Cordova-PBSP MoU signed to protect coastal town's fragile resources
By Phoebe Jen Indino
Manila Bulletin
July 30, 2011
CORDOVA, Cebu, Philippines — In its aim to safeguard its coastal resources, this town recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for the proper management of such resources. Said MoU also ensures food security for the local people.
The MoU was also drawn in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 7, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other pertinent non-government organizations.
Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, PBSP’s Linking Initiatives for Collaborative Coastal Resource Management and Governance Program (LINC-CRMG) Program Manager Marivic Abello, DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP) Head Joselito Alcaria and Ocean Care Advocates, Inc. (OCAI) Administrator Mario Marababol signed the commitment at this town’s municipal hall.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Deal inked for Cordova town coastal rehab
Deal inked for Cordova town coastal rehab
Cebu Daily News
July 30, 2011
The municipal government of Cordova has teamed up with the private and the government sector for the management, development and protection of the town’s aquatic resources.
Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy signed an agreement with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) LINC-CRMG program manager Marivic Abello, DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management project head Joselito Alcaria and Ocean Care Advocates Inc. (OCAI) administrator Mario Marababol at the Cordova municipal hall for the undertaking.
Under the agreement, PBSP will assist Cordova in building up its capacity to conserve and develop coastal resources, food security and livelihood for coastal communities.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, OCAI and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Central Visayas, on the other hand, will handle the enforcement of coastal resource management.
The agreement is anchored on PBSP’s Linking Initiatives for Collaborative Coastal Resource Management and Governance Program (LINC-CRMG), which has already gained ground in the provinces of Bohol, Guimaras, Samar and Southern Leyte.
It is funded by the European Union.
Cordova’s Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (FARMC) will help monitor illegal activities in the town’s coastal waters.
“There will be continuous trainings of the FARMCs to strengthen their ability to respond to the needs of coastal barangays,” said Rei Cabalquinto, LINC-CRMG program officer for Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova.
The LINC-CRMG will run for two years and will cover the 10 coastal barangays of Cordova.
Cebu Daily News
July 30, 2011
The municipal government of Cordova has teamed up with the private and the government sector for the management, development and protection of the town’s aquatic resources.
Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy signed an agreement with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) LINC-CRMG program manager Marivic Abello, DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management project head Joselito Alcaria and Ocean Care Advocates Inc. (OCAI) administrator Mario Marababol at the Cordova municipal hall for the undertaking.
Under the agreement, PBSP will assist Cordova in building up its capacity to conserve and develop coastal resources, food security and livelihood for coastal communities.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, OCAI and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Central Visayas, on the other hand, will handle the enforcement of coastal resource management.
The agreement is anchored on PBSP’s Linking Initiatives for Collaborative Coastal Resource Management and Governance Program (LINC-CRMG), which has already gained ground in the provinces of Bohol, Guimaras, Samar and Southern Leyte.
It is funded by the European Union.
Cordova’s Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (FARMC) will help monitor illegal activities in the town’s coastal waters.
“There will be continuous trainings of the FARMCs to strengthen their ability to respond to the needs of coastal barangays,” said Rei Cabalquinto, LINC-CRMG program officer for Lapu-Lapu City and Cordova.
The LINC-CRMG will run for two years and will cover the 10 coastal barangays of Cordova.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Municipality initiates public-private partnership to protect coastal resources
Municipality initiates public-private partnership to protect coastal resources
By Fayette C. Riñen
Philippine Information Agency
July 29, 2011
CEBU CITY, July 29 (PIA) -- A coastal municipality in Cebu has initiated partnership among government stakeholders and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to manage its coastal resources and ensure food security for local folks.
The Municipality of Cordova recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the PBSP, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the management, development and protection of its aquatic resources within its municipal waters.
The MoU was recently signed between Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, PBSP’s LINC-CRMG Program Manager Marivic Abello, DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project Head Joselito Alcaria and Ocean Care Advocates, Inc. (OCAI) Administrator Mario Marababol at the municipal hall of Cordova.
Under the MoU, PBSP will assist Cordova in building up the capacities of local government units on the implementation of measures towards the conservation of coastal resources, food security and livelihood generation for coastal communities.
With the MoU, the town will also get the support of BFAR, DENR and OCAI on the enforcement of the Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP) to ensure sustainable management of coastal resources.
The agreement is anchored on PBSP’s Linking Initiatives for Collaborative Coastal Resource Management and Governance Program (LINC-CRMG), which has already gained ground in the provinces of Bohol, Guimaras, Samar and Southern Leyte.
Funded by the European Union, the program aims to achieve effective and sustainable coastal resource management and contribute to poverty reduction through the rehabilitation of the Visayas coastal zones, enhancement of alternative livelihood to further prevent use of coastal resources, and enforcement of fishery laws by enabling local government units through the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (FARMCs), according to a statement from the PBSP.
FARMCs are mandated by the government to oversee coastal resource regeneration and look into the improvement of the fisheries sector in the local level.
The councils are also responsible for drafting the coastal resource management plans and programs that include aspects such as the increase of income of communities living along the coastal zones, management of critical habitats, activities to lessen fishing pressure, enforcement of fishery laws and ecotourism.
Each council in the 13 barangays of Cordova will help monitor illegal activities in their specific areas which largely contributed to the rapid degradation of Cordova’s coastal waters.
“There will be continuous trainings of the FARMCs to strengthen their leadership and systems to respond to the needs of coastal barangays,” LINC-CRMG Program Officer for Lapu-Lapu and Cordova Rei Cabalquinto stated.
Cabalquinto added that Cordova still faces challenges such as providing alternative livelihood projects to augment family income and reduce pressure in the town’s coastal zones.
Furthermore, most fisherfolk organizations in Cordova still lack the skills needed to implement and enforce fishery laws, Cabalquinto said.
At present, the LINC-CRMG Program is advocating for a fisherfolk’s registration and creation of more information materials to help educate the coastal communities on effective coastal resource management.
The LINC-CRMG will run for two years and will cover 10 coastal barangays of Cordova. (FCR with Reggie Marie B. Barrientos of PBSP/PIA 7-Cebu)
By Fayette C. Riñen
Philippine Information Agency
July 29, 2011
CEBU CITY, July 29 (PIA) -- A coastal municipality in Cebu has initiated partnership among government stakeholders and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to manage its coastal resources and ensure food security for local folks.
The Municipality of Cordova recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the PBSP, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the management, development and protection of its aquatic resources within its municipal waters.
The MoU was recently signed between Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, PBSP’s LINC-CRMG Program Manager Marivic Abello, DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project Head Joselito Alcaria and Ocean Care Advocates, Inc. (OCAI) Administrator Mario Marababol at the municipal hall of Cordova.
Under the MoU, PBSP will assist Cordova in building up the capacities of local government units on the implementation of measures towards the conservation of coastal resources, food security and livelihood generation for coastal communities.
With the MoU, the town will also get the support of BFAR, DENR and OCAI on the enforcement of the Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP) to ensure sustainable management of coastal resources.
The agreement is anchored on PBSP’s Linking Initiatives for Collaborative Coastal Resource Management and Governance Program (LINC-CRMG), which has already gained ground in the provinces of Bohol, Guimaras, Samar and Southern Leyte.
Funded by the European Union, the program aims to achieve effective and sustainable coastal resource management and contribute to poverty reduction through the rehabilitation of the Visayas coastal zones, enhancement of alternative livelihood to further prevent use of coastal resources, and enforcement of fishery laws by enabling local government units through the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (FARMCs), according to a statement from the PBSP.
FARMCs are mandated by the government to oversee coastal resource regeneration and look into the improvement of the fisheries sector in the local level.
The councils are also responsible for drafting the coastal resource management plans and programs that include aspects such as the increase of income of communities living along the coastal zones, management of critical habitats, activities to lessen fishing pressure, enforcement of fishery laws and ecotourism.
Each council in the 13 barangays of Cordova will help monitor illegal activities in their specific areas which largely contributed to the rapid degradation of Cordova’s coastal waters.
“There will be continuous trainings of the FARMCs to strengthen their leadership and systems to respond to the needs of coastal barangays,” LINC-CRMG Program Officer for Lapu-Lapu and Cordova Rei Cabalquinto stated.
Cabalquinto added that Cordova still faces challenges such as providing alternative livelihood projects to augment family income and reduce pressure in the town’s coastal zones.
Furthermore, most fisherfolk organizations in Cordova still lack the skills needed to implement and enforce fishery laws, Cabalquinto said.
At present, the LINC-CRMG Program is advocating for a fisherfolk’s registration and creation of more information materials to help educate the coastal communities on effective coastal resource management.
The LINC-CRMG will run for two years and will cover 10 coastal barangays of Cordova. (FCR with Reggie Marie B. Barrientos of PBSP/PIA 7-Cebu)
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Cordova to rehab coastal waters
Cordova to rehab coastal waters
The Freeman
July 28, 2011
The municipal government of Cordova teamed up with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the management, development and protection of its aquatic resources within its municipal waters through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The MoU was recently signed between Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, PBSP’s LINC-CRMG Program Manager Marivic Abello, DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project Head Joselito Alcaria and Ocean Care Advocates, Inc. (OCAI) Administrator Mario Marababol at the municipal hall of Cordova.
Under the MoU, PBSP will assist Cordova in building up the capacities of local government units on the implementation of measures towards the conservation of coastal resources, food security and livelihood generation for coastal communities.
The town will also get the support of BFAR, DENR and OCAI on the enforcement of the Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP) to ensure sustainable management of coastal resources.
The agreement is anchored in PBSP’s Linking Initiatives for Collaborative Coastal Resource Management and Governance Program (LINC-CRMG) which has already gained ground in the provinces of Bohol, Guimaras, Samar and Southern Leyte.
Funded by the European Union, the program aims to achieve effective and sustainable coastal resource management and contribute to poverty reduction through the rehabilitation of the Visayas coastal zones, enhancement of alternative livelihood to further prevent use of coastal resources, and enforcement of fishery laws by enabling local government units through the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (FARMCs).
FARMCs are mandated by the government to oversee coastal resource regeneration as well as look into the improvement of the fisheries sector in the local level.
The councils are also responsible for drafting the coastal resource management plans and programs that include aspects such as the increase of income of communities living along the coastal zones, management of critical habitats, activities to lessen fishing pressure, enforcement of fishery laws and ecotourism.
Cordova’s barangay FARMCs will help monitor illegal activities in their specific areas which largely contributed to the rapid degradation of Cordova’s coastal waters.
“There will be continuous trainings of the FARMCs to strengthen their leadership and systems to respond to the needs of coastal barangays,” LINC-CRMG Program Officer for Lapu-Lapu and Cordova Rei Cabalquinto stated.
Cabalquinto adds that Cordova still faces challenges such as providing alternative livelihood projects to augment family income and reduce pressure in the town’s coastal zones. Further, most fisherfolk organizations in Cordova still lack the skills needed to implement and enforce fishery laws.
To date, the LINC-CRMG Program is advocating for a fisherfolk’s registration and creation of more information materials to help educate the coastal communities on effective coastal resource management.
LINC-CRMG will run for two years and will cover 10 coastal barangays of Cordova.
The Freeman
July 28, 2011
The municipal government of Cordova teamed up with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the management, development and protection of its aquatic resources within its municipal waters through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The MoU was recently signed between Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, PBSP’s LINC-CRMG Program Manager Marivic Abello, DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project Head Joselito Alcaria and Ocean Care Advocates, Inc. (OCAI) Administrator Mario Marababol at the municipal hall of Cordova.
Under the MoU, PBSP will assist Cordova in building up the capacities of local government units on the implementation of measures towards the conservation of coastal resources, food security and livelihood generation for coastal communities.
The town will also get the support of BFAR, DENR and OCAI on the enforcement of the Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP) to ensure sustainable management of coastal resources.
The agreement is anchored in PBSP’s Linking Initiatives for Collaborative Coastal Resource Management and Governance Program (LINC-CRMG) which has already gained ground in the provinces of Bohol, Guimaras, Samar and Southern Leyte.
Funded by the European Union, the program aims to achieve effective and sustainable coastal resource management and contribute to poverty reduction through the rehabilitation of the Visayas coastal zones, enhancement of alternative livelihood to further prevent use of coastal resources, and enforcement of fishery laws by enabling local government units through the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (FARMCs).
FARMCs are mandated by the government to oversee coastal resource regeneration as well as look into the improvement of the fisheries sector in the local level.
The councils are also responsible for drafting the coastal resource management plans and programs that include aspects such as the increase of income of communities living along the coastal zones, management of critical habitats, activities to lessen fishing pressure, enforcement of fishery laws and ecotourism.
Cordova’s barangay FARMCs will help monitor illegal activities in their specific areas which largely contributed to the rapid degradation of Cordova’s coastal waters.
“There will be continuous trainings of the FARMCs to strengthen their leadership and systems to respond to the needs of coastal barangays,” LINC-CRMG Program Officer for Lapu-Lapu and Cordova Rei Cabalquinto stated.
Cabalquinto adds that Cordova still faces challenges such as providing alternative livelihood projects to augment family income and reduce pressure in the town’s coastal zones. Further, most fisherfolk organizations in Cordova still lack the skills needed to implement and enforce fishery laws.
To date, the LINC-CRMG Program is advocating for a fisherfolk’s registration and creation of more information materials to help educate the coastal communities on effective coastal resource management.
LINC-CRMG will run for two years and will cover 10 coastal barangays of Cordova.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Handling of MPAs vital to catch more fishes, fix prices
Handling of MPAs vital to catch more fishes, fix prices
The Bohol Standard
July 24, 2011
To increase fish yields and control fish prices, Gov. Edgar Chatto has underlined the best management of marine protection areas (MPAs) as another core intervention of his administration.
Capitol is moving to improve and sustain the management of existing MPAs for better livelihood and socio-economic chances, which can modify the prevailing condition.
The strategy at the same time pursues the goal of breaking free from poverty and ensures food self-sufficiency.
It supports the overtowering sustainable development framework articulated in capitol’s HEAT folder and its wider LIFE HELPS agenda.
The governor observed that many LGUs and communities have invested precious resources in physical development, protection and awareness promotion in support to MPA projects.
Yet regular monitoring of MPAs to ensure that their investments produce the desired effects has been found wanting.
The governor’s office thus had the capitol Social Economic and Environmental Management (SEEM) Cluster conducting a trainers’ training on MPA monitoring and evaluation days ago.
The training was coordinated by the Coastal Resource Management (CRM) sector of the Bohol Environment and Management Office (BEMO) and Philippine Environmental Governance (EcoGov2) Project.
The provincial government and EcoGov2 intend to form a good monitoring-evaluation team who can lead LGUs to accessing to training and mentoring assistance.
This is helpful to the promotion and improvement of MPA management.
The trainers’ training was done to members of the MPA Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) from national agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Non-government organizations such as BANGON, Project Seahorse, Padayon Bohol Bohol Marine Triangle, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Bohol Integrated Development Foundation and PROCESS as well as selected municipal MPA-TWGs also participated.
Training sessions involved a combination of lectures, discussions, workshops and field activities, all to enhance the skills and capacities to gauge the effectiveness of MPA management.
In measuring, they have to use the MPA Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT).
Using the tool, the training participants did actual focus group discussions to assess the status of significant MPAs on sites.
These marine protected areas embrace the seawaters off Biking, Catarman, Bingag and Tabalong, all in Dauis, and San isidro, Dao and Bolod in Panglao.
The focus group discussion results were later reviewed, evaluated and processed by the participants.
EcoGov2 regional coordinator May Elizabeth Ybañez and training officers Rebecca Paz and Anna Meneses and BEMO-CRM sector head Adelfa Salutan led the training staff.
The Bohol Standard
July 24, 2011
To increase fish yields and control fish prices, Gov. Edgar Chatto has underlined the best management of marine protection areas (MPAs) as another core intervention of his administration.
Capitol is moving to improve and sustain the management of existing MPAs for better livelihood and socio-economic chances, which can modify the prevailing condition.
The strategy at the same time pursues the goal of breaking free from poverty and ensures food self-sufficiency.
It supports the overtowering sustainable development framework articulated in capitol’s HEAT folder and its wider LIFE HELPS agenda.
The governor observed that many LGUs and communities have invested precious resources in physical development, protection and awareness promotion in support to MPA projects.
Yet regular monitoring of MPAs to ensure that their investments produce the desired effects has been found wanting.
The governor’s office thus had the capitol Social Economic and Environmental Management (SEEM) Cluster conducting a trainers’ training on MPA monitoring and evaluation days ago.
The training was coordinated by the Coastal Resource Management (CRM) sector of the Bohol Environment and Management Office (BEMO) and Philippine Environmental Governance (EcoGov2) Project.
The provincial government and EcoGov2 intend to form a good monitoring-evaluation team who can lead LGUs to accessing to training and mentoring assistance.
This is helpful to the promotion and improvement of MPA management.
The trainers’ training was done to members of the MPA Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) from national agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Non-government organizations such as BANGON, Project Seahorse, Padayon Bohol Bohol Marine Triangle, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Bohol Integrated Development Foundation and PROCESS as well as selected municipal MPA-TWGs also participated.
Training sessions involved a combination of lectures, discussions, workshops and field activities, all to enhance the skills and capacities to gauge the effectiveness of MPA management.
In measuring, they have to use the MPA Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT).
Using the tool, the training participants did actual focus group discussions to assess the status of significant MPAs on sites.
These marine protected areas embrace the seawaters off Biking, Catarman, Bingag and Tabalong, all in Dauis, and San isidro, Dao and Bolod in Panglao.
The focus group discussion results were later reviewed, evaluated and processed by the participants.
EcoGov2 regional coordinator May Elizabeth Ybañez and training officers Rebecca Paz and Anna Meneses and BEMO-CRM sector head Adelfa Salutan led the training staff.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Sandugo expo highlights ‘green opportunity’
Sandugo expo highlights ‘green opportunity’
By Katlene O. Cacho
Sun.Star Cebu
July 21, 2011
TAGBILARAN CITY – The week-long celebration of the Sandugo Trade Expo 2011 that opened yesterday highlighted not only green products but also opened opportunities for local suppliers to forge linkages with local tourism establishments, officials said.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 said this year’s trade exhibition will focus on the tourism industry as possible market for local players.
“What makes the expo different this year is that we have lined up activities which would help strengthen the products and services of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We are also showcasing new and innovative ‘green products’ for the growing green market,” DTI 7 director Asteria Caberte said in a press conference at the Island City Mall.
Products
The Sandugo Trade Expo, which runs from July 20 to 24 at the Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City, will highlight world class product lines in handicraft, processed food, fashion accessories, gifts, decors and houseware.
The expo carries the theme “Greening Business, Wining Markets.”
DTI Bohol Director Maria Elena Arbon said 85 exhibitors joined this year’s expo. Other activities include corporate social responsibility in Bohol food and tourism sectors, SME summit and the green growth awareness day for local SMEs.
“We are looking at selling our products not only to the export market but also to the tourism and tourism establishments. We would like to influence resort owners to make use of our local materials, which are also competitive with imported products in terms of quality and pricing,” Caberte said.
“In this way, we are not only helping the environment but also helping our fellow Filipinos because of the jobs we create,” she added.
Caberte said a market encounter activity will be organized for the SMEs so they could network with potential buyers.
Aside from tapping the tourism market, German Development Corporation (GIZ) program manager for Private Sector Promotion (SMEDSEP) Program Volker Steigerwald said partner agencies like them would also push SMEs to develop green products for the growing green economy.
“We have come up with SME development strategy in partnership with the DTI which would strongly push for the creation of green products,” he said.
Caberte said they would like to enhance the competitiveness of the SMEs in the Visayas.
“Although going green is an uphill climb as the process is expensive, it has to be emphasized that there is a market outside and inside of the country for those businesses going in the green lane production,” she said.
Requirement
Caberte cited Europe as a good market for green products and said many Cebuano exporters have already started employing green technology in their supply chain management. She cited the allocation of big hectares for planting trees as one form of green advocacy adopted by some exporters.
“Adopting green initiatives in the production is already a requirement by some buyers,” she said.
While there are lot of SMEs now employing green technology in business, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Marietta Gasatan said local SMEs still need more inputs to sustain the initiative. She said that SMEs in Bohol in particular are now maximizing the use of technology to reduce carbon footprint.
DTI 7 said last year’s trade fair held in Dao, Bohol posted total sales of P27.95 million. Total cash sales were pegged at P2.96 million, booked orders amounted to P12.16 million, while sales under negotiation hit P12.83 million.
The trade expo is being held in partnership with DTI, Bohol Province, Philippine Business for Social Progress, German Development Cooperation, Bohol and Medium Enterprise Development Council, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines-Cebu and Japan International Cooperation Agency.
By Katlene O. Cacho
Sun.Star Cebu
July 21, 2011
TAGBILARAN CITY – The week-long celebration of the Sandugo Trade Expo 2011 that opened yesterday highlighted not only green products but also opened opportunities for local suppliers to forge linkages with local tourism establishments, officials said.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 said this year’s trade exhibition will focus on the tourism industry as possible market for local players.
“What makes the expo different this year is that we have lined up activities which would help strengthen the products and services of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We are also showcasing new and innovative ‘green products’ for the growing green market,” DTI 7 director Asteria Caberte said in a press conference at the Island City Mall.
Products
The Sandugo Trade Expo, which runs from July 20 to 24 at the Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City, will highlight world class product lines in handicraft, processed food, fashion accessories, gifts, decors and houseware.
The expo carries the theme “Greening Business, Wining Markets.”
DTI Bohol Director Maria Elena Arbon said 85 exhibitors joined this year’s expo. Other activities include corporate social responsibility in Bohol food and tourism sectors, SME summit and the green growth awareness day for local SMEs.
“We are looking at selling our products not only to the export market but also to the tourism and tourism establishments. We would like to influence resort owners to make use of our local materials, which are also competitive with imported products in terms of quality and pricing,” Caberte said.
“In this way, we are not only helping the environment but also helping our fellow Filipinos because of the jobs we create,” she added.
Caberte said a market encounter activity will be organized for the SMEs so they could network with potential buyers.
Aside from tapping the tourism market, German Development Corporation (GIZ) program manager for Private Sector Promotion (SMEDSEP) Program Volker Steigerwald said partner agencies like them would also push SMEs to develop green products for the growing green economy.
“We have come up with SME development strategy in partnership with the DTI which would strongly push for the creation of green products,” he said.
Caberte said they would like to enhance the competitiveness of the SMEs in the Visayas.
“Although going green is an uphill climb as the process is expensive, it has to be emphasized that there is a market outside and inside of the country for those businesses going in the green lane production,” she said.
Requirement
Caberte cited Europe as a good market for green products and said many Cebuano exporters have already started employing green technology in their supply chain management. She cited the allocation of big hectares for planting trees as one form of green advocacy adopted by some exporters.
“Adopting green initiatives in the production is already a requirement by some buyers,” she said.
While there are lot of SMEs now employing green technology in business, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Marietta Gasatan said local SMEs still need more inputs to sustain the initiative. She said that SMEs in Bohol in particular are now maximizing the use of technology to reduce carbon footprint.
DTI 7 said last year’s trade fair held in Dao, Bohol posted total sales of P27.95 million. Total cash sales were pegged at P2.96 million, booked orders amounted to P12.16 million, while sales under negotiation hit P12.83 million.
The trade expo is being held in partnership with DTI, Bohol Province, Philippine Business for Social Progress, German Development Cooperation, Bohol and Medium Enterprise Development Council, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines-Cebu and Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Agreement sealed for water system
Agreement sealed for water system
Sun.Star Cebu
July 13, 2011
MORE than 30 households from Sitio Sayaw, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City will soon have improved access to potable water through the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-ibig Fund’s Potable Water System Project.
The project was sealed through an agreement between the Cebu south branch of Pag-ibig and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and involves the establishment of a level two potable water system in Sitio Sayaw.
Sayaw is located some 10 kilometers from the Transcentral Highway, which is 25 kilometers away from the city proper. For years, residents from the sitio had to walk for hours to fetch water.
Pag-ibig Cebu branch officer-in-charge and department manager III Rio Teves, PBSP Visayas regional operations manager Jessie Cubijano and Sayaw Farmers Association president Ricardo Labora recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at Pag-Ibig Fund-WT Corporate Tower, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City for the project.
“As a financial institution that largely deals with housing projects, we know how important water is to every household,” Teves said during the MOA signing.
The project, which is worth P60,000, will take the form of boxes that collect water from springs and other natural water resources in upland areas and keep stored water safe from contamination.
The project will allow for two distribution stations for the households within the area.
Under the agreement, PBSP will serve as implementing agency in the construction of the water system, as well as take charge in the monitoring of the project.
The potable water system project signified Pag-ibig Cebu’s commitment to adopt Sitio Sayaw as its community for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives through the Pag-ibig 1-4-3 Program.
Sun.Star Cebu
July 13, 2011
MORE than 30 households from Sitio Sayaw, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City will soon have improved access to potable water through the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-ibig Fund’s Potable Water System Project.
The project was sealed through an agreement between the Cebu south branch of Pag-ibig and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and involves the establishment of a level two potable water system in Sitio Sayaw.
Sayaw is located some 10 kilometers from the Transcentral Highway, which is 25 kilometers away from the city proper. For years, residents from the sitio had to walk for hours to fetch water.
Pag-ibig Cebu branch officer-in-charge and department manager III Rio Teves, PBSP Visayas regional operations manager Jessie Cubijano and Sayaw Farmers Association president Ricardo Labora recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at Pag-Ibig Fund-WT Corporate Tower, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City for the project.
“As a financial institution that largely deals with housing projects, we know how important water is to every household,” Teves said during the MOA signing.
The project, which is worth P60,000, will take the form of boxes that collect water from springs and other natural water resources in upland areas and keep stored water safe from contamination.
The project will allow for two distribution stations for the households within the area.
Under the agreement, PBSP will serve as implementing agency in the construction of the water system, as well as take charge in the monitoring of the project.
The potable water system project signified Pag-ibig Cebu’s commitment to adopt Sitio Sayaw as its community for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives through the Pag-ibig 1-4-3 Program.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Maasin City strengthens disaster preparedness, conducts contingency planning
Maasin City strengthens disaster preparedness, conducts contingency planning
By R.G. Cadavos
Philippine Information Agency
July 12, 2011
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 12 (PIA) –- Maasin City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) has conducted an on-going contingency planning among 5 recipient-barangays of the Strengthening Disaster Preparedness thru SMS Technology project spearheaded by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).
Ritche Sumalinog, a staff from the City Engineer’s Office here said “we have already finished three out of five of the beneficiary-barangays in the disaster risk management and conducted a planning activity in preparation for any calamity.”
These barangays mentioned are Mambajao, Soro-Soro and San Rafael, while Gawisan and Lunas will follow thereafter, Sumalinog who assisted the planning disclosed. The 5 barangays are the recipients of (2) cellphones each from the PBSP project tying up with Smart Communications and the World Bank.
“During times of crisis, contingency plans are often developed to explore and prepare for any eventuality, designed to inform citizens and concerned officials during a calamity by the use of short messages system (SMS) technology through cellphone, Sumalinog bared in an interview.
He further added that the (1) Blackberry cellphone is assigned to the Barangay Chairman in each barangay , while the other one is given to the one identified by the barangay leader, mostly those in-charge in the information unit basing on the BDRRMC organization.
The project will apply mobile phone SMS technology to improve the communication system among DRM organizations at various levels of the DRM command chain not only in Maasin City but throughout the province. There are identified pilot municipalities of the PBSP project throughout Southern Leyte, these are Malitbog, Bontoc, Libagon, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, and Hinunangan and the city of Maasin.
The project also aimed to assess existing vulnerabilities; implement disaster avoidance and prevention procedures; and develop a comprehensive plan that will enable the organization to react appropriately and in a timely manner if disaster strikes.
Maasin City Engineer Aniceto Narit is the Action Officer of the CDRRMC while Mayor Maloney Samaco chaired the council, it was learned.
By R.G. Cadavos
Philippine Information Agency
July 12, 2011
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 12 (PIA) –- Maasin City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) has conducted an on-going contingency planning among 5 recipient-barangays of the Strengthening Disaster Preparedness thru SMS Technology project spearheaded by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).
Ritche Sumalinog, a staff from the City Engineer’s Office here said “we have already finished three out of five of the beneficiary-barangays in the disaster risk management and conducted a planning activity in preparation for any calamity.”
These barangays mentioned are Mambajao, Soro-Soro and San Rafael, while Gawisan and Lunas will follow thereafter, Sumalinog who assisted the planning disclosed. The 5 barangays are the recipients of (2) cellphones each from the PBSP project tying up with Smart Communications and the World Bank.
“During times of crisis, contingency plans are often developed to explore and prepare for any eventuality, designed to inform citizens and concerned officials during a calamity by the use of short messages system (SMS) technology through cellphone, Sumalinog bared in an interview.
He further added that the (1) Blackberry cellphone is assigned to the Barangay Chairman in each barangay , while the other one is given to the one identified by the barangay leader, mostly those in-charge in the information unit basing on the BDRRMC organization.
The project will apply mobile phone SMS technology to improve the communication system among DRM organizations at various levels of the DRM command chain not only in Maasin City but throughout the province. There are identified pilot municipalities of the PBSP project throughout Southern Leyte, these are Malitbog, Bontoc, Libagon, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, and Hinunangan and the city of Maasin.
The project also aimed to assess existing vulnerabilities; implement disaster avoidance and prevention procedures; and develop a comprehensive plan that will enable the organization to react appropriately and in a timely manner if disaster strikes.
Maasin City Engineer Aniceto Narit is the Action Officer of the CDRRMC while Mayor Maloney Samaco chaired the council, it was learned.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Guaranteed Safe Delivery for Mothers
Guaranteed Safe Delivery for Mothers
By Irene V. Fernando
Manila Bulletin
July 11, 2011
MANILA, Philippines — Launched last year as the branded generics company of Pfizer Philippines, Pfizer Parke Davis (PPD) is expanding its CSR efforts by opening its first Nay Bahay Ligtas Paanakan Center—a lying-in maternal facility that will give birthing mothers from indigent communities a safe place for labor with the expert supervision of licensed midwives.
The birthing centers, designed by young architect Jason Buensalido, will be made out of recycled shipping containers, complete with all the necessary equipment and attending staff.
The move is part of PPD’s partnership with the government in addressing the lack of quality maternal healthcare in the country. The pilot center is located in Minabalac, Camarines Sur and is set to open this August.
“We are going to build two lying-in centers this year, with the second one slated to begin construction in October in Balugao, Pangasinan,” shares Obet Bautista, general manager for Pfizer Park Davis during the Bulong Pulungan last June 28 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
“We will also begin intensive training for barangay health workers to ensure that the community will get the topnotch health services that they deserve,” he adds. Aside from the Department of Health (DOH), PPD is also working with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Zuellig Family Foundation, and Lowe Inc.
Maternal Mortality Rate
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 11 women in the Philippines die every day due to pregnancy-related complications. Given this rate, it is no surprise that the country is having a hard time achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) set by the United Nations (UN) on reducing the maternal mortality rate by 2015.
In a presentation before the members of the press, experts discussed the importance of addressing a nation’s maternal healthcare. According to Dr. Rebecca Ramos, consultant for Women’s Health Care Foundation, “good quality maternity services can save lives of newborns” and that “most maternal deaths happen during labor, delivery and the immediate post-partum period.”
She shared that the Philippines is included in the list of countries in Asia where there is a high rate of Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), together with Cambodia, Papua New Guinea and Mongolia.
She also cited how Sri Lanka used to have high MMR but was able to reduce the percentage by introducing a system of health facilities, expanding midwifery skills, decreasing use of home childbirth and births by untrained birth attendants, and promoting family planning.
Training Birth Attendants
Under the DOH’s Administrative Order 2008-2009, the government must ensure that “every delivery of a child is facility-based and managed by skilled birth attendants.” But with the limited budget, there are not enough lying-in facilities in the country—especially in rural areas.
Ramos also shared that the MMR in the country can be partly traced to delays in the decision to seek professional care and the delay in receiving care from skilled personnel. “There is a need for staff that can provide service for 24 hours and who are well-trained on improved maternity and neonatal care practices,” she says. This is why part of PPD’s program is to train birth attendants.
According to DOH Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa, these Nay Bahay centers will greatly complement the existing hospitals and health centers in the provinces. “There is an existing rural (health) center. What we do is build a birthing room and train people.” With the memorandum of understanding with PPD, DOH is hoping to achieve its target of coming up with 4,000 birth facilities around the country.
Aside from the lying-in centers, PPD will also launch other programs in the succeeding months, such as the Alkansya Program that will help would-be mothers save for the birthing expenses and the Buntis Congress which seeks to make would-be fathers more actively involved during the entire pregnancy period.
By Irene V. Fernando
Manila Bulletin
July 11, 2011
MANILA, Philippines — Launched last year as the branded generics company of Pfizer Philippines, Pfizer Parke Davis (PPD) is expanding its CSR efforts by opening its first Nay Bahay Ligtas Paanakan Center—a lying-in maternal facility that will give birthing mothers from indigent communities a safe place for labor with the expert supervision of licensed midwives.
The birthing centers, designed by young architect Jason Buensalido, will be made out of recycled shipping containers, complete with all the necessary equipment and attending staff.
The move is part of PPD’s partnership with the government in addressing the lack of quality maternal healthcare in the country. The pilot center is located in Minabalac, Camarines Sur and is set to open this August.
“We are going to build two lying-in centers this year, with the second one slated to begin construction in October in Balugao, Pangasinan,” shares Obet Bautista, general manager for Pfizer Park Davis during the Bulong Pulungan last June 28 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
“We will also begin intensive training for barangay health workers to ensure that the community will get the topnotch health services that they deserve,” he adds. Aside from the Department of Health (DOH), PPD is also working with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Zuellig Family Foundation, and Lowe Inc.
Maternal Mortality Rate
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 11 women in the Philippines die every day due to pregnancy-related complications. Given this rate, it is no surprise that the country is having a hard time achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) set by the United Nations (UN) on reducing the maternal mortality rate by 2015.
In a presentation before the members of the press, experts discussed the importance of addressing a nation’s maternal healthcare. According to Dr. Rebecca Ramos, consultant for Women’s Health Care Foundation, “good quality maternity services can save lives of newborns” and that “most maternal deaths happen during labor, delivery and the immediate post-partum period.”
She shared that the Philippines is included in the list of countries in Asia where there is a high rate of Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), together with Cambodia, Papua New Guinea and Mongolia.
She also cited how Sri Lanka used to have high MMR but was able to reduce the percentage by introducing a system of health facilities, expanding midwifery skills, decreasing use of home childbirth and births by untrained birth attendants, and promoting family planning.
Training Birth Attendants
Under the DOH’s Administrative Order 2008-2009, the government must ensure that “every delivery of a child is facility-based and managed by skilled birth attendants.” But with the limited budget, there are not enough lying-in facilities in the country—especially in rural areas.
Ramos also shared that the MMR in the country can be partly traced to delays in the decision to seek professional care and the delay in receiving care from skilled personnel. “There is a need for staff that can provide service for 24 hours and who are well-trained on improved maternity and neonatal care practices,” she says. This is why part of PPD’s program is to train birth attendants.
According to DOH Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa, these Nay Bahay centers will greatly complement the existing hospitals and health centers in the provinces. “There is an existing rural (health) center. What we do is build a birthing room and train people.” With the memorandum of understanding with PPD, DOH is hoping to achieve its target of coming up with 4,000 birth facilities around the country.
Aside from the lying-in centers, PPD will also launch other programs in the succeeding months, such as the Alkansya Program that will help would-be mothers save for the birthing expenses and the Buntis Congress which seeks to make would-be fathers more actively involved during the entire pregnancy period.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
DepEd: Partnership with LGUs reduces shortage of classrooms
DepEd: Partnership with LGUs reduces shortage of classrooms
By Jeffrey Tiangco
July 10, 2011
Journal Online
THE Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday said its partnership with the private sector and the local government units (LGU) will reduce shortage of classrooms in public schools, citing the 1,054 classrooms worth P800 million set for completion within the year.
The DepEd said another P1 billion worth of classrooms is up for signing with the LGUs and the private sector, adding that the 1, 054 classrooms are products of the 50/50 counter-parting scheme contained in various memoranda of agreement it entered into with the League of Municipalities, the League of Cities and the League of Provinces since January this year.
The DepEd said the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has also pledged to fund the construction of 1,000 units of fully-equipped classrooms which will be turned over to DepEd by December 2012.
Based on its 2011 actual budget allocation of some P8 billion for classroom construction, DepEd admitted it can only build a maximum of 10,000 classrooms per year. The department was given P207 billion budget this year, a 19 percent hike compared to last year’s P175 billion.
“From this single government corporation alone, 10 percent of our annual capacity to build is already covered,” the DepEd said.
Records showed that there is a shortage of 66, 800 classrooms this school year even as experts pointed out that the influx of students in the public sector, 22.5 million (kindergarten, elementary and secondary) alone this school year, makes it difficult for the government to cope with the problem.
DepEd also has to implement the K to 12 program (the plan to add two more years to the current 10-year basic education cycle), especially because it has started one of the program’s component, the Universal Kindergarten, this school year.
DepEd said that aside from the assistance from the LGUs and other government agencies, the private sector also continues to give funds is by partnering with DepEd’s Adopt-A-School program for the construction of more school buildings under the Bayanihang Pampaaralan program.
Participated in by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), League of Corporate Foundation (LCF) and Philippine Business For Education (PBED), the program calls for the construction of 10,000 classrooms around the country in two years.
“To date, the commitment of the government and the private sector to help bridge the classroom shortage sums up to over 12,500 classroom units in two years. All these are on top of the regular classroom construction programmed by DepEd from its annual allocation,” the DepEd said.
Some of the private businesses that have already committed to the public school building construction program are Jollibee Foundation, SM Foundation, Coca Cola Foundation, Petron, Philamlife Foundation, and PLDT.
The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has also come up with a proposal that seeks to construct over 200,000 classrooms from 2012 to 2013 employing out-of-the-box solutions to the perennial problem of classroom shortage.
Among the schemes being recommended are rent-to-own or build-operate-transfer, optimum use of Special Education Fund (SEF) generated by LGUs as loan collateral and allocation of a portion of lawmakers’ pork barrel for classroom construction for at least two years.
By Jeffrey Tiangco
July 10, 2011
Journal Online
THE Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday said its partnership with the private sector and the local government units (LGU) will reduce shortage of classrooms in public schools, citing the 1,054 classrooms worth P800 million set for completion within the year.
The DepEd said another P1 billion worth of classrooms is up for signing with the LGUs and the private sector, adding that the 1, 054 classrooms are products of the 50/50 counter-parting scheme contained in various memoranda of agreement it entered into with the League of Municipalities, the League of Cities and the League of Provinces since January this year.
The DepEd said the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has also pledged to fund the construction of 1,000 units of fully-equipped classrooms which will be turned over to DepEd by December 2012.
Based on its 2011 actual budget allocation of some P8 billion for classroom construction, DepEd admitted it can only build a maximum of 10,000 classrooms per year. The department was given P207 billion budget this year, a 19 percent hike compared to last year’s P175 billion.
“From this single government corporation alone, 10 percent of our annual capacity to build is already covered,” the DepEd said.
Records showed that there is a shortage of 66, 800 classrooms this school year even as experts pointed out that the influx of students in the public sector, 22.5 million (kindergarten, elementary and secondary) alone this school year, makes it difficult for the government to cope with the problem.
DepEd also has to implement the K to 12 program (the plan to add two more years to the current 10-year basic education cycle), especially because it has started one of the program’s component, the Universal Kindergarten, this school year.
DepEd said that aside from the assistance from the LGUs and other government agencies, the private sector also continues to give funds is by partnering with DepEd’s Adopt-A-School program for the construction of more school buildings under the Bayanihang Pampaaralan program.
Participated in by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), League of Corporate Foundation (LCF) and Philippine Business For Education (PBED), the program calls for the construction of 10,000 classrooms around the country in two years.
“To date, the commitment of the government and the private sector to help bridge the classroom shortage sums up to over 12,500 classroom units in two years. All these are on top of the regular classroom construction programmed by DepEd from its annual allocation,” the DepEd said.
Some of the private businesses that have already committed to the public school building construction program are Jollibee Foundation, SM Foundation, Coca Cola Foundation, Petron, Philamlife Foundation, and PLDT.
The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has also come up with a proposal that seeks to construct over 200,000 classrooms from 2012 to 2013 employing out-of-the-box solutions to the perennial problem of classroom shortage.
Among the schemes being recommended are rent-to-own or build-operate-transfer, optimum use of Special Education Fund (SEF) generated by LGUs as loan collateral and allocation of a portion of lawmakers’ pork barrel for classroom construction for at least two years.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Telco supports Cebu hillylands reforestation efforts
Telco supports Cebu hillylands reforestation efforts
Cebu Daily News
July 9, 2011
Employee-volunteers and security personnel of Smart Communications Inc. trooped to the reforestation site in barangay Tabunan, Cebu City to join the kick-off tree planting activity of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) last June 18.
Called the Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan 2011, the team from Smart, together with the more than 800 volunteers from PBSP member-companies, planted seedlings of Cebu cinnamon tree, tagilomboy, narra, taloto, lanotan and toong.
A first-time volunteer, engineer Jun Lavetoria of Smart’s Property and Facilities Management group was awed by the Cebuano’s spirit and camaraderie.
“It is so heartwarming to see people from different companies and walks of life working together to save and protect Mother Earth,” he said.
For the past seven years, Smart and PBSP have been working together in the greening of barangay Tabunan, one of Cebu City’s mountain barangays that form part of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape—Metro Cebu’s source of water.
Cebu Daily News
July 9, 2011
Employee-volunteers and security personnel of Smart Communications Inc. trooped to the reforestation site in barangay Tabunan, Cebu City to join the kick-off tree planting activity of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) last June 18.
Called the Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan 2011, the team from Smart, together with the more than 800 volunteers from PBSP member-companies, planted seedlings of Cebu cinnamon tree, tagilomboy, narra, taloto, lanotan and toong.
A first-time volunteer, engineer Jun Lavetoria of Smart’s Property and Facilities Management group was awed by the Cebuano’s spirit and camaraderie.
“It is so heartwarming to see people from different companies and walks of life working together to save and protect Mother Earth,” he said.
For the past seven years, Smart and PBSP have been working together in the greening of barangay Tabunan, one of Cebu City’s mountain barangays that form part of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape—Metro Cebu’s source of water.
Groups commit to build 12,000 classrooms in 2 years
Groups commit to build 12,000 classrooms in 2 years
By Virgil Lopez
July 9, 2011
Sun.Star Manila
THE Department of Education (DepEd) said its call to ease classroom shortage has been generating positive responses across different sectors as partners from government and the private sector pledge assistance.
A total of 1,054 classrooms have been committed for completion within the school year, worth over P800 million under the 50/50 counter parting scheme between DepEd and some local government units.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro said another commitment for more than P1-billion worth of classrooms is up for signing in the weeks ahead.
One thousand fully equipped classrooms from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) are up for turn-over to DepEd by December 2012.
Meanwhile, the private sector will reportedly construct 10,000 classrooms nationwide in two years as provided under the Bayanihang Pampaaralan program.
These will be participated in by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), League of Corporate Foundation (LCF) and Philippine Business for Education (PBED).
To date, the commitment of the government and the private sector to help bridge the classroom shortage sums up to over 12,500 classroom units in two years.
Still, the number is a far cry from the estimated 152,000 classroom shortage for school year 2011-2012 alone based on DepEd data.
The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has also come up with a proposal that seeks to construct over 200,000 classrooms from 2012 to 2013 following out-of-the-box solutions to the perennial problem of classroom shortage.
Among the methods being recommended to address classroom shortage are rent-to-own or build-operate-transfer schemes; the optimum use of the Special Education Fund generated by LGUs as loan collateral; and allocation of a portion of the lawmakers’ pork barrel for classroom construction for at least two years.
All this is on top of the regular classroom construction programmed by DepEd from its annual allocation.
Based on its 2011 actual budget allocation of some P8 billion for classroom construction, the DepEd can only build a maximum of 10,000 classrooms per year.
The Philippines’ public educational system suffered a decline in quality over the past decades, attributed to lack of government attention in solving classroom and teacher shortage, among others.
DepEd data also show that the country lacks 103,599 teachers, 13,225,527 chairs, and 95,557,957 textbooks this school year.
By Virgil Lopez
July 9, 2011
Sun.Star Manila
THE Department of Education (DepEd) said its call to ease classroom shortage has been generating positive responses across different sectors as partners from government and the private sector pledge assistance.
A total of 1,054 classrooms have been committed for completion within the school year, worth over P800 million under the 50/50 counter parting scheme between DepEd and some local government units.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro said another commitment for more than P1-billion worth of classrooms is up for signing in the weeks ahead.
One thousand fully equipped classrooms from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) are up for turn-over to DepEd by December 2012.
Meanwhile, the private sector will reportedly construct 10,000 classrooms nationwide in two years as provided under the Bayanihang Pampaaralan program.
These will be participated in by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), League of Corporate Foundation (LCF) and Philippine Business for Education (PBED).
To date, the commitment of the government and the private sector to help bridge the classroom shortage sums up to over 12,500 classroom units in two years.
Still, the number is a far cry from the estimated 152,000 classroom shortage for school year 2011-2012 alone based on DepEd data.
The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has also come up with a proposal that seeks to construct over 200,000 classrooms from 2012 to 2013 following out-of-the-box solutions to the perennial problem of classroom shortage.
Among the methods being recommended to address classroom shortage are rent-to-own or build-operate-transfer schemes; the optimum use of the Special Education Fund generated by LGUs as loan collateral; and allocation of a portion of the lawmakers’ pork barrel for classroom construction for at least two years.
All this is on top of the regular classroom construction programmed by DepEd from its annual allocation.
Based on its 2011 actual budget allocation of some P8 billion for classroom construction, the DepEd can only build a maximum of 10,000 classrooms per year.
The Philippines’ public educational system suffered a decline in quality over the past decades, attributed to lack of government attention in solving classroom and teacher shortage, among others.
DepEd data also show that the country lacks 103,599 teachers, 13,225,527 chairs, and 95,557,957 textbooks this school year.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
IBM Phils adopts 800 trees in La Mesa Watershed
IBM Phils adopts 800 trees in La Mesa Watershed
ABS-CBN NEWS
July 6, 2011
The La Mesa Watershed, said to be the last remaining forest in Metro Manila, has found a partner in IBM Philippines.
Candy Soto, IBM Philippines Delivery Leader (extreme left) and other IBM officials get ready to plant trees for the Save the La Mesa Watershed Project. Photo courtesy of IBM Philippines
The company adopted 800 trees on July 2 to support the 2nd phase of the Save the La Mesa Watershed Project of Bantay Kalikasan, the environmental arm of ABS-CBN Foundation.
IBM employees, retirees and business partners numbering in the thousands joined an environmental awareness briefing and an eco-'Amazing Race' activity that day.
They were led by IBM Country General Manager James Velasquez. Gina Lopez, president of ABS-CBN Foundation, was the guest speaker.
The La Mesa Watershed houses the reservoir supplying the water needs of Filipinos in Metro Manila. Its rehabilitation and protection programs are spearheaded by Bantay Kalikasan in two phases: reforestation (phase 1), and protection and maintenance of improvements in the past 7 years (phase 2).
In a statement, IBM Philippines said it "supports Bantay Kalikasan in its commitment to look after the environment by rehabilitating and protecting one of the country’s most critical watersheds."
The event last Saturday was part of the company's Celebration of Service program for its employees, retirees and business partners to celebrate IBM's centennial activities. Under the program, IBMers can volunteer their time and expertise to help address civic challenges and societal needs.
A recent project IBMers participated in under this program is the Mangrove Reforestation Project in Olango Island, done in cooperation with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Visayas Regional Office.
The company reported that since January 2001, IBMers, retirees and their families have already volunteered more than 2.5 million hours of service to communities worldwide.
ABS-CBN NEWS
July 6, 2011
The La Mesa Watershed, said to be the last remaining forest in Metro Manila, has found a partner in IBM Philippines.
Candy Soto, IBM Philippines Delivery Leader (extreme left) and other IBM officials get ready to plant trees for the Save the La Mesa Watershed Project. Photo courtesy of IBM Philippines
The company adopted 800 trees on July 2 to support the 2nd phase of the Save the La Mesa Watershed Project of Bantay Kalikasan, the environmental arm of ABS-CBN Foundation.
IBM employees, retirees and business partners numbering in the thousands joined an environmental awareness briefing and an eco-'Amazing Race' activity that day.
They were led by IBM Country General Manager James Velasquez. Gina Lopez, president of ABS-CBN Foundation, was the guest speaker.
The La Mesa Watershed houses the reservoir supplying the water needs of Filipinos in Metro Manila. Its rehabilitation and protection programs are spearheaded by Bantay Kalikasan in two phases: reforestation (phase 1), and protection and maintenance of improvements in the past 7 years (phase 2).
In a statement, IBM Philippines said it "supports Bantay Kalikasan in its commitment to look after the environment by rehabilitating and protecting one of the country’s most critical watersheds."
The event last Saturday was part of the company's Celebration of Service program for its employees, retirees and business partners to celebrate IBM's centennial activities. Under the program, IBMers can volunteer their time and expertise to help address civic challenges and societal needs.
A recent project IBMers participated in under this program is the Mangrove Reforestation Project in Olango Island, done in cooperation with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Visayas Regional Office.
The company reported that since January 2001, IBMers, retirees and their families have already volunteered more than 2.5 million hours of service to communities worldwide.
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