...the Pinay behind Malaysia's jingle

Voice behind Malaysia’s tourism jingle is Pinay

  

by Genalyn Kabiling

Manila Bulletin
February 28, 2014

Kuala Lumpur – Many Pinoys can recognize the tune of the tourism jingle – Malaysia, Truly Asia – played many times on cable television. But not many know that the voice behind it is a Filipina singer who has become a Malaysian citizen. And fewer people know that she is one of the many Filipinos abroad who had led fund-raising campaigns to help the victims of super-typhoon “Yolanda.”

She is Maria Jazsmine, who remains a Filipino at heart. After leading a fund-raising campaign for the victims, she is now planning to establish a library for the children of Tacloban, one of the hardest hit areas.

“I’ve always said that we must not forget about the Philippines. We are still in the period of recovery,” Maria said in a media interview in Kuala Lumpur.

Raising Funds

“I’m in the midst of collaborating with many kind-hearted people who want to raise more funds for typhoon Haiyan. And I am so blessed to meet them after I spearheaded the ‘Artists United for Typhoon Haiyan’. I think we have raised more than a million for Tacloban,” the singer said.

Starting A Library

“Hopefully I would get the support of the government, or the private sector, or an NGOs to start a library in Tacloban. There are people who are willing to reach out and do more for our country,” she added.

While she appreciates the outpouring of aid to typhoon-hit Philippines, Maria Jazsmine pushed for the healing of the communities “as best as we can.” She admitted that one of her advocacies is protecting the welfare of orphan children.

Malaysia Tourism’s Voice

Maria Jazsmine put a voice to “Malaysia, Truly Asia” as part of the worldwide marketing campaign of Malaysia in 1999. Recently, she put a voice to “Heart of Blue,” another tourism campaign of the Malaysia Tourism Board.

Maria Jazsmine admitted that she is “flattered and honored” to sing the Malaysian tourism song that has been widely featured on CNN.

She recalled that she sang “Malaysia, Truly Asia” from the heart since Malaysia is home to different people and cultures.

“I really love Malaysia because they’ve been really good to me,” she said.

“I was easy to relate and to give the feeling of how Malaysia can really be ‘Truly Asia’. It’s multi-cultural, different religions, so it’s so colorful. I have to bring that out in my voice,” she added.

To date, Malaysia continues to use the popular jingle and its other versions to attract tourists.

Humility

Maria Jazsmine, also a ballet dancer, also revealed that she has been able to easily adjust to life in Malaysia mainly due to humility and an understanding of other people’s culture.

“I always believe that service starts with humility. When you humble yourself and just be true to yourself, the doors will open,” she said. “If you want to have peace, you just have to understand and tolerate,” she added.

...the IFC investments

IFC to invest $400 million in Phl

 

By Donnabelle L. Gatdula

The Philippine Star

December 10, 2012
 

MANILA, Philippines - The International Finance Corp. (IFC), the private sector financing arm of the World Bank group, is planning to invest up to $400 million in the Philippines in 2013, a top IFC official said.

 

This is higher than the $200 million to $300 million allocated for 2012.

 

In a chance interview, IFC resident representative to Manila Jesse Ang said the projected investment would go to financial and infrastructure programs and projects.

 

In the financial sector, he said IFC hopes to continue working with the banking sector.

 

“We will focus on financial sector so you’ll see us continue to work with the banking sector. We are looking at working on distressed assets, cleaning up their balance sheets. You know Basel 3 will happen in 2014, banks will need to look at what capital they need to raise,” he said.

 

He said at present, they are also finalizing the creation of a special purpose vehicle for the Planters Development Bank.

 

IFC has stakes in other financial institutions such as BDO Unibank Inc. and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Earlier, he said it is planning to increase its shareholdings in these two banks if opportunity arises.

On the infrastructure side, Ang said IFC would look at some projects in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program particularly those involving transport, tollroads, and water.

 

Ang earlier said they also have entered into advisory contracts with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) for their respective PPP programs.

He said they would continue to look for opportunities in the power sector, particularly in the renewable energy projects.

 

In agriculture, Ang said IFC is working with the government through the Department of Agriculture for the DA’s grain silo project.

...the WWF International Board member

First Pinoy in WWF Int'l Board gets re-elected

 

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

12/02/2012

 

 

MANILA, Philippines – Former Philippine Energy Secretary Vincent S. Perez was unanimously re-elected to the International Board of Trustees of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the organization announced.

 

 

 

Perez is the first and only Filipino to be elected as a member of the 14-person board and has served with distinction since 2010. His second term will be from 2013 until 2016.

"Vince brings to the Board the unpaired experience of private and public policy making, as well as a passion for conservation," said WWF International President Yolanda Kakabadse.

Perez became the Philippines' youngest Energy Secretary in June 2001 and served until March 2005.

He currently sits as Chairman of WWF-Philippines and the El Nido Resorts, and is the chief executive of renewable power company Alternergy Partners.

Among WWF-Philippines' achievements during Perez's term were revitalized engagements with corporate partners, enhanced cross-crounty collaboration between WWF-Philippines and other WWF organizations within Asia-Pacific, and four highly-celebrated years as the world’s most participative Earth Hour country.

"Each WWF International trustee brings to the table unique competencies. Aside from providing excellent insights as to the adoption of clean energy sources, Vince offers sound advice on the measured development of Asia and other developing nations," said WWF-Philippines Vice-Chair and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan.

WWF-Philippines has been working as a national organization of the WWF network since 1997. It develops practical solutions to help the Philippines adapt to climate change, secure food and water sources, conserve endangered species, and promote renewable sources of clean energy.

The WWF is the world's leading conservation organization, with about 1,300 conservation projects and offices in over 100 countries and over five million supporters. Its International Board is responsible for the conduct, administration and representation of the organization globally.

...the investment haven

FEATURED VIDEO:

INVEST IN THE PHILIPPINES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSO7ButQPmg

http://youtu.be/iSO7ButQPmg
 

...the Bloomberg awardee

PHL NGO awarded by NY Mayor Bloomberg for anti-tobacco fight

 

 

March 22, 2012

GMA News

 

 

Singapore - A small Philippine advocacy group was honored at a major international conference in this city-state Thursday for its fight against the tobacco industry.

HealthJustice Philippines was given a Bloomberg Award for Global Tobacco Control by New York City Mayor and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg for "its terrific job" in monitoring tobacco industry interference in public health policy in the Philippines.

In his acceptance speech, HealthJustice president Dr. Daniel Tan called tobacco industry interference "the single biggest threat to tobacco control."

The award comes at a time of vociferous debate in the Philippines over Congressional proposals to increase sin taxes, including the cigarette tax, to raise government revenues and lower tobacco consumption, especially among the youth.

Proponents argue that a powerful tobacco lobby composed of cigarette companies and congressmen from tobacco-growing regions stands in the way of new sin taxes and other efforts in the Philippines to keep up with tobacco control initiatives in other countries.

Dr. Tan, a pulmonologist, said the tobacco industry's "interference" includes cigarette companies' challenges in court to anti-tobacco policies such as graphic warnings on cigarette packs and even "personal attacks" on advocates like himself.

Tan said in an interview that he and his colleagues once received a postcard of the Marlboro Man with the message on the back, "You don't know what you're getting into."

"That scared us," Tan said.

He and his colleagues can boast of a powerful ally in Bloomberg, one of the world's leading philanthropists, who pledged at Thursday's awards ceremony an additional US$220 million in the next four years for global tobacco control.

HealthJustice will need all the help it can get considering that the Philippines has one of the highest rates of smoking prevalence among the youth in Asia and the cheapest cigarettes.

In addition to HealthJustice Philippines, five organizations from four other countries received awards from Bloomberg, who was introduced by World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan.

The awards were part of the program at the 15th World Conference on Tobacco or Health, where Chan was the keynote speaker. -- HS, GMA News

...the passion for fashion

Filipino designers shine in London charity show

by Patrick Camara Ropeta,

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

03/13/2012

 

 

5 / 10 LK Dance Company performing native Filipino dances for the charity event by Prospero World By PATRICK CAMARA ROPETA, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

LONDON - A handful of talented Filipino fashion designers from around the world wowed the crowd at a society fundraising event by a UK-based philanthropic group.

Prospero World presented the first ever London Philippine Fashion Show in aid of the Ayala Foundation, a non-profit organization aiming to provide solutions to poverty issues in the Philippines.

Held at the trendy Victoria House Basement in Holborn, the event featured eye-catching designs of haute couture, cocktail dresses, evening gowns, and unique accessories.

Designers and brands on show included Jasper Garvida, Bergamo, Cary Santiago, Celestina, Federico de Vera, Josie Natori Couture, Joyce Makitalo, Jun Escario, Lesley Mobo, Lulu Tan Gan, Mich Dulce, Michael Cinco, Pepito Albert, Rajo Laurel, Randy Ortiz, Silk Cocoon, and Wynn Wynn Ong.

“It was fabulous and well-attended by the elite crowd,” said Michael Cinco, a Dubai-based couture designer best known for his elegant luxurious designs popular with Arab royals and Filipino celebrities, and championed by supermodel Tyra Banks on television series ‘America’s Next Top Model’.

“This is a very good platform, especially for us designers who are not based in Manila, and showing here in London, such a beautiful and vibrant city for fashion designers like us. I’m very happy to part of this event, and it’s for charity,” Cinco added.

High society

The charity fashion event was attended by distinguished guests from the worlds of finance, business and fashion, who seemed enthralled by the designs on show, providing regular outbursts of gasps and cheers as models walked on the runway.

Princess Marie Chantal and Prince Pavlos of Greece were also in attendance, as well as British author Toby Young, and BBC ‘Antiques Roadshow’ presenter Philip Mould.

Philippine Tatler Editor Anton San Diego and Manila Bulletin Creative Consultant Melo Esguerra flew in from Manila especially for the event.

“There are a lot of business moguls, global taste makers and influencers, it speaks so much how this event is well-received by the global community,” observed Esguerra.

“I find it to be a blessed and privileged position to be in London right now, watching the showcase of the best of the Philippines, the best of designers, that actually sends a message to the world that Philippine style is so distinct and world class.”

The event raised approximately £112,000 on the night from tickets and donations, as well as auctions of antiques, fashion items, and trips to Asia.

Fernando Ayala de Zobel from the Ayala Corporation was at the event to lend his support to his family’s foundation. He told ABS-CBN Europe: “The audience seemed to enjoy seeing all the designs from the Philippines, so I’m very happy with the way it turned out. We’re always very willing when other groups try to help the Philippines. Our designers were always very generous with their time. When the Filipino community get together in these countries, they’re always very generous. All of that attracts people to our country, and to be in a fashion capital like London is a great opportunity to showcase the great talent that we have in the Philippines.”

Good education

Proceeds will go towards an educational project by the Ayala Foundation. Launched in 1998, Centex aims to provide high quality education to bright students from the poorest backgrounds. It currently works with two state schools in Manila and Batangas, and has consistently topped rankings for the National Achievement Tests in the Philippines.

“We really hope that these children will get into the best universities and share their knowledge. It’s important to have great mentors, that’s why I really believe in this project,” enthused Alicia Motte-Munoz, one of the ‘sponsored models’, a group of 12 business professionals who raised funds for the charity by strutting alongside professional models on the catwalk.

“I’m half-Filipina, half-French, and I really believe in education, and so when they asked me to become one of their models and help them fundraise, I found it very difficult to say no, and so I thought I’d beat my stage-fright and give a hand.”

Ayala de Zobel revealed that the event already raised a guaranteed P8 million for Centex after costs have been deducted.

Discovering Philippines

The London Philippine Fashion Show was organized by Prospero World, a London-based philanthropy consultancy firm advising groups and individuals on the most effective way to do charity.

Prospero World Director Zita Schutt came up with the idea after a research trip in the Philippines in 2010, where she was exposed to the difficult circumstances of impoverished Filipinos.

Whilst in the country, Schutt was encouraged by a friend to visit Makati where she discovered a whole new world of Filipino fashion designs.

“We had a look and we were so amazed because we didn’t expect that,” she recalled.

“A year later, when we were talking to NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) in London, they said people don’t know anything about the Philippines. They don’t know about the amazing creations, and about the fun that people have. And we wanted to give them that. Let’s change their minds, and let’s give those children that we saw to make a huge difference to their communities.”

She concluded: “I really want people to have an amazing time, to see the dresses, to help the kids, to go to Philippines on holiday, and to embrace this place.”

---

...the Mother of pro-life

Pinay nun, 'Mother of pro-life movement' in PHL, receives award in Korea

 

March 5, 2012

GMA News

 

 

A Filipino nun, Sr. Pilar Verzosa, called the mother of the prolife movement in the Philippines, received an award in Korea for promoting and defending the dignity of life.

According to a news release of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Monday, the Seoul Archdiocese's Committee of Life conferred the award on Verzosa near the Myeong-dong Cathedral in Seoul.

The “Mystery of Life Award 2012” was handed out by Seoul Archbishop Nicholas Cardinal Cheong Jinsuk on February 15.

Verzosa was also awarded 30,000,000 KRW (P11,496.49).

The CBCP said Versoza was chosen as the winner in the field of Social Action, "for her outstanding achievements in the promotion of the dignity, care and defense of human life."

The Seoul Archdiocese set up “The Mystery of Life Award” in October 2005 to support the scholars in the field of Bioscience and Humanities.
 
It also supported people in the field of social action who are acknowledged to have made great contribution to pro-life activities.

Aside from Versoza, the other awardees included:
 

• Emma Freisinger, an 80-year-old Austrian nurse who has been working with the Koreans who have Hansen’s Disease (leprosy) since she was 27 years old;

• Professor Oh It Wham of Catholic University of Seoul, who has been developing the adult stem cell therapy to prove its effectiveness over the embryo stem cell therapy, a procedure that the Catholic Church considers as "immoral," and

• Fr. Cheon Hyun-Ho, an environmentalist activist.

Pro-life Philippines

During the awarding ceremonies, Verzosa gave a presentation about the projects of Pro-life Philippines, which she founded and served as national coordinator for 30 years.
 
Pro-Life Philippines has also lobbied against the introduction of so-called "D.E.A.T.H. (Divorce, Euthanasia, Abortion, Two-Child Policy, Homosexuality, Same-Sex Marriage) bills," particularly the reproductive health (RH) bill in Congress. - VVP, GMA News

...the tourism center

New tourism center aims to boost sustainable tourism in PH

loQal – 5 hours ago

By KC Santos

MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA—The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) recently launched the AIM-Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism which aims to promote sustainable tourism development in the country.

Tourism arrivals in the Philippines are expected to grow by 18 percent in 2012, and jobs in the tourism sector represent 9.5 percent of total employment in the country, said AIM Dean Dr. Ricardo A. Lim.

The center, with the participation of key stakeholders in the industry, intends to address current issues on the effectiveness of MICE (Meetings,Incentives, Conferences and Events), the use of technology to enhance tourism promotions, develop better airline policies, and longer-term concerns, including the future of community-based tourism and the impact of climate change on tourism development, said Lim.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. noted that competitiveness is a value that seems to have been forgotten in the Philippines’ journey toward greatness.

This is why the DOT has begun to implement the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign—a  more focused, competitive strategy that aims to catapult the Philippines on a global scale, having the ability to present its offerings anywhere in the world.

“Is our pricing more fun? Is our infrastructure going to be more fun? Are the value extensions that we will eventually offer more fun? Are we more fun?” asked Secretary Jimenez. “We have levels of excellence to maintain, hence the institution that we are very happily ushering in today—an academic institution that will support excellence where it counts the most.”

Dr. Andrew Tan, Chairman of Alliance Global Group, whom the center was named after, expressed hope that tourism will make a positive impact in the national economy and to lives of every Filipinos.
Tan emphasized that much more needs to be done.

“More infrastructure facilities such as seaports, world-class airports, and better roads need to be built, so tourists will enjoy convenient access throughout the country. The private sector must work in tandem with local government units to identify and harness the potential of local tourist spots,” Tan added.

The center will explore concerns on the environmental impact of resorts, the carbon footprint of tourists, and the availability and continued training of human resources through the integration of knowledge and experience of experts and practitioners across various disciplines, said Tan.

...the poster kid

Once more with inspiration: Young artist wins int’l prize

By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sunday, February 19th, 2012

Trisha Co Reyes’ winning poster TAKEN FROM LIONSCLUBS.ORG

MANILA, Philippines—Bringing honor to the country yet again, another Filipino student, high-school freshman Trisha Co Reyes, won an international art competition, topping the 24th Annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest.

Judges found the work of the 13-year-old student of the St. Stephen’s High School in Sta. Cruz, Manila, best captured the message of promoting love and peace around the world, which was what the contest was all about.

Reyes’ work bested 126 short-listed entries from 350,000 submissions from 60 countries.

Lions International said, in a statement posted on its website, Reyes’ work won “for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of this year’s theme ‘Children Know Peace.’”

“In my painting, the hidden child is me. Exhibited are children from all over the world who have love, freedom, unity and peace,” Reyes said of her painting.

“We, children, can do our part by studying hard and planting trees to save and protect Mother Earth,” Reyes said.

The young artist interpreted world cooperation by juxtaposing symbols of peace—a dove, a ribbon of flags, children joining hands—in her trademark mix of colors and intricate details.

Reyes will go to New York, accompanied by her mother, Conchita, and sister Joselle Clarisse, to receive her $5,000 prize on March 16, the annual celebration of the partnership between Lions International and the United Nations.

Some 23 other entries will receive merit awards and $500 each. Winning posters will be showcased at the 95th Annual Lions Clubs International Convention in Busan, South Korea, organizers said.

Lions Clubs International is one of the world’s largest service organizations with some 1.35 million members from around the world. It established the annual art contest “to foster a spirit of peace and international understanding in young people worldwide.”

“Lions around the world believe in promoting peace and the importance of encouraging young people to think creatively,” said Lions Clubs International president Wing-Kun Tam in a statement.

Last year, Reyes’ painting in oil and watercolor, “Life in the Forests,” was chosen best from over four million entries to a children’s painting competition sponsored by the UN Environment Program and the global firm Bayer.

...the Filipino of the year

Filipino of the Year 2011: The Volunteers

They’re the silver lining behind dark clouds, rainbow after a storm

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sunday, February 5th, 2012

 

 

EVERYDAY PEOPLE. Filipinos from all walks of life come together to help victims of natural disasters.

(Editor’s Note: Now on its 21st successive year, the Inquirer’s Filipino of the Year honors a living Filipino who made the most positive impact in the past year as voted upon by the editors and assistant editors.  Aside from the one most voted upon, the other nominees in the order of their number of votes were Leila de Lima [some editors have been voting for her the past three years], the Indie Filmmaker, Dragonboat Team, President Aquino [last year’s winner], Azkals, Robin Lim, Netizen, Beauty Queens and Mommy “D.”)

Were an artist to piece together a collage of the names and faces of the rescuers, relief workers, volunteers and donors who stood and delivered during and in the aftermath of Tropical Storm “Sendong” and other calamities in 2011, the resulting artwork would look, without doubt, lit from within.

A good heart beating at its core would cause the collage to glow.

There is no master list of the volunteers and donors, none tracking their names, their hours, their deeds or their gifts (in the future, there should be an effort at keeping one). But they were there—when and where they were needed.

It was in the last quarter of 2011 that the most destructive typhoons hit the country. “Pedring” and “Quiel” blew into Luzon in September and October and left 101 dead. The first affected 3.03 million people in 35 provinces and the latter, 1.11 million people in 18 provinces.

Then one night in December, Sendong unleashed an unprecedented amount of rain on places in Visayas and Mindanao so unfamiliar with such fury that, instead of keeping watch, the villagers went to sleep as the rivers were swelling. The cities of Dumaguete, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were the hardest hit.

At last count, 1,268 people were dead, 6,071 were injured and 52,435 houses were ruined, with almost 15,000 totally destroyed. The damage to infrastructure and agriculture was assessed at P1.71 billion.

Everyday people

The timing could not have been worse for a nation that was expecting Christmas in two weeks.  Caught in the throes of preparation for the holidays, people could not spare the time to help with calamity relief work.

But not everyone, thank heavens.  There were those who responded to the call for aid.

Everyday people took time off from their lives and loved ones to search for survivors, comfort the grieving, treat the wounded, bury the dead, pack relief goods, feed and shelter evacuees, tutor kids, haul away muck, gut and rebuild houses, fill in expected and unexpected roles in response to the crisis at hand.

Facebook denizens started pages for detailing what the storm victims needed, where to drop them off, where to volunteer manpower, where to deposit funds and other details that could help keep the crisis at bay. “We can do this!” urged the Facebook entries.

Amateur photographers posted grim photos on the Internet and worried the world to weeping because the lifeless bodies were mostly of children.

The emotional reaction to those images rippled out to move folks abroad to do the next best thing to “reaching out and being there”—they wrote checks.

According to reports, the Philippines received P1.12 billion from other countries, separate and apart from over P322 million that the United Nations had raised from its member nations.

College students postponed their trips home for the holidays to help pack goods at instant relief centers on campuses. Some even made a detour to Cagayan de Oro or Iligan to help distribute the same to Sendong survivors.

The University of the Philippines (UP) had a system-wide relief operation manned by faculty, staff, students and other volunteers. Although UP Mindanao was at the forefront, volunteers repacked hygiene kits over at Diliman in three shifts, from 6 a.m. to midnight.


Generous guard

A guard on the Loyola Heights campus of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) donated the Christmas pack he had received from his employers containing two tins of canned goods, instant noodles and some rice, even before the university could officially launch its relief drive.

ADMU synched its emergency operations with other Jesuit campuses, in particular Xavier University, which served as an evacuation center for Cagayan de Oro residents left homeless by the storm.

Xavier offered  5 hectares of its property to serve as a relocation site for the homeless survivors. Tents were put up at the relocation site in Barangay Lumbia to temporarily shelter displaced families. In time, according to the university spokesperson, materials for constructing homes would be provided.

Hurting, homeless

Dynamism animated most of the relief and evacuation centers. At Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, students organized thousands of evacuees into clusters. A leader was appointed for each cluster to maintain order, with the evacuees expected to look after their respective groups.

The clusters made mealtimes easier without having to ask the evacuees to form lines three times a day. 

Sometimes, lining up for food can be demeaning, especially when you are hurting and homeless.

Many companies decided to forego their office Christmas celebrations and instead deposited their party funds into the Sendong accounts set up by the banks.

Some even gave their employees leave for volunteer work, in addition to starting a pot for cash donations. Various businesses gave goods, from coffins to tents to underwear.  Water companies delivered their product.

The Inquirer initiated a relief drive and distributed donations it received in kind on Christmas Eve through the Philippine Red Cross.

Other companies offered services.  Airlines picked up and dropped off donations. Doctors and nurses volunteered medical services. Psychologists held debriefing sessions for both victims and volunteers.

Employees of the companies under San Miguel Corp. (SMC) organized soup kitchens in over 21 evacuation centers, serving thousands of families in the cities in crisis. SMC also donated bottles of purified water and food packs to affected families.

‘Drop in the bucket’

All that would have been good enough, but SMC topped its donations with a P500-million check for the construction of houses for Sendong victims, in cooperation with Gawad Kalinga.

Now people will say that amount is a drop in the bucket for a conglomerate as big as SMC.  That is true, but it is also a drop in other companies’ buckets, yet none of them other than SMC gave in such proportion.

Although not quite as large, a Filipino-Chinese businessman, who wished to remain anonymous, offered to bankroll the building of initially 300 houses in Calaanan for Sendong victims in CDO and eventually 700 more.

An Inquirer columnist teamed up with the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Northern Mindanao Region for the “Yakapin: Batang Hilagang Mindanao (YBHM)” because she believed stuffed toys were comfort givers in times of trauma and could help heal the “children who have lost almost everything.”  From 12 drop-off centers, YBHM collected thousands of teddy bears and other plush animals.

Good begets good

As Cathy Babao was wrapping up the donations, a friend forwarded to her a YouTube video that showed Sendong images and a 7-year old American girl named Bronte pleading for 3,000 stuffed toys for the children affected by flash floods in the Philippines. “They have to be clean, lovable, plush and, most of all, they need to be there before Valentine’s Day,” appealed Bronte. Good, as they say, begets good.

The damage to schools wrought by Sendong totaled P114.93 million in 60 schools. It affected close to 37,000 students and almost 2,000 teachers and school officials in the razed towns of Mindanao.

Teachers—some of whom lost loved ones to the floods, many of whom lost homes—set aside  personal grief to cook at evacuation centers and to get the students back into the classrooms. Bayug Elementary School, of which only the flooring was spared by Sendong, had a 60-percent attendance on the first day of class after the calamity, thanks to the efforts of its principal and teachers who conducted classes at another site.

Regular guys turned titans

For the 1.17 million people affected by Sendong, these men, women and entities made up the rainbow that broke through after the storm and made a difference.

But even as the waters were raging during Sendong, there were people who, in the words of psychologist Philip Zimbardo, “moved from passive observers to take heroic action.”

Media photos and videos showed ordinary men who seemed to grow instant nerves of steel, regular guys who all of a sudden looked like titans, as they saved people from the perilous currents onto safety.

That the first contact with fellow human beings for these survivors was compassionate is an enormous blessing and a hopeful beginning.

Forever grateful

“We’ll be forever grateful,” said a barangay chair in Iligan, who was roused from sleep and saved with his family by four men just minutes before their home submerged and logs rammed through it.

“Pray to God but row to the shore,” goes the famous adage. This year’s Filipinos of the Year did more than that.  They helped others to the shore.  They gave time, strength, kindness, goods and money. Best of all, they gave of themselves.

The recent losses in this country has suffered will have far-reaching effects on the nation. Because the scope of destruction is so vast, rehabilitation will take a long time. This means volunteer activity will also have to continue.

It is time for the rest of us to roll up our sleeves and pick up where the first responders left off.  That will be the best tribute we can pay these Filipinos of the Year. With a report from Inquirer Research

...the OFW Ambassador

OFW is first UN Citizen Ambassador

by Don Tagala, ABS-CBN

North America News Bureau
12/24/2011

NEW YORK City – Twenty-three year old Jonathan Eric Defante's 30-second-pitch on Youtube, his entry to the 2011 Citizen Ambassador's Video Contest, earned him one of the three spots to become the first Filipino Honorary United Nation's Citizen Ambassador.

Honored as best in concept, originality and execution, Defante's "One Bottle, One Life" pitch to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is about using plastic bottles to build model communities around the world.

On his Youtube pitch, Defante said, "So let's create a model community in every Nation, made of used plastic bottles or eco-bricks, built by the people themselves, and are sustained by livelihood from plastic recycled bottles. The communities can be organized into cooperatives to sustain their livelihood for the years to come, changing lives, one bottle at a time."

Defante's entry bested 600 other Youtube entries from 50 countries around the world.

Defante said, "I was like literally jumping (for joy), kasi hindi ko talaga siya in-expect. Kasi after I submitted the video, marami nang pumasok, yung iba talaga may professional editing pa, kasi ako I just used iMovie 11, lahat hiniram ko lang, pati flipcam."

Defante, an OFW working at a Virgin Megastore in Dubai, in the Middle East, together with two other video contest winners from Sudan and Guatemala received round trip tickets to New York and met with the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in person privately last Friday.

“Sinabi niya na “Jonathan, I'm impressed with your idea to build communities in each member State. So, I, myself, as an environmentalist, I would like you to continue this work of yours.” So sana daw hindi lang mag-serve yun as an idea, maging reality daw yun," he said.

The UN Secretary General's inspiring words encouraged Defante to do even more.

"Parang now, I want to do more, to be more involved in humanitarian activities especially sa mga Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), like My Shelter Foundation, saka sa Hug-It Forward in Guatemala," said Defante.

The UN video contest was made in observance of the World Humanitarian Day. Defante encouraged Filipino youths from all over the world to do more humanitarian work, even without getting a prize for doing so.

“Sa mga kabataan especially, this is the best time to express any idea that would benefit mankind kasi we have tools for it, di katulad dati, ngayon we have social networking, we have Youtube, Facebook, etc." he said.

Defante will hold the honorary title as UN Citizen Ambassador for two years but it may be extended by the United Nations if he continues his humanitarian work.

...the young and the restless

10 youth groups receive awards

 

By SARAH HILOMEN-VELASCO

November 5, 2011

Manila Bulletin

 

 

MANILA, Philippines — At least 10 youth organizations in the country received awards for exceptional achievements in their communities during the 9th Search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO).

Two of the organizations came from the National Capital Region (NCR) – the Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA) and Indak Kabataan Youth Organization. Two are from Luzon – the University of the Cordilleras - HapiyohMi Cultural Group and AUL-STAGE (Sama-samang Tinig ng mga Aktor na Gumagalaw sa Entablado).

Receiving appreciation were the Industrial Engineering Council of Cebu Institute of Technology University, Alyansang mga Kristyanong Mag-aaral – Responsible nga Balikatanhan mga Kabataan (AKMA-RESBAK), and Aklan Catholic College Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants from the Visayas, and Youth Solidarity for Peace-Peace Advocates Zamboanga, Association of Locally -Empowered Youth in Northern Mindanao, and Young Mindanawans Peace Builders from Mindanao.

The organizations received their awards from President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang.

Also at the awarding ceremony were Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan; Paolo Benigno Aquino “Bam” Aquino of the TAYO Awards Foundation; Leon Flores III, chairman and CEO of the National Youth Commission; Guillermo Aponte, president and general manager of the Coca-Cola Export Corporation; Koh Kong Meng, general manager and executive director of Lenovo ASEAN; and Hermino “Sonny” Coloma, secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

Co-presented by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, the 9th TAYO Awards showcases organizations that have a deep commitment in addressing social concerns such as alleviating the need for community healthcare by using herbal medicines, teaching accounting to marginalized cooperatives, promoting and preserving cultural heritage and the arts, and environmental conservation.

Each organization received a TAYO trophy sculpted by artist Toym de Leon Imao, and a P50,000 cash grant from Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines.

Special recognitions given were the Coke Barkada Award from Coca-Cola Foundation, and the Lenovo Young Do-ers IT Award from Lenovo Philippines.

The organizers said the winners were chosen based on the impact of their projects to the community, the capability to bind the spirit of volunteerism and citizenship, creativity and innovation, and the sustainability of the project and their effective use of resources.

...the small town with a big heart

Small town in Holland helps Pinoys big time

By Loui Galicia

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

07/20/2011

HOLLAND - For more than two decades now, a small community of elderly Dutch has been collecting donations from all over Holland and sending them to the rural areas in the Philippines.

Everyday, big heavy boxes of donations for the Philippines are dropped in a warehouse in Heeten, a tiny community here in Holland of mostly elderly Dutch citizens.

The warehouse will be filled up with boxes of mainly medical supplies and hospital equipment until the day the boxes are loaded for shipment. Every loading day, many elderly Dutch go out of their respective homes in order to assist preparing the crates and filling a 16-wheeler truck.

The huge truck will bring the crates to a shipping company in Rotterdam which will deliver the goods to the Philippines.

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau was invited to witness the loading process. Also present were Vice Mayor Roger de Groot and several staff from the Philippine Embassy led by Charge d’Affaires Frank Cimafranca.

After the last crate was successfully squeezed into the truck, the door was closed and locked.

But the last step is always symbolic. De Groot and Cimafranca jointly put the lock on the door of the truck, signifying the solid ties that remain between the Dutch and Filipinos.

This was the scene, for more than two decades now, at the Foundation Center Relief Supplies Heeten Philippines or HHCP.

HHCP is headed by couple Jo and Truus Schoorlemeer, who initially set up a group that collects goods for the depressed areas in the Philippines to help Jo’s now-deceased brother, who was a missionary in Philippines in the 90s.

“Exactly on the 16 of August this year, we'll be 21 [years] because we started in 1990 with the earthquake in Baguio. That’s the way we started collecting goods for the Philippines,” Jo said.

In fact, the couple just recently received medals from Queen Beatrix for their continued charity work for the Philippines.

The couple received the Knight of the Order of Queen Orange of Nassau, which is the highest award bestowed on a civilian.

Their hard work also did not go unnoticed in the Philippines as they received a medal from former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2008.

HHCP has already extended its gigantic help to many provinces in the Philippines, particularly in the hospitals in Camiguin, Bicol and Batanes.

As a token of gratitude on the day of the loading, a group of Pinays who are married to Dutch nationals and who are living close to Heeten, came over to serenade the elderly Dutch during their break from loading the crates.

“They're here to also, you know, to give thanks to the foundation here in Heeten that is helping our countrymen back home. It's really a very, very, significant event for all of us,” Cimafranca said.

Even de Groot cannot help but marvel at the magnanimity of the work and the volume of goods during loading.

He was impressed at the Dutch Pinays’ musical number but was more in awe of his fellow countrymen’s dedication and hard work for the Philippines.

“I am very impressed and I love the songs from the Philippine women and it was very good. It’s very good what the volunteers are doing for the Philippines,” de Groot said.

Jo and Truus are not getting any younger, yet they still do not plan to retire from running the foundation because they said that they have left, a long time ago, their hearts in the Philippines.

...the healthy campaign

PH joins 'Meatless Monday' campaign

By GABRIEL S. MABUTAS

July 14, 2011

Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — A neuroscience and bio-gerontology expert is spearheading the international campaign against meat intake every Monday.

The campaign, called “Luntiang Lunes,” to align with the global movement “Meatless Monday,” will be launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Balik Scientist awardee Dr. Custer Deocaris, supposedly to change the dietary habits of some 25.7 million students around the country. Deocaris is a neuroscientist who made a niche in Japan for his expertise in stem cell technology.

He said that the campaign will be targeting all schools nationwide.

“We are launching the "Luntiang Lunes" campaign to alter the dietary habits of 25.7 million students around the country and to mitigate climate change by reducing carbon footprints from the livestock sector,” the DoST returning scientist said.

Launching the “Luntiang Lunes” national campaign along with Deocaris are vegetarian NGOs, Nurturers of the Earth Inc. and AVRDC - World Vegetable Center.

“This is a landmark campaign where schools all over the country will serve vegetarian meals focusing on our IVs and brown rice every Monday,” he said.

"Luntiang Lunes," Deocaris explained, is the Philippine version of "Meatless Mondays," an international campaign launched in 2003 by Johns Hopkins and Columbia University Schools of Public Health to cut-down on milk and dairy-consumption by at least 15 percent to mitigate the impact of global warming and address the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases.

...the UK youths

UK youths do volunteer work

By INA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

July 9, 2011

Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — Ten British youth volunteers are in Manila to work for three months along with 10 Filipino youth professionals on a project to curb human trafficking and promote health awareness.

For 12 weeks, the first batch of this year’s participants in the International Citizen Service (ICS) Youth Action—an initiative funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DID) that gives thousands of young adults from the UK and other parts of the world an opportunity to join in the fight against global poverty—will live, learn and work together with Filipino youth volunteers from the VSO Bahaginan on a range of community-based action projects will be a partner in this project.

British Embassy Manila Second Secretary Political Chris Wright welcomed the volunteers at the formal launch of the project recently. “I have noticed that both of our countries share in common is a real desire, a real respect for human rights, a real respect for making a difference and a real interest in getting involved in making a difference ourselves,” Wright said.

He added that this experience changes not only the volunteers’ lives but also the lives of the people they volunteers will be working with. “This can make a real difference to the people that would have otherwise been trafficked, that would otherwise have less healthy lives. You’ll make a difference to their lives but you will also be making a difference to your own lives as well,” Wright said.

The British volunteers and 10 Filipino youth professionals will be divided into two teams and will work together on a range of community-based action projects in co-operation with the local government of Hagonoy, Bulacan.

“Together they will work effectively to deliver real impact at the community level – be it through supporting service delivery, through advocacy or peer education activities or through youth-led community action research around themes of health, human rights, environmental protection, climate change and youth participation,” Wright said.

Sixty more British youth volunteers and their Filipino counterparts will also be working with local government units and non-governmental organizations in Bohol, Cebu, Davao and Samar in the coming months.

...the health-conscious people

Filipinos among the world's most health, nutrition, and diet conscious

July 9, 2011

Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — Good nutrition is easily achieved by eating the right kinds of food and eating them in the right proportions. It requires implementing a well-balanced diet and avoiding the tendencies of overeating.
 
 

If one wants to have a healthy body, one must know the right nutrients that the body needs. Healthful diets help children grow, develop, and do well in school. They enable people of all ages to work productively and feel their best.


Nutrition has a direct effect on overall health. A bad diet will provide too few calories, not enough vitamins and minerals. What people eat can also help reduce the risk of diseases such as heart ailments, certain cancers, diabetes, stroke, and osteoporosis.


Overeating and malnutrition are two things which can both lead to poor health. Eating right can reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes.
 

A healthy diet will give your body the right amount of energy, enough raw materials and all the little helpers you need to stay healthy.


In a 17-country research done by a British organization, Oxfam International, the Philippines was found to be one of two countries, the other being India, which were most concerned about nutrition.
 

The survey said nutrition was among the top consideration of 63 percent of Filipino respondents in choosing the food they eat.


Healthy eating habits are beneficial to the nation’s well-being and now that Filipinos have a better idea of how nutrition is beneficial to their health, the next steps will allow the population to better their lives.

...the Vuitton becomes charity

A first–Vuitton works with PH group for needy kids

The luxury goods company’s ‘zero tolerance’ for counterfeiting dovetails with the NGO’s zero tolerance for child abuse

By: Alex Y. Vergara
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

At the onset, it seemed like an unlikely pairing: Louis Vuitton, one of the world’s biggest and most recognizable luxury brands, and SOS Children’s Village, one of the world’s largest NGOs dedicated to helping disadvantaged children.

But this seeming disconnect didn’t stop Paris-based LV from forging a five-year partnership in 2010 with the Imst, Austria-based SOS.

Dubbed as “Partnership for Children’s Futures,” LV, through its intellectual property department, is donating $500,000 to SOS over the said period, to be divided among the NGO’s key education and intervention programs in four developing countries: China, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic and the Philippines.

It marks the first time LV is donating to charity in the Philippines in a major way. The company is also expanding its Philippine store at Greenbelt 4, Makati.

Led by Bienvenido Delgado, SOS’s national director in the Philippines, the NGO runs children’s villages in Davao, Lipa and Tacloban. Through Jean Baptiste Debains, president of LV in Asia-Pacific, the company has allotted $120,000 to SOS Philippines to be used over a two-year period.

Family-strengthening programs

The HK-based Debains recently flew to Manila to announce the development. Joining him in a media conference at Makati Shangri-La were Delgado and Rhea De Vera-Aguirre, LV’s country manager in the Philippines.

Since the partnership’s thrust in the Philippines is on “family-strengthening programs,” the amount won’t go directly to SOS’s villages in the three Philippine cities. Each village is dedicated to raising and educating orphaned and abandoned children.

Instead, the amount aims to support families at risk of abandoning their children or making them work due to extreme poverty. The ongoing program, which targets kids from needy families within a five- to seven-km radius from the three SOS-run villages, places strong emphasis on preventing kids from being forced into child labor.

“There are already ongoing programs in Lipa and Tacloban, where we will start to earmark some of the funds,” said Delgado.

LV gave SOS Philippines a free hand to prioritize projects that need urgent funding, provided these projects are geared toward family strengthening.

“It’s quantifiable in the sense that you will be able to see healthy kids going regularly to school for the next two years. This is where the series of programs starts. It’s a cooperation to get them healthy and in school,” said Delgado.

“The program’s thrust of supporting children living outside the three SOS villages involves helping provide for their food, clothes and books,” Debains added. “By supporting their families, we are encouraging them to stay with their families, because we believe that no one or nothing can take the place of an ideal family in bringing up a child.”

Perfect fit

It may sound ironic that the money funding this series of global programs came from damages LV has won so far from the string of lawsuits the company has filed in its ongoing war with counterfeiters the world over. But to Debains, the partnership as well as the source of funds sustaining it is a “perfect fit.”



Rather than reinvest the entire amount it wins in damages, LV’s central office has chosen to give away a considerable portion to charity. The amount LV generates, Debains said, is way below the untold sums it spends annually running after counterfeiters.

LV’s “zero tolerance” for counterfeiting also dovetails with SOS’s zero tolerance for child abuse. And in the often murky and complicated network of counterfeiting run by criminal syndicates, child labor is invariably involved.

The choice of a partner, he said, is based more on trust and not the result of endless studies to determine ideal beneficiaries. If that were the case, LV would be bogged down and end up doing nothing.

“Since the money came from our fight against counterfeits, it was particularly relevant for us to support children’s education,” he said. “Again, it’s a way to keep kids away from child labor, which is one of the ill effects of counterfeit activities.”

But whether or not child labor is connected to the proliferation of fake LV Speedies and Neverfulls, people at LV have taken it upon themselves to focus on underprivileged children as part of the company’s thrust.

“There are other forms of child labor, but in a considerable number of cases counterfeiting is involved,” said Debains, himself a father of two young children. “By supporting children’s education, we not only help children to develop a life of their own away from counterfeits, but beyond that, to help them build a life for themselves.”

Success stories

Delgado, who assumed the post in 1999 after a life-long career as a banker, has witnessed countless success stories of SOS’s former children-beneficiaries. Assistance in some cases extends up to college and even six months after graduation to help the fledgling graduate find a decent job.

“A number have since left to work for our Norwegian partners in Norway’s shipping industry,” he said. “They finished their maritime studies and have landed jobs in Norwegian ships. Our SOS Children’s Village director in Davao used to be a child under our care.”

The lucrative world of luxury fashion, wherein LV is a major player, may seem lightweight, but the underworld of counterfeiting, which it has spawned, is certainly not. It’s a cause for concern not only to LV, but also to its competitors, governments and those in allied industries.

Through its cooperation with local police, LV has joined in regular raids in Greenhills in San Juan City and other counterfeit hotbeds in the Philippines.

“But it goes beyond Louis Vuitton and other luxury brands,” said Debains. “You have counterfeit medicines, car parts. Often these are linked to a kind of parallel economy that involves lots of money and various forms of criminal activities.”

It’s a serious and continuous problem, he conceded, that requires vigilance and the concerted efforts between affected companies, the authorities and the public.

“As soon as they go outside the legal framework, not only do people involved in these illegal activities avoid paying taxes, they can also freely use substandard materials that can be hazardous to both their workers’ and the general public’s health,” said Debains. “That’s why Louis Vuitton has taken it upon itself to contribute to help solve the problem by running after them and directly helping disadvantaged children. We will not solve the entire problem, but it’s a start. All of us can make small differences

...the Nikkei awardee

Gawad Kalinga’s Tony Meloto bags Nikkei Prize for outreach work in slums

INQUIRER.net

 Thursday, May 26th, 2011

Tony Meloto’s Gawad Kalinga has served as a template for volunteer-driven, low-cost housing for the poor in developing countries.

 

 

Antonio Meloto, 61, Chairman of Gawad Kalinga, a  joint Catholic church-private sector advocacy group,  received  an award on Thursday from the Nikkei Asia Prizes for 2011, for his commitment to improving the living conditions of the poor.

Nikkei  Inc., the sponsor of the Nikkei Asia Prizes, which publishes Japan’s leading business newspaper, named Meloto as an awardee for his work in slum areas in the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea,  namely  the building of over  200,000 homes in 2,000 communities in these developing countries.

The Nikkei Asia Prizes, which are awarded each year, are designed to recognize outstanding achievements that improve the quality of life in Asia and contribute to regional stability. Nikkei established the awards in 1996 in commemoration of the company’s 120th anniversary.

The Nikkei Asia Prizes are awarded annually in three areas of achievement: regional growth, science, technology and innovation, and culture.

Meloto snagged the award in the category of regional growth.

In the science, technology and innovation category, Wu Maw-Kuen, 61, Director of Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taiwan received the award in honor of his achievements in the area of superconductivity research, such as the discovery of a substance that has an electrical resistance of zero even at a high temperature of minus 200 degrees Celsius. He has also contributed greatly to advancement of science and technology in Taiwan.

Bao Ninh, 58, Vietnamese novelist, won the culture prize. He authored the novel “The Sorrow of War,” a story based on his military service experience. He popularized Doi Moi (renovation) literature both at home and abroad.

Winners of the Nikkei Asia Prizes  may be an individual, group or organization in any Asian nation except Japan. Japanese individuals, groups or organizations are not eligible since the purpose of the awards is to promote understanding within Japan of other Asian nations.

...the HK hands

Hong Kong OFWs help poor students in PHL

 

 

JEREMAIAH M. OPINIANO,

Institute for Migration and Development Issues

05/24/2011

 

Hong Kong-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been helping poor students in Mindanao by providing them with scholarships, among others.

Hong Kong-based Filipino foundation WIMLER Partnership for Social Progress has helped 19 other scholars in Mindanao whose families earn less than a dollar a day.

Darylle Asuncion, 12, one of the scholars at Mlang Pilot Elementary School in North Cotabato, received new school bags and notebooks .

“I am also enjoying free schooling," said Asuncion, who finished his elementary schooling during the last school year with academic honors.

Marilyn Cabardo, Asuncion’s adviser, noticed that Asuncion's attitude has improved greatly.

“I observed some changes in (Darylle’s) attitude. He started to join school activities and recite before the class. He did well in his subjects," Cabardo said.

Asuncion and 19 other students were recommended by the schools’ parents and teachers’ association (PTA) for support by WIMLER.

WIMLER president Leila Rispens-Noel, a Filipina-Dutch, said WIMLER will continue finding sponsors for poor students from Mlang.

WIMLER partners with the PTA, not just for scholarships but also for a school-based vegetable garden and poultry project, one of the highlights of the two-year-old foundation’s 2010 projects.

Rispens-Noel says WIMLER's fund balance at the end of the year 2010 was below a million pesos but the foundation remains committed to continuing its projects.

On graduation day at Mlang Pilot Elementary School, Asuncion wrote a “thank you" note to WIMLER, saying he would definitely have missed Grade VI if WIMLER had not helped him.

“I hope WIMLER can continue to support me," he said in Ilonggo.

The WIMLER Partnership for Social Progress helps women and out-of-school youth. The foundation can be reached at leila.wimler@gmail.com or at info@wimler.org. - VVP, GMA News

...the humanitarian report

Inquirer bags top awards for humanitarian reporting



Philippine Daily Inquirer
05/10/2011


MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Daily Inquirer bagged the first and third prizes of the first International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC) Journalism Award on humanitarian reporting handed out on Saturday during a seminar on conflict reporting.

Inquirer correspondent Frinston Lim, who covers Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and the Compostela Valley, won the first prize with his story, “Women grieve over land mine deaths,” published on Feb. 27.

The Geneva-based ICRC said Lim provided a “human-touch story,” which focused on the death of three civilians from a land mine explosion as they were onboard a military truck in Compostela Valley. It said the story gave a “deeper look into the humanitarian consequences of armed conflict.”

“New leg, new life,” by Stella Estremera, editor in chief of the SunStar Davao Daily, was adjudged second prize winner.

Fernando del Mundo, chief of the Inquirer investigative team, won the third prize on initiatives by international aid agencies to ease the plight of families displaced by the conflict in Mindanao.

Two other Inquirer stories made it to the top five of the ICRC ranking of 11 finalists in the print category of the awards given to journalists working for online, print, and radio and broadcast media.

In the short list of finalists were “19,000 still depend on food aid,” a story on Maguindanao evacuees by Inquirer Mindanao’s Nash B. Maulana, and “Abra women use livelihood to stop violence,” by Desiree Caluza of Inquirer Northern Luzon.

Also among the finalists were Ryan Rosauro, Inquirer correspondent for Ozamiz City; Francis William Wakefield, Manila Bulletin; Iris Cecilia Gonzales, Philippine Star; Pastor Antonio Manaytay, Zamboanga-Sibugay Tribune; Jaime Sta. Cruz, Mindanao Cross, and Claro Esoen, freelance journalist and columnist of the weekly Mountain Times in The Mountain Province.

ICRC officials cited efforts of groups of bloggers to promote social media networking on key national and international issues and concerns.

The ICRC said the judges included representatives of partner-organizations: International News Safety Institute, Peace and Conflict Journalism Network, Philippine Association of Communication Educators and Rotary Club of Manila.

Speakers at the seminar at the Richmonde Hotel in Pasig City included Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer, on Philippine media coverage of conflict situations; Antonio Cruz, president of Bloggers Association, on the role of new media in contemporary conflicts; and Agence France-Presse correspondent Jason Gutierrez, on covering war and other situations of violence.

Former Sen. Richard Gordon, chair of the Philippine National Red Cross, who assisted in handing out the awards, welcomed ICRC’s efforts to enhance reporting on humanitarian issues