DOH launches multi-sectoral initiative to eradicate tuberculosis

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The Department of Health (DOH) has launched the Philippine Acceleration Action Plan for Tuberculosis (PAAP-TB), a multisectoral initiative to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) in the country by 2035. The DOH together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through the PAAP-TB aims to provide wider access to health services, and improved education and public information, social protection, and labor protection to eradicate TB by 2030.

OIC Secretary of Health – Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire delivers opening remarks on the importance of TB eradication and building a healthy population

Tuberculosis is a chronic communicable disease that comes second only to COVID-19 as a leading cause of mortality from a single infectious organism. According to the Global TB Report 2022, the disease accounted for 1.6 million deaths in 2021. In a preliminary report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) this year, TB continues to rank 11th among the causes of death in the Filipino population.

TB elimination entails improving access to TB services, and addressing the social, economic, and physical determinants that significantly affect its occurrence, transmission, and even treatment. “In addressing these social determinants of health, we enjoin all our sectoral stakeholders for synergistic solutions to overcrowding, low education, malnutrition, and ultimately poverty. Our collective interventions will make TB services equitable, especially for the poor,” said Officer-in-Charge Secretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire.

The PAAP-TB aims to address the nation's TB epidemic by re-examining current programs and initiatives of National Coordinating Committee for Tuberculosis (TB-NCC) member organizations. Together, these collaborating sectors will provide an action plan and involve the private sector and organizations to achieve the program's goals over two medium terms.

OIC Secretary of Health – Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. present the PAAP-TB document

Also present at the event were representatives from various sectors committed to eradicating TB in the Philippines, Department of Health Assistant Secretary Beverly Ho, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., DSWD Assistant Secretary Janet Armas, DOLE Executive Director for the Occupational Safety and Health Center Ma. Teresita Cucueco, and FDA Director IV Jesusa Joyce Cirunay.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Janet Armas during the press conference at the Philippine Acceleration Action Plan for Tuberculosis (PAAP-TB) initiative

“By engaging multiple disciplines, organizations, sectors, and partners can combine strengths and leverage resources, expertise, and knowledge, while addressing the social, environmental, economic, and political systemic drivers that influence behaviors and prevent the effective delivery of health policies and interventions,” said Officer-In-Charge Singh-Vergeire.

FDA Director IV Jesusa Joyce N. Cirunay delivers pledge of support for the elimination of TB in the Philippines

USAID Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks delivers pledge of support for the elimination of TB in the Philippines

The PAAP-TB document has been developed with technical support from the USAID’s TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening Project implemented by FHI 360.

Hamilo Coast --- committed to nurture and protect the marine life

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Home to the most diverse marine ecosystem in the world, the Philippines has been tagged as one of seven biodiversity hotspots across the planet. This means that a high number of endemic or endangered species are found in these tropical isles, which are now a conservation priority region due to the threat of severe habitat loss. Add to this the adverse effects of climate change, and a variety of destructive practices that impact our rich coastal areas, and one could say that our much-touted aquatic biodiversity is constantly imperiled.

Native giant clams re-stocking, spawning and orientation for ocean nursery project of UP Bolinao Marine Lab done in partnership with DENR, Rotary Club of Nasugbu and the LGU.

Fortunately, the Philippines’ coastal communities are relentlessly pushing for sustainable practices that are primed to help preserve our marine rersources. One such community, Hamilo Coast, is unwavering in its campaign to protect and preserve its picturesque sanctuary located in Nasugbu, Batangas.

A 40-hectare premier leisure resort complex, Hamilo Coast is only an hour and a half commute from Mall of Asia via the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and Ternate-Nasugbu road. A development of Costa Del Hamilo, Inc. (CDHI), a duly recognized SM Prime company, Hamilo Coast is a masterplanned community that features the idyllic Pico De Loro Cove, which integrates residential, resort, leisure, commercial, and institutional land uses.

Stepping up its game to protect and nurture the incredibly rich and breathtaking marine life surrounding it, Hamilo Coast recently renewed its partnership with the World Wide Fund of Nature Philippines (WWF). The collaboration will continue to expand and enhance the scope of its sustainability initiatives that have covered coastal resource management, ridge-to-reef management, solid waste management, mangrove reforestation, the use of renewable energy sources, and environmental awareness since the year 2007.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle hatchlings are immediately released to the ocean as part of Hamilo Coast’s Marine Turtle Conservation Program.

"Hamilo Coast has always made an effort to preserve our marine resources, as it is not only a responsibility but a privilege to do so. Our partnership with WWF manifests our resolve to ensure that our community remains a safe haven for marine life, and that we continue to be a model for sustainable coastal development in the Philippines," shares Ms. Imee G. Francisco, Vice President and Head of CDHI Projects and Operations.

Hamilo Coast has gone beyond expectations to ensure that its slice of paradise remains pristine for the years to come. To fulfill this advocacy, Hamilo Coast currently engages in several marine and environmental activities in partnership with the local government and non-government organizations (NGOs).

Leading such efforts is its collaboration with the University of the Philippines Bolinao Marine Lab, which provides training in the culture and ocean rearing of giant clams through the Giant Clams Restocking and Spawning Program. This activity is a conservation strategy that aims to improve the biodiversity and productivity of stressed coral reef habitats.

SM Leisure Resort Residences Executives and Management team led the Coastal Clean-Up at Hamilo Coast’s Pico De Loro Cove in support of the company’s advocacy to save the environment

 and marine life.

Next, with Hamilo Coast’s beautiful and well-kept beach fronts as favorite nesting grounds of Olive Ridley Turtles, the community regularly implements the Marine Turtle Conservation Program. In this undertaking, Hamilo Coast’s Estate and Sustainability teams proactively monitor and protect the turtle nests until the eggs hatch, after which the hatchlings are immediately released to the ocean.

Hamilo Coast also continues to hold the annual Coastal Clean-Up Program, a highly effective collaboration between the management and employees of Costa Del Hamilo Inc. and the local government. The volunteers collect trash and debris from Pico Beach and neighboring coves, identify the sources of the litter, help change behaviors that cause pollution, and raise awareness on the extent of the marine debris problem.

“As we strive to create a more sustainable future, we are proud of what we have accomplished and continue to do here at Hamilo Coast,” Francisco relates. “While we are very excited to do even more to preserve our aquatic biodiversity, we hope that we may also inspire other communities to do the same.”

For more information on Hamilo Coast, its marine conservation efforts, and its other sustainability initiatives, you may check out the Hamilo Coast official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/hamilocoastph), website (www.hamilocoast.com), and Instagram (@hamilocoastph).

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ABOUT HAMILO COAST

Hamilo Coast is a master-planned seaside residential community in Nasugbu, Batangas. Developed and managed by Costa del Hamilo, Inc., a subsidiary of SM Prime. It is approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 7-945-8000 or visit www.hamilocoast.com.

Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards advocates the fight against plastic pollution with Century Tuna Saving Our Seas initiative

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Asia's Multimedia Star and Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards leads the reef cleanup for the Century Tuna Saving Our Seas Initiative at Anilao in Mabini, Batangas

For the first time ever, Asia’s Multimedia Star and Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards dived the seas of Anilao in Mabini, Batangas to join the Century Tuna Saving Our Seas initiative, an advocacy that highlights the importance of preserving the local marine biodiversity and plastic waste management in the country.

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards shows a piece of shoe he found during the reef cleanup.

“I'm not going to scuba dive for leisure but I'm going to scuba dive to help protect the planet and to save our seas,” said Alden pointing out how important it is for celebrities like him to use their platform to influence and amplify the messages on pressing issues including plastic pollution, climate change and other environment concerns.

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards leads the Saving Our Seas initiative with Century Tuna.

The Saving Our Seas program is an initiative of the local canned tuna brand, Century Tuna, that aims to raise awareness about the current challenges that we are facing because of plastic pollution that affects not only marine biodiversity but the human population as well.

Century Tuna recognizes that the Philippines is part of the ‘Coral Triangle’ that is the center of the world’s marine biodiversity which is why the local tuna brand exerts efforts in addressing the ecological challenges that currently affects the Philippine seas.

Century Tuna, through Saving Our Seas, encourages people to join the fight against plastic pollution and become part of the solution to conserving the environment. In partnership with Aling Tindera Waste-to-Cash program by HOPE, an impact organization, communities can collect plastic wastes that they can exchange for an amount of money. The Saving Our Seas project reinforces the Plastic Circular Economy which diverts collected and recycled plastic away from nature.

Alden Richards also revealed that Century Tuna Saving Our Seas is his first environmental advocacy project and that this initiative opened his eyes to the impact of plastic pollution on the ecosystem.

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards collects the trash in the seas of Anilao, Batangas

The superstar said, “This is the first and it’s saddening that people still take waste management for granted. Way back, I used to think that throwing a piece of wrapper wouldn’t hurt but when I saw the reef, it made me ask myself what would happen if 10,000 people thought the same? I believe that change starts in you. If you want to see change, be the change you want to see because the things that we take for granted will make an impact on the future generations.”

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards preparing for the Reef Cleanup

Through the Saving Our Seas initiative, Century Tuna hopes to help strengthen the Plastic Circular Economy which entails that all plastics collected and recycled will not leak back into the open environment. In partnership with HOPE, the Saving Our Seas project aims to collect 10 metric tons of plastic this 2023.

“It's really about the cause that made me say yes – a combination of scuba diving and reef cleaning.  I've never done that in this lifetime so I’m very honored. Thank you, Century Tuna for considering me to be a part of this,” said Alden.

Alden Richards encourages the people of Barangay Ligaya to support the Saving Our Seas Initiative.

Alden Richards was joined by Century Tuna executives including Century Pacific Food Inc. Executive Chairman Mr. Chris Po, Director & Treasurer Mr. Leo Po, EVP & COO Mr. Greg Banzon, VP & GM for Branded Tuna Business Mr. Carlo Endaya, HOPE Founder Ms. Nanette Medved-Po and Managing Director Ms. Ilusion Farias, Century Tuna Superbods winners and finalists together with volunteers from the community.

Century Tuna Ambassador Alden Richards joins the crowd of Brgy. Ligaya, Mabini, Batangas

Coinciding with the celebration of Earth Hour, the commencement of the Saving Our Seas initiative was filled with environment-conscious activities including shore and reef clean up, community visit, and the observance of Earth Hour.

Aside from Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards, the newest Century Tuna ambassador Pia Wurtzbach also supports the Saving Our Seas advocacy.

For more information, feel free to visit the newest Saving our Seas microsite at https://centurytuna.ph/SavingOurSeas/ or visit Century Tuna Superbods on Facebook or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates.

Joby Linsangan-Moreno, the beautypreneur celebrates amazing life with many social and business activities, entrepreneurial success

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Joby Linsangan-Moreno, is the beautypreneur behind the network of Orange Blush Salons, with several branches in Luzon and Metro Manila. 

Turning 43 today April 8, 2023,  "Orange Lady" , Joby had always been passionate about the beauty business and all it entailed., Looking good is key to feeling good about one’s self and positively impacts the way we relate to others as well.

Joby celebrates amazing life with many social and business activities, entrepreneurial success, having Orange Blush salons, PAK Foundation, Lemon Rebond. Peach Hair Essentials, Beauty and the Biz e-book, beauTITA cosmetics, and more, She also manages The Podium Special Events Center and the NYORK Café (both in Cabanatuan City). She's a resident host at Go Negosyo. Joby has been involved with various CSR (corporate social responsibility) activities nationwide.

Now these days, Joby's having to expand their salon brands via franchising, and same thing with Peach Hair Essentials. "Now that we have partners in distributing our products, we shall focus on dominating the hair (at home haircare) market. We also are looking forward to an international partnership to stabilize our salon manpower," said Joby.

"This year also, we shall be more active with our PAK foundation, fulfilling our mission: to spread Love, one free haircut at a time," Joby shared.

It is also my mission to reflect God’s light in all that I do- whether it’s at work, in our businesses, in our home. I hope to start spreading God’ love and Word in everything that I do. I have always believed it’s my “why” in life; my purpose for living found in Matthew 5:16- Make your light shine so that others may see your good works and glorify Your Father in Heaven; and hopefully by God’s Grace, will start accomplishing this year, praying for God’s Wisdom and Strength."

Orange Blush Salon

Orange Blush Salon always put priority to deliver salon services with the highest quality yet affordable. Orange Blush Salon always offers top-of-the-line service to its clients – pampering them as if they are royalties. Clients are welcomed by the cozy and vibrant orange color of the salon’s interiors the moment they enter the doorstep.

PAK Foundation

PAK Foundation, Parlorista at Barbero Kami Foundation with the vision to be the first foundation that unifies salon owners and workers, barbers, and other related beauty and wellness institutions. The foundation is a social business enterprise (SBE), that has specific social objectives that serve our primary purpose.

Peach Hair Essentials

Beauty, cosmetic & personal care

She also shared the development of their new hair products called PEACH Hair Essentials.

Peach Hair essentials is the FIRST HAIR REJUVENATING SET in the Philippines. If we have rejuve sets for the face, skin, it’s now time to also focus on our crowning glory- our Hair. Peach is a 3-step daily routine that keeps salon treated hair soft, healthy and truly manageable. No more ngarag hair days with Peach Hair Rejuvenating System.

Orange Blush Salon and Lemon Rebond's NEW franchise system

Joby had the business developed into franchising by the country’s top Franchising firm, FranCorp. In mid-2008, Orange Blush Salon was formally launched as a Frachising Beauty Salon. In her quest to present a new but palatable business idea, Linsangan makes sure that represents a vibrant ticket to success in the salon business.all the ingredients for success are always present: strategic location, reasonable price, excellent services, friendly and competent staff, attractive interiors, aggressive advertising. “My business philosophy is simple: make your customer feel special, but always at an affordable price. Everything has to be sulit“, Linsangan shares.

At present, Joby gives a vibrant ticket to success in the salon business, Orange Blush Salon and Lemon Rebond's NEW franchise system (at P80k franchise fee)

How do Joby and family plan to celebrate her birthday this year?

"At home with Family April 8 is a Black Saturday, and since it's Holy Week, I prefer to celebrate my special day with just the family. Grateful to God for all of His Blessings, and praying for more blessed years to come."

As Joby adds during our personal talks lately, "Our family is also looking forward to our trip to Paris/ France trip this April as we celebrate my special day the Parisian way Dream come true!"

For more details, visit their Facebook pages:

Orange Blush Salon

Peach Hair Essentials

Lemon rebond

PAK Foundation

TECNO Mobile’s brand new SPARK 10 Series: the ultimate high-performance selfie phone for Gen Z

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The MediaTek Helio G88-powered SPARK 10 Pro features a 32MP ultra-clear front camera with dual soft light, packing superior selfies, smooth gaming experience and trendy design seamlessly together.

TECNO Mobile, an innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 global markets, today launched the brand-new SPARK 10 series in the Philippines, marking a new era in selfie phones in its segment by combining superior performance with sleek and trendy design.

This series features adjustable dual soft lights on the 32MP ultra-clear front camera available for the SPARK 10 Pro, allowing the young generation to showcase the best in them and glow as they are. Powered by MediaTek Helio G88 gaming processor, the SPARK 10 Pro comes with a massive 16GB(8GB+8GB extended RAM) and 256GB ROM, geared up to elevate the performance in all aspects. It also features a hard-wearing starry glass back panel, resulting in a premium look and a comfortable feel. All these new additions make the SPARK 10 series the ultimate high-performance selfie phone in its PhP7,000 price range.

32MP glowing selfie, capturing your best self regardless of where you are

Engineered for selfie fanatics, the SPARK 10 Pro has a 32MP Ultra-Clear Front Camera with 4-in-1 HW Remosaic technology. By synthesizing the small pixel size of 0.8um into a bigger pixel size of 1.6um, the sensitivity of the pixel's area is increased by 400%, which allows the camera to capture great details with even greater clarity.

In addition, the entire SPARK 10 series is equipped with dual soft lights on both the front and rear cameras.The built-in 10 Lux soft light provides just the right amount of flash that does not glare, and the intensity of the soft light is adjustable in three levels for different lighting conditions.To ensure users will always get the perfect selfie, any overexposure is immediately corrected by the Super Flashlight Algorithm to achieve a balance of brightness between the background and the subject, while concealing user’s blemishes and accentuating their beauty. All of this makes the SPARK 10 Series the lighting pro in your pocket.

G88 gaming processor, ultra upgrading for performance freaks

For creators and gamers, the desire to push boundaries requires top-notch technology that surpasses expectations. SPARK 10 Pro optimized the performance with MediaTek Helio G88, which is an octa-core processor that features two Arm Cortex-A75 CPUs operating up to 2GHz, enabling quick responsive reactions. Equipped with MediaTek HyperEngine 2.0 and supercharged by the GameTurbo Algorithm from TECNO, the SPARK 10 Pro estimates lags and intelligently improves operational smoothness, providing an unmatched gaming and entertainment experience.

With the Memory Fusion technology, the RAM capacity of the whole SPARK 10 series is increased up to 16G, and the SPARK 10 Pro even boasts up to 256GB ROM and 16GB RAM (8GB extended RAM). Such huge memory ensures more apps run at a much faster rate, bringing the smoothest user experience in the history of SPARK.

50MP high-resolution photography system, delivering more detailed shots

The SPARK 10 series offers an advanced 50MP AI camera supported by ASD mode and 3D LUT technology, bringing natural shots that are fully adapted to skin tones. Together with the Intelligent Beauty Mode, SPARK 10 Series delivers flawless and simply stunning portrait photos. Furthermore, with smart Super Night Filters and the Super Night Algorithm, as well as the dual flashlight, SPARK 10 Pro improves the performance of night photography, making every frame and picture clearer.

Vlogging is made even more fun with the SPARK 10 series. The Beauty Mode, AR stickers, HDR, and Bokeh effect as well as the unique cinematography mode, all apply to videos, which empowers users when filming their daily life in all kinds of scenarios. The SPARK 10 Pro and the SPARK 10 5G are also supported by smart focus, so users will never miss a wonderful moment, even if it comes unexpectedly.

Hard-wearing starry glass panel, sleek and youthful design for trendsetters

These standard setting innovations are housed within a striking, unprecedented design featuring a starry glass back panel that is glossy, smooth, comfortable to hold, and natural to the skin. Dual cameras and a smart flashlight form a flagship triple ring, while the edges of the phone are flat, showing a premium and minimalist look. Users will be proud to show off their devices that come in an array of colors: Starry Black and Pearl White for the SPARK 10 Pro, and Meta Black, Meta Blue, Meta White, and Meta Green for the other models.

Ultra-high resolution display, elevating your visual experience to new heights

Additionally, the 6.8" FHD optimally-sized large screen expands the user experience, and combined with the ultra-high resolution display and DCI-P3 color, these gamuts together build an immersive theatrical visual experience on the phone. Most of the models in the SPARK 10 series are supported by a 5000mAh battery and 18W fast-charging capability, promising a long-lasting battery life that keeps the device powered up even under heavy use. Last but not least, TECNO SPARK 10 Series (except for SPARK 10C) uplifts user experience in software with the impeccable Android 13 HiOS 12.6.

Availability

The SPARK 10 series comprise four models - SPARK 10 Pro, SPARK 10, SPARK 10 C and SPARK 10 5G supported 5G network.

Get your TECNO Spark 10 Pro 256GB +16GB for PhP7,499 at the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee, TECNO Mobile PH Flagship Store in Lazada, TECNO Concept Experience Kiosks and TECNO Partner Retail Stores nationwide. Also available is Spark 10 Pro with 128GB ROM for a discounted price Php 6,899 until first sale period only.

For more information, please visit TECNO Mobile at www.tecno-mobile.com