Senado ng batas na magpapalawig sa Shared Service Facilities Program

MAKATI CITY—Ipinahayag ni Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual ang taos-pusong pasasalamat ng ahensya sa mga miyembro ng Senado sa pagpasa nito ng Senate Bill No. 2021 na nag amyenda sa Republic Act No. 6977 o      Magna Carta for Small Enterprises. Sa botong 22 – 0, ang pagsasabatas nito ay magbibigay ng malaking ambag sa hangarin ng ahensya na palakasin at alalayan ang mga micro, small at medium enterprises (MSMEs) upang maiangat ang posisyon ng mga produktong Pinoy sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Bilang pangunahing may-akda at sponsor ng nasabing batas, tao-pusong nagpasalamat si Secretary Pascual kay Senador Sonny Angara at sa mga kasamahan nitong nagsulong upang aprubahan ng Senado ang nasabing batas. Sa pamamagitan ng Senate Bill No. 2021, magiging institusyonal ang Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) na proyekto ng DTI sa pagpapaunlad sa mga maliliit na negosyo sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng access sa mga makinarya, kagamitan, kasanayan, at kalaaman ukol sa iba’t-ibang industriya.  

Ang SSF ay proyektong inilunsad sa pagtutulungan ng pribado at pampublikong sektor upang matugunan ang mga pagsubok na hinaharap ng iba’t ibang sektor ng ekonomiya at industriya. Partikular na dito ang kakulangan sa access sa makabagong teknolohiya ng mga maliliit na negosyo. Ito ay makatutulong sa kanila na maiangat ang kalidad ng kanilang mga produkto at maipakilala ito sa pandaigdigang merkado.     

Ani Secretary Pascual, "Maraming MSMEs na ang nagbahagi ng kanilang mga kwento ng tagumpay na kung saan isa sa mga instrumento nito ay ang mga makinarya at kagamitang naibahagi sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng SSF. Bukod pa rito, ang SSF ay naging malaking susi sa produktibong paghahanapbuhay ng mga maliliit na negosyo."    

Sa kasalukuyan, mahigit kumulang PHP3.9 bilyong piso na ang pondo na nailaan sa programa mula nang magsimula ito noong 2013. Dahil dito, nakapagtatag ng 3,495 na mga pasalidad na kasalukuyan ay nakatulong na sa mahigit 500,000 MSMEs at nakapagbigay ng mahigit 300,000 na trabaho sa ating mga kababayan.

Simula Hulyo 2022, mayroon nang 145 SSFs sa bansa na tinatayang nagkakahalaga ng mahigit kumulang PHP 150 milyong piso. Ang mga SSFs na ito ay nasa industriya ng produksyon ng abaca, kawayan, cacao, kape, karne, fertilizer, at iba pa. Dagdag pa rito, sa ngayon ay nakapagtatag na ng 16 SSF Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) sa iba't-ibang rehiyon ng bansa. Ang FabLabs ay tumutulong sa mga MSMEs na makagawa ng mga prototype ng kanilang mga disenyo sa pamamagitan ng makabagong teknolohiya.

Malaki ang pasasalamat ng DTI sa Senado sa pagpasa ng Senate Bill No. 2021 na ang pangunahing sponsor ay si Senador Sonny Angara na masugid na nagtrabaho para maisabatas ang Senate Bill No. 2021 na magpapatibay at mag-i-institutionalize sa mga SSFs. Dagdag pa ni Secretary Pascual, “Ngayong naisabatas na ito, makikipagtulungan ang DTI sa iba’t-ibang ahensya upang lalo pang mapalawig ang sakop ng programa at mas matuganan nito ang mga pangangailangan ng mga MSMEs, lalo na sa panahon ng makabagong teknolohiya. Kailangan nilang makasabay sa mga innovations at unique ideas ng mga negosyo abroad para makasabay tayo sa mga bagong trends at mas lumaki pa ang kita nila.”

PH Recognizes Workers’ Rights Relevance in Trade Policy

DETROIT, USA – In a special session ahead of the Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting, Ambassador Katherine Tai, as the US Trade Representative and APEC 2023 MRT Chair, hosted a dialogue among APEC Trade Ministers and prominent labor leaders to discuss the vital link between trade policy and upholding workers’ rights.  The Philippines was represented by Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual.

The dialogue focused on the submission that trade policy must be workers-centric as workers play an important role in fostering economic growth and development in a country. Notwithstanding, it was observed that there is still a growing inequality when it comes to workers’ welfare vis-a-vis business growth. Thus, the challenge posed in the discussion was how to shape a trade and investment model that will ensure the protection of workers’ rights as economies work towards socio-economic development.

When asked for a comment about incorporating labor as an element of trade policy, Secretary Pascual emphasized that “A strong workforce promotes robust trade and a robust trade should promote a strong workforce. Thus, it is important to keep trade open and the workforce empowered”.

Secretary Pascual further explained that while there may be arguments raised for and against the interface of labor and trade policies, the fact remains that the stability that they bring to the economy far outweighs any perceived adverse concerns. He also stressed that in case of disruption in global supply chains, the workers and their families are the ones immediately affected. Also, the stability of trade and the resilience of the global supply chain also ensure the welfare of our workers and their family.

“As a matter of State policy, no less than the Constitution of the Philippines affirms labor as a primary social economic force, and that it is imperative for us to protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare,” Trade Chief Pascual added

4th Philippines-UK Economic Dialogue Joint Press Statement

Makati City, Philippines – On Friday, 19 May 2023, the Philippines and the UK held their 4th round of bilateral Economic Dialogue chaired by Philippine Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo and His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils.   

The Philippines and the UK signed a Partnership Statement on Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation, which include the following commitments:  

• Grow bilateral trade, including through jointly promoting the Development Countries Trading Scheme, and continue to address market access concerns to promote a level playing field;

• Drive investment opportunities, including through the British Investment Partnerships, which can help mobilize private and public finance as well as technical expertise to support sustainable infrastructure development; and 

• Promote an enabling business environment through ease of doing business, regulatory excellence and digitalization.

Ambassador Beaufils said, “The bilateral trade between the UK and the Philippines is the highest it has ever been – and it continues to grow alongside British investment and economic cooperation. This year we will launch the Developing Country Trading Scheme to further boost bilateral trade between our two countries. We are excited about the next chapter of our economic cooperation, including our support to the promotion of the ease of doing business and digitalization, and through our British Investment Partnerships, which will boost investments into green infrastructure development.” 

Undersecretary Rodolfo added, “We thank the UK Government for the partnership and collaboration over the years. The DCTS and BIP are solid frameworks that will ensure our economic relations will remain still strong as ever. The Philippines will continue to work with the UK government to realize concrete opportunities and foster more synergies in areas of mutual interest—in trade, investment, renewable energy, to name a few.”

The Philippines – UK Economic Dialogue remains the countries’ primary vehicle through which to grow economic and trade linkages and share expertise under the Philippines-UK Enhanced Partnership. 

A copy of the signed Partnership Statement for the 4th Philippines – UK Economic Dialogue can be accessed in this link. 

Philippine Department of Trade and Industry 

Email: BRD@dti.gov.ph

British Embassy Manila 

Email: ukinthephilippines@fcdo.gov.uk 

QC Councilor wants GMA-7 to Apologize for Irresponsible reporting on death of Uncle

A Quezon City councilor has slammed GMA-7’s irresponsible reporting on the death of her uncle, who perished when his two-story house in Barangay Tandang Sora caught fire on May 17. 

In her privilege speech, Councilor Doray Delarmente, the current Majority Floor Leader of the Quezon City Council, called on GMA-7 to rectify the numerous mistakes of its reporter and apologize to the family of her late uncle, Retired Police Brigadier General George Ancheta.

Ancheta, 76, died after he wasn’t able to get out of his burning house, while his wife and three male househelpers survived the incident that occurred around 9 p.m.

When the fire was put out, GMA-7 reporter Jamie Santos reported the incident live on the news program SAKSI while she was well within the vicinity of the burnt house.

Delarmente said Santos made some unforgivable mistakes in her report that inflicted additional pain and misery to the already grieving family.

Santos reported that the victim was able to get out of the house but returned inside. Delarmente described this as false information since the victim was not able to leave the burning house.

The househelper identified only as Andrew, when interviewed by Santos, even uttered the exact words “tapos yung asawa niya po, bumalik po sa taas ulit. Hindi na po nakabalik,” meaning the person went up the second floor and not out of the house.

“In our case, not only have you tarnished the reputation of a well-loved, well-respected and bemedalled high-ranking police officer, but you have also broken the hearts of all his family members, friends at lahat ng mga pulis na nagmamahal at humahanga sa kanya,” Delarmente said in her privilege speech.

The Councilor pointed out that only her uncle’s house was destroyed, contrary to Santos’ claim that several houses were razed by fire.

She also accused Santos of irresponsible journalism for reporting on nationwide television that her uncle died even without first confirming if the victim’s family was already informed of his death.

The Councilor said the reporter showed insensitivity when she interviewed on live television a survivor who was clearly traumatized by the incident. She also decried the network’s invasion of privacy since the report showed footages of the victim’s relatives while grieving, panicking and not in their right state of mind.

She requested the Committee on Public Order and Safety to conduct a hearing in aid of legislation on the matter, particularly on the protocols to be observed during such incidents.

Several councilors have expressed support to Delarmente’s call to summon Santos, her cameraman and the head of the GMA newsroom to the hearing.

Aside from them, Delarmente also wants the Committee to invite the Bureau of Fire Protection, particularly FSSUPT Aristotle Banaga, the head of the QC BFP, the Quezon City Police District and officials from Barangay Tandang Sora to shed light on the matter.

The European Union Launches its first ever exciting and dynamic Euro Village tthis June 3-4, 2023

On June 3 to 4, 2023 the Capital Commons Park, Pasig will be converted into a Euro Village. Admission is open to the public for free from 4pm to 12 midnight.  

Savour the ultimate adventure of the senses, in European style!

The Euro Village offers an exciting and dynamic sample of European Union culture, arts, music, food and gastronomy, products, crafts, languages, sports – all in two days and in one hub. 

You can find the best novelties from Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Romania, Poland and Finland.  In solidarity with Ukraine in these dire hours, Euro Village will also feature Ukrainian participation.

Dr Ana Isabel Sánchez Ruiz, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines said that “The essence of the Euro Village is to make these vibrant and diverse cultures accessible to the reach of Filipinos and to open up markets and trade opportunities”. 

“Culture has always been at the core of our unique diversity as Europeans”, she said, “We want to share this uniqueness with the Filipinos”, she added saying that the Euro Village project is in celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the European Union on 9 May.  

From bread and rye, waffles, sausages, dairy products and beer, to special concerts and sports demonstration, the Euro Village has lovely surprises in one go.  

And for those yearning to learn a European language but who have not yet had the time to try, the Euro Village cultural and language center  will bring French, German, Italian and Spanish lessons in a snap, thanks to the collaboration of Alliance Française de Manille, Goethe Institut, Instituto Cervantes Manila and the Philippine-Italian Association.   

Those who are interested on European music or would like to jam with artists, the Euro Village will have guest performers from Romania, Ukraine and a serenade from the Manila String Machine, who will be rendering European songs and pieces. 

Fantastic mimes and buskers will also be available to entertain guests and participants throughout the two-day European Village festival.

To ensure that this EU’s initiative promotes a sustainable lifestyle and reduction of greenhouse emissions, the EU has engaged with Green Space, Scholars of Sustenance Philippines and EcoNest as sustainability partners. 

What are you waiting for? Come on board, for more details, visit the FB page facebook.com/EuroVillagePH. A digital passport is also in store for you in your journey through the borderless Euro Village. 

Visit here EU facebook 

ASIA PACIFIC RAIL 2023 TO WELCOME GLOBAL RAIL LEADERSAT ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

Bangkok, Thailand – 25 May 2023: Asia Pacific Rail, Asia’s leading rail innovation, technology, and strategy event, will once again convene in Bangkok on May 31 and June 1, 2023. 

Over 2,500 rail operators, transport authorities, rail solution providers, technology innovators, and their partners from more than 50 countries and regions will be in 

attendance at BITEC to network, discover the latest trends and opportunities in the rail industry, and chart the path forward for Asia’s fast-growing rail networks.

“It’s fitting that our 25th anniversary edition will be our biggest ever” says Paul Clark, Terrapinn Asia’s Managing Director. “With so many major rail infrastructure projects 

announced or in progress and thousands of kilometres of operating rail projects to be maintained, this is the most important annual gathering of rail leaders in the region and we 

can’t wait to welcome them back to Bangkok this year”.

More than 140 sponsors, exhibitors, and partners will showcase the latest technology innovations, including Diamond Sponsors Alstom and Huawei International, Platinum 

Sponsors China Railway Signal & Communication, Wabtec, HollySys, Thales, and Traffic Control Technology. 

The conference will be opened by the Governor of Bangkok, K. Chadchart Sittipunt, on the morning of 31 May. His address will kickstart a packed conference programme spanning six 

premium and free-to-attend stages.

Across five different content themes (Digital Rail, Signaling & Communications, Operations, 

Maintenance & Asset Management, Mainline, and Metro) and blockbuster keynotes, attendees will hear from true leaders in the space, including:

• Sumit Srisantithum, Chief Operating Officer, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS)

• Tayakorn Chandrangsu, Director of Safety and Maintenance Standards Division, Department of Rail Transport

• Chua Chong Kheng, Deputy Chief Executive (Infrastructure and Development), Land Transport Authority Singapore

• Shao Fei Huang, Group Chief Information Security Officer, SMRT Corporation Ltd

• Noormah Mohd Noor, Chief Executive Officer, Express Rail Link

• Mohamed Suhaimi Yaacob, Chief Corporate Officer, KTMB

• Rolando Paulino III, Chief Operating Officer, Light Rail Manila Corporation

• Sara Cheung, Managing Director, Asia Era One

• Muhammad Effendi, Operation and Maintenance Director, PT MRT Jakarta

• Jeffrey Sim, Group Chief Executive Officer, SBS Transit Limited

• Kristoffer Tamsons, Chairman, Stockholm Public Transport

• Chanin Khaochan, Deputy Secretary General, Thailand Board of Investment

• Anan Phonimdang, Deputy Governor, State Railway of Thailand

For event information and full conference agenda, visit

https://www.terrapinn.com/aprail23

On Mother’s Day, United Nations Population Fund Philippines calls for gender equality, adequate reproductive health care

Statement of Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane, Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Philippines:

With adequate support from health providers, family and society, giving birth should be a very fulfilling and positive experience for mothers. 

Unfortunately, we see on a daily basis a significant number of women who do not get the support that they need. Worse, some do not receive crucial medical assistance, resulting in maternal mortality or death of women while giving birth or during pregnancy.

Globally, every two minutes, a woman dies giving birth. In the Philippines, we noticed an increase of maternal deaths during the past two years: in 2019, 1458 women died of maternal causes; this number increased to 2,478 in 2021 (source: PSA). That is around 6 to 7 Filipino women dying daily due to childbirth. During emergencies, when access to maternal health services is disrupted, more women die during pregnancy and childbirth.

Women die because sexual and reproductive health services are unavailable, inaccessible, unaffordable or of poor quality. Human resources are also scarce. There are not enough trained health care workers that provide quality sexual and reproductive health information and services. For every 1,300 women and girls in reproductive age, there is only one public health midwife. In the Philippines, 14% of pregnant women do not get regular check-ups and the other necessary medical care that they need during their pregnancy. One in 10 women do not give birth in health facilities or receive assistance from skilled healthcare personnel during childbirth.

The top 5 causes of maternal deaths included complications in pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium, eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, and hemorrhage. Many of these deaths are preventable if only there were accessible proper medical interventions and adequate health-care systems that are also resilient to emergencies.

The high cost of health care makes it more inaccessible to poor Filipinos. According to the 2021 National Health Expenditure Survey, Filipinos in rural areas pay more for health care services and medicines compared to those living in urban areas and those with better income. 

A UNFPA study conducted with Burnet Institute showed that globally, every dollar invested on family planning services gains $8. But for the Philippines, the gains are even higher at $18. This is on top of the hundreds of thousands of  mothers’ and children’s lives saved.

Preventable maternal mortality, the denial of rights or demographic change can all be addressed by making the world a more gender-equal place.

Of course, this is easier said than done. But gender inequality’s role at the root of so many other issues, including those mentioned above, must be recognized. Gender inequality is what keeps women out of the workforce and schools, vulnerable to conflict and violence, and denies them the right to make decisions about their own bodies and health. And it’s what makes pregnancy a dangerous endeavour, one which hundreds of thousands of women do not survive.

As the sexual and reproductive health agency of the United Nations, we at UNFPA support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Philippines’ commitment to achieving universal health coverage and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reducing to zero preventable maternal death.

This Mother’s Day, let us uphold the right of all people — especially mothers — to reach the highest possible standard of health. Timely health care for pregnant women can make the difference between life and death. No woman should die giving life. 

About UNFPA

UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Our mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA globally is promoting commitments to achieving three transformational goals by 2030 - ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and other harmful practices against women and girls including child marriage. UNFPA works with the government, civil society, development partners, other UN agencies, academia, and the private sector to reach those furthest behind first and leave no one behind, especially young people, the poorest, the conflict and disaster-affected, indigenous peoples and people with disabilities.

PHINLA Global Waste Management Conference hosted by World Vision and Eco-Waste Coalition

With the alarming waste generation posing massive health risks and environmental degradation globally, concerned individuals and groups from around the world have also taken concrete action to address and mitigate irreversible impact to the envoronment and the vulnerable sector including the waste collectors

In the Asian Region, World Vision's solid waste management (SWM) program PHINLA, funded by the German  government and development agency BMZ and in partnership with local actors, has strengthened eco-friendly initiatives in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Ondonesia through innovation and enhancements of effective waste management practices at the village or community level. The PHINLA program aims to empower waste workers and communities affected by poor waste management by harnessing waste collection and management processes to provide additional livelihood source  assisting local government in developing/enhancing their solid waste management systems and raising public awareness and involvement in addressing waste challenges in different country context.

Following PHINLA's successful implementation in the last four years, International development and advocacy agency World Vision in partnership with Eco-Waste Coalition, organizes the Global Waste Management Conference in Manila with the theme "Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Waste Management: Innovations, Partnerships, and Empowerment", to be held on May 4-5, 2023  8:30AM-4;30 PM at the Heritage Hotel Manila Pasay City, Philippines.

Nearly a hundred International delegates and the media are expected to attend from the Philippines  Sri Lanka, and Indonesia including representatives from different government and country offices, private providers, and multi-sectoral stakeholders on solid waste management at the local and community level.

The global conference also aims to highlight and celebrate what worked in the participating countries, especially the lessons and promising practices worth replicating and scaling up in the region. The eco-inspired event also hopes to highlight the Philppine government's contribution to Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action

Potential for Philippine Biogas Production spotlighted at recent German Chamber roundtable

MANILA, Philippines – The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) brought together more than 40 biogas enthusiasts from the private sector, academe, and relevant government agencies during a multi-stakeholder roundtable discussion on biogas as a renewable energy source in the Philippines.    

The forum was organized as part of a develoPPP project to raise awareness for biogas technology in the Philippines, train Filipino biogas technicians, and establish biogas research and yield testing capacity in the country. The project was initiated by the German biogas technology provider LIPP GmbH and is 50% co-financed by the German Investment Corporation (Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft – DEG) through public funds of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).   

During her keynote speech, German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Philippines stressed that biomass is a reliable renewable energy source – as compared to wind and solar which are dependent on weather conditions – that can play an important role in the renewable energy mix of the Philippines. In Germany, renewable energies contribute 44% to the country’s overall energy mix of which 7.7% are generated through biomass.   

According to Ruby De Guzman, Assistant Director of the Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB) of the Department of Energy (DOE), renewable energy comprises 29% of the installed capacity and 22% of the gross power generation of the Philippines as of November 2022 and December 2021 respectively. In those years, biomass accounted for 2% of installed capacity and 1% of gross generation in the country.  

As a renewable energy (RE) source, biogas is more versatile in its use than other RE sources, such as the wind and sun, whose use is limited to generating electricity and heat. Biogas, on the other hand, can also be used as cooking gas, and once upgraded to a higher methane content, as transportation fuel. In addition, biogas production holds great potential to convert biodegradable waste into energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through carbon capture.  

The easing of foreign ownership restrictions for investments in the renewable energy sector opens opportunities for technology transfer to increase the production of biogas as a viable contributor to achieve energy security in the Philippines. 

About GPCCI 

GPCCI / AHK Philippinen belongs to the international network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) which is represented by 150 offices in 93 countries. GPCCI is the official representation of German businesses in the Philippines; a bilateral membership organization with around 300 members; and a service provider to companies in their market entry and expansion. 

GPCCI in Social Media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GPCCI.org/  

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/gpcci 

Twitter:https://twitter.com/AHK_Philippinen  

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqXbBFbpoE-LSZPoR2n3sCA 

Upskilling Training for Filipino Journalists on Biodiversity Reporting Opens Call for Applications

One of the 18 most species-rich countries, The Philippines is home to two-thirds of the world's biodiversity and numerous endemic species. However, human activities, including habitat destruction, wildlife trafficking, and climate change, are pushing many of these populations to the brink of collapse. That’s why it is crucial to train more Filipino journalists to cover biodiversity stories and investigate threats to the environment.

The Association of Young Environmental Journalists (AYEJ), an ecological literacy non-profit organization, is inviting journalists to join the Green Beat Plus, a free upskilling training program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of Filipino journalists in reporting on biodiversity and natural resources management.

The Green Beat Plus is offered by RTI International and USAID’s Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans and Landscapes (SIBOL) Activity in partnership with AYEJ. It will run from June to September 2023.

Biodiversity plays a critical role in the lives of Filipinos. From the food on our tables to the sources of our livelihood, Filipinos are deeply linked to the riches that nature provides. This interdependence means that more Filipinos journalists should be equipped to accurately report on biodiversity stories, investigate threats and environmental violence, and explore community responses and solutions.

The Green Beat Plus features a virtual training program for 20 selected journalists from June to July 2023, where participants will learn from biodiversity and journalism experts. Selected journalists from this pool will receive reporting support and mentorship, and a chance to join an in-person advanced workshop in Palawan.

It is open to professional media practitioners, either staff or freelancers, working in any journalistic medium such as print, online, radio, podcast, television, and multimedia. They must be currently residing and working in the Philippines to join the program. 

Applicants do not need to have prior experience with biodiversity reporting, but they should be able to demonstrate strong interest and commitment in the topic.

The participating journalists will undergo a 4-week online training to learn about key biodiversity concepts and techniques and tools in reporting biodiversity stories. At the end of the training, journalists will pitch their stories on biodiversity and natural resources management. The 10 best story pitches will receive funding support and mentorship to pursue their reporting and publication.

The 10 journalists with the best story pitches will receive an all-expenses-paid opportunity to gather in an in-person advanced workshop in Palawan, which is one of the main areas of implementation of the USAID SIBOL project. The selected journalists will have the chance to present their progress in their reporting and the workshop will serve as a space to critique, polish and strengthen their stories, before their expected publication by mid-September 2023.

Interested journalists should send their CV or resume, at least two sample works, and a biodiversity story idea/pitch in the Green Beat Plus application form: https://bit.ly/apply-biojourntraining

Applications close at May 10, 2023 at 11:59 PM. Participating journalists will be informed of their selection by mid-May.

SIKA Successfully Closes MBCC Acquisition and Strengthens Position as Sustainability Champion in the Global Construction Industry

• Sika acquires MBCC business generating CHF 2.1 billion net sales in 2022
• Annual synergies expected in the range of CHF 160 – 180 million by 2026
• Integration process well prepared and to start as of today
• The combined innovation power of Sika and MBCC will accelerate the sustainable transformation of the whole construction industry
• Sika is set to reach sales in excess of CHF 12 billion in 2023

Sika has completed the acquisition of MBCC Group after having received all necessary regulatory approvals. With this highly complementary transaction, Sika strengthens its footprint across all regions, reinforces its range of products and services across the entire construction life cycle and drives the sustainable transformation of the construction industry further and faster.

MBCC Group, headquartered in Mannheim, Germany, and formerly owned by an affiliate of Lone Star Funds, is active in the field of construction systems and admixture systems. To close the transaction and to comply with regulatory requirements, Sika sold MBCC Group’s chemical admixtures assets in the UK, the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand to the international private equity firm Cinven. The business now acquired by Sika generated sales of CHF 2.1 billion in 2022, employs 6,200 people and operates in over 60 countries and 95 production facilities.

Thomas Hasler, CEO: “Today is a historic day for Sika. We are delighted to welcome the MBCC employees to the Sika family. We embark on our exciting journey and will continue to drive Sika’s growth story. Thanks to our extensive experience in integrating companies, we will successfully bring Sika and MBCC together and combine our strengths to create a new reference in the construction chemicals industry. Together we will deliver world-class performance for our customers and develop innovative, sustainable solutions."

After the successful closing, Sika’s sustainable product portfolio will be further enhanced with MBCC’s innovative technologies. Sika will offer a wide and comprehensive range of solutions to enable the sustainable transformation of the construction industry and help customers reduce their carbon footprint.

With this transaction, Sika strengthens its growth platform by broadening its product and solution offerings in four of five core technologies and seven of eight Sika Target Markets. Customers will benefit from an enhanced and more efficient distribution network across all construction markets. Sika expects to generate annual synergies in the range of CHF 160 – 180 million by 2026. The combined Group is set to reach sales in excess of CHF 12 billion in 2023.

SIKA CORPORATE PROFILE

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and

protecting in the building sector and motor vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 101 countries around the world and manufactures in over 300 factories. Its more than 27,500

employees generated annual sales of CHF 10.49 billion in 2022.

The First Disc Golf Course in Metro Manila hosted by Nayong Pilipino

The Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF), in partnertship with the Disc Golf Association of the Philippines (DGAP), will officially launch the Nayong Pilipino Disc Golf Course on April 29, 2023 with an inaugural Tournament which will be participated by at least 40 professional disc golf players from different parts of the Philippines.

Disc golf, is also known as Frisbee golf, is a professional, highly-competitive sport with one of the fast-growing, most dedicated fan and player communities in the world. It is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, player use a flying disc or Frisbee. The trees, shrubs, and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles for the golfer.

NPF Executive Director Gerlie Duran-Batocabe said the agency hopes that the opening of the new sports attraction will spark new interest in emerging sports.

She also disclosed the agency aims to host an international disc golf tournament within the year, with NPF in partnership with the Professional Disc Golf Association.

"This furthers our goal of promoting sports tourism in support of our mother agency, the Department of Tourism as many foreign and domestic visitors will be flying in to participate and/or watch the tournaments" said Duran-Batocade.

Disc Golf is a sport for everyone as it can be played from school age to golden age.  It is also a healthy, inexpensive, recreational activity that provides upper and lower conditioning, aerobic exercise and mental stimulation

Opportunity Awaits All at Go! iVolunteer Expo, Free Admission!

iVolunteer, SM Cares, SM Supermalls and Cravewell are bringing back the two-day volunteer exposition on May 6 to 7 at SM Megamall. On its third run, they are also expanding the event to SM City Davao Annex Event Center from May 27 to 28 so that many more can discover new ways to support their chosen causes.

Coming from 28 non-governmental organization (NGO) partners before the pandemic, Go! Volunteer expo aims to increase this number this year. Not to mention, organizers expect to host the “most diverse slate of partner organizations” at these SM malls, as the locations have become an avenue for the youth to make more opportunities. The expo also stands to reignite everyone’s volunteering passion as it again gathers NGOs and volunteers to measure up their interests and needs.

“For us, Go! Volunteer 2023 is significant in a way that it ushers in the start of bringing back physical volunteering,” explains Tan. “We’ve continued our volunteer activities online during the pandemic when we were locked in our homes; but now, we’re saying we can volunteer in person again.”

“SM Cares is dedicated to supporting communities by empowering the next generation of leaders and actively involving them as champions of our various advocacies,” shares Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice President for SM Supermalls and SM Cares Program Director for Children & Youth. “As the ‘Mall for All’, we are thrilled to be an avenue for iVolunteer to welcome and gather organizations and volunteers, creating more meaningful opportunities for the youth to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all,” adds Cabunag.

Event attendees also have the chance to get volunteering insights as different speakers will take the expo stage. Apart from that, games, activities, treats and much more await attendees.

So if you advocate for women’s empowerment, community development, education, children, the environment and a lot more, #DiscoverNew head to Go! Volunteer 2023 expo.

Admission is free so see you there