PHINLA: Empowering Waste Workers and Their Communities at the time of COVID-19

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Chris Macas has been a waste collector since 2018. While he is proud of his contributions to the cleanliness of his community, he has been hoping for changes.

With only gloves to protect him, he would worry about his health and also his family's. There were days, he said, when he couldn't report for work for a week because he'd often get sick.

The situation of Chris is not new in the Philippines. Although the country has several laws related to solid waste management, strict implementation remains a problem, causing adverse impact not just to the environment but also to waste workers' welfare.  A compliance audit on 178 local government units (LGUs) showed that from 2011-2017, 27.53% did not comply with regulations for segregation at source while 23.03% did not comply with regulations on segregated collection.

The PPEs are now a necessity for the safety of waste workers like Chris who collects and segregates waste to help keep communities clean.

PHINLA

Recognizing these challenges and the vulnerability of waste workers like Chris, World Vision and Ecowaste Coalition, with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Global Development (BMZ) are implementing the PHINLA Project. PHINLA, coined from the name countries the project is being implemented in (the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka) seeks to empower waste workers and communities affected by poor waste management by using waste as a resource to create meaningful employment and to earn income, while tackling health and environmental issues associated with waste management. 

In Barangay Cugman, Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, where Chris comes from, one of the project's main initiatives, to date, involved organizing the waste workers association and training them to create a better collection system and MRF for the community.  People from the village, mostly volunteers who identify themselves as eco warriors, do daily house to house waste collection using the 17 pedicabs and 5 motorbikes that the PHINLA project provided. To further help them earn income in this phase of the project, the village created an incentives-based system depending on the weight of the recyclables collected to encourage the practice of proper waste segregation. 

On the next phase of the project, PHINLA will help the village establish the waste collectors’ association as a business enterprise, functioning and earning income on its own to provide salary for waste workers. 

Chris Macas, Waste Worker from Brgy Cugman, CDO, receiving PPE and motorcab from PHINLA Project through a turn over ceremony officiated by barangay officials. Photo courtesy of: Brgy. Cugman Facebook page

A relief

Since the group of waste workers was officially organized on the first week of August 2020, Chris has seen significant changes.

The community used to collect garbage using just one garbage truck. It would take them at least 4-5 hours for collection alone. With 17 pedicabs, they can now collect simultaneously, saving them time and delivery to the MRF situated on top of the mountains is made easier with the use of the motorbikes.

"We are also frontliners. I can't even imagine the damage it would cost me and my family if I get the virus while doing my work because I did not have protective gears. I am extremely grateful to PHINLA for this support,” said Chris Macas, one of the recipients of the PHINLA project.

The PHINLA project through World Vision and Ecowaste Coalition continue its work, not only in CDO, but also in Quezon City and Davao, providing training and equipment necessary to help the community and its waste workers.  

“Through our Global Program that intends to develop livelihood opportunities for poverty affected population through a multi-sectoral established and monitored waste management system, we have already seen important achievements in all three countries of implementation from program inception in September 2019 till now. Still, more work needs to be done in ensuring its sustainability, including engaging more  and more vulnerable groups in income generating activities at Waste Collection/Recycling Centers, increasing awareness of general public in waste reduction/recycling/reuse matters and adherence of households to the different waste segregation practices and laws in the country," shares Giorgi Devidze, PHINLA Global Program Director. 

To know more about World Vision and its programs in the Philippines, you may visit www.worldvision.org.ph.

DepEd strengthens preparations for distance learning with NEAP transformation and dry-run simulations

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With the opening of classes being moved from August 24 to October 5, the Department of Education (DepEd) continues to strengthen its rigorous preparations for SY 2020-2021. DepEd is using the weeks leading up to October 5 to fill in the remaining gaps for this year’s school opening, and to address the challenges of adjusting to education’s new normal. 

The printing of self-learning modules (SLMs) has been the utmost priority of the Department, especially with modular learning being the preferred learning modality across different regions. Most regions such as Region I, Region IV-A, and NCR are already at the advanced stage of preparing these modules, with 80-100% of SLMs already printed. Other regions are also making good progress, with only four out of over 200 School Division Offices (SDOs) having a completion rate below 25%. 

DepEd also has the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) transformation, which is set to provide interventions for schools throughout the school year. According to Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan, schools were asked to conduct self-readiness assessments before the start of the school year. Those who have rated themselves below 50% will receive necessary assistance, such as professional development training and physical and psychosocial support. These training programs have already begun, and are set to continue for the rest of SY 2020-2021.

The Department’s dry-run simulations have also been ongoing for the past several months. These dry-runs determine areas of improvement and best practices when it comes to implementing the learning delivery modalities. Approximately 500 schools from various regions with diverse circumstances have already conducted these simulations, and the results have been promising.

Sucao Elementary School, which is located in the mountain province of Abra, conducted a modular distance learning simulation in cooperation with the Baay-Licuan local government unit. The school gave learners transistor radios and flash drives containing pre-recorded lessons. The school also showcased how these flash drives can also be plugged into the radios, making it easy for learners to access their modules. 

Schools under the alternative learning system (ALS) also participated in the dry-runs. Tagum city’s TAGUMpay Palengskwelahan, a learning center that offers ALS programs for elementary and secondary learners, showcased how they implemented modular distance learning and online learning by using 20 computers, e-modules, and radio-based instruction. The modules were sent to student homes and retrieved the week after through DepEd’s Knowledge on Wheels mobile. The school is located within the Tagum City Public Market.

Indigenous groups in Calay IP School exhibited resourcefulness and innovation by inventing the Learning Resource on a WiFi Hub for Expanded e-learning in Sarangani (LR on WHEeLS). Using intra-net technology, access point antennas were set up in communities where learners can connect their gadgets. All self-learning modules and video lessons were made accessible on LR on WHEeLS. Students sent their teachers messages in-app if they had any clarifications, and were prohibited from accessing social media pages or online games to ensure that the technology could only be used for learning.  

These are only some of DepEd’s efforts that showcase how continuous preparation and collaboration between education stakeholders can create a promising future for education’s new normal. The Department assures the academic community that they will identify and address the needs of each school before the opening of classes.

“We trust that this is the final adjustment of the school opening,” said DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones. “We will use this time to make the necessary adjustments, look after our school and education stakeholders, and ensure that all preparations have been made for the successful opening of classes for School Year 2020-2021.”

Reel and real-life characters spice up TV5’s game shows

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Interesting characters from showbiz and real life are out to unveil their competitive spirit in TV5’s leading comedy game shows this week. “Fill in the Bank” and “Bawal na Game Show” feature amusing personalities from all walks of life – from barbers, LGBTs, body builders, beauconteseras, to TV’s renowned kontrabidas.

 

Barbers try their luck to snip some cash in the September 21 episode of “Fill in the Bank on as they vie for the jackpot money of as much as Php150,000. An LGBT couple will invade the studio on September 23 as they play in the money-saving rounds Enter your Pin Code, Cheque or X, Coin Rush, and Huli Cash.

On September 25, “Fill in the Bank” will have female body builders getting cozy with funny hosts “Manedyer” Jose Manalo and “Madam Poky” Pokwang. Catch them compete in the show’s creative games Ayuda Teh! Machine (ATM) and Panghakot na Papremyo Equipment (PPE). 

“Fill in the Bank” airs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30 p.m.

 

“Bawal na Game Show” brings in more intriguing personalities with a bunch of gym instructors sweating it out on Tuesday, September 22. Ghorl Twins Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros strut their stuff with beucontesera players on September 24 as they try to take home as much as Php50,000.

 

Kontrabida celebrities Ryan Eigenmann, Nina Ricci Alagao, Pinky Amador and Mon Confiado will be the certified pasaways in the September 26 episode. They can either follow or defy the rules in “Bawal Ma-Fall,” “Bawal ang Da Moves,” “Bawal ang Sablay,” and “Bawal ang Sumuko.” 

“Bawal na Game Show” airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 7:00 p.m., only on TV5. 

Forever 21 Outfits on Sale up to 70% off at Shopee

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Looking for the latest fashion trends and must have outfits even on our new normal days?

This weekend you can get up to 70% off on “Forever 21’s Online Clearance Sale.

Check these out at Shopee. There are styles you can say  your outfits  right for you. 

Forever 21 Women’s Basic Cropped Hoodie (₱499 – 46% Off)

Something comfortable, this basic cropped hoodie is nice to wear. 

Forever 21 Women’s Plaid Crop Top (Cream) (₱299 – 63% Off)

This woven top featuring a spaghetti strap with adjustable straps, a plaid design, and a cropped fit as perfect.

Forever 21 Women’s Active Surplice Crop Top (Heather Grey) (₱499 – 50% Off)

This surplice crop top, ribbed knit athletic crop top featuring a surplice neckline, wicking fabric, and long sleeves

Forever 21 Women’s San Francisco Embroidered Graphic Tee (Yellow) (₱299 – 57% Off)

This graphic tee, a knit tee featuring an embroidered “San Francisco” text chest graphic, short sleeves, and a crew neck is the best comfortable top

Forever 21 Women’s Striped Flounce Crop Top (Cream) (₱499 – 45% Off)

This crop top in a variegated stripe pattern, featuring a button-front placket, a sweetheart neckline with flirty flounce trim, shoulder straps, princess seams, and a smocked back panel.

You can check out these clothes and more at Forever 21 Official Page. 

Make sure you download the Shopee app for free from the App Store or Google Play.

CENTURY PARK HOTEL TO PARTICIPATE IN MANILA RESTAURANT WEEK 2020 FROM SEPTEMBER 20-27

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Weeklong Event Seeks to Promote F & B Industry Amidst the Pandemic

 

Without a doubt, the COVID-19, pandemic has affected the F & B industry. 

Gradually, with the relaxation of dine-in guidelines, the industry stands a chance to be revived.   The City Government of Manila through the Manila Bureau of Permits, Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila and the Manila Public Information Office is pleased to announce Manila Restaurant Week 2020, an event under the Manila Support Local program.  This initiative seeks to promote and revive local businesses in the city in this time of crisis as well as foster the spirit of unity among big and small entrepreneurs and businessmen to boost the economy once again.

As rich and diverse as its culture and heritage, Manila has a limitless array of world-class culinary classics and through this weeklong event which will run from September 20-27, 2020, foodies will get to experience the best of the city’s gustatory delights at very special discounts in participating restaurants and food outlets.

Century Park Hotel’s Atrium Lounge, known for its relaxing ambience and fine dining experience, is joining the Manila Restaurant Week.

With a whopping 40% discount, the hotel will feature classics which will include Café in the Park’s Set Breakfast from P674.87 to P404.92, American Breakfast from P615.00 to P369.00 and the all-time favorite Hainanese Chicken from P636.77 to P382.06.  

We also added savory platters of meat such as US Beef Medallion which can be savored from P712.96 to P427.78.

Topping off the list are our mouthwatering Asian treats such as Salmon Teppanyaki and Buta Kakuni (from P761.95 to P457.17). 

All these are available for dine-in, take-out and delivery.

“We are pleased to take part in the Manila Restaurant Week as we strongly support the government’s initiatives to uplift not only the F & B industry but the tourism industry as well especially during these trying times.  We hope that this event will bring about food enthusiasts to try and savor once again the best of what Manila has to offer,” enthused Century Park Hotel’s General Manager Anthony Tan.

Manila Restaurant Week 2020 recently had its grand virtual launch at the Manila Hotel led by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and other government officials. World-renowned singer Lea Salonga, who expressed her warm support for this undertaking, performed her new single titled “Dream Again” on this day.  Century Park Hotel will enforce all stringent measures to ensure the safety of its patrons in this weeklong gustatory festival. With its participation, fine dining lovers can enjoy its fancy dishes at a more affordable rate while being able to #SupportLocal. 

The Atrium Lounge will be open from 9:00AM to 7:00Pm during this weeklong celebration.

For more information on how to avail   of these exciting offers, please check their FB page: Manila Restaurant Week, IG account: @manilarestaurantweekofficial and website: http://manila.gov.ph/manilarestaurantweek.