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Local initiatives for Plastic-free July

In celebration of Plastic-free July, the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines featured Plastic Smart Cities sites as model communities in developing initiatives and solutions to address plastic pollution.

In the webinar Smart Cities Lead: Community Solutions for No Plastics in Nature (NPIN) conducted on July 15, WWF-Philippines brought together representatives from different sectors from Plastic Smart Cities in the country: Manila City, Donsol Sorsogon, Davao City, Island Garden City of Samal, and San Isidro Davao Oriental.

WWF’s Plastic Smart Cities is a capacity-building initiative for cities and communities to eliminate plastic pollution. Since 2018, it has supported cities and coastal centers in taking bold action to stop plastic pollution, with a goal to reduce plastic leakage into nature by 30% in the near term and achieving no plastics in nature by 2030.

In her opening remarks, WWF-Philippines, Executive Director Katherine Custodio expressed how even our biggest problems, such as plastic pollution, are possible to address if we work together.

“Our challenges are interconnected and so the solution needs to be connected as well. This webinar is about community solutions that give hope because they are linking lives, livelihoods, and nature as they address plastic pollution,” she added.

During the webinar, Wilma Aravelo, President of Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) from Donsol discussed the role of women in communities upcycling single-use plastics. They collect and shred the waste products and use the material as filling for plushies which they sell to tourists visiting the municipality.

WWF-Philippines has been working with KALIPI through product diversification and market development. Since then, KALIPI has been contributing to diverting plastic wastes in Donsol through their products.

From Brgy 23-C, Davao City, LIKHAnegosyo president, and Sangguniang Kabataan official Arcel Coton discussed the importance of mobilizing the youth to address the plastic problem.

LIKHAnegosyo aims to become an avenue of productive social growth and unite the youth by increasing awareness on proper waste disposal and management, developing innovative solutions to address plastic pollution, and transforming the youth to be advocates of the No Plastics in Nature initiative.

Plastic Smart Cities recognizes that there is no single solution to address plastic pollution but rather a comprehensive strategy that engages all actors – governments, businesses, and communities – to examine every aspect of the life-cycle of any given plastic material and identify key elements that are ripe for interventions.

Among the multisector panel of speakers includes:

  • Justina Buenviaje-Yu, Municipal Mayor of San Isidro
  • Joanna Mae Norcio, PSO IV, Assistant Chief, Operations Division, Department of Public Services, Manila City
  • Julian Rodriguez III, Manager, Technical Services Director, and Pollution Control Managing Head of Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal

To conclude the webinar, NPIN National Lead Czarina Constantino – Panopio encouraged continuous partnership and collaboration among women, youth, local businesses, local governments, and other stakeholders until we achieve our vision of having no plastics in nature.

“The beauty of this project really is its heart which is striving to create a balance between humans and nature. We are thankful for these stakeholders and we look forward to continuing our partnership to stop plastic waste leakage in nature,” Panopio said.

Featured photo: Smart Cities Lead: Multisector panel of speakers including women, youth, business, and government representatives shared their initiatives and solutions to address plastic pollution.

#PlasticfreeJuly #WWFPH #plasticpollution #NoPlasticsinNature #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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500 PGH frontliners for COVID-19 given essential aid and connectivity by Globe and the Ayala Group of Companies

Globe shows appreciation for healthcare workers who remain at the forefront of the country’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic through additional cash, connectivity, and in-kind donations to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

PGH was appointed by the Department of Health (DOH) as an exclusive COVID-19 hospital and remains the largest referral hospital in the country. Since the global health crisis broke out in 2020, Globe has donated P22 million to PGH to equip frontliners with much-needed essentials such as personal protective equipment (PPE) to handle COVID-19 patients.

As a part of the continued support to PGH, the #BrigadangAyala initiative led by Globe celebrates the frontliners in three Metro Manila designated COVID-19 hospitals, including the National Children’s Hospital and Tondo Medical Center. With this, the company provided 50 MyFi devices to medical frontliners who are staying in PGH dorms or have living arrangements away from their families to lessen the risks of exposure.

“We truly appreciate this support for our frontliners who continue to make sacrifices for the benefit of our kababayans. Though the hospital is equipped with WiFi, providing connectivity directly to the frontliners will allow them to stay connected even when off duty,” said Dr. Telesforo Gana, Jr., President, PGH Medical Foundation, Inc.

Generika Drugstore, an AC Health company and the pioneer in retail generic medicines in the Philippines, provided 500 immunity booster packages of Actimed Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Actimed Paracetamol, and Actimed throat lozenges for PGH frontliners.

“We at Generika recognize and appreciate the valiant efforts of our frontliners in their continuous service at the forefront of our battle against this pandemic. As we find ways to continue to provide Filipinos access to quality affordable medicines in these challenging times, we are honored to be part of this effort to provide them added care and protection,” said Atty. Yet Abarca, President, and CEO, Generika Drugstore.

In addition, Globe’s parent firm Ayala Corporation, through Ayala Foundation, is donating P500,000 to the PGH Medical Foundation, Inc., while the telco pursues fundraising efforts through Globe Rewards and GCash. Globe has also given an entertainment package consisting of three smart TVs and Home Prepaid WiFi to the hospital’s Cancer Pediatric wards.

“As the country gradually adapts to the changing landscape of our day-to-day reality, we need to show our frontliners that their service is valued. Through connectivity support, we hope to extend to them our gratitude for the work that they do,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

#BrigadangAyala is yet another manifestation of the strong partnership of PGH and Globe through the years, starting with the rehabilitation of the hospital’s Hematology-Oncology clinic back in 2016.

Globe further ramped up its fundraising activities after a fire hit sections of PGH last May 15 that displaced disadvantaged patients.

Globe customers may easily help by donating their Rewards points through the Globe Rewards app. Each Reward point is equivalent to P1. Download the Globe Rewards app and click on the Let’s Help PGH banner. Select the corresponding denomination then press REDEEM NOW. A confirmation message will be sent by 4438 upon successful donation.

Customers may also help via GCash’s Pay Bills option.  Just tap Others and select #FightCOVID19.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly UN SDG No. 3 on good health and well-being and UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

#BrigadangAyala #PGH #Globe #FightCOVID19 #donations #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Caritas Manila: Touching People’s Lives

“The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” – Proverbs 11:25

Proverbs 11 teaches that a person who gives to others will gain even more. Verse 25 makes another point: “Generosity will be rewarded. Give a cup of water, and you will receive a cup of water in return.”

This reminds me of Caritas Manila (CM) and its various services intended for the marginalized sector of Philippine society. CM is the leading social arm of the Archdiocese of Manila and the integrator of the Church social services and development in Metro Manila.

Its programs and services are directed toward the total human development of destitute people and the promotion of social justice in the light of the Catholic Church’s social teachings.

CM views development as empowering the poor, giving priority to those no one else serves. It is concerned with addressing the present situation of disadvantaged groups such as the urban poor, women, and children.

At the same time, CM is also involved with national, even global issues such as the environment. The measure of its performance lies in its contribution to the improvement of the quality of life of the poor people in society.

One observation is that Filipinos are more generous with their assistance to Caritas today than they were 10 years ago. “There’s really a remarkable improvement,” according to my source, a former executive director of CM, for this interview some years back. “Generally, Filipinos are kind.” At present, the executive director of CM is Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual.

The present executive director of Caritas Manila, Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual with Miss Universe-Philippines, Rabiya Mateo. Courtesy @OfficialCaritasManila

Caritas Manila, then known as Catholic Charities was founded by the late Archbishop of Manila, Rufino Cardinal Santos in October 1953. He saw it as a “social welfare program with the purpose of uplifting the spirit and soul of these unfortunate members of our community . . . to assist them in all their needs  . . . to bring the assistance and help of God in their miseries and distress.”

CM now focuses on socio-development activities that would wholistically draw out the poor’s capabilities and responsibilities. This stemmed from the belief that “self-reliance cannot be achieved through social services alone.”

Since then it has shifted to community building, to make the poor people self-reliant. They only dole-out in extreme emergencies, for example to those victimized by fires, floods, and other calamities. They always emphasize self-reliance, they help them find a job or train them to develop their skills.

Despite the passing of time, Caritas remains relevant. “I think we will still be here,” said my source. “But ideally we should fade away because it would mean then that the people are all economically, morally well-off. That’s our ultimate goal.”

Its accomplishment in helping people towards self-reliance has been an encouragement to continue CM’s commitment to helping build lives again. Above all, Caritas has uplifted our poor countrymen to their fullest dignity as God’s children.

Lenten Season Alay Kapwa 2021 campaign

This campaign challenges one to abstain from meals or habits in exchange for giving to the poor. From whatever you choose to give up Lenten season, you may save P40 a day. A total of Php 1,600 can be raised in 40 days, which you may donate to their feeding and nutrition campaign addressing hunger and malnutrition resulting from the pandemic and typhoons.

Caritas hopes that you accept this act of almsgiving by supporting the Alay Kapwa campaign and being the face of Christ’s love to those most in need in these trying times. You may share your blessings through their official bank accounts and online donation portals.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/OfficialCaritasManila.

As the saying goes, “Service is working and giving and understanding that no good deed will be lost.”

 (Based on the article published in the Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)

#caritasmanila #servingthepoor #alaykapwa #charityinaction #giftedtogive #holyweek2021  #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Photos courtesy @OfficialCaritasManila