Cebuana Lhuillier partners with NGO for digitalized loan disbursement

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Cebuana Lhuillier, the leading micro financial service provider in the Philippines, is proud to announce its partnership with Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (KMBI), a Microfinance Non-Government Organization (MF-NGO) dedicated to empowering low-income individuals.

In photo are : (L-R) KMBI Managers Hazel Christine Bayaca, Madelyn Frijillano Rachelle Basiya, KMBI President, Eduardo C. Jimenez. Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President, Phillippe Andre Lhuillier, First Vice President and Money Transfer Group Head, Erl Sumanga, and Corporate Partnerships Division Head, Maricor Noche

This collaboration aims to streamline the loan disbursement process for KMBI's program members through digitalization, leveraging Cebuana's advanced platform for faster and more convenient transactions.

As part of this initiative, KMBI will issue Cebuana Microsavings 24k cards to its clients in branches under pilot, which double as ATM cards for receiving loan proceeds. These cards offer the added benefit of free withdrawals at any Cebuana Lhuillier branch, with no minimum maintaining balance required.

"Joining hands with KMBI, we embark on a journey of empowerment and transformation, reaching communities, changing lives, and creating a brighter future for all. Together, we amplify our impact, nurturing dreams, and building resilient pathways to prosperity. Our partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to uplift the underserved, empower the marginalized, and foster inclusive growth. With KMBI as our ally, we stand stronger, united in our mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve." Adds Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO Cebuana Lhuillier, in partnership with KMBI.

KMBI, known for its mission of providing financial services to marginalized sectors, particularly self-employed women often excluded from traditional banking services, finds a valuable ally in Cebuana Lhuillier's extensive network and efficient services.

"As we join forces with Cebuana Lhuillier, we ignite a beacon of hope, transforming aspirations into reality and bridging the gap to financial inclusion. Together, we embark on a journey of empowerment, extending our reach, and touching the lives of countless individuals and families across the nation. Our partnership with Cebuana Lhuillier symbolizes a shared vision of compassion, innovation, and progress. Through collaboration and synergy, we solidify our commitment to create opportunities for the underserved, elevate the marginalized, and build a more inclusive society. With Cebuana Lhuillier by our side, we are better able to create lasting impact and inspire holistic transformation in every community we touch.” Says KMBI President, Eduardo C. Jimenez, in partnering with Cebuana Lhuillier.

With over 3,500 branches nationwide, Cebuana Lhuillier ensures KMBI members swift, secure, and hassle-free access to their funds. This strategic partnership not only reinforces Cebuana's commitment to serving millions of Filipinos but also underscores its dedication to fostering financial inclusion.

By joining forces, CebuanaLhuillier and KMBI strengthen their shared vision of extending financial empowerment to all Filipinos, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards financial success.

Pfizer Philippines Foundation and ASSIST partner to promote breast self-examination

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Keeping with its commitment to promote and enhance public health among local Filipino communities across the country, Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Inc. (PPFI) has partnered with Manila-based international non-governmental organization (INGO) Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) for a program called Likayan to raise awareness on breast self-examination (BSE) techniques for early detection of breast cancer.

As part of the partnership, PPFI and ASSIST have begun administering healthcare and educational services to underserved women in the town of Balayan, Batangas. Their efforts mainly involve the teaching of breast self-examination techniques. They are also capacitating and empowering community leaders comprised of teachers, youth leaders, midwives, and healthcare workers, as well as training a network of Community Champions to become Master Trainers and further spread awareness of BSE.

ASSIST and Pfizer Philippines Foundation have partnered for healthcare and educational services for underserved women in the town of Balayan, Batangas. Photo shows the ASSIST team with Councilor Carlos Ermita-Alvarez (4th from right) during the site visit to Balayan, Batangas.

The need for the education and promotion of the practice of BSE, as well as general awareness of breast cancer, follows various findings regarding the illness in the Philippines. Data from the Global Cancer Observatory shows that breast cancer ranks #1 in the Philippines in terms of incidence, with more than 27,000 new cases in 2020.

“BSE is a very important first step in early detection and cure. With early detection, you can stop it right away, and simply do preventative or curative treatment and avoid the suffering,” said ASSIST Executive Director of Projects and Strategy Francis Macatulad.

“We are truly glad to be working with such a proactive and caring organization in ASSIST to help save Filipino lives from the threat of breast cancer. We look forward to more things we can achieve through this partnership, as this is only the beginning of a fruitful endeavor,” said PPFI Executive Director Geof Garcia.

"I want to thank PPFI and ASSIST for this amazing project that will train women and our Barangay Health Workers and help our community in Batangas to be more aware of breast cancer,” said Carlos Ermita Alvarez, Balayan councilor. “We all know that early detection is key. These types of trainings are not really taught at the barangay level so I believe this will be a first in our community. This will definitely help women become more aware and pass the knowledge along to their friends, co-workers, and neighbors. We hope this project can train as many women and BHWs to help prevent breast cancer."

Other efforts and initiatives set out in the partnership include the use of the patient navigation program to promote and safeguard the general health of women from rural and urban poor areas, ultimately aiming to establish a wide network that will help Filipinos and engage stakeholders from the government and private sector to create a sustainable long-term impact.

ASSIST was established in 2003 with the aim of addressing social problems and sustainability challenges in the Asian region. It has evolved today into a self-sustaining international non-profit organization driven by a passion for purpose and progress in the region. The organization embodies the values of professional outlook and social responsibility and seeks to empower target groups and make them resilient to social, economic, and environmental challenges through adopting a process-oriented approach to capacity building.

Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit corporation organized to perform charitable and social welfare activities and programs geared towards improving health capacities, education, and awareness. Founded in 1997, PPFI seeks to serve Filipino communities to improve health outcomes for a stronger nation of healthier citizens.

Through collaborations with NGOs and civic welfare groups, the government and its relevant agencies, as well as through the engagement of Pfizer colleagues as volunteers, PPFI aims to innovate, implement, and sustain equity-based programs that will significantly improve Filipinos’ healthcare access.

You are Called to Rescue against Human Trafficking

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Called to Rescue and Boutique Burger Kitchen invite everyone to help stop human trafficking

Losing someone you love is a terrifying situation that no one would ever want to experience. This is the sad reality our society is facing today as every one minute, a child or a woman, becomes a victim of human trafficking. That's 500,000 head counts in 2016 alone.

Human trafficking is a serious problem in the country and will remain one unless everyone is called to rescue these children. 

Called to Rescue founder Dr. Cyndi Romine and social media supporter Vince Nunez demonstrate basic self-defense to other supporters and volunteers

Take action with Called to Rescue, a non-profit, worldwide organization dedicated to the rescuing of minor children from sex trafficking, violence, and abuse. 

Founded in 1988 by Dr. Cyndi Romine, who is one of the leading authorities in the fight against children injustices, Called to Rescue is dedicated towards combating child trafficking in three ways: prevention through education and training of youth of all ages and their parents, dedication to the child until he/she has experienced healing, and continuation in every aspect of child trafficking awareness. Called to Rescue Philippines was officially registered as a non-governmental organization (NGO) in 2009, with Mr. Anthony Pangilinan as its Officer-in-Charge.

Child trafficking cannot be tackled alone. That is why it is only through collaborative partnerships with individuals and organizations can this inhumane crime be stopped. Several advocates and social media supporters have recently gathered for an immersion program so that they can also inform and educate their network about the situation and how each one can help. The activity was organized by Called to Rescue supporters Stephanie Henares, communications agency ComCo Southeast Asia and Boutique Burger Kitchen (BBK), a family-oriented diner from Chef Carlo Miguel of Draft Gastropub that serves retro-style gourmet American burgers in the Fort Strip in Bonifacio Global City. 

Defend the defenseless; save the children from being exploited for the gain of traffickers. A child lost to trafficking is the lost child of a devastated and helpless parent. Don’t let that happen to anyone else. 

Report trafficking, abuse, and cases of missing children with the Called to Rescue’s local hotline at 0917-541-0287 or visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/Called2RescuePh/ or website at calledtorescue.com.ph.

Globe-Pusod, Inc. partnership boosts Taal Volcano's ecotourism

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Taal’s ecotourism has received a big boost from the partnership between Globe Telecom and the nonprofit environmental organization Pusod Taal Lake Conservation Center (TLCC). 

The collaboration of Globe and Pusod Inc. is working together to empower communities around the lake through environment education and sustainable enterprises.

Pusod is an environmental non-profit organization which works with small fisher folk communities in Batangas and Cavite to conserve ecosystems and empower them through environment education and sustainable enterprises.

A member of Taal Volcano Protected Landscape Protected Area Management Board, in 2012, Pusod tapped Globe for the use of ICT to enhance implementation of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) Management Plan designed to ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of the Taal Lake ecosystem which covers 13 municipalities and 3 cities in Batangas and Cavite.

One of the key programs implemented by Globe and Pusod to address the area’s environmental issues is the promotion of ecotourism which gives a low-impact alternative to commercial tourism. This not only helps protect the environment but also provides livelihood to communities around the lake.

As the result of the partnership,  the Pusod Taal Lake Conservation Center (TLCC) has increased earnings by 1400% from P40,000 upon its establishment in 2011 to P600,000 in 2015. It now provides sustainable livelihood opportunities to the local communities surrounding the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL). The earnings came from various sustainable tourism initiatives such as Knowledge Tours, Kayak rentals, and sales from honey, coffee, and vinegar.

“Globe creates positive societal impact by fostering connectivity for families, businesses, and the nation, providing jobs across our value chain and by developing partnerships that support sustainable livelihood and conservation as part of our sustainability strategies,” said Fernando Esguerra, Director, Globe Citizenship.

“Lakes take a long time to respond to conservation measures. Those that are still connected deeply with the livelihood that the lake provides are less and less reliant on it. It prompted us to take action because a lot of people really depend on the lake for livelihood. The goals of all protected areas should be sustainable development, preserving the characteristics and the life forms in an ecosystem,” said Atty. Ipat Luna, Executive Trustee and Founding Member of Pusod, Inc.

“The only way we can really save the lake is if they take pride in it: I live in a protected area source of pride,” said Atty. Luna.

A photo exhibit entitled “Pusod: Ang Pagkakaisa ng Pamayanan at Kalikasan”, will give you a glimpse of the Taal community through endearing snapshots of the scenic views of Taal Volcano and Lake, as well as its natural beauty. 

Photos of the TAAL Ecosystem  displayed at the Globe Art Gallery from August 3 to 31. Photos were taken by Globe Employee Volunteers (DRMHWS). Proceeds of the exhibit will support Pusod’s conservation work in TVPL.

“Together with Globe, our work entails us to work with communities and tell them more about the ecosystem where they are and to eventually help them to protect it and create enterprises around them,” said Ann Hazel Javier, Executive Director, Pusod, Inc.

“We started with the eco-tourism program. We have built capacities for the people in the volcano island, the tour guides and the boat guides, our local caterer and the community volunteers. Their main motivation is really to help conserve and protect the ecosystem,” said Javier. 

“As an organization, we hope to connect humans to nature and vice versa. Aside from the conservation work, we work a lot with communities and we see the need of the communities to have economic activities so that they can participate in the conservation activities as well,” she added.

Here are Globe-Pusod Inc. Partnership Highlights

Since 2012, Globe:

- Established a monitoring system involving 5,000 fisherfolks of the Kilusan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Lawa ng Taal through the TxtConnect facility for the E-Governance Program. TxtConnect, a web-based platform that enables them to broadcast messages critical to the implementation of the TVPL Management Plan. 

- Paved the way for mobile financial services to reach almost fisher folk communities across the 13 municipalities and 3 cities in Batangas and Cavite under the TVPL by distributing 5,000 SIM cards with discounted call and SMS rates. 

- Improved productivity of 276 households in Barangay Calawit, Balete, Batangas with the provision of solar lams through the Stiftung Solarenergie collaboration 

- Helped provide employment for 131 community-based tour guides, boat operators, horse guides and hospitality practitioners for the Sustainable Tourism Program 

- Sparked citizens’ and employees’ participation through the Boat Building Activities and Knowledge Tours

Pusod, Inc. established Taal Lake Conservation Center (TLCC) in Sitio Lipute, Barangay Kinalaglagan, Mataasnakahoy, Batangas which is the central knowledge hub of the TVPL.

It operates the Taal Ecotourism Program which highlights the Taal Knowledge Tour. includes Briefing on the lake region; eruption history of the volcano;  Boat Ride from TLCC to Calauit, Balete on Volcano Island and back; Horse Ride or Trek to the crater view deck with local tour guides; Snacks and lunch of Batangas fusion cuisine and local refreshments; Conservation contribution; Boat Sailing; Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board.

On secrets to inner strength and happiness by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

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Here's an inspiring talk by world renowned humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on secrets to inner strength and happiness.

He travels to nearly 40 countries a year and has started programs and organizations that have touched the lives of over 300 million people in over 150 countries and on the 8th of April 2015, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, one of the world’s icons for human values and peace, will be visiting the Philippines, to inspire the public for one night only with his globally recognized wisdom.

Art of Living BeST program for survivors of Yolanda

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar believes that a peaceful society starts with the peaceful mind of every individual. He started organizations such as “The Art of Living Foundation” to share best practice techniques and ancient Wisdom to help people from all over the world manage their mind and negative emotions - thereby helping them lead healthier and happier lives. 

The Art of Living's programs include breathing techniques, Yoga, Meditation and simple yet profound life guiding principles. The core technique known as the Sudarshan Kriya, is a powerful and revitalizing breathing technique scientifically proven to be beneficial for the mind and body. Art of Living’s global website, http://www.artofliving.org, states that “Sudarshan Kriya incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath which harmonize the body, mind and emotions,” It has been proven to be very effective in managing stress, fatigue and negative emotions such as anger, frustration and depression.

Founded in 1981, Art of Living Foundation – is now one of the largest international volunteer-based, non-profit, educational, charitable and humanitarian organizations having a special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

In the Philippines, the Art of Living has conducted numerous courses and workshops. In 2009, Bienvenido “Donnie” Tantoco, President of Rustan’s Supercenters Inc., was quoted saying, “Once you know proper breathing, it is effortless to be in the present moment. I’m calmer, my mind is more lucid. Basically, I don’t feel so stressed and I have been sleeping better now than I have in years.” 

The Art of Living programs benefit all sectors of society – people from all backgrounds and all walks of life have enjoyed the various courses and techniques offered by the foundation. Apart from addressing the stress and negative emotions of the general public, Art of Living also includes poverty alleviation, women empowerment, environmental sustainability and conflict resolution in their mission. 

In the Philippines, the service arm of the Art of Living deploys volunteers and teachers to conduct workshops free of charge to various sectors of society. One such workshop, BeST (Breath & Sound Therapy) is for marginalized, depressed or traumatized people and communities including victims of calamities in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda and Ondoy. The BeST program is effective regardless of the number of participants, making it recognized by other NGO’s as an effective psychosocial remedy to address deep trauma in large communities where one-on-one sessions are impractical and costly. 

BeST has been conducted throughout the Philippines from Metro Manila, through Visayas and Mindanao working occasionally with other NGO’s such as the Red Cross and Save the Children. The Service arm has also conducted regular workshops for prisoner rehabilitation in Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City as well as Makati City Jail – over 1000 inmates have been through the program till date. 

In light of the recent violence and tragedies that have befallen the nation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s visit complements the national and global call for peace and harmony. “Difficult and unpleasant times come in everyone’s life,” he says, “What is important is to keep the faith intact. On a completely dark night, even a flickering lamp can help you find the way.” 

Sri Sri’s visit to Manila marks the end of his Asian Tour where he is expected to inspire thousands of people across Cambodia, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia. 

In Manila on April 8, the public speaking engagement of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. 

Tickets are available at Php 300 and P100 for Students, seniors, teachers, NGO workers, Gov. Employees. Group rates are also available.

For more information about this event as well as courses offered, contact the Art of Living Foundation at 09178400049 09178484898 or (632) 6222-566/63, info@artofliving.org. To learn more or register online visit www.artofliving.org