PH Gov’t, Groups To Join World Peace Summit in KoreaTo Build Multidimensional Strategies for Institutional Peace

As the Philippines celebrates the National Peace Consciousness Month this September, key officials from the government, academe, religion, media, women groups, and youth groups will fly to South Korea to attend the 9th Anniversary of the HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) World Peace Summit.

HWPL, an international peace non-government organization in special consultative status with UN ECOSOC, will be expecting 1,800 global leaders to participate in the four-day event from September 18-21.

This 9th-anniversary celebration will look back on the achievements of the past 10 years and discuss the theme of “Implementation of Multidimensional Strategies for Institutional Peace.”

Leaders in politics, education, religion, women’s groups, youth groups, and the media from around the world will participate in discussions aimed at implementing strategies within each sector’s initiatives. The sessions will cover various agendas, including the spread of a culture of institutional peace, the expansion of comparative scriptural studies, long-term peacebuilding through education, and the development of policies for promoting a culture of peace.

Among the officials from the government who have confirmed their attendance are National Commission for Culture and the Arts Commissioner for the Sub-commission on Cultural Dissemination Carlo B. Ebeo; National Book Development Board Governor Mary Ann Ordinario; National Book Development Board Project Management Officer Charmaine Concepcion G. Capuchino and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Administrative Officer V Ms. Michelle J. Negrido.

Local government officials who will be joining the event include Maguindanao Municipal Vice Mayor Elizabeth Mangudadatu; Kapalong Davao Del Norte Municipal Mayor Maria Theresa Royo-Timbol;  Municipality of Kapalong Davao Del Norte Executive Assistant Mary Caress Timbol; National Amnesty Commission (NAC) Commissioner Atty. Nasser Marohomsalic; Buluan, Maguindanao Municipal Vice Mayor Rhamla Kadalim. Former Maguindanao Congressman Esmael Mangudadatu also confirmed his attendance.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will also send officials to be headed by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Al Haj.

Women’s group representatives include Zonta Club of Metropolitan Pasig Past President Ruby Bañares-Victorino, and National Federation of Women's Club Vice President Erlinda Olivia Tiu, among others.

From the academe are Philippine Christian University - College of Law Dean, Bishop Justice Raoul Victorino ; and Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Commissioners, Dr. Ronald L. Adamat and Dr. Jo Mark M. Libre, DPA, among other high ranking school officials, principals and master teachers.

Religious groups like Catholic, Methodist, Hinduism, and Islam will also have their representatives in the said event. Among them is Archdiocese of Cagayan De Oro Archbishop-Emeritus Antonio Ledesma who has been part of the peace works with HWPL since 2013. 

The concept of “Institutional Peace” as proposed by HWPL, advocates for international agreements aimed at establishing sustainable peace with frameworks based on the principles outlined in the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). The DPCW is presented as a tool of peace continuum from prevention and resolving conflicts to further promoting a culture of understanding and cooperation among nations and peoples.

HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee emphasized that the participation of people from all around the world is absolutely necessary to achieve peace, stating, “We (HWPL) have circled the globe 32 times to carry out the work of peace. The ultimate goal has been achieving peace. Whether it's within families, schools, or any other organization, peace is a vital need. Not a single person has rejected the idea of peace. Therefore, I firmly believe that peace will be attained.”

For further information and news about the upcoming event, please visit http://worldpeacesummit.org/ 

Israel Dedicates Improv Show to OFWs and DMW Sec. Ople

The Israeli Embassy in Manila dedicated an improv show featuring the Israeli improv group Duda to honor the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel and to commemorate Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople.

“Secretary Ople's life was dedicated to advocating for OFWs. In my close collaboration with her, I had the privilege of witnessing her unwavering commitment and compassionate leadership. Her unique blend of pragmatism and empathy made her a formidable advocate for OFWs. Together, we faced numerous challenges, driven by our shared commitment to enhance the lives of these unsung heroes. Her legacy of compassion, justice, and solidarity continues to inspire us all,” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss expressed.

Ambassador Fluss also highlighted the OFWs in Israel who are hardworking, compassionate, and notable for their world-class care.

There are around 30,000 Filipinos working as caregivers and hotel workers in Israel. The Israeli government is working closely with the Philippine government, especially with the Department of Migrant Workers, to ensure that their rights are protected and respected. They are provided with medical insurance, pension fund, yearly leave with pay, and all of the social rights given under Israeli labor rules. The labor market in Israel is regulated by the rights of the employees.

In attendance to the improv show held on the evening of the 6th of September were family and friends of then Sec. Ople, officials from the DMW, members of the diplomatic community, government officials, relatives of the OFWs in Israel, and friends of the embassy. Duda presented a show based on the stories of some OFWs in Israel that the group interviewed prior to their performance in Manila.

Improvisation or improv is a form of live theatre in which the plot, characters, and dialogue of a story are unscripted and created spontaneously by the performers.

Duda was one of the groups that performed at the Manila Improv Festival which is the biggest improv festival in Asia. The group performed on the opening night last September 8 in Ayala Malls Circuit Makati. This is the second time for Duda to join the improv fest in Manila, the first one was way back in 2019.

In addition to their performance shows, the group also introduced improv to children at White Cross Orphanage in San Juan City and held an applied improv workshop with the medical practitioners from different hospitals in Manila and some members of the Philippine Navy. 

Sika Philippines Debuts Sika Applicator Partners Club with Exclusive Privileges

Philippines, September 2023 – In line with its commitment to sustain its strong relations with local industry stakeholders, Sika Philippines debuts its newest project Sika Applicator Partners Club (APC), an affiliation dedicated exclusively for its loyal partners in the construction field. With the core goal to elevate the technical expertise and service of selected specialty contractors engaged in Engineered Refurbishment, Waterproofing, Roofing, Sealing & Bonding and Flooring, Sika APC stands as a professional platform for holistic network among customers of related professions all over the country, which comes with exclusive perks and rebates.

Sika APC, set in a new web platform and soon in downloadable app, promotes the digitalization of the construction industry, with convenient access to information and provision of A-to-Z construction solutions. Sika Philippines taps on professionals and related artisans for collaborative partnerships with aligned visions towards sustainable innovations and adaptation to transitioning world of construction.

“We are one with the industry in the advocacy of improving technical competencies of applicators on Sika product application,” Building Systems Trade Marketing Senior Manager, Alainne Leonardo claims.

Through the exclusive Sika APC network, members can indulge on perks such as access to technical documents, webinars, and updates on latest innovative technologies in the construction chemical market and recognitions based on sales performance and timely projects.

Easy transaction process:

Click ‘Place a Request’

Type (drop down list)

Club Points Redemption

Complaint

Demo and Mock-up

Marketing Materials

Meeting

Product Presentation

Product Sample

Training

Online and on-site product and service training workshops are offered for members through the respective target markets sub-application field such as concrete repair, structural strengthening, waterproofing, finishing, roofing, flooring and more. Members can also benefit from rebates, ranging from 0.5% to 2% depending on the amount and purchased products.

Sika Applicator Partners Club encourages trusted clients to enroll for prequalification and membership particularly for applicators with a good reputation and a minimum 1.2 million potential sales on specialty products. Once declared eligible, the Sika Team will assign a sales member to proceed with the customer accreditation.

New events and additional perks for Sika APC members will be launched in the last quarter of 2023. For interested customers, you may visit https://phl.sika.com/en/sika-applicator/enroll-now-.html

About Sika Philippines

Sika Philippines, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Swiss-based Sika Group, serving the Philippine market since 1994. A major supplier of construction products to various market sectors including cement plants, ready-mix concrete industry, precast concrete factories, building, infrastructure, and industrial, retail and residential projects, it is a global company offering product range of high-quality concrete admixtures, specialty mortars, sealants and adhesives, building finishing solutions, concrete repair and structural strengthening, flooring, roofing and waterproofing systems. The company also specializes in products for commercial vehicle assembly, automotive aftermarket, marine vessels, industrial vessels and façade engineering. phl.sika.com

Panawagan sa Pagdodokumento ng Wika, bukás na!

Ano ang estado ng wikang Mamanwa?

Saang mga dominyo ginagamit ang wikang Kuyunon?

Bakit umuunti ang gumagamit ng wikang Irungdungan?

Paano nagagamit sa edukasyon ang wikang Hamtikanon?

Ilan lámang ito sa napakaraming tanong hinggil sa mga wikang katutubo ng Pilipinas na nais tugunan ng proyektong Dokumentasyon ng mga Wika at Kultura.

Dahil dito, inaanyayahan ang mga mananaliksik na nása larang ng Filipino, Antropolohiya, Lingguwistika, Kasaysayan, at mga kaugnay na disipilina; gayundin, ang mga tagapagsalita ng katutubong wika at kasapi ng katutubong pamayanang kultural na magsumite ng aplikasyon at panukala.

Ang hulíng araw ng pagsusumite ng aplikasyon at panukala ay sa 30 Oktubre 2023. Ang mapipiling mga aplikante ay pagkakalooban ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino ng grant na hindi bababa sa PHP300,000.00.

Layunin ng proyekto na masaliksik o maidokumento ang lahat ng wikang katutubo ng Pilipinas, matukoy at mabalida ang sitwasyong pangwika at pangkultura ng komunidad, at makapaglimbag ng mga manuskrito na tutugon sa kakulangan ng mga pag-aaral hinggil sa wika at kultura ng katutubong pamayanang kultural.

Para sa pagsusumite ng aplikasyon at panukala, i-click ang https://bit.ly/KWFdokumentasyon2024.

Para sa tuntunin, pormularyo ng panukala, gabay na mga tanong, iskedyul ng pagsasagawa ng proyekto, at mga wika ng Pilipinas, i-click ang https://bit.ly/KWFgrantDokumento. 

DTI Secretary Pascual Pinangunahan ang Pamamahagi ng Tulong Pinansyal Para sa mga Rice Retailers sa San Juan

SAN JUAN CITY—Alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na magpaabot ng tulong sa rice retailers na naapektuhan ng pagpapatupad ng Executive Order No. 39, pinangunahan ni Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual ngayong araw, 9 Setyembre 2023, ang pamamahagi ng tulong pinansyal sa mga kwalipikadong rice retailers sa Agora Public Market sa Lungsod ng San Juan.

Sa kanyang talumpati, binigyang diin ni Pascual na nakahandang umalalay ang pamahalaan sa mga rice retailers na lubos na naapektuhan sa pagtatakda ng price ceiling sa regular-milled rice na PHP41.00 at well-milled rice na PHP45.00.

 “Ang DTI, katuwang ng buong gobyerno, ay magtutulong-tulong upang mabilis na masolusyonan ang mga problema na kailangan nating harapin. Sa pamamagitan ng whole-of-government approach, handang umalalay ang buong pamahalaan upang masiguro ang kapakanan ng mga rice retailers at konsyumers. Lubhang nauunawaan namin ang kalagayan ng bawat isa, kami po sa DTI ay magsusumikap na mas mapabilis ang ating distribusyon sa iba't ibang panig ng bansa,”

Ang pagsisimula ng pormal na pamamahagi ng tulong pinansyal para sa mga kwalipikadong rice retailers ay inilunsad ngayong araw sa mga Lungsod ng San Juan, Caloocan, at Quezon na

pinangunahan ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), at ng Department of Agriculture (DA).

Ang Sustainable Livelihood Program (Cash Assistance for Micro Retailers) ay isang programa na pinangununahan ng DSWD katuwang ang DTI at iba pang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan sa pag validate sa mga kwalipikadong rice retailers na siyang benepisyaryo nito. Ngayong araw ay namahagi ang DSWD ng tulong pinansyal na nagkakahalaga ng PHP15,000 sa bawat isang kwalipikadong rice retailer.

Kahapon, 8 Setyembre 2023 ay naglabas ang DTI at DSWD ng guidelines upang magsilbing basehan sa pagtukoy ng mga kwalipikadong rice retailers. Ang mga ito ay dapat sumusunod sa EO 39 at:  (1) Rehistrado sa Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO); (2) Rehistrado sa DTI bilang sole proprietor or sa Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) bilang partnership o korporasyon; (3) Mga hindi rehistradong rice retailers na validated ng DTI; at (4) Mga hindi rehistradong rice retailers na validated ng mga market masters na beripikado ng DTI.

Bukod dito, ang naturang programa ay magaganap din sa iba't ibang panig ng bansa upang mas mailapit sa mga benepisyaryo ang tulong ng pamahalaan. Binigyang diin din ng DTI na maaaring magtungo sa pinakamalapit na DTI Negosyo Center o tumawag sa kanilang hotline na 1-DTI (1-384) ang mga kwalipikadong rice retailers na nais mapabilang sa listahan ng mga mapagkakalooban ng tulong pinansyal.

Sa kabilang banda, sinabi rin ni Pascual sa kanyang panayam na, “Ang unang ginagawa ng pamahalaan, sinabi nga ni Asec. Arnel, inaayos natin 'yung production ng rice sa lebel ng farms kasi kung malaki ang ani eh mas mababa ang cost per kilo at mas mababa nating maibebenta 'yung produksyon, so maraming pumapasok doon na factors tulad ng pagkakaloob ng fertilizers, seeds, at saka yung pag-aalaga ng farms.”

Kasama rin ni Secretary Pascual sa naganap na pamamahagi ng tulong pinansyal sa mga rice retailers sa San Juan sina DSWD Assistant Secretary Ada Calico, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa, at San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora. 

Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) Encourages Businesses and Academe in Region IX to Innovate Using Additive Manufacturing

“Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a bridge between imagination and reality,” was how AM was described by Mr. Aris Mortalla of DOST Region IX. As a 3D printing hobbyist, Mr. Mortalla shared his personal view on AM or 3D printing, and how it may be utilized by their stakeholders in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.

AM stands as one of the pioneering Industry 4.0 technologies offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC). The establishment of the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) has seen outputs from various collaborative research and has already manufactured AM products that are being used by its partners. AMCen extends its services not only to domestic manufacturers but also to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across diverse sectors and educational institutions alike.

Driven to make this technology hub and its services known to the public in different regions of the country, DOST-MIRDC features AMCen as one of its offerings in the celebration of the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTIW) 2023. 

DOST-MIRDC is currently participating in DOST IX’s RSTIW celebration in Zamboanga Peninsula. 

Engr. Alvin Buison, Senior Science Research Specialist at DOST-MIRDC and a key member of the AMCen project, emphasized during his presentation that AM can be seamlessly integrated into traditional manufacturing processes, “AM is a tool para makatulong sa conventional manufacturing - incorporate it (AM), to help.” He underscored that AM serves as a supplementary tool to enhance conventional manufacturing practices. Its unique capabilities, such as lightweighting features – lattices and topology-optimized geometries, address the needs of industries such as aerospace and automotive, as well as capitalize on the use of fewer materials without sacrificing a product’s quality.

AM is poised to become a catalyst for innovation and community development in Zamboanga. Engr. Buison encouraged attendees to explore innovative applications of AM in their daily lives and local communities.

For businesses, AM technologies offer a cost-effective means of product development. This translates to reduced capital investments and accelerated prototype development, enabling businesses to iterate their products swiftly. Educational institutions benefit as well, with AMCen offering a range of training programs focused on AM technologies and design. This equips the next generation of engineers with essential knowledge of AM technologies.

The forum conducted by the AMCen on Sept. 7, 2023, at the Amphitheater, Dapitan City Hall, Dapitan City, opened opportunities for possible future collaborations between the DOST Regional Offices, academe, and industry. This is also part of AMCen’s efforts in bringing Industry 4.0 technologies closer to communities in the regions. 

Watch out for more DOST-MIRDC activities in the regions, including exhibits and fora in the upcoming RSTIW celebrations around the country.

For more information on the Center’s available technologies and services, interested parties may contact the DOST-MIRDC through mirdc@mirdc.dost.gov.ph. For updates, follow our official Facebook page dostmirdc, and visit our website at mirdc.dost.gov.ph.

by Kai H. Negado

 

Conference to highlight mining’s role in sustainability, climate change response

After a four-year hiatus, the metallic mineral resource industry's leading stakeholders are set to reconvene for the highly anticipated Mining Philippines 2023 International Conference and Exhibition.  Slated on September 19-20, 2023 at the Edsa Shangri La Hotel in Mandaluyong City, the event is expected to reignite discussions on the future of the minerals development industry.

With the theme "Seeing Green: Shaping a Sustainable Minerals Development Industry," the conference will bring together a diverse assembly of participants, including government officials, private sector representatives, academics, indigenous communities, and mining host communities. Their collective objective: to chart a path towards maximizing the potential of the mining sector while addressing market dynamics, industry trends, internal capabilities, environmental concerns, and economic impacts. Collaboration among these stakeholders will be a key focus, with emphasis on the need for a holistic and sustainable approach to mining operations.

The conference's opening ceremony on September 19 will feature a keynote address by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.  Canadian Ambassador David Hartman and Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, representing two of the world’s biggest mining jurisdictions, for their part, are expected to provide insights on the importance of mining to socio-economic development and their countries’ close relationship with the Philippines, particularly in improving mining’s ESG performance.   

Meanwhile, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual will likely discuss his department’s initiatives to attract investments in the mining sector. DENR Undersecretary Annaliza Rebuelta-Teh is expected to focus her presentation on strategies for measuring and mitigating the impacts of mining, ensuring a sustainable and responsible approach to mineral extraction. 

Organized by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), the two-day event will serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices within the mining industry. 

"If allowed to flourish, mining will bring about improvement in the quality of life in host communities,” says Michael Toledo, COMP chairman.  “A robust mining industry will undoubtedly help our country overcome the lingering economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.  We are in a good position to contribute in a big way to the global energy transition in response to climate change, and we look forward to discussions on this subject during this conference.”

COMP vice chairman Gerard Brimo, on the other hand, underscored the industry's commitment to sustainability: "We've embraced the principles of ESG for more than a decade now. Our adoption of the Towards Sustainable Mining initiative manifests our commitment to further align the environmental protection and social development efforts of our members with global standards.”

On September 20, the sessions – to be headlined by Manny Pangilinan,  chairman of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and of Philex Mining Corporation – will be directed on such topics as ESG, strategic communication, and fiscal mining policy.