Filipino Individuals and Overseas Organizations 2021 Presidential Awards Recipients

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is pleased to announce to the public the fifty-six (56) distinguished and outstanding overseas Filipinos and foreign-based organizations from 20 countries and territories who will be honored by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte with the 2021 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO).

Institutionalized in 1991 through Executive Order No. 498, the PAFIOO is a biennial search for overseas-based organizations or individuals who have dedicated their work in the service of Filipinos in the Philippines or abroad, selflessly supported relief, rehabilitation, and development programs in the home country, or excelled in their field of work or profession.

The awardees were selected from a total of 117 nominations received by the CFO-PAFIOO Secretariat since it opened the nominations in August 2019. These nominations came from 31 countries and were endorsed by 39 Philippine Foreign Service Posts across Asia, North and South America, Europe, and Australia.

The awardees were thoroughly screened through a 4-stage evaluation process. The first stage consisted of an evaluation by the Awards Screening Committee established and convened by the Philippine Foreign Service Posts. Nominees endorsed by the Posts went through the second stage of the evaluation process by an eight-member inter-agency Technical Committee composed of senior representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Health (DOH), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), De La Salle University (representing the academe), Center for Migrant Advocacy (representing the migrant NGO), and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) as the Chair.

Nominees whose ratings met the passing rate were further screened by a multi-sectoral Executive Committee headed by the CFO and comprised of senior officials and representatives from the DFA, Office of the Presidential Protocol, Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Care for Migrants, and Itinerant People (representing the religious sector), Dynamic Outsource Solutions 1 Inc. (representing the private sector), and GMA Network, Inc. (representing the media). A shortlist was then submitted to the Office of the President for final evaluation and approval.
Details of the awarding ceremony are to be announced at a later time owing to the fluidity of circumstances in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The PAFIOO has four award categories – Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL), Pamana ng Pilipino, Banaag, and Kaanib ng Bayan.

LINGKOD SA KAPWA PILIPINO (LINKAPIL) AWARDEES

The LINKAPIL Award is conferred on Filipino individuals and organizations for exceptional or significant contribution to the reconstruction, progress, and development of the Philippines. The recipients of the 2021 Presidential LINKAPIL Award are:

PAMANA NG PILIPINO AWARDEES

The Pamana ng Pilipino Award is conferred on Filipino overseas, who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession. The recipients of the 2021 Presidential Pamana ng Pilipino Award are:

 

BANAAG AWARDEES

The Banaag Award is conferred on Filipino individuals and organizations for their contributions which have significantly benefited a sector or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities. The recipients of the 2021 Presidential Banaag Award are:

KAANIB NG BAYAN AWARDEES

The Kaanib ng Bayan Award is conferred to foreign individuals and organizations for their exceptional or significant contribution to Philippine reconstruction, progress, and development, or have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities. The recipients of the 2021 Presidential Kaanib ng Bayan Award are:

SPECIAL CITATION

For further information, please contact the:

PAFIOO Secretariat
Commission on Filipinos Overseas
E-mail: pafioo@cfo.gov.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gawadpangulo
Website: www.presidentialawards.cfo.gov.ph

Unveiling the Simulation Packaging Testing Laboratory (SPTL) and Green Packaging Laboratory

One of the important DOST Projects under its Big 21 in 2021 is the establishment of the Simulation Packaging Testing Laboratory (SPTL) and Green Packaging Laboratory (GPL).  This project was funded through the DOST-GIA and implemented by the ITDI-Packaging Technology Division (PTD).   The ‘Unveiling Event’ for these two laboratories will be held on June 20, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the SPTL/GPL site inside the DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig.  The Keynote Speaker is DOST Secretary Fortunato De La Peña.  Key players from the private sector and academic institutions are expected to attend the event.

 

SPTL/GPL 

The SPTL was designed based on international standards in developing packaging design, performance evaluation and in developing testing protocols for distribution packaging.  With SPTL, the current capability of PTD in developing packaging design and performance testing of transport packaging will be significantly expanded.   

On the other hand, the green packaging lab or GPL is being established to provide alternative packaging or packaging options to the consumers, and not in any way to discriminate any type of packaging materials.  Green packaging could not be directly equated to biodegradable packaging.  GPL envisions to do research on the following areas:

• Processes that will reduce energy consumption and solid/liquid waste

• Materials reduction without compromising product quality and consumer safety

• Use of indigenous and renewable materials

• Circular/Recycling technologies

• Waste utilization

• Waste disposal

Retail and E-Commerce Summit Asia 2022!

In the past, retail and e-commerce were pitted in competition. Their mediums were different, and their customers were from different generations. Nowadays, because of the pandemic and the sudden shift in the world, retail & e-commerce can now co-exist.

E-commerce is being considered a key engine for growth is evident as the country witnesses the rapid changes placed across the globe as the pandemic continues. While the e-commerce market in the Philippines has seen a gradual growth based on the 2020 revenue figures, the country continues to rely on it for the economy to manage recovery along with other means. At the onset of the pandemic, at least 37% of the Philippines’ digital service consumers were new to online services according to a report issued by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Co. In spite of this, the report also stated that 95% of users will likely continue using online channels post-pandemic.

With the alarming concerns of health and safety, the uptake of e-money largely contributed to the significant growth of e-wallets and digital payments as Filipinos opt to complete their transactions through online fund transfers and bills payment. While effects on the brick-and-mortar businesses are slowly coming up, especially in the retail industry, experts say albeit the market is shifting online, there is a significant presence offline prompting businesses to strategize on how to weave in offline & online services into customers’ purchase experience. Retail brands’ visibility across different channels increases purchase rates and as consumers today move towards the convenience of online purchasing, brands are able to understand more of their customer’s behavior, therefore, propelling personalization which is crucial in creating a strategy relevant to customer personas. Because of the growing e-commerce market in the Philippines, the logistics and warehousing industry is expected to see a demand from 2021-2022 with fulfillment centers as a contributory factor. The increasing need for warehouses as the country continues to navigate through the challenges posed by the pandemic is also likely to be automated in the future as developments take place at its maturity. As consumers like to know where their purchases are in the midst of delivery fulfillment, businesses have to be able to provide real-time information through technology to bridge the gap in the supply chain.

As we move past two years with the pandemic, brands are eager to create a more seamless, personalized consumer overall experience, be it offline or online. Produced by Rockbird Media, the Retail & E-commerce Asia 2022 – Philippines Edition – is set to gather leaders of respectable brands across sectors to convene in high-level sessions about the most pressing and most in-demand topics in E-commerce today. Divided into two programs, we have topics curated accordingly for you.

Visit here for ticket details: Rockbird

Building a Cyber-Resilient Philippines at PHILSEC 2022!

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in the Philippines launched the National Cybersecurity Plan 2022 (NCSP) with an aim to make the nation cyber secure. As per several reports, the country needs to spend over $20 billion on cybersecurity between 2017 and 2025 to compare with the “global best-in-class countries”.

To maximize the efforts of DICT, Tradepass is hosting the 2nd edition PhilSec on 12 – 13 July 2022. The event will host 600+ cybersecurity experts (in-person & virtual) including the Heads of Information Security, Risk, Compliance, Forensics and Cyber Law from the leading public and private enterprises across the Philippines.

EVOLVING CYBER THREAT IN PHILIPPINES

With 74 million active internet users and a flourishing IT sector, the Philippines is booming with digitization which is also breeding a plethora of cybercrimes. Government, Healthcare, Retail, F&B, or any other sector, the cyber-attackers have got them all.

The Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) has taken down over 2,000 phishing sites since the onset of the pandemic. The organizations in the country are looking to adopt and integrate a robust cybersecurity framework in their work infrastructure to avoid yearly massive losses.

2,000

phishing sites taken down by BPI

869

online scams between Mar-Sep '20

134,556

android malware attacks in 2019

900,000

customers’ data compromised in 2019

PHILSEC AWARDS 2022

PhilSec AWARDS 2022 aims to acknowledge and reward the best of talents, products, and organizations that are spearheading innovation and thought leadership in cybersecurity.

Organised by Tradepass, this award program will dive into the rich talent pool of myriad cybersecurity experts and bestow honor upon their groundbreaking work that has empowered and uplifted the entire cybersecurity landscape.

Register now on www.philsecsummit.com to hear from them.

Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center - CICC Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Cyber Security Philippines - CERT® 

#PhilSec #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #Philippines #Asia #ASEAN #Digital #Cybercrime #Hybrid #Cyberattack #Cybersafe #Online #Conference #Exhibition #Afterparty #Awards #DataProtection #Privacy #Solutions #Malware #Cyberspace #Technology #Hacking #IT #ICT #IoT #AI #Speakers #Experts

Unveiling the Simulation Packaging Testing Laboratory (SPTL) and Green Packaging Laboratory (GPL) An Epilogue

One of the important DOST Projects under its Big 21 in 2021 is the establishment of the Simulation Packaging Testing Laboratory (SPTL) and Green Packaging Laboratory (GPL).  This project was funded through the DOST-GIA and implemented by the ITDI-Packaging Technology Division (PTD).  The ‘Unveiling Event’ for these two laboratories will be held on June 20, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the SPTL/GPL site inside the DOST Compound, Bicutan, Taguig.  The Keynote Speaker is DOST Secretary Fortunato De La Peña.  Key players from the private sector and academic institutions are expected to attend the event.

SPTL/GPL 

The SPTL was designed based on international standards in developing packaging design, performance evaluation and in developing testing protocols for distribution packaging.  With SPTL, the current capability of PTD in developing packaging design and performance testing of transport packaging will be significantly expanded.   

On the other hand, the green packaging lab or GPL is being established to provide alternative packaging or packaging options to the consumers, and not in any way to discriminate any type of packaging materials.  Green packaging could not be directly equated to biodegradable packaging.  GPL envisions to do research on the following areas:

• Processes that will reduce energy consumption and solid/liquid waste
• Materials reduction without compromising product quality and consumer safety
• Use of indigenous and renewable materials
• Circular/Recycling technologies
• Waste utilization
• Waste disposal

DOST-S4CP Summit highlighted Agri, Energy and Pharma Technologies for MSMEs in NCR & South Luzon

The Department of Science and Technology - Science for Change Program (DOST-S4CP) held the final leg of its Summit Series last Friday, June 10, 2022 at Crimson Hotel in Alabang.  Focusing on projects located in Metro Manila and South Luzon, the summit presented technologies related to agriculture, pharmaceutical products, and technologies in support of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the mentioned areas.  

With total funding amounting to Php1.16 Billion for the National Capital Region (NCR) and South Luzon, the Science for Change Program continuously supports R&D projects in Manila, despite its aim of decentralizing government funds to the regions. We have Php880 Million for NICERs (15 NICERs), Php8.49 Million for RD Lead (20 RD Leads), Php258.5 Million for CRADLE (55 CRADLE) and Php20.95 Million (2 BISTs) 

“Science for Change forges new partnerships and synergizes the efforts of our local science community to support projects for nation-building,” says DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña.  “To accelerate R&D in the country, there is a need to focus our efforts and resources on sustainable solutions that contribute significantly to the economic development of the country.” 

“Our way forward for the S4CP is sustainability. We, as STI Champions, have the responsibility to continuously encourage more partners to engage in Research and Development in the country. We must remain incessant in our pursuit to advance Science and Technology that would result in more society-centric solutions,” said DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang. 

In focus is the plasma coating technology for furniture being developed by the University of the Philippines - Diliman in partnership with Filipinas Oro de Cacao, Inc.  Funded by the Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE) Program under DOST-S4CP, the project will develop a dry-based cleaning system for the food manufacturing industry.  This system could improve the food industry's productivity and reduce operating expenses by using a fast and efficient plasma cleaning technology that does not use expensive wet-based chemicals. At the same time, the system may contribute to the reduction of wastes generated during the cleaning process. 

Showcased in the summit are other R&D breakthroughs like the partnership between UP Diliman and Batangas Egg Producers Cooperative (BEPCO) to produce egg powder from low value, cracked eggs. Studies on sambong to standardize the use in therapeutic medicine is also being funded under CRADLE with Pascual Pharma Corporation and the Technological Institute of the Philippines.  

For the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) Program, four innovation centers have been established in Metro Manila and South Luzon.  The Center for Advanced Materials for Clean Energy Technologies based on Indigenous Materials (CAMCET) is in University of Santo Tomas .  In this project, a Direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC)-powered emergency LED flashlight with cellphone charging ports and textile-based supercapacitors will be developed based on biomass-derived electrocatalysts / electrocatalysts support. The project proposes to find a solution to increase the potential, life cycle, and stabilize the capacitance of a supercapacitor using organic material. Other NICERs in NCR and South Luzon include the Pili R&D Center in Bicol University, NICER Native Pig Center in Marinduque State University, and NICER on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center in the University of the Philippines - Manila.

“For a time, the Philippines experienced regional disparity in access to major resources that would fuel innovation and socio-economic growth, which is why the DOST implemented the S4CP to address the concern and to advance STI in the country,” related DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.  “The summit is a call to our stakeholders to support regional development through the Science for Change Program. 

For companies who wish to avail of the I-CRADLE program, you may contact the DOST-Science for Change Project Management Office at 2/F ADMATEL Bldg., DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City, with telephone numbers (02) 8837-2943/ 8837-2930.  You may also send an email to s4c.ousecrd@dost.gov.ph.  

MAFBEX Opens Its Doors Once Again This June 15!

This June 15, the country’s premier food and beverages expo goes back on-ground once again at World Trade Center Manila. MAFBEX brings everyone to a new world of good taste as the return was welcomed by various speakers and guests of honor at the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony was held at the World Trade Center, and started with a doxology and after that, an entertaining dance and song performance. 

Along with that, WSI’s founding chairman, Joseph Ang, also gave his thanks for the continuous support for MAFBEX. Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano represented by Chief Peter Eric D. Pardo, the chief of staff of the Mayor of Pasay, also talked about the importance of local tourism and revitalizing the economy from the pandemic. Mr. Woodrow C. Maquiling, the undersecretary of the Department of Tourism, also welcomed the return of MAFBEX on-ground. Lastly, Senator Imee Marcos also discussed the importance of the logistics of food and the role of agriculture in the food industry during her speech. Sen. Imee Marcos, Chief Peter Eric D. Pardo, Mr. Woodrow C. Maquiling, along with Joseph L. Ang, Levi Ang, Jill Aithnie Ang, and Rene Ramos initiates the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of MAFBEX.

Important figures in the food and beverages industry such as the Department of Agriculture's Undersecretary Evelyn Lavina and Undersecretary Ms. Kristine Evangelista, Dr. Ramon Yedra, the OIC Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Services (AMAS), Mr. Benhur Ong, Chancellor of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, Dean Marie Castro of SHRIM DLS-CSB, and celebrity chef Ninong Ry also joined the opening ceremony and participated in the ribbon cutting.

This year’s 16th edition of MAFBEX brings the Chefs of the World program, Demo stages, and the Flaircup Competition on-ground once again. Besides that, there are also various zones, including the Brew District, that professionals, home cooks, and hobbyists can visit to find new and familiar products that can help elevate their cooking. 

MAFBEX will have its doors open from June 15-19, 2022 at 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM at World TradeCenter Manila. Buy your tickets here: http://register.worldbexevents.com/ 

Follow here: 

Fb page: MAFBEX 

IG page @MAFBEX 

MAFBEX is organized by Worldbex Services International in cooperation with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management, and for the benefit of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation.

ANZCHAM this June 2022

Time is flying so fast and we are almost halfway through the year. The national election is also now over and I join everyone in celebrating the generally peaceful conduct of it. Here at ANZCHAM, our focus remains the same, and we are continuing to offer our community various ways through which our members can grow and thrive whatever the situation is.

Glad to see you all again

The month of May has been exemplary in that regard, as we sought to connect, engage, and promote the interests of our members.

With regard to engagement, we held this year’s CEO Forum with the theme Redefining the Executive Agenda last 11 May. Effective leadership is one of ANZCHAM’s pillars and in this event, we engaged our members through the timely and insightful discussions between our community and Teresita Sy-Coson of BDO Unibank and Boyet Santiago of ANZ. 

And then on the connecting side, we will finally held our first face-to-face event in more than two years: our annual New Members’ Cocktail. Everyone had an amazing time catching up and chatting with friends, as well as meeting and networking with new ones in person. I am personally glad to have welcomed our new members face-to-face.

Last, though certainly not the least, is promoting. On this regard, we held the final round of the IFC Resilience Hackathon last 27th of May, where we promoted not only our values of sustainability and innovation, but also some of our members who are involved in infrastructure, engineering, and mining. We hope that this will not be the last event of this kind for us and we enjoin you to continue supporting initiatives like this that make an impact not only within our community but more importantly, outside.

Strengthening our values and helping our members grow

This month of June will be no different in our goal of further strengthening our values and helping our members grow. To start, we are launching our new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, which expands the important work that our Women in Business Committee has done. The DEI Committee envisions an ANZCHAM that “exists to promote diversity, equity and inclusiveness among its members and affiliates, resulting to organizations with equitable workplaces that foster authenticity, engagement and better business outcomes.” We hope you will give the same steadfast support like you did for our WiB Committee to this new one.

We are also continuing to invite you to join us on the 14th of June, 6:00-8:00 p.m., as we give a proper and in-person send-off to Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson. He has been a solid partner of our community in the past three years, and I hope to see you all there as we bid a happy goodbye. The venue will be at The Atrium at Enderun and you may register now through this link.

Our Advanced Learning Academy is also packed this month, with a fourth batch of Executive Presence commencing on the 23rd of June and Effectively Engaging Your Stakeholders happening on the 28th (register here). I’m also sharing with you a course for executives on how to they can effectively use social media, To Be or Not To Be Social, in partnership with Edith Cowan University. Happening in 15 July, we’re offering an early bird rate if you register through this link before 15 June.

Last, and most certainly not the least, is the first virtual signature event of our new DEI Committee, Fostering Authenticity in the Workplace this 23 June. Joining us in important conversations on how workplaces can foster genuineness and diversity are Julian Clarke of Telstra, Amy Haddad of Tetra Tech and Philip Gioca of JobStreet. You may register for this event through this link.

DynaQuest organizes Retro Glow Foam Party for the Benefit of Humanility Philippines Foundation

It's always good to hear good news, for it gives us hope, epecially if it concerns our youth, cause they are the hope of our nation, just as what our national hero Dr Jose Rizal said. because the youth is full of life, ideals, dreams thus we have to guide and help in any way we can, so as for them be successful in life.  Good thing there are organizations who are always for them.  One notable group is DynaQuest, through Humanility Philippines, they will be hosting a Charity Fundraising Event titled Retro Glow Foam Party wherein proceeds of the said event from ticket sales, sponsors and pledges will go directly to the allocation of Humanility Philippines Education Fund.   For many years, DynaQuest has been an active sponsor for Humanility Philippines. The company has sponsored, organized and hosted events dedicated to the holistic care and development of the children under the care of Humanility such as Back to School parties, grant donations, sponsored medical and dental missions, educational and recreational tours, fundraising for Christmas and donations to the repair and rehabilitation of the Humanility Shelter in Bogo Cebu, in the aftermath of typhoon Odette in December 2021. DynaQuest CEO and Founder Mr. Randy Knutson is a member of the Humanility Board of Directors, while Ms. Gail Cruz-Macapagal (DynaQuest Country Director / HIMAP VP) is the country representative of Humanility Philippines. DynaQuest initiated this event for the procurement of computers and laptops to be able to build a computer learning center in the Humanility lighthouse shelter in Bogo, Cebu. They also aim to put up a Scholarship Fund for the older children that are soon to be in college.   Said fundraising event will be on 30 June 2022 – 6:00 PM Onwards At KMC Sky Deck, 25h Floor Picadilly Star Building, 4th Ave cor 27th St, Bonifacio Global City 1634 Taguig City Philippines Featured Artist: DJ Wilkxx Entrance fees: Silver Ticket – P1,000 Gold Ticket – Php 2,000 To secure your entrance tickets, please refer to the Official Eventbrite of the said event or follow this short link: https://bit.ly/3KP1TtR About Humanility  Humanility is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of street children who were once abandoned and exploited. The organization places a warm, caring and foster home and environment for the holistic development and upbringing of the foster children under their care.

FFDCP with DOH presents Heathy Lifestlyle Filmfest 2022

Nagsanib-pwersa ang Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Department of Health (DOH) para sa Healthy Pilipinas Short Film Festival (HPSFF) na may layuning itaguyod ang isang mas malusog na bansa. Magaganap ito umpisa June 24, 2022 at Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet, Ortigas.

Susundan din ito ng mga online screening at tatakbo mula Hunyo 25 hanggang 26, 2022.

Ang Healthy Pilipinas ay isang kampanya sa pangunguna ng DOH na layuning hikayatin ang mga positibong habit sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino lalo na sa pag-iwas sa pagkalat ng mga sakit.

Katuwang nila rito ang FDCP simula noong 2021. “Who would have thought that FDCP and DOH would champion together both of their advocacies in a way that is very relatable and very engaging to our audience. It’s amazing how being in lockdown has spurted creativity even in isolation. The film community stayed active with writing, story development, and preparing for the time that shoots and filming will be allowed again. We excitedly took this on as health has become a paramount concern for every person globally. It is the right time to harness the power of cinema and social media to communicate something relevant,” pahayag ni FDCP Chairperson Liza Diño sa media confe­rence na naganap last Tuesday.

are very much excited about this initiative.”

Six filmmakers from around the country and the regions were tapped to produce a film of not more than 17 minutes each presenting a different health issue.

Ang anim na filmmakers ay nagmula sa Pampanga, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, at Metro Manila.

Ang opisyal na in-person opening ceremony ng event at ang world premiere ng anim na pelikula ay sa Hunyo 24, na susundan ng online back-to-back screening na may mga talkback session na magbubukas para sa publiko sa Hunyo 25-26, 2022.

The following short films cover the Healthy Habits on fitness and nutrition, sustainable living, substance abuse prevention, mental health, safe sex, and safety measures:

Ang Paboritong Pinggan ni Nanay by Carlo Enciso Catu

Child’s Play by Julienne Ilagan

Brand X by Keith Deligero

Llegada by Ryanne Murcia and Zurich Chan

Life on Moon by Sheron Dayoc

Dito Ka Lang by Ice Seguerra

Ipinahayag ni DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III ang kanyang buong suporta sa nasabing proyekto, “Sa pag-usbong ng new normal bunsod ng COVID-19 pandemic, ang pagtataguyod ng kalusugan at kaligtasan ay nararapat maging prayoridad sa bawat tahanan, workplace, paaralan at komunidad. Isang paraan upang maipa-abot ang mensahe na ito sa mga tao ay sa pamamagitan ng pelikula at media. Hangad ng ating adbokasiya ang masaya at malikhaing presentasyon ng mga pelikula na dekaledad at puno ng mga magagandang mensahe. Halina’t magsama-sama para ang bawat Pilipino ay maging malusog na mamamayan, para sa isang Healthy Pilipinas.”

MAFBEX Opens Its Doors Once Again This June 15!

This June 15, the country’s premier food and beverages expo goes back on-ground once again at World Trade Center Manila. MAFBEX brings everyone to a new world of good taste as the return was welcomed by various speakers and guests of honor at the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony was held at the World Trade Center, and started with a doxology and after that, an entertaining dance and song performance. 

Along with that, WSI’s founding chairman, Joseph Ang, also gave his thanks for the continuous support for MAFBEX. Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano represented by Chief Peter Eric D. Pardo, the chief of staff of the Mayor of Pasay, also talked about the importance of local tourism and revitalizing the economy from the pandemic. Mr. Woodrow C. Maquiling, the undersecretary of the Department of Tourism, also welcomed the return of MAFBEX on-ground. Lastly, Senator Imee Marcos also discussed the importance of the logistics of food and the role of agriculture in the food industry during her speech. Sen. Imee Marcos, Chief Peter Eric D. Pardo, Mr. Woodrow C. Maquiling, along with Joseph L. Ang, Levi Ang, Jill Aithnie Ang, and Rene Ramos initiates the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of MAFBEX.

Important figures in the food and beverages industry such as the Department of Agriculture's Undersecretary Evelyn Lavina and Undersecretary Ms. Kristine Evangelista, Dr. Ramon Yedra, the OIC Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Services (AMAS), Mr. Benhur Ong, Chancellor of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, Dean Marie Castro of SHRIM DLS-CSB, and celebrity chef Ninong Ry also joined the opening ceremony and participated in the ribbon cutting.

This year’s 16th edition of MAFBEX brings the Chefs of the World program, Demo stages, and the Flaircup Competition on-ground once again. Besides that, there are also various zones, including the Brew District, that professionals, home cooks, and hobbyists can visit to find new and familiar products that can help elevate their cooking. 

MAFBEX will have its doors open from June 15-19, 2022 at 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM at World TradeCenter Manila. You can buy your tickets online at http://register.worldbexevents.com/ 

For more information about MAFBEX, you can check their Facebook page here: facebook.com/ManilaFoodsandBeveragesExpo/ or their Instagram page @MAFBEX 

MAFBEX is organized by Worldbex Services International in cooperation with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management, and for the benefit of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation.

MAFBEX 16th Edition is Going to A New World of Good Taste!

With the pandemic affecting restaurants and small food business owners. Manila Food & Beverages Expo, or MAFBEX aims to revitalize the burgeoning Filipino culinary scene. MAFBEX, has always shown visitors and guests the best that the Philippines F&B industry could offer and this June, they’ll be back to bring everyone into a world of good taste online and on-ground once again at World Trade Center!

The 16th edition of MAFBEX will be a hybrid event with the online activities starting June 1 until 10, leading to the on-ground activities on June 15-19, 2022 from 10AM-7PM.

From June 1, 6 & 10, the highly anticipated MAFBEX Talks will be back. Industry professionals will be talking about the trends and opportunities that can be found in the food and beverages industry, the on-going digitalization in the industry along with a forecast of its post-covid future. 

Aside from that, the video series, MAFBEX Basics and MAFBEX Mixed will also be posted on Facebook and Instagram. These series will showcase tutorials and guides on how to create scrumptious food and unique beverages. 

For the on-ground event happening on June 15-19, 2022 at World Trade Center, industry players, business owners, and anyone interested in the food and beverages industry can visit the different areas such as the Franchising Zone, where people can create connections and start their own business. There's also The Brew District, which features coffee and tea, along with Beverages, Wines and Spirits, Packaging, Condiments, and Food and Equipment areas. Home cooks, interested business partners, young professionals, and professionals will surely get everything they need and more at MAFBEX with different sections and activities they can enjoy.

You can check out top hotel and celebrity chefs showcasing their amazing recipes and cooking skills while sharing their insights on the food & beverages industry at the Chefs of the World area.

There will also be the Manila Flair Open Competition at MAFBEX. Up-and-coming flairtenders will flare up World Trade Center and show you their flairtending tricks. 

Lastly, different exhibitors would take the stage to demo their products. Giving everyone a first-hand experience of their various products. 

MAFBEX's comeback is setting up to be the biggest food and beverages expo in the country and is one of the events that industry players, professionals, and even the casual cooks and bakers can't miss this June. 

Get your tickets here: mafbex.com/  

MAFBEX is organized by Worldbex Services International. In cooperation with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management. 

Go Negosyo MENTOR ME ON WHEELS this JUNE 25!

Go Negosyantes, ready ka na ba sa isa na namang FREE MENTORSHIP this coming JUNE?

Dahil na-miss namin kayo agad, magkakaroon na naman ng GO NEGOSYO MENTOR ME ON WHEELS this coming JUNE 25, 2022 sa THE BLOCK, SM NORTH, EDSA!

Kaya sa mga Northies diyan, eto na ang chance niyong ma-mentor ng mga naggagalingang Go Negosyo mentors. At take note, LIBRE ’TO! Ano pang hinihintay niyo? Yayain na ang buong pamilya at barkada at sabay-sabay na matuto ng tips at tricks sa pagnenegosyo. OPEN ang Go Negosyo MMOW sa lahat ng mga EXISTING at NAGBABALAK pa lang mag negosyo. 

SAVE THE DATE NA: June 25, 2022, THE BLOCK, SM NORTH EDSA 

At dahil Birthday month din ng pinakamamahal nating Go Negosyo founder na si Joey Concepcion, siyempre may surprise din kami sa inyong lahat. Kapit na sa inyong mga upuan dahil mamimigay si PA Joey at ang Go Negosyo ng total of P1,000,000 na PUHUNAN PANG NEGOSYO sa ating lucky mentees sa June 25!

Visit here to register: Go Negosyo

Humanility Launches Unique NFT Collection under Likha NFT Platform

Manila - Humanility, a non-profit organization who is dedicated to the rescue, emancipation and rehabilitation of foster children under their care – has launched an incredible Non-Fungible Token (NFT) art collection: the Humanility Empowered Children - From Street to School – Art Collection. It is a series of unique art made by the children under Humanility and it is one of a kind in the world to date. 

Launched in Likha, an NFT marketplace that features a growing number of Filipino artist and brands – with their distinct identities and signatures all curated exclusively under Likha. The Humanility Empowered Children are among the latest and youngest home-grown Filipino artists to make their mark in the NFT Art industry. 

Humanility’s From Street to School Art Collection by the Empowered Children of Humanility has a total of 76 unique NFT items in its launch. The goal of the collection is to showcase the young artists and with NFT technology’s that recognizes the digital signature of artists within each art piece by their respective creator, the Empowered Children of Humanility are making their indelible mark in the new frontier of the global digital art industry.

“The Humanility NFT art collection is ground-breaking as far as the digital arts scene of the Philippines,” said Gail Cruz-Macapagal, Humanility’s Country Representative for the Philippines. “These children are young, full of hope and serves as an inspiration as they all have overcome a lot of challenges.” 

The collection, all of which are hand-drawn and with each set piece --- expresses the hopes, dreams and aspiration of each children – all encapsulated into NFT format. “By 

purchasing a part of the collection, NFT collectors are not only empowering the children of Humanility – but are also becoming a part of the children’s journey into their future careers – whether it is art, the sciences or technology – we all can become a meaningful part of their journey.”

For NFT collectors, Humanility Empowered Children - From Street to School – Art Collection is now available in Likha. With each NFT art purchase, new owners are helping Humanility’s Education Fundraising efforts.

About Humanility

Humanility is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of street children who were once abandoned and exploited. The organization places awarm, caring and foster home and environment for the holistic development and 

upbringing of the foster children under their care. 

Visit here:

Facebook: facebook.com/humanility

Twitter: @humanility_org

Instagram: @humanility

Pinterest: pinterest.ph/humanility

Tumblr: humanility-org.tumblr.com

Flickr: flickr.com/people/125455550

DOST, DICT, DTI to seal collaboration in support of PH innovative startups

QUEZON CITY, Mar. 17 — Sharing the commitment to support innovative startups as a way to boost national socioeconomic development, especially at this time when the government moves towards the new normal, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has joined hands with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to work together and help Filipino innovative startups get their bearings.

This multi-agency collaboration is expected to be sealed via virtual presser on 22 March 2021 at 3:00PM through an official signing of the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) by the three Department Secretaries: Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña of the DOST, Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II of the DICT, and Secretary Ramon M. Lopez of the DTI. The virtual signing can be viewed live at the DOST-Philippines Facebook page.

The signing of the JAO underscores the commitment of the three Departments to pursue the objectives of the Innovative Startup Act or Republic Act No. 11337 (RA 11337), to aid in the growth of the innovative startup companies and business ventures in the country.

The Innovative Startup Act shall provide incentives and remove constraints, aimed at encouraging the establishment and operation of innovative new businesses —businesses crucial to growth and expansion — that will strengthen, promote, and develop an ecosystem of businesses and government and nongovernment institutions that foster an innovative entrepreneurial culture in the Philippines.

The Act also aims to streamline government and non-government procedures to help ease constraints for startups and encourage more creative minds to start their own enterprises in a more conducive innovation environment.

Under the Act, a Startup Grant Fund (SGF) shall be created under DOST, DICT, and DTI. Each agency, on the other hand, shall use its respective SGF to provide initial and supplemental Grants-in-Aid (GIA) for startups and startup enablers that have passed the selection and application process

The JAO is being issued to create a Steering Committee (SC) that will provide strategic guidance and oversight in teh formulation, implementation, and development of the program.

The Steering Committee per Section 1, Rule 2, Chapter 1 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 11337 is to be constituted by DOST, DTI, and DICT for the implementation of the IRR and the management of the Philippine Startup Development Program. The SC will be composed of nine representatives from the DOST, DICT, and DTI as designated by their respective Secretaries.

This accord is truly beneficial as it is aligned wif the other innovation-related programs of DOST like the Science for Change Program wif its four sub-programs CRADLE, NICER, RDLead, and BIST; Technology Business Incubation (TBI) Program; Technology Innovation for Commercialization Program (TECHNICOM); the Startup Nation Program; and the Young Innovators Program (YIP), to name a few.

In concertizing dis collaboration, it is expected that the startups that will be supported will eventually contribute to the overall goal of the government to ignite economic activity, nurture a robust innovation ecosystem, enhance productivity, and heighten global competitiveness.  (S&T Media Service)

Statement of the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea on the recentl aggression of China in the West Philippine Sea

The presence of the Chinese Liaoning Aircraft Carrier conducting high-intensity drills by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in the West Philippine Sea is a blatant violation by China of international law, which they have been perpetrating for years. For this reason, the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea (NYMWPS), a peaceful trans-global and non-partisan organization that advocates for the preservation of the Philippines’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, stands on the grounds that: (1) in alignment with the mission and goals of the NYMWPS, we vehemently condemn the continuous presence of the Chinese Coast Guard and other Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. On July 12, 2016, the Arbitral Tribunal unequivocally awarded the Philippines sovereign rights within the 200 nautical miles of the West Philippine Sea; (2) the presence of these Chinese military vessels does not reflect the friendship both our countries have committed to foster; (3) We, thus, call on the various responsible agencies of the National government to soundly advise the incumbent and president-elect president to assert our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea and to uphold the constitutional mandate to defend our territorial integrity and national interest; and (4) The National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea has always maintained that SOVEREIGNTY AND SOVEREIGN RIGHTS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE issues and that the Chinese vessels operating within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and territorial waters must be immediately expelled.

National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea

DOST's Webinar on the Importance of Food Packaging and how it could Affect Vaccine Efficacy

The recently concluded May 17 2022 webinar of the Metro Manila Health Research and Development Council (MMHRDC) and the Department of Science and Technology Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), research on components of food packaging that restaurants normally use contain a chemical that is found to weaken the efficacy of vaccines which may include the COVID-19 vaccine. 

According to Mr Elyson P. Encarnacion, Spvg. SRS, PTD-DOST-ITDI, a common component of food packaging from restaurant called Per-/Polyflouroalkyl Substances (PFAS) has been found to suppress the effects of several vaccines when ingested.  PFAS is used to make paper packaging resistant to yeast and moisture.  Examples of these paper packaging includes hamburger paper wraps and French fries containers.  Mr Encarnacion pointed out the irony that during the COVID-19 pandemic where people prefers to order take out food from restaurants to avoid infections may end up consuming food with PFAS that suppresses the effects of COVID-19 vaccines.  Hopefully, once the study is completed we would have definitive data on such adverse effects to make a recommendation to ban these hazardous materials.

Another surprising finding is that many brand of canned sardines in the market has lead contents way above the acceptable limits for human consumption.  Lead is a poison that when ingested damages the brain and the kidney.  We should be careful when consuming these canned sardines products.

In a study, coffee cups and brown bag used to package food contains above normal limits amount of Benzophenone - a cancer causing substance already banned by the US Food and Drug Administration late 2020!  Imaging consuming pan de sal and coffee stored in these carcinogens daily.

There are also current studies on the amount of other dangerous chemicals commonly found in packed food items.  These harmful chemicals include Epoxidized Soybean Oil (EPSO) found in spanish sardines in bottle packaging, Phthalates found in plastic that is known to cause cancer, male infertility, miscarriage, and metabolic disorders.

Hope the food processing and manufacturing industry is able to utilize the results of this study in order to avoid materials containing these harmful chemicals in the future and make Filipino food safer for everyone to consume.

Watch a replay of the webinar here:

https://www.facebook.com/newsmedianest/posts/3191203787822117