Santa Rosa City Laguna Philippines -
attracting investors from all over Asia and the world.
Come meet your
favorite super heroes and mega robots brought to life by SM City Santa Rosa in the thrilling "Toy Fusion" event, happening every day January 6-15, 2012 at the Activity Grounds near SM Supermarket!
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Food & Health
INSPIRATIONAL
QUOTE:
"The
people we really need to be hearing from, the unique and exceptional
talents, crystalline thinkers, creators of astounding beauty, and
people with deep but practical perceptions are exceptions in every
society, whether democratic or not, and are hardly ever heard. They are
the precious grains taken from tons of chaff. They are society’s crown
jewels. In short, they are the true elites, rare and valuable human
assets whose gift of brilliance should be shared with everyone. Do you
see many of them in the media? Of course not.
While a circus may be
entertaining, it would be good to balance this with exposure to other
kinds of shows, books, ideas, events that stimulate the spirit, mind
and senses and give audiences a higher sense of awe and thus be
inspired.
I say give the elites more
exposure. We should be hearing and watching more of them. We need
people who are distinguished because of their depth of intelligence and
talent. They have something to share that can change and elevate us.
They are the salt of the earth. They spice up our lives.
We need more people like
Cheche Lazaro and Winnie Monsod. More National Artists exposed on TV.
More museums, libraries, and less malls. More servant leaders like
Jesse Robredo and Leila de Lima instead of the trapos
that inhabit many government posts. We need elites from the academe,
showbiz, arts, politics, media, sports, and religious sectors to expand
our sense of what is possible for us as a society and as a nation."
- Jim Paredes,
writing in The Philippine Star
(Editor's
note: To be inspired by someone does not mean we agree with every word
they say but we are inspired by their overall vision, their passion and
their personal integrity. For example, like Jim Paredes I am a fan of
Winnie Monsod, although I strongly disagree with her specific views on
OFWs. This does not detract from my admiration of her undoubted
qualities of patriotism and social responsibility in seeking to improve
our nation for all.)
EDITORIAL:
AMERICA'S FIRST LADY IS ALSO
FIRST LADY TO THE WORLD
EVERY
COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, even when long freed from the chains of poverty
and malnutrition, is experiencing the same problem that people do not
eat a balanced diet and do not take enough exercise - although both are
absolutely essential to good health.
Here in the Philippines we can
see the whole spectrum. It was to stand up for the many millions of our
kababayan forced by corruption to live in poverty that President Noynoy
's election slogan was "Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap!" In
addition there are millions of Filipinos and Filipinas who can afford
to eat whatever they want, and who still don't eat what the human body
needs to stay healthy and fit.
Even the USA is not exempt,
but at the same time it is very fortunate in having such an enlightened
and energetic First Lady (see above photos). Michelle Obama has
launched a website - www.mypyramid.gov
- which is bursting with information and ideas to address everyday
dietary and exercise needs. Naturally the backup facilities are
available only to American schools, etc., but the website's marvelous
illustrated general information is easy to understand and is accessible
on the internet to anyone anywhere in the world.
To give you a few examples of
what to expect, below are some items from this website. Our selected
samples are in .pdf format, which require Adobe Reader to be installed
on your computer. If you don't already have this, you can get a free
download direct from Adobe by clicking on the graphic below:
Examples from MyPyramid:
Steps
to a Healthier You!
This is a 6-page brochure for all ages giving you an introduction to
the MyPyramid website and how to gain the most benefit from it.
Making
Nutrient-Dense Food Choices
A single sheet of suggestions for all ages to replace foods containing
extra calories with healthier foods lower in solid fats and added
sugars.
Making
Your Job Easier
A 2-page leaflet for parents and caregivers of children aged 2-5
showing how to use the MyPyramid for Preschoolers web pages.
Grades
1 & 2 Introduction
A 5-page guide to what's available in the MyPyramid for Kids web pages
for teachers of Grade 1 and Grade 2 schoolchildren.
Lesson
1 for Grades 1 & 2
A 3-sheet classroom handout class (including a coloring page) that
explores and explains what MyPyramid is about and what kids can learn
from it.
We recommend that you browse MyPyramid
yourself, because there is so much more information on it for parents,
teachers, caregivers and individuals that our sample downloads are
merely the tip of the iceberg.
With all the resources of the
US Government behind it you can be certain of its validity, and we
sincerely thank First Lady Michelle Obama for her compassion and vision
in making this information available via the internet to people in
other countries as well as to Americans.
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PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP
COMMENDED FOR ASSISTING THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
During the turnover ceremony, Ma. Alicia Bonoan, NCR director for the Department of Social Welfare and Development, expressed her gratitude to project donors and implementers, emphasizing the great help of PPP (public-private partnership) programs in creating a better society for the marginalized ones.
WITH SWEET AND GENUINE SMILES, the children of Elsie Gaches Village welcomed their guests from The Hershey Company-ROHQ and the Philippine Business for Social Progress for the turnover of a unique simulation room especially built for them.
Elsie Gaches Village is the only government residential care facility in the Philippines which houses more than 600 mentally-challenged individuals aging from five to 65 years old.
Recently, The Hershey Company-ROHQ teamed up with United Way Worldwide and PBSP to kick off the Life Skills Enhancement Project for people with special needs.
This long-term project is to benefit 100 upper and lower trainable clients of EGV that will equip them with adaptive skills and behavior in the mainstream life. This training will also enable them to effectively deal with the demands of a standard routine.
The simulation room is a specialized area where the trainees are assigned to do functions that can boost their morale in doing possible tasks in the workplace. It has complete tools used in the kitchen, dining and living rooms, bathroom, bedroom, and garden.
Monisha Raut, The Hershey Company HR business partner, is very optimistic with the project which will run for almost three years. "It is our responsibility to share our blessings," she added, referring to The Hershey Company’s commitment to community and children welfare.
EGV believes that mentally-challenged people still have abilities and strength. Provided with the proper training and care, they can be less dependent and become more productive. With the ongoing project, they can experience real-life functions and eventually be reunited with their families or even get a job.
For the past five years, The Hershey Company-ROHQ has been supporting EGV through employee volunteerism and gift-giving activities.
During the turnover ceremony, Ma. Alicia Bonoan, NCR director for the Department of Social Welfare and Development, expressed her gratitude to the project’s donors and implementers, emphasizing the great help of PPP (public-private partnership) programs in creating a better society for the marginalized ones.
Moreover, PBSP Executive Director Rafael Lopa asserted this promising project, putting value to partnerships as a way to improve lives.
The Life Skills Enhancement Training will have four batches covered by the grant. Each batch will enroll 25 participants into a two-hour session for three days a week in 6 months. It includes a classroom-type exercise, laboratory, and on-the-job training.
The existing module to be used will be enhanced by the EGV Rehabilitation Team composed of social workers, psychologists, therapists, and staff. There would be less use of writing and more on drawing, role play, scenario building, and simulation exercises.
EGV was established in 1964 with the assistance of UNICEF. Aside from caring for people with mental retardation, the center also attends to children with autism, Down Syndrome, and cerebral palsy.
One out of 100 babies born in the country is with mental retardation (PopCen 2007). This has become more alarming today due to poor access to basic services and maternal healthcare.
Welcome
to Santa
Rosa Magazine - the accessible
open e-magazine of Santa Rosa City, Laguna, Philippines. No payment, no registration, no
login required.
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Forget the negative attitudes of stick-in-the-mud critics and do a Google search to see the creativity of Filipinos who have posted on the internet their own versions of DOT's inspiring
new tourism slogan. Who cares what the Swiss did in 1951? They didn't invent the English
language and they didn't coin the "it's more fun" phrase. Positive-thinking Filipinos like the
new slogan and are having lots of fun proving the truth in it. DOT deserves congratulations!
(See Angel Tugado's comments on our Opinion page.
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TAKE A TIP FROM THE EXPERT:
SUPER WATER MAN AQUABUZZ
AQUABUZZ (AQUABEST'S SUPER WATER MAN) IS FAMOUS FOR WISDOM, ACTION, AND HIS LOVE OF OUR PLANET AND ITS PEOPLE. "Water is one of the most versatile substances known to man with more than a hundred uses," he says. "Among other things we we drink it, cook with it, wash with it, play with it, create art with it, and use it to produce innumerable substances of benefit to people. In fact it is so vital to humans in its own right that everyone, without exception, needs it."
He continues: "However, Aquabest has managed not only to provide the best quality water it has also managed to improve on it by developing structured water."
"Using an advanced process known as Grander Technology from Austria (where the hills are alive with the sound of music because Austrians are so happy with their good health), the water molecules are restructured by Aquabest to produce structured water."
"To get an idea of how Grander technology works picture this. Imagine your cells are doors with the water molecules as people trying to get inside. With ordinary water, these people are disorganized making entry slow laborious and inefficient. With structured water, picture these people lining up in neat lines causing entry to be faster and more efficient. This allows structured water to offer superior hydration by penetrating each cell to its core. Being more efficient than ordinary water in hydrating the body, structured water is perfect for athletes who are looking for quick hydration on the go."
According to Aquabest's mascot Aquabuzz, the super water man, structured water is more than just for drinking. It can not only do what normal water can, but can do it better. Also It can be used for other purposes. Among the many uses of Aquabest structured water are:
1) Food preparation: Due to its modified molecular structure, structured water brings out the full flavor of food and drinks by bringing out the subtle tastes and textures of food. The effects of structured water are particularly pronounced in food items that require good water quality like coffee and tea.
2) Grooming and personal care: Ordinary tap water often contains minerals and other residues that may affect your skin. Structured water on the other hand contains no impurities that can harm your skin. Also it penetrates deep down your pores to hydrate and maintain the youth of your skin.
3) Pet care: Your pets are very sensitive creatures can be adversely affected by poor water quality structured water will not only hydrate them it would also keep them healthy. This is particularly true for fishes that are highly dependent on water quality for their very survival.
4) Gardening: Plants are very sensitive with regards to water, more than just watering the plants the water used to water them is also very important. Structured water allows plants to better absorb nutrients into their system allowing them to thrive. Sprinkle structured water to your houseplants and watch them bloom.
Tips from AQUABUZZ, Aquabest’s Super Water Man, are brought to you by Almira Antiporda. LIKE Aquabest on Facebook and visit the Aquabest website.
Aquabest's
4th Annual Tree Planting Activity in partnership with
Haribon
and WQAP
took place in Nuvali this October 15, 2011. (More...)
-
Almira Antiporda (Graphic courtesy of Aquabest)
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"Let us
end the culture of negativism; let us
uplift our fellow Filipinos at every
opportunity. Why are there people who
enjoy finding fault in our country,
who find it so hard - as though it
were a sin - to say something nice?
Can we even remember the last time we
praised a fellow Filipino?"
"Let us
stop pulling our fellow man down. Let
us put an end to our crab mentality.
Let us make the effort to recognize
the good that is being done."
"If you
see something right, do not think
twice - praise it. If you see a
policeman directing traffic, coatless
beneath the rain - go to him and say,
"Thank you.""
"If you
fall sick, and you see your nurse
caring for you, when she could easily
be treating foreigners for a higher
salary - say, "Thank you.""
"Before
you leave school for home, approach
your teacher who chose to invest in
your future - say, "Thank you.""
"If you
chance upon your local leader on a
road that was once riddled with holes,
but is now smooth and sturdy - go to
him and say, "Thank you, for the
change you have brought.""
Thank you PNoy for winning against all robber
politicians and giving our nation
back to its lawful owners: the
Filipino people.
"Do you
want the corrupt held accountable? So
do I. Do you want to see the end of
wang-wang, both on the streets and in
the sense of entitlement that has led
to the abuse that we have lived with
for so long? So do I. Do you want to
give everyone a fair chance to improve
their lot in life? So do I."
"I say to
those who would lead us astray: if you
will further disadvantage the poor, do
not even think about it. If all you
would do is to fill your own pockets,
do not even think about it. If it is
not for the benefit of the Filipino
people, do not even think about it."
"If we
ignore the crimes of the past, they
will continue to haunt us. And if we
do not hold people accountable, then
they will do it again and again."
"To those
of you who would turn back the tide of
reform: you will not succeed."
Congratulations to Miss Universe 2011 above, Leila Lopes from Angola,
and to our own Shamcey Supsup, who was placed 3rd Runner Up,
one position higher than Venus Raj last year. Editorial photo courtesy of Miss Universe Organization. (More...)
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PINOY BUSINESSES UNITE FOR TYPHOON RELIEF EFFORTS
PROVING SHARED CORPORATE VALUES AT THE HEART OF THEIR BUSINESS companies did their philanthropic part in contributing to rehabilitation efforts and donating cash and relief goods primarily to the recent flood victims in Central Luzon.
Year to date, business groups fostering the essence of corporate citizenship and social responsibility have been mobilizing resources and relief efforts for victims of such devastating typhoons as Juan (Megi) in October last year, to Juaning (Nock-Ten) early this year and Pedring (Nesat) and Quiel (Nalgae) this October.
In relief efforts the corporate-led Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) organized for victims primarily in Calumpit, Bulacan, companies like Asalus Corp. (Intellicare) and recently Monark Foundation donated cash while Holcim Philippines. Inc., M2.0 Communications Inc., Associated Broadcasting Company (TV5), AECOM Phils., and recently Ayala Southvale Village contributed in relief efforts. Citibank Philippines and MEDICard Philippines. Inc. both donated cash and gave out goods. Kraft Foods Phils. Inc. gave 150 cases of cheddar cheese and CDO Foodsphere Inc. contributed 50 cases of canned goods, while Oriental and Motolite and Airlift Asia Inc. provided two 10-wheeler trucks to transport these items, which were distributed based on the international humanitarian standard called the Sphere relief package.
The standard Sphere relief pack that is good for five days for a family of six is usually composed of eight to 10 kilos of rice, three cans of sardines, a half kilo of mongo beans, a pint of cooking oil, a kilo of sugar, a quarter kilo of iodized salt, a bar of soap, a half kilo of dried fish, and one non-food item such as a water container, a cooking pot, or a blanket.
Over 600 Sphere relief packs benefited 505 households in Brgy. Gugo, Calumpit and members of the town’s Eco-Boys, a group of young men who got their source of livelihood as garbage collectors and segregators who were themselves typhoon and flood victims.
Some goods are now scheduled for distribution in nearby Hagonoy, also in Bulacan, while some cash donations are still set for collection. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. and East West Seed Company Inc. also pledged to give cash donations.
As of Tuesday morning (11 October), the latest disaster risk reduction update showed that at least 30 road and bridge sections primarily in the regions of Cagayan Valley (II), Central Luzon (III), and the Cordilleras (CAR) remain impassable, more than two weeks after Pedring and Quiel hit the country.
Earlier on Monday (10 October), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) revealed that the death toll from both typhoons rose to 102, while damage to property breached the P15-billion mark.
At least 84 people died after Pedring’s wrath, with 91 injured and 20 missing, and affecting more than 650,000 families or at least 3 million people in more than 3,500 villages in 312 towns and 42 cities within 35 provinces.
Meanwhile, at least 18 died after Quiel’s onslaught, with 12 injured and seven missing, and affecting more than 226,000 families or at least 1.11 million people in more than 1,700 villages in 138 towns and 10 cities within 18 provinces.
Juan, Juaning, Pedring
With over 250 companies in its roster of membership, PBSP together with its partners in the Corporate Network for Disaster Response (CNDR) and the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) have been channeling resources from the private sector to provide immediate relief to the affected communities.
This partnership was strengthened in the aftermath of disaster response initiatives of PBSP member-companies involved in relief efforts two years ago in the aftermath of typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma) from late September to early October 2009.
From late July to early August 2011, almost all 250 households comprising of about 1,000 individuals in barangay Alimsog in Santo Domingo, Albay province in the typhoon-prone Bicol region benefitted with a total of more than P180,000 worth of relief goods, out of the overall total of more than 195,000 families or 980,000 people affected in 983 villages out of 103 towns and 12 cities in 21 provinces.
The Alimsog relief effort was primarily through funding and logistical support from PBSP through its Luzon regional operations team, with counterpart contribution from the local government in the form of transportation expenses for the relief goods based Sphere standards.
Based on its August 3 update, the NDRRMC noted that the death toll from Juaning reached 67 from the Bicol region to Northern Cordillera, with at least 53 injured and 15 missing.
According to the NDRRMC, the effect of Juaning’s wrath in late July this year went up to almost P2.2 billion, of which almost P1.6 billion was on infrastructure and almost P630 million to agriculture, totally destroying more than 7,000 houses and damaging 9,900 others.
Immediately after Juan struck on October 18 last year, PBSP allotted initial assistance worth P500,000 covering relief goods and transportation expenses to benefit at least 400 families covering the three isolated and devastated coastal towns of Palanan, Divilacan, and Maconacon in Isabela province.
By the last day of October 2010, the NDRRMC revealed that the total damage from Juan’s havoc already reached around P10 billion, while the Department of Agriculture (DA) disclosed that the damage had even amounted to P11.53 billion.
The NDRRMC noted Juan’s damage to include rice fields at P8 billion, high-value commercial crops like fruits and vegetables at P660 million, and corn at P412 million, plus infrastructure at P466.198 million. It said the provinces that suffered huge losses had included Pangasinan for Region I at P2.36 billion, Nueva Ecija for Region III at P1.59 billion, and Isabela for Region II at P1.28 billion.
Meanwhile, the DA said total croplands affected in 21 provinces of four Northern and Central Luzon regions covered an area of almost 450,000 hectares, with the worst losses or damages in Pangasinan at P2.40 billion, Isabela at P2.09 billion, and Nueva Ecija at P1.59 billion.
The DA data included damages to rice at P8.93 billion, corn at P367.96 million, and fisheries at P212.50 million, primarily fishponds and fish cages. Also damaged were high-value crops like vegetables, mango, and banana, all at P660 million, together with livestock including carabao, swine, goat, and cattle, as well as poultry like duck, chicken, turkey, and geese, amounting to P10.62 million.
For its part, the NDRRMC said Juan had destroyed roads and facilities like those for irrigation at P1.18 billion, farm-to-market roads and irrigation projects at P90.1 million, and infrastructure for fishery, livestock, and agricultural facilities at P54.4 million, plus more than 30,000 homes, while partially damaging at least 118,000 other houses.
Juan also left in its wake at least 31 dead, 42 injured, and four missing, affecting almost 428,000 families or more than 2 million people in six regions including Metro Manila or the National Capital Region (NCR).
Within days of the devastating Ondoy flooding in 2009, PBSP allocated P5 million from its funds for relief operations and raised an additional P7 million in cash and kind from corporate donors. By the last quarter of 2009, PBSP was able to mobilize nearly P13 million for rehabilitation projects.
With much of Calumpit still under water, the food relief was a godsend to families who
had suffered and lost so much in the typhoons.
PBSP GIVES 5-DAY FOOD FOR 600 FAMILIES IN CALUMPIT
THE CORPORATE LED PHILIPPINE BUSINESS FOR SOCIAL PROGRESS (PBSP) recently handed over food for the 600 families of Barangay Gugo in Calumpit, Bulacan. More than a week after typhoons Pedring and Quiel hit Central Luzon, many parts of Bulacan were still underwater.
The food relief package consists of 10 kilos of rice, assorted canned goods, instant noodles, cooking oil, soap, and 5 liters of drinking water. This pack follows the SPHERE standard for a 5-day food relief assistance.
With the support of Motolite and Airlift Asia, Inc., PBSP was able to reach the marooned communities in need of support. Most of the PBSP member companies donated cash utilized for the purchase of the relief goods.
- reports by Joyce Franzly Racoma (Photo courtesy of PBSP.)
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No need live in Manila to get superfast internet. Now you can apply online in Sta. Rosa.
Globe continues to lead the way in Sta. Rosa with its innovative customizable broadband.
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CLEAN HEALTHY WATER STARTS AT HOME!
Almira Antiporda brings you a reminder from the eco-friendly water supplier Aquabest
(also see our dedicated Aquabest pages)
EVERY RAINY SEASON brings with it a host of problems with regards ensuring access to clean water.
As we begin experiencing heavy rains, it becomes increasingly difficult to secure clean water. This is because the aging water lines in the Metro have numerous holes and leaks where contaminated floodwater can seep in. This increases your risk of getting water borne diseases like cholera, typhus, and dysentery. The problem is so serious that the World Health Organization reports that unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene claim the lives of an estimated 1.5 million children under the age of five each year.
Realizing this problem, Aquabest one of the leading water refilling stations in the country has launched its “Shift Happens Campaign” that seeks to change the way we see and experience water. The campaign introduces structured water to the country. Structured water is water that has been improved to enhance its healing and restorative properties. This combined with its advanced filtration technologies means that the consumers will get the best water possible.
Here are some tips to ensure you get the best and cleanest water:
1) Check your water supply: The first step to ensure that you get clean water is to check it for any problems. Ask yourself, is the water clear, are there any sediments or particles in the water, is there any strange smells in the water? If you answer yes to any of these then you might need to have your water checked at a laboratory or you can buy some test kits from chemical supply stores.
2) Ditch the tap: In the rainy season the flood waters may seep into leaky water pipes and bring in bacteria and chemical contaminants. That is why it may be safer to order bottled water which undergoes stringent filtration methods. A good choice for households would be Aquabest being nationally recognized and a long record of excellence. Aquabest uses advanced technologies like reverse osmosis filters that eliminate all bacterial, viral, chemical, and mechanical contaminants ensuring you get only the very best water.
3) Invest in filtration: Use a filter for your drinking water, at a minimum. If your water is contaminated, bathing in the water can be harmful as well. So, you should also consider filtering your bath water. Most filters can be bought at hardware stores and industrial supply shops. This option however requires constant maintenance since parts may need replacing also most home grade filters may not clear up all contaminants. Despite these limitations, it would be wise to invest in even basic filtration.
4) Use Cold Water for Drinking/Cooking: Hot water tends to dissolve unwanted toxins more quickly than cold water. As a result, only use cold water for drinking, making coffee, and cooking. If you want hot water to drink, heat cold water on the stove or microwave. Apart from providing you with clean water Aquabest structured water improves on waters inherent healing properties allowing it to penetrate your cells to their very core hydrating and at the same time flushing away toxins from your body making you feel good and refreshed.
5) Bring your own water: If you are exercising outdoors, make sure that you take your own water in a safe water bottle to ensure that you are drinking filtered water. Structured water offer athletes and health buffs the same hydrating ability of sports drinks without the food colorings that accompany conventional sports drinks. Being more efficient than ordinary water in hydrating the body, structured water is perfect for athletes who are looking for quick hydration on the go. Aquabest structured water is available in select convenience stores and nearly 500 Aquabest stores located nationwide.
See our Home Page to find out how the new "I Am Involved" SM Eco Bag helps to conserve Philippine forests
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SM CITY SANTA ROSA HOLDS KABALIKAT
SA KABUHAYAN GRADUATION
Pamela
Peters-Baun keeps you in touch with events and activities at SM City Sta. Rosa
(also see our dedicated SM City Sta. Rosa page)
VEGETABLE
AND FRUIT GROWERS OF BRGY. MACABLING celebrated the ending of the Kabalikat sa
Kabuhayan Farmers Training Program, a three-month training program
given by SM Foundation and Harbest Agribusiness, via a graduation
ceremony held at the Event Center of SM City Sta. Rosa.
More than 50 local farmers
were given certificates of completion by SM Foundation's Assistant Vice
President Christie Angeles and Harbest Agribusiness President Arsenio
Barcelona. Also present during the event was Ronnie Rangasa, Store
Manager of SM Supermarket in SM Sta. Rosa who pledged his support by
providing the farmers a space inside the supermarket where they can
sell their crops. The farmers, on the other hand, gave their assurance
that they will be providing SM with fruits and vegetables of the best
quality.
The Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan
Farmers Training Program, is a project of SM Foundation whose main aim
is to help local farmers produce high-quality, off-season fruits and
vegetables year-round, using simple and do-able technology taught by
Harbest. Part of the program trained farmers on how to grow seedlings
using F1-hybrid seeds from Known-You in seedling trays with the growing
medium Growell. Aside from this, farmers also learned the proper
technique on how to do land preparation with basal fertilization,
pruning, irrigation and fertilization; pest and diseases identification
and control; proper harvesting and general farm management. The program
was started late 2007 and has since supported hundreds of local farmers
in areas where there is an SM Supermall.
Sta. Rosa City Head
Agriculturist Engr. Eusebio Cajucom, supervising agriculturist Joselito
Batitis, SM Sta. Rosa Mall Manager Dominador Caringal Jr. and SM
Marketing Brand Manager Armind Cajala were likewise present during the
event. Some of the vegetables which were sold and displayed during the
event inlcuded the Jade Dragon hybrid amplaya, Amargozo Jade Dragon,
Fond Long talong, Green Arrow yardlong sitaw, the Phoenix solo
kalabasa, honey dew, siling haba, and watermelon.
The Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan
Farmers Training Program ran for approximately 90 days and included
seminars and actual planting and harvesting. The Program is a project
of the SM Foundation Inc., in partnership with Harbest Agribusiness
Corporation, the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Department of
Agriculture and TechGen with support from the Local Government of Sta.
Rosa.
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Epson Precision (Philippines) Inc. president Osamu Koshiishi shares a story of the legendary Japanese dog Hachiko to Grade 4 pupils during the turnover ceremony for a learning resource corner at Lodlod Elementary School in Lipa City.
LAGUNA-BASED Epson Precision (Philippines) Inc. is one of more than 240 member companies of the Philippine Business for Social Progress working together to fight poverty in the country. Through the Balik Baterya recycling program of Motolite and PBSP, Epson donated textbooks, chairs, and tables to beneficiary schools in Lipa, with the generated funds from Epson’s used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) and additional financial assistance used to sponsor learning resource packages to 12 schools in the city. The Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya Program, launched in 2006, involves the collection of ULABs for the recycling and production of new automotive and industrial batteries. Premium value of ULABs are given to donors who opt to support Project LEAP, an initiative to improve the quality of basic education through provision of textbooks, workbooks, teacher training, remedial reading camps, and supplemental feeding. - by Amy Melissa Malaluan (Photo courtesy of PBSP.)
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Arnel Pineda, the popular Filipino lead vocalist of legendary American rock band Journey, has formed a non-stock, non-profit, independent foundation providing quality education, health services and medical attention to underprivileged Philippine children. The stated reason is that "For millions of youth in developing countries like the Philippines, education
is seemingly beyond reach. Poverty and inadequate government support stifle the future aspirations of Filipino children. Hence, Arnel Pineda Foundation, Inc. (APFI) was formed, principally to address their sad plight by preparing them for a brighter future through education." Find out more and give your support at arnelpineda.org.
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Lea Salonga, the acclaimed Filipino actress and singer, is taking her real-world role of United Nations Goodwill Ambassador very seriously. Traveling throughout the Third World she is seeing the poverty at first hand, spreading hope to the hungry, urging their leaders
to act NOW, and raising funds from national, corporate and private donors to end hunger.
Find out more and give your support at www.1BillionHungry.org.
