Building sustainable communities: The future of cities

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What makes a city thrive is a combination of how developers create opportunities for movement, synergy, and prosperity. It’s a combination of celebrating life to its fullest capacity with the community at its very heart.

“At SM Prime (SMPHI), we dream big for our shared future. True prosperity transcends financial success. Our commitment to developing sustainable integrated properties is matched by our efforts to foster vibrant, inclusive communities wherever we build legacy properties that weather the challenges of time and that last for generations,” said Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SMPHI and SM Development Corporation (SMDC).

The 7th Annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024) Conference on Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovations is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

(L-R): Dr. Jennifer Marie S. Amparo, Dean, CHE, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr. Chancellor, UPLB, Dr. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, APRU, Makati Mayor Hon. Abigail Binay, Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, SMPHI and SMDC Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy, Dr. Edgar M. Reyes, Jr., Conference Director, ICHSPD, Assoc. Professor, UPLB, and Dr. Yekang Ko, Director, APRU-SCL, Assoc. Professor, University of Oregon.

Sy joins a list of esteemed local and international professors, climate specialists, and government officials at the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024).

The theme for this year’s three-day conference is Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovation.

As one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, SM Prime’s strong track record in sustainability and disaster resilience is central to the company’s projects. In a climate-vulnerable country like the Philippines, disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience are priorities, with a goal to scale efforts to a city level.

The rapid city growth increases energy demand, necessitating innovative and efficient renewable energy solutions. SM Prime has partnered with franchise holders to systematically manage energy use and move towards net-zero emissions.

For future large-scale master planned developments, Sy shares that SM Prime is taking a systems approach to utility infrastructure down to embedding them in the urban design guidelines at the precinct or plot level developments.

“We are developing this living framework together with our knowledge partners. Currently the ambition is to combine our efforts and actionable items under six themes of – transport, energy, water, biodiversity, built form and materials,” she said.

Sy carries this clear vision to heart as an invaluable part of the path forward. “We believe this will be the future of cities in the Philippines and we are committed to delivering it to our future generations,” she said.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future. 

The 7th APRU-SCL 2024 is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baňos, at the SMX Aura Convention Center, from August 6-8, 2024. For more information, email: hspdconf@up.edu.ph or visit the website: dcerp.che.uplb.edu.ph/ichspd. ###.

Empowering Educators: COCOPEA, CEAP, and Rex Education join forces for the MATATAG Regional Run

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GCASH + FOOD VOUCHERS GIVEAWAY!

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In a momentous collaboration, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), and Rex Education, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), have joined forces to launch the COCOPEA–CEAP–REX MATATAG Curriculum Regional Run. Under the theme “Capacitating the Private Education Sector for the Effective Implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum,” this event brings together educators, administrators, and stakeholders across the nation to prepare and enhance their educational practices for the new curriculum.
A Unified Commitment with the Learners in Mind
At the heart of this initiative is a unified vision: to empower educators and schools with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively implement the MATATAG Curriculum, ensuring that it meets and caters to the needs of all Filipino learners.
The Regional Run opens up with a powerful act of unity—a commitment board signing. From the first run to the last, this collective resolve sees all participants pledging their dedication to the success of the Regional Run and the MATATAG Curriculum’s implementation.
The event focuses on three primary objectives:
Facilitate In-depth Understanding: Provide school leaders with a platform to delve into the key features, principles, and contents of the MATATAG Curriculum, fostering comprehensive understanding and appreciation.
Equip School Leaders with Implementation Strategies: Offer strategies, guidance, and inspiration to school leaders on how to effectively transition to and implement the MATATAG Curriculum within their respective institutions.
Foster Collaboration: Cultivate a network of educators and leaders committed to collaborative efforts in addressing challenges and maximizing opportunities presented by the MATATAG Curriculum.
All these objectives are carefully crafted with the learners in mind, aiming to enhance their educational experience and ensure their holistic development.
Insightful Plenary and Breakout Sessions
During the 2-day program, there are six engaging plenary sessions to provide comprehensive insights into the MATATAG Curriculum. These sessions cover key aspects, namely:
● The General Shaping Paper
● 21st-Century Skills in the MATATAG Curriculum
● Collaborative Expertise
● MATATAG Instructional Design Framework
● Learning Progression
● Operationalizing a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum Focused on Enhancing Student Learning
Led by esteemed education leaders and representatives from DepEd, these sessions foster in-depth discussions on the key features, components, and relevant concerns of the MATATAG Curriculum, ensuring participants thoroughly understand how to implement these strategies effectively.
Aside from the plenary, participants also engage in 10 focused breakout sessions, each dedicated to the specific learning areas of the curriculum. The breakout sessions cover:
Kindergarten
Makabansa
Reading and Literacy, Language and English
Filipino
Araling Panlipunan (AP)
Mathematics
GMRC/Values Education
Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE)
Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH)
Science
Each session discusses the learning area shaping papers, curriculum guides, and innovative strategies for pedagogy and assessment. Competent DepEd representatives and REX Edukampyon MATATAG Corps of Trainers, a team of seasoned educators and curriculum experts, band together for the breakout sessions toward the latter part of the regional run.
Regional Run Schedule
The event spans seven regional runs, covering all regions of the country. The first run was held at San Beda College-Alabang from February 29 to March 1 for Regions III and the National Capital Region. Here are the subsequent sessions.
Mar 22–23: San Beda College-Alabang (Regions IV-A, IV-B, and V)
Apr 18–19: Saint Louis University, Baguio City (Regions I, II, and CAR)
May 16–17: Cebu Institute of Technology-University, Cebu City (Regions VII and VIII)
Jun 19–20: Colegio de San Jose, Iloilo City (Regions IV and NIR)
Jun 24–25: Holy Cross College, Davao City (Regions XI and XII)
July 11-12: Xavier University- Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro (Regions IX, X, and parts of BARMM)
More than an event, the COCOPEA–CEAP–REX MATATAG Regional Run is a movement toward educational excellence in the country. With much hope and faith, the unified efforts of COCOPEA, CEAP, REX, DepEd, and the collective strength of Edukampyons aim to ensure that every Filipino educator benefits from the MATATAG Curriculum and every Filipino learner succeeds in their lifelong learning journey.

Teleperformance’s COTW volunteers practice Bayanihan in face of COVID-19

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Employee-volunteers of Teleperformance Philippines from across the company’s 21 business sites were together in their mission to extend bayanihan to communities needing help. Through Citizen of the World (COTW) Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Teleperformance, volunteers pooled their efforts and were able to distribute over P1 million worth of assistance to various beneficiaries.

TP employees’ bayanihan donations enabled the Foundation to purchase PPEs and other supplies amounting to over P500,000 donated to three major health institutions, namely, Philippine General Hospital (Luzon), Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (Visayas), and Southern Philippines Medical Center (Mindanao).

Meanwhile, each family residing in the Teleperformance-Gawad Kalinga Village in Tanay, Rizal received one month’s worth of assorted grocery items. The grocery fundraising was supported by the entire Philippines leadership team with both their volunteer time and funds raised by leadership.

All in all, over P500,000 worth of grocery items were given to help alleviate the situation for the one hundred families in the village that was also built by COTW volunteers for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

COTW volunteers also responded to the call of its program partner-beneficiary Kythe Foundation, which cares for cancer-stricken kids and their families. Kythe hoped to alleviate some of the anxieties of their beneficiaries during this tough situation and COTW sponsored meals for 100 pediatric patients in different Kythe-affiliated hospitals.

Meanwhile, as a member of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Teleperformance Philippines supported the association’s industry-wide donation drive to support Caritas Manila’s “Protect the Poor from COVID-19” program, which aims to assist poor families by providing them health and personal hygiene essentials, as well as food packs. TP sponsored 50 families with its donation.

“Nobody has had an easy time during this unprecedented crisis. But as Teleperformance Citizen of the World volunteers, we know that wherever we are, we can still do something to help someone in need,” Jeffrey Johnson, Senior Vice President of Human Capital Resource Management said.

The continuous outpouring of donations from volunteers is expected to reach another P1 million in the following weeks, and these will also be distributed immediately to communities in need.

“I can see that the concept of bayanihan is deeply rooted in the Teleperformance culture, so it is really easy for our volunteers to step up and help others. I am very proud to be part of this caring and generous team,” he said.

To learn more about Teleperformance Philippines and their various programs, you may visit their website at www.teleperformance.ph/en-us or their Facebook page at /teleperformance.philippines.

ABOUT TELEPERFORMANCE

Teleperformance (TEP – ISIN: FR0000051807 – Reuters: ROCH.PA – Bloomberg: TEP FP), the global leader in outsourced omnichannel customer experience management, serves as a strategic partner to the world’s largest companies in a wide variety of industries. Its customer care, technical support, customer acquisition, consulting and analytics, digital integrated business service solutions, and other high-value specialized services ensure consistently positive customer interactions that are reliable, flexible and intelligent. The company has established the highest security and quality standards in the industry and uses proprietary deep learning technology to optimize flexibility on a global scale.

The Group’s 300,000 employees, spread across 80 countries, support billions of connections annually in 265 languages and enhance the customer experience with every interaction. In 2019, Teleperformance reported consolidated revenue of €5,355 million (US$6 billion, based on €1 = $1.12).

Teleperformance began operations in the Philippines in 1996 and has grown to become a preferred offshore contact center outsourcing option. The company employs over 47,000 people in the country and operates over 30,000 workstations in 21 business sites located across Metro Manila, Antipolo, Baguio, Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

From 2012 to 2018, Teleperformance received the Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific Contact Center Outsourcing Service Provider of the Year Award for its significant performance in revenue management, market share, capabilities, and overall contribution to the contact center industry. In addition, Teleperformance Philippines was awarded in 2017 as Outstanding Employer and Outstanding Community Project of the Year by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the Top Employer of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards, and the Outstanding Volunteer by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

This 2020, Teleperformance Philippines was again certified as a Great Place to Work® and is the only organization in the country to receive this certification from the Great Place to Work® Institute for three years in a row. This year, Teleperformance celebrates its 24th year of continued excellence and leadership in the country. This milestone highlights the company’s commitment to steadily provide the best employment experience for Filipinos, proactively support the nation’s ICT-BPO sector, and uphold its socio-civic engagements to create a difference in the lives of the Philippine community.

For further information, please visit the Teleperformance website at teleperformance.ph.

SM Cares – Walk For Life

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Thousands of Senior Citizens are set to participate in various activities lined up from October 1 to 7, as the nation observes the annual Elderly Filipino Week Celebration. Some of the week-long events will be held at select SM Supermalls, and will be led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of the Senior Citizens Affair (OSCA), in partnership with SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

This annual observance falls under Proclamation No. 470 issued on September 26, 1994, which aims to increase public awareness on the different issues concerning the sector. Elderly Filipino Week 2019 will have the theme: “Healthy and Productive Ageing Starts with Me.”

This year’s celebration will kick-off with the annual “Walk for Life” event, which is expected to gather more than 3,000 senior citizens at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Walk for Life, which promotes the good health and well-being of the elderly, is scheduled on October 1 and will have a parade of seniors around the MOA complex at 6:00AM. The walk will be capped by a program that will feature performances by, and entertainment for the elderly.

On October 2, hundreds of senior citizens will have a chance to relive beautiful memories and enjoy the nostalgic music of the Rockin’ 60s band, at “Seniors Prom”, an event that shows no one is ever too old to dance and have fun in the mall. This will be at the Skydome of SM City North Edsa, and is expected to begin at 4:00PM.

Capping the celebration is the annual, “Talakayan”, a forum that informs the Filipino elderly about legislations concerning the sector. This includes discussing the various benefits that seniors can take advantage of. Talakayan will be led by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA).

“SM supports the cause of the Filipino elderly, by hosting activities and projects that promote their good health and well-being. Through our CSR Program on Senior Citizens, we wish to let our elderly know that SM will always be their second home, and that there is life after 60 at SM. We also thank DSWD and OSCA for partnering with us for this advocacy,” said Danilo Chavez, Head of SM Cares Program on Senior Citizens.

Apart from mall events, and to further promote their social inclusion, SM offers a Community Service Program for Senior Citizens which invite the elderly to become project participants and do weekend jobs in the mall. This project is in partnership with OSCA.

To know more about SM Cares, you may visit www.smcares.com.ph, www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares, or send an e-mail to smcares@smsupermalls.com.

World Vision launches 1,000 Girls campaign with young actress Bianca Umali

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World Vision in the Philippines, together with World Vision Ambassador for Education Bianca Umali, launches “1000 Girls,” a campaign that aims to give girls a better future and help them to reach their potentials and achieve their dreams.

Globally, millions of girls do not have the chance to go to school because they are forced into child labor, child marriage or child pregnancy. According to a survey released by the Philippine Statistics Authority, 63.3% of the Filipino out-of-school youth are girls. It was also revealed that the main reason for the high percentage is marriage and family matters.

In response to this alarming problem, World Vision is introducing the “1000 Girls” campaign, a global movement that intends to help 1000 Filipino girls through the organization’s Child Sponsorship program. The project will pave the way for the celebration of International Day of the Girl on October 11.

“Each girl deserves to be in school, overcome poverty, reach her full potential, and eventually, be a valuable member of the community. I encourage everyone to help us reach our goal and help these girls fulfill their dreams,” shared World Vision Ambassador for Education Bianca Umali, a staunch advocate of women empowerment.

“We decided to adapt the ‘1000 Girls’ campaign in the Philippines because Filipino girls share similar struggles with girls who live in poverty in other countries. There are so many challenges in fulfilling their dreams. If no one will help them and stand for them, how can they attain their goals?” said World Vision Executive Director Rommel V. Fuerte. “We implore everyone to join our cause in helping Filipino girls who are suffering from circumstances brought by lack of access to their most basic needs. With everybody’s help, we can reach more children.”

Running to empower girls’ dreams

In support of the campaign, business mogul Victor Consunji and his race partner Enrico Menichetti pledged to join and finish the 2019 Fire + Ice Ultra Marathon, which will take place from August 26 to 31 in Iceland. The duo has set up a fundraising page where people can pledge their support not only to cheer Victor and Enrico on but also to empower the dreams of girls still living in poverty.

“When we join a marathon, we have a specific goal in mind and that is to reach the finish line. We overcome obstacles and push ourselves to the limit to reach this goal. The same can be said for the thousands of Filipino girls who also have their own goals, dreams and aspirations. Sadly, not everyone has the means to do so because of poverty,” Victor explained. “We believe child sponsorship can help change this.”

“Enrico and I are dedicating this race to these girls because we want them to know that reaching their dream is possible. We want to empower them through this fundraising run. I hope that you can support Enrico and I as we run another race for children,” Victor added.

This is not the first time Victor and Enrico are running for the benefit of World Vision children. In 2018, the race partners successfully finished the Marathon Des Sables, also known as ‘the toughest foot race on earth.’ The funds raised from Consunji and Menichetti’s run were used to support World Vision’s nutrition project in Batangas, provide school supplies for children in Malabon, give water facilities in West Misamis, and build a new water system in Bohol.

World Vision’s “1000 Girls” campaign is also supported by its major partners Shopee Philippines, UL Skin Sciences, Tupperware Brands Philippines, and Elev8 Media.

To know more about “1000 Girls,” visit www.worldvision.org.ph. You may also follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram for updates.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Discover and nurture your child’s talent at Promil Four iShine Talent Camp 7

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Each child is born with a talent that can appear in any form. Various activities can unlock their potential which is just waiting to be discovered. From singing to acting, and anything in between, your child’s gift can be nurtured through Promil Four’s i-Shine Talent Camp 7, a summer talent development program in partnership with experts to help kids 6-11 years old become their very best.

Get ready to discover and develop your child’s talent and passion as Promil Four launches the newest season of its talent development program, thei-Shine Talent Camp 7. As the brand stays true to its mission of nurturing the gift, the next generation of awe-inspiring kids will be guided to reach their full potential in the fields of performing and visual arts through mental, physical and social stimulation workshops.

Kids ages 6 to 11 can enjoy a whole new level of fun and experience interactive learning with Promil Four’s i-Shine 7 featuring Art, Music, Dance camps, and its two new camps, Theatre and Ballet. These camps are managed by the finest experts/mentors of the country. Teachers Robert Alejandro and Kara Escay from Papemelroti will coach the Art Camp, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab returns as the camp master for the Music Camp, while Teacher Georcelle Dapat-Sy of the G-Force Dance School leads the Dance Camp. Furthermore, Audie Gemora heads the Theatre Camp, whereas Lisa Macuja-Elizalde guides the Ballet Camp.

All six mentors were presented during the launch of i-Shine 7, which also featured a talk by Dra. Leticia Penano-Ho, the President of the Philippine Center for Gifted Education. Dra. Ho talked about the importance of documenting the child’s journey to further help them develop their skills.

Also lending her skills and talent during the launch was a self-taught freelance photographer and “Promil kid” Shaira Luna who shared some photography tips during her Creative Documenting & Scrapbook Making Workshop. Meanwhile, the launch was hosted by seasoned actress Dimples Romana, who has been hosting the i-Shine Talent Camp ever since its beginning.

Promil’s philosophy is to instill the importance of not only proper nutrition, but also proper parenting and guidance to fully support a child’s proper growth and mental development. This is in line with the brand’s advocacy of actively involving parents in helping nurture the gift of their child.

Promil Four i-Shine 7 Camps will run from April to May 2019, and will be administered not only in different cities around Metro Manila, but also in more locations around the country like Batangas, Cebu, and Davao to allow kids outside Metro Manila to experience what i-Shine has to offer. As it is important to hone and encourage kids’ talents at a young age, there will be a grand recital after the camp duration to showcase what kids experienced and learned during the camps.

Past i-Shiners include Lucas Magallano of season 2 and Yesha Camile of season 3 who, after the camp, went on to let their talents shine through special performances in various events.

Know more about i-Shine and reserve a camp slot for your child now! Visit www.promilnurturethegift.com.ph/ for more details.

Gumtect for a Maginhawa Food Trip This Holiday Season

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Filipinos love to eat, and the holidays are definitely no exception! With Christmas get-togethers and parties dotting our calendars, are our teeth and gums ready to take on the challenge of non-stop eating and drinking?

At a fun-filled Food Crawl called the Gumtect Food Trek: A Mouth-full Adventure, Doug and Chesca Kramer posed the same question as they enjoyed exciting food challenges and tasted delicious dishes from the different restaurants in Maginhawa.

As oral healthcare advocates for Gumtect, Doug and Chesca Kramer shared how important it is that they take care of their teeth and gums so they don’t miss out on any foodie moments when they celebrate the holidays with their friends and family.

“Despite our busy schedules, we enjoy the gatherings and reunions to relax and catch up over food,” shared Doug. “I have a really sweet tooth, and I enjoy having conversations over dessert, but for me to be able to just enjoy the food, I also ensure to make these -ber months care months for my gums and teeth so there’s no hassle of gum problems”.

Doug advocates oral care with the use of Gumtect Gum Care toothpaste, which works to promote healthy gums, protects against harmful mouth bacteria, and moisturizes and strengthens the gums.

As for Chesca, her already hectic schedule as a mom can only get busier with holiday activities with her kids on the horizon. She shared that with her sensitive teeth, she needs to take care of her gums so pangingilo doesn’t get in the way of her indulging in her favorite holiday dishes with her loved ones.

According to a study in 2011 by the National Monitoring and Evaluation Dental Survey, 48% of Filipinos suffer from some form of gum disease. Receding gums are often accompanied with tooth sensitivity.

Commonly caused by wearing of the thin outer covering of the tooth (enamel), over-brushing, acidic food, and gum receding, pangingilo or dental hypersensitivity begins when the inner part of the tooth is uncovered. This results to an oh-so-familiar brief yet sharp sensation of tooth sensitivity.

“I want to maximize my bonding moments with my family, especially enjoying food together like ice cream and buko salad. I want to be able to indulge in my favorite holiday dishes without having to think about pangingilo,” Chesca said.

For Chesca, she recommends using Gumtect Sensitive toothpaste and Gumtect Sensitive mouthwash as they are specially formulated with Dynamic Desensitizing System to be able to help relieve tooth sensitivity.

Dr. JV Jaurigue, External Vice President of the Philippine Society of Periodontology, talked about the connection of gum health with overall health and stressed the importance of proper oral care. “Oral care is essential to our health. Rather than dealing with complications and difficulties of gum diseases, it is better to prevent them from happening,” he shared.

Gumtect Brand Marketing Manager, Atria Casidsid also talked about how Gumtect Gumcare and Gumtect Sensitive are especially formulated to help promote healthy gums so that gum problems won’t get in the way of holiday fun.

Gumtect Gumcare is the only gum care toothpaste with GUMSHIELD+ which contains Allantoin, which improves the condition of the gums, Vitamin E, which moisturizes gums and Triclean, which reduces the formation of plaque and shields against harmful mouth bacteria while Gumtect Sensitive has a Dynamic Desensitizing System that helps relieve sensitive teeth. Both Gumtect Sensitive and Gumtect Gumcare also have Active Anti-Cavity Protection that ensures fresh breath and strong teeth enamel.

As guests at the Food Crawl enjoyed hot bowls of ramen, desserts like lemon squares and keylime pie, sipped coffee and competed in food challenges like the Mais Con Hielo relay and Sip the Noodle challenge, the Kramers reminded them to “make the ‘Ber months Care months for our oral health, especially for our teeth and gums. With the help of Gumtect, we won’t miss out on a single foodie moment this holiday season!”

To know more about gum health care tips, visit www.facebook.com/Gumtect.

The power to choose the number, timing and spacing of children can bolster economic and social development, new UNFPA report shows

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The global trend towards smaller families is a reflection of people making reproductive choices. “The historic transition to lower fertility has emerged through people claiming their right to make choices about their reproductive lives, and to have as few, or as many, children as they want, when they want,” according to The State of World Population 2018, published today by UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency.

Family size is closely linked with reproductive rights, which, in turn, are tied to many other rights, including the right to adequate health, education, and jobs. Where people can exercise their rights, they tend to thrive. Where these rights are stifled, people often fail to achieve their full potential, impeding economic and social progress, according to the new report, entitled, “The Power of Choice: Reproductive Rights and the Demographic Transition.”

When a woman has the power and means to prevent or delay a pregnancy, for example, she has more control over her health and can enter or stay in the paid labour force and realize her full economic potential.
The report found that there is no country that can claim that all of its citizens enjoy reproductive rights at all times. Most couples cannot have the number of children that they want because they either lack economic and social support to achieve their preferred family size, or the means to 17 October 2018

United Nations Population Fund 15/F North Tower, Rockwell Business Center Sheridan, Sheridan cor United
Sts., Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City 1550 Philippines
philippines.unfpa.org Tel.: +63 2 902 9131 Email: phl.co@unfpa.org
control their fertility. The unmet need for modern contraception prevents hundreds of millions of women in the world from choosing smaller families.

The Philippines is the second largest country among the 10 ASEAN members, and its population is fast growing with the highest total fertility rate in the ASEAN. Over half of Filipinos are 24 years of age or below. “For this youthful country to reap a demographic dividend, there is an imminent need to invest more in health, education and employability of young people and on gender equality,” said Iori Kato, UNFPA Country Representative in the Philippines. However, many Filipino adolescents and youth have been left behind. Challenges include that 49 per cent of unmarried, sexually active women and 17 per cent of married women have an unmet need for family planning, as the 2017 National Demographic and Health survey revealed. And one in five girls age 19 is either pregnant or has given birth.

“Millions of Filipinos would benefit from having the power to choose whether and when to have children, and how many children to have,” said Kato. “If you can plan your family, you can plan your life,” he added.

Choice can be a reality everywhere

The report classifies all countries in the world by the current dynamics of their populations’ fertility. It makes specific recommendations for policies and programs that would help each country increase reproductive choices.

In the Philippines, UNFPA looks forward to continued partnership with the government and all stakeholders through the newly approved 8th Country Programme for 2019-2023, in ensuring that all Filipinos, especially those furthest behind, have access to sexual and reproductive health information and services and thereby make choices on some of the most significant and intimate aspects of their lives.

The UNFPA Country Programme will continue to support the acceleration of universal access to quality reproductive health care, particularly modern contraceptives, as well as comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in accordance with international standards. Technical assistance will also be

United Nations Population Fund 15/F North Tower, Rockwell Business Center Sheridan, Sheridan cor United
Sts., Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City 1550 Philippines
philippines.unfpa.org Tel.: +63 2 902 9131 Email: phl.co@unfpa.org
provided towards dismantling those barriers—whether economic, social or institutional—that inhibit free and informed choice.

***

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA reaches millions of women and young people in 155 countries and territories, including the Philippines.
For more information, please contact:
Mario Villamor: Tel.: +63 917 302 6699; villamor@unfpa.org
You can access the report at https://www.unfpa.org/swop
Follow UNFPA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Pan-Asian insurer FWD and non-profit Humanity & Inclusion to help hundreds of young people with disabilities in Asia find employment

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FWD Life Insurance, the most exciting insurance brand in the country, together with its partner Humanity & Inclusion (formerly known as Handicap International, an independent international aid organization), celebrated the beginning of the Forward Together project, helping young people with disabilities find employment opportunities in the Philippines and beyond.

Through the regional partnership initially announced by the insurer in the first half of 2018, both
organizations will work towards advocating equal opportunities and empowering people with
disabilities in Asia. With FWD Group investing USD 1million, the Forward Together project will train
at least 380 youth with disabilities in the Philippines and Indonesia and help them secure sustainable
employment or business opportunities.

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“FWD Life Philippines aims to end the stigma that disability corresponds to inability,” FWD Life
Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Grimes said. “Through our partnership with
Humanity & Inclusion, we hope to provide a platform for people with disabilities to showcase their
strengths and abilities. We want to encourage everyone to help create a future with a difference for
people with disabilities with opportunities to become valuable and equal contributors to the
community.”

“Developing countries are encouraged to invest in youth, but unfortunately, young people with
disabilities are usually overlooked in employment and entrepreneurship opportunities,” said Bryan
Andrew Marsalis, Humanity & Inclusion Regional Operation Coordinator. “That is why we are very
delighted to have such strong support from FWD Group in our advocacy of improving the lives of
youth with disabilities. Through this project, we will work with selected employers – including FWD
Group – across the two target countries to improve their capacity to employ youth with disabilities.”
“At FWD, we are committed to promoting social inclusion and active participation of persons with
disabilities, and are very excited to kick start our work with Humanity & Inclusion,” said FWD Life
Philippines Head of Marketing and Community Care Country Lead Roche Vandenberghe. “With the
Forward Together project, we are enabling businesses and organizations such as ours to become
catalysts for quality job creation.”

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FWD Life Philippines and Humanity & Inclusion celebrated the beginning of its Forward Together
project with a media event, an interactive visual language activity, and escape room challenge
participated by volunteers from both organizations as well as members of the media, held on
October 17, 2018 at Century City Mall in Makati City.

About FWD Philippines

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (“FWD Life”) is the first life insurance company licensed by the Insurance Commission of the Philippines under the new Insurance Code. FWD launched its commercial operations in September 2014. By March 2017, FWD Life is the highest-capitalized life insurer in the Philippines with PhP 2.3 billion in paid-up capitalization.1 Base on premium income data published by the Insurance Commission2, FWD Life now ranks 10th in the insurance industry in
terms of weighted new business premiums.3 FWD Group spans Hong Kong & Macau, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan, offering life and medical insurance, general insurance, and employee benefits across a number of its markets. Established in Asia in 2013, FWD is the insurance business arm of investment group, Pacific Century Group. In the Philippines, FWD has 12 business hubs located in key cities nationwide with its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences, with easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD aims to become a leading pan-Asian insurer that changes the way people feel about insurance.
For more information, please visit fwd.com.ph
1 www.insurance.gov.ph> Statistics > 2017 > Based on Paid-Up Capital
2 www.insurance.gov.ph> Statistics > 2017 > Based on Premium Income
3 Weighted New Business Premium Income: 100% of first-year premium on regular-pay plans + 10% of single-pay premiums

About Humanity & Inclusion

Founded in 1982 in refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodian border, co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize, Humanity &
Inclusion (the new name of Handicap International) is an independent and impartial organization working in situations of
poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster.

We work alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, taking action and bearing witness in order to
respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental
rights.

Outraged by the injustice faced by people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, we aspire to a world of solidarity
and inclusion, enriched by our differences, where everyone can live in dignity.

At present, Humanity & Inclusion works in 59 countries globally, with additional offices in 8 high-income countries.
For more information, please visit www.handicapinternational.ph.

Rise Against Hunger Shows the World That it is Possible to End Hunger

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The country’s beacons of joy come together to launch Rise Against Hunger’s ‘This is possible.’ Campaign in the Philippines

Rise Against Hunger is an international hunger relief non-profit organization that distributes food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable. In line with the celebration of their 20th year, the organization has launched “This is possible,” a global movement to end world hunger by 2030 — a vision aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #2.

On August 31, Rise Against Hunger Philippines officially launches this campaign with “Beacons of Joy,” a gathering held at the Conrad Hotel Manila to shine the light on those who have made extraordinary efforts in rising against hunger and bringing joy and relief to communities across the country.

The event included messages from Rise Against Hunger’s various partners and stakeholders—government representatives, corporate partners, impact partners, and beneficiaries—the beacons of joy to the Filipinos in need. Outside the event, hundreds of passersby witnessed the campaign’s launch with a video display at the Mall of Asia Globe on Friday evening.

“Our mission is to end hunger in our lifetime, and the first real step is to activate a worldwide movement,” said Tom Barbitta, Chief Marketing Officer of Rise Against Hunger. “It will take the help and support from the global community to accomplish this goal, but with participation, financial contribution, volunteerism and heart, each person can change the life of another and put an end to suffering from starvation.”

Around the world, just over 815 million people lack adequate food. One in nine people go to bed hungry each night. Rise Against Hunger works to meet immediate nutritional needs today and empower the ability to build strong, resilient communities tomorrow.

Rise Against Hunger Philippines is the latest in the organization’s twenty-five U.S. and five international locations to take part in the “This is possible.” campaign. In 2014, Rise Against Hunger opened a dedicated location in the Philippines, led by Executive Director Jomar Fleras, following the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. Since its inception, Rise Against Hunger Philippines has packaged over 252 million meals. In 2018, the organization established the Good Food Grocer, the country’s first food bank sells nutritious food at discount prices, as well as distributes food to informal settlers and children in daycare centers.

“Rise Against Hunger, its donors, volunteers and beneficiaries join the global community in ending hunger by 2030. With the ‘Power of We,’ 2030 is possible,” said Fleras.

The “This is possible.” campaign was first launched in February 2018 in New York City, where thousands of people joined together in Times Square to sign pledges to end hunger. The campaign was created to build awareness and drive a global movement to end hunger by the year 2030. So far, the initiative has also been launched in Italy, Malaysia, India and South Africa.

is Possible to End Hunger

The country’s beacons of joy come together to launch Rise Against Hunger’s ‘This is possible.’ Campaign in the Philippines

Rise Against Hunger is an international hunger relief non-profit organization that distributes food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable. In line with the celebration of their 20th year, the organization has launched “This is possible,” a global movement to end world hunger by 2030 — a vision aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #2.

On August 31, Rise Against Hunger Philippines officially launches this campaign with “Beacons of Joy,” a gathering held at the Conrad Hotel Manila to shine the light on those who have made extraordinary efforts in rising against hunger and bringing joy and relief to communities across the country.

The event included messages from Rise Against Hunger’s various partners and stakeholders—government representatives, corporate partners, impact partners, and beneficiaries—the beacons of joy to the Filipinos in need. Outside the event, hundreds of passersby witnessed the campaign’s launch with a video display at the Mall of Asia Globe on Friday evening.

“Our mission is to end hunger in our lifetime, and the first real step is to activate a worldwide movement,” said Tom Barbitta, Chief Marketing Officer of Rise Against Hunger. “It will take the help and support from the global community to accomplish this goal, but with participation, financial contribution, volunteerism and heart, each person can change the life of another and put an end to suffering from starvation.”

Around the world, just over 815 million people lack adequate food. One in nine people go to bed hungry each night. Rise Against Hunger works to meet immediate nutritional needs today and empower the ability to build strong, resilient communities tomorrow.

Rise Against Hunger Philippines is the latest in the organization’s twenty-five U.S. and five international locations to take part in the “This is possible.” campaign. In 2014, Rise Against Hunger opened a dedicated location in the Philippines, led by Executive Director Jomar Fleras, following the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. Since its inception, Rise Against Hunger Philippines has packaged over 252 million meals. In 2018, the organization established the Good Food Grocer, the country’s first food bank sells nutritious food at discount prices, as well as distributes food to informal settlers and children in daycare centers.

“Rise Against Hunger, its donors, volunteers and beneficiaries join the global community in ending hunger by 2030. With the ‘Power of We,’ 2030 is possible,” said Fleras.

The “This is possible.” campaign was first launched in February 2018 in New York City, where thousands of people joined together in Times Square to sign pledges to end hunger. The campaign was created to build awareness and drive a global movement to end hunger by the year 2030. So far, the initiative has also been launched in Italy, Malaysia, India and South Africa.