Corporate Philanthropy: CSR champions of today -- MS 32nd Anniversary

32nd Anniversary

Corporate Philanthropy CSR CHAMPIONS OF TODAY

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND MANAGEMENT

Reducing the effects of hazards, disasters

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HE Philippines is no stranger to natural calamities. From the world’s strongest typhoons to our particularly fortunate (or unfortunate) situation in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country is at the mercy of the elements.

But this does not mean that people in the Philippines only rely on faith to get through any devastating “Act of God.” That’s why companies, and even local government units with the backing of the national government, have institutionalized Disaster Preparedness in their system. Some have even taken it by heart by implementing it in their Corporate Social Responsibility Programs.

Disaster Preparedness, or Emergency Management as it’s otherwise called, is the “organization and management of the resources and responsibilities” for dealing with “all humanitarian aspects of emergencies.” The aim of having these programs is to reduce the harmful effects of all hazards, including disasters.

Furthermore, this refers to measures taken to prepare for and some extent, predict and -- where possible -- prevent disasters, mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations, and respond to and effectively cope with their consequences, at local, national and international levels.

Disaster Preparedness is a continuous and integrated process resulting from a wide range of risk reduction activities and resources rather than from a distinct sectoral activity by itself.

It requires the contributions of many different areas -- ranging from training and logistics to health care, recovery, livelihood to institutional development, even telecommunications support and other basic emergency need.

Disaster Preparedness is also central to the work of the National Society and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, including the Philippine Red Cross, among many other institutions we shall tackle in the coming pages. Peter Paul Duran

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle

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PORTS means so much more than just entertainment and a means for recreational enjoyment.

It takes a whole new meaning when fans and athlete share the same euphoria of a goal, a winning basket, or even a heart-breaking defeat.

Sports binds us together, however passionate we may be on both sides of the fence when it’s game time.

But sports goes beyond this even more, acting as a platform for companies to share their Corporate Social Responsibility values.

In truth, as an essential part of doing their business, companies reach out in ways they can do best, and with the tool they already have in their hands.

Health and Wellness as well as Sports Development campaigns, have no doubt come a long way in the promotion of a healthy and balanced lifestyle fit for the community they serve.

Companies, directly involved in the sports industry, put a conscious effort on improving consumers’ understanding of nutrition towards a healthy and balanced lifestyle, even advocating for environmental sustainability.

But this does not just stop there, as sports can also be an avenue for inspiring the next generation, especially those who are underprivileged.

Schools, for example, give out athletic scholarships for studentathletes. Private firms also do their part in giving our clinics for young athletes with potential in various sports disciplines.

In addition, professional and well-known athletes are heavily involved in campaigns to end bullying, for one, among many other thrusts. Read on to see how these inspiring programs. Peter Paul Duran

By Rhosedel Grace Gabac

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HROUGH the years, the Philippine Red Cross proves that its commitment in providing quality, life-saving services that protect life and dignity, especially of indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations, is more than just a philosophy but a way of life, making it the premier humanitarian organization in the country.

Community Health and Hygiene Promotion Project Last year of June 16, The Philippine Red Cross’ Health Services partnered with the PRC Cebu Chapter at the Ala Mercedes Gold Course, in Medellin, Cebu and launched the CHHP with the goal of improving access to public health service delivery for vulnerable communities, making them healthier, safer and resilient communities. This two-year developmental project is aiming for a total of 6,000 households from 15 barangays and 10,800 school children from 17 schools. The PRC Chapter Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, were joined by the Japanese Red Cross Society delegates, who supported and graced the project.

The Philippine Red Cross, running on its 67th year, has many ways of helping people. From initially providing blood to disaster-related activities, the Philippine Red Cross evolved into offering a wider array of humanitarian services, including preventive medicine and therapeutic counseling to youth leadership.

Traslacion 2019 Over 1,637 people, of whom 62 cases of individuals who suffered major injuries during the Traslacion, were attended to by over a thousand PRC volunteers on duty during the height of the said event. Their Traslacion operations consisted of 12 first-aid stations and an outdoor hospital, where 603 patients, who experienced minor complications such as fainting, puncture, abrasion, bruises, toothache, nosebleed, sprain, hypoglycemia, swelling, muscle spasm, and dizziness, were catered to.

“We are getting better every year.

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS

More than just a philosophy, but a way of life Our staff and volunteers are highly experienced, equipped, and trained. These trainings have resulted in saving the lives of devotees of the Black Nazarene,” said PRC Chairman Richard Gordon, who supervised the proceedings from the PRC Operations Center.

Established in 1947, the PRC has ever since forged a commitment to provide services related to life-saving Filipinos in helpless situations. PRC currently has six major services namely Blood, Disastermanagement, Safety, Health, Social, and Red Cross Youth and Volunteer Management services.

Tropical Depression Usman With support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, the PRC spearheaded humanitarian

assistance operations after the onslaught brought by Tropical Depression Usman, which affected eight provinces, especially hard-hit areas from Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Albay.

“We were first to respond in Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, and Albay, where we provided rescue, water, and hygiene facilities. We are now preparing mechanics for giving cash grants so our affected countrymen can start anew with dignity.

We have volunteers on the ground getting people out of harm’s way and retrieving those that can be saved,” Gordon said in an Al Jazeera interview.

The PRC Operations Center helped 289 families, who were still housed in 24 evacuation centers in Camarines Sur and Northern Samar, while the PRC National

Headquarters deployed three water tankers, a 6x6 and 10-wheeler truck housing 300 jerry cans, 300 hygiene kits, 2,400 capsules of Doxycycline, and 30 body bags for search and retrieval operations.

Blood drives Aside from humanitarian missions, PRC also collects blood from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors with donations roughly reaching 50% of the nation’s blood supply. All of the collected blood undergo blood testing before being used in transfusion operations. After being screened for diseases, all blood clear of anomalies are separated into three parts; red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. After the component processing, the specimens are stockpiled in a temperature-controlled blood bank refrigerator,

which can then be asked for by clients or patients with hospital/physician-issued blood request.

“PRC has indeed done us a great service by not only providing our citizens with disaster relief and healthcare services, but also by inspiring volunteerism in each and every Filipino,” President Rodrigo Duterte wrote in a letter at the unveiling of PRC’s dialysis center.

Guided and inspired by the values of fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – humanity, impartiality neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality, all Red Cross staff and volunteers continue to provide their services to Filipinos, and to the Philippines.

PAG-ALALAY SA NASALANTA…

PAGKILALA SA ATLETA…

PAGKALINGA SA BATA…

PAGTULONG SA KOMUNIDAD…

Ang pagsugpo sa droga ay naisasagawa sa tulong din ng pondo mula sa PAGCOR. Sa bisa ng RA 9165, malaking bahagi ng kita ng PAGCOR ay napupunta sa Dangerous Drugs Board.

PAGTULONG SA MALING NAHATULAN...

Ang mga inosenteng nabilanggo ay tinutulungan ng PAGCOR. Sa bisa ng RA 7309, 1% mula sa kabuuang kita nito ay ibinibigay sa Board of Claims.

Mabilis na umaalalay sa mga nasalanta ng kalamidad ang PAGCOR. Bilang kabalikat ng Office of the President, batid nito ang mga pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan na dapat agarang matugunan.

Sa loob ng 16 taon, nagpondo ng P4.25 billion ang PAGCOR para sa kabataan, alinsunod sa “Early Years Act” (RA 10410).

Ang edukasyon at kalusugan ng kabataan ay malugod na itinataguyod ng PAGCOR.

Ang mga siyudad kung saan may sangay ang PAGCOR ay binibigyan ng pondo kada buwan para sa kanilang proyektong pang-komunidad, tulad ng “clean water programs.”

PROTEKTAHAN ANG LIPUNAN!

“HUSTISYA SA WALANG SALA!”

“SAGIPIN ANG PINOY!”

Mula pondo para sa pagensayo hanggang premyo kapag nanalo, sagot ng PAGCOR ang atletang Pinoy gaya ni Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz. Ito ay sa bisa ng RA 10699 (National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act) at RA 6847 (PSC).

“ITAGUYOD ANG KABATAAN!”

“ALAGAAN ANG KAPALIGIRAN!”

PAGSUGPO SA DROGA…

“GANTIMPALAAN ANG KAMPEON!”

PAGSILBI SA BAYAN… PAGCOR

32nd Anniversary G1

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Unilab Foundation:

Doing well in doing good

By Julianne Edon Gabis

U

PHOLDING its mission of providing holistic healthcare products and services to enrich lives of the communities it serves, Unilab Corporation, the Philippines’ largest pharmaceutical company, continues its commitment to build a healthier nation through the Unilab Foundation.

As the corporate social responsibility arm of Unilab, Unilab Foundation, Inc. aspires to be the nation’s “leading foundation focused on health” and the most trusted choice for projects and advocacies related to the Filipino well-being.

Helping one child at a time Since its launch in 2011, the Unilab Foundation (ULF) has developed various programs and solutions to enable health and education access for communities that need them most.

Its first program, Play It Forward (PIF), took off in 2012 offering developmental and therapeutic play intervention for children in areas hit by a recent calamity.

In celebration of the National Children’s Month on November last year, Play It For-

ward, together with its partners-play champions, kicked off the Play Advocacy Week 2018 at The Mind Museum. The program is grounded on the belief that every child has the right to play, and it is a vital element for their mental health and holistic development.

In depressed areas disrupted by a disaster, child survivors are often deprived of an access to play. Play It Forward combines play spaces and curriculum to enhance the therapeutic benefits of child play with the help of psychonological experts, ensuring its effectiveness and sustainability.

ULF expanded its scope from the initial play space in a barangay in Cagayan de Oro City to address other regions with highly neglected healthcare services and help the pedi-

Unilab Foundation photo

Project Inclusion

atric patients and children devastated

by Tropical Storm Sendong. With 500 volunteers for this program, more than 10 thousand children have now been given access to play spaces and psychosocial support.

Project Inclusion Given the right conditions and opportunities, Persons with Disability can be valuable members of a workforce.

This is the belief that Project Inclusion advocates. Through providing accessto-work models and guides that help support the transition of employers and job-seekers, Project Inclusion proves that hiring PWDs is beneficial not only to the person but to the employer as well.

Since it kicked off in 2013, Project Inclusion has grown beyond its initial mission, engaging over 25 companies from different industries to hire Persons with Diability. Over 800 persons are given the opportunity to challenge the stigma in hiring PWDs, creating a

culture of inclusion in all our communities.

Cultivating young ideas Unilab Foundation is open to any innovative idea that may provide solutions towards a healthier Philippines.

Through Ideas Positive, now on its ninth run, it calls on the Filipino youth from all over the archipelago to engage into crafting groundbreaking ideas and implement measures to address specific health issues in communities.

Last year, a group of young health professionals who call themselves Team TeenPuyog, aimed to bring down the number of teenage pregnancy in a small town in Sarangani, where the highest number of teenage pregnancy incidents occurs.

For six months, the group conducted the program they called “IDOLescesnt Matter (Motivate, Advocate, Testify, Teach, Empower, Relate).” They also successfully persuaded the local government of the area to institutionalize

IDOLescent Matter.

With these achievements, Team TeenPuyog secured their position as the grand champion for the 8th run of Ideas Positive of the Unilab Foundation.

Heads Up PH Every Filipino deserves to be in an environment where mental health is given importance. This is what the Unilab Foundation firmly believes.

Through Heads Up PH, ULF aims for improvement of access to mental healthcare and psychosocial support especially for children in depressed communities or schools.

Corresponding to the big need of interventions that address mental health issues of young Filipinos in the country, EDUC+ equips members of the academe, parents, and other members of the community with module-based training activities to create an environment where mental health talk is mainstream and not stigmatized.

Corporate Philanthropy

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32nd Anniversary

CSR CHAMPIONS OF TODAY

Innovation:

Key to disaster risk management NSL Drone

MANILA HEALTH DEPARTMENT, UNILAB LEAD ‘DREAM TEAM’ TO PROVIDE MNCHN TO BRGY 105 RESIDENTS

Health fora are regularly conducted to intensify the campaign for healthy and safe pregnancies and deliveries.

It does take a village to raise a child. But when it comes to ensuring Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) in that village that is Barangay 105 in Tondo, it takes a dream team of organizations working together as one.

Such is the team put together by the Manila Health Department, UNILAB, Samaritan’s Purse, and Project Pearls, the collaboration of which was formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony, and gave birth to the operationalization of a satellite clinic in Barangay 105.

“We have always believed in partnerships. Although we may have the resources, we know we cannot do it alone. The success of an endeavor is after all not about resources alone, but about expertise and field experience.

It is the real essence of “bayanihan” at play—sharing responsibilities for shared goals,” said Claire D. Papa, Head of Unilab’s External Affairs.

The public-private partnership for the establishment and operation of a satellite clinic at Barangay 105 was started a year ago. The fully-operational clinic provides sustainable, cost-effective approach in delivering maternal and childcare health services to the residents. Mothers and children below two years old are given access to quality health services.

Working hand-in-hand for health

The Manila Health Department (MHD) provides the medical staff who conducts prenatal, postpartum and newborn consultations once every week through Vitas Health Center headed by Dr. Mary Grace Aquino. They lead regular milk-letting activities, health education for the residents and capacity-building training sessions on maternal and newborn health for the other stakeholders.

MHD’s OIC Dr. Benjamin Yson announced that Manila City Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada himself supports the partnership’s efforts. “Our city mayor is very supportive and has given us the go-signal to utilize and share the government’s resources in carrying out our activities for our fellow Manilenyos.”

Project Pearls has served the area for eight years now. They built a clinic in 2015 after two boys were poisoned from eating “pagpag” (scavenged food). Their parents and neighbors did not have money to bring them to the hospital and one of the boys died. It compelled Project Pearls to build a Children’s Health Clinic.

“With the combined efforts of all the organizations in this partnership, we hope to lower the mortality rate of children and improve the health services for women especially the pregnant ones. We were always struggling to get doctors and medicines, but now we have partners,” said Melissa Villar, Founder of Project Pearls.

Barangay 105, a densely populated area where families subsist through scavenging, is one of the poorest communities in the Philippines. And according to Purse Philippines’ Country Director, Dr. Patrick Gitonga, Unilab could not have been more correct in identifying a needy community within the city.

Dr. Gitonga cited that when they came to Manila in 2015 and did an assessment of the city’s slum areas, they also identified Barangay 105 as a “most compelling community deserving of their services”.

Formally opened in May 2018, the clinic provides primary health services to Barangay 105’s mothers and children.

“Barangay 105 has an unbelievable population density—80,000 people per square kilometer; as a result, its health indicators in terms of maternal, child health and nutrition stand a lot of improvement. The residents literally rely on garbage for their livelihoods. For human beings to be reduced to this state, it speaks of how compelling and needy the situation in Barangay 105 is,” said Dr. Gitonga.

Based on the Philippine Health Agenda 2016-2022, the maternal mortality rate in the country was at 204 mothers dying per 100,000 live births in 2015.

This is linked to the child mortality rate of 20 infants dying per 1,000 live births, with half of the deaths of Filipino children under five happening during the first 28 days of life. In the UNICEF State of the World’s Children 2009 report, the Philippines is among 68 countries which contribute to 97 per cent of maternal, neonatal and child health deaths worldwide.

The partnership is determined to do its share in improving the state of MNCHN in the Philippines. Each stakeholder in the partnership fulfills tasks that are within its expertise.

Samaritan’s Purse manages and mobilizes the Barangay Health Volunteers (BHVs) assigned to ensure that target patients will avail themselves of the health services.

Project Pearls provides the daily operations, maintenance, and utilities of the satellite clinic. These include providing transportation for the patients as needed, maintaining and updating the patients’ records, and submitting a monthly report to the assigned Vitas Health Center personnel.

As the project lead of the program, Unilab assists in the capability-building of BHVs by providing resources for relevant MNCHN activities.

The beneficiary barangay, through its chairperson Elenita Reyes, is in charge of leading and encouraging the residents to access the healthcare services provided by the multi-organization partnership.

A partnership for change-making In May 2018, the clinic in Barangay 105 was formally opened to mothers and their children.“Every week, our medical team from the Vitas Health Center goes to Barangay 105 to do pre-natal check-ups and immunization. We do not wait and expect them to go to Vitas. Instead, kami na ang pumupunta sa kanila upang ilapit ang serbisyo ng pamahalaan,” shares Dr. Rosalina RoqueTan, Chief of the Division of Maternal and Child Health, MHD. Since the opening of the satellite clinic, close to a thousand individuals have been able to avail of the free check-ups and medicines. Breastfeeding mothers, children and even senior citizens have attended the regular feeding programs by Project Pearls. Pregnant women have had their regular check-ups in the satellite clinic, and mothers have availed of the post-natal check-ups and vaccination.

“This partnership has enabled us to slowly address the needs of a community through collaborative efforts. Kailangan din naming pakinggan at unawain ang sitwasyon ng mga tao para malaman namin kung ano ang dahilan kung bakit hindi lumalapit ang tao sa amin kahit libre na ang mga serbisyo at gamot,” Roque-Tan adds.

Mrs. Elenita Reyes, Barangay 105’s chairperson, expressed the entire community’s appreciation for the help and assistance. “Ang sabi nila, lahat na daw ng problema nasa barangay namin, dahil sa tulong ninyo, nabibigyan kami ng atensyon at nasosolusyunan ang mga problema.”

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Progression of Flight

By Carmela Martinez

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HE Philippines is a magnet for storms, attracting about 20 typhoons each year, with five being rather destructive.

They all vary in strength and frequency, causing damage to people and property—which may or may not be restored.

As a result of this, Disaster Risk Reduction Programs have been implemented by the government and companies in order to achieve the goal “zero-casualty.”

Collaborating to make this possible are the Philippine Red Cross, Nokia, and Smart Communications through the genius use of drones.

A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle once used in war, that backfired terribly. People then thought that it was a lost cause, not knowing the unmanned aerial advantage of it. For one, drones can survey the surrounding areas to help in land titling, helping in surveying the situation in disaster areas that cannot be seen by the rescue team on the ground.

One very memorable use of drones in disasters was its help during typhoon Haiyan, more commonly known as Typhoon Yolanda, one of the strongest typhoons that ever graced the country.

Nokia Saves Lives is a corporate non-profit initiative that provides innovative communications technology and technical-expert assistance to emergency response teams. It is supported by GSMA –a global mobile group that selected NSL for its Disaster Response Innovation Fund.

Smart Communications is one of the three founding signatories of the GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter that aims to provide increased access to communication and information for those affected by calamities, helping reduce the loss of lives and contributing to humanitarian response.

Nokia Saves Lives developed a drone that can take real-time applications, like video streaming, gas sensing, mapping, speakers, heat

Nokia, PRC, Smart Drones for Disaster Relief

People Manning the Drone Station

signatures and analytics live that can be viewed in a monitor in a station near where the disaster happened. Aided by the towers of Smart, communication signals can reach even the farthest provinces during a disaster. Along with the expertise in rescue situations of the Philippine Red Cross, the partnership of the three has taken a huge leap in reducing casualty in disasters.

Drone Operation Station “This drone and network solution can help us gather accurate and up-to-date data on the status of lifelines in disaster situations. This, in turn, can provide us with information vital in the implementation of rescue and assistance to the affected areas,” said PRC Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla.

The drone won UAE Drones for Good Award in which they showcased in the event how a fleet of drones can search for people in disaster areas.

The drones are faster when responding to surveying an area, helping rescue workers focus their efforts as the drones can direct them to where the victims are, safely coordinating rescue and response efforts and getting supplies to needed areas. One special feature of these drones by the NSL is the function that they can carry first-aid supplies to disaster risk areas or where rescue workers normally wouldn’t be able to go.

Meanwhile, Smart joined forces with the academe and local government units to help bring disaster preparedness closer to the youth.

Through its TNT brand, Smart brought its Tropang Ready disaster preparedness caravans to more state colleges and universities all over the country.

Corporate Philanthropy

32nd Anniversary

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CSR CHAMPIONS OF TODAY

United effort in rebuilding Marawi City

By Lorelee Antonette Yap

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HE date May 23, 2017 will go down in infamy as it marked the beginning of the first-ever urban battle in the Philippines between government security forces and militants affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Salafi jihadist groups, leaving Marawi City in destruction and rubbles.

For five months, Marawi residents lived in evacuation centers, while the fighting continued.

But on October 17, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte announced the liberation of Marawi City.

Following the complete destruction of their city, the people of Marawi are starting from scratch in the aftermath of the battle. Good thing they have the government, along with nongovernment organizations, private companies, and foreign aids coming in to their aid to help them stand up on their feet.

Reviving Marawi It was June 28, 2017 when President Duterte created an interagency task force through Administrative Order No. 3 that will focus on all the concerns of Marawi City’s rehabilitation after the siege.

This is called Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), which consists of sub-committees focusing on different sectors, namely reconstruction, housing, health and social welfare, business and livelihood, and peace and order.

It was first headed by Defense

Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and co-chaired by Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar.

With members from various departments of the government, TFBM’s task was to work with them hand in hand and be the government’s solution to guide, supervise and rebuild the city of Marawi.

Through Administrative Order no. 9 that was made by President Duterte on October 27, 2017, the Secretary of Defense was replaced by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairman, while the two heads became the vice-chairpersons of the TFBM. Helping the government’s efforts, NGOs inside and outside of our country also created ways to reach out and raise funds to support their cause. The NGOs are the following, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that aims to provide shelter and humanitarian assistance to the displaced families; Sinagtala Center for Women and Children in

The construction of houses and schools all the way to addressing the concerns in education, health, and livelihood and even fixing the water and electricity connection in the city were some of the efforts and pledges that many private companies promised.

Conflict (TALA PH), an organization that aids women, children and displaced persons by providing workshops like weaving and therapy sessions; Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBP Movement), a group that has a mission to assist people and children to learn and improve their knowledge, skills, and positive values in order to create a culture of peace.

Others pitching their support were the Maranao People Development Center (MARADECA), Duyog Marawi, Red Cross Philippines, Balay Mindanaw and Youth

Peer Education Network (Y-PEER Pilipinas).

When the Philippine Business for Social Progress, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), Makati Business Club, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and CODE NGO organized a summit in 2017 for the United for Marawi consortium, several companies extended their assistance to the displaced families in Marawi City.

The construction of houses and schools all the way to addressing the concerns in education, health,

and livelihood and even fixing the water and electricity connection in the city were some of the efforts and pledges that these private companies promised. The companies were PLDT Smart Voyager, Udenna Corporation, Front Learners Inc., FF Cruz and Co. Inc., Pacific Global One Aviation, Aboitiz, Jollibee Foods Corp, BFBCI, Pepsi Cola Philippines, World Vision, Cebuana Lhuilier, Ayala Foundation, Gabay Guro of PLDT, Meralco, Coca-cola, Manila Water, Maynilad, LBC Foundation, SM Foundation, Ox-

fam, US Philippine Society, San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners, Bangsamoro Business Council, Community and Financial Services International, and ASSURE. On the other hand, foreign aids poured into the rehabilitation of Marawi. In a Department of Finance (DOF) report last November, 2018, the country received P35.1 billion worth of pledges from countries such as the United States, Australia, China, Germany, Japan, Korea, and Spain and also the United Nations (UN).

The United States Government committed in 2017 a sum of P3.2 billion to aid Marawi City through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which assisted the Philippine Government to improve the situations and conditions of the affected people.

USAID also helped installing water and sanitation amenities, provided health clinics with supplies that aimed to solve the problems of tuberculosis (TB) and also gave support to those with maternal, newborn, and child health needs. They also improved the livelihood and economic situations of Marawi folks, along with the health and education systems in the city, while encouraging peaceful talks, and restoring the water and electricity services.

In addition, to secure food requirements of the families affected in Marawi, USAID partnered with the World Food Programme to donate at least 4 million pounds of rice that can cater up to 45,000 people in four months.

It is still a long way to go before Marawi City can reclaim its lost glory. But the rehabilitation has been fast-paced and the healing, noble. For now, that is all you could ask for.

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Corporate Philanthropy

32nd Anniversary

CSR CHAMPIONS OF TODAY

MANILA STANDARD’S LOYALTY AWARDEES Allianz’s Project Sanlahi Brings New Hope to Aeta Youth It started with an initiative to bring financial education to students of Villa Maria Integrated School in the mountains of Porac, Pampanga. Today, Allianz PNB Life is bringing hope to the community through Project Sanlahi, a social inclusion project that aims to empower the youth through education and sports.

Jacob King, 21, wishes to continue his college education at the University of the Philippines (UP), but his family cannot afford to send him to college.

"Gusto kong makatapos ng college sa UP. Nakatapos na ako ng high school sa Villa Maria Integrated School.

Hindi na kaya ng mga magulang ko na mapag-aral ako ng college kaya natigil ako," King said.

Another Aeta youth, 18-year-old Reyna Baclay, dreams of becoming a computer programmer or an information technology specialist.

But while their dreams have to wait for now, King and Baclay were in the meantime given a unique platform to showcase their competitive skills.

Alex Grenz, Allianz PNB Life chief operating officer, with his race partner Aeta youth Jacob King.

They were among the 20 Aeta students from Villa Maria, who participated in Allianz PNB Life's Conquer Challenge, a 10-kilometer obstacle course race (OCR), held in December last year in Clark Global City.

In a country arguably dominated by mainstream sports like basketball and volleyball, it is indeed refreshing to see other sports getting the spotlight.

OCR is a foot sport requiring impeccable physical and mental strength-- as the race features various physical obstacles like climbing walls and carrying heavy objects.

"OCR is an up-and-coming sport. It is gaining popularity in the Philippines. Allianz as a company uses sports to connect with communities. The Aetas from Villa Maria is one of the communities that Allianz here in the Philippines has chosen to support," said Allianz PNB Life chief marketing officer Gae Martinez.

By Charles Dantes and Angelica Villanueva

ONESTY and loyalty are the keys to success in the workplace.

The Manila Standard, which is celebrating its 32nd anniversary this year, is proud to have both--honest and loyal workers, who have stood with the company through thick and thin, and highs and lows.

Three decades of passion, love, and loyalty

Ramonchito L. Tomeldan

If you hear the editorial department laughing and see a lanky and well-dressed man joking around while taking a look at every page of the newspaper layout, you have probably seen Ramonchito Tomeldan, the down-toearth managing editor of the Manila Standard.

One of the four loyalty awardees this year (30 years in service), Tomeldan, or Sir Mon, has jumped around different publishing companies before finally getting his niche at the Manila Standard.

“Back in the late 1980s, I was looking for job as a journalist. I worked from broadsheets after broadsheets, but I always find myself looking for more. And then came the offer from Manila Standard, where I worked as a business reporter. Then 30 years after, I am a managing editor,” said Tomeldan, who started as a hungry and passionate writer looking for the “holy grail” of the job.

“I was once asked by my editor to write a piece about how business journalists like me cope with the cutthroat competition, given the advent of fax machines and computers during that time, and the deadline pressure considering that most of us had to travel from the beat to the office. The piece saw print in one of the Manila Standard’s anniversary issues sometime between 2003 and 2004. I gave it the title ‘In search of journalism’s holy grail,’ which was about how reporters strive hard to scoop one another and get exclusive stories. Reporters strive hard to scoop one another and get exclusive stories, truly in pursuit of a passion, and the triumphant ones became the toast of the town. I myself had delivered scoops for the company, and stood out as a ‘true-blue newsman,’ in the words of a colleague,” he reminisced.

Rudyn B. Hapiz

For Rudyn Hapiz, providing for his family is his main goal and lasting for three decades in the company is just a bonus.

“My job helps me provide my family their needs, I am just happy that I was able to give my kids the proper education and that’s all that matters to me,” he said.

Hapiz started working for Manila Standard on Dec. 1, 1988, and one of the things he loves the most is the camaraderie in the office, where he has officemates, who treat each other like a family.

“It’s happy to see some of my fellow employees last this long. Others have left, but still some remained and that is the thing I cherish the most,” he said.

He wishes the company good luck and to continue striving for improvement.

"This is in line with our advocacy to promote social inclusion, one of the pillars of our company's Corporate Citizenship Strategy," she added.

"We recognize the strength of the Aetas. So, aside from educating them with the basics of personal finance through our financial literacy program, we would like to impart to them the value of committing to achieve goals that they have to set. Letting them participate in OCR will teach them important life lessons of overcoming obstacles. We want to give them a fair chance of having employment opportunities in the future,” Martinez further explained.

Roberto S. Cabrera

Chief of photographers Robert Cabrera has been working with Manila Standard since June 16, 1989. A former OFW, Cabrera started as a photographer outside the country, before working in a photo lab for the government.

Due to his dedication and brilliance in the field of photography, the newly-established Manila Standard then took him under its wings as a field photographer and the rest, as they say, is history.

With more than 20 years of field duty, Cabrera shared that being a photographer is never easy, saying that his life is always on the line in every coverage.

“I felt that danger is always around whenever I was on assignment in the field. I remember before, I had to cover in Mindanao during the heat of terror attacks, we almost got ambushed after our escorts received intel about a possible attack. Thankfully, nothing bad happened,” Cabrera said.

But that kind of danger never stopped him from continuing doing the job he loves the most.

“I did not realize that 30 years have passed by, because this is my passion. Photography helped me feed my family and give my children their needs,” said Cabrera.

Anita F. Grefal

Officer-in-Charge of Sales and Operations Anita F. Grefal, or simply called Ma’m Annie, handles the company’s finances, meeting with prospective advertisers and plotting the financial direction of the newspaper.

Despite having a family business, Annie asked her parents if she could work with a company. Her father let her, but on the condition that she must take good care of her family name and nourish her would-be company, as if like her own child.

With almost half of her life spent working for the Manila Standard, Grefal’s determination has been tested many times. Reaching her retirement age next year, the humble officerin-charge of the company believes that she has given her best for the company.

“My contributions for this company are, one, my loyalty. Two, I did my best for Manila Standard. And three, being true. Wherever I go, I fight for Manila Standard,” she said.

As an employee who offers her full dedication and commitment towards her work, Grefal is also a mother. Yet, she wasn’t forced to choose between the company and her family because while working for the Manila Standard, she has also fulfilled her greatest role—a mother.

“Manila Standard let me fulfill my role as a mother. The company gave me enough time to take care of my family. So while working, I was able to spend time with my daughter given that my husband was a seaman. Despite being a solo parent, we were able to survive that kind of set up and to support her studies,” she explained in Filipino.

Finding the silver lining

Corporate Philanthropy

32nd Anniversary

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MANILA STANDARD’S LOYALTY AWARDEES Guillerson Alanguilan

Just like the Manila Standard, 25-year Loyalty Awardee Guillerson or Sonny to peers, has conquered a great extent of challenges along the way, yet he never stopped to accomplish more than the things he was tasked to do.

Sonny started as an encoder for the company for months before being transferred to the editorial department as a layout artist. Years later, he was asked to be part of the IT-MIS Department as a web developer during the implementation of Manila Standard’s digital version and website, manilastandard.net.

Aside from his dedication towards his work, Alanguilan is that kind of colleague who does not have any bad blood with his coworkers. In other words, he is loved by everyone.

Somehow, if there is an award called as ‘Friend of Everyone,’ Sonny will be that person, as the website administrator is also known for his incomparable kindness to people around him.

“Staying with this company gives me the feeling of fulfillment and the excitement that the job gives everyday. Somehow, once the foundation of friendship is built, you get to know them (officemates) and you become part of one’s family,” said Sonny.

Twenty years of friendship and love

Luzviminda E. Jimenez

Spending her 20th year anniversary with the company, Luz, as called by her colleagues, recalled her most memorable memories.

“Before, I told myself when I applied here, ‘I would be just here for two years.’ Yet, here I am, celebrating my 20th year,” said the jolly layout artist, who has stayed with the company when many of her peers have jumped ship.

With the good camaraderie among the people behind the newspaper—from the publisher up to its news gatherers— many employees have decided to remain.

“The comradeship. You won’t feel that there’s a boss. Everyone treats everyone an equal. What we have here is a family—brotherhood and sisterhood. You can joke around with them and talk to them. In other other companies, you can’t do that,” she added.

Maria Victoria R. Ayeng

“I still love you, Manila Standard.”

This is Vicky’s opening shot as she excitingly tells one of the reasons why she has remained loyal to the newspaper for the past 20 years.

The former encoder is now assigned to design the pages of the business section and sometimes, other pages that needed to be done.

With her 20 years of service, the fun of working with officemates who have become friends is enough of a reason to stay. Challenges have come, but opportunities have opened up for her. During her free time in the morning, she is able to tend to her other sideline, without affecting and letting go her of her job at the

Manila Standard.

“Manila Standard is hard to let go. I have found a family here. I believe that ‘Tough times never last, but people do.’ Yes, there are struggles, but those 20 years are not just struggles, most of them are memories—fun memories,” explained Ayeng.

Edelyn R. Elamparo

When she entered the field of the publishing industry, just like her ‘batchmates’ Vicky and Luz, Edelyn was added to the roster of encoders of the editorial department.

“I have established myself to become a marketing officer now, even though I graduated Computer Science, which is far from what I do today. After 15 years, I have learned there’s something more than I could offer, that I can contribute to the company,” said Elamparo.

“In Manila Standard, even if you are a newly-hired employee, you won’t feel that you do not belong. The environment we have here in the company is far from other workplaces. You will feel the warm welcome from each employee,” she said.

Elvin D. Clarete

Circulation Supervisor Elvin Clarete began working for the company since February 16, 1999. And as he reaches his 20th year, Clarete recalled his early years at the Manila Standard.

“Aside from being accustomed to my tasks here at the circulation department, we have good camaraderie and I have good colleagues here—even the supervisor. Maybe, that’s what pushes me to stay,” said Clarete.

The timid young man before has turned into a confident supervisor as he has gone to different places across the country to speak with people as part of his job.

“I have learned to converse with other people. My social skills improved, because here (circulation department), you get to meet and encounter different types of people from all walks of life,” he said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Doing the same job for 20 years can force an employee to look for another field of work for a change in scenery. But for business reporter Alena Mae Flores, she sees it as a challenge given by her journalistic passion.

“There is a saying that goes, time flies when you’re having fun. I love working as a journalist because each day offers a different challenge. I love meeting new people from all walks of life, learning valuable lessons from them,” said Flores.

She shared that being with the company for

two decades surprised even her, recollecting how she applied for the position.

“It surprised me that it has been 20 years. I vividly recall walking into the office of the Manila Standard in 1998, hoping that I get the job as a business reporter, yet not knowing exactly what I was getting into. But through the years, I was able to hone my craft with the help of my business editors,” she recalled.

Rochelle V. Campos

Just like Alena Mae Flores, fellow business reporter Rochelle Campos or Othel to her colleagues, feels that 20 years have been a long journey. Rather than jumping to other companies or jobs, Campos chose to stay.

“Though I’ve searched and rocked my brains asking myself why have I ever lasted this long in this company, all I can come up with is that I’m such a tenacious being or a creature of habit, getting used to is something I excel in,” she explained.

Her love for journalism keeps her grinding her gears to continue hustling every day looking for the right story.

“I painstakingly go to every event, forum, meetings, interviews, company visits, record and transcribe every bit of information I need before finally taking a seat to write my stories. To do so, I have to wake up at dawn to catch the earliest ride from my place—the hinterlands of Cavite—to wherever there is news in Manila,” said Flores.

With the exhausting life of a reporter, Campos has chosen to stay and as she puts it, she is still ‘Fighting!’

A steady decade and a half

Julito G. Rada

The business reporter has been giving service for the Manila Standard since May 27, 2004. Of his 15-year tenure with the newspaper, July said six years of them was covering the monetary authority of the Philippines—Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas—which he considers as one of his greatest achievements.

But unlike Othel and Alena, Rada was once a proofreader for six years before he was thrust into the business field.

“It just shows how I value the company through thick and thin. In times of distress, I am proud to say that I did not ‘abandon the ship,” he said.

Rada shared that despite others’ opinion about the future of the newspaper industry due to the existence of online news agencies, he still believes that the newspaper will be able to compete in the future.

“I have heard it from competitors so many times in the past and even at present--that the newspaper will likely fold up because of some problems here and there. They are wrong because we are still here. Because of that, I salute all the people in the Manila Standard for doing their job all these years,” he ended.

A decade of a comeback

Romel J. Mendez

Home, that is how Romel Mendez or ‘Ismit,’ describes Manila Standard. He was a returning employee a decade ago, now he is the art director, in charge of the style of layout and the daily editorial cartoon.

Mendez shared that had he never left the company, he would have been a 25-Year Loyalty Awardee, too. But his artistic calling made him venture to another field to expand his arsenal and knowledge in visual designs.

“Manila Standard became a home to me, this is where I started working and this where I had the chance to put my skill into a real test. Sadly, after a few years I felt that I needed a change and try new things. Then I decided to go find a job about digital designs,” said Mendez.

But one day, it hit him that he missed the newspapering job.

Mendez returned without hesitating and Manila Standard welcomed him with open arms.

“I missed the challenge in the newspaper of creating something new every day. It made me think of an innovative design to create a uniform and appealing representation of our paper, which I am truly proud of,” said Mendez.

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Editorial Department headed by Rolando Estabillo-Publisher and Ramon Tomeldan-Managing Editor

HR Department headed

by Anita Grefal Kagitingan Printing Press headed by Alfonso Constantino

Advertising Department headed by Anita Grefal and Baldwin Felipe

LWUA extends helping hand with Buhay KYUT

By Julianne Edon Gabis

massive impacts to our environment such as controlling soil erosion, producing oxygen, conserving The original goal was to enrich lives of Filipinos and make better biodiversity, and regulating water communities through the provision level in watersheds.

During the celebration of World of safe, clean, and potable water.

Environment Day back in 2017, However, the mission grew to an LWUA Chief Jeci A. Lapus expressed even bigger environmental project his commitment and full support to that promotes sustainability and the country’s bamboo planting and awareness within the communities it propagation efforts. serves.

As part of the country’s National As part of its info campaign and Greening Program (NGP), LWUA has corporate social responsibility agenda, once again enjoined water districts Local Water Utilities Administration all around the country into a project (LWUA) gathers several government that includes bamboo in the list of agencies, private partners, nonpreferred species for planting and government organizations (NGOs), propagation. local government units (LGUs), and Recently, LWUA held a planting different Water Districts nationwide to activity in Murcia, Negros Occidental implement Buhay KYUT (Kalusugang with the theme, “Safe Water is Our Yaman Ugnay sa Tubig) that aims to Legacy, Protect Our Watersheds” last teach and share social-awareness to November 2018 with the aim of the community of the importance of involving the youth in protecting and water conservation and the virtue of conserving the environment to ease drinking clean water. climate change.

Buhay KYUT goes to school At the break of dawn, more than Children can be quite a handful 300 students from the Philippine to manage especially when they Central Adventist School (PCAS), are in their most active mood. They together with Murcia Water District explore every nook and turn of their (MWD), representatives from the surroundings and it becomes a little Region 6 WDs, DENR- PENRO, Dept. of difficult to keep them clean and free Administrator Jeci A. Lapus with LWUA official mascot TAP Trade & Industry (DTI), farmers group from illnesses all the time. and people’s organizations have gathered to plant a goal of According to the World Health Organization, nearly a 1,000 bamboo trees. Lectures were also given to the students thousand children die everyday due to diarrheal diseases that on how to plant bamboos as well as its uses and benefits to are linked to poor hygiene. Which is why LWUA partnering with protecting water resources. educational institutions in teaching kids the proper hygiene This isn’t the first project LWUA has launched that is focused routine is a truly valuable helping hand in keeping these children on the propagation of bamboo trees. In 2016, LWUA together healthy and free from sickness. with Palayan City Water District (PCWD) launched “Kawayan Para Also, by sharing the ways of different beneficial livelihood sa Palayan” at Aulo Dam, Brgy. Mapaet, Palayan City. activities that will sustain awareness in the community, LWUA The goal is to impart knowledge to the community of the embarks on a journey to teach women and children of water opportunities of making it a livelihood of planting, maintaining, conservation and taking care of the surroundings. harvesting and processing of bamboos- a complete victory for At the end of 2018, almost 200 students of Pascual O. Cruz both the environment and the community.

Memorial Elementary School were taught of proper hand- Humble efforts, big smiles washing. This is part of the Bisita Eskwela of Calumpit Water Even in the darkest of times that challenged the resilience of District (CWD). In partnership with Rotary Club- Calumpit, Filipinos, Buhay KYUT continued to strive in uplifting spirits by the CWD donated a hand washing facility for the school as an serving the people. In 2014 when Super typhoon Yolanda struck initiative to promote a healthy habit of proper hygiene and the Philippines, millions were devastated by the unprecedented drinking safe and potable water. fury.

In the last semester of 2018, more than 1,500 school children, LWUA provided relief goods to school children that have parents, teachers, and community representatives from several fallen victim to nature’s outrage. The act may be small compared municipalities have benefitted and received education about to the magnitude of damage the typhoon has inflicted on them, proper water conservation and environmental protection. the effort has made a massive effect that manifested in the Through instructional, education, and communication smiles of the people that has fallen victim to the devastation of materials prepared by LWUA to enhance the learning experience our mother nature. of students, they are rewarded with health kits to encourage them on the essentials of health care while the school receives educational materials to serve as aid in imparting the mission of Buhay KYUT. LWUA goes to school and broaden their scope with several reach-out programs laid all throughout the archipelago in places such as Bataan, Davao Oriental, General Santos City, Negros Occidental, and Bulacan among others.

Together with the Water Districts, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR), the LGUs and other partner advocates are promoting health and hygiene, proper uses of water, care for the environment, waste recycling, and even the importance of bamboo planting and production and livelihood program to schools and communities nationwide.

Saving watersheds one bamboo tree at a time Importance of bamboo trees in the conservation of the ecosystem is often overlooked.The truth is bamboo forests have

Circulation Department headed by Edgar Valmorida

Accounting & Credit and Collection Department headed by Mario Policarpio and Anita Grefal

MIS Department headed by Feliciano Buscas

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Share shoes at the SM Store

The Pebble at Acqua Private Residences A COUNTRY CLUB BY THE WATER Artist’s rendition of the Acqua Private Residences with The Pebble in front of the six-tower masterplan

The Play Area at the ground floor and second level of The Pebble

The Café and Juice Bar at the third level of The Pebble

SM Shoppers can purchase these new shoes from The SM Store Shoes Department and donate these to this year’s “Share Shoes” campaign.

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IVE the less fortunate children and families a gift of new shoes this year with The SM Store’s “Share Shoes” campaign.

Shoes are essential in our life’s journey. And for less fortunate children, a new pair of shoes will allow them to walk safely as they perform their daily chores and go from home to school. Good shoes also inspire us to work hard because with new shoes, we can start taking little steps towards achieving our dreams.

In this joint project of The SM Store and SM Shoes Department, booths have been set up in all The SM Store branches nationwide. Shoppers can now have the chance to donate pre-loved and brand new pairs of shoes from February 15- April 15, 2019.

Each donation entitles a customer with a Php 50 discount coupon which can be redeemed for every minimum Php 500 single-receipt purchase of any regular-priced shoes or footwear from The SM Store. Coupons are valid until April 15, 2020 All donated shoes will be for the benefit of Caritas and SM Foundation beneficiaries.

Share Shoes is one of the ways The SM Store and its customers work together to share blessings to the less fortunate. These donations will certainly bring hope and smiles to all beneficiaries nationwide.

Other upcoming projects are Donate-A-Book; Give the Gift of Wellness and Share-AToy 2019.

Imagine living in an urban oasis, in a tropical, rainforest-infused setting while being a few steps away from all that you love about the city. That’s Acqua Private Residences, a sixtower community by the historic Pasig River at a point where Makati and Mandaluyong cities meet. At the core of this award-winning development of top property developer Century Properties is an impressive central amenity called The Pebble, Acqua’s fourstorey waterfront clubhouse and the visual focal point of the entire development.

The Pebble is a gleaming white, modern interpretation of a smooth river stone with a large cutout in front providing an almost window-like vista. It features three iconic waterfalls that seemingly flow into the mighty river below.

The Pebble houses the state-of-the-art total health, wellness and fitness center, a 25-meter glass lap pool with jacuzzi, café and juice bar, locker rooms, function rooms, expansive lobby, kids’ wall climbing and play area,

The sprawling fitness center at the fourth level

sophisticated movie room, kids’ playroom and a mini library.

Outside the Pebble is The Eden, a relaxing garden that spans the 6th level podium of all Acqua towers with lush tropical greens, koi ponds, waterways and mini playground for kids. There is a basketball court for enthusiasts and an outdoor lagoon pool and kiddie pool with waterfalls for families who simply wish to relax and bask in the lovely sunshine.

Five out of six towers in Acqua – Niagara, Sutherland, Detiffoss and Iguazu – are already complete, while the last one, Novotel Suites Manila, is scheduled for completion this year.

Acqua Private Residences sits on a 2.4-hectare prime property in Coronado Street, Brgy.

Hulo, Mandaluyong City. It is accessible via the Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge making it accessible to Makati’s top attractions. Visit http://www.acqua.com.ph/ and https://www. century-properties.com/.

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Aboitiz underscores ‘culture of innovation’ at annual leadership conference Over 100 Aboitiz team leaders converged at the Aboitiz Leaders Conference (LeadCon) 2019 with the theme “Future-Proof Aboitiz: Driving a Culture of Innovation.”

DepEd Meralco_Edited 7x40 (FC)

Meralco, DepEd deepen partnership in electrification of off-grid schools

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UMAGUETE CITY — More than 70,000 students in far-flung, off-grid public schools in the Philippines are now able to use electricity and technology in class, thanks to an advocacy led by the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).

Launched in 2012, the school electrification advocacy program of the Philippines’ largest electric distributor provides remote public schools with access to electricity, particularly solar power. This is implemented through the company’s corporate foundation and social development arm, One Meralco Foundation (OMF).

OMF installs between 1 to 3 kilowatt-peak solar photovoltaic equipment in schools that pass its criteria for electrification.

“There are thousands ONE Meralco Foundation engineers install solar panels atop the roof of a classroom of public schools in Apo Elementary School, Apo Island (Dauin), Negros Oriental. nationwide which need “When you talk a laptop computer and a printer-scanneraccess to electricity about 21st Century photocopier machine to each of the newly a nd we c a n o n l y e d u c a t i o n , energized school. These were donated by energize so much with e l e c t r i c i t y i s employees of Meralco through their monthly the resources we have indispensable; you contributions to the Meralco Employee’s each year. And so, we cannot move forward Fund for Charity, Inc. (MEFCI), a non-profit prioritize those that really without electricity. institution founded by Meralco employees for need the intervention the We are catching up in charitable purposes. most,” explained Jeffrey O. science and technology “In the name of the Department of Education, Tarayao, president of OMF. and in ICT systems, we’re we would like to express our gratitude and our “Those schools that have more teaching our children with a appreciation for helping us electrify, bring light than 300 students, located in communities that are completely DepEd Secretary Leonor M. Briones. lot of skills so that they can to as many of our schools as possible, especially enter the world of work, or in areas which are far from sources of education unenergized or still with no respective electric cooperatives in the next five go on to university studies — and this will not and development,” the secretary said. years and are not a recipient of any government- be possible without electrical connections,” Pioneering Energy Education initiated electrification project, are at the top of explained Briones in an interview during the event. “Technology changes or reforms even OMF has also been working with DepEd our list for electrification,” he added.

To date, 223 schools have benefited from the production of teaching materials. We need to promote energy safety, efficiency and sustainable use through energy education. the program — 102 in Luzon, 64 in the Visayas electricity for that,” she added.

The secretary also emphasized that while In partnership with a non-profit organization, and 57 in Mindanao. This includes eight in Negros Oriental energized last year namely, Apo the government provides the resources required Coalition for Better Education (CBE), OMF Elementary School in Apo Island, Dauin; Bago- by the department to improve the quality of developed localized learning resources on Bago Elementary, Kanggabok Elementary School education in the country, the private sector is energy and related topics with the help of teachers selected from various public schools and Pedro R. Abul Memorial High School in Sta. also welcome to participate in this endeavor.

“Of course education is not the exclusive nationwide. These were compiled into a Catalina; Salingkubong Elementary School in Siaton; and San Isidro Elementary School and responsibility or mandate of the public sector. flashcard kit — called Energy Ed kit — which The Constitution is very clear on this issue. was mass-produced and distributed to close to Palay Elementary School in Manjuyod.

It talks about complementarity between the 900 public schools nationwide. public and private sector on matters related Each kit contains 200 flashcards that are Education: to education. Especially on the matter of aligned with DepEd’s K to 12 curriculum and a shared responsibility On Sunday, August 6, 2018, OMF and DepEd electrification, of course we have agencies that may be used in various subjects especially officially announced the electrification of the are concentrating on electrifying the entire Science. These are now being used by over Negros Oriental schools in a lighting ceremony country but we have 7,000 islands to take care half a million students, grades 4 to 10, all over led by DepEd secretary Leonor Magtolis- of. We have more than 40,000 classrooms, 29 the country.

To make the materials more accessible to Briones. It was held at the department’s sub- million learners to teach, and electricity plays all schools — public or private — OMF launched regional office in Dumaguete City, and was a very important part here,” said Briones.

Apart from the solar photovoltaic an online portal, www.energyed.ph, where attended by representatives from Meralco, One Meralco Foundation, local government units and equipment, OMF also turned over multimedia teachers may register and download individual packages consisting of a 49-inch LED TV, flashcards or the entire package, free of charge. the beneficiary schools.

EIGHT off-grid public schools in Negros Oriental energized by One Meralco Foundation using solar photovoltaic systems also received multimedia packages donated by Meralco employees. They are among the 223 public schools that have benefited from the program since 2012.

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HE Aboitiz Group believes having a culture of innovation will play an important role in the conglomerate’s continued growth and expansion both in the domestic and international arenas.

Amid the company’s group-wide digital transformation, over 100 Aboitiz team leaders converged at the Aboitiz Leaders Conference (LeadCon) 2019 with the theme “Future-Proof Aboitiz: Driving a Culture of Innovation.” It was held last Jan. 17 at Bonifacio Global City.

Annually, Aboitiz leaders undergo executive leadership development programs designed to impart knowledge and sharpen competencies in the six Aboitiz leadership dimensions: mentoring and developing, fostering teamwork, courageous authenticity, achieving results, sustainable growth, and integrity.

“How can Aboitiz remain evergreen and continue to be competitive in a volatile world of disruptive trends of globalization, technological advancement, changing models, and data explosion?”

Erramon I. Aboitiz, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) President and Chief Executive Officer challenged the company’s leaders.

“To my mind, it is by driving a culture of innovation,” Aboitiz stressed.

Explaining further, Aboitiz said, “Our business will continue to evolve and expand beyond our borders. It will be important for us to retain the best of a successful past 100 years while making adjustments in what we do and how we do it to future-proof Aboitiz to thrive in a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) world.”

In recent years, the Aboitiz Group has embarked on a digital transformation journey via a number of innovative initiatives. These are the Aboitiz Corporate Center’s agile workplaces, the Aboitiz Innovation Laboratory (a.Lab), the Aboitiz Group Online Resource Application (AGORA), UnionBank’s fullydigital The ARK branches, rooftop solar panels for AboitizLand’s The Outlets, and the Weather Solutions mobile application, just to name a few.

This year, the Aboitiz LeadCon featured distinguished academic Prof. Gregory La Blanc, chair of the Berkeley-Haas Professional Faculty at the University of California, Berkeley - Haas School of Business. La Blanc discussed the innovation process--origination, evaluation, and execution.

He also tackled the four roles of a leader: planned work, unplanned work, optimizing/incremental improvements and exploring.

“Innovation is about taking risks, nipping things at the bud before it costs too much pain. Promote constructive conflict, foster more disagreement, create systematic processes to resolve disagreement through data and information,” La Blanc said.

During the conference, two Aboitiz executives also showcased their respective business unit’s (BU’s) innovative strategies.

UnionBank Chief Technology & Operations Officer Henry R. Aguda described the bank’s commitment to its core (trust) and how the bank is “hand-holding customers in a digital world.” Meanwhile, Pilmico Chief Operating Officer Tristan R. Aboitiz shared how the firm’s digital journey put emphasis on having an agile workplace and digitized processes in place -- “Innovation 2.0.”

GMA Kapuso Foundation:

An organization that keeps on giving

GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), a recognized leader in public service in the country, turned over seven newly constructed classrooms at the Mandulog Elementary School in Barangay Mandulog, Iligan City in line with its long-term rehabilitation program for the victims of typhoon Sendong.

By Kyle Ureta

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HE television network known as GMA Network Inc. can be traced all the way back in 1950s as a humble radio station. The network grew and evolved, and in 1991 founded the organization that will eventually be known as the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Founded by GMA News Anchor Carmela “Mel” Tiangco, GMA Kapuso Foundation had spent the last 27 years providing aid and helping the Filipino people in various and impactful ways.

Since it was built, the organization’s collected efforts both with and without several partners have provided free medical services, started feeding programs, planted trees and built schools

By Ram Christian Agustin

O

NE Meralco Foundation continues to support Filipino children through different sports programs that help kids learn the true value of friendship, teamwork and sportsmanship.

The programs were held in different parts of the country, especially in marginalized areas which the foundation tends to focus on.

The Meralco Basketboys Program is one of the many programs of the One Meralco Foundation that focuses on sports, consisting of a basketball and values’ integration that can help kids develop their physical and social relationship within the community. The chosen beneficiary of this program was the Nayon ng Kabataan, a shelter run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the socially disadvantage youth in Mandaluyong.

Jeffrey Tarayao, President of One Meralco Foundation and Chief CSR officer of Meralco, said they want to use sports as their main platform to regain the selfconfidence of this kids.

One Meralco Foundation also continued to extend its support to sports through Football for Peace, an advocacy started by Lt. Col. Stephen L. Cabanlet, commanding officer of the 1st Marine Battalion Landing Team stationed in Sulu and founder of the Philippine Marine Corps Football for Peace movement. The football clinic aims to help the children lessen their traumatic experiences caused by the armed conf licts in Mindanao. The event started from barangay-level tournaments between amateur teams trained

by Marine soldiers, and then later turned into an annual festival in Metro Manila, garnering support from different private sectors such as Meralco through its corporate social responsibility arm in the

One Meralco Foundation’s Football for Peace

and houses all over the country.

The organization began as a reliefproviding group known as Bisig Bayan Foundation, later on changing their name to GMA Foundation and finally GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Since its inception, the organization has grown, launching several projects including free housing, medical assistance, disaster relief, educational and environmental assistance, and many others.

Operation Bayanihan is the GMAKF disaster relief program, providing immediate assistance and basic needs to victims of natural and man-made disasters all over the country.

Their health programs give free health services to indigent Filipinos.

The Bisig Bayan Medical Assistance (BB), in particular, even have special health projects, most of which are in line with the monthly themes of the Department of Health. There is also the Kalusugan Karavan (KK), a continued medical mission into far-flung areas where basic health services are inaccessible.

The GMAKF also has the Give-AGift: Alay Sa Batang Pinoy Christmas Project, which has grown into four subprojects focusing on different and specific needs of children. The four sub-

ONE MERALCO FOUNDATION

projects are as follows; GAG: Feed A Child, GAG: Surgical, GAG: Kapuso Cancer Champions, and GAG: Distribution of Noche Buena Package.

Their education programs aim to provide means for students to have access to school supplies and schools themselves. Unang Hakbang Sa Kinabukasan, for example, donates a complete set of school materials in a UHSK backpack to incoming kindergarten and Grade 1 students from public elementary schools nationwide.

Their Kapuso School Development Project, on the other hand, give classrooms and sanitation facilities to underserved public schools constructed through the “spirit of bayanihan” as shown by volunteers. Finally, the Kulayan ang Kinabukasan sub-project is involved in repainting, restoring and repairing said constructions.

Several Kapuso Village Projects have also been done by the foundation, constructing more than 500 houses in total at 5 Kapuso Villages nationwide. Most of the houses have been turned over to people whose homes were destroyed in major calamities.

One of their most recently started projects, the Kapuso Tulay Para Kaunlaran Project was launched in 2017, and aims to reconstruct demolished bridges to connect remote communities to trade and learning centers.

Most of these programs are an ongoing effort, garnering support and volunteers from different parts of the country and from various walks of life.

Most recently, the foundation had wrapped up their program Ngiting Kapuso for Oral Health Month this January, where they provide free dental check-ups and dentures to indigent Filipinos. They had also provided tons of donations under their GiveA-Gift: Alay Sa Batang Pinoy project to schools in Datu Anggal Midtimbang and Datu Odin Sinsuat, areas in Maguindanao under armed conflict.

The same program provided gifts to children in areas in Western and Northern Samar, which were affected

by Bagyong Usman last December.

The GMAKF is now preparing for their bi-annual bloodletting project in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross and the Ever Gotesco Mall/Go Tong Foundation.

A complete list of their programs can be found on the official GMA Kapuso Foundation website, as well as the options to either donate to or volunteer for their programs.

Sports as a platform for change form of One Meralco Foundation.

“We first learned about the PMC ‘Football for Peace’ in 2012. They were in need of training balls with which the children could hone their playing skills even at home. Inspired by the noble cause of the advocacy, we donated 400 soccer balls and partnered with Meralco’s Philippine Football League team, the FC Meralco Manila (formerly the Loyola Meralco Sparks Football Club), to come up with a regular football clinic program that would allow the kids to learn from the pros,” said Tarayao.

Aside from these two popular sports here in our country, One Meralco Foundation, together with the help of Meralco Chess Club, organized the first and second Meralco Tour Chess Workshops held at the Ramon Magsaysay High School in Cubao and Bagong Silangan Elementary School in Batasan, Quezon City, respectively. A total of 180 chess enthusiast students attended the workshop.

A recent campus workshop, included lectures by FIDE Instructor Let Bersamina, National Master Erwin Carag, FIDE Master Paulo Bersamina, Meralco Chess Club President Rolly Sol Cruz, and Meralco Chess Club members Ronnie Dellota and Bernard Templo. The foundation also turned over 10 sets of chess mats and pieces to each school.

“Apart from more popular sports such as basketball and football, we also see chess having a meaningful contribution to youth development. In addition to gaining values such as discipline and sportsmanship, a game of chess builds strategizing and problem-solving skills which we believe will significantly help them in their daily lives” said Tarayao.

Congratulations!

Manila Standard on your 32nd Anniversary

Speaker Arroyo upholds commitment to urban poor

By Paul Duran

F

IRST woman speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reiterated her commitment to the urban poor as her intervention helped turnover a property from the Bases Conversion and Development Corporation (BCDA) to Parañaque residents recently.

Through former President and now Speaker GMA, BCDA conveyed its 1-hectare property in Paranaque City in favor of hundreds of urban poor housing beneficiaries.

This is the realization of the Speaker’s promise to the residents when she was still President, saying that with the term of President Rodrigo Duterte, there is now certainty that their titles would be given.

“Ngayon meron nang closure kasi noong ako’y pangulo binigyan ko sila ng katiyakan sa lupang tinitirikan pero noon bago mag-issue ng title, nawala yung mga papeles nila. Ngayong panahon na ni Mayor Duterte, meron katiyakan na bago matapos ang 2019, maibibigay na kanilang mga titulo,” she said.

Personally visiting more than 400 families in Seaside in Tambo, Paranaque, Speaker Arroyo brought with her officials from the BCDA and the National Housing Authority (NHA) that will pave the way to the issuance of their long-delayed titles over their respective lots by the end of the year.

Her announcement was met with jubilation by the residents of the former Camp Claudio who are the recipients of her Executive Order No. 116 issued in August 2002 when she was president which declared portions of Camp Claudio as socialized housing sites for

disposition to qualified occupants.

“I leave public service with the knowledge that the process will be completed and the residents will get their titles to their property,” she said, witnessing the event with Parananque Rep. Eric Olivarez and Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

Ricardo Roxas, 61, one of the original settlers in the area expressed gratitude to Speaker Arroyo for her constant concern to their community. “Marami na po kaming presidente nilapitan pero si Pangulong GMA lang gumawa ng paraan para mabuhay kami dito ng maayos at legal,” Roxas said.

In another note, SGMA is set to create a new oversight committee on urban poor housing.

The Former President will create an Oversight Committee to monitor the implementation of RA 9207 (National Government Center Housing and Land Utilization Act of 2003) or the law that facilitated urban poor housing in Quezon City.

She said this was to answer a lingering aspect of the law left unturned.

“When I was studying the law... nakita ko na meron pala oversight committee itong batas na ginawa noong panahon ko. Since meron pang nalalabing problema dito sabi ko dapat i-constitute ang oversight committee,” she said.

Speaking during her consultation with beneficiaries of RA 9207, a law she signed when she was President in 2003, at the NGC West in Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City recently, Speaker Arroyo said she will constitute an Oversight Committee on RA 9207 at the House of Representatives to make sure that the law is properly implemented.

Hundreds of urban poor families in NGC, Brgy. Holy Spirit in Quezon City were awarded by then President Arroyo their own land as a result of RA 9207.

While most of them had already been awarded their own titles, some problems still exist particularly reports of landgrabbing and failure in the reblocking of some properties.

Speaker Arroyo pointed out that her creation of a new oversight committee is consistent with her earlier pronouncement that the Lower House will hold its oversight functions in the remaining months of her speakership because they have already passed all the priority bills of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Speaker Arroyo has been going around the country to visit the urban poor housing beneficiaries during her administration. She signed more than 100 presidential proclamations, executive orders and laws that enabled thousands of urban poor families to acquire the land

they have long been occupying.

Under RA 9207, the Oversight Committee on RA 9207 will be chaired in the House by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee Chairman who is currently Cebu Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa.

Rep. Winnie Castelo of Quezon City will be a member of the committee and will chair the sub-committee on the concerns of Brgy.

Holy Spirit because he is the congressmen of the said area.

“This is very consistent with what I said when we left for the Christmas Holidays that we already passed many good laws including my own law in 2003 that’s why they are now owners of their property. But what is important now is to make sure that they are well implemented,” she said.

“So this is part of what I have been saying that that’s the task I think the House of Reps. should be doing for the next six months,” Speaker Arroyo added.

Families displaced by Manila Bay Rehab, Parola residents get helping hand from SGMA

THANKS to the intervention of former President and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, more than 2,000 families to be displaced by the ongoing cleanup of Manila Bay had been assured of land by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

This came during the hearing of the Oversight Committee on Housing called

by Speaker Arroyo to address the delay in the release of titles to the recipients of urban poor housing proclamations she issued when she was president.

During the hearing it was revealed that more than 2,000 families living in a property owned by PPA in Isla Puting, Bato will be displaced because of the ongoing rehabilitation of Manila Bay. This prompted Speaker Arroyo to inquire what arrange-

ments are being made in the transfer of the affected residents. She also asked the PPA to ensure that they would not be deprived of their source of livelihood.

PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago responded that the agency, which is the owner of the property, will be willing to give them five hectares of its property in a nearby area in Tondo. He also vowed to allot P1 million for the social preparation of the residents prior to the transfer.

The announcement was met with jubilation by Isla Puting Bato residents who had attended the hearing at the House of Representatives.

Mansor Utto, who is a long-time resident of Isla Puting Bato said they could not believe that they will be given a chance to

acquire their own land.

“Matagal na po naming pinapanalangin na mabigyan kami ng seguridad sa lupa at sobrang nabigla kami na ito ang matutupad na sa tulong ng ating Speaker GMA. Kung hindi sa kanya, baka kung saan na lang kami mapupunta dahil sa paglliinis sa Manila Bay,” Utto said.

Moreover, SGMA has also vowed to help more than 5,000 urban poor families in Parola, Manila get their land titles.

Speaking during the awarding ceremonies of Certificate of Land Awards to some 80 beneficiaries in Parola, Binondo, Speaker Arroyo said she will ask Negros Occidental Rep. Albee Benitez to convene the Oversight Committee Housing which he heads to facilitate the awarding of titles to

the urban poor beneficiaries in Parola, both in Binondo and Tondo.

“Magpapa-convene tayo ng Oversight sa Committee on Housing kay Cong.

Benitez para maayos natin ang mga titulo ninyo,” she told residents.

Speaker Arroyo went to Parola recently to lead the awarding of CELAs to beneficiaries. It was the first time the first batch of CELAs were distributed to residents since 2004.

Speaker Arroyo first went to the house of Lucy Santos in Gate 15, Area D to see condition of the community. Santos was the resident who first talked to then President Arroyo in 2004 when asked for help to give housing security in their barangay.

As a result of her consultations with San-

tos and the homeowners’ organization in the area, she issued Presidential Proclamation 581 in March 2004 setting aside more than 5 hectares in Parola in Tondo and in Binondo for socialized housing for the informal settlers in the area.

But since she issued the proclamation, the giving of titles was delayed as several government agencies had laid their claims over the property.

Speaker Arroyo has since instructed Manila Rep. Yul Servo and Manuel Lopez to coordinate with Benitez to convene his Oversight Committee on Housing to summon the said government offices and other attached agencies to thresh out the issues with respect to the land titling in Parola.

Peter Paul Duran