Seven Commandments To Revitalize the Country Safely

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Medical Experts Recommend Strict Health Protocols for Public Transportation

An expert panel of doctors with diverse backgrounds, including public health, epidemiology and infectious diseases, all with the intention of seeing our country get back on its feet as safely as possible presented this to several IATF members yesterday, September 14, 2020, as part of a more comprehensive set of recommendations to aid the country in reviving the economy while adhering to comprehensive public health standards. 

Recommended to strictly implement these 7 Commandments, for all public transportation:

1. Wearing of proper face masks
2. Wearing of face shields
3. No talking and no eating
4. Adequate ventilation
5. Frequent and proper disinfection
6. No symptomatic passengers
7. Appropriate physical distancing

The combination of these measures will be amongst the most comprehensive in the world, based on our consultation with international experts. 

These 7 Commandments need to be strictly enforced and independently monitored in their implementation. By imposing these strict measures, we believe we can gradually relax social distancing rules, in order to double or even triple our current public transport capacity, without compromising public health.

While the efforts of the IATF, the Department of Health, and the One Hospital Command to address the COVID-19 pandemic have successfully increased and improved current hospital capacity, there is now an urgent need to revitalize our country. We need to emerge from the current recession that has severely impacted livelihoods. This will enable our countrymen to work again, so that they can feed their families and support their communities. The economic enablement of Filipinos translates to their health and welfare.

However, we cannot build back the economy without increasing public transport capacity, which has been operating at only 20-30% of pre-pandemic levels due to understandable fears of outbreaks arising from congested public transport spaces. 

A recent study from Duke University, for example, shows that surgical masks reduce droplet transmission by up to 99%, and that the simple act of not talking can reduce droplet counts by up to 4x. In addition, a meta-analysis published on June 22, 2020 in The Lancet, a leading international medical journal, shows that face masks and face shields can independently reduce the chance of viral transmission by up to 5-fold and 3-fold, respectively. In China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and other countries, passengers wear face masks while sitting side-by-side in trains, while COVID cases remain manageable. 

With regards to appropriate physical distancing, the World Health Organization recommends: “To the extent possible, keep a distance of at least 1 meter from other passengers when purchasing tickets, waiting to board public transport, and moving around public transport stations.”

While WHO recommends keeping a distance of 1 meter from other passengers to the extent possible, it allows for adjustments based on context. Given our other recommended health interventions, we propose the gradual reduction of the physical distancing norm during transit to 0.5 meters or lower. Based on our review of the scientific literature and the policies and experiences of neighboring countries, we believe the evidence shows physical distancing can be maintained below 1 meter, so long as other health measures are also implemented.

To be clear, there are many more layers to our proposal and the studies we are reviewing. Public policy has no quick-and-easy solutions, and addressing the transport crisis in this pandemic is no exception. Where possible, we would like to engage in further dialogue with the IATF, medical and transportation experts, and other stakeholders, about our proposal. We also encourage a discussion of other groups’ thoughts on health and other matters, including the overall increase of the supply of safe public transportation such as rail, buses, jeepneys, motorcycle taxis, and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS), and the use of other options such as cycling, walking, and private shuttles. We also recommend the full institutionalization of private sector expert consultation to further improve our overall management of the economy and public health. 

The comparative toll on Filipinos from a further prolonged recession is much more devastating than the manageable risks entailed in our plan. We believe that there is a way forward that carefully balances a careful reopening of public transport capacity, with public health, while allowing purposeful flexibility to re-adjust measures based on actual and evolving data from the ground.

The success of this plan is by no means guaranteed. It relies on the proper implementation and enforcement of these measures by the relevant agencies. Critically, it also requires the education of the public, who must take full responsibility for compliance with the 7 Commandments. This plan’s success also rests on continuous monitoring and data-driven evaluation by public health experts.

It is our hope that by working together, we can implement these public health measures to revitalize our country safely and give Filipinos their lives back.

ANZCHAM and SaferKidsPH join forces against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Filipino Children

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The Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCHAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UNICEF, on behalf of the SaferKidsPH Consortium, to help address the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in the Philippines. SaferKidsPH is an Australian Government Initiative that is implemented in partnership with Save the Children Philippines, The Asia Foundation, and UNICEF Philippines.

OSAEC is a borderless and complex crime that requires a coordinated and multi-sectoral response from all governments and stakeholders, including the private sector. Under the partnership with SaferKidsPH, ANZCHAM commits to supporting advocacy, volunteerism, and fundraising activities to keep Filipino children safe online.

“Children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Addressing online sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a top priority of UNICEF's Program of Cooperation with the Philippine Government for 2019 to 2023. Together with our partners, we are committed to improving child protection systems to address and prevent OSAEC,” said UNICEF Philippines Country Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov. In the Philippines, UNICEF is supporting a targeted program to strengthen the capacity of government systems, parents, caregivers, and community members to protect children from all forms of online sexual abuse and exploitation.

“OSAEC is everyone’s responsibility to fight against and the ANZCHAM business community is committed to bringing the conversation to our members’ respective organisations and eventually in their employees’ own homes. With more than 350 ANZCHAM member companies, we will continue to educate our members on how we can create a safer online environment for every child,” said Daniel Alexander, President of ANZCHAM.

“The work of SaferKidsPH isn’t limited to our governments and civil society partners. To succeed we must also involve communities, families, media, other development partners, and you, the business community. This could be through raising the awareness of your employees on this issue, promoting child-sensitive business practices, and supporting safe spaces and practices in schools and communities,” said Richard Sisson, Chargé d’affaires of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.

According to the Philippine Kids Online Survey supported by the Australian Government and conducted by UNICEF in 2016, nearly half of child respondents said the internet is not safe for them. Two in 10 children are vulnerable to OSAEC, and boys are as vulnerable as girls. In 2018, at least 600,000 child abuse materials of Filipino children, including infants, were shared and sold online.

The vulnerabilities of Filipino children and their families have increased because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Children and youth are more at risk of OSAEC during this quarantine period as they, consequentially, spend more time online. Also, the economic strain on families can make them and their children more vulnerable to engaging in or falling victim to OSAEC. The Government has seen an increase of about 260 percent in reports of online child abuse materials from March to May 2020.

ARISE PH announces first Board of Directors, 2021 agenda: SM Prime’s Hans Sy encourages members to make DRR their advocacy

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ARISE Philippines convened and announced its first batch of Board of Directors in a virtual meeting held last Friday. The new and pioneering Board exchanged ideas and further discussed the next steps of the organization to formally set in motion the Alliance’s initial and forthcoming activities to achieve its goal of a disaster-resilient Philippines. 

Challenge accepted! ARISE (Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies) PH Board of Directors convenes for the first ARISE PH Virtual Board Meeting this year. In the photo, from upper left, are Liza Silerio, PH Representative, ARISE Global; Kenneth Hartigan-Go, MD, MD (UK) School Head, Asian Institute of Management; Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, President, National Resilience Council; VAdm Alexander P. Pama AFP (ret), Consultant for Disaster Resilience, SM Prime Holdings Inc.; Ed Sunico, Vice President, Unilever Philippines; Dr. Erdsan Rene S. Suero, DPA, National President, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc.; Raymond Rufino, Chief Executive Officer, NEO; Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee, SM Prime Holdings Inc.; Rene Meily, President, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF); Ma. Teresita Medado, PhD, President, Asia Pacific College; Alex B. Cabrera, Chairman and Senior Partner, PwC Philippines; and, Maribeth Marasigan, President and Chief Operating Officer, Aboitiz Foundation.

ARISE (Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies) Philippines is a local network of the Global ARISE network, led by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) where companies from the private sector are enabled to build and develop strategies to make their companies and its constituents resilient to disaster risk. The network supports the UN Office for Disaster Reduction (UNDRR) in its effort to pursue the Sendai Framework for Action for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-20130, a UN endorsed International agreement aimed to achieve “The substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries”.

The Board of Directors is composed of exemplary men and women who are top leaders from various private sector member companies and organizations with the passion and purpose and commitment to make the Philippines a more sustainable and resilient nation through engaging and energizing the private sector in activities that are aligned with ARISE’s goals. The newly elected directors are:

● Hans T. Sy, Board Member and, Co-Chair, Chairman of the Executive Committee, SM Prime Holdings Inc. 

● VAdm Alexander P. Pama AFP (ret), Board Member and Co-Chair, Consultant for Disaster Resilience, SM Prime Holdings Inc. 

● Alex B. Cabrera, Board Member and Vice-Chair, Chairman and Senior Partner, PwC Philippines 

● Ma. Teresita Medado, PhD, Board Member and Treasurer, Asia Pacific College, President

● Maribeth Marasigan, Board Member, President and Chief Operating Officer, Aboitiz Foundation

● Kenneth Y. Hartigan-Go, MD, MD (UK), Board Member, School Head, Asian Institute of Management

● Raymond Rufino, Board Member, Chief Executive Officer, NEO

● Rene “Butch” Meily, Board Member, President, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF)

● Ed Sunico, Board Member, Vice President, Unilever Philippines

● Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Board Member, President, National Resilience Council

● Dr. Erdsan Rene S. Suero, DPA, Board Member, National President, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc

In his welcoming remarks, Former ARISE Global Board Member and ARISE PH Co-Chair, Mr. Hans T. Sy persuaded the board to make institutionalization of disaster risk reduction as a business strategy an important part of the organization’s advocacy. 

“Consider that your election to the ARISE Board means that you are part of the integral and growing worldwide movement. As a member, you will have first-hand access to the current life-saving and critical knowledge in DRR methodologies. You’ll be able to strengthen your own company’s DRR using the network that welcomes you with open arms and you will share your programs to help others in return. We can’t predict a crisis or disaster but we can better prepare, and I am sure you will all agree with me that DRR as a good business strategy should be our advocacy,” he said.

During the meeting, VAdm Alexander P. Pama AFP (ret), Board Member and Co-Chair, laid down the organization’s initial plans in response to the COVID-19 crisis in the country. He noted that the organization will likewise have to undertake a significant paradigm shift in order to achieve its vision and mission given that the pandemic has fundamentally upended the nature of the corresponding DRR models.

“We have initially lined up activities to be undertaken in order for ARISE Philippines to rise up to the occasion and immediately address the needs to re-energize the private sector for the attainment of our vision of a disaster-resilient and prosperous country and society,” Vice Admiral Pama shared.

The initial plans include the Annual General Membership Meeting 2020; Review and Reassessment of Arise Philippines Goals and Objectives with the ARISE Four (4) Priority Areas such as integrating DRR into the financial sector decision making, building the resilience of SMEs, resilient infrastructure, and the role of insurance in DRR and resilience; Setting up KPIs and Target Accomplishments; and, Work Plan for 2020-2023 as the main activity references and drivers. These plans will be further discussed and fine-tuned by the members in the coming days. 

ARISE Vice Chair Alex Cabrera noted that the pandemic is a sufficient motivation for the Board to succeed in its goals. “Our job today is pretty much cut out in building a resilient business community and resilient society… I will be very interested to work on what kind of partnerships we can do with the public sector as well and how can we improve the quality of intervention of the public sector in helping ARISE achieve its purpose as an organization,” Cabrera added.

PDRF’s President and ARISE Board Member Butch Meily, on the other hand, encouraged all the members to stand united in boosting their DRR efforts amid the crisis. “If there's one thing that we've learned in this pandemic is that we all have to work together… Unless we are all safe, no one is safe, and I think it's time for the ARISE Board to come together,” he told the members. 

Ms. Toni Loyzaga, National Resilience Council President and ARISE Board Member for her part said that, “We (at the NRC) look forward to even close collaboration with ARISE Philippines as it steers the course (of) this country for evidence-based private sector partnerships in pursuit of DRR and resilience development.”

Meanwhile, PH representative to the ARISE Global Board, Liza Silerio lauded the members’ selfless service and commitment in the acceptance of this critical position.  “It (election of local board) proves that the Philippine Private Sector is united in its strong desire to make a mark in the country’s Disaster Risk Reduction. This coming together of diverse private sector groups manifested a mutually energized partnership and convergence,” Silerio said.

To know more about ARISE Philippines, you may contact its secretariat through arisephilippines@smprime.com or visit  https://cc.preventionweb.net/arise/asia_pacific/arise_philippines

Content Revolution disrupts Creative Economy & Pop Culture: How and Why it starts on TikTok

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TikTok launches in the Philippines its latest campaign, “it starts on TikTok”, to celebrate the creators, community and culture on the platform that brought positivity and joy to life. The campaign is part of TikTok’s largest-ever global branding campaign that kicked off on August 18, 2020.

Since TikTok’s launch, the platform has revolutionized content creation, laying the foundations for the rise of a new generation of creators that impacted pop culture and drove the country’s creative economy.

“Everyone is a creator. Everyday, we create moments and shared experiences. These little moments are the ripples that are now making waves to our culture today. TikTok is a platform to capture, amplify, and magnify the unique and creative you,” says John Castro, User and Content Operations Manager, TikTok Philippines.

Behind every viral video and top trend is a creator who brought a creation to life. As an idea catches on, so too does its impact across borders, cultures, languages, and communities. What begins as seconds of authentic creativity often turns into much more: careers blossom, memes develop, hobbies flourish, communities coalesce, and viral songs climb to the top of music charts. TikTok is a platform that brings joy and enriches your life.

TikTok’s content, creativity, and creator-centric model, places every TikToker on a level playing field. Everyone has a chance to go viral as seen in the case of Tala that made TikTok a platform where the turning point to virality starts and happens.

Charting the Origin of Tala

Who would have thought a song that was released in January 2016 would make a comeback to become the Philippines’ 2020 pop culture anthem?

Since the launch of Sarah Geronimo’s Tala, the song has been building up its momentum over the years. With its catchy lyrics and danceable choreography, it has always been a part of Filipino pop culture, especially in the LGBTIQ+ community. But come November 2019, the dance covers spread like wildfire until it saw the resurgence as the nation's newest dance craze.

One of the earliest uploads of the song on TikTok is from user Glyds Soriano on November 26, 2019, which was basically a snippet from the original music video. Since then, TikTokers have been using the song for their own #talachallenge dance covers. 

Joining the challenge on December 27, 2019 , teen celebrity Vivoree also uploaded her own edit of the song which was eventually used by phenomenal star Maine Mendoza and commendable actor Arjo Atayde in the video that truly cemented Tala’s virality. To date, Maine and Arjo’s video remains as the top viewed content for the #talachallenge at 12.4M views. 

Tala - Sarah Geronimo officially became part of TikTok’s music library in January 2020.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mainemendozaaa03/video/6778023462146542850 

Creative Journeys that starts on TikTok

For many creators in the Philippines and around the world, this online haven is TikTok. The community built on the platform is one that celebrates individuality, while embracing diversity. Its culture of inclusion has created an environment that welcomes everyone, regardless of race, gender or age. It truly is the platform for all.

"TikTok will welcome you for who you are." says veteran Filipino actress, Gina Pareno, also known online as Lola Gets. She proves that age is just a number on TikTok. She is currently thriving as a content creator, with over 900k followers and counting. She started posting on the platform after seeing her granddaughter making TikTok videos. Since then, her posts have been able to bring so much happiness to fans and followers. 

[Gina’s Interview)

“Whatever your passion may be, there is a place for you on TikTok. On this platform, you can showcase your talents for everyone to see,” says creator Yanyan de Jesus. He encourages everyone to not be afraid to show themselves, and being authentic is a formula that worked for Yanyan. In turn, he is fully welcomed by the community with 9.5M followers. 

[Yanyan’s Interview]

On TikTok, you have a positive community that supports your passion and loves your authentic self. As viral Filipino creator, Zendee, says, “It [the TikTok community] is like a family who supports what you want to do in life...It is really a big family!” Zendee herself became known for her parodies, and her followers love her for the sassy singer that she is. 

[Zendee’s Interview]

This freedom to create has resulted in an influx of countless online trends, all of which started on TikTok. And it isn’t just the creators who make these viral. The entire community plays a part in it, too. 

“We wanted to celebrate the community and the creators who have made TikTok part of Filipino culture. For the rest of our users and creators, this is just the beginning. Your creative journey starts on TikTok,” says Castro.

From the #talachallenge to #savagelove, when you ride TikTok trends and take on hashtag challenges, you contribute to making the next viral trend on the app, and beyond. Together, the TikTok community has made an impact on culture and society, here and abroad, through the trends, viral videos, and creative content that started on the platform. 

No matter what you have and who you are, TikTok welcomes you to join and share your creative ideas. Download TikTok today on your iOS and Android devices and start your TikTok moment with #itstartsonTikTok and #TikTokPhilippines.

Las Piñas school heads initiate voluntary drive to support World Vision’s Abutin Na10

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A week after the launch of World Vision’s Abutin Na10 (to be read as ‘na-ten’) campaign, DepEd Las Piñas initiated a city-wide advocacy drive among its stakeholders to support the country’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan. 

“We are a family under one country so we ought to be compassionate for others who are in need, especially the most vulnerable children,” said Dr. Joel Torrecampo, Superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office of Las Piñas City.

Dr. Torrecampo, known by his colleagues to be hands-on and tech-savvy, immediately posted an appeal to his social media groups followed mostly by his fellow DepEd officials and school heads. He led a simple voluntary ‘pass the hat’ initiative to help last-mile learners cope with the impact of COVID-19.

Turnover of Abutin Na10 donation: Las Piñas City Schools Division Office Superintendent Dr. Joel T. Torrecampo, DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Liaison Office, External Partnerships Service and Project Management Service, Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq., World Vision Education Manager Geomel P. Jetonzo, and Pulang Lupa Elementary School Principal III Dr. Aileen O. Ballaran

In less than two weeks, they were able to raise Php 70,000, which they turned over to World Vision Education Manager Geomel P. Jetonzo and DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Liaison Office, External Partnerships Service and Project Management Service, Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq.

In a recent return of blessing to the school division’s initiative, the local government of Las Piñas recently confirmed the provision of educational equipment, gadgets and hygiene kits to be used by its teachers and students while in the new normal.

“I believe it is our collective resolve here in Las Piñas City, our students and their parents, teachers and principals, together with our local government, to be of humble service to those in dire need, so our children will be able to reach their dreams, and not stop schooling because of this pandemic,” shared Dr. Torrecampo, who in his younger years endured walking several kilometres just to attend and eventually finish school. Believing that this pandemic has opened a horizon of generosity, he decided to support schools of other provinces through the Abutin Na10 fund drive. 

World Vision Philippines National Director Rommel V. Fuerte shared that “our rapid impact assessment reveals that one of the top most critical problems faced by children and their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic is education opportunities, aside from food security and access to health care.”

Of the children respondents, 21% said they are either unwilling or unsure to attend school (face-to-face or blended learning) when classes start this August. The other 89% of those surveyed anticipate challenges on the use of online learning platforms while 38% do not have access to internet. Their parents share the same sentiments including the absence of gadgets.

It is because of these challenges and many others that World Vision Philippines and the Department of Education partnered for Abutin Na10: Para sa Sampung Milyong Mag-aaral, Sampung Piso, Sampung Araw, Sampung Milyong Pilipino. 

““With millions of Filipinos taking part in this endeavor, last-mile learners can continue their education while ensuring that their lives are not at risk due to COVID-19,” Fuerte shared. He explained that the funds will be used by DepEd for the printing of self-learning materials and/or procurement of gadgets to support the children’s blended or distance learning from home.

During the campaign launch Abutin Na10, no less than the DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones commended this worthy effort and asserted that “education must continue with or without the threat of the COVID-19 because it is perhaps the greatest legacy we can leave our learners and our children.” The education chief also said that we should ensure that "the health, safety and well-being of learners, teachers and personnel are protected.”

To support Abutin Na10, visit worldvision.org.ph/abutin-na10/ and facebook.com/AbutinNa10.