Olango Challenge open-water swimming competition today
By Caecent No-ot Magsumbol
The Freeman
April 30, 2011
CEBU, Philippines - The 2011 Olango Challenge, the country’s premiere open-water swimming competition, unfolds its fourth edition at 10 am today at Tambuli Beach Club in Mactan Island.
Nikita Dacera and Erika Lukang are all set to defend their respective title in the open division.
Over a hundred swimmers are expected to join the annual fund-raising event, which will benefit the people of Olango Island.
Launched in 2008, the event hopes to promote the sport in the country considering that it's now included in the Olympics and past of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games calendar.
The other top athletes set to see action are last year's runner-up Loren Dale Exchavez and third placer Paul Abigail Vega.
This year, the premiere division features a longer course as the organizing Philippine Business For Social Progress and the sanctioning Philippine Aquatics Sports Association stretch the race route from five to six kilometers.
Aside from that, there’s also a 2K class both for the competitive and fun swimmers plus the relay category.
Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the PBSP regional office and co-chairman of the open water event, said they are expecting a bigger staging this year.
"It's always been different each year. Now we expect as many as 70 participants who will swim the open-water box formation which they will circle three times for a total of six kilometers," Aboitiz said in a press statement.
He added the event is part of the greater awareness for open-water swimming and swimming in general program they have launched a few years back.
"Even though we are an island nation, still there are a lot of people who don't know how to swim. Six children below 12 years old die of drowning everyday in our country. Hopefully this event will do some good," said Aboitiz.
Since 2008, the event raised almost P1.7 million for the people of Olando, which is used for social services and other income-generating projects.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
UC tanker favored in today’s 4th Olango Challenge
UC tanker favored in today’s 4th Olango Challenge
By Mars G. Alison
Cebu Daily News
April 30, 2011
UNIVERSITY of Cebu's (UC) Paula Abigail Vega will be a favorite in the 4th Olango Challenge dubbed “Swim for Nature, Swim for the Future,” which gets underway today at the Tambuli East beach Resort in Lapu-Lapu City.
Vega, who is also a member of the Cebu Blue Marlin (CBM) Swimming Club, ruled the women's competitive category in the 1st and 2nd Olango Challenge.
However, in last year's 3rd undertaking of this open-water swimming competition, Vega only managed a third place finish behind first placer Erika Lukang and second placer Loren Dale Echavez.
Lukang has not registered for the event while Echavez is in Hong Kong for another swimming competition.
Lukang could still surprise Vega today as organizers will still be accepting entries until 9 .m. today in Tambuli in time for the race briefing. The competition is set to start at 10 a.m.
Vega is one of the 111 participants who have so far paid the registration fee, according to Riva Vales of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).
Aside from Vega, other notable personalities who will be competing are former top triathlete Amale Mendezona-Jopson and former top swimmer Larissa Ang.
This competition is organized by the PBSP in partnership with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA) as a fund-raising activity for the benefit of Olango residents. It is also being supported by the Lapu-Lapu City government.
Although they are still expecting more to submit their last minute entries today, Vales confirmed that this year's edition has gathered the most number of participants since the 1st Olango Challenge in 2008.
By Mars G. Alison
Cebu Daily News
April 30, 2011
UNIVERSITY of Cebu's (UC) Paula Abigail Vega will be a favorite in the 4th Olango Challenge dubbed “Swim for Nature, Swim for the Future,” which gets underway today at the Tambuli East beach Resort in Lapu-Lapu City.
Vega, who is also a member of the Cebu Blue Marlin (CBM) Swimming Club, ruled the women's competitive category in the 1st and 2nd Olango Challenge.
However, in last year's 3rd undertaking of this open-water swimming competition, Vega only managed a third place finish behind first placer Erika Lukang and second placer Loren Dale Echavez.
Lukang has not registered for the event while Echavez is in Hong Kong for another swimming competition.
Lukang could still surprise Vega today as organizers will still be accepting entries until 9 .m. today in Tambuli in time for the race briefing. The competition is set to start at 10 a.m.
Vega is one of the 111 participants who have so far paid the registration fee, according to Riva Vales of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).
Aside from Vega, other notable personalities who will be competing are former top triathlete Amale Mendezona-Jopson and former top swimmer Larissa Ang.
This competition is organized by the PBSP in partnership with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA) as a fund-raising activity for the benefit of Olango residents. It is also being supported by the Lapu-Lapu City government.
Although they are still expecting more to submit their last minute entries today, Vales confirmed that this year's edition has gathered the most number of participants since the 1st Olango Challenge in 2008.
Friday, April 29, 2011
CBE embarks initiatives to promote quality education
CBE embarks initiatives to promote quality education
By Janice G. Emate
The Freeman
April 29, 2011
CEBU, Philippines - The Coalition for Better Education (CBE) has presented its current initiatives towards improving the quality of education in the country.
CBE’s programs and projects seek to create and sustain relevant and empowered learning environments and eventually provide better education for all.
The Executive Director of CBE Luchi C. Flores, presented the CBE project which is the Involving Communities for Better Education (iNCUBE). It is designed to allow the community to co-administer and co-manage the plans, programs and projects of the local public school.
Flores said that iNCUBE showcases the involvement of the community in the governance of local public school.
The iNCUBE was piloted by the Tayud National and Elementary Schools in Consolacion, Cebu.
Under the iNCUBE program, a community-based center was established in Tayud National High School. It provides fee-based services to community members for learning and business activities.
Another initiative is the Center for Teacher Excellence (CefTex). It is a joint project of the CBE, Cebu Normal University, City Savings Bank, Globe Telecom and Microsoft Philippines.
It provides a facility for teachers to demonstrate advance and relevant knowledge of education with advance teaching skills and techniques.
In addition, CBE president Dr. Caridad C. Labe said they support the K+12 program. She added that the teachers are now ready for the said program.
Mr. Jessie M. Cubijano of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) said that they acknowledge the value of education as a way of reducing poverty. PBSP is a great supporter of CBE.
Globe Telecom Representative Jeffrey Tarayao said that Globe, as a partner of CBE, wants the organization to spread outside Cebu.
Augusto Carpio Managing Director of the Aboitiz Foundation stressed that the foundation is willing to help CBE since the major problem of the country now revolves in education.
CBE is a non-government organization composed of various education stakeholders from the academe, students, parents, government, business, non-government organizations, media and civic groups.
By Janice G. Emate
The Freeman
April 29, 2011
CEBU, Philippines - The Coalition for Better Education (CBE) has presented its current initiatives towards improving the quality of education in the country.
CBE’s programs and projects seek to create and sustain relevant and empowered learning environments and eventually provide better education for all.
The Executive Director of CBE Luchi C. Flores, presented the CBE project which is the Involving Communities for Better Education (iNCUBE). It is designed to allow the community to co-administer and co-manage the plans, programs and projects of the local public school.
Flores said that iNCUBE showcases the involvement of the community in the governance of local public school.
The iNCUBE was piloted by the Tayud National and Elementary Schools in Consolacion, Cebu.
Under the iNCUBE program, a community-based center was established in Tayud National High School. It provides fee-based services to community members for learning and business activities.
Another initiative is the Center for Teacher Excellence (CefTex). It is a joint project of the CBE, Cebu Normal University, City Savings Bank, Globe Telecom and Microsoft Philippines.
It provides a facility for teachers to demonstrate advance and relevant knowledge of education with advance teaching skills and techniques.
In addition, CBE president Dr. Caridad C. Labe said they support the K+12 program. She added that the teachers are now ready for the said program.
Mr. Jessie M. Cubijano of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) said that they acknowledge the value of education as a way of reducing poverty. PBSP is a great supporter of CBE.
Globe Telecom Representative Jeffrey Tarayao said that Globe, as a partner of CBE, wants the organization to spread outside Cebu.
Augusto Carpio Managing Director of the Aboitiz Foundation stressed that the foundation is willing to help CBE since the major problem of the country now revolves in education.
CBE is a non-government organization composed of various education stakeholders from the academe, students, parents, government, business, non-government organizations, media and civic groups.
Pabling, Cutie oppose K+12, raise risk of more dropouts
Pabling, Cutie oppose K+12, raise risk of more dropouts
By Rebelander Basilan
Sun.Star Cebu
April 29, 2011
TWO Cebuano members of the House of Representatives expressed opposition to the 12-year basic education program during a public hearing yesterday.
Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar (Cebu City, north district) said adding two years in high school may drive more students to drop out of school, while Rep. Pablo Garcia (Cebu Province, 2nd district) argued that the present curriculum is doing well, with Filipino professionals excelling abroad.
Instead of adding two years in high school, del Mar said the government can offer a free two-year information technology (IT) course to high school graduates, while Garcia suggested that the working age be reduced so that high school graduates can be employed legally.
“Adding another two years means a lot of expenses for all the students. A lot of our students come from the lower-income group,” del Mar said. She added that the IT course would allow students to immediately find jobs.
At par
Meanwhile, the Coalition for Better Education (CBE), a Cebu-based organization with members from different sectors, expressed their support for the new curriculum, which is dubbed K to 12 Basic Education Program.
CBE president Caridad Labe said the new curriculum, which will start next school year with the opening of mandatory kindergarten, will help Filipino graduates become at par with those of other countries.
During the public hearing at Capitol, several concerns were raised by parents, teachers and students.
Rofilo Toledo, an engineer from Danao City, said adding two years in high school will drive more families to poverty.
German national Helmut Haas, an English teacher married to a Filipina, said the government should first improve the instructional materials in schools.
Rep. Salvador Escudero III, chairman of the House committee on basic education and culture, which organized the public hearing, said the Philippines is the only country in Asia with 10 years of basic education. Other Asian countries have either 11 or 12 years of basic education.
Employment
He pointed out that the government has four to five years to address the problems of the education sector before the full implementation of the new curriculum.
Escudero noted that in 2009, only 25 percent of college graduates were employed, while 65 percent of those with technical and vocational courses were employed.
“It’s not a matter of being pro or against, it’s a matter of understanding the whole
issue because there are many misconceptions,” he said in an interview with reporters.
During the public hearing, Escudero noted that 20 of the richest people in the world were not able to finish college.
Bills
The new curriculum “will not delay the dreams of parents by two years; it will advance their dreams by two years,” he said.
There are two bills in Congress seeking for the adoption of 12-year basic education curriculum.
Escudero said if any of these bills is passed, the education’s share of the national budget can be increased. At present, education gets 12.6 percent of the national budget.
But Garcia said the government should consider the high drop-out rate in the country before adopting the new curriculum.
Short courses
“It’s not the number of years, it’s the content of education,” he said.
Del Mar pointed out, on the other hand, that most of the students at present tend to take short courses so they can find jobs immediately.
One of the bills she filed in Congress seeks to provide free two-year IT course for high school graduates.
Meanwhile, CBE officers stressed the importance of community participation in ensuring accessible and quality education.
Community
“We need a wider education reform, if not revolution. With collective effort, we can achieve that,” Labe said in a press conference yesterday.
“Education of a child entails the help of the community,” added Grace Fer-reros, CBE vice president for internal affairs.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this August, the coalition vowed to continue delivering services to the education sector.
CBE was formed in 2001, through the efforts of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., Aboitiz Group Foundation and the Philippine Business for Social Progress, in an attempt to reverse the low National Achievement Test scores in public elementary and high schools in Cebu Province.
Its major programs are the Center for Teacher Excellence, which equips teachers with modern ways of instruction, and the Involving Communities for Better Education, which promotes participation from different stakeholders.
The coalition has 36 institutional partners, which include Globe Telecom and Microsoft Philippines, and 243 individual members.
CBE executive director Marilou Flores said the coalition will monitor the implementation of the 12-year basic education cycle.
By Rebelander Basilan
Sun.Star Cebu
April 29, 2011
TWO Cebuano members of the House of Representatives expressed opposition to the 12-year basic education program during a public hearing yesterday.
Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar (Cebu City, north district) said adding two years in high school may drive more students to drop out of school, while Rep. Pablo Garcia (Cebu Province, 2nd district) argued that the present curriculum is doing well, with Filipino professionals excelling abroad.
Instead of adding two years in high school, del Mar said the government can offer a free two-year information technology (IT) course to high school graduates, while Garcia suggested that the working age be reduced so that high school graduates can be employed legally.
“Adding another two years means a lot of expenses for all the students. A lot of our students come from the lower-income group,” del Mar said. She added that the IT course would allow students to immediately find jobs.
At par
Meanwhile, the Coalition for Better Education (CBE), a Cebu-based organization with members from different sectors, expressed their support for the new curriculum, which is dubbed K to 12 Basic Education Program.
CBE president Caridad Labe said the new curriculum, which will start next school year with the opening of mandatory kindergarten, will help Filipino graduates become at par with those of other countries.
During the public hearing at Capitol, several concerns were raised by parents, teachers and students.
Rofilo Toledo, an engineer from Danao City, said adding two years in high school will drive more families to poverty.
German national Helmut Haas, an English teacher married to a Filipina, said the government should first improve the instructional materials in schools.
Rep. Salvador Escudero III, chairman of the House committee on basic education and culture, which organized the public hearing, said the Philippines is the only country in Asia with 10 years of basic education. Other Asian countries have either 11 or 12 years of basic education.
Employment
He pointed out that the government has four to five years to address the problems of the education sector before the full implementation of the new curriculum.
Escudero noted that in 2009, only 25 percent of college graduates were employed, while 65 percent of those with technical and vocational courses were employed.
“It’s not a matter of being pro or against, it’s a matter of understanding the whole
issue because there are many misconceptions,” he said in an interview with reporters.
During the public hearing, Escudero noted that 20 of the richest people in the world were not able to finish college.
Bills
The new curriculum “will not delay the dreams of parents by two years; it will advance their dreams by two years,” he said.
There are two bills in Congress seeking for the adoption of 12-year basic education curriculum.
Escudero said if any of these bills is passed, the education’s share of the national budget can be increased. At present, education gets 12.6 percent of the national budget.
But Garcia said the government should consider the high drop-out rate in the country before adopting the new curriculum.
Short courses
“It’s not the number of years, it’s the content of education,” he said.
Del Mar pointed out, on the other hand, that most of the students at present tend to take short courses so they can find jobs immediately.
One of the bills she filed in Congress seeks to provide free two-year IT course for high school graduates.
Meanwhile, CBE officers stressed the importance of community participation in ensuring accessible and quality education.
Community
“We need a wider education reform, if not revolution. With collective effort, we can achieve that,” Labe said in a press conference yesterday.
“Education of a child entails the help of the community,” added Grace Fer-reros, CBE vice president for internal affairs.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this August, the coalition vowed to continue delivering services to the education sector.
CBE was formed in 2001, through the efforts of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., Aboitiz Group Foundation and the Philippine Business for Social Progress, in an attempt to reverse the low National Achievement Test scores in public elementary and high schools in Cebu Province.
Its major programs are the Center for Teacher Excellence, which equips teachers with modern ways of instruction, and the Involving Communities for Better Education, which promotes participation from different stakeholders.
The coalition has 36 institutional partners, which include Globe Telecom and Microsoft Philippines, and 243 individual members.
CBE executive director Marilou Flores said the coalition will monitor the implementation of the 12-year basic education cycle.
CM conducts writeshop
CM conducts writeshop
By Anna Razel L. Ramirez
The News Today
April 29, 2011
The College of Management, UP Visayas in cooperation with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), organized a Case-Writeshop on April 12-13, 2011 at the CM1 Room of UP Visayas.
The two-day workshop aimed at enriching the classroom instruction of the CM faculty pool through case presentations and case studies as well as enhance their writing capability.
Mr. Michael Lawrence M. De Jesus, an entrepreneurship expert from the Asian Center of Entrepreneurship and Management Education, Inc. conducted the workshop. Different case samples were presented for deciphering and benchmarking. The cases that were tackled include: 1) INSEAD- One School,
Two Campuses Going to Asia; 2) Venture, Conceptualization and verification; Pre-Operating activities and Start Up; and Customer Observation Technique for Jopet Salon For Men – A case from ACEME.
The presentations were also discussed, assessed, and critiqued. Tips on writing cases were given after the workshop.
Leslie Manabar, Business Development Officer of PBSP facilitated the conduct of the workshop. PBSP is the largest corporate-led organization in the Philippines and Asia that implement projects for companies as well as facilitate programs that promote poverty reduction through corporate citizenship i.e., a
business principle and practice that delivers business' long-term interests alongside the development of the communities, the protection of the environment, and the improvement of the people’s quality of life.
PBSP has been working closely with UPV in implementing projects in Antique, Passi and Molo, Iloilo City.
By Anna Razel L. Ramirez
The News Today
April 29, 2011
The College of Management, UP Visayas in cooperation with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), organized a Case-Writeshop on April 12-13, 2011 at the CM1 Room of UP Visayas.
The two-day workshop aimed at enriching the classroom instruction of the CM faculty pool through case presentations and case studies as well as enhance their writing capability.
Mr. Michael Lawrence M. De Jesus, an entrepreneurship expert from the Asian Center of Entrepreneurship and Management Education, Inc. conducted the workshop. Different case samples were presented for deciphering and benchmarking. The cases that were tackled include: 1) INSEAD- One School,
Two Campuses Going to Asia; 2) Venture, Conceptualization and verification; Pre-Operating activities and Start Up; and Customer Observation Technique for Jopet Salon For Men – A case from ACEME.
The presentations were also discussed, assessed, and critiqued. Tips on writing cases were given after the workshop.
Leslie Manabar, Business Development Officer of PBSP facilitated the conduct of the workshop. PBSP is the largest corporate-led organization in the Philippines and Asia that implement projects for companies as well as facilitate programs that promote poverty reduction through corporate citizenship i.e., a
business principle and practice that delivers business' long-term interests alongside the development of the communities, the protection of the environment, and the improvement of the people’s quality of life.
PBSP has been working closely with UPV in implementing projects in Antique, Passi and Molo, Iloilo City.
Olango challenge attracts 150 swimmers
Olango challenge attracts 150 swimmers
By Iste S. Leopoldo
Sun.Star Cebu
April 29, 20111
IT almost tripled the number of participants in the fourth edition of the Olango Challenge “Swim for Nature, Swim for the Future” which will kick off on April 30 at the Tambuli East Beach Resort.
THE 4th Olango Challenge “Swim for Nature, Swim for the Future” has attracted triple the usual number when it kicks off on April 30 at the Tambule East Beach resort.
The open sea swimming event had attracted only 50 to 60 swimmers but last Thursday, 150 signed up.
“We are so overwhelmed with the response. We were just expecting around 70-80 participants,” Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Riva Valles said.
She added that the bulk of the participants are those joining in the new division, a
relay category.
Visayas Electric Company (Veco) also sent 36 participants.
“Majority of our participants are locals but we also have a few out-of-towners,” Valles said.
Last year, they were able to raise pledges and donations amounting to P1.2 million and with this year’s positive response, they are hoping to surpass it.
Proceeds will be use in the reforestation, education and environmental projects in Olanggo Island. However if they get more funds, they will build an additional two-classroom building.
By Iste S. Leopoldo
Sun.Star Cebu
April 29, 20111
IT almost tripled the number of participants in the fourth edition of the Olango Challenge “Swim for Nature, Swim for the Future” which will kick off on April 30 at the Tambuli East Beach Resort.
THE 4th Olango Challenge “Swim for Nature, Swim for the Future” has attracted triple the usual number when it kicks off on April 30 at the Tambule East Beach resort.
The open sea swimming event had attracted only 50 to 60 swimmers but last Thursday, 150 signed up.
“We are so overwhelmed with the response. We were just expecting around 70-80 participants,” Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Riva Valles said.
She added that the bulk of the participants are those joining in the new division, a
relay category.
Visayas Electric Company (Veco) also sent 36 participants.
“Majority of our participants are locals but we also have a few out-of-towners,” Valles said.
Last year, they were able to raise pledges and donations amounting to P1.2 million and with this year’s positive response, they are hoping to surpass it.
Proceeds will be use in the reforestation, education and environmental projects in Olanggo Island. However if they get more funds, they will build an additional two-classroom building.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
‘Make CSR part of business agenda’
‘Make CSR part of business agenda’
By Mia A. Aznar
Sun.Star Cebu
April 28, 2011
SAYING that business can thrive if the community it is in also rises, a businessman is challenging local entrepreneurs to include corporate social responsibility in their agenda.
Jose Antonio Aboitiz, Visayas chairman of the Philippine Business for Social Progress, spoke before members of the Rotary Club of Cebu West and urged them to include CSR activities in their companies.
He said that if a community thrives, more businesses succeed.
“In the long run, that social investment comes back,” he said, adding that the private sector should also be involved in nation building.
Aboitiz, who spoke about the PBSP’s water projects around the Visayas, said they work to build communities to bring them out of poverty.
Noting Cebu’s water shortage problem for the past two decades, Aboitiz said one of the better CSR activities for local companies is to join reforestation efforts.
He noted “unusual and alarming” flooding in Cebu.
One of PBSP’s projects in Cebu is to conserve its hilly lands through reforestation.
They have programs to conserve the Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve and promote it as an eco-tourism destination to reduce poverty through sustainable livelihood.
Aboitiz said that the project will help ensure sustainable water supply for Metro Cebu while improving the quality of life of 498 poor families living in the community.
He said that if a company needs help organizing CSR activities, their organization is willing to help.
He assured that they can design a water project proposal and implement it cost-efficiently for the company.
The organization manages the funds, provides technical supervision and submits progress reports to the donors.
“Corporate social responsibility should be an integral part of business operations. We cannot exclude ourselves from societal issues,” he told those present.
Aboitiz added that the business sector is a “formidable force” and has the discipline to follow through on their projects.
By Mia A. Aznar
Sun.Star Cebu
April 28, 2011
SAYING that business can thrive if the community it is in also rises, a businessman is challenging local entrepreneurs to include corporate social responsibility in their agenda.
Jose Antonio Aboitiz, Visayas chairman of the Philippine Business for Social Progress, spoke before members of the Rotary Club of Cebu West and urged them to include CSR activities in their companies.
He said that if a community thrives, more businesses succeed.
“In the long run, that social investment comes back,” he said, adding that the private sector should also be involved in nation building.
Aboitiz, who spoke about the PBSP’s water projects around the Visayas, said they work to build communities to bring them out of poverty.
Noting Cebu’s water shortage problem for the past two decades, Aboitiz said one of the better CSR activities for local companies is to join reforestation efforts.
He noted “unusual and alarming” flooding in Cebu.
One of PBSP’s projects in Cebu is to conserve its hilly lands through reforestation.
They have programs to conserve the Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve and promote it as an eco-tourism destination to reduce poverty through sustainable livelihood.
Aboitiz said that the project will help ensure sustainable water supply for Metro Cebu while improving the quality of life of 498 poor families living in the community.
He said that if a company needs help organizing CSR activities, their organization is willing to help.
He assured that they can design a water project proposal and implement it cost-efficiently for the company.
The organization manages the funds, provides technical supervision and submits progress reports to the donors.
“Corporate social responsibility should be an integral part of business operations. We cannot exclude ourselves from societal issues,” he told those present.
Aboitiz added that the business sector is a “formidable force” and has the discipline to follow through on their projects.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Can you swim six kilometers? Try it
Can you swim six kilometers? Try it
By John Pages
Sun.Star Cebu-Sportstalk
April 27, 2011
Jose Antonio Aboitiz was our guest speaker last Tuesday. He spoke about water. “We take for granted the importance of water in our lives,” said Tonio, during our Rotary Club of Cebu West meeting at the Radisson Blu. “But all of life depends on water.”
True. The Chairman for the Visayas of the PBSP (Philippine Business for Social Progress), Mr. Aboitiz explained the various initiatives of his organization. Tonio also discussed a sporting event. A marathon, he called it. Only, this time, unlike the many races on foot that bombard the streets of Cebu, this one uses the feet in a different way.
“It’s a swimming marathon!” said Tonio. A swimming marathon? What’s that? Well, if there’s a 42K “Marathon” on asphalted road, there’s also a long-distance event… for swimmers. Six kilometers. Yes. That’s six thousand meters of swimming. “That’s tough,” I told Tonio. “It is. But with practice, you can finish it,” he said. (Earlier that Tuesday, Tonio practiced in Tambuli Beach Club — the site of the start/finish — with a 4K swim.)
The 4th Olango Challenge, it’s named, and it’s an open-water event that’s organized not only for sports — but more importantly, to raise funds for Olango Island. “In the past three Olango Challenge events,” said Tonio, “we’ve raised over P1.7 million. We’ve built many classrooms for the children of Olango.”
Two nights ago when we met, Tonio counted 85 participants for the 2011 edition. “This is the biggest we’ve had,” he said. And, my guess is, this number will balloon to over 100 swimmers. The deadline for registration is on Saturday morning, the day of the race, this April 30. The race begins at 10 a.m. Late registrants can go to Tambuli by 8 a.m. and still join.
What’s fun about this event is it’s not all-serious. Yes, for the serious “dolphins” like Paula Abigail Vega, Erika Lukang, Nikita Dacera and Michael David, there is prize money (P10,000 to the champion). But, to the rest of the non-competitive swimmers, there is a 2K swim and a 6K relay event.
“The Philippines is an archipelago surrounded by so much water,” said Tonio. “We have so much coastline. But the sad part is… we Filipinos are non-swimmers. Not all of us can swim — despite our many beaches. Many children drown. This event hopes to spread the joy of swimming and the love of the sea.”
The 6K, though daunting, is doable. It is divided into three 2K loops (or rectangles fronting Tambuli’s coastline). For the Fun category, participants can wear flippers. One person challenged by Tonio to join is Harry Radaza. Lapu-Lapu City’s energetic councilor will run the Run4Japan event the night before, on April 29, and will swim the next morning for Olango. (Is this Harry’s practice to join the TRI-Lapu-Lapu triathlon this December?)
“Swim for Nature, Swim for the Future.” That’s the tagline for this Saturday. It makes sense. You swim with nature to help preserve water; the proceeds of the swim go to “the future,” the children of Olango.
Mark Joseph and Lex Reyes of the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA), the two honchos of the national organization, will be here to join. (Mark is the brother of Dondi, the president of the Cebu Business Club.) To those interested, call Riva Valles of PBSP at 2325283 or 2325270. You can also visit olangochallenge.wordpress.com.
By John Pages
Sun.Star Cebu-Sportstalk
April 27, 2011
Jose Antonio Aboitiz was our guest speaker last Tuesday. He spoke about water. “We take for granted the importance of water in our lives,” said Tonio, during our Rotary Club of Cebu West meeting at the Radisson Blu. “But all of life depends on water.”
True. The Chairman for the Visayas of the PBSP (Philippine Business for Social Progress), Mr. Aboitiz explained the various initiatives of his organization. Tonio also discussed a sporting event. A marathon, he called it. Only, this time, unlike the many races on foot that bombard the streets of Cebu, this one uses the feet in a different way.
“It’s a swimming marathon!” said Tonio. A swimming marathon? What’s that? Well, if there’s a 42K “Marathon” on asphalted road, there’s also a long-distance event… for swimmers. Six kilometers. Yes. That’s six thousand meters of swimming. “That’s tough,” I told Tonio. “It is. But with practice, you can finish it,” he said. (Earlier that Tuesday, Tonio practiced in Tambuli Beach Club — the site of the start/finish — with a 4K swim.)
The 4th Olango Challenge, it’s named, and it’s an open-water event that’s organized not only for sports — but more importantly, to raise funds for Olango Island. “In the past three Olango Challenge events,” said Tonio, “we’ve raised over P1.7 million. We’ve built many classrooms for the children of Olango.”
Two nights ago when we met, Tonio counted 85 participants for the 2011 edition. “This is the biggest we’ve had,” he said. And, my guess is, this number will balloon to over 100 swimmers. The deadline for registration is on Saturday morning, the day of the race, this April 30. The race begins at 10 a.m. Late registrants can go to Tambuli by 8 a.m. and still join.
What’s fun about this event is it’s not all-serious. Yes, for the serious “dolphins” like Paula Abigail Vega, Erika Lukang, Nikita Dacera and Michael David, there is prize money (P10,000 to the champion). But, to the rest of the non-competitive swimmers, there is a 2K swim and a 6K relay event.
“The Philippines is an archipelago surrounded by so much water,” said Tonio. “We have so much coastline. But the sad part is… we Filipinos are non-swimmers. Not all of us can swim — despite our many beaches. Many children drown. This event hopes to spread the joy of swimming and the love of the sea.”
The 6K, though daunting, is doable. It is divided into three 2K loops (or rectangles fronting Tambuli’s coastline). For the Fun category, participants can wear flippers. One person challenged by Tonio to join is Harry Radaza. Lapu-Lapu City’s energetic councilor will run the Run4Japan event the night before, on April 29, and will swim the next morning for Olango. (Is this Harry’s practice to join the TRI-Lapu-Lapu triathlon this December?)
“Swim for Nature, Swim for the Future.” That’s the tagline for this Saturday. It makes sense. You swim with nature to help preserve water; the proceeds of the swim go to “the future,” the children of Olango.
Mark Joseph and Lex Reyes of the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA), the two honchos of the national organization, will be here to join. (Mark is the brother of Dondi, the president of the Cebu Business Club.) To those interested, call Riva Valles of PBSP at 2325283 or 2325270. You can also visit olangochallenge.wordpress.com.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
8 UC swimmers to compete in Olango Challenge
8 UC swimmers to compete in Olango Challenge
By Mars G. Alison
Cebu Daily News
April 26, 2011
Eight swimmers from the University of Cebu (UC) will be participating in the 4th Olango Challenge “Swim for Nature, Swim for the Future” slated April 30 at the Tambuli East beach resort.
Seeing action in the six-kilometer competitive category are Michael David, Paula Abigail Vega, Cristine Indaya and Jerose Rosadd.
Trying their luck in the 2k competitive category are Noel Cañeda, Trina Cañeda, Romylin Nina Ignacio and Joyce Huguete.
All eight tankers are also members of the Cebu Blue Marlins (CBM) Swimming Club.
This open-water marathon swimming contest is one of the three sporting activities held in line with Lapu-Lapu City ’s annual celebration of the Kadaugan sa Mactan.
Aside from the Olango Challenge, a FUNRUN4JAPAN and a chess tournament will also be held.
The Olango Swim is organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in partnership with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA). It is a fund-raising activity for the benefit of Olango residents. It is also aimed as a talent identification for the national training pool; advocacy for a clean and safe environment and to promote drowning prevention.
The competition will also have a fun category in 6k and 2k distances and a relay category.
First placers in the 6K and 2K competitive category will pocket P10,000 and P3,000 respectively in both divisions while the relay champion will get P3,000. Cash prizes will also be given to the second and third placers.
In the fun category, 6K and 2K top finishers will get P7,000 and P2,500, respectively, also in both divisions while the second and third placers will also get cash prizes.
By Mars G. Alison
Cebu Daily News
April 26, 2011
Eight swimmers from the University of Cebu (UC) will be participating in the 4th Olango Challenge “Swim for Nature, Swim for the Future” slated April 30 at the Tambuli East beach resort.
Seeing action in the six-kilometer competitive category are Michael David, Paula Abigail Vega, Cristine Indaya and Jerose Rosadd.
Trying their luck in the 2k competitive category are Noel Cañeda, Trina Cañeda, Romylin Nina Ignacio and Joyce Huguete.
All eight tankers are also members of the Cebu Blue Marlins (CBM) Swimming Club.
This open-water marathon swimming contest is one of the three sporting activities held in line with Lapu-Lapu City ’s annual celebration of the Kadaugan sa Mactan.
Aside from the Olango Challenge, a FUNRUN4JAPAN and a chess tournament will also be held.
The Olango Swim is organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in partnership with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA). It is a fund-raising activity for the benefit of Olango residents. It is also aimed as a talent identification for the national training pool; advocacy for a clean and safe environment and to promote drowning prevention.
The competition will also have a fun category in 6k and 2k distances and a relay category.
First placers in the 6K and 2K competitive category will pocket P10,000 and P3,000 respectively in both divisions while the relay champion will get P3,000. Cash prizes will also be given to the second and third placers.
In the fun category, 6K and 2K top finishers will get P7,000 and P2,500, respectively, also in both divisions while the second and third placers will also get cash prizes.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Bohol farmers to benefit from P20-M grant
Bohol farmers to benefit from P20-M grant
Manila Bulletin
April 23, 201
BOHOL, Philippines — Some 2,000 poor farmers in Bohol will have the opportunity to increase their harvest and increase their incomes with the provision of a P20-million grant to the so-called Bohol Food Sufficiency (BFS) Project.
Said project is a result of an accord by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) along with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Karl Kubel Stifung fur Kind un Familie (KKS) aimed at reducing poverty in the province.
In partnership with the Bohol provincial government, the project’s main objective will be to uplift the lives of some 2,011 rice farming households while ensuring food sufficiency in Bohol.
The project will be implemented in support of the province’s Bohol HEAT (Help-Education -Agriculture-Tourism) Program, particularly in the municipalities of Carmen, Dagohoy and San Miguel.
With the grant, poor farmers will be benefited from the construction of 12 small water impounding systems, the installation of 12 post-harvest facilities and implementation of appropriate farming technologies meant to improve the farmers’ annual yields.
Said water impounding systems will allow farmers to plant rice in advance and plant more crops throughout the year, increasing their annual rice yields without depending on the planting season.
In a statement, the PBSP said the project will also introduce to farmers the importance of organic farming using vermin-compost and other appropriate farming technologies for increased farm income.
The PBSP is the largest corporate-led social development foundation in the country and the first of its kind in Asia which promotes and practices corporate social responsibility under a broad vision of effective poverty reduction in the country. Under the PBSP are some 260 companies funding various programs focused on education, health, sustainable environmentally-conscious livelihood, and micro-small-medium enterprise development implemented with communities as empowered players in development work.
Food security is a major issue in Bohol due to insufficient volume of agricultural produce in supporting the growing demand of the province, per recent data from the National Statistics Office which indicates that the population here has grown to 1.3 million in 2010 while local farmers can only provide as much as 82 percent of the province’s needs.
With poverty reduction as an essential thrust, the PBSP has initiated projects to help Bohol’s rice sufficiency through its Area Resource Management Program (ARMP), which, so far, has benefited over 10,000 poor families in Bohol since its launch in 1992.
Manila Bulletin
April 23, 201
BOHOL, Philippines — Some 2,000 poor farmers in Bohol will have the opportunity to increase their harvest and increase their incomes with the provision of a P20-million grant to the so-called Bohol Food Sufficiency (BFS) Project.
Said project is a result of an accord by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) along with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Karl Kubel Stifung fur Kind un Familie (KKS) aimed at reducing poverty in the province.
In partnership with the Bohol provincial government, the project’s main objective will be to uplift the lives of some 2,011 rice farming households while ensuring food sufficiency in Bohol.
The project will be implemented in support of the province’s Bohol HEAT (Help-Education -Agriculture-Tourism) Program, particularly in the municipalities of Carmen, Dagohoy and San Miguel.
With the grant, poor farmers will be benefited from the construction of 12 small water impounding systems, the installation of 12 post-harvest facilities and implementation of appropriate farming technologies meant to improve the farmers’ annual yields.
Said water impounding systems will allow farmers to plant rice in advance and plant more crops throughout the year, increasing their annual rice yields without depending on the planting season.
In a statement, the PBSP said the project will also introduce to farmers the importance of organic farming using vermin-compost and other appropriate farming technologies for increased farm income.
The PBSP is the largest corporate-led social development foundation in the country and the first of its kind in Asia which promotes and practices corporate social responsibility under a broad vision of effective poverty reduction in the country. Under the PBSP are some 260 companies funding various programs focused on education, health, sustainable environmentally-conscious livelihood, and micro-small-medium enterprise development implemented with communities as empowered players in development work.
Food security is a major issue in Bohol due to insufficient volume of agricultural produce in supporting the growing demand of the province, per recent data from the National Statistics Office which indicates that the population here has grown to 1.3 million in 2010 while local farmers can only provide as much as 82 percent of the province’s needs.
With poverty reduction as an essential thrust, the PBSP has initiated projects to help Bohol’s rice sufficiency through its Area Resource Management Program (ARMP), which, so far, has benefited over 10,000 poor families in Bohol since its launch in 1992.
Monday, April 18, 2011
PBSP, 2 others ink P20M grant
FOR BOHOL FOOD SUFFICIENCY PROJECT
PBSP, 2 others ink P20M grant
The Freeman
April 17, 2011
TAGBIRALAN CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Business for Social Progress, the federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Karl Kubel Stiftung fur Kind un Familie (KKS) recently entered into a P20-million grant agreement with the Bohol provincial government for the province's food sufficiency project.
The Bohol Food Sufficiency Project, a private-public partnership initiative providing farming technical assistance, infrastructure and facilities, has been designed to reduce poverty and uplift the lives of 2,011 rice farming households and help ensure food sufficiency in the province.
The project is also in support of the province's Bohol HEAT Program and will be implemented in the towns of Carmen, Dagohoy and San Miguel.
The money for the project will go to the construction of 12 small water impounding systems, implementation of appropriate farming technologies and installation of 12 post-harvest facilities to help improve the farmers' annual yields.
Small water impounding systems allow farmers to plant rice in advance and plant more crops throughout the year, increasing their annual rice yields without depending on the planting season. The PBSP also introduced organic farming using vermi-compost and other appropriate farming technologies.
Food security has become one of the major issues in Bohol due to insufficient volume of agricultural produce in supporting the growing demand of the province. Recent data from the National Statistics Office reported that, since last year, Bohol's population has increased to 1.3 million but farmers could only provide 82 percent of the province's needs.
With poverty reduction as one of PBSP's major thrusts, it initiated projects to help Bohol's rice sufficiency through its Area Resource Management Program, which benefited 10,010 poor families in Bohol. With the recent program, PBSP has assisted nine rice-producing towns and 103 barangays in central Bohol by improving farming technology, livelihood and productivity of the beneficiaries.
PBSP, through the Bohol Food Sufficiency Project, would help more farmers meet the increasing production demand of Bohol by focusing on sustainable production, credit support, production facilities and organic rice value chain for tourism and marketing.
The project, which will run for three years, will have provision of revolving fund for agriculture and marketing of organic products. There will also be training of 30 barefoot technicians for the replication of technology to other farmers.
It will be co-implemented by the multi-purpose cooperatives of Carmen and San Miguel towns, and the Bohol Integrated Development Foundation.
PBSP, 2 others ink P20M grant
The Freeman
April 17, 2011
TAGBIRALAN CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Business for Social Progress, the federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Karl Kubel Stiftung fur Kind un Familie (KKS) recently entered into a P20-million grant agreement with the Bohol provincial government for the province's food sufficiency project.
The Bohol Food Sufficiency Project, a private-public partnership initiative providing farming technical assistance, infrastructure and facilities, has been designed to reduce poverty and uplift the lives of 2,011 rice farming households and help ensure food sufficiency in the province.
The project is also in support of the province's Bohol HEAT Program and will be implemented in the towns of Carmen, Dagohoy and San Miguel.
The money for the project will go to the construction of 12 small water impounding systems, implementation of appropriate farming technologies and installation of 12 post-harvest facilities to help improve the farmers' annual yields.
Small water impounding systems allow farmers to plant rice in advance and plant more crops throughout the year, increasing their annual rice yields without depending on the planting season. The PBSP also introduced organic farming using vermi-compost and other appropriate farming technologies.
Food security has become one of the major issues in Bohol due to insufficient volume of agricultural produce in supporting the growing demand of the province. Recent data from the National Statistics Office reported that, since last year, Bohol's population has increased to 1.3 million but farmers could only provide 82 percent of the province's needs.
With poverty reduction as one of PBSP's major thrusts, it initiated projects to help Bohol's rice sufficiency through its Area Resource Management Program, which benefited 10,010 poor families in Bohol. With the recent program, PBSP has assisted nine rice-producing towns and 103 barangays in central Bohol by improving farming technology, livelihood and productivity of the beneficiaries.
PBSP, through the Bohol Food Sufficiency Project, would help more farmers meet the increasing production demand of Bohol by focusing on sustainable production, credit support, production facilities and organic rice value chain for tourism and marketing.
The project, which will run for three years, will have provision of revolving fund for agriculture and marketing of organic products. There will also be training of 30 barefoot technicians for the replication of technology to other farmers.
It will be co-implemented by the multi-purpose cooperatives of Carmen and San Miguel towns, and the Bohol Integrated Development Foundation.
Three sporting events for Kadaugan sa Mactan
Three sporting events for Kadaugan sa Mactan
By Mars Alison and Dale Rosal
Cebu Daily News
April 17, 2011
THE LAPU-LAPU CITY government is bent on a bigger and grander celebration of the “Kadaugan sa Mactan” with three sporting events set to be held on April 29 and 30.
These are the FUNRUN4JAPAN (separate today’s from the 3rd Great Lapu-Lapu Run), Kadaugan sa Mactan Chess tournament and the 4th Olango Challenge.
In line with it thrust of promoting Lapu-Lapu City as a hub of sports tourism, Councilor Harry Don Radaza, who heads the tourism and youth committees, is spearheading and partnering with organizers for the holding of the three sporting events.
For the FUNRUN4JAPAN happening at 9 p.m. on April 29, Radaza has sought the help of John Pages and Dr. Yong Larrazabal. This night run is actually a last minute addition to the festivity thought up by Radaza.
It is a run for a cause and is geared towards raising funds to be donated to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The chess tournament to be held on April 29 and 30, on the other hand, is being organized by the Mactan Island Chess Association and is open to its members and guests.
It will be a team competition and will follow a round robin format.Registration fee is pegged at P100 per team.
The third sporting event, the 4th Olango Challenge, will be held on April 30 at the Tambuli East beach resort.
This open-water swimming competition, which is already on its fourth year, is a fund-raising activity spearheaded by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in partnership with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA) for the benefit of the people of Olango Island.
Radaza earlier said that this open-water swimming competition will help them prepare for a big event the city is hosting in December, which will be an international triathlon competition.
By Mars Alison and Dale Rosal
Cebu Daily News
April 17, 2011
THE LAPU-LAPU CITY government is bent on a bigger and grander celebration of the “Kadaugan sa Mactan” with three sporting events set to be held on April 29 and 30.
These are the FUNRUN4JAPAN (separate today’s from the 3rd Great Lapu-Lapu Run), Kadaugan sa Mactan Chess tournament and the 4th Olango Challenge.
In line with it thrust of promoting Lapu-Lapu City as a hub of sports tourism, Councilor Harry Don Radaza, who heads the tourism and youth committees, is spearheading and partnering with organizers for the holding of the three sporting events.
For the FUNRUN4JAPAN happening at 9 p.m. on April 29, Radaza has sought the help of John Pages and Dr. Yong Larrazabal. This night run is actually a last minute addition to the festivity thought up by Radaza.
It is a run for a cause and is geared towards raising funds to be donated to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The chess tournament to be held on April 29 and 30, on the other hand, is being organized by the Mactan Island Chess Association and is open to its members and guests.
It will be a team competition and will follow a round robin format.Registration fee is pegged at P100 per team.
The third sporting event, the 4th Olango Challenge, will be held on April 30 at the Tambuli East beach resort.
This open-water swimming competition, which is already on its fourth year, is a fund-raising activity spearheaded by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in partnership with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA) for the benefit of the people of Olango Island.
Radaza earlier said that this open-water swimming competition will help them prepare for a big event the city is hosting in December, which will be an international triathlon competition.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Sporting events to spice up 'Kadaugan sa Mactan'
Sporting events to spice up 'Kadaugan sa Mactan'
By Lemuel P. Maglinte
The Freeman
April 16, 2011
CEBU, Philippines - Before the much-awaited “Kadaugan sa Mactan” street party, a series of sporting events will take place in Lapu-Lapu City on April 29 at the ML Quezon Highway in Brgy. Pusok. This includes a fun run, chess and a swimming challenge in Olango Island.
Dubbed as “Fun Run 4 Japan,” the run-for-a-cause is open to all interested runners. The categories to be featured are the 3K, 6K and 9K.
Unlike any other running events, the organizers will not collect a registration fee. Instead, they will ask the participants to donate any amount for them to join the race.
Even without a singlet or cash prize for the winners, Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Harry Radaza promised the runners to run with a festive atmosphere with multiple stunts like free concert and disco mobiles that will be scattered throughout the routes.
On the same day, there will be a chess tournament organized by the Mactan Island Chess Association (MICA). A total of 15 teams will see action.
Prior to the night of dancing and celebration, elite and novice swimmers will flex their athletic muscles in the 4th Olango Challenge at Tambuli Beach Resort on April 30. The annual open sea swimming competition is expected draw at least 80 entries in both the competitive and fun categories.
By Lemuel P. Maglinte
The Freeman
April 16, 2011
CEBU, Philippines - Before the much-awaited “Kadaugan sa Mactan” street party, a series of sporting events will take place in Lapu-Lapu City on April 29 at the ML Quezon Highway in Brgy. Pusok. This includes a fun run, chess and a swimming challenge in Olango Island.
Dubbed as “Fun Run 4 Japan,” the run-for-a-cause is open to all interested runners. The categories to be featured are the 3K, 6K and 9K.
Unlike any other running events, the organizers will not collect a registration fee. Instead, they will ask the participants to donate any amount for them to join the race.
Even without a singlet or cash prize for the winners, Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Harry Radaza promised the runners to run with a festive atmosphere with multiple stunts like free concert and disco mobiles that will be scattered throughout the routes.
On the same day, there will be a chess tournament organized by the Mactan Island Chess Association (MICA). A total of 15 teams will see action.
Prior to the night of dancing and celebration, elite and novice swimmers will flex their athletic muscles in the 4th Olango Challenge at Tambuli Beach Resort on April 30. The annual open sea swimming competition is expected draw at least 80 entries in both the competitive and fun categories.
Poor farmers in Bohol to benefit from P20M aid grant
Poor farmers in Bohol to benefit from P20M aid grant
Philippine Information Agency
April 16, 2011
CEBU CITY, Apr. 16 (PIA) --- About 2,000 poor farmers in Bohol will have the opportunity to increase their harvest and up their income with a P20M grant provided to them in a program dubbed the Bohol Food Sufficiency (BFS) Project.
The BFS Project is a result of an agreement by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Karl Kubel Stifung fur Kind un Familie (KKS) aimed at helping reduce poverty incidence in the province, according to a PBSP release.
A partnership initiative with the provincial government of Bohol, the project goal is to uplift the lives of 2,011 rice farming households and help ensure food sufficiency in the province, the same PBSP release stated.
The project will be implemented in three municipalities namely Carmen, Dagohoy and San Miguel and is also in support of the province’s Bohol HEAT (Help-Education -Agriculture-Tourism) Program.
With the grant, poor farmers will benefit from the construction of 12 small water impounding systems, installation of 12 post-harvest facilities and implementation of appropriate farming technologies that will improve the farmers’ annual yields.
Small water impounding systems allow farmers to plant rice in advance and plant more crops throughout the year, increasing their annual rice yields without depending on the planting season, this is said.
PBSP likewise introduced to the farmers the importance of organic farming using vermin-compost and other appropriate farming technologies for increased farm income.
PBSP is the largest corporate-led social development foundation in the country and the first of its kind in Asia leading the promotion and practice of corporate social responsibility in its commitment to poverty reduction. More than 260 companies comprise the PBSP nationwide with its focused programs throughout the country on education, health, sustainable livelihood, micro small and medium enterprise development and the environment implemented with partners and communities as empowered players in development.
Food security meanwhile has become one of the major issues in Bohol due to insufficient volume of agricultural produce in supporting the growing demand of the province as recent data from the National Statistics Office reported that the province’s population has hiked to 1.3M since last year. However, the farmers could only provide 82 percent of the province’s needs, according to the PBSP.
With poverty reduction an essential thrust, PBSP initiated projects to help Bohol’s rice sufficiency through its Area Resource Management Program (ARMP), which benefited 10,010 poor families in Bohol.
Through the program, PBSP has assisted nine rice-producing municipalities and 103 barangays in Central Bohol by improving farming technology, livelihood and enterprise productivity of the beneficiaries.
Since the ARMP has been implemented in 1992 or for almost two decades, PBSP’s poverty reduction program has built the capacities of 33 community-based organizations and constructed 40 small irrigation systems while 60 percent of the total household beneficiaries realized incomes above the poverty threshold of P10,435.
With the BFS Project, PBSP said it hopes to help more farmers meet the increasing production demand of Bohol by focusing on sustainable production, credit support, production facilities and organic rice value chain for tourism and marketing.
The project will include the provision of revolving fund for agriculture and marketing of organic products will also be included to assist the cooperatives as the demand for agricultural products such as rice, vegetables and fish has eventually increased due to the influx of domestic and foreign tourists, this is said.
PBSP will also conduct training of 30 barefoot technicians for the replication of technologies to other farmers.
The project will run for three years and will be co-implemented by Carmen Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Bohol Integrated Development Foundation, and San Miguel Multi-Purpose Cooperative, this is learned.
Since PBSP’as inception in 1970, its core programs have benefited 4.5M Filipinos nationwide and assisted over 6,200 social development projects through more than P7B in grants and development loans. (PIA-Cebu/FCR/ Reggie Marie B. Barrientos of PBSP)
Philippine Information Agency
April 16, 2011
CEBU CITY, Apr. 16 (PIA) --- About 2,000 poor farmers in Bohol will have the opportunity to increase their harvest and up their income with a P20M grant provided to them in a program dubbed the Bohol Food Sufficiency (BFS) Project.
The BFS Project is a result of an agreement by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Karl Kubel Stifung fur Kind un Familie (KKS) aimed at helping reduce poverty incidence in the province, according to a PBSP release.
A partnership initiative with the provincial government of Bohol, the project goal is to uplift the lives of 2,011 rice farming households and help ensure food sufficiency in the province, the same PBSP release stated.
The project will be implemented in three municipalities namely Carmen, Dagohoy and San Miguel and is also in support of the province’s Bohol HEAT (Help-Education -Agriculture-Tourism) Program.
With the grant, poor farmers will benefit from the construction of 12 small water impounding systems, installation of 12 post-harvest facilities and implementation of appropriate farming technologies that will improve the farmers’ annual yields.
Small water impounding systems allow farmers to plant rice in advance and plant more crops throughout the year, increasing their annual rice yields without depending on the planting season, this is said.
PBSP likewise introduced to the farmers the importance of organic farming using vermin-compost and other appropriate farming technologies for increased farm income.
PBSP is the largest corporate-led social development foundation in the country and the first of its kind in Asia leading the promotion and practice of corporate social responsibility in its commitment to poverty reduction. More than 260 companies comprise the PBSP nationwide with its focused programs throughout the country on education, health, sustainable livelihood, micro small and medium enterprise development and the environment implemented with partners and communities as empowered players in development.
Food security meanwhile has become one of the major issues in Bohol due to insufficient volume of agricultural produce in supporting the growing demand of the province as recent data from the National Statistics Office reported that the province’s population has hiked to 1.3M since last year. However, the farmers could only provide 82 percent of the province’s needs, according to the PBSP.
With poverty reduction an essential thrust, PBSP initiated projects to help Bohol’s rice sufficiency through its Area Resource Management Program (ARMP), which benefited 10,010 poor families in Bohol.
Through the program, PBSP has assisted nine rice-producing municipalities and 103 barangays in Central Bohol by improving farming technology, livelihood and enterprise productivity of the beneficiaries.
Since the ARMP has been implemented in 1992 or for almost two decades, PBSP’s poverty reduction program has built the capacities of 33 community-based organizations and constructed 40 small irrigation systems while 60 percent of the total household beneficiaries realized incomes above the poverty threshold of P10,435.
With the BFS Project, PBSP said it hopes to help more farmers meet the increasing production demand of Bohol by focusing on sustainable production, credit support, production facilities and organic rice value chain for tourism and marketing.
The project will include the provision of revolving fund for agriculture and marketing of organic products will also be included to assist the cooperatives as the demand for agricultural products such as rice, vegetables and fish has eventually increased due to the influx of domestic and foreign tourists, this is said.
PBSP will also conduct training of 30 barefoot technicians for the replication of technologies to other farmers.
The project will run for three years and will be co-implemented by Carmen Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Bohol Integrated Development Foundation, and San Miguel Multi-Purpose Cooperative, this is learned.
Since PBSP’as inception in 1970, its core programs have benefited 4.5M Filipinos nationwide and assisted over 6,200 social development projects through more than P7B in grants and development loans. (PIA-Cebu/FCR/ Reggie Marie B. Barrientos of PBSP)
Friday, April 15, 2011
Lapu-Lapu City to hold FunRun4Japan and Olango Challenge next weekend
Lapu-Lapu City to hold FunRun4Japan and Olango Challenge next weekend
By Iste S. Leopoldo
Sun.Star Cebu
April 15, 201
LAPU-LAPU City will wrap up this year’s Kadaugan sa Mactan with two charitable sporting events on April 29 and 30.
It will start off with Lapu-Lapu’s first night race dubbed the FunRun4Japan on April 29 and the co-hosting of the 4th Olango Challenge Open Water swim the following day.
The run is a prelude to the first ever “Kadaugan Street Party” (KSP), which is also a fund-raising event for the victims of the tsunami that hit Japan.
The Japanese have been huge contributors to Lapu-Lapu’s tourism and economy. The huge percentage of tourists in Lapu-Lapu are Japanese and several Japanese investors have opened shop in the city like the ones in the Mactan Economic Zone.
“I got the idea about holding a race that aims to help our Japanese brothers, when I joined the ThreeSixty Night Race and saw Dr. Yong Larrazabal wearing a shirt about supporting the victims of the tsunami,” Lapu-Lapu City tourism and sports head Harry Radaza said in a press conference yesterday together with John Pages, Larrazabal and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Visayas executive Jose Antonio Aboitiz.
“We all know Japan is a rich country but they need all the help they can get now,” Pages said.
Larrazabal has also successfully organized several fund-raising events such as those for the victims of typhoon Ondoy and the oil spill in Guimaras Island. He wore a shirt with the Japan flag during the Threesixty Race after he saw a lot of Asian runners wearing the same during the LA Marathon.
“The Asian runners were dedicating their runs to the victims of the tsunami,” Larrazabal said.
Meanwhile, the Olango Challenge is an open water swim, which aims to deliver basic services to the residents using the proceeds.
Aboitiz said that 66 swimmers have already signed up for the event, an improvement to last year’s 50.
“We also have participants coming from Manila,” Aboitiz said.
The swim also serves as an awareness and advocacy campaign for the environment in and around the island through the fund assistance of the Olango Challenge. It also wants to fund for the construction of classrooms, the provision of livelihood and the implementation of environmental projects in Olango.
This year, they will feature the competitive 6K and fun 2K category.
By Iste S. Leopoldo
Sun.Star Cebu
April 15, 201
LAPU-LAPU City will wrap up this year’s Kadaugan sa Mactan with two charitable sporting events on April 29 and 30.
It will start off with Lapu-Lapu’s first night race dubbed the FunRun4Japan on April 29 and the co-hosting of the 4th Olango Challenge Open Water swim the following day.
The run is a prelude to the first ever “Kadaugan Street Party” (KSP), which is also a fund-raising event for the victims of the tsunami that hit Japan.
The Japanese have been huge contributors to Lapu-Lapu’s tourism and economy. The huge percentage of tourists in Lapu-Lapu are Japanese and several Japanese investors have opened shop in the city like the ones in the Mactan Economic Zone.
“I got the idea about holding a race that aims to help our Japanese brothers, when I joined the ThreeSixty Night Race and saw Dr. Yong Larrazabal wearing a shirt about supporting the victims of the tsunami,” Lapu-Lapu City tourism and sports head Harry Radaza said in a press conference yesterday together with John Pages, Larrazabal and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Visayas executive Jose Antonio Aboitiz.
“We all know Japan is a rich country but they need all the help they can get now,” Pages said.
Larrazabal has also successfully organized several fund-raising events such as those for the victims of typhoon Ondoy and the oil spill in Guimaras Island. He wore a shirt with the Japan flag during the Threesixty Race after he saw a lot of Asian runners wearing the same during the LA Marathon.
“The Asian runners were dedicating their runs to the victims of the tsunami,” Larrazabal said.
Meanwhile, the Olango Challenge is an open water swim, which aims to deliver basic services to the residents using the proceeds.
Aboitiz said that 66 swimmers have already signed up for the event, an improvement to last year’s 50.
“We also have participants coming from Manila,” Aboitiz said.
The swim also serves as an awareness and advocacy campaign for the environment in and around the island through the fund assistance of the Olango Challenge. It also wants to fund for the construction of classrooms, the provision of livelihood and the implementation of environmental projects in Olango.
This year, they will feature the competitive 6K and fun 2K category.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Not just another race
Not just another race
Malaya Business Insight
April 14, 2011
ASIDE from being one of the bases in selecting the country’s representatives to the Southeast Asian Games in November in Indonesia, the 4th Olanga Challenge, an open sea swimming competition set on April 30 in Cebu, will continue its advocacy campaign for the people of Olango Island.
The race features action in the 2K and 6K events but it is more than just a race, according to Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the Philippine Business for Social Progress in the Visayas and co-chairman of the event’s organizing committee.
"This is for the benefit of both the environment and the people of Olango island just off Mactan. The event serves as an advocacy campaign to highlight the importance of a clean marine environment and has helped improve the lives of 2300 families on the island, aside from helping in environmental rehabilitation," added Aboitiz.
Aboitiz cited the construction of classrooms, promotion of organic vermiculture as a livelihood, and the planting of 5,200 trees on Olango Island as part of the event’s advocacy campaign.
The event, jointly organized by the PBSP and the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association, together with local resorts and organizations in Cebu and Mactan, has seen the participation in the past of Olympian and PSC Commissioner Akiko Thomson, and elite triathletes Nonoy Jopson, sportsman-businessman Fred Uytengsu, and swim coach Guy Concepcion.
Interested parties can join the event by registering on line (pbspro@pbsp.org.ph or pasainc@gmail.com). They can also register at the PBSP office, 4th floor of the PLDT Bldg. on Juan Luna St. in Mabolo, Cebu City or the PASA office, Rm. 201, Bldg B of the Philsports Complex in Pasig.
Malaya Business Insight
April 14, 2011
ASIDE from being one of the bases in selecting the country’s representatives to the Southeast Asian Games in November in Indonesia, the 4th Olanga Challenge, an open sea swimming competition set on April 30 in Cebu, will continue its advocacy campaign for the people of Olango Island.
The race features action in the 2K and 6K events but it is more than just a race, according to Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the Philippine Business for Social Progress in the Visayas and co-chairman of the event’s organizing committee.
"This is for the benefit of both the environment and the people of Olango island just off Mactan. The event serves as an advocacy campaign to highlight the importance of a clean marine environment and has helped improve the lives of 2300 families on the island, aside from helping in environmental rehabilitation," added Aboitiz.
Aboitiz cited the construction of classrooms, promotion of organic vermiculture as a livelihood, and the planting of 5,200 trees on Olango Island as part of the event’s advocacy campaign.
The event, jointly organized by the PBSP and the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association, together with local resorts and organizations in Cebu and Mactan, has seen the participation in the past of Olympian and PSC Commissioner Akiko Thomson, and elite triathletes Nonoy Jopson, sportsman-businessman Fred Uytengsu, and swim coach Guy Concepcion.
Interested parties can join the event by registering on line (pbspro@pbsp.org.ph or pasainc@gmail.com). They can also register at the PBSP office, 4th floor of the PLDT Bldg. on Juan Luna St. in Mabolo, Cebu City or the PASA office, Rm. 201, Bldg B of the Philsports Complex in Pasig.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
4th Olango open water swim on April 30
4th Olango open water swim on April 30
Reuben Terrado, JVP
GMA News
April 13, 201
The 2011 Olango Challenge, an open water swimming event, will hold its fourth staging at the Tambuli Beach Club in Mactan Island, Cebu on April 30 with a dual purpose.
Like in previous editions, the Olango Challenge will serve as a fund-raiser that will help benefit the people and the environment of Olango Island in Cebu province.
The same race will also be a test event to determine the composition of the national team to the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia.
A total of 50 to 70 open water swimmers are expected to compete in the event organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA).
"This is not just to race each other in the spirit of competitive sport, but more importantly to assist PBSP raise awareness about the challenges faces by the people of Olango Island, whose lives and livelihoods are ruled by the water that surrounds them," said PBSP Visayas regional committee chairman Jose Antonio Aboitiz.
In the past editions of the Olango Challenge, the race has helped build children's classrooms, create livelihood to their parents, delivery of basic services and rehabilitating the environment in Olango.
Aboitiz also said that the race hopes to become the premier event in open water swimming, which became an Olympic sport in 2008.
"The Philippines does not have an open water swimming event. This is a great opportunity to start out. This is an event that will try to seek distance swimmers in the Philippines," said Aboitiz.
This will be the longest race in the four editions of the Olango Challenge in terms of distance as the competitors will swim six kilometers and will loop a two-kilometer box-type course three times. - Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News
Reuben Terrado, JVP
GMA News
April 13, 201
The 2011 Olango Challenge, an open water swimming event, will hold its fourth staging at the Tambuli Beach Club in Mactan Island, Cebu on April 30 with a dual purpose.
Like in previous editions, the Olango Challenge will serve as a fund-raiser that will help benefit the people and the environment of Olango Island in Cebu province.
The same race will also be a test event to determine the composition of the national team to the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia.
A total of 50 to 70 open water swimmers are expected to compete in the event organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA).
"This is not just to race each other in the spirit of competitive sport, but more importantly to assist PBSP raise awareness about the challenges faces by the people of Olango Island, whose lives and livelihoods are ruled by the water that surrounds them," said PBSP Visayas regional committee chairman Jose Antonio Aboitiz.
In the past editions of the Olango Challenge, the race has helped build children's classrooms, create livelihood to their parents, delivery of basic services and rehabilitating the environment in Olango.
Aboitiz also said that the race hopes to become the premier event in open water swimming, which became an Olympic sport in 2008.
"The Philippines does not have an open water swimming event. This is a great opportunity to start out. This is an event that will try to seek distance swimmers in the Philippines," said Aboitiz.
This will be the longest race in the four editions of the Olango Challenge in terms of distance as the competitors will swim six kilometers and will loop a two-kilometer box-type course three times. - Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Olango Challenge set
Olango Challenge set
The Daily Tribune, Fast Read
April 6, 2011
Through the 2011 Olango Challenge, open-water swimming will continue to make waves in the Philippines.
The annual fund-raising event, which will benefit the people of Olango Island in Cebu, will take place on April 30 at the Tambuli Beach Club.
Launched in 2008, the event hopes to promote the sport in the country, considering that it’s now an Olympic event and part of the Southeast Asian Games calendar.
The Philippine Business for Social Progress is behind the unique and exciting event in coordination with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association.
Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the PBSP regional office in the Visayas and co-chairman of the open-water event, yesterday said they expect a bigger staging this year.
“It’s always been different each year. Now we expect as many as 70 participants who will swim the open-water box formation which they will circle three times for a total of six kilometers,” he said.
“There will be relay events for teams of three, and prizes for those who will swim the 2-km route fastest,” said Aboitiz during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.
The Daily Tribune, Fast Read
April 6, 2011
Through the 2011 Olango Challenge, open-water swimming will continue to make waves in the Philippines.
The annual fund-raising event, which will benefit the people of Olango Island in Cebu, will take place on April 30 at the Tambuli Beach Club.
Launched in 2008, the event hopes to promote the sport in the country, considering that it’s now an Olympic event and part of the Southeast Asian Games calendar.
The Philippine Business for Social Progress is behind the unique and exciting event in coordination with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association.
Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the PBSP regional office in the Visayas and co-chairman of the open-water event, yesterday said they expect a bigger staging this year.
“It’s always been different each year. Now we expect as many as 70 participants who will swim the open-water box formation which they will circle three times for a total of six kilometers,” he said.
“There will be relay events for teams of three, and prizes for those who will swim the 2-km route fastest,” said Aboitiz during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.
Bigger, tougher Olango Challenge set
Bigger, tougher Olango Challenge set
The Philippine Star
April 06, 2011
MANILA, Philippines -- Through the 2011 Olango Challenge, open-water swimming will continue to make waves in the Philippines.
The annual fund-raising event, which will benefit the people of Olango Island in Cebu, will take place on April 30 at the Tambuli Beach Club.
Launched in 2008, the event hopes to promote the sport in the country, considering that it’s now an Olympic event and part of the Southeast Asian Games calendar.
The Philippine Business for Social Progress is behind the unique and exciting event in coordination with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association.
Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the PBSP regional office in the Visayas and co-chairman of the open-water event, yesterday said they expect a bigger staging this year.
“It’s always been different each year. Now we expect as many as 70 participants who will swim the open-water box formation which they will circle three times for a total of six kilometers,” he said.
“There will be relay events for teams of three, and prizes for those who will swim the 2 km route fastest,” said Aboitiz during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.
Aboitiz said it’s part of the awareness program they have launched a few years back, greater awareness for open-water swimming and swimming in general.
“Even though we are an island nation, still there are a lot of people who don’t know how to swim. Six children below 12 years old die of drowning every day in our country,” he said.
“And hopefully, this event will do some good,” added Aboitiz, who was joined in the forum by the event’s project director, Lex Reyes.
Since 2008, the event has raised almost P1.7 million for the people of Olango Island, used for social services and other income-generating projects.
The Philippine Star
April 06, 2011
MANILA, Philippines -- Through the 2011 Olango Challenge, open-water swimming will continue to make waves in the Philippines.
The annual fund-raising event, which will benefit the people of Olango Island in Cebu, will take place on April 30 at the Tambuli Beach Club.
Launched in 2008, the event hopes to promote the sport in the country, considering that it’s now an Olympic event and part of the Southeast Asian Games calendar.
The Philippine Business for Social Progress is behind the unique and exciting event in coordination with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association.
Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the PBSP regional office in the Visayas and co-chairman of the open-water event, yesterday said they expect a bigger staging this year.
“It’s always been different each year. Now we expect as many as 70 participants who will swim the open-water box formation which they will circle three times for a total of six kilometers,” he said.
“There will be relay events for teams of three, and prizes for those who will swim the 2 km route fastest,” said Aboitiz during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.
Aboitiz said it’s part of the awareness program they have launched a few years back, greater awareness for open-water swimming and swimming in general.
“Even though we are an island nation, still there are a lot of people who don’t know how to swim. Six children below 12 years old die of drowning every day in our country,” he said.
“And hopefully, this event will do some good,” added Aboitiz, who was joined in the forum by the event’s project director, Lex Reyes.
Since 2008, the event has raised almost P1.7 million for the people of Olango Island, used for social services and other income-generating projects.
Swimming: Open swimming now an Olympic and SEAG event -- Aboitiz
Swimming: Open swimming now an Olympic and SEAG event -- Aboitiz
Positive News Media
April 6, 2011
MANILA, April 6 (PNA) -- Through the 2011 Olango Challenge, open-water swimming will continue to make waves in the Philippines.
The annual fund-raising event, which will benefit the people of Olango Island in Cebu, will take place on April 30 at the Tambuli Beach Club.
Launched in 2008, the event hopes to promote the sport in the country, considering that it’s now an Olympic event and part of the Southeast Asian Games calendar.
The Philippine Business for Social Progress is behind the unique and exciting event in coordination with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association.
Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the PBSP regional office in the Visayas and co-chairman of the open-water event, said Tuesday they expect a bigger staging this year.
"It’s always been different each year. Now we expect as many as 70 participants who will swim the open-water box formation which they will circle three times for a total of six kilometers,” he said.
“There will be relay events for teams of three, and prizes for those who will swim the two-kilometer route fastest,” said Aboitiz during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.
Aboitiz said it’s part of the greater awareness for open-water swimming and swimming in general program they have launched a few years back.
“Even though we are an island nation, still there are a lot of people who don’t know how to swim. Six children below 12 years old die of drowning every day in our country,” he said in the session presented by Smart, PAGCOR and Shakey’s.
“And hopefully, this event will do some good,” added Aboitiz, who was joined in the forum by the event’s project director, Lex Reyes.
Since 2008, the event has raised almost P1.7 million for the people of Olango Island, which is used for social services and other income-generating projects. (PNA)
Positive News Media
April 6, 2011
MANILA, April 6 (PNA) -- Through the 2011 Olango Challenge, open-water swimming will continue to make waves in the Philippines.
The annual fund-raising event, which will benefit the people of Olango Island in Cebu, will take place on April 30 at the Tambuli Beach Club.
Launched in 2008, the event hopes to promote the sport in the country, considering that it’s now an Olympic event and part of the Southeast Asian Games calendar.
The Philippine Business for Social Progress is behind the unique and exciting event in coordination with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association.
Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the PBSP regional office in the Visayas and co-chairman of the open-water event, said Tuesday they expect a bigger staging this year.
"It’s always been different each year. Now we expect as many as 70 participants who will swim the open-water box formation which they will circle three times for a total of six kilometers,” he said.
“There will be relay events for teams of three, and prizes for those who will swim the two-kilometer route fastest,” said Aboitiz during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.
Aboitiz said it’s part of the greater awareness for open-water swimming and swimming in general program they have launched a few years back.
“Even though we are an island nation, still there are a lot of people who don’t know how to swim. Six children below 12 years old die of drowning every day in our country,” he said in the session presented by Smart, PAGCOR and Shakey’s.
“And hopefully, this event will do some good,” added Aboitiz, who was joined in the forum by the event’s project director, Lex Reyes.
Since 2008, the event has raised almost P1.7 million for the people of Olango Island, which is used for social services and other income-generating projects. (PNA)
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Barrios, with new collar, leads PSA forum guests
Barrios, with new collar, leads PSA forum guests
The Daily Tribune
April 5, 2011
Newly-appointed Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios leads a heavy line up of guests in today’s session of the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.
Barrios, who is expected to detail his plans as the day-to-day head of operations of the country’s governing body for basketball, will be joined in the session aired live over dzSR Sports Radio 918 and presented by Smart, Pagcor and Shakey’s, by Philippine Aquatics Sports Association (PASA) president Mark Joseph and Philippine Business for Social Progress chairman Mark Anthony Aboitiz as they talk about the 4th Olango Challenge in early May.
The chairman of the FilOil Flying V Sports, Joey Guillermo, will also be on hand for the 2011 FilOil Flying V Hanes Pre-Season Premier Cup on April 9, so does Grrandmaster Jayson Gonzales, accompanied by Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino and Pangasinan Chess Federation head Juan Sison to discuss the Pangasinan National Age-Group chess tournament on April 8 to 12 in Lingayen, Pangasinan, as well as North Face division manager Jundel Llagas for the 2nd The North Face Philippine 100, a two-day ultra marathon set April 30 to May 1 in Camarines Sur.
The Daily Tribune
April 5, 2011
Newly-appointed Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios leads a heavy line up of guests in today’s session of the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.
Barrios, who is expected to detail his plans as the day-to-day head of operations of the country’s governing body for basketball, will be joined in the session aired live over dzSR Sports Radio 918 and presented by Smart, Pagcor and Shakey’s, by Philippine Aquatics Sports Association (PASA) president Mark Joseph and Philippine Business for Social Progress chairman Mark Anthony Aboitiz as they talk about the 4th Olango Challenge in early May.
The chairman of the FilOil Flying V Sports, Joey Guillermo, will also be on hand for the 2011 FilOil Flying V Hanes Pre-Season Premier Cup on April 9, so does Grrandmaster Jayson Gonzales, accompanied by Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino and Pangasinan Chess Federation head Juan Sison to discuss the Pangasinan National Age-Group chess tournament on April 8 to 12 in Lingayen, Pangasinan, as well as North Face division manager Jundel Llagas for the 2nd The North Face Philippine 100, a two-day ultra marathon set April 30 to May 1 in Camarines Sur.
Swimming: Open swimming now an Olympic and SEAG event– Aboitiz
Swimming: Open swimming now an Olympic and SEAG event– Aboitiz
US News Agency
April 5, 2011
Through the 2011 Olango Challenge, open-water swimming will continue to make waves in the Philippines.
The annual fund-raising event, which will benefit the people of Olango Island in Cebu, will take place on April 30 at the Tambuli Beach Club.
Launched in 2008, the event hopes to promote the sport in the country, considering that it’s now an Olympic event and part of the Southeast Asian Games calendar.
The Philippine Business for Social Progress is behind the unique and exciting event in coordination with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association.
Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the PBSP regional office in the Visayas and co-chairman of the open-water event, said Tuesday they expect a bigger staging this year.
“It’s always been different each year. Now we expect as many as 70 participants who will swim the open-water box formation which they will circle three times for a total of six kilometers,” he said.
“There will be relay events for teams of three, and prizes for those who will swim the two-kilometer route fastest,” said Aboitiz during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.
Aboitiz said it’s part of the greater awareness for open-water swimming and swimming in general program they have launched a few years back.
“Even though we are an island nation, still there are a lot of people who don’t know how to swim. Six children below 12 years old die of drowning every day in our country,” he said in the session presented by Smart, PAGCOR and Shakey’s.
“And hopefully, this event will do some good,” added Aboitiz, who was joined in the forum by the event’s project director, Lex Reyes.
Since 2008, the event has raised almost P1.7 million for the people of Olango Island, which is used for social services and other income-generating projects.
US News Agency
April 5, 2011
Through the 2011 Olango Challenge, open-water swimming will continue to make waves in the Philippines.
The annual fund-raising event, which will benefit the people of Olango Island in Cebu, will take place on April 30 at the Tambuli Beach Club.
Launched in 2008, the event hopes to promote the sport in the country, considering that it’s now an Olympic event and part of the Southeast Asian Games calendar.
The Philippine Business for Social Progress is behind the unique and exciting event in coordination with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association.
Antonio Aboitiz, chairman of the PBSP regional office in the Visayas and co-chairman of the open-water event, said Tuesday they expect a bigger staging this year.
“It’s always been different each year. Now we expect as many as 70 participants who will swim the open-water box formation which they will circle three times for a total of six kilometers,” he said.
“There will be relay events for teams of three, and prizes for those who will swim the two-kilometer route fastest,” said Aboitiz during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.
Aboitiz said it’s part of the greater awareness for open-water swimming and swimming in general program they have launched a few years back.
“Even though we are an island nation, still there are a lot of people who don’t know how to swim. Six children below 12 years old die of drowning every day in our country,” he said in the session presented by Smart, PAGCOR and Shakey’s.
“And hopefully, this event will do some good,” added Aboitiz, who was joined in the forum by the event’s project director, Lex Reyes.
Since 2008, the event has raised almost P1.7 million for the people of Olango Island, which is used for social services and other income-generating projects.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Woodcutter becomes tree guardian
Woodcutter becomes tree guardian
By Cris Evert Lato
Cebu Daily News - Environment
April 4, 2011
Letecia "Nang Letty" Nepa, 54, used to cut off branches from trees in sitio Dulhogan, barangay Buhisan, Cebu City.
She sold the wood she gathered to those who used these as firewood or to make coal, and every day earned at least P100, which she spent mostly on food.
Her means of livelihood did not help the island that was reeling from massive deforestation, but the Dulhogan People's Association gave her a brand new start.
The organization entered into a partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress to "Save the Buhisan Watershed."
"PBSP taught us alternative means of livelihood that will not destroy the environment such as tending native tree seedlings and vermi composting," Nang Letty told delagates to the PBSP's 23rd Visayas Annual Membership Meeting at the Casino Espanol in March.
"It's not easy to plant trees and ensure that they really grow," she said in Cebuano.
"We know because we are the one taking care of the trees now."
"I realized that our forest give several benefits--fresh air, protection from landslides, only if we don't destroy them."
With the shift from woodcutting and gathering to growing trees and generating compost, Nang Letty began earning P1,000 a day.
As a member of the Dulhogan People's Association, Nang Letty works with PBSP and agencies such as the Metropolitan Cebu Water District, Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water and the city government to ensure that Cebu is provided with clean and fresh water.
The Dulhogan People's Association is also one of the 13 organizations mobilized to raise native trees for the Visayan Electric Co's reforestation park in the watershed.
The Buhisan Watershed covers 630 hectares of the 29,000-hectare Central Cebu Protected Landscape and is a protected area.
Within the Buhisan Watershed is the dam that contributes 4 percent of the 165,000 cubic meters of water that MCWD produces per day.
By Cris Evert Lato
Cebu Daily News - Environment
April 4, 2011
Letecia "Nang Letty" Nepa, 54, used to cut off branches from trees in sitio Dulhogan, barangay Buhisan, Cebu City.
She sold the wood she gathered to those who used these as firewood or to make coal, and every day earned at least P100, which she spent mostly on food.
Her means of livelihood did not help the island that was reeling from massive deforestation, but the Dulhogan People's Association gave her a brand new start.
The organization entered into a partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress to "Save the Buhisan Watershed."
"PBSP taught us alternative means of livelihood that will not destroy the environment such as tending native tree seedlings and vermi composting," Nang Letty told delagates to the PBSP's 23rd Visayas Annual Membership Meeting at the Casino Espanol in March.
"It's not easy to plant trees and ensure that they really grow," she said in Cebuano.
"We know because we are the one taking care of the trees now."
"I realized that our forest give several benefits--fresh air, protection from landslides, only if we don't destroy them."
With the shift from woodcutting and gathering to growing trees and generating compost, Nang Letty began earning P1,000 a day.
As a member of the Dulhogan People's Association, Nang Letty works with PBSP and agencies such as the Metropolitan Cebu Water District, Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water and the city government to ensure that Cebu is provided with clean and fresh water.
The Dulhogan People's Association is also one of the 13 organizations mobilized to raise native trees for the Visayan Electric Co's reforestation park in the watershed.
The Buhisan Watershed covers 630 hectares of the 29,000-hectare Central Cebu Protected Landscape and is a protected area.
Within the Buhisan Watershed is the dam that contributes 4 percent of the 165,000 cubic meters of water that MCWD produces per day.
PSA Forum: Barrios, PASA, Chess officials lead Tuesday’s guests
PSA Forum: Barrios, PASA, Chess officials lead Tuesday’s guests
US News Agency
April 4, 2011
Newly-appointed Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Sonny Barrios leads a heavy lineup of guests on Tuesday’s session of the PSA Forum at Shakey’s U.N. Ave.
Barrios, who is expected to detail his plans as the day-to-day head of operations of the country’s governing body for basketball, will be joined in the session aired live over DZSR Sports Radio 918 and presented by Smart, PAGCOR and Shakey’s, by Philippine Aquatics Sports Association (PASA) president Mark Joseph and Philippine Business for Social Progress chairman Mark Anthony Aboitiz as they talk about the 4th Olango Challenge in early May.
The chairman of the FilOil Flying V Sports, Joey Guillermo, will also be on hand for the 2011 FilOil Flying V Hanes Pre-Season Premier Cup on April 9, so will Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, accompanied by Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino and Pangasinan Chess Federation head Juan Sison to discuss the Pangasinan National Age-Group Chess tournament on April 8 to 12 in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Likewise attending is North Face division manager Jundel Llagas for the 2nd North Face Philippine 100, a two-day ultra marathon set April 30 to May 1 in Camarines Sur.
US News Agency
April 4, 2011
Newly-appointed Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Sonny Barrios leads a heavy lineup of guests on Tuesday’s session of the PSA Forum at Shakey’s U.N. Ave.
Barrios, who is expected to detail his plans as the day-to-day head of operations of the country’s governing body for basketball, will be joined in the session aired live over DZSR Sports Radio 918 and presented by Smart, PAGCOR and Shakey’s, by Philippine Aquatics Sports Association (PASA) president Mark Joseph and Philippine Business for Social Progress chairman Mark Anthony Aboitiz as they talk about the 4th Olango Challenge in early May.
The chairman of the FilOil Flying V Sports, Joey Guillermo, will also be on hand for the 2011 FilOil Flying V Hanes Pre-Season Premier Cup on April 9, so will Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, accompanied by Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino and Pangasinan Chess Federation head Juan Sison to discuss the Pangasinan National Age-Group Chess tournament on April 8 to 12 in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Likewise attending is North Face division manager Jundel Llagas for the 2nd North Face Philippine 100, a two-day ultra marathon set April 30 to May 1 in Camarines Sur.
Saturday, April 02, 2011
60% of Philippine firms ready for climate change impact – survey
60% of Philippine firms ready for climate change impact – survey
Manila Bulletin
April 2, 2011
Initial results of a comprehensive survey from London-based professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) show that more or less two-thirds of Philippine business companies have reported being 'somewhat' ready for the general impact of climate change to their respective properties and operations.
This despite the lack of a 'formal management-approved' plan or strategy on climate change for 64 percent of the survey respondents, with nine out of 10 of these 64-percent majority having 'informal plans' anyway, according to data made available during the Business Climate Action Summit in Makati City on March 29.
A partial tally of the poll revealed details as of March 23, while results of the online-based survey were set to be concluded on March 31, according to PwC Financial Advisors Inc. in a plenary presentation in Makati City.
Dan Hamza-Goodacre, climate change and sustainability advisor of PwC Financial Advisors Inc., disclosed that of the 36 percent with a formal approved plan or strategy on climate change, a quarter of these Philippine companies called for adaptation, less than a quarter for mitigation, and more than half called for both.
According to Goodacre, adaptation measures on climate change include groundwater or rainwater harvesting or desalination, urban greening, flood and assistance shelters, water efficiency, and shoreline defense.
Meanwhile, mitigation measures on climate change include energy efficiency, solid waste management and recycling, tree planting and watershed protection, building services and behavioral change, and low carbon energy purchase and installation, Goodacre said.
More than 90 organizations from the corporate sector, the non-profit community, and the government participated in the climate change summit organized by the Philippine Business for the Environment (PBE), in partnership with PwC, Honda, Shell, Holcim, and the Lopez group of companies.
Participants were grouped various into various clusters such as sustainable agriculture and energy efficiency, sustainable cities, and solid waste management, including the corporate-led Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).
Welcoming the guests during the climate change summit was PBE president and PBSP trustee Ed Chua of Shell Philippines.
Moreover, around 67 percent of survey respondents from the local business community have revealed that their respective companies consider climate change as having a great extent of impact to their respective organizations, Goodacre said.
He said around 58 percent of Philippine companies are 'somewhat prepared to manage climate change impact,' 22 percent 'neither prepared nor unprepared,' 18 percent 'very prepared,' and 2 percent 'somewhat unprepared.'
Overall, 89 percent of the survey respondents said their respective organizations consider the longer term impacts of climate change in their strategic plans and investment decisions, Goodacre added.
They said climate change would impact the economies and markets (38%), change consumer behavior (24%), damage physical assets and infrastructure (16%), challenge obtaining of resources or supply (11%), affect both workforce location and availability (4%) and administration of health hazards (4%), and induce changes in human and cultural environments, like migration (3%).
The survey respondents were composed of corporations (87 percent), sole proprietorships and partnerships (4 percent each), and others (5 percent).
The PwC poll reportedly aims to identify strategies and actions that private sector organizations undertake on climate change, analyze current perceptions of climate change risks and opportunities, identify the level of engagement between private and public sectors, and stimulate and scale up private sector action on adaptation and mitigation.
"Majority of the respondents were very concerned, thinking long-term and increasing short-term investments but are only somewhat prepared," Goodacre said.
Barriers to action include high costs and the lack of proper policy or regulation, both consistent with the views in other global surveys on climate change impacts, Goodacre added. He said climate change stakeholders want more cooperation with government, with the latter needing a clearer plan and enforcing it.
During the summit, Goodacre revealed a global Low Carbon Economy Index showing few countries are reducing their carbon intensity as many nations are even increasing.
Brazil, he said, is an exception with its reduced carbon intensity of 5.4 percent in 2009 compared to 2008, amid high economic growth and strong renewables.
Further, he cited a Carbon Disclosure Project 2010 where it identified companies taking active steps towards low-carbon economy. This, he said, included the so-called Global 500 comprising of 82 percent of the responses and representing 11 percent of global carbon emissions.
Almost half of global companies surveyed (48 percent) have embedded climate change and carbon management into group business strategy and reduction targets, while a little over a quarter (28 percent) have reported developing products and services that were enabling customers to cut carbon emissions, Goodacre said.
Based on a Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index and a Carbon Performance Leadership Index, PwC cited corporate 'leaders' including German industrial firms Siemens and Deutsche Post, health care Bayer, electronics companies Samsung and Phillips, financial groups National Australian Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland Group, and materials-based firms BASF, Le Farge, and Praxair.
The PwC presentation cited as carbon disclosure and performance 'laggards' as Berkshire Hathaway, the diversified conglomerate of Forbes third richest Warren Buffet, as well as Bank of China, energy firms Rosneft of Russia and Reliance Industries of India, and Amazon.com, the American online retailer of books, movies, and other entertainment goods.
Manila Bulletin
April 2, 2011
Initial results of a comprehensive survey from London-based professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) show that more or less two-thirds of Philippine business companies have reported being 'somewhat' ready for the general impact of climate change to their respective properties and operations.
This despite the lack of a 'formal management-approved' plan or strategy on climate change for 64 percent of the survey respondents, with nine out of 10 of these 64-percent majority having 'informal plans' anyway, according to data made available during the Business Climate Action Summit in Makati City on March 29.
A partial tally of the poll revealed details as of March 23, while results of the online-based survey were set to be concluded on March 31, according to PwC Financial Advisors Inc. in a plenary presentation in Makati City.
Dan Hamza-Goodacre, climate change and sustainability advisor of PwC Financial Advisors Inc., disclosed that of the 36 percent with a formal approved plan or strategy on climate change, a quarter of these Philippine companies called for adaptation, less than a quarter for mitigation, and more than half called for both.
According to Goodacre, adaptation measures on climate change include groundwater or rainwater harvesting or desalination, urban greening, flood and assistance shelters, water efficiency, and shoreline defense.
Meanwhile, mitigation measures on climate change include energy efficiency, solid waste management and recycling, tree planting and watershed protection, building services and behavioral change, and low carbon energy purchase and installation, Goodacre said.
More than 90 organizations from the corporate sector, the non-profit community, and the government participated in the climate change summit organized by the Philippine Business for the Environment (PBE), in partnership with PwC, Honda, Shell, Holcim, and the Lopez group of companies.
Participants were grouped various into various clusters such as sustainable agriculture and energy efficiency, sustainable cities, and solid waste management, including the corporate-led Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).
Welcoming the guests during the climate change summit was PBE president and PBSP trustee Ed Chua of Shell Philippines.
Moreover, around 67 percent of survey respondents from the local business community have revealed that their respective companies consider climate change as having a great extent of impact to their respective organizations, Goodacre said.
He said around 58 percent of Philippine companies are 'somewhat prepared to manage climate change impact,' 22 percent 'neither prepared nor unprepared,' 18 percent 'very prepared,' and 2 percent 'somewhat unprepared.'
Overall, 89 percent of the survey respondents said their respective organizations consider the longer term impacts of climate change in their strategic plans and investment decisions, Goodacre added.
They said climate change would impact the economies and markets (38%), change consumer behavior (24%), damage physical assets and infrastructure (16%), challenge obtaining of resources or supply (11%), affect both workforce location and availability (4%) and administration of health hazards (4%), and induce changes in human and cultural environments, like migration (3%).
The survey respondents were composed of corporations (87 percent), sole proprietorships and partnerships (4 percent each), and others (5 percent).
The PwC poll reportedly aims to identify strategies and actions that private sector organizations undertake on climate change, analyze current perceptions of climate change risks and opportunities, identify the level of engagement between private and public sectors, and stimulate and scale up private sector action on adaptation and mitigation.
"Majority of the respondents were very concerned, thinking long-term and increasing short-term investments but are only somewhat prepared," Goodacre said.
Barriers to action include high costs and the lack of proper policy or regulation, both consistent with the views in other global surveys on climate change impacts, Goodacre added. He said climate change stakeholders want more cooperation with government, with the latter needing a clearer plan and enforcing it.
During the summit, Goodacre revealed a global Low Carbon Economy Index showing few countries are reducing their carbon intensity as many nations are even increasing.
Brazil, he said, is an exception with its reduced carbon intensity of 5.4 percent in 2009 compared to 2008, amid high economic growth and strong renewables.
Further, he cited a Carbon Disclosure Project 2010 where it identified companies taking active steps towards low-carbon economy. This, he said, included the so-called Global 500 comprising of 82 percent of the responses and representing 11 percent of global carbon emissions.
Almost half of global companies surveyed (48 percent) have embedded climate change and carbon management into group business strategy and reduction targets, while a little over a quarter (28 percent) have reported developing products and services that were enabling customers to cut carbon emissions, Goodacre said.
Based on a Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index and a Carbon Performance Leadership Index, PwC cited corporate 'leaders' including German industrial firms Siemens and Deutsche Post, health care Bayer, electronics companies Samsung and Phillips, financial groups National Australian Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland Group, and materials-based firms BASF, Le Farge, and Praxair.
The PwC presentation cited as carbon disclosure and performance 'laggards' as Berkshire Hathaway, the diversified conglomerate of Forbes third richest Warren Buffet, as well as Bank of China, energy firms Rosneft of Russia and Reliance Industries of India, and Amazon.com, the American online retailer of books, movies, and other entertainment goods.
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