Phoenix Publishing House and Ricoh Philippines Collaborate to Aid Luzon Mission Schools

Phoenix Publishing House and Ricoh Philippines Collaborate to Aid Luzon Mission Schools

Thursday, March 07, 2019

Phoenix Publishing House Inc. has partnered with Ricoh Philippines, a technology and imaging company in donating several multifunction printers & projectors to select mission schools in Luzon for the Alagang Phoenix initiative.

Phoenix Publishing House, Inc., one of the leading publishing companies in the Philippines, has been revolutionizing the textbook industry for the past 60 years by providing best-in-class reading and instructional materials. The company has been an advocate of Filipino-authored textbooks and local publishing with their vision of providing quality instructional materials for Filipinos and by Filipinos.

Alagang Phoenix was born out of the company’s firm commitment to continuously improving the quality of Philippine education and the quality of life of our educators. Alagang Phoenix conducts training and workshops for the academe to promote their development and learnings with the latest trends in the global education system translating to the ultimate goal of success for the students.

Ricoh is undertaking a range of initiatives in keeping with its sustainability message, which is Driving Sustainability for Our Future. The message conveys their determination to create new value to resolve social issues and help materialize a sustainable society through business. Ricoh pursues such sustainability through a Three Ps Balance-Prosperity (economic activities), People (society), and Planet (environment). The company aims to resolve social issues through business, reinforce its operational underpinnings, and contribute to society. This will help to Ricoh contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)* agreed to by the international community. Ricoh Philippines has been an active advocate of environmental protection and conservation through its Eco-Action Campaign. It is an annual global initiative where the company holds corporate social responsibility programs with a particular focus on the environment. Ricoh Philippines also gives back to society with its Adopt-a-School program where Ricoh donates Multifunction Printers to less fortunate schools in the country.

Ricoh Philippines’ partnership with Alagang Phoenix is an opportunity to develop the disadvantaged communities thru education by supporting mission schools from different dioceses in Luzon.

Held at the Alegria Lounge at the headquarters of Phoenix Publishing House, the turnover ceremony of Ricoh multifunction printers and projectors were graced by the representatives of the recipient schools namely Rev. Fr. Elmer Jose Dizon, superintendent of the Archdiocese of San Fernando Educational System, Msgr. Mauel Bravo Jr., superintendent of the Archdiocesan of Lingayen Dagupan Catholic Schools, Rev. Fr. Alain Manalo, superintendent the Diocese of Imus Catholic Educational System, Inc., and the Msgr. Michael Feliciano Veneracion, superintendent of Cabanatuan Catholic Educational System (CACES).

The executives of Phoenix Publishing House led by its President, Lynda R. Sibal & Penny Sibal-Balbin, Executive Vice President said, “We are truly grateful to Ricoh Philippines for their donation of Multifunction Printers, these relevant devices will be of great value to the recipients and will help

modernize their documentation system to lessen the burden of the teachers in their manual printing, scanning & document reproduction”.

Rev. Fr. Alain Manalo, the superintendent of the Diocese of Imus, Cavite said that some schools “need to go to the next town to have material photocopied” and that he was very appreciative of the donation of Ricoh multifunction printers (MFP) and projectors as this would go a long way in improving the quality of education in these schools. The other superintendents were amazed by the MFP’s features and say that the schools’ teaching and testing materials will be greatly enhanced.

Eric Sulit, President, and CEO of Ricoh Philippines, mentioned that “We have found through the Alagang Phoenix initiatives that we share common goals and aspirations—the betterment of society through the activities of the businesses that we run. It is also for this reason that this partnership is very close to my heart. And I hope that with this joint program we may make some impact on our youth and on our country.”

Ricoh multifunction printers will help the schools with their scanning and printing needs. The projectors will also aid the teachers with their visual presentations and be more engaging with their students.

To learn more about the latest in multifunction printers and other Ricoh products, visit www.ricoh.com.ph.

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Camp Braveheart: Allianz Supports Children Survivors of Heart Disease

Camp Braveheart: Allianz Supports Children Survivors of Heart Disease

Volunteers from Allianz Philippines held games promoting financial literacy among kids, who attended the recent 13th Camp Braveheart, a joint project of the  Philippine Heart Association and the Philippine Society of Pediatric Cardiology (PSPC)

Allianz Philippines, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), and the Philippine Society of Pediatric Cardiology (PSPC) recently staged the 13th edition of Camp Braveheart at the Manila Ocean Park with the theme, “The Hero Within.”

Conceptualized in 2007, Camp Braveheart seeks to help post-surgical children with heart diseases to transition from a life of limited activity and exposure to one with vision, hope, and fruitful experience.

Dr. Maricel Regino, chairperson of the Council on Congenital Heart Disease, said that Camp Braveheart is a program that seeks to encourage children who were born with heart disease and underwent surgery to live a normal life like other kids.

“They serve as inspiration to others who want to live a good life after surgery,” she said during the opening of Camp Braveheart.

Dr. Regino was joined in the event by Dr. Aurelia G. Leus, vice president of the PHA; Dr. Ninfa J. Villanueva, president of the PSPC; and Gino Riola, senior vice president and head of Market Management Center of Excellence (MM COE) of Allianz Asia. 

This is the second year that Allianz Philippines has partnered with the PHA, and Camp Braveheart is just one of projects that it is supporting.

Mr. Gino Riola, Senior Vice President, Head of Market Management Center of Excellence, Allianz  Asia

“We at Allianz believe in paying it back in the communities we operate in. Camp Braveheart is among the causes we are privileged to contribute to. It was personally a heartwarming experience for me to be surrounded by brave and happy children cared for by loving families and doctors. Their smiles and excitement were certainly contagious,” Riola said.

For this year’s celebration of the Heart Month, Allianz Philippines has been declared the PHA’s official life insurance partner. 

“The PHA has advocacies that resonate with our corporate social responsibility aspirations in the Philippines. We are privileged to be their partner in promoting a healthy lifestyle among Filipinos,” Riola added.

Among the children who took part in Camp Braveheart were three-year-old Lilian Lucy Espiritu, who has been diagnosed with ventricular septal defect, and fellow three-year-old Piel Akron, who has been diagnosed with critical pulmonary stenosis.

“We are fortunate to have been invited to Camp Braveheart. I hope that they would continue activities like this for post-operation kids,” Lilian’s mom, Locelyn, said.

She added that they are already looking forward to next year’s Camp Braveheart.

Piel’s mom, MJ, is likewise thankful for the event as it introduced her to other parents with children that have been diagnosed with heart disease. They were encouraged to join Camp Braveheart by Piel’s doctor, Dr. Jose Jonas Del Rosario of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) and Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

“As parents, we have to learn how to let go for them to learn on their own. I wish that Piel would continue to get well so he won’t undergo anymore procedures,” MJ added.

Staying true to its theme this year, Camp Braveheart celebrated the children who, despite their young age, continue to show strength in the face of difficulties.

This year’s activities included an Oceanarium tour, Sea Lion Show, Shark & Ray Dry Encounter, Creepy Crawlies, games, and face painting, which the children all thoroughly enjoyed.

Allianz Philippines employees conducted a fun financial literacy lecture and games during the event. 

Locelyn, MJ, and their fellow parents also had a fun time participating in the financial literacy exercise conducted by Allianz Philippines volunteer employees and learning about Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), too. They also attended a lecture on the 52100 Campaign, which encourages people to lead a healthy lifestyle by having five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, having only two hours of screen time, doing an hour of physical activity, avoiding sugary and sweetened beverages, and saying no to both smoking and secondhand smoking.

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KOIKA and UNICEF Launch First 1000 Days Program To Benefit 40,000 Children in the Philippines

KOIKA and UNICEF Launch First 1000 Days Program To Benefit 40,000 Children in the Philippines

Friday, February 01, 2019

Did you know that 3 in every 10 children in the Philippines belong to poor families in 2015? High poverty incidences belongs to most regions in Mindanao with ARMM having the highest at 63.1%.

In terms of live birth, 7 out of 17 regions in the country were estimated to have 80% to 100% live births attended by skilled health personnel as well as live births delivered in a health facility. Sadly, ARMM had the least percentage of both live births attended by skilled health personnel and live births delivered in a health facility with only 33.6% and 28.4%, respectively.

First 1000 Days Program

Korea International Corporation Agency (KOICA) and UNICEF, in partnership with the Department of Health and National Nutrition Council, launch an integrated health program targeting the first 1,000 days of life to benefit vulnerable children and women in Samar, Northern Samar, and Zamboanga del Norte. This will benefit 40,000 children under 5 years of age and 57,000 pregnant/lactating women.

The support of KOICA amounts to US$6 million and will be allocated to 19 local government units in three provinces: Samar and Northern Samar in Region VIII and Zamboanga del Norte in Region IX.

Expected reach of the program

• 12,000 infants 0-5 months old
• 36,000 children 6-23 months old (including children from poor families and children from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas)
• 57,000 pregnant and lactating women

The program also aims to improve the LGU's policy, governance frameworks and service delivery systems and enhanced capacity of 1,370 nutrition and health personnel.

"The Korean government fully supports the Philippine government in its goal of addressing malnutrition and achieving universal healthcare. By giving assistance to this project, the most vulnerable mothers and children ages 0-5 will be ensured access to vital health and nutrition services which will help them develop fully later in life," says Ambassador Han Dong-Man, Korean envoy to the Philippines.

Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros and UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander

"We thank the Korean government for supporting the Filipino child's right to survive and thrive. Supporting interventions at the local level is important to reach every vulnerable mother and child especially those who do not have access to essential services," says Lotta Sylwander, UNICEF Philippines Representative.

Under-nutrition in the Philippines

Under-nutrition in the Philippines remains a serious problem, The damage to health, physical growth and brain development of children  affected by chronic under-nutrition stunting in the first two years is often irreversible. It impairs the children for life and leaving them with lower chances of finishing school and becoming highly-productive adults. Stunting, iron and iodine deficiency impact learning abilities and intelligence of children. Studies show that populations affected by iodine deficiency have 10-15 IQ points less than those not affected.

A joint research by UNICEF Philippines and the National Nutrition Council revealed that every $1 invested in interventions to combat child malnutrition and accompanying problems can save around $12 in foregone earnings or health expenditures equivalent to 12:1 benefit-cost ratio.

The Kalusugan and Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act, more commonly known as First 1,000 Days Law, was approved end of 2018 and heralds the beginning of more concerted efforts by the national and local government, donors, and civil society.

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SM, BDO hold a heartwarming Christmas tribute to OFW

SM, BDO hold a heartwarming Christmas tribute to OFW

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Piolo Pascual takes a selfie with the audience following his performance at SM-BDO’s “Pamaskong Handog” Christmas tribute to Overseas Filipinos held recently at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall

Going home for Christmas has turned out to be a very pleasant surprise for some balikbayans this year as SM and BDO welcomed them with plenty of surprises, giveaways and raffle prizes through their annual “Pamaskong Handog event, recently held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. 

The event, especially dedicated for the overseas Filipinos and their families, is now on its 7th year and is said to be SM and BDO’s biggest, most heartwarming Christmas celebration ever held since 2012. 

Pamaskong Handog was indeed a day full of laughter, entertainment and raffle prizes as the event brought to the stage today’s most in-demand artists – Piolo Pascual; Sam Milby; Moira Dela Torre; “Tawag ng Tanghalan” finalists TNT Boys, Anton Antenor Cruz and Jenny Gabriel; comedian Donita Nose and hosts MC and Lassie. Pamaskong Handog also featured BDO’s social media personality dubbed as Boss Teteng whose Facebook videos garnered millions of views for his funny and entertaining tips for Filipinos overseas as well as SM’s cheerful elevator girl Cheridel.

Some of the balikbayans couldn’t hide their joy and amusement, saying the event is the first of its kind they’ve ever experienced. “Nagulat ako. May ganun pala. Ang daming surprises and giveaways. said, 65-year old Erminda Clarito, who works in Canada for almost 30 years. 

53-year old Bernardo Vergara, who works in Saudi Arabia for more than six years also shared, “First time ko naramdaman ang pagpapahalaga sa aming sakripisyong mawalay sa pamilya, parang family bonding na rin namin ngayong Pasko”. 

Amid the challenges of working abroad, some balikbayans shared that providing for their children’s education is their primary reason in choosing to work abroad, and will continue to do so for their families’ future. For Evangeline Buno, who works in Macau for almost 30 years, “Motivation ko ang apo at mga anak ko. With BDO, parang katabi mo lang ang pamilya mo, Hangga’t kaya ko magpadala, gagawin ko.Totoo rin yang we got it all for you ng SM. Lahat ng kailangan ng pamilya ko kumpleto, Salamat sa SM at BDO”. 

Violeta Suyong, who recently retired after working for 31 years in France, was able to send her three children to good universities. “More than 20 years na ako sa BDO. More than everything, it’s their service. Yung retirement ko natatanggap ko ngayon sa aking BDO account”. 

Susana Batalla, who’s based in Italy, was also proud to share about BDO Remit’s quality service and her family’s fondness of SM saying “Lahat sa pamilya ko, pinag-open ko ng Kabayan Savings. Ang aking pamilya ay napagsisilbihan ninyo. Maganda ang asikaso ng BDO sa akin sa Italy, lalo na ang service ng mga staff. Lahat rin kami ay suki ng SM. Walking distance lang sa amin”. 

BDO Remittance Senior Vice President and Head Genie Gloria said “Christmas is the time when Overseas Filipinos are excited to spend Christmas with their families. This is why Pamaskong Handog has become our annual tribute to our kababayans as we would like them to feel welcome and honored while they are here. We also make sure that our products and services as well as the other efforts of the bank such as special events are anchored on their needs, not to mention our international offices’ active participation in Filipino community events overseas. This year’s Pamaskong Handog event was also held in time for the International Migrants Day.” 

“SM shares the same mission of giving honor, gratitude and joy to the overseas Filipinos in return for their hard work and sacrifice. The goal is to make them feel special and let them experience once again how Filipinos celebrate Christmas,” said Supermalls Joaquin San Agustin, SVP for Marketing of SM Supermalls. 

SM and BDO’s synergistic collaboration does not end with Pamaskong Handog as more joint overseas Filipino events are lined up for 2019. The partnership of the largest chain of shopping malls and the country’s biggest bank goes a long way given both of the institutions’ extensive branch network all over the country. 

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What You Need To Know About Hepatitis C

What You Need To Know About Hepatitis C

Monday, November 12, 2018

Are you aware that there is a Hepatitis C disease?

In the Philippines, a small scale study revealed that 1% of the Filipino population has chronic Hepatitis C.  It is becoming an emerging health problem in the country due to the lack of awareness and symptoms. Many Filipinos are not aware that they have the infection and thus remain untreated.

Mylan, one of the world's leading global pharmaceutical companies, in association with the Hepatology Society of the Philippines, launched an awareness campaign for Hepatitis C in the country that aims to spread awareness about the disease by disseminating information and promoting screening among Filipinos who are at risk. 

Did you know that actor Michael de Mesa battled Hepatitis C for 18 years?

Michael de Mesa shared his journey towards complete healing from the disease during the media launch of the BEATHepC (Become Educated, Aware, Tested and Treated). It was in 1999 when he found out he was infected with the Hepatitis C virus. He was in denial and didn't look for cure. Michael's first attempt at getting treated was very expensive while the next medication he tried has side effects that made him want to give up.  It was his wife Julie who never stopped and never gave up until they found the best available treatment. In December 2017, he was finally cured of Hepatitis C.

Michael agreed to be the face of the BEATHepC campaign and it has become his advocacy to spread awareness about the disease.

You may be at risk of having Hepatitis C if

• you had blood transfusion before 1995
• you share needles
• you had tattoo or ear piercing
• you are having hemodialysis
• you have unprotected / unsafe sex with an infected person
• you are fond of having your grooming done by somebody else like shaving, manicure/pedicure

Hepa C is 10x more infectious than HIV

Do you think you are at risk of Hepatitis C? Register and be screened at BEATHepCPH

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Gawad Pilipinoy heroes join forces for Zambales outreach

Gawad Pilipinoy heroes join forces for Zambales outreach

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

They say that one man can make a difference. But what more if two passionate and big-hearted individuals join forces to help the less fortunate? The results can even be greater and create a bigger impact in the lives of the people they touch. 

That’s what happened when two Mang Inasal Gawad Pilipinoy awardees fused their advocacies to reach more people. Gawad Pilipinoy Awards is the leading Pinoy branded quick service restaurant’s recognition program for the country’s modern-day heroes; individuals who use their skills and passion to be of service to others. 

When this year’s awardee, Coach Ruben Lanot II, heard the story of the Gawad Pilipinoy’s first honoree, Teacher Adrian Karl L. Cobardo and his advocacy, he immediately reached out to him. 

Cobardo, a teacher by profession, is the founder of BangKarunugan, an advocacy which aims to cultivate the love of reading among children. He provides free and accessible education to the people in Zambales, which he and his young volunteers travel to via a bangka (boat). 

Meanwhile, Coach Ruben is a tireless and dedicated basketball coach, who fulfills his passion for the game by inspiring kids to love the sport and make it an instrument to improve their lives. He founded “Hoop Dreams,” providing aspiring basketball players the skills, drills, right values, sports equipment and apparel they need for the game.

“I was impressed by Teacher Adrian’s program of teaching kids in far-flung areas in Zambales through BangKarunungan, so I asked the Gawad Pilipinoy Awards’ staff how I could reach him. After that, Teacher Adrian and I started talking about how we could collaborate,” explained Coach Ruben.

The result was a joint outreach activity with the beneficiaries of Bangkarunungan from the adjacent sitios of Nagbayugan, Sampaloc and Kinabukasan in Zambales. 

In the first week of October, Coach Ruben and his contingent left Manila in the wee hours of Sunday morning for Subic. Upon reaching their destination, Coach Ruben’s team met up with Teacher Adrian and his volunteers. The combined group proceeded to take a trip to Sitio Nagbayugan, a place situated at a stretch of beach only reachable via one-hour boat ride.

When they arrived, several Nagbayugan residents ran towards the shore to meet them. About 60 kids, with ages ranging from four to 16 years old were introduced to Coach Ruben, who instantly established a rapport with the kids.

The entire morning was spent with a story reading session with Teacher Adrian, followed by Coach Ruben’s basketball clinic, peppered with talks about the importance of observing discipline, camaraderie and sportsmanship in the game.

“This is the first time that the kids experienced something like this – an entire coaching session in basketball. It is definitely a new skill that they can use. And I am grateful to Coach Ruben for initiating this partnership with Bangkarunungan,” said Teacher Adrian. 

Coach Ruben’s team gave hygiene kits to the kids, and also brought shoes and jerseys donated by students from schools where he works as basketball coach. There were also bags of rice and noodles distributed by Coach Ruben’s group to the parents, who watched the activity. 

“This is definitely a start of something good as we plan to establish another advocacy – the Sole Dreams – where my team and I will ask for donations for sport apparel and shoes while Teacher Adrian will identify the schools where we can bring the donations. We will definitely come back here,” shared Coach Ruben.

The day ended with big smiles from the boys and girls, as well as their parents, as they went home with new skills, knowledge, and donated goods. 

“Masaya po kami na naranasan po naming maturuan ng tamang paglalaro ng basketball. Binigyan din po kami ng bagong sapatos at damit na taos puso po naming pinagpapasalamat (We are happy to have experienced being taught how to play basketball the right way. We also received shoes and clothes, for which we are truly grateful,” said Narciso Pisakilyo Jr., one of the youth at the outreach activity. 

Teacher Adrian concluded the activity with a wish: “Sana po kami ni Coach Ruben ay patuloy na maging bangka para mas marami pang mga bata ang mapaligaya (We hope that Coach Ruben and I will continue to be a ‘boat’ so that we can make more children happy),” he said.

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