PBSP Supports Guimaras!

In response to the oil spill that happened in Guimaras in August 2006, the Philippine Business for Social Progress - Visayas Regional Office, pledged to support the affected families with the following initiatives:

1.Contribute to the attainment of the Goals of the Provincial Government of Guimaras by presenting PBSP’s rehabilitation response.

2.Mobilize and coordinate the support coming from PBSP member companies, CSR partners and local and international donor agencies for livelihood rehabilitation and other projects.

3.Interface and work with the Provincial Government, Local Government Units and other Government Line Agencies of Guimaras in implementing the livelihood rehabilitation program.

4.PBSP will propose its ARM framework in the implementation of the rehabilitation and poverty reduction program in Guimaras ARM.

5.PBSP will build the capabilities of local peoples organizations and non-government organizations.

The livelihood rehabilitation program that PBSP developed was then called the GUIMARAS AREA RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (GARMP). The GARMP aims to ensure the economic survival of 4,019 affected fishing families in 25 barangays from the Municipalities of Nueva Valencia, Sibunag and San Lorenzo, thru the implementation of sustainable livelihood projects .

PBSP-SMC Feeding Program in Brgy. Tayud

The Visayas Regional Office (VRO) of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), in collaboration with the Coalition for Better Education (CBE), held a joint feeding and medical mission activity in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu. This was one of the three SMC Project Access communities, which is also CBE's adopted barangay under its iN.CUBE Project. The area is also VRO's beneficiary community of the Project i.BUILD.

The activities were held at the grounds of Tayud Elementary School. PBSP tapped SMC's food division which provided for the "pospas" good for 300 pre-school and school-age children of Tayud; while CBE brought in the South Western University's College of Medicine, Pharmacy, MedTech, Dentistry, Optometry and Nursing to provide free medical, dental, and optical check-ups. Further, free medicines and blood typing for almost 500 residents of the barangay were given and done.


During the opening program, a MOA was also signed between SWU and Tayud LGU formalising the partnership and making SWU's extension program exclusively for Tayud. Significantly also, Mr. Bryan Perilla, Supervisor of the San Miguel Foods Corporation, committed to support other activities of the barangay. Ms. Girlie Garces, VIXCOM member and SMC's Communications Officer, also graced the occasion and even volunteered to distribute the "pospas" to the children.

The said activity is a concrete example of the interplay/collaboration of the Business-Goverment(DepEd)-LGU-Academe-NGOs linkage.

Lexmark Supports PBSP's Upland Project

PBSP and Lexmark International Philippines signed a Memorandum of Agreement for a partnership for the reforestation costs, environment related project implementation, institution building to BUKID Multi Purpose Cooperative (MPC), The BUKID MPC is an assisted cooperative of PBSP's Cebu Watershed Management Program (CWMP). This project is a part of the enterprise support to include abaca production to the upland farmers who are members of the BUKID MPC.

The photo above during the MOA signing: From right: Mr. John F. Domingo, Chair of PBSP Visayas Executive Committee (VIXCOM) and President of Magellan Veneer Corporation; Mr. Paul Flutty, President of Lexmark International Philippines; & Ms. Eileen Mangubat, Member of PBSP VIXCOM & Chair of PBSP's Hillyland Committee and Publisher of Cebu Daily News.

Cebu Business Fights Poverty Through CSR

PBSP hosted the “Freedom from Poverty: Cebu Business Fights Poverty Through Corporate Social Responsibility.” The luncheon corporate event was held at the Casino Español De Cebu last August 2, 2006 and was attended by 62 people coming from 35 companies and CSR partner organizations.

During the forum, Mr. Jose Levi Villanueva of the UnionBank, Chair of the PBSP Visayas Executive Committee and Member of the PBSP Visayas Executive Committee, presented the poverty reduction and corporate social responsibility thrusts of PBSP Visayas.

The keynote speaker of the event Ms. Yolanda V. Ong, Group Chairperson of Campaigns & Grey, showcased the moral and practical and aspects of engaging in CSR. She also emphasized the importance of strategically communicating the CSR initiatives of companies and advocacy works of various organizations.

The corporate gathering was opened with the performance of the "Pandanggo sa Ilaw" by the dance troupe of the Cebu State College of Science and Technology. Towards the end, the attendees joined the PBSP Board and staff in lighting the candles as expression of support to CSR.

One of the milestones of the Forum was the show of interest of some non-member companies to implement CSR into their core business. There were also inquiries by some non-member companies on how to become a member of PBSP, to which this is being followed up by PBSP staff.

The 2006 Reforestation Campaign

"When the rains start falling, signaling the start of the planting season, it's the time to head for the hillsides to plant trees in Cebu.

But the skies were clear and bright on yesterday (July 1, 2006) providing an ideal canopy for volunteers who joined the kickoff of the 2006 Reforestation Caravan of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP)."

Those were lifted from the Cebu Daily News (page 2) on its July 2, 2006 issue, where CDN, being a PBSP member company, came in full force, like they always do, to participate in the refo caravan.

Ms. Eileen Mangubat, Chair of PBSP Hillyland Sub-Committee and Member of PBSP Visayas Executive Committee (VIXCOM), gave a very enthusiastic speech about the essence of planting trees in the Cebu Hillylands.

Mahogany Seedlings, jackfruit and cacao were planted in the slopes of barangay Magsaysay, Balamban town by more than 200 employee-volunteers of PBSP member companies (9), friends and CSR partners (7).

Other most notable groups who joined were: Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation, FEP Printing, East Asia Utility, Fairchild, SMC-Cebu Beverage Packaging Plant, Cosmos Bottling Corp., SMC-Magnolia, GA Sattelite Ventures, Wellmade Motors, USC- Water Resource Center, SMC Foods, FCB Mandaue, and the ERUF.

This refo caravan commences the 2006 Reforestation Campaign of PBSP, which will culminate on the last Saturday of September 2006, through "Tindak-Tanum". This wil involve PBSP member companies and friends along with bicycle enthusiasts trooping up to the reforestation site. Details will be informed later. For more information, the PBSP VRO staff would be happy to accomodate inquiries at Tel. Nos. +63-32-2325283.

PBSP and the Smart Schools Program

PBSP, in partnership with SMART Communications, Inc., has partnered to implement the Smart Schools Program.

Recent turn-over of new Smart Learning Resource Centers under the Smart Schools Program were done last July 11, 2006 at the Paril National High School and the Lusaran National High School.

These two schools were the first recipients for Cebu City. Those who attended the turn-over ceremonies were Cebu City-North District Councilors, Dr. Christopher Alix and Edwin Jagmoc Sr., graced the event together with the Assistant Superintendent of Deped Cebu City Division, Dr. Josephine Abadia; Public Schools Division Supervisor, Mr. Rey Lañete; Paril Brgy. Capt. Eliseo Jopia; Division ICT Coordinator, Mr. Tom Pastor. Smart Communications, Inc., was represented by Atty. Ma. Jane Paredes and Ms. Menchie Quiñal. PBSP was represented by Ms. Mae Monjas, Ms. Olive Jabido and Ms. Edith Desabelle.

Partners in Learning in Cebu

The Philippine Business for Social in partnership with Microsoft Philippines, are implementing the Partners in Learning (PIL) program being undertaken by Mircosoft worldwide. In the Philippines, the PIL's major goal is to integrate Information and Communications Technology (ICT) into the public schools' curriculum.

Here in the Province of Cebu, PBSP conducted four simultaneous training on Digital Literacy. With the support from the DepEd Cebu Province Division, the trainings were conducted to the Carmen National High School, Dalaguete National High School, Bantayan National High School, and the Ocaña (Carcar) National High School. These simulataneous trainings were done last July 7-8, 2006.

The photos below were the participants from the Carmen National High SChool.

Bohol Governor Aumentado Speaks at the MDG Forum in Tagbilaran City

The Philippine Business for Social Progress conducted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and CEO Forum - Phase 2 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, on July 4, 2007, at the Bohol Tropics Resort Hotel in Tagbilaran City.

There were 27 participants from various business enterprises, 11 participants from the government, and 6 participants from PBSP's partners, for a total of 44 participants. The guest of honor on this affair was Governor Erico Aumentado of the Province of Bohol.

On his speech, Governor Aumentado said: "...from 52.9% poverty incidence in the Province of Bohol, we have reduced it to 29%. Thanks to all the forces helping us including PBSP... its Area Resource Management Projects in Bohol has been ongoing in the hinterlands in some areas where we have high incidence of poverty. I wish to report to PBSP that in those area, we have liberated our people from the clutches and fears of insurgency. Thanks to you and thanks to PBSP. A big hand for PBSP..."

The Philippines is a member-estate of the MDGs, which has been initiated by the United Nations. The aim of the MDG is to eradicate poverty by 2015. In doing so, PBSP takes the lead in the business sector's response for the MDGs. Thus the business sector has pledged to support four clusters of MDGs: Environment, Education, Health and Poverty.

For Bohol, the Governor encouraged the business sector to support the projects on potable water system in the Municipality of Sevilla and the Caruod Watershed in northern Bohol. PBSP on the other hand, encouraged the companies present to support the projects of the Bohol ARM.

Briefing the PBSP Member Companies in Cebu

“FREEDOM FROM POVERTY!”
Cebu Business Fights Poverty through Corporate Social Responsibility
August 2, 2006, 11:00 A.M. – 2 :00 P.M.
Casino Espanol de Cebu, Ranudo St., Cebu City

Objectives:

• CSR appreciation of MCs and NMCs and at the same time adapt to PBSP’s brand of CSR.
• Participation of at least five (5) of the 10 new member companies in any of the Visayas working committees.
• At least (5) new member companies supportive to PBSP’s various CSR projects.
• Recruitment of 10 new Visayas-based member companies.

Invitees:

• Prospective member companies;
• PBSP Member Companies;
• Members of the PBSP Visayas Regional Executive Committee; and the
• Membership Committee

Concept & Theme:

• Filipiniana, to create a nationalistic ambiance;
• Promote PBSP as a modern day expression of Bayanihan/Pakikipagkapwa;
• The dance troupe of Cebu Normal University will be invited to perform Pandanggo sa Ilaw (light to evoke hope amidst adversity /symbolize PBSP’s role in poverty reduction

Mrs. Belen King To Visit A. King Projects in Cebu

Mrs. Belen King, wife of Mr. Angelo King, will visit PBSP A. King Projects in Cebu on July 1, 2006. From the Shangri-la Hotel where she and her staff will be billeted, Mrs. King will visit first the Cebu Eastern Furniture Producers Coop (CEFPMPC) Building in Barangay Pajac, Lapu-Lapu City. There will be a brief interaction with CEFPMPC members and officers, inspection of the building, and photo ops. The CEFPMPC Multi-Purpose Center houses the coop members' best products (export-quality furniture and furnishings), and is being used as a meeting place for the members and officers. Birthdays and special occasions are also held in the center.

The next building to be visited will be the the Lapu-lapu City Science and Technology High School Speech Laboratory in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City. There will also be a brief interaction with some LLSTEC community, photo-ops, and a brief program prepared by the school. The building houses the state-of-the-art speech lab facility; where language skills of top students of Lapu-Lapu City are trained.

Afterwards, the group will proceed to the Tabok Workers Multi-Purpose Coop (TWMPC) Center in Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City. There will also be an interaction with TWMPC officers and members, inspection of the building, and photo-ops. The TWMPC Multi-Purpose Center is a tangible testimony of the coop's growth from zero capital to now multi-million peso cooperative. The center is the coop's business center, and where some its production processes are done.

The visit of Mrs. King is being coordinated by the PBSP Operations Group with the PBSP Visayas Regional Office through Ms. Edith Desabelle, Program Officer for the Metro Cebu Workforce and Education Program wherein the A. King projects to be visited are parts of.

PBSP Holds CSR & MDG Forum in Bohol

BOHOL CSR & MDG FORUM
July 7, 2006, 10:30 A.M., Harbor View Function Room,
Bohol Tropics Resort Hotel, Tagbilaran City

“CSR and MDG: New Perspectives for Bohol Business Community"

OBJECTIVES:

• To orient Bohol business community on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s);
• To popularize PBSP’s brand of CSR to the Bohol business community;
• To involve PBSP MC branches in PBSP/CSR initiatives specifically of the Bohol ARM and CVED Programs; and
• To recruit at least 3 new PBSP Member Companies from the Bohol business community.

FORUM PROGRAM

10:30 Registration
10:57 – 11:00 Invocation by Mr. Gil Olaivar of SMART
11:00 – 11:03 National Anthem
11:03 – 11:05 Welcome Remarks by Mr. Argeo Melisimo of FCB
11:05 – 11:10 Acknowledgment of Guests by Engr. Alan Tenorio of Petron
11:10 – 11:20 Presentation of PBSP Video
11:20 - 11:22 Introduction of the Guest Speaker by Mr. Marius Borja of Unionbank
11:22 – 11:45 A Talk on CSR & MDG Mr. Levi Villanueva of Unionbank
11:45 - 1:00 LUNCH

Orientation of PBSP’s Programs in Bohol:
On CSR & Poverty Reduction

1:00 - 1:20 - CVED by Mr. Philip Tan of Wellmade Motors
1:20 - 1:35 - Bohol ARM by Mr. N. Tolentino Gallares of FCB
1:35 - 1:55 Open Forum by Mr. N. Tolentino Gallares as Moderator
1:55 – 2:00 Closing Remarks by Ms. Natividad Gonzaga of AIT Marketing

There will be visits to CVED assisted groups in the afternoon and a field visit to Bohol ARM and BUILD Program sites the following day.

PBSP Kicks off the 2006 Refo Caravan

PBSP Announces the

2006 CEBU HILLYLAND REFORESTATION CARAVAN

A well-balanced ecology ensures steady flow of water for man. To have such balance, an area should have 54% forest cover. In 1991, Cebu has only 13%. PBSP invites companies, schools, clubs and civic organizations to plant trees in our watersheds.

Tree Planting Schedules:
July 8,15, 22 & 29
August 5, 12, 19 & 26, September 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2006

Hurry! Book your schedules now!!!

Kick-off Day : July 1, 2006 (Saturday)
Tree Planting Site : Brgy. Magsaysay, Balamban, Cebu
Assembly Area : CIC Backgate (Cor Samar Loop and Leyte Loop)
Cebu Business Park (Ayala) at 6:30 AM

For details, please contact: PBSP-VRO, 4th Floor, PLDT Building, Juan Luna Ave., Mabolo, Cebu City at tel. no. 232-5283 or 232-5270 and look for Ms. Maita Fabi.

SMART and PBSP turn over Smart School In San Juan, Southern Leyte

The San Juan National High School (SJNHS) Teachers Learning Resource Center in San Juan, Southern Leyte was inaugurated last June 5, 2006.

SJNHS is one the recipients of the Smart Schools Program, a community service initiative of Smart Communications, Inc. The program includes provision of 2 units PCs and peripherals, 1 year free internet connection using Smart Bro (a wireless internet connection), and teacher training. The Smart Schools Program is being implemented by the Workforce and Education Program of the PBSP Visayas Regional Office.

The said event was attended by Southern Leyte Governor Hon. Rosette Lerias; Dr. Alberto Escobarte, Assistant Regional Director - DepEd Region 8 and its Regional ICT Coordinator, Dr. Catalina Petilos; and Smart Communications' Ms. Menchie Quiñal and Atty. Ma Jane Paredes, Network Services Division Manager for Vismin and Manager of Public Affairs, respectively. Ms. Mae Monjas and Ms. Leah Alivio, both from PBSP, also attended the event.

A Success Story from PBSP-CVED Visayas

WHERE COOKING IS A TRADITION

"Unsa'y muagi (na pagkaon) sa kamot ni Lola, molami jud na; unsa'y moagi sa kamot ni Mama, lami jud na." says Hedelisa Bautista-Ares, proprietor of TIENDA BOHOLANA based in Totolan, Dauis, Bohol. From the name itself, one can deduce that the business produces genuine Bohol-made products, and that is 18 kinds of baked products in Tienda Boholana's case. It ranges from pasalubong varieties to Bohol-made delicacies. Tienda Boholana, is a label coined by her father in 1988, back whenthe business had been managed by her mother, Estella. One of their products, the famous Peanut Crunch, was even named after her in 1977.

The business had been passed through generations of a food-loving family. Hedelisa herself inherited the business when her mother died in 1992. It had woven not only the Bautista's family's penchant for cooking but also the lives of those who had sustained it, back when cooking was simply a hobby, which later evolved as a business. Cooking served as a quilt that pieced together the lives of the people who had been part of Tienda Boholana for the last 16 years, bearing witness to marriages, births and significant events of those who had worked with them. It encompasses the history and lives of the Bautista's family as well as the love and hopes of the people that surrounds it.

In 1995, Hedelisa would have given all that up at a time when the market went down and her passion for cooking had faded, to the point that she cannot even stand the sight of flour. For her, continuing the business when she had no reason became a dilemma. But the long line of their family's penchant for cooking won out. With so many families working most of their lives living off Tienda Boholana's productivity, giving up due to lack of passion for cooking was too lame an excuse, even for Hedelisa. It was like putting off the embers of hope of those working withTienda Boholana just because she lost the fire herself.

Slowly, she wormed herway through a solution. Opportunity came. She was on the right track, it seems. Through a two-day entrepreneurship seminar spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry in Tagbilaran City in November 2004, Hedelisa was informed about CVED (Corporate Volunteers for Enterprise Development), an enterprise development program of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). There she learned about the ways of how small and medium scaleindustries can be assisted through the CVED program. Ways that ranged from developing market and some strategies, improving organization and its operations and strengthening financial management so business becomes ready and competitive.

It was a perfect timing. Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) , a private institution which aims to promote business sector commitment to social development partnered with the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) and the Canadian International for Development Agency (CIDA), established CVED in 2002 and thereon has been helping micro and small enterprises by engaging the skills and expertise of a Filipino Volunteer Adviser (VA).

PBSP undertook the task of helping Hedelisa's sleepy business when shecame to them, sending her a Volunteer Adviser (VA) who later taught her the dynamics of effectively managing and marketing her business.For Hedelisa, working with Margaret Gravador, the Volunteer Adviser assigned to her, was like going back to school. Being taught about the aspects of marketing the product, packaging, pricing, dressing up their display area made her realize that there are indeed innovative and creative ways in bringing her product to the market. Re-packaging her business was one factor in the rebirth of Tienda Boholana.

As she later learned from her continuous advises with Marge, these were some component that she needed in order to successfully compete in the market. They also utilized advertising to improve their product's marketability, such as putting up one page advertisements in the Bohol Daily Chronicle.

In the end of it all, Hedelisa was able to bring back most ofher grandmother and parents' regular customers who had slowly trickled in number a few years back, and in the process had bridged one generation to another. This time she is confident that she is bridging the yesteryears humble effort and the hope that the future brings into the business which she understand depends on her passion and determination to carry on.

With PBSP-CVED advisory assistance, not only had she continued theirfamily's tradition for cooking which had passed on from generation to generation, but it had improved their business literally, increasing their sales by 300%. For what it's worth, Hedelisa Ares is one proprietor in whom the CVED program of PBSP had definitely left its mark of excellence for generations to come.

Interviewed by: Dianne Rallon
Edited by: Lady Nice Taneo

( For information on CVED, contact: PBSP Visayas Regional Office, 4th floor PLDT building Juan Luna Avenue, Mabolo, Cebu City. Tel nos.: 231 9426, 232 5270 (look for Malu) Fax 232 5286 or email to mrampiloquio@pbsp.org.ph )

Typhoon Caloy Wreaks Havoc to PBSP Samar

Typhoon Caloy (International Codename: Chanchu) that hit the island of Samar last May 11 and 12, 2006, damaged a lot of properties at the PBSP Samar Field Office.

The Samar Resource Management Program aims to tackle three major areas of concern in Samar until 2009. These are the scaling up of the are coverage to 26 from 15 communities in five from three municipalities within Maqueda Bay and will address the organizational, socio-economic and ecological concerns affecting the lives of some 4,600 poor fishing and farming households.

One of the major components of the SRMP is the expansion of alternative coastal livelihood projects like cage culture of grouper, milkfish, snapper, seabass, seaweed and mussel farming, etc. As such, PBSP established and built in-land fish cages, nurseries, tanks, and floating cages (as shown below, before the typhoon struck).

When the typhoon's coming was announced by PAG-ASA, the PBSP Samar staff prepared precautionary measures. However, due to the strength of the typhoon, damage to properties were inevitable. The PBSP Samar Field Office Staff immediately assessed the damage brought by the typhoon. This was how the floating cages looked after the typhoon:

Damage to properties were evident as well as to the fish stocks, breeders for snappers, trevally (Talakitok), groupers and milkfish were also recorded.

First photo: Grouper breeders: Only 34 pieces left out of 493 pieces reared as breeders.
Second photo: Talakitok (Trevally) recovered 10 out of 88 pieces that were already dead.

First Photo: Milkfish breeders: Only 97 pieces left out of 544 pieces reared as breeders.
Second Photo: Snapper breeders: Only 21 pieces left out of 544 pieces reared as breeders.

Other major damages were also recorded:

(a) 90% Damaged to PBSP & Coop Cages
(b) Cages Separated from each other due to Very Strong Winds and Waves (washed ashore)
(c) 95% of breeders escaped due to tear of nets
(d) Seawater Reservoir with Damaged Canvass Shed
(e) Nursery Tanks with Seabass and Milkfish Fry with Damaged Shed
(f) Larval Tanks Shed with Damaged Nettings

There were also damages to the bunk house of the staff, trees along the driveway uprooted and destroyed, banca damaged, shed houses to tanks were also destroyed.

Estimate of the destruction were pegged at P3.873 Million as value of damaged properties or lost stocks. Another estimated P2.38 Million on unrealized earning due to mortalilty of stocks was also recorded.

PBSP VIXCOM Chair is now PBSP Trustee

The Chair of the PBSP Visayas Executive Committee (VIXCOM), Mr. John F. Domingo who is also the President of the Magellan Veneer Corporation, a PBSP Member Company, has been appointed as PBSP Trustee.

In a letter to Mr. Domingo from Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan, PBSP Chair, Mr. Pangilinan said:

"The PBSP Board unanimously resolved to grant your appointment, keeping in mind your presence in previous board meetings to represent the Visayas Regional Executive Committee (VixCom). The appointment will formalize your representation in the Board, as Chair of the VIXCOM. It was also agreed that the Chairs of the regional executive committees would also be invited during the meetings of the Executive Committee."

This is a very proud moment for the PBSP Visayas Regional Office.

PBSP Visayas Celebrates Earth Day

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Visayas Regional Office joined the celebration of the Earth Day by planting mangrove propagules along the coastline of Barangay Sta. Rosa in Olango Island last April 22, 2006. The even was participated by more than a hundred participants coming from PBSP Member Companies and Friends like Petron Corporation, East Asia Utilities Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, Organizational Performance Associates, PILMICO Foods Corporation, Cebu Daily News and PBSP staff.

PBSP is implementing the Olango Island Development Program to help hundreds of poor coastal families develop environment-friendly livelihood activities and at the same time protect the marine ecosystems around Olango.

Mr. Jose Antonio Y. Aboitiz, Chief Finance Officer of PILMICO Foods Corporation and Chair of PBSP Olango Committee graced the activity. He said that Olango Island has one of the richest marine ecosystem in the Philippines.



The body of water situated along and between Olango Island and the Municipality of Tubigon in Bohol is also the location of one of the largest coral reefs in the world - the Danajon Bank or Double Barrier Reef, located off northern Bohol, the only double barrier reef in the Philippines and one of only three such reefs in the Indo-Pacific Region. Olango is also home to hundreds of migratory birds.

Support the Reforestation of Central Cebu: Buy PBSP Christmas Cards!

Presenting the
PBSP 2006 Christmas Card Fund Campaign
This is a Fund Campaign for the
Reforestation of the Central Cebu Hillylands!

For Orders and Inquiries, please visit or call:
The Philippine Business for Social Progress - Visayas Regional Office
4th Floor, PLDT Building, Juan Luna Avenue, Mabolo, Cebu City
Tel. Nos. +6332-232-5283/70 and Fax No. +6332-232-5286
Or please Email: Olive Jabido at ogjabido@pbsp.org.ph or Maita Fabi mmfabi@pbsp.org.ph

Sample Flyer.

We can send Flyers of the Christmas Card Campaign when requested. Thank you.

PBSP in the Visayas Joins 2006 Earth Day Celebrations

Come and join!
Mangrove Planting
April 22, 2006
Olango Island

To celebrate Earth Day 2006, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in the Visayas is geared to take part to promote environmental awareness among PBSP Member Companies, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Partners and PBSP assisted communities. This will be done by planting 10,000 mangrove seedlings in Olango Island, off Mactan, Cebu.

The Olango Island is an Area Resource Management (ARM) program of the PBSP through the Olango Island Development Program (OIDP). Area coverage is 11 barangays. The OIDP aims to improve the quality of life of about 2,300 households and at the same time protect, rehabilitate and sustainably manage the island's depleted resources, marine and wildlife sanctuaries. The program also involves the business sector in the development and protection of Olango Island. For more information about the Olango Island Development Program (OIDP), please call the PBSP Visayas Regional Office at telephone numbers (032) 232-5283/232-5270.


We are therefore inviting PBSP Member Companies, CSR Partners and assisted communities to participate in the Mangrove Planting on April 22, 2006. Companies who have a stake in Olango are likewise invited. These are: Petron, Lexmark, Taiyu Yuden, CFIF, HSBC, Citibank, PLDT, Smart, Aboitiz and Company and PBSP VIXCOM Members.

The proposed itinerary:

6:45 Meet at Boyla’s Dive Shop

7:00 - 7:30 Travel from Boyla’s Diveshop to Sta. Rosa, Olango

7:30 - 8:00 Sta. Rosa Wharf to Mangrove Reforestation Site (Multicab)

8:00 - 8:30 Short Program: Welcome/Opening Remarks

11:00 - 11:10 Travel Reforestation Site to Sta. Rosa Wharf

11:10 - 11:30 Sta. Rosa Wharf to San Vicente Marine Sanctuary and Seaweeds Farm

11:30 - 11:50 Move to Sulpa Island

11:50 - 1:00 Lunch at Sulpa Island

1:00 - 1:30 Travel back from Sulpa Island to Boyla’s Diveshop

For more information for transportation costs, directions and other arrangements, please call Olive Jabido or Edwin Leung of the PBSP Visayas Regional Office at telephone numbers (032) 232-5283/2325270.

PBSP Visayas Spearheads the Southern Leyte Rehabilitation Program

In the aftermath of the St Bernard (Southern Leyte) landslide that buried Brgy. Guinsaugon, the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte and the Municipal Government of St. Bernard received a lot of assistance from various organizations from all over the Philippines and abroad, for relief operations. Further, rehabilitation efforts have come to fore which were also participated by a large number of organizations locally and internationally.

To coordinate the efforts from the civil society and the business sector for the rehabilitation efforts, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) is working with the St. Bernard Municipal Development Coordinating Council and the Provincial and Municipal Governments, to consolidate various rehabilitation efforts, especially on livelihood aspect. This led to the development of the Southern Leyte Rehabilitation Program.

The proposed Southern Leyte Rehabilitation Program is a comprehensive program designed to help the disaster victims recover in terms of: (1) housing; (2) access to basic services such as electrification, water, health and education; and (3) livelihood and income. The program also desires to optimize rehabilitation efforts to help victims improve their livelihood and realize incomes closer to if not above the poverty threshold level on a sustained basis.

Acknowledging the resources, interventions, coordination and time required to complete rehabilitation efforts, PBSP proposes to adopt Southern Leyte as a priority area using its Area Resource Management (ARM) strategy for the post-disaster rehabilitation program.

Consistent with PBSP’s ARM, the Southern Leyte Rehabilitation Program shall have three (3) components:

Component 1. Organizational Systems Development & Stakeholder Engagement
1. Formation, strengthening and mobilization of the Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council (MDCC) for the implementation of the rehabilitation program
2. Formulation of the Municipality’s Disaster Preparedness, Prevention, Relief and Rehabilitation strategy and programs
3. Establishment of information and coordination hub to assist MDCC
4. Organization of beneficiaries into Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs)
5. Rehabilitation, capability building and funding assistance to the San Isidro Multi-Purpose Cooperative on livelihood rehabilitation

Component 2. Socio-economic Systems Development
1. Housing
2. Provision of basic services such as electrification, water, health and education
3. Livelihood rehabilitation
4. Enterprise development

Component 3. Ecological Systems Development
1. Installation of Disaster Preparedness Plan
2. Development of Guinsaugon into a Memorial Reforestation Park
3. Reforestation and agroforestry systems development in the upland areas or hilly lands

THE PROPOSED REHABILITATION PROGRAM

As agreed with the MDCC, PBSP will take the lead in livelihood rehabilitation and shall coordinate with the municipal government, line agencies and donors in generating alternative livelihood opportunities for the disaster victims.

Strategies. In consultation with the affected households and local stakeholders in St. Bernard and prospective donors in Manila, PBSP shall employ a combination of strategies:

1. Tapping paid labor and services of disaster victims in the rehabilitation projects e.g. house construction, production of hollow blocks for house construction, etc.
2. Support or scale up productivity for households with access to land and aquamarine resources
3. Explore opportunities with companies operating in So. Leyte, Cebu and Bohol for jobs and service contracts (e.g. maintenance, utilities, construction and other services)
4. Secure business opportunities (e.g. dealership, e-load business, purchase of home-made delicacies, etc.)
5. Promote and support off-farm livelihood activities

• Support or scale up then existing off-farm livelihood activities such as sari-sari stores, trading, food vending, transport and other services, etc.
• Scale-up production, promote and market local products such as peňato and other native delicacies and processed foods
• Introduction of new livelihood activities related to product and by-product processing of existing agricultural crops such as virgin coconut oil, abaca-based gifts items, fashion accessories and household items, bamboo furniture, etc.
• Introduction of trade skills-based livelihood activities such as cell phone and appliance repair, machinery, welding, masonry, etc.

Very-short term activities.

These will include food processing (meat, fish and vegetables), cosmetology, crochet, production of souvenir or novelty items from waste products, decorative candle making, bamboo and abaca based gifts, toys and house wares, reflexology, concrete hollow blocks making and even electronic load or pasa load.

Short-term livelihood activities.

These will include processing of virgin coconut oil, hand made paper making to support the bamboo and abaca based GTH, Quilting, Sewing, trisikad, food vending. Once the evacuees are resettled already, short-term projects like consumer store, sari sari store, bakery, mushroom culture, broiler and quail egg production can be implemented. The beneficiaries will also be encouraged to go into vermi composting and home lot gardening using the FAITH Concept (Food Always in the Home). The vermi composting project can also be a community effort to support the solid waste management of the resettlements. These economic activities shall be conducted within one to six months, after such gains are already ensured.

Medium-term economic activities.

These activities may be implement within six to twelve months. These may include bamboo based furniture making, handicrafts, GTH, ornamental plants raising, water station or refilling, ice making project and mariculture particularly for those households that will be resettled at barangay Magbagacay (a relocation site along the St. Bernard Bay).

Long-term economic activities. These will include skills training for young adults on various trade such as welding, masonry, carpentry, electricity, plumbing, cell phone and appliance repair among others. Trainees can be assisted in setting up their businesses after the training or find employment in So. Leyte or nearby provinces and cities.

More support to the Southern Leyte Rehabilitation Program is still welcome and requested. For more inquiries, please contact the following PBSP staff:

PBSP Visayas Regional Office
4th Floor, PLDT Building
Juan Luna Avenue, Mabolo
Cebu City
Tel. Nos. (032) 232-5270/232-5283
Fax No. (032) 232-5286

CONTACT PERSONS:

Leo Dionisio H. Hilado
Director for Operations
Email: lhhilado@pbsp.org.ph

Jessie M. Cubijano
Communications Officer
Email: jmcubijano@pbsp.org.ph

Raymund L. Bandalan
Project Officer
Email: rlbandalan@pbsp.org.ph

PBSP Head Office
2/F PSDC Building
Real corner Magallanes Streets
Intramuros, Manila
Tel. Nos. (02) 527-7741 to 52

Ramon R. Derige
Deputy Executive Director
Email: rrderige@pbsp.org.ph

PBSP Welcomes PASAR Corporation

The PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATED SMELTING AND REFINING CORPORATION (PASAR), the only copper smelter and refinery in the Philippines, located in the Leyte Industrial Development Estate (LIDE) in Isabel, Leyte, is the newest member company of the Philippiine Business for Social Progress. PASAR Corporation is represented by Mr. Ricardo G. Santiago, PASAR Senior Vice President.

They signed their Statement of Commitment to PBSP last March 10, 2006. The entry of PASAR to the roster of PBSP Member Companies makes the total number of PBSP Visayas-based Member Companies to 42!

PBSP Welcomes Nine New Visayas-based Member Companies

The nine new member companies of PBSP holding their membership plaques together with PBSP Board of Trustees, Mr. Roberto E. Aboitiz of Aboitiz & Company (left), PBSP Chair Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan of PLDT Co (5th fron the left), and Mrs. Maria Luisa Perez-Rubio of Ponderosa Farms, Inc. (6th from left).

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) recognized nine new Cebu-based member companies. The recognition was done during PBSP’s 18th Visayas Annual Membership Meeting (VAMM) held last February 22, 2006 at the Casino Español de Cebu. This brings PBSP’s roster of member companies to 211.

Established in 1970, PBSP is a corporate-led foundation dedicated to the promotion of business sector commitment in poverty reduction. PBSP’s social development efforts in the Visayas began in 1988 with the implementation of Hillyland Development Program (HDP) in the Central Cebu protected watersheds. As a partnership between PBSP, the Cebu City government and the business sector, HDP was geared towards the reforestation of the denuded Central Cebu watersheds and the improvement of the livelihood of the people living in the watershed barangays. At present, PBSP Visayas is managing poverty reduction and corporate social responsibility programs that have benefited more than 23,000 households in Bohol, Cebu, Negros Occidental and Samar.

The poverty reduction programs implemented by PBSP are opportunities for the business sector to be directly involved in social development. The nine new Cebu-based member companies of PBSP are: Andy’s Food Chain, Boyla Dive Center, ER Laguna Construction, Garces Royal Garden and Food Service, GA Satellite Ventures Inc., Global Network Communications Solutions Inc., Janice Minor Export Inc., Mactan Rock Industries Inc., and Mastercraft Philippines Inc.

PBSP Visayas Holds Successful 18th VAMM

The Philippine Business for Social Progress - Visayas has successfully conducted its 18th Visayas Annual Membership Meeting with the theme: "PBSP Visayas at 18: Leading Corporate Citizenship". Held at the Casino Español de Cebu, the 18th VAMM was presided by PBSP Visayas Executive Committee (VIXCOM) Chair, Mr. John F. Domingo. Also present were: Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan, PBSP Chair & PLDT Chair and Ms. Maria Luisa Perez-Rubio, PBSP Board of Trustee and co-founder of PBSP, PBSP Luzon Regional Committee Chair, Mr. Jose Antonio Banson, Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines His Excellency Peter Sutherland, Cebu City Vice-Mayor Michael Rama, and Consul Moya Jackson of the United Kingdom.

Around 3oo guests attended the event. These came from officers of PBSP member companies and non-member companies, Corporate Social Responsibility partners, officers from the Provincial and City Governments of Cebu, PBSP partners from local governments in the Visayas, government agencies, partners and donors of PBSP, representatives from civil society groups, academe and media.

Her Excellencty President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the Keynote Speaker of the 18th VAMM. She cited the men and women of PBSP for their contribution to nation-building and their mature approach to the spirit and legacy of EDSA People Power 1. She also cited the organization for supporting her projects to help the poor. "EDSA 1 has become an enduring part of our history. You honor the struggle of EDSA by bringing justice to the people. You demonstrate the transformed and mature fight for economic and social justice since EDSA 1," she said.

The President recalled that since its establishment in 1970, PBSP has created "positive change without going outside the system." She also said two EDSA People Power events have happened in the country and were accepted by the Filipino people and the world community.

The President also urged the leaders of PBSP to continue helping her administration in the battle against poverty and pursue the gains generated by fiscal and economic reforms. The country's economy is on the right track, the Philippine peso is getting stronger against the US dollar, investments continue to pick up, there is a rising business outlook, inflation is under control, the budget deficit is way below target and savings are up, the tourism industry is creating more job opportunities; and the stock market remains bullish, she said. "Our vision is permanent political and economic stability to take us to the threshold of the First World in twenty years," she added.

The President congratulated the PBSP for showing its concerns for the victims of the landslide in St. Bernard town in Southern Leyte.

Meanwhile, PBSP chairman and PLDT president Manuel V. Pangilinan stressed the legacy of PBSP's 35th year in social development in the country and of PBSP Visayas' 18 years. He also mentioned the thrusts of PBSP in the coming years. Mr. Pangilinan also informed the President that PBSP, in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, will build 100 homes free of charge for the victims of St. Bernard landslides and will donate another P5 million for the rehabilitation of the livelihood activities of the families affected.

The President was accompanied by members of her Cabinet and members of the diplomatic corps and the UN Resident Coordinator.

PBSP Presents "Best of Visayas Fair"

A showcase of products from a very select group of Visayas subcontractors and peoples' organizations will be presented at the "Best of Visayas Fair". The Fair will be opened on February 22, 2006 at 3:00 P.M., at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall. This will be done immediately after the 18th PBSP Visayas Annual Membership Meeting. This will run until February 26, 2006.

The participating groups for the "Best of Visayas Fair" are assisted subcontractors and cooperatives of the different Programs and Units of PBSP in the Visayas. The Fair expects to generate market linkages and revenues for these groups. The officers and members of these participating groups are also expected to enhance their skills in product packaging, labelling, processing and networking with various market linkages. Other than the exhibits, there will be various Fora for the subcontractors and small entrepreneurs. (Please see poster for more details.)

The Fair is coordinated by the Workforce and Education Development Program. For inquiries, please call Ms Edith Desabelle at Telephone Numbers (32) 232-5283/70 or email at madesabelle@pbsp.org.ph.

Everybody is enjoined to please come and visit our booths and help the small subcontractors and cooperatives in the Visayas!

PBSP Gears Up for Southern Leyte Relief Operations

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) has deployed a pool of staff from its Training and Consulting (TC) Group to join efforts with the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte for relief operations for the victims of the Guinsaogon, St. Bernard, Southern Leyte mudslide disaster last February 16, 2006. Working closely with the Integrated Provincial Health Office of Southern Leyte, the PBSP team is now distributing food items to survivors.

Meanwhile, the PBSP Visayas Regional Office has worked with the Mirant Philippines Foundation and the Mirant Global Toledo Power Corporation, for the shipment of Php200,000 worth of goods for the relief operations in St. Bernard. PASAR Foundation volunteered their trucks to bring the goods to the evacuation sites.

The Cebu Provincial Government Disaster Coordinating Council has provided full support for the PBSP Visayas and Mirant relief goods shipment by providing free usage of two trucks and free passage of the trucks and people courtesy of Roble Shipping.

Meanwhile, the PBSP Head Office is also receiving more assistance from PBSP member companies for various food items and other goods for the St. Bernard survivors and their families. PBSP member companies, CSR partners and friends are also encouraged to provide more relief goods like foods items, blankets, mats, mosquito nets, flashflights, slippers, ropes, mosquito repellent, and rescue support assistance.

For more inquiries, please contact or email the following:

Ramon Derige for PBSP Head Office
3/F PSDC Building, Real Corner Magallanes Streets
Intramuros, Manila
(02) 527-7741 to 52
Email: rrderige@pbsp.org.ph

Danny Cerence for PBSP Visayas Regional Office
4/F PLDT Building, Juan Luna Avenue
Mabolo, Cebu City
(032) 232-5270/83
Email: dmcerence@pbsp.org.ph

Rene Fortuno and Eric Macanas for PBSP-TC Southern Leyte
LEAD Project
Maasin, Southern Leyte
Email: rmfortuno@pbsp.org.ph

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Confirms Attendance to the PBSP 18th VAMM

The Visayas Regional Office (VRO) of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) will celebrate its 18th Visayas Annual Membership Meeting (VAMM) on February 22, 2006 at the Casino Español de Cebu, Cebu City.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has confirmed her attendance to the 18th VAMM and she will deliver the Keynote Address.

Some 300 guests are expected to attend the affair composed of PBSP Board of Trustees, PBSP Visayas Executive Committee, PBSP Member Companies and non-Member Companies, CSR partners, members of the Diplomatic Corps, donor agencies, partner organizations, civil society groups, local government units, government line agencies, academe and the media.

The VAMM is an annual affair of PBSP in the Visayas to report to its members and the public what PBSP has accomplished in the past fiscal year and what are its plans for the coming years. The theme this year is: "PBSP at 18: Leading Corporate Citizenship".

PBSP Christmas Card Fund Campaign 2006

Design 4. Please email your inquiries and orders to pbspvro@pbsp.org.ph

PBSP Christmas Card Fund Campaign 2006

Design 3. Please email your inquiries and orders to pbspvro@pbsp.org.ph