Retailers set fundraiser for green campaign
Corporate Roundup, The Freeman
January 29, 2010
The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) Cebu Chapter, in cooperation with the Cebu City Marriott Hotel, will be holding a post Valentine benefit dinner show on February 20 to sustain its Every Bag Counts (EBC) Green Retailing Campaign.
Dubbed as "Be My Green Valentine," the affair will bring together the players in the retail industry, their friends and supporters in a night to remember. For a donation of only P800, one can have a romantic night with good food and music as provided by Cebuana songstress Natasha Cang and The Asian Troubadours.
"My Green Valentine" is PRA-Cebu's first step to get support for its Every Bag Counts campaign which was successfully launched last year at SM City and Ayala Center. The Every Bag Counts campaign advocates on the proper and regulated use of shopping bags as an important step towards protecting the environment and achieving sustainable development for the good of all.
Part of the proceeds of the event will be donated to the Philippine Business for Social Progress for its Adopt a Hectare Reforestation project which is in line with PRA-Cebu's green advocacy.
Aside from financial support, PRA-Cebu will also be involving its member companies in the PBSP reforestation project by planting trees at the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, also known as the Cebu Hillylands.
The Cebu Hillylands is a 29,062-hectare watershed located at the geographic center of Cebu Province. It is the main source of water for Cebu being home to five watersheds, namely Buhisan Watershed Forest reserve, Central Cebu National Park, Kotkot-Lusaran Watershed Forest Reserve, Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve, and Sudlon National Park.
AS businessmen with heart, members of the PRA-Cebu have committed to help the reforestation of the Cebu Hillylands to ensure sustainable water supply for Metro Cebu.
Meanwhile, PRA-Cebu is inviting its friends and those who want to become members of PRA to come and support the "Be My Green Valentine" benefit dinner on February 20, 7 p.m. at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel. For reservations, interested parties may contact Mrs. Charry Samadan at 09228845243.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Retailers give green drive another boost
Retailers give green drive another boost
By Aileen Garcia-Yap
Cebu Daily News
January 29, 2010
The Philippine Retailers Association-Cebu Chapter has lined up more activities to support its green initiative, which was launched last December.
The activities include a fundraising dinner and planned billboards to support the association's "Every Bag Counts" program.
The group hopes to gather around 350 people on Feb. 20 at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel for a post Valentine Dinner called "Be My Green Valentine."
Melanie Ng, chapter president, said that for a donation as low as P800, one can already enjoy a sumptuous meal and be entertained by Cebu's own Natasha Kang.
Ng said that the funds raised through the event will be used for their "Every Bag Counts" campaign activities. A part of it will be given to the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for their reforestation program.
"The PBSP will be our beneficiary because we believe that their program is also related to our green initiative."
The PRA Cebu hopes to reforest at least a hectare of the 30-hectare reforestation project of the PBSP.
Ng said that as of Jan. 26, many people had committed to join the event and donate.
Chester Lim, appointed committee chairman, said they have another event in March which hopes to highlight members who have already implemented green initiatives at their level. These activities are not limited to reducing the use of plastic bags.
"All the initiatives they have in their level that helps protect Mother Earth will be featured in our March event," said Lim.
Lim said that the committee for the "Every Bag Counts" campaign will convene in February. At least 10 members were invited to join the steering group or committee.
"The reason few members are invited in the committee is because with a big group it will be difficult to mobilize our plans. And so we want to keep a lean but mean group," he said.
In June, the Regional Retailers Conference will also be held in Cebu.
Ng said they also would like to present their campaign to all regional members.
Robert Go, PRA Cebu board of director, said they would continue to hold fund raising events since one event would not be enough to generate sufficient funds for a "big" project.
"Now everyone wants plastic bags and if you don't provide them one, they get angry with you and send complaint letters, but we want to reverse this and to do that we need continuous campaigning which will need funding," Go said.
Ng said that as of now, they are using their organization's funds, which will not be sufficient.
She said they would mobilize activities such as the fundraising program so they would not have to ask for donations every time they have events or activities for the green campaign.
"We want to put up a billboard with our copyrighted logo in it so that people can see it. And eventually, the message will always be on top of their mind for them and will serve as a reminder that they have to help in their little ways by reducing the use of plastic bags," Ng said.
By Aileen Garcia-Yap
Cebu Daily News
January 29, 2010
The Philippine Retailers Association-Cebu Chapter has lined up more activities to support its green initiative, which was launched last December.
The activities include a fundraising dinner and planned billboards to support the association's "Every Bag Counts" program.
The group hopes to gather around 350 people on Feb. 20 at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel for a post Valentine Dinner called "Be My Green Valentine."
Melanie Ng, chapter president, said that for a donation as low as P800, one can already enjoy a sumptuous meal and be entertained by Cebu's own Natasha Kang.
Ng said that the funds raised through the event will be used for their "Every Bag Counts" campaign activities. A part of it will be given to the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for their reforestation program.
"The PBSP will be our beneficiary because we believe that their program is also related to our green initiative."
The PRA Cebu hopes to reforest at least a hectare of the 30-hectare reforestation project of the PBSP.
Ng said that as of Jan. 26, many people had committed to join the event and donate.
Chester Lim, appointed committee chairman, said they have another event in March which hopes to highlight members who have already implemented green initiatives at their level. These activities are not limited to reducing the use of plastic bags.
"All the initiatives they have in their level that helps protect Mother Earth will be featured in our March event," said Lim.
Lim said that the committee for the "Every Bag Counts" campaign will convene in February. At least 10 members were invited to join the steering group or committee.
"The reason few members are invited in the committee is because with a big group it will be difficult to mobilize our plans. And so we want to keep a lean but mean group," he said.
In June, the Regional Retailers Conference will also be held in Cebu.
Ng said they also would like to present their campaign to all regional members.
Robert Go, PRA Cebu board of director, said they would continue to hold fund raising events since one event would not be enough to generate sufficient funds for a "big" project.
"Now everyone wants plastic bags and if you don't provide them one, they get angry with you and send complaint letters, but we want to reverse this and to do that we need continuous campaigning which will need funding," Go said.
Ng said that as of now, they are using their organization's funds, which will not be sufficient.
She said they would mobilize activities such as the fundraising program so they would not have to ask for donations every time they have events or activities for the green campaign.
"We want to put up a billboard with our copyrighted logo in it so that people can see it. And eventually, the message will always be on top of their mind for them and will serve as a reminder that they have to help in their little ways by reducing the use of plastic bags," Ng said.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
PRA-Cebu to raise funds to push "green" advocacy
PRA-Cebu to raise funds to push "green" advocacy
By Ehda M. Dagooc
The Freeman News
Updated January 28, 2010
CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA-Cebu) aims to raise funds to support its “green retailing” advocacy, to make Cebu the ultimate pioneer in pushing “green initiatives” among retail players.
PRA-Cebu will not only push for the “Every Bag Counts” campaign program, which will encourage retailers to use biodegradable shopping bags, but also the holistic approach of implementing “green” operation of retailers.
In cooperation with Cebu City Marriott Hotel and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), PRA-Cebu will be holding a post Valentine Benefit Dinner Show on February 20.
With a total accommodation of 350 seating capacity pegged at P800 per head, PRA-Cebu hopes to raise a considerable amount of money to sustain its serious effort in going to promote “green retailing” in Cebu.
Apart from the “Every Bag Counts” campaign, chairperson Chester Lim said the group will also introduce various kinds of “green” initiative program within the “re-use; re-cycle; reduce” system.
This would include exposing retail players to right way of reducing cost, providing effective information how to employ recycling techniques (especially for food and beverage sector).
“There are many ways to help the environment. Now, we have to raise our own money, and not depend on the government support. Although, we hope that the government will soon recognize the importance of the “green campaign” [at least for retailers],” said Lim.
The “green retailing” campaign is not only aimed at encouraging retailers to fully embrace “green” operation, but also promote the trend “green” lifestyle.
PRA-Cebu is the pioneer in advocating “green retailing” in the Philippines. In fact, PRA-Cebu president Melanie Ng said the Manila group is planning to follow what Cebu has started.
According to Ng, part of the proceeds that can be generated on the “Dinner for Cause” will be donated to the PBSP’s adopt a hectare Reforestation Project, which is in line with PRA-Cebu’s green advocacy.
This will not entail financial donation though, but also involvement and achieving sustainable development, Lim said.
“First phase may only information drive and consumer awareness but PRA Cebu commits to a long term program to sustain this advocacy,” Lim added.
“We believe that through the help and support of every Cebuano retailer and consumer through awareness for our Every Bag Counts campaign we will be one step closer to achieve our goal. Total attainment of this dream at this time may be impossible to achieve but we hope that by embarking on this campaign, consumers will be more aware that Every Bag Counts,” Lim concluded.
By Ehda M. Dagooc
The Freeman News
Updated January 28, 2010
CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA-Cebu) aims to raise funds to support its “green retailing” advocacy, to make Cebu the ultimate pioneer in pushing “green initiatives” among retail players.
PRA-Cebu will not only push for the “Every Bag Counts” campaign program, which will encourage retailers to use biodegradable shopping bags, but also the holistic approach of implementing “green” operation of retailers.
In cooperation with Cebu City Marriott Hotel and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), PRA-Cebu will be holding a post Valentine Benefit Dinner Show on February 20.
With a total accommodation of 350 seating capacity pegged at P800 per head, PRA-Cebu hopes to raise a considerable amount of money to sustain its serious effort in going to promote “green retailing” in Cebu.
Apart from the “Every Bag Counts” campaign, chairperson Chester Lim said the group will also introduce various kinds of “green” initiative program within the “re-use; re-cycle; reduce” system.
This would include exposing retail players to right way of reducing cost, providing effective information how to employ recycling techniques (especially for food and beverage sector).
“There are many ways to help the environment. Now, we have to raise our own money, and not depend on the government support. Although, we hope that the government will soon recognize the importance of the “green campaign” [at least for retailers],” said Lim.
The “green retailing” campaign is not only aimed at encouraging retailers to fully embrace “green” operation, but also promote the trend “green” lifestyle.
PRA-Cebu is the pioneer in advocating “green retailing” in the Philippines. In fact, PRA-Cebu president Melanie Ng said the Manila group is planning to follow what Cebu has started.
According to Ng, part of the proceeds that can be generated on the “Dinner for Cause” will be donated to the PBSP’s adopt a hectare Reforestation Project, which is in line with PRA-Cebu’s green advocacy.
This will not entail financial donation though, but also involvement and achieving sustainable development, Lim said.
“First phase may only information drive and consumer awareness but PRA Cebu commits to a long term program to sustain this advocacy,” Lim added.
“We believe that through the help and support of every Cebuano retailer and consumer through awareness for our Every Bag Counts campaign we will be one step closer to achieve our goal. Total attainment of this dream at this time may be impossible to achieve but we hope that by embarking on this campaign, consumers will be more aware that Every Bag Counts,” Lim concluded.
Retailers prepare show for ‘green’ plans
Retailers prepare show for ‘green’ plans
By Katlene O. Cacho
Sun.Star Cebu
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
AFTER launching the Every Bag Counts (EBC) green retailing campaign last month, the Philippine Retailers’ Association (PRA) Cebu will hold a benefit dinner and show to further promote its green advocacy.
Chester Lim, chairman of EBC, said the group decided to come up with a benefit show to raise funds for the campaign.
“This event will gather all the players in the retail industry to support the move toward a green environment,” Lim said in a press conference yesterday.
PRA Cebu is working with the Cebu City Marriott Hotel to host a Valentine benefit dinner and show on Feb. 20.
Melanie Ng, PRA Cebu president, said the event is part of the first phase of the campaign, which focuses on an information drive and consumer awareness.
Part of the proceeds, Ng said, will not only be used to finance upcoming projects of the PRA but will also be donated to the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for its reforestation project.
Green fair
Aside from the fund-raising activity set next month, PRA Cebu will host a “green trade fair” that will highlight companies with environmentally responsible initiatives.
Ng added that their campaign is not only limited to the use of environment-friendly shopping bags among consumers. “We will also look into other items that need to be addressed such as plastic cups,” she said.
PRA Cebu targets 320 participants to join the benefit dinner and show.
“And we are hoping to recruit more members to join in the campaign,” Ng said.
(Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on January 27, 2010.)
By Katlene O. Cacho
Sun.Star Cebu
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
AFTER launching the Every Bag Counts (EBC) green retailing campaign last month, the Philippine Retailers’ Association (PRA) Cebu will hold a benefit dinner and show to further promote its green advocacy.
Chester Lim, chairman of EBC, said the group decided to come up with a benefit show to raise funds for the campaign.
“This event will gather all the players in the retail industry to support the move toward a green environment,” Lim said in a press conference yesterday.
PRA Cebu is working with the Cebu City Marriott Hotel to host a Valentine benefit dinner and show on Feb. 20.
Melanie Ng, PRA Cebu president, said the event is part of the first phase of the campaign, which focuses on an information drive and consumer awareness.
Part of the proceeds, Ng said, will not only be used to finance upcoming projects of the PRA but will also be donated to the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for its reforestation project.
Green fair
Aside from the fund-raising activity set next month, PRA Cebu will host a “green trade fair” that will highlight companies with environmentally responsible initiatives.
Ng added that their campaign is not only limited to the use of environment-friendly shopping bags among consumers. “We will also look into other items that need to be addressed such as plastic cups,” she said.
PRA Cebu targets 320 participants to join the benefit dinner and show.
“And we are hoping to recruit more members to join in the campaign,” Ng said.
(Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on January 27, 2010.)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
PBSP Visayas to hold annual meeting in March 2010
PBSP Visayas to hold annual meeting in March 2010
January 14, 2010
In celebration for its 40 years of establishment, PBSP-Visayas will hold its 22nd Visayas Annual Membership Meeting at the Casino Espanol on March 10, 2010. The meeting will take account of the various programs PBSP has implemented in 2009 and present the upcoming programs in 2010 with the help of its member companies, partner organizations and donors.
PBSP is the largest and longest established corporate-led foundation dedicated to the reduction of poverty by implementing projects that gear towards self-reliance. For 2010, PBSP-Visayas will provide livelihood, health, education and environment programs in Bohol, Cebu, Samar and Iloilo.
Highlights of the 22nd VAMM will include the launching of the first coffee table book about corporate social responsibility entitled, “A Better Life: Stories of Corporate Social Responsibility. PBSP will also be awarding member companies for their outstanding contributions in making the poor communities' lives better in the areas of education, environment, livelihood and enterprise and health.
For more information about the 22nd Visayas Annual Membership Meeting, you may contact PBSP Visayas Regional Office at 232.5270 or 232. 5283. You can also email at jmcubijano@pbsp.org.ph or mblargo@pbsp.org.ph.
January 14, 2010
In celebration for its 40 years of establishment, PBSP-Visayas will hold its 22nd Visayas Annual Membership Meeting at the Casino Espanol on March 10, 2010. The meeting will take account of the various programs PBSP has implemented in 2009 and present the upcoming programs in 2010 with the help of its member companies, partner organizations and donors.
PBSP is the largest and longest established corporate-led foundation dedicated to the reduction of poverty by implementing projects that gear towards self-reliance. For 2010, PBSP-Visayas will provide livelihood, health, education and environment programs in Bohol, Cebu, Samar and Iloilo.
Highlights of the 22nd VAMM will include the launching of the first coffee table book about corporate social responsibility entitled, “A Better Life: Stories of Corporate Social Responsibility. PBSP will also be awarding member companies for their outstanding contributions in making the poor communities' lives better in the areas of education, environment, livelihood and enterprise and health.
For more information about the 22nd Visayas Annual Membership Meeting, you may contact PBSP Visayas Regional Office at 232.5270 or 232. 5283. You can also email at jmcubijano@pbsp.org.ph or mblargo@pbsp.org.ph.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
PBSP reforests Tabunan, preserves Cebu’s environmental heritage
The Cebu cinnamon tree, scientifically known as Cinnamomum cebuense but popular among locals as kalingag, is endemic to the island province. It is an important source of camphor and essential oils used by pharmaceutical and perfume industries. Locally, the bark of the Cebu cinnamon tree is boiled or just chewed directly to cure stomach ache while its aromatic leaves are known remedies for various ailments.
The Cebu cinnamon tree, however, is critically endangered. According to Global Trees Campaign, there were only 57 individual Cebu cinnamon trees when the project started in 2004 and all were growing within Tabunan Forest, the last remaining forest fragment in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape. By 2005, 691 species of the Cebu cinnamon were found in the southern Cebu municipalities of Alcoy and Dalaguete, although only 20 were considered mature. Moreover, the United Nations Environment Programme also included the Cebu cinnamon tree as a priority in its conservation efforts.
Because of its critical condition, the Cebu cinnamon tree was among the 11 indigenous tree species planted by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) when it kicked off its 2009 Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan last June 27, 2009 at Sitio Cantipla, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City. An average of 30-50 seedlings were each planted by more than 200 individuals from 20 companies and institutions who participated the kick-off.
The Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan is PBSP’s annual tradition that began in 1991 with the goal of sustaining Metro Cebu’s water supply. Every year, during the rainy months of June to September, PBSP brings employees, students and volunteer individuals to plant trees in the Cebu Hillylands.
This year, PBSP will plant 250,000 indigenous seedlings in 100 hectares in Barangay Tabunan. Tabunan forest is Cebu’s most important biological stronghold. Aside from the Cebu cinnamon tree, critically endangered wildlife such as the Cebu Black Shama and Cebu Flowerpecker thrive within Tabunan’s close canopy forest. The indigenous trees planted by PBSP, such as almaciga, bitaog, guisok,kalingag, karingatingam, lawaan, magtalisay, mancono, taguilumboy, tiga, and toog, will help preserve Tabunan’s biodiversity.
To help achieve this year’s target, PBSP’s invites at least 3,000 volunteer tree planters to join the caravan every Saturday until September 26. PBSP prepares the tree-planting sites while the volunteers shall provide their own transportation, food and water, and tools like trowels or bolos. The 2009 Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan is in partnership with the Kantipla Ecosystems Enhancement and Protection (KEEP) Foundation and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Since 1991, PBSP’s partnership with the business sector has resulted to the reforestation of 950 hectares. Meanwhile, partnerships with the government, donor agencies and communities have reforested 3,500 hectares. Beyond reforestation, PBSP is helping 2,500 households in the Cebu hillylands through projects on farming, alternative livelihood, and basic social services.
For booking arrangements, please call PBSP at (032) 232-5270 or 232-5283, or visit the PBSP Visayas Regional Office at the 4/F PLDT Building, Juan Luna Ave., Mabolo, Cebu City. You may also email at mblargo@pbsp.org.ph.
Help PBSP do more for the Cebu hillylands. Join the 2009 Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan!
The Cebu cinnamon tree, however, is critically endangered. According to Global Trees Campaign, there were only 57 individual Cebu cinnamon trees when the project started in 2004 and all were growing within Tabunan Forest, the last remaining forest fragment in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape. By 2005, 691 species of the Cebu cinnamon were found in the southern Cebu municipalities of Alcoy and Dalaguete, although only 20 were considered mature. Moreover, the United Nations Environment Programme also included the Cebu cinnamon tree as a priority in its conservation efforts.
Because of its critical condition, the Cebu cinnamon tree was among the 11 indigenous tree species planted by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) when it kicked off its 2009 Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan last June 27, 2009 at Sitio Cantipla, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City. An average of 30-50 seedlings were each planted by more than 200 individuals from 20 companies and institutions who participated the kick-off.
The Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan is PBSP’s annual tradition that began in 1991 with the goal of sustaining Metro Cebu’s water supply. Every year, during the rainy months of June to September, PBSP brings employees, students and volunteer individuals to plant trees in the Cebu Hillylands.
This year, PBSP will plant 250,000 indigenous seedlings in 100 hectares in Barangay Tabunan. Tabunan forest is Cebu’s most important biological stronghold. Aside from the Cebu cinnamon tree, critically endangered wildlife such as the Cebu Black Shama and Cebu Flowerpecker thrive within Tabunan’s close canopy forest. The indigenous trees planted by PBSP, such as almaciga, bitaog, guisok,kalingag, karingatingam, lawaan, magtalisay, mancono, taguilumboy, tiga, and toog, will help preserve Tabunan’s biodiversity.
To help achieve this year’s target, PBSP’s invites at least 3,000 volunteer tree planters to join the caravan every Saturday until September 26. PBSP prepares the tree-planting sites while the volunteers shall provide their own transportation, food and water, and tools like trowels or bolos. The 2009 Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan is in partnership with the Kantipla Ecosystems Enhancement and Protection (KEEP) Foundation and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Since 1991, PBSP’s partnership with the business sector has resulted to the reforestation of 950 hectares. Meanwhile, partnerships with the government, donor agencies and communities have reforested 3,500 hectares. Beyond reforestation, PBSP is helping 2,500 households in the Cebu hillylands through projects on farming, alternative livelihood, and basic social services.
For booking arrangements, please call PBSP at (032) 232-5270 or 232-5283, or visit the PBSP Visayas Regional Office at the 4/F PLDT Building, Juan Luna Ave., Mabolo, Cebu City. You may also email at mblargo@pbsp.org.ph.
Help PBSP do more for the Cebu hillylands. Join the 2009 Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Join PBSP's Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan 2009!
Beyond the concrete and steel skyscrapers that are continuously sprouting in Metro Cebu’s soils during the last two decades, one is everyday greeted, especially during days with clear blue skies, by sights of mountain ranges perennially kissing the heavens. These mountain ranges are the Cebu Hillylands, also known as the Central Cebu Protected Landscape. 
But the Cebu hilylands are not just backdrops of Metro Cebu’s growing economy. This landscape is home to numerous flora and fauna, and most significantly, the source of Metro Cebu’s water. To preserve this important ecological heritage, the reforestation of the Cebu hillylands remains at the forefront of PBSP’s development efforts.
Each year, during the rainy season, covering the months of June to September, PBSP brings thousands of volunteers from business, government, academe and civil society to plant trees in denuded areas in the Cebu Hillylands. The 2009 Cebu hillylands reforestation caravan will kick off in the morning of June 27, 2009 at Sitio Cantipla, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City. Interestingly, Tabunan is the home of the only second growth forest in Central Cebu. The site is approximately 45 minutes from Cebu City and can be reached via the transcentral highway. Assembly will be at 7:00 A.M. at Asiatown IT Park, specifically in the lot fronting Figaro at The Walk.
This year, PBSP gears to plant 250,000 indigenous seedlings in 100 hectares. This will be achieved by the participation of at least 3,000 volunteer tree planters. PBSP invites volunteers to join the caravan every Saturday starting on June 27 until September 26. PBSP prepares the tree-planting sites while the volunteers shall provide their own transportation, food and water, and tools like trowels or bolos.
Since 1991, PBSP’s partnership with the business sector has resulted to the reforestation of 950 hectares. Meanwhile, partnerships with the government, donor agencies and communities have reforested 3,500 hectares. Beyond reforestation, PBSP is helping 2,500 households in the Cebu hillylands through projects on farming, alternative livelihood, and basic social services.
For booking arrangements, please call PBSP at (032) 232-5270 or 232-5283, or visit the PBSP Visayas Regional Office at the 4/F PLDT Building, Juan Luna Ave., Mabolo, Cebu City. You may also email at mblargo@pbsp.org.ph.
Help PBSP do more for the Cebu hillylands. Join the 2009 Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan!
But the Cebu hilylands are not just backdrops of Metro Cebu’s growing economy. This landscape is home to numerous flora and fauna, and most significantly, the source of Metro Cebu’s water. To preserve this important ecological heritage, the reforestation of the Cebu hillylands remains at the forefront of PBSP’s development efforts.
Each year, during the rainy season, covering the months of June to September, PBSP brings thousands of volunteers from business, government, academe and civil society to plant trees in denuded areas in the Cebu Hillylands. The 2009 Cebu hillylands reforestation caravan will kick off in the morning of June 27, 2009 at Sitio Cantipla, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City. Interestingly, Tabunan is the home of the only second growth forest in Central Cebu. The site is approximately 45 minutes from Cebu City and can be reached via the transcentral highway. Assembly will be at 7:00 A.M. at Asiatown IT Park, specifically in the lot fronting Figaro at The Walk.
This year, PBSP gears to plant 250,000 indigenous seedlings in 100 hectares. This will be achieved by the participation of at least 3,000 volunteer tree planters. PBSP invites volunteers to join the caravan every Saturday starting on June 27 until September 26. PBSP prepares the tree-planting sites while the volunteers shall provide their own transportation, food and water, and tools like trowels or bolos.
Since 1991, PBSP’s partnership with the business sector has resulted to the reforestation of 950 hectares. Meanwhile, partnerships with the government, donor agencies and communities have reforested 3,500 hectares. Beyond reforestation, PBSP is helping 2,500 households in the Cebu hillylands through projects on farming, alternative livelihood, and basic social services.
For booking arrangements, please call PBSP at (032) 232-5270 or 232-5283, or visit the PBSP Visayas Regional Office at the 4/F PLDT Building, Juan Luna Ave., Mabolo, Cebu City. You may also email at mblargo@pbsp.org.ph.
Help PBSP do more for the Cebu hillylands. Join the 2009 Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Dacera, Cebu’s Vega top Olango swim challenge
Dacera, Cebu’s Vega top Olango swim challenge
By Iste Sesante-Leopoldo
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 12:52:00 04/19/2009
Expect Cebu to host more marathon swimming events in the future.
This developed after the successful staging of the 2nd Olango Open Swim Challenge 2009, which started at the Cebu Pacific Resort and ended at the Tambuli Beach Resort in Marigondon, Mactan yesterday.
Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) President Mark Joseph said Cebu is a perfect venue for swimming marathon because of its strategic location.
Joseph secured the 9th place in the event, clocking three hours and 12 minutes.
Joseph added that Cebu has everything to accommodate tourists who would be interested to join the sporting event, which is an additional sporting event in the Olympics.
Australian Dale Rennie was impressed with the race.
“I would love to see more of this in ten years,” Rennie said, who topped the fun category in two hours and 21 minutes.
Philippine Center for Excellence in Aquatic Sports members Nikita Dacera, Kiefer Tacao and Emmanuelle Plasabas took the top three spots, respectively, in the men’s competitive swimming category. Cebu’s multi-awarded Paula Vega, on the other hand, ruled the women’s category.
The 18-year-old Dacera retained his dominance in this 6.4-kilometer open-swim challenge after clocking one hour and 11 minutes followed by Tacao. Plasabas settled for third place.
Completing the top 10 in the men’s competitive swimming category are Cebu’s Michael David Vega (1:29:32), Wilfred Steven Uytengsu and Guy S Concepcion (1:32:20), Noy Jopson (1:34:22), Loi Rafols (1:37:49), Anthony Welsh (1:56:21) and Aaron Asuela Florentino (2:05:22).
Karen Angela Tiambeng finished second in the women’s side while Loveleinell Casidsid secured third place.
The competition was made possible by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in cooperation with PASA. The event aimed to improve the living conditions of the people in the island of Olango.
By Iste Sesante-Leopoldo
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 12:52:00 04/19/2009
Expect Cebu to host more marathon swimming events in the future.
This developed after the successful staging of the 2nd Olango Open Swim Challenge 2009, which started at the Cebu Pacific Resort and ended at the Tambuli Beach Resort in Marigondon, Mactan yesterday.
Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) President Mark Joseph said Cebu is a perfect venue for swimming marathon because of its strategic location.
Joseph secured the 9th place in the event, clocking three hours and 12 minutes.
Joseph added that Cebu has everything to accommodate tourists who would be interested to join the sporting event, which is an additional sporting event in the Olympics.
Australian Dale Rennie was impressed with the race.
“I would love to see more of this in ten years,” Rennie said, who topped the fun category in two hours and 21 minutes.
Philippine Center for Excellence in Aquatic Sports members Nikita Dacera, Kiefer Tacao and Emmanuelle Plasabas took the top three spots, respectively, in the men’s competitive swimming category. Cebu’s multi-awarded Paula Vega, on the other hand, ruled the women’s category.
The 18-year-old Dacera retained his dominance in this 6.4-kilometer open-swim challenge after clocking one hour and 11 minutes followed by Tacao. Plasabas settled for third place.
Completing the top 10 in the men’s competitive swimming category are Cebu’s Michael David Vega (1:29:32), Wilfred Steven Uytengsu and Guy S Concepcion (1:32:20), Noy Jopson (1:34:22), Loi Rafols (1:37:49), Anthony Welsh (1:56:21) and Aaron Asuela Florentino (2:05:22).
Karen Angela Tiambeng finished second in the women’s side while Loveleinell Casidsid secured third place.
The competition was made possible by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in cooperation with PASA. The event aimed to improve the living conditions of the people in the island of Olango.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The 2nd Olango Challenge
Images of the 2nd Olango Challenge
Photos by the Photographers' Club of Cebu
Photos by the Photographers' Club of Cebu
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Taiyo Yuden Philippines plants 10K seedlings at Buhisan
Employees of Taiyo Yuden Philippines planted 10,000 native and endemic tree seedlings on a four-hectare site in Toong, Cebu City.
The activity is led by their EMR Director Koichi Iguchi, General Managers Toshihiko Uemura and Akira Takahashi, Assistant General Manager Keiichi Kimura, and EMs Shozaburo Kanai, Satoshi Miyamae, Toshiaki Nakano, and Koji Taketome.
Taiyo Yuden Philippines has been a partner of PBSP for its reforestation efforts since 2001. The company will continue to adopt four hectares for reforestation every year until 2015.
Veco employees plant trees with PBSP
More than 70 employees of the Visayan Electric Company (Veco) planted 12,500 seedlings over five hectares of the Buhisan Watershed and Forest Reserve.
This activity is in partnership with the Visayas Regional Office of PBSP.
In 2010, Veco also partnered with PBSP for a five-year reforestation park project in the Cebu Hillylands. The Veco Refo Park Project aims to plant 1 million trees over 540 hectares of the Cebu Hillylands.
Art 'N' Nature's Venus Genson is Woman Entrepreneur of 2012
Congratulations to Ms. Venus Genson for bagging the Women Entrepreneur award for her trailblazing feats in social entrepreneurship and community development through Art 'N' Nature Manufacturing Corporation.
The award is one of the citations given during the recently capped Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines 2012 awarding ceremonies.
Ms. Genson is also the president of the Venus Group of Companies, a member company of PBSP.