challenge by virtue of awarding the teams that completed the BUGSAI Process Level 1.
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IDU
IDU
13 Cebu LGUs win big in Our Cebu Program Thirteen local government units (LGU) in Cebu ended 2015 on a high note after they were recognized by the Cebu Provincial Government and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) for implementing initiatives to improve local governance. For the second straight year, the Municipality of San Francisco in Camotes island emerged as the “Most Outstanding LGU” in the Our Cebu Program (OCP) and received P1 million in cash reward. Runnersup were the LGUs of Liloan, which received P750,000, and City of Naga, which received P500,000. The towns of Barili, Cordova, Dalaguete, Medellin, Oslob, Poro and Tudela rounded up the top 10. Each received a plaque and a trophy. Special awards were also given, with Liloan named Outstanding LGU in Green Category, San Francisco in Camotes Island as Outstanding LGU in Livability Category, Oslob as Outstanding LGU in Tourism and in Culture and Heritage
categories, Barili as Outstanding LGU in Governance Category; and Bogo City as Oustanding LGU in Resiliency Category. Each received a plaque and cash prize of P100,000. The towns of Bantayan and Argao, meanwhile, each received a plaque and P100,000 after being chosen as “Emerging Local Government Units” for their significant improvement in the ranking compared to their performances in 2014. In handing out the awards, Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III thanked RAFI for partnering with the Capitol in implementing the program, now on its second year under his administration. “At the top of our agenda is to attain inclusive, participatory and sustainable development through good governance. It is the strong foundation that enables a political and social environment that supports excellence among individuals and communities; develops pride in our culture and heritage, pride in our being Sugbuanon; and allows
respect and protection of our natural endowments,” he said. Started by the Capitol and RAFI, the OCP aims to capacitate each of Cebu’s 51 towns and component cities by coming up with a scorecard that serves as assessment and evaluation tool to measure performance. The program looks for the best LGU in terms of implementing policies and programs on governance, the environment, culture and heritage, inclusiveness and competitiveness, livability, and resiliency. “The Our Cebu Program is about local governance, of making Cebu a wholesome environment. It is difficult, but thanks to RAFI which developed the scorecard system, which are very measurable standards,” said Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, the Capitol’s Our Cebu Program manager. Magpale also added that inspired by RAFI’s mantra “to build communities,” the OCP is a way of “inspiring their constituents, in steering every city, town, school, to improve the communities.”
SM Cares beneficiaries celebrate Christmas in their new homes In their first Christmas in their new homes, beneficiaries of the SM cares housing project in Bogo City made sure the celebration was a memorable one. For the beneficiaries, the party last Dec. 12, 2015 was their way of thanking SM Foundation for providing them with decent houses. The beneficiaries were among those who were rendered homeless by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013. “It’s our great pleasure that we get to celebrate Christmas in our new community. Before, in our (old) place, we didn’t have this kind of celebration. We were situated far from our neighbors and it was hard for us to be together like this,”
said Rowena Galo, a resident of Asya St. The homeowners organized a parol-making contest to showcase the participants’ innovation and creativity by using indigenous materials only. The lanterns, their symbol of hope and prosperity, were hung in their homes. A group caroling contest was also held to showcase the talents of residents in singing and showmanship. It also became a way for them to get acquainted with their neighbors. There was also an exchanging of gifts among residents. A Children’s Party was also held and was attended by at least 400 kids. During the party, the
kids got to participate in games like balloon twisting and other parlor games, and enjoy a presentation by mascots from Jollibee. Meals were provided to the residents with the help of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. - Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund (RAFI-DACF). For the caroling contest, SM Appliance Street won the first prize, while Asya Street won the first prize in the lantern making contest. Comprising the panel of judges were officials from the Bogo City Government and Barangay Polambato, and representatives from RAFI and SM Foundation. To sustain the project, the residents held a fund raising drive.
155 families that survived Yolanda get new homes Over a year after work began, international non-government organization Hilfswerk Austria (HWA), the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), and the Municipality of San Remigio, Cebu inaugurated last Dec. 9, 2015 the houses they built for 155 families who were survivors of super typhoon Yolanda at the “Austria Village” relocation site in Barangay Barangay Maño, San Remigio. Four months after Yolanda struck, RAFI, HWA, and the local government signed a memorandum of agreement for the construction of permanent homes for the families affected by the “no-build zone” strictly imposed by the government in the aftermath of Yolanda. Less than three months later, construction of the relocation site formally started with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 2. “I can say that these (houses) are one of the nicest to look at, if not the nicest houses (built for survivors),” said Mayor Mariano Martinez during the inauguration ceremony. He said the relocation still
requires additional work, like ripraps to support parts of the rolling terrain, and a complete playground for kids, but he was glad the site was ready for the beneficiaries.
provided the location for the houses. The town also provided the heavy equipment and the plans in the construction of the houses and the development of infrastructure.
Suzanne Chylik, HWA project manager, who stayed in San Remigio since 2014 to oversee the work on the site, said they will still stay even after they finish all 155 houses as their support will continue in other forms, such as providing livelihood trainings.
RAFI, for its part, acted as facilitator and evaluator of the program by monitoring the implementation, profiling the beneficiaries, and gathering baseline data.
RAFI-Integrated Development Unit Executive Director Anthony Dignadice, on the other hand, said the foundation was glad it is able to help. “Hope. This is the very essence of what we are celebrating today. And we are glad we were able to provide happiness to the families,” he said. The beneficiaries’ houses were built through “sweat equity,” where beneficiaries, under the technical guidance of HWA, took part in the construction and were required to devote 400 hours to help build their own homes. As stipulated in the MOA, the town, among other responsibilities,
Aside from providing the funds for the construction of the houses, HWA also provided technical supervision during the construction of houses, including the assignment of Chylik as overall project manager. The “Austrian Village,” a pilot project of HWA in the country, was targeted for completion this month when work on the 2.9-hectare site started last year. HWA is one of Austria’s leading organizations for development cooperation and humanitarian aid. It is guided by the principles of sustainable development and universal human rights. Through its projects and programs, it aims to improve the lives and perspectives of beneficiaries.
(From left) Hilfswerk Austria Desk Officer Corina Ziesel, residents’ ad hoc team chairman Expedito Bantoc, Jr., Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.-Integrated Development Unit Executive Director Anthony Dignadice, and San Remigio Mayor Mariano Martinez sign paddles as a symbolic gesture of support. The paddles were then turned over to the residents to signify that they must also strive to “paddle” towards their intended destination in the future.
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EADSC
EADSC
USJ-R, NSTP students undergo S-Leadership seminar
A fresh start for 92 scholars
Ninety-two promising students from different schools in Cebu ended the year all ready to support efforts to building a more sustainable Cebu. Last Dec. 12, 2015, the students, all part of the 9th Season of the Young Minds Academy (YMA), ended the program with the Best of Young Minds Awards and Graduation Ceremony at the Golden Prince Hotel in Cebu City.
Fifty-six selected National Service Training Program (NSTP) students of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) underwent the S-Leadership: The Potter’s Way Seminar for four consecutive Saturdays from Nov. 21 – Dec. 12, 2015. The S-Leadership: The Potter’s Way Seminar is a God-centered leadership seminar calling individuals, business owners and organizational leaders to refocus and center their lives in God, and by so doing, attain success with an eternal perspective. The seminar is in line with the Young Minds Academy-NSTP (YMA-
NSTP) Integration initiative of USJ-R and the Leadership and Governance Institute (LGI) of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.-Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (RAFIEADSC). LGI and USJ-R partnered with Dilaab Foundation, Inc. which served as vassal teachers to the seminar. “I have learned that everyone is called to be a leader. It is impossible for a man to be a good leader without being a good servant of God. And it is impossible also to be a good servant of God without being a good leader to His people. He who leads other people for his benefit is a servant to himself,” said Derwin Crisologo, one
of the participants of the program This year, RAFI partnered with USJ-R to launch the YMA-NSTP Integration initiative. It aims to upscale the YMA program and improve the instruction and delivery of the NSTP course. The YMA program of RAFI-EADSC is a leadership and citizenship development program aimed at developing young people into becoming leaders and proactive citizens ready to serve the public and its interest. The next sessions will include additional modules of the YMA program which will strengthen character, enhance competence and promote citizenship.
The event extolled 20 teams comprising 92 YMA scholars, who graduated after eight months of competence-building and characterstrengthening learning sessions, and those who excelled in the individual and team categories. As part of the program, the scholars were asked to generate ideas and solutions to help address urban development issues and concerns related to disaster preparedness and humanitarian response, particularly to support the Mega Cebu program and framework for long-term and collaborative planning and action towards a more sustainable Cebu. RAFI also partnered with various public and private organizations and individuals in support of the mandate of the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board. In his inspirational message to the graduates, RAFI President
Roberto Aboitiz urged the graduates to use their talent and time toward achieving their goals. “Keep dreaming of what could be… what ought to be. Move from discussion of facts and information and deciding on a course of action then implement your strategic plan,” he said. RAFI Vice President Jon Ramon Aboitiz, for his part, shared with the graduates the five marks of excellence: integrity, trust and honor; hard work; perseverance; love of family; and concern for others. He also told them to define their set of values, live it out, and live through it as they pursue their goals in life. “Your values serve as the rudder of your life. It also defines what kind of a person you are. It determines the direction you are heading. It serves as the parameter for your choices, decisions, and actions. It defines who you are and who you will become,” he said. The following were the community-based projects that were short-listed and pre-qualified for project funding and pilot implementation among the 20 project models submitted: Generation A Team 2: B-READY CAMP (Buagsong–
Responding to Emergencies And Disasters with Youth CAMP), Generation A Team 9: Project TASK (Tatsu Andam Sa Katalagman), Generation B Team 1: SEA (Saltwater as an Energy light source Alternative), Generation B Team 2: Project CWB (Cambaro Wash Breakthrough, Generation B Team 5 : TORCH Quick Response App, Generation B Team 8 : MOD (Master of Disaster). “YMA touched me in a holistic sense. Its capability building modules prepared me to be someone whose competence and character are set so as to be of service (to the community). Our engagement with the community opened for us a new perspective in leading. It gave me the avenue to help others and at the same time it helped me to be clear on my purpose,” said Generation A’s John Nicko Coyoca, a recipient of the Bridging Leader award. “YMA has been a catalyst for me to really know my calling and purpose. And that is to ‘touch lives and shape the future’, as RAFI-EADSC taught us to be youth of action by being an influencer, and by being an inspiration to many,” he added. Three YMA Teams also received the “Influential Young Minds” award for best presentation during the conference, namely: Generation
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EADSC
A Team 2 – B-Ready Camp (Cebu Institute of Technology), Generation B Team 8 – Master of Disaster (Center for Excellence), Track Generation A Team 5 – USJ-R Ready Kaayo (USJ-R), Generation B Team 3 – PREA-D-GY (Saint Theresa’s College High School).
KAC
Future Leaders of Toledo Program recognize students’ community projects
The YMA 9th Season graduates pledge to continue doing their part to have a more livable Cebu.
Generation A Team 2’s B-Ready Camp and Generation B Team 8’s Master of Disaster were also proclaimed the best communitybased project and were awarded the “Responsive Young Minds” award. Generation A Team 5’s USJR Ready Kaayo and Generation B Team 3’s PREA-D-GY, on the other hand, also who won the “Creative Young Minds” award for best Social Marketing campaign. The “Ramon E. Aboitiz Medal for Team Excellence” was awarded to Generation A Team 2 (Jhon Miguel
G. Cabanit, John Nicko M. Coyoca, Destiny N. Lumano, Karl Anthony R. Rodil, Mark Angel D. San Nicolas) and Generation B Team 2 (Bonne
Christine O. Cañal, Sophia Maria Aguedda T. Enage, Aitana Therese T. Nellas, Mary Therese G. Sedurifa, Dev Ross B. Villarias).
The students’ proposals on how they want to help their communities.
Mega Cebu, OECD hold workshop for Cebu’s green growth As part of Cebu’s participation in the Urban Green Growth in Dynamic Asia Project of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board’s (MCDCB) Mega Cebu, in partnership with OECD, hosted a knowledge sharing workshop last Dec. 9, 2015.
and non government agencies that presented the management mechanisms of Cebu to the OECD members and participants of the workshop.
The workshop, which had two sessions, discussed Cebu’s land use and water resources management mechanisms in accommodating rapid urbanization and economic development.
“This workshop is for us to conceptualize concrete, action oriented, realistic, and feasible recommendations or ideas for Cebu,” OECD Regional Development Policy Division, Public Governance and Territorial Development project manager Tadashi Matsumoto said.
The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, National Economic and Development Authority, Cebu City Planning and Development Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Metropolitan Cebu Water District, Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water, and Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office were among the government
The discussion was used as an avenue for participants and OECD members to identify strategies and recommendations to be implemented to improve Cebu’s green competitiveness.
During the workshop, international participants also shared their respective city’s experiences and lessons pertaining to land use management, water supply and quality management and the delegates from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
(Thailand), Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs (Vietnam) and Bandung Environmental Rehabilitation Division (Indonesia) were among the International participants who shared their experiences and lessons. “One city can’t stand alone. Cooperation and coordination with other cities is important in the solution of issues,” Iskanda (Malaysia) Regional Development Authority Strategic Communications vice president Suhaimee Md Noh Mohamed said. Mega Cebu, along with four other cities in Southeast Asia namely Bangkok in Thailand, Johor Bahru/ Iskandar in Malaysia, Bandung in Indonesia, and Hai Phong in Vietnam, has been identified, nominated and invited by OECD as the project’s fifth case study. The output of this study will be a report titled “Green Growth in Cebu, the Philippines.” The report, which will be published this year, will consider a theme affecting Cebu’s green competitiveness and recommend policies to be implemented.
iTeach of De La Salle Andres Soriano Memorial College (DLS ASMC) bested other projects implemented by six other schools in Toledo City that participated in the three-phase Youth Leadership Development Program this year. The DLS ASMC students were proclaimed winner during the awarding ceremony held in December 2015. The awarding ceremony wrapped up the Three-Phase Youth Leadership Development Program organized by Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC) in partnership with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc – Kool Adventure Camp (RAFI-KAC). The program aims to implement
community and school projects in the barangay level. iTeach is a social action program formulated by the Supreme Student Government of the DLS ASMC. It aims to enrich and reinforce students’ skills in English, Mathematics, Arts, Computer Literacy, Moral Uprightness and Leadership. “Our project reaches out to the less fortunate who don’t have the opportunity to achieve higher educational status. We also aligned our objective with the goal of our school that is to create globally competetive individuals. We teach minds, touch hearts and transform lives,” said a student representative who took
part in the program. iTeach lasts for 27 weeks, with classes held once every two weeks that benefit less fortunate children of Barangay Don Andres Soriano. Toledo City. Other projects implemented include FYI-Segre-Aksyon of Bunga National High School, Waste Management Check of Cantabacco National High School, Dengue Preventation for Life Protection of Don Andres National High School, Pera sa Compost Pit of Media Once, Eskwelahan Namo, Eskwelahan Nako of General Climaco National High School and School Beautification of Magdugo National High School.
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KAC/DACF
DACF/PSD
30 IB World School students undergo community immersion activities Thirty students from The Beacon School, an International Baccalaureate World School, learned self-management, independence, teamwork, outreach and immersion to community social services during a five-day Adventure Education Program facilitated by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc – Kool Adventure Camp (RAFI-KAC) last Nov. 30 to Dec 4. 2015. The program aims to expose the students to awareness of socioeconomic issues and situations. It allowed the students to interact with different people from different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. This is also to help them learn “equality and inequality.”
Mind setting, team agreements and assignment of leadership roles took place during the first day of the program. On the second day, the students worked on initiative games, planning and preparation their learning visits. “I have learned that even though everybody is unique and different in their ways, we should treat them equally, not one nicer than the other. I will be more appreciative and will mind my actions more often,” shared a participant. The participants went for their learning visits on the third and fourth days of the program. They interacted with the students from the Bajau
community and Gualandi School for hearing impaired individuals. The participants reached out to the community through games, presentations and art therapy. “After the KAC program, I would like to be more independent, and appreciative because you never know how other people might be suffering of different issues . I would like to be more kind and caring so I can grow up to be a good person,” the participant added. At the end of each program day, the participants wrote their experiences on a journal and talked about their learning with the team. They graduated from the program on the last day.
Day care workers undergo training on designing, managing sessions The second batch of training for day care workers on designing and managing day care sessions was held at Cityscape Panagdait, Mandaue City last Nov. 9 to 14, 2015. The event was in partnership with KIDSLIFE Foundation. Day care workers and day care officers were taught how to design and facilitate activities appropriate for children ages 3-5 years old through workshops, demonstrationreturn demos and simulations. During the training, the participants shared stories, songs, rhymes and games that depicted local culture and heritage of their respective municipalities. They also designed and agreed on daily day care session routines which are appropriate for the children’s age. The six-day training session was attended by 33 day care workers from the towns of Asturias, Argao, Aloguinsan and Tudela, and Talisay City.
Day care officers, supervisors get training on mentoring, monitoring
Another training for day care officers and supervisors on mentoring and monitoring was held at Cityscape, Panagdait, Mandaue City last Nov. 17 to 19, 2015 in partnership with KIDSLIFE Foundation.
Day care officers from Daanbantayan, Bantayan, Madridejos, Santa Fe, Asturias, Argao, Aloguinsan and Tudela towns, and Talisay City attended the training.
During the activity, participants were taught the important components in a day care session and program, and what they need and how to monitor. After which, they came up with a tool on how to do the monitoring.
RAFI-WIDE EFFICIENCY RATING – 81% Accreditation Process
1 - MCS Level 1
2 - BA target 80%
EFFICIENCY RATING
STATUS
REMARKS
75.00% 54.00% 89.00% 67.00%
3 - 4DX Gold certified 68.00% 36.00% 98.00% 99.00%
EDU CHU EJACC FAD
100.00% 14.00% 100.00% 90.00%
81.00% 47.00% 93.00% 85.00%
Excellent On hold Excellent Excellent
Done On Hold Done SIM done
Audit COMM HR IT IDU EADSC DACF KAC RMF
61.00% 93.00% 88.00% 82.00% 72.00% 74.00% 85.00% 74.00% 100.00%
87.00% 78.00% 76.00% 91.00% 62.00% 86.00% 83.00% 84.00% 86.00%
70.00% 86.00% 80.00% 56.00% 67.00% 100.00% 69.00% 118.00% 103.00%
76.00% 84.00% 84.00% 80.00% 71.00% 89.00% 82.00% 90.00% 94.00%
Good Excellent Excellent Excellent Good Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
On hold SIM done SIM done Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Done
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Lunhaw
Kasayuran
Agro-Macro commits to GREENIN Philippines
Mga nanay nalipay sa kalendaryo Mga nanay nga kliyente sa Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Micro-finance (RMF) na programa nagmalipayon dihang nakadawat sa mga kalendaryo sa RAFI alang sa tuig 2016. “Wala gyud nagdahom ang mga nanay nga makadawat og kalendaryo gikan nato. Nalipay gyud sila og maayo,” pulong ni Jonathan Tibay, staff sa Tagbilaran 2 Branch. Usa ka nanay sa Siyudad sa Tagbilaran niingon sab nga walay laing micro-finance nga program nga nakapanghatag og kalendaryo sa ilang lugar. “Salamat kaayo, RAFI, sa paghatag sa amoa og nindot
nga kalendaryo! Maayo unta og mapermanente ni,” ingon niya. Kadto lang hinuong mga aktibong nagtigom ug nang-loan ang nakadawat sa kalendaryo. “Nalipay mi nga naa na dyud miy nahatag nga pahalipay ug pinaskohan sa among mga kliyente,” ingon sab ni City of Naga Branch Manager Lafe Caño. Si RAFI Micro-finance Executive Director Ma. Theresa Catipay niingon nga sila naghatagan kaniadto og tokens matag general assembly ug dili tumong sa Pasko. “Although this is just an initial token, it also speaks of our gratitude that they take good care and value their membership with
our program. We continue to do our best to improve and ensure that we are able to provide the products and services that they need and that they will be more delighted with us. I’m glad that they appreciate our gesture (Bisan kon pasiuna lang nga token, kini nagsaysay sa atong pasalamat nga sila tumang nagamping ug nagtamod sa ilang pagkamiyembro sa programa. Kita magpadayon sa kutob sa atong mahimo sa pagpausbaw ug pagsiguro nga kita makadalit og mga produkto ug serbisyo nga kinahanglan nila ug nga sila malipay kanato. Ako nalipay nga ilang nakita ang atong gibuhat),” pulong ni Catipay.
Magmalipayon nga gidawat sa mga kliyente ang kalendaryo nga gihatag sa RAFI Micro-finance.
Agro-Macro Development Corporation joined the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.’s growing list of partners that have committed to the GREENIN Philippines Program. The company held last Dec. 2 a tree planting activity in Barangay Polo, Alcantara. The activity was a tripartite partnership with AgroMacro Development Corporation,
Polo Fishermen Association, and RAFI. GREENIN Philippines Program, which stands for Generation REdemption and Expansion of Natural resources INitiatives in the Philippines Program, is one of the programs under RAFI’s Integrated Development focus area. It aims to replicate best practices
PARTNER DepEd
in environmental protection, conservation, and rehabilitation to more places in the country for a greener Philippines. It was formed as RAFI’s way of contributing to the country’s commitment of achieving the 7th goal of the Millennium Development Goals, which is to ensure environmental sustainability by reversing the loss of natural resources.
NO. OF TREES PLANTED Elementary
1,040,569
High School Local government units Department of Interior & Local Government (through barangays)
233,308 321,839
Private partnerships (with 6 companies)
118,048
TOTAL
659,106
2,372,870
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Kasayuran
Kasayuran
Market research alang sa pagpalapad sa Micro-finance sa Leyte gihimo
Tanang Micro-finance branches mo-implementar na sa M1 ug M2
Si RAFI Micro-finance Research and Development Assistant Tatum Navarro nakighinabi ni Abuyog Police Station Chief Catalino Landia atol sa iyang paghimo og market research didto sa Leyte
Kabahin sa katuyoan nga moabli og dugang mga branches sa Leyte, ang micro-finance nga programa sa Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) nihimo og upat ka adlaw nga market research o pagtuon sa probinsiya sa Southern Leyte niadtong Disyembre 1 hangtod 4. Ikatulo kini ka hugna human sa samang market research human sa probinsya sa Leyte niadtong Nobiyembre 10 hangtod 13 ug petsa 23 hangtod 27. Gihimo ang market research aron pag-ila sa mga lugar diin adto angayang mag-abli og laing branches sa RAFI Micro-finance (RMF). Lakip sa angay mahibawan sa market research mao ang mga patigayon, panginabuhian, kahimtang sa kahusay ug kalinaw, bana-banang gidaghanon sa mahimong mga kliyente, may grupo ba nga naghatag sa samang serbisyo o wala, ug uban pa. Kasamtangang may 23 ka
mga branches ang RMF sa upat ka mga probinsiya sa Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, ug Southern Leyte. Giplanohan nga sa unang kwarter sa 2016, mobukas og lain pang mga branches sa Leyte ug Southern Leyte. Ang gihimong pagtuon nanglangkob sa 27 ka mga lungsod sa Leyte, 14 ka mga lungsod sa Southern Leyte ug ang Siyudad sa Tacloban. Sa maong mga dapit, upat ka mga lungsod ang gitan-aw nga adto ibutang ang bag-ong mga Micro-finance branches. Si RMF Executive Director Ma. Theresa Catipay niingon nga detalyado ang gihimong pagtuon ug makatabang unya kanila sa ilang plano. “Ang hagit mao ang paghashas sa mahinungdanon ug angay nga datos nga atong kinahanglan aron kita makahimo og haom nga desisyon,” ingon niya.
Ang pagtuon nagpakita nga ang Leyte may dakong potensiyal alang sa planong pagpalapad sa RMF. Aduna say kahigayonan nga paglukop sa tibuok probinsiya karong tuiga o sa sunod tuig, matud ni Expansion Head Hyacinth Revilles. Ang gihimong market research nahimo sab nga kahigayon sa mga staff sa RAFI Micro-finance nga mapalambo ang ilang katakos sa pakighimamat og lainlaing matang sa tawo, mangita og paagi, ug paglihok nga walay nagtudlo. “Nakakuha kami og mga datos bisan pa kon walay pagsanong sa mayor alang sa among pagtuon. Kabahin sa mga lagyong mga lungsod sa Southern Leyte, ang kasakyan maoy among dakong hagit. Kini tungod kay wala kaayoy pangpublikong sakyanan ug ang mga bus puno,” dugang ni Market Research and Marketing Specialist Joni Joy Dumasig.
Gipasabot ni RAFI Micro-finance Deputy Director Jonar Dorado sa Business Development Unit ngadto sa mga staff sa Tagbilaran 1 Branch ang bag-ong pamaagi alang sa pag-loan sa ilang mga kliyente nga gitawag nga Mauswagon 1 ug Mauswagon 2.
Maayo ang nahimong feedback sa pag-testing sa mas sayon nga paagi sa pag-loan sa micro-finance nga programa sa Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) maong gisugdan na ang pag-implementar niini sa tanang branches niadtong Enero 2016. Gipahigayon ang pagtesting sa Mauswagon 1 (M1) ug Mauswagon 2 (M2) niadtong Oktubre 8 hangtud Nobiyembre 30, diin mokabat P20 milyones ang napahuwam ngadto sa 2,351 ka mga kliyente. Unang gihimo ang pag-testing sa Siyudad sa Naga ug Bantayan sa Sugbo; sa Baybay, Leyte; ug sa Tubigon, Bohol. “Naa na gyuy katumanan sa among gusto ug makaya nga loan. Sakto ra gyud ni nga pamaagi aron sayon sa amoa ug dili bug-at ang
bayranan. Nalipay ko nga mas ninindot na ang mga produkto sa RAFI,” pulong sa usa mga kliyente nga taga-Siyudad sa Naga.
Ingon niya, ang feedback sa mga kliyente maoy nagdasig sa RMF nga mas palamboon pa ang pamaagi sa pag-loan.
Matod ni RAFI Micro-finance (RMF) Executive Director Ma. Theresa Catipay, mahinungdanon kaayo ang pagkuha sa feedback o mga tubag sa mga kliyente sa RMF alang sa kausbawan sa pamaagi sa M1 ug M2.
Ang Mauswagon loans nagdalit og mas maayong paagi unsaon nga makabaton og capital nga nagsukad sa unsay cash flow sa mga kliyente o katakos sa pagbayad ug sa panginahanglanon sa ilang patigayon. Naghatag sab kini og rebates ngadto sa mga kliyente nga nakaimpas sa huwam nga mas sayo sa gikatakda.
“Pinaagi sa evaluation, kita makahibawo unsay pinakamahinungdanon alang sa mga kliyente kabahin sa produkto. Kini magtabang sa pag-ila unsay mga problema aron matubag ang mga kakuwangan, sa tumong nga mas mapanindot pa ang produkto. Bisan pa kon dili tanang mga sugyot atong gipatuman, sila magamit gihapon alang sa umaabot pang kabag-ohan,” dugang ni Catipay.
Sa M1 ug M2, mahimo na’ng mo-loan ang mga kalalakin-an ug ang kadtong small and medium enterprises. Mas gipasayon sab ang pag-release sa loan kay kini mahimo ng ihatag dili lang sa branch lakip na sab sa center, ug may Pay and Go nga paagi alang sa dagkong negosyo.
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SIP
SIP
December FFA features RAFI Employee Excellence Awards The RAFI Human Resources Unit presented to the different RAFI teams the criteria and awards process for the RAFI Employee Excellence Awards during its First Friday Affair last Dec. 5, 2015.
Knowing too well what people say about all work and no play, the Human Resources and IT departments a launched last December the first-ever DBC Badminton Cup.
The REEA is an employee recognition program with the objective of honoring and recognizing employees and teams who consistently deliver and exemplify the core values and brand attributes of the Foundation. For the Individual category, any regular or project-based team member or team leader with at least one year of continuous service may be nominated. The team category, meanwhile, is open to all RAFI teams and RAFI Micro-finance branches that exhibit and foster professionalism, collaboration, God-centeredness,
IT-EDU team wins 1st DBC Badminton Cup
For several weeks, participating RAFInians, grouped into 17 teams, sweated out as they fought against each other for the championship trophy.
Deputy Officer/Recruitment In-Charge Mileesa Lumanog explains the criteria for the REEA. open communication, productivity and excellence. The
awards
respect, service
program
will
During the championship game last Dec. 16, 2015, RAFI Chief Operating Officer Dominica B. Chua (DBC) said she hopes that through sports, the organization could promote RAFInians’ physical and holistic development—promoting physical fitness, and fostering harmony & camaraderie, the
spirit of sportsmanship. “This is part of being one family, not just being mere officemates,” said DBC. “Let’s make this a part of RAFI’s program plan: promote whatever kind of sports, including local and indigenous games,” she added. During the championship match, IT’s Jesryl Plarisan and EDU’s Maria Rizza Labao dominated Dennis Tampon (EADSC Facilities outsourced personnel) and Donald Alfoja (FAD) to bag the first-ever DBC Badminton Cup title. The winners and runners-up went home with trophies and cash prizes.
begin in January 2016 and will run until the awarding ceremony to be held during the Founders’ Day celebration on Nov. 16, 2016.
HRD conducts career talk for Young Minds Academy scholars scholars to RAFI’s programs, HRD collaborated with representatives from the different RAFI teams, including YMA graduate and Education Development Unit Program Officer Maria Rizza Labao, KAC Facilitator for Professional Development Programs Facilitator Ma. Dea Devaras, and Ronald delos Reyes, program coordinator of the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center, to talk about their own experiences of working and being part of the Foundation.
As one of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.’s (RAFI) ongoing Talent Attraction initiatives, the Human Resources Department (HRD) team conducted a Career Talk for Young Minds Academy scholars last Dec. 5, 2015. The talk provided scholars with
simple, practical steps and tips to planning their future career, while presenting perspectives on NGO or development work as a potential career option. Having employed a number of YMA graduates in the past years, while having continually exposed YMA
The speakers shared their professional and personal insights on their respective work assignments. The talk also included a brief orientation of the Foundation’s history, its focus areas, the people and culture in RAFI, the different employee programs and the current career and career development opportunities for YMA graduates and scholars such as job openings, internship and volunteer work opportunities.
image from Maria Rizza Labao’s Facebook account
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Editor-in-Chief :
Rianne Tecson
Section editors : Design & layout
Alyssa Ashley Manugas Buen Josef Andrade Chrisley Ann Hinayas Jean Fabillar Rene Martel Ron Jacob Calumpang
:
John Michael Ca単eda
Contributors : Editorial consultant
:
Althea Santillan Christian Dawn Rivera Christy Mae Subing-Subing Dan Sabarre, Jr. Elisabeth Baumgart Francis Yap Gina Mariquit Jan Montilla Jenny Lea Tan Jiri Othello Dinsay Maria Iris Andrino Maria Mitcha Bollozos Mark Joey Bautista Mary Love Melody Cabanag Mileesa Lumanog Ne単a Okay Rehne Gibb Larena Ronald delos Reyes Rosemarie Cris Flores Caroline Ballesteros