Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Proud to be you! Philippine LGBTQ ICON Awards 2024 recognizes queer pioneers, trailblazers and allies

Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC Philippines), a project under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the President of the United States’ Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and spearheaded by FHI360, proudly extended its support as a sponsor to this year’s Philippine LGBTQ ICON Awards.

The awards, organized by The Red Whistle, a non-government organization that advocates for HIV awareness and LGBTQ rights, together with O Bar Philippines, Pasig, was held at ARISE, the 13th Annual Philippine Pride Party, last June 29, 2024, Saturday.

Monday, July 29, 2024

Literature, creativity take the spotlight at Book Nook SM Aura this July

In line with their advocacy of supporting literature in the country, instilling a love of reading, and promoting creativity among Filipinos, Book Nook recently held events this July to underscore the importance of literature in the brain development of a child, as well as help vloggers and content creators improve their art.

The events took place at the Book Nook branch in SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Book Nook celebrate National Children's Book Day

Last July 16, Book Nook, in partnership with the International Board on Books for Young People - Philippines, Quezon City Public Library, hosted a fun activity for children consisting of several activities that revolved around reading and literature, in celebration of National Children's Book Day.

A total of 40 children and parents from Brgy. East Rembo in Taguig City were treated to an afternoon of activities designed to pique their curiosity and imagination, including a puppet show, a storytelling session, and a read-aloud session. Through the activity, Book Nook aims to nurture children's love for literature and promote the habit of reading among them.

Monday, July 22, 2024

Bangsamoro Government lays out commitments to improve education in the BARMM

The Bangsamoro Government celebrated the signing of the Madrasah Education Strategic Plan for the Bangsamoro region on 18 July 2024. The Plan lays out the commitments of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education to enhance the quality of formal madrasah education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the next three years.

During the celebration of the signing of the Madrasah Education Strategic Plan, the Memorandum of Understanding was held to formalize the commitments of various donors and stakeholders to enable BARMM to overcome challenges in the delivery of quality and inclusive education services, ensuring that every child in Bangsamoro has equal opportunities. (L-R: Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afif Hasbullah, Darul Ulum Islamic University; Dr. Muhammad Hafidz Nasrullah, Rector, Darul Ulum Islamic University; Honorable Mohagher M. Iqbal, Minster, Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education; and, Tahir G. Nalg, Director General for Madaris Education, Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education.) 

Thursday, July 18, 2024

ChildFund Philippines and SEAMEO INNOTECH launch the country's first localized social and emotional learning framework

ChildFund Philippines, in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH), recently introduced the country’s first localized social and emotional learning (SEL) framework. 

ChildFund Philippines, in collaboration with SEAMEO INNOTECH, recently introduced the country’s first localized SEL framework at SEAMEO INNOTECH’s office in Quezon City. (L-R: Kochakorn Khattapan Acidre, Deputy Center Director of SEAMEO INNOTECH; Marlene Floresca, Education Specialist of ChildFund Philippines; Dr. Dexter Galban, Assistant Secretary for Operations of the Department of Education; Dr. Leonor Magtolis Briones, Center Director of SEAMEO INNOTECH; Anand Vishwakarma, Country Director of ChildFund Philippines; and, Dr. Grace Aguiling-Dalisay, President and CEO of Center for Educational Measurement)

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Chevron Dives Deep: Inspiring Future Leaders in AmCham's Student Leadership Program

BLP students and Chevron scholars together with Chevron executives

Chevron, one of the country’s long-standing and biggest US investors, together with the American Chamber of Commerce, (AmCham) recently hosted top students from leading universities to a leadership talk with the General Managers of Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI) and Chevron Holdings Inc. (CHI).

The students are part of the AmCham Business Leadership Program (BLP) which provides Filipino students with high levels of access and interaction with executives of top companies in the Philippines. BLP enhances the students' understanding of the role of business in national development and provides a broader perspective on key global business and economic issues. AmCham exclusively invites top university students to participate in the BLP and to familiarize them with the contributions of American multinational companies to the country.

Chevron, one of the “Best Companies to Work for”  awarded at the recently held HR Asia Awards 2023, has been a steadfast supporter and sponsor of BLP for the past 20 years.

Ethan Flowers, general manager of CHI, imparted insights on his journey at Chevron and strategies for effective team management. He was followed by Billy Liu, general manager of CPI, with a discussion on achieving work-life balance.

“Intellectual curiosity, problem-solving, and analytical skills serve really well in your career, if you end up working in big companies like Chevron or other multinational companies. This will help you contribute to the team,” Ethan Flowers, general manager of Chevron Holdings Inc. shared.

“We must know our priorities and we should be taking good care of our health because how can we deliver good outputs if we are not feeling well? We should always learn to have a work-life balance,” said Billy Liu, general manager of Chevron Philippines Inc.

Also, BLP alumni Tonie Miclat and Eds Bernardo shared how the BLP helped them in their journey towards getting hired at Chevron and how it strengthened their career growth. The talk inspires and motivates the students of BLP, encouraging them to persevere in pursuing their career goals.

“We are delighted with this activity, where our students have the opportunity to engage with Chevron executives, gaining valuable insights that will inspire and motivate them in their journey toward building a career. We are truly grateful to Chevron for being our partner over the years and for inviting us to participate in this event exclusively for our students,” said Pinky Jamili, business leadership program project manager, AmCham Philippines.

“At Chevron, we are thrilled to celebrate our 20-year partnership with this program. Both CPI and CHI have engaged in meaningful discussions with hundreds of exemplary, bright young Filipino students who have participated in the BLP. We are also pleased to host events like this, where we meet students who are curious and ask insightful questions. We take great joy in sharing our experiences and imparting leadership insights because we believe this can significantly benefit them in their career journey," said Ethan Flowers

Also present at the event were the Chevron scholars from the University of the Philippines - Diliman. The event concluded with an office tour of Chevron facilities where students had the opportunity to see the various departments of Chevron and meet some of the employees.

Monday, July 8, 2024

Coca-Cola PH continues to empower micro-retailers with the launch of new centres to provide entrepreneurial skills

Coca-Cola Philippines aims to empower more micro-entrepreneurs nationwide with the launch of Centers for Entrepreneurship (CFEs) under the digital Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (iSTAR) program in seven key areas. The CFEs, located in Davao del Norte, Cagayan de Oro, Taguig City, Nueva Ecija, Cebu, Bacolod City, and Camarines Sur, will serve as sustainable hubs offering training, mentoring, and financial support to help small business owners thrive.

The iSTAR program is designed to empower individuals in entrepreneurship and equip them with the necessary skills through the use of digital platforms for starting and managing retail businesses.

Friday, July 5, 2024

SM Prime, Bureau of Fire launch Search for Ten Outstanding Firefighters

MOA signed to honor Bureau of Fire’s role in public safety

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reaffirmed their commitment to fire safety and protection through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on June 27, 2024, at the SM Prime Headquarters.

(L-R): SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group Liza Silerio, SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim, SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and Bureau of Fire Protection Director Louie Puracan 

The MOA highlights SM Prime’s recognition on the critical role of the BFP in maintaining public safety, economic stability, and peace and order through the launch of the yearly search for the Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

GYS 2024 concludes South Luzon leg; leaves youth leaders hopeful for a better future

The Global Youth Summit (GYS), held annually by SM Cares and Global Peace Foundation (GPF) to inspire youth leaders to become catalysts for change, recently concluded its South Luzon leg which took place from June 8 to June 22, 2024 across SM Malls in Southern Luzon.

The GYS is an annual event that provides the youth with opportunities to use your voice, share your ideas, and help create long-term and sustainable solutions to the most pressing problems and challenges affecting you today.