United States, AC Health Launch Partnership to Expand HIV Services in the Philippines

On November 26, the United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), launched a partnership with Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) to strengthen the private sector’s role in making stigma-free care and lifesaving HIV services more accessible in the Philippines, which has one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in Asia.

Supported by funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the partnership will develop, test, and scale approaches to improving and expanding HIV care and prevention services in the Philippines, with a special focus on online health services and the direct delivery of critical medication such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—a drug that, when taken as scheduled, prevents the transmission of HIV.

J. Amado Araneta Foundation Recognized wins top nod from USAID

Araneta Group’s social development arm named Most Supportive Private Sector Partner by USAID

The J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) was named the Most Supportive Private Sector Partner during the Gabi ng Parangal sa Pagpupunyagi at Pag-alpas, an awards ceremony by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Opportunity 2.0, held on November 13, 2024, at Novotel Manila Araneta City. 

The foundation received the honor for its commitment to empowering out-of-school youth through innovative programs and partnerships, which also contribute to business growth and innovation.

"This recognition shows the power of collaboration,” Diane Romero, JAAF Executive Director said “We firmly believe that the young people we engage through this program are not merely potential employees; rather, they represent the future innovators and contributors who will drive our economy forward. By investing in their potential, we are fostering a generation of leaders who will shape the future." 

Over One Million Children at Risk: Save the Children Launches “Lahat Dapat Safe” to Provide Urgent Relief After Typhoons

As the Philippines reels from the aftermath of Typhoons Julian, Kristine, Leon, Marce, and Nica battering the country in rapid succession, Save the Children Philippines is ramping up efforts to protect children and communities through the launch of the #LahatDapatSafe campaign. These storms have left over 1 million children vulnerable to devastating impacts—displaced from their homes, separated from their schools, and exposed to the dangers of disease. 

“I am afraid to sleep because the wind is so strong. I worry about my family, and I don’t know where we will go next. The rain reminds me of that terrible night when we lost everything,” said 12-year-old Mica, a child affected by Typhoon Julian.

Batang Matatag: A Stronger Partnership for a Stronger Future

Manila Water Foundation Joins Erceflora Probiotics and Save the Children Philippines to Expand Hygiene and Water Access for More Filipino Kids and Families

The Batang Matatag Campaign, a joint initiative by Erceflora Probiotics and Save the Children Philippines, has announced a significant expansion of its reach and a new partnership with the Manila Water Foundation.

Launched in 2022, the campaign addresses health challenges due to the lack of access to clean water and proper WASH and hygiene facilities. The Batang Matatag campaign invests in gut health and hygiene education for vulnerable communities, and the partnership with the Manila Water Foundation will help increase access to handwashing stations and water pumps in schools and communities across the country. 

“Investing in our children’s gut health and hygiene is investing in our future. The Batang Matatag Campaign calls on all of us to play a part in building a healthier, stronger Philippines where every child has the chance to reach their full potential,” said Rica Mae Mateo from Erceflora Probiotics.

Deeply concerned by the rise of childhood mortality due to diarrhea in the Philippines, Erceflora Probiotics and Save the Children Philippines launched the Batang Matatag Campaign to combat this preventable illness. Launched in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2022, the campaign reached over 19,477 individuals in communities and schools, training over 1,000 adolescents in essential life skills, educated 500 residents on child health and nutrition, and achieved a remarkable 100% improvement in health levels within the communities it served.

This year, Batang Matatag expanded its reach this year to the Rizal province in Luzon, completing four hygiene promotion sessions and WASH caravans, and 12 nutrition promotion sessions. The campaign provided 2,500 hygiene kits for students, as well as Brigada Eskwela cleaning kits for 126 schools in Rizal and BARMM.  

Batang Matatag also initiated educating school clinicians and nurses in 68 public schools in Antipolo about the role of probiotics and effective diarrhea management among school children. 

Through this campaign, the communities benefited from newly constructed water pumps and handwashing stations, ultimately benefiting 65,007 individuals in both provinces.  

"We are incredibly proud of Batang Matatag's impact in its first year, and thrilled to expand our reach to Luzon. With the support of our partners and communities, we are committed to continuing this vital work and ensuring that every Filipino child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong," Mateo added.  

Families are also empowered to support the campaign. With every purchase of Erceflora Probiotics, a portion of the sale will be donated to the #BatangMatatag Campaign to help build more WASH facilities and create more hygiene education programs for vulnerable communities and partner schools in the country. 

Erceflora is available in the nearest drug store or pharmacy, or online through the Sanofi Official Store. For more information, visit the Erceflora website here. 

MAHALAGANG PAALALA: ANG ERCEFLORA GUT DEFENSE AND ERCEFLORA GUT RESTORE AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT.

Pure Bayanihan targets 1 Million livelihoods to help end poverty

How a non-profit organization embodies ‘bayanihan’ one sustainable livelihood at a time

Rochelle and her mother share a warm moment outside their modest home. Rochelle, who paused her studies to care for her ill mother, is a beneficiary of Pure Bayanihan’s Pisonet WiFi vending machine, which allows her to earn an income while hoping to return to school in the future.

Pure Bayanihan, a US-registered 501(c)3 nonprofit with a goal of creating one million livelihoods for people living in poverty, is proud to announce the official launch of its nationwide initiative aimed at alleviating poverty in the Philippines through sustainable livelihood programs. With a current poverty rate of 15.5%, down from 18.1% in 2021, the nation still faces significant challenges, with over 17.5 million people living below the poverty line. Limited access to quality education and stable employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, has hindered many Filipinos from achieving economic stability.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings focus to the importance of early detection

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to underscore the importance of education and early detection in combating the disease. In the Philippines, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, particularly among women of all ages.

Recent reports indicate that out of 86,484 total cancer diagnoses, 27,163 were breast cancer cases. The disease claimed the lives of 9,926 Filipino women, making it the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Philippines. In 2019, the country had the highest breast cancer rate in Asia and ranked ninth globally, underscoring the urgency of addressing this health crisis. 

Building a Sustainable Energy Future: International Centre for Hydropower, SN Aboitiz Power host course on Energy Security and Energy Transition

The International Centre for Hydropower (ICH), together with renewable energy provider SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) Group recently concluded a specialized learning course on “Energy Security and Energy Transition”, held from October 22 to 25 in Baguio City, Philippines.

The course aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable, inclusive access to energy in order to benefit communities and foster energy democracy.

The training brought together nineteen participants from Nepal, Cambodia, and the Philippines, with Philippine attendees coming from various government and regional agencies, SNAP, and AboitizPower, reflecting a collaborative commitment to advancing sustainable energy practices in the region. 

SNAP-Benguet recognized as top taxpayer in Benguet

SNAP-Benguet received the award top taxpayer in the province of Benguet during the Benguet Gong Awards in Business Achievement and Yield (Benguet GABAY) 124th Foundation Anniversary celebration, ADIVAY, on November 8, 2024 at Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City.

Dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and creating positive change in the communities where it operates, SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) was awarded as Benguet’s number one responsible taxpayer in the province. 

The award was given during the Benguet Gong Awards in Business Achievement and Yield (Benguet GABAY) 124th Foundation Anniversary celebration, ADIVAY, on November 8, 2024 at Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City. 

MDPPA unveils new advocacy campaign: “Tropang MAALAM”

Road safety through education - a lasting commitment between 2-wheel brands

The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA), an association of the biggest motorcycle manufacturers in the country, recently mounted a one- of-a-kind event for members of the media, where they shared significant announcements about the organization as well as insights related to the Philippine motorcycle industry.

SM kicks off breast cancer awareness month with Beautiful Girl

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, recently held a one-of-a-kind ballet show in partnership with the Philippine Ballet Theatre. The event showcased powerful stories of breast cancer survival and advocacy through dance. It took place on September 29 at the SMX Aura Convention Center in Taguig City.

Over 500 breast cancer warriors, families, and friends were in attendance to show support to the brave and resilient  Beautiful Girls.

"Beautiful Girl: Echoes of Strength" is an expressive ballet by the Philippine Ballet Theater that explores the journey of breast cancer patients from a deeply artistic and compassionate perspective, emphasizing that every woman, regardless of her battle, is a "Beautiful Girl" deserving of admiration and support.

SM Cares, DSAPI promote inclusion, acceptance through Down Syndrome education

SM Cares and Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) recently held a seminar with the aim of educating people on Down Syndrome as part of their goal of promoting better inclusion and acceptance for individuals living with the condition. The seminar was held last October 19 at SM City Sucat in Paranaque City.

Titled "Understanding Down Syndrome: A Sensitivity Seminar," the seminar was designed to educate participants about Down Syndrome, while promoting sensitivity and understanding, and supporting families and individuals living with the condition.

SM Cares, CEFASGPH celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day through informative session aimed at family members, caretakers of Cerebral Palsy patients

In observance of World Cerebral Palsy Day, SM Cares and the Cerebral Palsy Epilepsy Family Awareness Support Group (CEFASGPH, Inc.), held an event to raise awareness about cerebral palsy, its challenges, and the importance of support for affected individuals and their families last October 19 at SM Southmall in Las Pinas City.

Aimed primarily at families living with a loved one who has cerebral palsy, the event was designed to increase awareness of the condition and the experiences of those who have it, provide resources and information for their families and caregivers, and promote inclusion and support for these individuals.

Caring for a patient with Cerebral Palsy can be very challenging, as the condition affects movement, muscle coordination, and communication skills. Knowing this, SM Cares fully supports CEFASGPH in its objective to create wide-range awareness about the condition within and outside its community.

Through the event, SM Cares reiterates its commitment to promoting the general welfare of individuals in the PWD community, including those who live with Cerebral Palsy, as part of its Program on PWDs, which aims to create a barrier-free and disability-inclusive environment in all SM malls.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative. 

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares. 

SM and Eye-Able® Pioneers Digital Accessibility in the Philippines

SM Cares is taking a significant step towards digital inclusivity by launching Eye-Able® on the SM Supermalls website. Starting October 21, users will experience a more accessible, user-friendly interface designed to enhance browsing for individuals with visual impairments or those requiring digital assistance. This initiative underscores SM's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital world.