DRF tests DILG MIMAROPA’s readiness for disasters

MANILA—The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), through Project K3, recently conducted a virtual tabletop exercise to test the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) MIMAROPA’s level of preparedness for disasters using their public service continuity plan (PSCP). This marks the first time a regional government agency performed an exercise to test their PSCP.

“DILG MIMAROPA is the pioneer region in the department to have its PSCP approved and adopted effective March 15, 2021,” said Regional Director Wilhelm Suyko during his opening remarks. “Let us continue to strive for excellence in the delivery of our service to the public and ensure that our services will not be hampered even in the midst of any disaster.”

DILG MIMAROPA was part of the second batch of graduates of the PSCP Mentorship Program, which was launched in 2017 by PDRF and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) with the support of New Zealand Aid and the USAID Bureau of Human Assistance (BHA). The mentorship program seeks to help the government continue delivering critical services during emergencies and disasters by guiding them in drafting and implementing the public service continuity plan.

The exercise was designed to test the effective implementation of DILG MIMAROPA's PSCP, specifically by assessing the awareness of the personnel of the different critical procedures, identifying any gaps between the plan and actual implementation, and making necessary recommendations to update the plan.

The exercise simulated a 5.2-magnitude earthquake striking Valenzuela City, impacting nearby cities and causing structural damage to the DILG MIMAROPA Regional Office. The exercise was played in real-time and contained enough details for the participants to respond to situations as if these were real. Experts from DILG Central Office, DILG CODIX, PDRF, and the United Nations’ Connecting Business Initiative evaluated their responses.

During his closing remarks, Assistant Regional Director Rey Maranan highlighted three important elements to be secured during any emergency: human resources, logistical resources, and the clear flow of communication.

“We were able to learn a lot, the exercise was an eye-opener, and we have so many ways forward,” said Maranan.

Representatives from other government agencies also attended the virtual event to observe and learn how to adopt the same approach to implement their plans.

With the success of this exercise, the door is open for more government agencies and other organizations to conduct similar activities to test the effectiveness of their public service continuity plans. To date, PDRF’s PSCP mentorship program has trained hundreds of participants from 22 government agencies and 18 hospitals around the country.

Project K3 or Kalinga para sa Kalusugan ng Komunidad is an initiative of PDRF and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Aid Programme that aims to strengthen the health system capacities of LGUs, hospitals, and communities around the country to deal with the COVID-19 crisis and future disruptions through innovative training and community education. 

To learn more about the PSCP Program and Project K3, visit https://iadapt.pdrf.org/k3/

Mr. Wilson Flores and Ambassador Ilan Fluss showing Filipino pandesal and Israeli challah breads during the Pandesal Forum

Ambassador Ilan Fluss revealed the flourishing relations between Israel and the Philippines in the fields of economy, agriculture, tourism, defense, among others during the Pandesal Forum held in Kamuning Bakery. The Israeli Ambassador also emphasized that he envisions expanding the cooperation between the two countries focusing on innovation and technology.

“Israel is a global hub of innovation and technology. We want to share our know-how with Filipinos and to work together in maximizing their potential while using smart and innovative Israeli technology adjusted to local conditions,” Ambassador Fluss said.

Israel is known as the start-up nation with leading companies in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, water technology, and more. The embassy plans to feature and introduce more of these in the Philippines.

He specifically mentioned the agriculture sector, which will benefit more in using Israeli innovation. “I recently visited Tarlac State University and I saw the impressive and successful display of the adoption of Israeli smart technology in the province,” he said.

Israel and the Philippines have existing cooperation in the agriculture field. “Every year, Filipino students train in Israel for 11 months to practice smart agriculture,” Ambassador Fluss said. “Israel offers advanced technologies and innovation in farming that it aims to share with the Philippines to contribute to its goal of attaining sustainability and food sufficiency in the country while addressing climate change,” he added.

MASHAV is Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation. Filipinos in various fields were trained in Israel to further their skills in the areas of agriculture, water management, public health, entrepreneurship, innovation, among others.

“The historic visit of President Rodrigo Duterte in Israel in 2018 gave a boost to the relations of our countries. He was the first Philippine president to visit our country,” Ambassador Fluss said.

Ambassador Fluss described the relationship of Israel-PH as a multi-layer partnership. “Cultural activities bring people together. We want to feature and expose more Israeli culture to Filipinos,” he said. He mentioned the first Hebrew to Filipino translation of the Etgar Keret book and the Israeli Film Festival this November as few examples of the embassy’s cultural activities.

“The highlight of the film festival is the documentary of ‘Kuya Noy’ which features the OFW life of a Filipino rock band member Asin. It is important for us to know stories like this since Filipinos are an integral part of our society,” Ambassador Fluss explained.

There are around 30,000 Filipino caregivers in Israel. Their rights are protected with the bilateral labor agreement between the two governments. They are an integral part of the Israeli society. “My father-in-law has a Filipina caregiver. Our family appreciates her care and dedication,” he shared.

In the middle of the pandemic, Israel assisted the Philippines by bringing two delegations of medical experts to the Philippines. The first group shared the Israeli experience in vaccination drive campaigns and the other one shared their knowledge on efficient infection control protocols and hospital management.

Ambassador Ilan Fluss considers himself as a “diplomat balikbayan.” “I was fortunate enough to experience this great and beautiful country, its culture, and its people as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in Manila in 1995. I am delighted to be back to close the circle, this time as the Israeli Ambassador,” he said.

Ambassador Fluss encouraged Filipinos to come visit Israel. “Vaccinated Filipinos can now visit the Holy Land, Old City Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Beit Shemesh,” he recommended.

Philippine Airlines is aiming to start direct flights to Israel by April next year. This is expected to boost the tourism, economy, and people-to-people relations between Israel and the Philippines. Filipinos are entitled to free visa access to Israel for 90 days.

“Israeli backpackers are excited to visit the Philippines. We are optimistic of the signs of your country opening up and recovering from the economic crisis due to the pandemic. We hope that the tourism industry will bounce back stronger soon,” he said.

Ambassador Fluss also wished good luck to Miss Universe Philippines Beatrice Gomez as she competed in the Miss Universe pageant to be held in December in Eilat, Israel. 

Mr. Flores is also holding the first Hebrew to Filipino book translation:“Bigla, May Kumatok sa Pinto” available in National Bookstores 

The Pandesal Forum was moderated by Mr. Wilson Lee Flores at Kamuning Bakery, an 82-year-old bakery. The famous Filipino pandesal and Israeli challah breads were featured during the forum held on November 18 to signify the friendly relations of Israel and the Philippines.

All Sogo Staff Fully Vaccinated for Everyone's Safetly Always

It is very important to always be safe, whenever we go out and wherever we go, especially now that IATF has lax the protocol to level 2, allowing us to travel and go on vacations. 

Good thing, there are places we can stay where we are always sure to be safe! At Sogo Hotels

Hotel Sogo's New Normal campaign with the theme "We are fully vaccinated, Para kayo ay ProtekTODO" promotes that all Hotel Sogo staff have completed two jabs of vaccine to secure the safety of its guests as early as July 2021.  

"We have 41 branches nationwide and five more upcoming branches. There are thousands of employees working in all our hotels, and their safety is important to protect our guests. We are really grateful that our staff is fully vaccinated," said Sue Geminiano, Hotel Sogo Marketing Manager.

Hotel Sogo management is committed to their employees' welfare. They also believe that getting the vaccine is a simple way to bring us closer to life, feeling normal again and worry-free. Hotel Sogo takes care of their staff as a family as well as their guests. "I can say that the 11 anti-Covid innovations that we installed in our hotels with hotel staff that is fully vaccinated, we are sure that our family and friends are safe to stay at Hotel Sogo". She added

Indeed, Hotel Sogo is So Clean…So Good…So Safe.

Visit here : SOGO Hotels

BBM – Sara slated as 2022 Maharlika People's Party (MPP) standard bearers in alliance with Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP)

#MPP Maharlika Partylist to spearhead Family and Youth Welfare Advocacy as premier congressional partylist.

#The Maharlika People’s Party (MPP),  a  national political party for a real and dynamic change envisioned to be a leading coalition party, founded by Golden Eagles Club Founding Chairman and  Asia’s Award-Giving Icon Eagle Dr. Jake N. Navea, PhD,  will slate the premier tandem of former Sen. Bongbong Marcos as President and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as Vice President as standard bearers in the forthcoming 2022 elections. 

#MPP is open to all electoral aspirants and intends to slate National and Local Electoral Positions in the Senate / House Representatives, and Provincial / Municipal Positions:  Governors / Mayors / Councilors / Provincial Board and other Public Service Positions in the 2022 National and Local Elections with the Grand Launching during the 41st Consumers Choice Year Ender 2021  Awards  on December 19, 2021 Sunday 2pm at the Aberdeen Court Great Eastern Hotel, QC, Philippines. 

#The documentary movie "Pagbabalik ng Agila" by Director Rafael Diaz will also be launched. Details at www.worldexcellence.net 

#MPP Chairman Navea is a a pioneer civic leader and journalist for over 40 years who  envisioned to promote the noble mission for good governance, corruption free and genuine patriotic service for the benefit of the Philippines (Maharlika) and its citizens in collaboration with MPP President and 2022 Senatorial Aspirant Eagle Governor Eagle Gov. Luther G. Meniano and youth advocate Eagle Matthew M. Santos (Secretariat Officer).   

#MPP is supported by MPP Vice President for  Mindanao and MPP Maharlika Partylist congressional nominee Datu Edres Kasim, MPP Media Director Ma. Luisa Garcia and  livelihood spearheader Eagle RC Viernes.  

#MPP aims to  consolidate and institutionalize active citizens participation in governance inspired by the patriotic leadership of former Ilocos Norte Governor and Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.  aimed at continuing the noble legacies of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos with its Slogan:  “Soaring High Like An Eagle to Make Our Country Great Again” and theme song:  “Bagong Lipunan” of the defunct Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL).  

#The new political party will serve as genuine & patriotic "citizens extension" in line with its mission and vision for dynamic change in politics, economics, military, culture and foreign relations policies.    It  envisions to be a dynamic political party in its campaign for real change, specifically in its public service programs

#For details, contact  Maharlika People’s Party (MPP). 

Watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaJbIlaOrC8

Visit here: www.maharlikaparty.org

Mobile:  0906.4884787  0947.7292675 Email:  maharlikaparty@gmail.com   

DOST features “Kaayusan” and “Kinabukasan” R&D breakthroughs at the 6th National R&D Conference

On the second day of the 6th National Research and Development Conference (NRDC), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) unveiled innovation breakthroughs set to aid the country’s “kaayusan” and “kinabukasan” development goals.  Held on November 17, 2021, the online event drew in an audience beyond the science community, with members of industry, the academe, local government units, and other stakeholders in attendance to learn about the outputs of R&D designed to support the country during the pandemic and to prepare for the new normal. 

Themed: “Pananaliksik at Pagpapaunlad: Daan Tungo sa Pagbangon (Road to Recovery through R&D)”, the event is organized in partnership with: the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Health (DOH), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).   

The second day of the event opened with a message from DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana with a discussion about Insights on the government’s efforts on Law and Order amidst the Pandemic for the “Kaayusan” goals.   Innovative defense technologies were also introduced such as the Urban Fire Hazard Mapping and Fire Spread Modeling from the University of Cebu and Project BUHAWI – Building a Universal-Mount for Heavy Barrel Automated Weapon Integration from the Philippine Navy in partnership with the DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC).  

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones discussed Insights on the government’s efforts on Providing Basic Education amidst COVID-19, solidifying the country’s development goals for the future generation.  Drug development drawn from the country’s biodiversity was highlighted with the presentation from Ms. Irene A. Papa of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines - Los Baños (BIOTECH-UPLB).  

R&D Programs aimed at protecting and cleaning the environment were introduced by  Mr. Jon Alfonso P. Horvidalla of the DENR by discussing the threats of Microplastics to Philippine Treasures.  

According to DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, “The pandemic presents complex problems that require novel solutions.  Our hopes for a robust economy, a strong health system and improved quality of life for every Filipino is made possible through the outputs of R&D.  The works of our science community in consonance with the goals of the Harmonized National Research & Development Agenda (HNRDA) for 2022-2028 are presented to the public with the hope that everyone will realize the value of R&D in socioeconomic development.” 

The DOST Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) introduced technological breakthroughs in disaster risk reduction and management with Project ULAT or Understanding Lightning and Thunderstorms for Extreme Weather Monitoring and Information Sharing.   Using a dense sensor network, a satellite antenna, and various scientific devices, the system would collect nationwide data on lightning frequency, weather parameters, and cloud structure to generate precise estimates of typhoon and thunderstorm behaviors as they occur.  

For those who wish to access the presentations in the event, they may go to the DOST-NRDC Website at http://nrdc.dost.gov.ph/.  They may also watch it again at the NRDC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dostnrdc.

 

Behind the Successful Shows is A Woman

Grace Bondad Nicolas—the woman behind successful shows, an indefatigable civic and multiplatform leader, and adviser to billionaires—recently concluded the successful “Men and Women Who Matter” charity dinner, networking and recognition activity as the first woman and Filipina president of the American Association of the Philippines (AAP).

She made history by being the association’s first lady head honcho since it was established 73 years ago helping the Americans, Filipino Americans and indigent Filipinos. She’s helping the association by crafting events for the AAP with the luminaries of her brainchild Asia Leaders Awards!

"The Board of the American Association of the Philippines (AAP) names former Vice President Grace Bondad Nicolas as new president in recognition of her accomplishments in our key fundraising efforts. She is the first ever woman president of the AAP, a notable first," according to Chairman Emeritus Rick Sobreviñas.

Launching Successful Events and Shows

The AAP event isn’t just the only activity she cooked up this November as she also successfully wrapped up the much-coveted “Asia Leaders Awards 2021” at the Embassy of Singapore in the Philippines, launching their first coffee-table book, Profiles of Excellence.

“It’s a pleasure that I’m with the leaders of this generation as they help Filipinos to survive in this global health crisis through the products and services they are offering. These awardees are all breaking the glass ceiling and making a difference then until now,” she said.

The tireless supporter of all things productive, helpful, and socially responsible, Nicolas not only founded and judged Asia Leaders Awards, she was also the brains behind TAG Media Group—composed of TAG Media and Public Relations, AG Builders and Developers, and AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company—the team behind ALA and other successful shows.

TAG Media and Public Relations is the force behind Asia Leaders Forum, Asia’s Best Singing Competition, Asia Digital Marketing Expo, Asia HR Expo, Asia E-commerce Expo, Dwelo and Pandemic Heroes Online Series in partnership with The Manila Times. 

Nicolas, who is also a business writer for The Manila Times, is also a concert producer

Launching Outreach Programs in NCR and Laguna

Multimedia celebrity and serial entrepreneur, Grace Bondad Nicolas, is a bombshell inspired to achieve everything she could every day for family, businesses, and community.

“I’m giving my 1,000x percent each day as if there’s no tomorrow as tomorrow might never come” is her mantra. Thus, she’d come up with explosive events to help the less fortunate in every capacity.

She’d also invite sponsors and facilitate outreach activities to places far and wide, from Metro Manila to her hometown Calauan, Laguna, as Past President of Kiwanis Club of Makati and now Lieutenant Governor Elect of Kiwanis International Division 3A.

The former president of the Kiwanis Club of Makati, she will handle clubs in Manila, Pasay, Taguig, and Makati as she holds the highest post in the division for 2021-2022. 

Mentoring New and Aspiring Entrepreneurs

As founder of AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company she would be mentoring dealers on how to successfully market their products even during the pandemic to generate and boost income opportunities for those who have been economically displaced.

“Our heart is to help out, and not even this deadly virus can stop us from being of assistance in this ongoing crisis. There are always ways to help so I am encouraging everyone to do the same,” she shared.

AAA is a cosmetic and food company with four brands: Graceful Skin Essentials, GlutaGlow Slimming Drinks, Immune CEE, and GlamHigh Cosmetics by Andria, with 100 distributors nationwide. 

She’d also mentor aspiring entrepreneurs through her “Go Negosyo” mentorships given her first-hand business experience, proven acumen, and academic background as a graduate of the Asian Institute of Management.

Balancing Achievement and Fulfilment

On a concurrent capacity, the dynamic Grace Bondad Nicolas is also the vice president of the Makati Tourism Foundation, Inc.; founder and proprietor of eco-tourism destination Hidden Hills Farm by Josefino, named after her father who was also her inspiration and mentor.

“In this crisis, it’s your time to prove your worth and make a difference. Even while in lockdown, you can still do something productive and be of help to others by sharing your blessings,” she said, encouraging everyone to follow her lead.

Nicolas, who holds both a BS in Industrial Engineering and took an MM in Engineering Management from Colegio de San Juan de Letran  attended also programs in Entrepreneurship and Marketing at Asian Institute of Management and Ateneo with a Social Media Management training in Malaysia.

16th Israeli Film Festival Highlights Israel-PH Cultural Connection

The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines kicked-off its 16^th Israeli Film Festival with a documentary film entitled: “Kuya Noy.” The film shows Mike “Noy” Pillora's journey from a Pinoy rock icon to an overseas Filipino worker in Tel Aviv.

In a virtual press conference, Kuya Noy, the founding member of folk rock band Asin, and Daniel Binsted, director of “Kuya Noy”, talked about how the documentary came to be – how music found and connected an Israeli director and a Filipino rock icon.

According to Binsted, he first heard about Pillora through his friend at Tel-Aviv University, who met Pillora at a bar. They recommended the musician’s story to Binsted, who was a graduating film student at that time. The creation of the documentary film took 5 years before it was released in 2019.

“The first time I met Noy, he was very interesting. He wore this very interesting clothes that I've never seen before. He had all these very interesting instruments in his room. The first thing that caught my eye was his persona,” Binsted said. “It is important to tell the story of Kuya Noy not only to the Filipino community but as well as to Israelis living with Filipinos,” he added.

Ambassador Ilan Fluss said in his opening remarks that Overseas Filipino Workers in Israel are essential part of the Israeli society; they became part of the family. Ambassador Fluss also took the opportunity to thank the 30,000 Filipinos working in Israel for their dedicated service. 

The “Kuya Noy” film is extended for virtual screening on November 8 midnight. Interested viewers may visit the Facebook page of the Israeli embassy to access the film for free.

 

Meanwhile, other films featured at the 16^th Israeli Film Festival are the following: And Then She Arrived (Nov 11), Ben Gurion: Epilogue (Nov. 19), and The Unorthodox (Nov. 25). Follow the social media pages of the embassy for the free online screening: Israel in the Philippines (Facebook) and @IsraelinPH (Twitter).