UNISDR ARISE PH moves closer to achieving resiliency

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The Philippines is turning challenges into accomplishments as it continues to deal with natural disasters.

This was the assessment of experts during “A Forum on Understanding Risk and Resilience” held to mark the International Day of Disaster Reduction.

“A Forum on Understanding Risk and Resilience” featured speakers (L-R): Office of Civil Defense deputy administrator for administration assistant secretary Krisoffer James Purisima, National Economic and Development Authority undersecretary Adoracion Navarro and National Panel of Technical Experts member Dr. Rosa Perez.

Undersecretary Adoracion Navarro of the National Economic and Development Authority cited the reduction in loss of human lives during recent calamities. “In terms of magnitude, the number of casualties from typhoon Ompong was only 79, unlike in previous strong typhoons where they reached thousands. This gives us a more positive view of how we are building a resilient nation,” she said.

“We have proactively empowered our local government in DRRM (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management) councils through effective policy guidance,” said assistant secretary Kristoffer James Purisima, deputy administrator for administration of the Office of Civil Defense. 

Specialists from the government, business, academe and civil society organizations attended the forum organized by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR)’s ARISE Philippines, Department of National Defense, National Resilience Council and SM Prime Holdings to enhance understanding of resilience – conceptually and operationally.

In his opening remarks, Zuellig Family Foundation president Ernesto Garilao said, “We need to shift the way we, as a nation, think about disasters so that, together, we can be better prepared in the future. But to promote a culture of preparedness, we must first understand risk.” 

Speakers presented information and possible strategies to respond to possible risks in the future. They suggested adopting, in the face of adversity, lessons from the experiences in Yolanda, the Zamboanga siege and the landslide in Naga, Cebu, highlighting the need for a shared understanding of the risks presented in the communities.

Talking about dangerous phenomena that make up risk, Dr. Rosa Perez, member of the National Panel of Technical Experts, said that the Philippines aimed to minimize risks as much as possible. “We should asses how often these events occur, their effects, how bad they are and what can we do to address the bad effects and harness the good ones,” she said.

The Philippines remains at the top of world risk indices due to several vulnerability factors so the government, through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, continues to find ways to address effectively the challenges of disasters and build national resilience.

Citi Philippines Global Community Day photo wins at the 10thAmCham CSR photo contest

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Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed (left) receives the award given by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Foundation for Best Photo in the “Creating Sustainable Livelihood Category” together with corporate affairs head Lisa Coory (middle) and citizenship officer Jackie Ampil (right). The photo shows Citi employees assisting the community women of Gawad Kalinga’s BayanihanVillage, as they learn to cook healthy meals for their families and for a home-based business. This activity is part of Global Community Day, a time-honored annual tradition where Citi employees in different parts of the world come together with their families and friends to share their time, skills and expertise in the cities where they live and work.

Innovative fishball maker from Bulacan named top winner of 2018 Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards

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An entrepreneur’s innate ability to fish deep for innovative ideas to propel his fishball-making business to success earned him the top spot in the 2018 Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA), a program funded by the Citi Foundation and hosted in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc (MCPI).

2018 CMA Microentrepreneur of the Year Fishball Manufacturer Erwin Ramos (center)

receives his award from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier (left) 

and Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed.

The CMA is a signature initiative of the Citi Foundation aimed at generating economic opportunities for low-income people, including youth, around the globe. The awards program provides entrepreneurs with resources to strengthen their business, including access to networks, capital, tools and training; and enables individuals to create economic sustainability for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Erwin Ramos, who turns bidbid fish into fishballs and other processed products, was presented the CMA Microentrepreneur of the Year award in ceremonies held at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Manila.

Ramos was joined by other awardees: Maria Elena Estadola, nito handicrafts business owner, Regional Awardee for Luzon; Rosario Amoroto, calamansi processing business owner, Regional Awardee for Visayas; Arnold Viado, balut producer, Regional Awardee for Mindanao; and Mary Grace Bayalas, midwife and owner of a birthing home, Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year.

The Special Award for Agri Micro-business was given to two equally deserving winners this year: Estrella Balnao, a coffee farmer and producer; and Romeo Ponio, a corn and vegetable farmer. The Special Award for Community Leadership went to Jessette Oquendo, owner of a pasalubong (souvenir) center for Palawan crafts; while Marisa Ganding, a spa and wellness center owner, received the Special Award for Startup Micro-business. 

During the launch of the 2018 CMA, BSP governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. pointed out that "It is only appropriate that we continue to showcase truly inspiring success stories of our microentrepreneurs. Since its creation in 2002, the CMA program has served as a vehicle to encourage other aspiring microentrepreneurs nationwide and to spread the message that through the value and nobility of hard work, anything is possible.” He added that “our partnership with MCPI and Citi Foundation is a significant contribution to the BSP's Continuity Plus-Plus Agenda - one aspect of which is ensuring that our financial system is inclusive and leaves no one behind." 

“We are honored to recognize and celebrate successful entrepreneurs whose perseverance, determination and conviction to pursue their dreams serves as an inspiration to others. These outstanding entrepreneurs have made a difference for their families and now serve as catalysts to encourage and motivate other entrepreneurs to follow in their footsteps. Citi Philippines is dedicated to supporting financial inclusion initiatives that help Filipinos achieve financial independence and enable them to make a contribution to their communities,” said Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed.

In 2011, Ramos, together with his wife Lanie, experimented with the use of bidbid fish—considered a nuisance in bangus fishponds—as base ingredient for fishballs. In time, they ventured into dried fish processing and fish chicharon (crispy skin)-making. An initial loan of PhP5,000 from UPLIFT Philippines, Inc. helped Ramos launch their own brand, Erwin and Lanie’s Fishball. His production facility in Paombong, Bulacan churns out freshly made fishballs and other products on a daily basis. No part of the bidbid fish goes to waste; even the innards are used as feeds in prawn farms. To this day, Ramos continues to make product innovations while relentlessly marketing his products to clients in person.

This year’s winners received close to PhP2 million in cash and non-cash prizes that include life and health insurance coverage for one year; laptops and IT training; and grassroots entrepreneurship training at the Citi Microenterprise Development Center, another Citi Foundation program in partnership with Bayan Academy. The winners will also be highlighted during celebratory town halls in their respective hometowns after the awarding ceremony.

The National Selection Committee (NSC) that chose this year’s winners is composed of Gov. Espenilla and Mr. Ahmed as co-chair; with members Mr. Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III, president and CEO, RFM Corporation; Ms. Teresita T. Sy-Coson, vice chairperson, SM Investments Corporation; Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, chairman and CEO, GMA Network, Inc.; Hon. Ramon M. Lopez, secretary, Department of Trade and Industry; Ms. Mary Ann M. Montemayor, Mindanao Private Sector representative, National MSME Development Council; Ms. Imelda M. Nicolas, president, Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran; Ms. Marixi Rufino-Prieto, former chair, the Philippine Daily Inquirer; Dr. Michael L. Tan, chancellor, University of the Philippines Diliman; Mr. Orlando B. Vea, president, Voyager Innovations, Inc.; and Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, president, Ayala Corporation.

CMA is now on its 16th year of recognizing outstanding microentrepreneurs across the Philippines. Through the years, this awards program has highlighted the efforts of multiple stakeholders working together to strengthen microfinance and enterprise development, and financial inclusion in the country. CMA has given recognition to over one hundred microentrepreneurs across the country, including youth microentrepreneurs and those with notable contributions in community leadership, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

AirAsia now flies from Clark to Seoul, South Korea

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The airline voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier today held its inaugural flight from Clark International Airport to Incheon International Airport in Seoul with 100% pax load.

AirAsia Philippines Director for Flight Operations Gomer B. Monreal said at the send-off ceremony held at the airport , “We are staying true to our commitment to provide the much needed international connectivity and convenience for travelers in Metro Manila, Central, and Northern Luzon.”

Aside from Clark, AirAsia also offers several flights daily to Korea from Manila, Cebu, and Kalibo while domestic flights from Clark include Cebu, Davao, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro.

“The future of aviation, travel, and tourism is taking shape in Clark. Now more than ever, Clark is truly saving us from air traffic congestion, and enabling airlines and travelers to enjoy the convenience of traveling. Today’s inaugural flight is a fantas tic opportunity for Filipino travelers to explore and experience winter in Korea,” Monreal added.

AirAsia in the Philippines started with only two aircraft s in 2012 when the airline began its commercial operation in Clark, Pampanga, and currently operates a fl eet of 21 Airbus A320s from hubs in Manila, Cebu, Kalibo , and Clark.

Clark(CRK)–Seoul(Incheon/ICN) Flight Schedule:

Stars of Netflix hit series “YOU” wow Manila

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Penn Badgley and Shay Mitchell of Netflix Original series, "YOU" pose for photos after their exclusive sit-down panel, "In Conversation with YOU" at The Peninsula Manila on January 14, 2019

Penn Badgley and Shay Mitchell celebrate international success of the show with Filipino fans

Lovers of the new Netflix Original series YOU were in for a treat as its two leading actors recently visited Manila for an exclusive press event and special meet-and-greet with select fans.

Now streaming on Netflix, YOU is an American psychological thriller TV series developed by writer, producer, and film director Greg Berlanti and American writer and producer Sera Gamble, and produced by Warner Horizon Television. The story follows a New York bookstore manager Joe Goldberg (Badgley), who falls in love and becomes obsessed with a customer named Guinevere Beck. Mitchell plays Peach Salinger, Beck’s best friend.

Partners from the Philippine press and entertainment industry flocked to The Peninsula Manila for an exclusive sit-down panel, “In Conversation with YOU" with the show’s biggest stars, American actor Penn Badgley and Filipino-Canadian actress Shay Mitchell who made a name in American primetime TV by playing strong female personalities. 

During the special tête-à-tête with the media, the pair discussed the success behind YOU while delving into the show’s impact on audiences who use social media – including its effects, both good and bad.

To celebrate their special stay in the country, Netflix hosted special events for the entire week for fans’ enjoyment. The meet-and-greet between Badgley and Mitchell was held at Greenbelt 5 in Makati City in which superfans spent a day in conversation with the stars.

The fun continues until January 19 as fans who will troop to Greenbelt 5 can tour a replica of Mooney’s Bookstore and “The Cage,” the show’s so-called glass room. The installation is open to the public.

Globe customers can catch YOU plus other electrifying Netflix show titles while on the go through the official Netflix app. Globe Prepaid customers can subscribe to their favorite promos like GoSAKTO90 and GoSURF50. TM customers who subscribe to EasySurf50 and up will get an additional 2GB for free to GoWATCH their fave shows anytime, anywhere from Netflix and other streaming services. It’s never been this easy to #PlayItRight and stream the best entertainment from legitimate sources only.

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