Eight Universities Advance as Qualifiers in PRSP Grand Prix Hack Sprint Edition

 

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) is thrilled to announce that eight (8) universities are moving forward to the second phase of the Grand Prix Hack Sprint Edition, the second leg of the recent Students’ PR Congress.

These are De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, Far Eastern University, Holy Angel University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, San Beda University, Saint Louis University, University of the Philippines - Los Baños and University of the Philippines - Manila.

These universities successfully advanced after participating in the first phase of the initiative wherein students (1 team per school comprised of 3 members) from all over the country were invited to submit a position paper about “The Great Resignation”, a topic provided by JobStreet Philippines, the Platinum Sponsor of the 2021 PRSP Students’ PR Con and Grand Prix.

In the second phase – the Hack Sprint, the students will be given 24 hours to develop their communications plan. Students will be briefed on February 3 and must start developing their plan, presented in a maximum of 10 slides, for submission on February 4.  A distinguished jury will evaluate and score the entries and identify 5 outstanding teams advancing to the third and final phase.

The Top 5 teams will then proceed to the final round of the competition happening on February 5 – the Pitch Proper, where each team will be presenting their plan to a select jury composed of industry thought leaders and experts. The winners will be announced on the same day, and they can win exciting prizes courtesy of PRSP Students’ PR Con and Grand Prix Hack Sprint sponsors.

Being the first Hack Sprint edition of PRSP’s annual student event and competition, the upcoming Students’ Grand Prix will be fully virtual.

The PRSP Grand Prix Hack Sprint is supported by JobStreet as platinum sponsor; Maynilad Water Services, NIVEA and PLDT as gold sponsors; Converge ICT Solutions, GCash, Maya, PayMaya, Smart, Unilab Consumer Health and Unilab Skin Sciences as silver sponsors; and Jollibee Foods Corporation, McDonald’s Philippines (Golden Arches Development Corporation), Meralco, Teleperformance and SM Supermalls as bronze sponsors. COMCO Southeast Asia serves as the event’s staging and creative partner with ABS-CBN, Adobo Magazine, Class A Magazine, ClickTheCity.com and WhenInManila.com as media partners and Warner Music Philippines and PhilPop Musicfest Foundation as entertainment partners.

The event is also supported by student organization partners – ADPROS from Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila, Mass Communication Students’ League from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila), PRSSP (Public Relations Student Society of the Philippines) from University of the Philippines Manila, HAU Communicators' League from Holy Angel University in Pampanga, Journalism Guild from Cavite State University, Josenian AdComm Guild and Josenian Communication Society from San Jose Recoletos University in Cebu, Kapunungan sa mga Mass Communicators from Silliman University in Dumaguete, SWU Junior Communication Designers Guild from Southwestern University in Cebu, The Society of Student Communicators from Negros Oriental State University in Dumaguete, and Junior Marketing Association from Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro.

To learn more about the PRSP 2021 Students’ PR Con and Grand Prix, follow www.facebook.com/studentsprcongress or linkedin.com/company/prsp-students-pr-con-and-grand-prix. For inquiries, please email studentsprcongress@prsp.ph.

Treat yourself to some self-care essentials this 2.2 Free Shipping Sale

 

The start of the year had its ups and downs, but like always, we should keep moving forward with our heads held high. After dealing with the stress of these past weeks, we all need a break to recover physically and mentally. A little retail therapy is always a good option, right? If you’re reading this, take this as your sign to reward yourself with some well-deserved self-care needs on sale during the Shopee 2.2 Free Shipping Sale.

 

Look good and feel good with these health and fitness staples

End those long days with a must-have for your skin care regimen. The Laniege Water Sleeping Mask_EX has Sleeping MicroBiome™ and enhanced Pro-biotics Complex that strengthen the skin’s defense for a well-slept, bright and clear complexion. Let this overnight mask nourish your skin so you stay fresh no matter how busy you get.

Need a boost for your active lifestyle and a trendy workout? Add the Kemling Adjustable Jump Rope to your home gym and get into the habit of breaking a sweat before or after work. For its price, you’re getting a quality, reliable jump rope that’s easily adjustable and comfortable to use.

Motivate yourself by investing in an Active Mindful Yoga Mat for your floor work, stretching, body weight exercises, and yoga sessions. This lightweight, non-slip mat is a perfect companion for your fitness journey this year and a reminder for you to keep pushing for progress.

 

Upgrade your entertainment set-up with these powerful gadgets

Don’t underestimate the difference a bigger, better screen can make for your gaming experience. If you’ve been wanting to pull the trigger on a new monitor, consider getting the Xiaomi 34-inch Curved Gaming Monitor. Enjoy more immersive visuals and a wider field of view that is supported by an ultra-wide 21:9 display and 144 hz refresh rate.

Another worthwhile buy is a trusty wireless speaker. With the Edifier MP260 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, you get solid Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, multiple functions that include a built-in clock and USB, Micro-USB inputs, and AUX inputs, all in a stylish wooden box finish. This speaker packs a punch with its booming bass and will be a cool addition to your bedroom, living room, or work area.

 

Stay cozy and have these home items ready anytime

Aside from the known health benefits, there’s something undeniably therapeutic about drinking tea. Stock up your pantry with Gold Leaf Green Tea Selections: Lavender so you can sip on a refreshing cup of tea to start the day, pick you up during midday breaks, or wind down at night before going to bed.

One of the very basic yet most important ways to practice self-care is by getting enough sleep. You need good sleep to keep you energized and help you recover after all the tasks you accomplished throughout the day. Look forward to a more luxurious sleep with the Home de Luxe Fleece Blanket.  These blankets are soft, lightweight, and breathable and come in different colors and sizes.

Discover all the awesome products on exciting deals this Shopee 2.2 Free Shipping Sale: https://shopee.ph/m/22.

 

To enjoy more savings for your self-care essentials, use ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet where you can buy load, pay bills, send money and scan to pay at thousands of partner merchants nationwide. This 2.2 Free Shipping Sale, enjoy more free shipping vouchers at ₱0 minimum spend, exclusively with ShopeePay.

 

This 2.2, you can also get up to 50% cashback on your monthly bills from participating billers such as Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, Globe, Smart, Manila Water, and Converge. If you need to stock up on groceries or home necessities, get big savings with ₱1 Deals via ‘ShopeePay Near Me’ on the Shopee app. Redeem your discounts by paying with ShopeePay at partner merchants such as Puregold, National Bookstore, Ultra Mega, Metro Department Store & Supermarket,  FamilyMart, and many more.

 

With ShopeePay, you can also enjoy free transfers to any bank or any Shopee user. Until February 3, get a chance to win ₱110,000 when you send at least ₱1 to any Shopee user, or if it is your first time to send money with ShopeePay. Additionally, you can also cash in for free via InstaPay; get up to ₱25 cashback on your InstaPay fee when you cash in.

 

END

 

 

About Shopee

 

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It is a platform tailored for the region, providing customers with an easy, secure and fast online shopping experience through strong payment and logistical support. Shopee aims to continually enhance its platform and become the region’s e-commerce destination of choice.

 

Shopee has a wide selection of product categories ranging from consumer electronics to home & living, health & beauty, baby & toys, fashion and fitness equipment.

 

Shopee, a Sea company, was first launched in Singapore in 2015, and has since expanded its reach to Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Sea is a leader in digital entertainment, e-commerce and digital financial services across Southeast Asia. Sea's mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology, and is listed on the NYSE under the symbol SE.

 

About Shopee Mall

Shopee Mall is the region’s leading online mall offering one-stop access to a wide range of international and local brands and retailers. Shoppers can enjoy three guarantees delivered by Shopee Mall -- 100% authentic products, free returns and free shipping. With always-on deals, entertainment and a robust loyalty programme, Shopee Mall offers an unparalleled online shopping experience and best value all year round.

About ShopeePay

ShopeePay is an integrated mobile wallet that offers users easy access to digital payment services. Launched in the Philippines in 2019, ShopeePay enables a seamless shopping experience by allowing users to make online payments on Shopee, top-up their wallets, and transfer and withdraw funds.

 

 

 

 

Shopee gives you five days of deals and discounts this 2.2 Free Shipping Sale

 

Getting ready for another round of shopping for your essentials and budols? Lucky for you, you can shop without breaking the bank during Shopee’s 2.2 Free Shipping Sale. Prepare for five exciting days of Free Shipping with ₱0 minimum spend, ₱1 Flash Deals, and 10% off vouchers daily, as you shop for your stay-at-home needs from January 30 Payday Sale until February 3.

 

Score Free Shipping, Daily Midnight Sales and Non-Stop Rush Hour Sales

 

This 2.2 Free Shipping Sale, make the most of the sitewide Free Shipping vouchers with ₱0 minimum spend for all your needs. On February 2, you can claim free shipping vouchers hourly and have all your home essentials shipped to your house safely without worrying about shipping fees.

 

For those eager to score the hottest deals at the lowest prices, check out Daily Midnight Sales from 12MN to 2AM from January 30 Payday Sale until February 3. Be one of the first to claim midnight vouchers, and exclusive deals from a wide range of brands and sellers.

 

If you’re an avid shopper who can sneak in checkouts during school and work breaks, then the Rush Hour Sales are made for you. Early birds can shop during the Big Morning Sale from 8AM to 10AM. If you're taking your lunch break then check out the Big Lunchtime Sale from 12NN to 2PM. For those who thrive on last-minute shopping sprees, then the Last 3 Hours Sale from 9PM to 12MN is perfect for you. With each Rush Hour, expect limited-time vouchers and deals at irresistible prices to make your purchase rewarding.

 

Planning how to maximize the five day sale this 2.2? Keep some of these incredible deals in mind:

For most, a clean home can help bring peace of mind. With the Philips FC9351/0 Vacuum, you get ultra-strong suction that takes care of all your dust and dirt problems so you can lounge around more comfortably.

For most of the day, your phone will be pretty much attached to you whatever you do and  wherever you are at home. It’s time to upgrade your most prized gadget to the hottest one in the market, the iPhone 13. This 5G phone is powered by a super fast A15 bionic chip that takes all your downloads, photos and video streaming to the next level.

Be extra careful that the dishes you use are clean and have no specks of food and bacteria that can harm your loved ones. With the Kyowa Dish Sterilizer, you’ll be serving your signature recipes in clean, sterile, and dry dishes.

Find Low Prices on Home Essentials this 2.2 Free Shipping Sale

 

Are you a bargain hunter on the prowl for the best deals for your home? Then check the Big Price Drop Sale on February 2, 6PM to 8PM for deals ₱222 and below. You’ll also find even more exciting low prices when you Add To Cart this January 31.

 

 

Being extra careful now goes a long way in protecting your family. With the Lysol Disinfectant Spray, you’re sure that the surface and air you breathe at home is free from harmful fungi, viruses and bacteria. Apart from keeping your space clean, this also eliminates unpleasant odors, replacing them with a fresh, relaxing  berry scent. 

For a good quality mask that you can rely on, the Health Guard KF94 Face Mask is a must-buy. With 4 layers of thickness, this mask effectively filters disease-causing viruses so you can stay protected while on the go.

Say goodbye to restless nights and hello to sweet dreams when you get the Angbon Memory Pillow. Made from 100% rebound material, this soft memory foam pillow is designed to support your head and neck, relieving pressure points for a more comfortable slumber.

 

To enjoy 5-days of Free Shipping with ₱0 minimum. spend, ₱1 Flash Deals and 10% off vouchers daily, make sure to visit: https://shopee.ph/m/22

 

To enjoy more discounts on your purchases, use ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet where you can buy load, pay bills, send money and scan to pay at thousands of partner merchants nationwide. This 2.2 Free Shipping Sale, enjoy more free shipping vouchers at ₱0 minimum spend, exclusively with ShopeePay.

 

This 2.2, you can also get up to 50% cashback on your monthly bills from participating billers such as Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, Globe, Smart, Manila Water, and Converge. If you need to stock up on groceries or home necessities, get big savings with ₱1 Deals via ‘ShopeePay Near Me’ on the Shopee app. Redeem your discounts by paying with ShopeePay at partner merchants such as Puregold, National Bookstore, Ultra Mega, Metro Department Store & Supermarket,  FamilyMart, and many more.

 

With ShopeePay, you can also enjoy free transfers to any bank or any Shopee user. Until February 3, get a chance to win ₱110,000 when you send at least ₱1 to any Shopee user, or if it is your first time to send money with ShopeePay. Additionally, you can also cash in for free via InstaPay; get up to ₱25 cashback on your InstaPay fee when you cash in.

 

Activate and cash in your ShopeePay wallet for safe, cashless payments.

 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

 

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee connects shoppers, brands, and sellers across Asia and other fast-growing markets, empowering anyone to buy and sell anywhere and at any time.

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. It offers a wide product assortment, supported by integrated payments and logistics, as well as popular entertainment features tailored for each market. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

Shopee is a part of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), a leading global consumer internet company. In addition to Shopee, Sea’s other core businesses include its digital entertainment arm, Garena, and digital financial services arm, SeaMoney. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology.

 

 

 

 

About Shopee Mall

Shopee Mall is the region’s leading online mall offering one-stop access to a wide range of international and local brands and retailers. Shoppers can enjoy three guarantees delivered by Shopee Mall -- 100% authentic products, free returns and free shipping. With always-on deals, entertainment and a robust loyalty programme, Shopee Mall offers an unparalleled online shopping experience and best value all year round.

About ShopeePay

ShopeePay is an integrated mobile wallet that offers users easy access to digital payment services. Launched in the Philippines in 2019, ShopeePay enables a seamless shopping experience by allowing users to make online payments on Shopee, top-up their wallets, and transfer and withdraw funds.

 

ShopeePay makes it easier to shop and do business. It provides users with a convenient, secure, and rewarding payment option; it empowers businesses and helps them capture new opportunities.

 

ShopeePay is part of SeaMoney, the digital financial services arm of Sea Group. A leading digital payments and financial services provider in Southeast Asia, SeaMoney’s mission is to better the lives of individuals and businesses in the region with financial services through technology.

 

COMCO Southeast Asia’s Leader Ferdinand Bondoy elected to UK-based Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ (CIPR) International Committee

 

COMCO Southeast Asia’s Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director, Mr. Ferdinand L. Bondoy, has been elected to the International Committee of the United Kingdom (UK) based Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) composed of PR leaders from across the world – Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.

 

Mr. Bondoy is the only committee member based in the Southeast Asian region and he brings in diversity and representation in the globally renowned professional body for public relations practitioners. He will also be the lead for online events of CIPR International.

 

Founded in the United Kingdom, the CIPR is the world’s only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners, with nearly 10,000 members across the globe. As pioneers in the industry, the CIPR champions its expertise in public relations through standards and skill guidance to accelerate development among PR practitioners.

 

“Now that the CIPR has become a fully virtual international organisation, there are equal opportunities for PR professionals across the world to become involved in our activities or even to get Chartered. I am delighted that Ferdinand Bondoy has joined our committee, and we look forward to collaborating with him to expand our activities and reach in the Philippines and across Asia,” said Ms. Samantha Seewoosurrun, Chairperson of the CIPR International Committee.

 

As an industry trailblazer, Mr. Bondoy’s election to CIPR adds to his extensive responsibilities in the industry. He is also the current Corporate Secretary of the International Association of Business Communications (IABC) Philippines and the Co-Chair of the Philippine Student Quill Awards. Last year, he was also elected to the Board of Trustees of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) and led the successful run of the 2021 PRSP Students’ PR Con, the 1st virtual, interactive and nationwide edition of the organization’s annual activity for the students. It will be concluded this coming February 2022 via the Grand Prix Hack Sprint edition, which is also a first for the organization and the industry.

 

Mr. Bondoy is also part of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Philippines composed of PR icons and leaders in the country and he served as one of the regional jurors of the ICCO (International Communications Consultancy Organization) Next Generation PR World Cup. The Southeast Asian leg of the competition for young PR practitioners was organized by the Public Relations and Communications Asia Pacific (PRCA APAC) where Ferdinand Bondoy represents COMCO Southeast Asia as a corporate member.

 

On top of all that, he is the Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director of COMCO Southeast Asia, a powerhouse and global award-winning integrated communications agency he co-founded. Last year, he led the celebration of the Agency’s Blazing Sapphire 5th Anniversary which launched COMCO Middle East & Africa and COMCO AOX League of Enterprises, the umbrella group for all of COMCO’s existing and upcoming ventures, initiatives and advocacies. He also takes time to pay homage to his roots by serving as a mentor, often referred to as “Coach”, in COMCO Southeast Asia’s Camp COMCO Mentorship Program, an intensive and comprehensive talent incubation initiative, industry linkage course, and apprenticeship program designed to transform communication, marketing, and multimedia arts students and fresh graduates into revolutionary practitioners of the industry.

 

“It is an honor and a responsibility to represent the country and the region in CIPR and work for the industry on a global scale. And we will continue to contribute, be heard, and be part of this international community of PR experts and leaders to further grow the discipline and impact social change across the globe,” said Mr. Bondoy.

 

For more information about COMCO Southeast Asia, please visit www.comcosea.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comco-hq and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.

 

About COMCO Southeast Asia

 

COMCO Southeast Asia is a powerhouse and global award-winning integrated communications agency formed by the coalition of premier brand architects, inspired storytellers, and communication trailblazers in the region. Based in the Philippines and with affiliate network presence in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, COMCO SEA takes the lead in the innovation of premier brands and growth of up-and-coming businesses through the emerging global disciplines of New PR – a strategy based, content-driven, and channel-agnostic way of doing PR, and Smart Social – a holistic, authentic and integrated approach in the maximization of digital and social channels.

 

At the core of COMCO SEA is its unique brand of Meaningful Storytelling based on its corporate mantra and the mission to Ignite Brand Love, Social Change, Talent Growth and Regional Collaboration. In just 5 years, the Agency has done groundbreaking works for more than 70 local, regional and international brands including reputable development and humanitarian organizations. COMCO SEA has been awarded twice as Agency of the Year 2nd Runner-up at the IABC Philippine Quill Awards, Finalist for Boutique PR Consultancy of the Year in Asia at Campaign Asia Pacific’s PR Awards Asia, Best PR Agency in Southeast Asia – Silver Award at the ASEAN PR Excellence Awards, and 85 metals from various local, regional and international award-giving bodies.

 

Pine Sol keeps your family and home safe, fragrant, and welcoming

 

When we think of the home, we think of a place that is filled with laughter, joy, love and hope. We think of a place where we find rest and peace among people we hold near and dear. Indeed, for many, home is a place that is welcoming. And nothing feels more welcoming than a home that is fragrant, clean and germ-free.

 

Since the start of the health crisis, people saw their daily routines changed. And for many, changed permanently. The fear of contagion and the ensuing paranoia forced many to hunker down and stay home every day. Overnight, the home became a place of work, recreation, entertainment and leisure.

 

But despite this, it has not spared many from getting sick as the virus spawned more virulent and highly transmissible variants that have entered our homes no matter how careful we can be. Food deliveries and consumer goods have become harbingers of pathogens that has in fact, caused entire families to be sick.

 

“As we stay indoors more often, we should not forget that viruses can still enter our homes and make us sick. Being vigilant is key to staying safe especially since we do most of our shopping online and bring items from the outside,” said Monique Gonzales, senior brand manager for Clorox Southeast Asia. “Regular disinfecting of our homes is the sure way to keep our families safe and healthy.”

 

However, despite this, our homes are still the safest place as long as we know how and what to do to keep the virus out and maintaining the love in. Pine Sol, a trusted cleaner for the home since 1929, shares with you some safety and cleaning tips to keep your home safe, clean and germ-free.

 

Ditch the welcome mat for the disinfecting mat

When we need to go out, we sometimes do not realize that we could be bringing home unwanted germs. Of all our clothes and accessories, our footwear brings in most of the pathogens from the outside in. It is not enough to just wipe our shoes or sandals on the mat. A good foot bath is needed to make sure that your footwear is properly sanitized. You can use a mixture of water and Pine Sol to make an effective and fragrant shoe bath.

 

Soak those clothes you wore immediately

Just because we don’t see dirt on our clothes does not mean that these are safe to bring home. Viruses, bacteria, fungal spores and other microbes easily get on the clothes that we wear. Once at home, jump in the shower. And don’t forget to soak the clothes you just wore in a mixture of water and Pine Sol. It will disinfect it and will not harm the fabric the way ordinary bleach does.

 

Mop, mop, mop the floors

Your floors are a favorite place for your kids to romp and rough-house around. This creates good bonding moments and help relieve the boredom from staying at home all the time. But your floors are also where pathogens come to rest. Keep it clean and safe by mopping it down with a disinfectant mixture of water and Pine Sol. Mopping up the floors regularly will keep your mind at ease and your kids safe.

 

Give surfaces a good wipe down

The different quarantine classifications have made shopping for food and other goods a home activity as well. Thankfully, the influx of couriers has made home shopping easy and convenient. But how sure are we that these grocery bags and parcels are safe? Unknowingly, these items can bring germs and viruses that in turn, get on the kitchen counters or on tables. Disinfect these surfaces with a quick wipe down. Some Pine Sol on a clean, soft cloth can kill germs on these surfaces.

 

“We at Clorox are one with the government in ensuring that Filipinos stay safe in the midst of this pandemic. We enjoin everyone to keep promoting a hygienic and safer lifestyle by regularly cleaning and disinfecting our surroundings.” Paulo Lao, Sales and Marketing Director for Clorox Southeast Asia.

InLife and Insular Foundation extend assistance to Typhoon Odette-affected communities

 

To help Filipinos affected by super typhoon Odette, Insular Life (InLife) and its corporate social arm Insular Foundation carried out disaster response initiatives.

 

InLife and Insular Foundation raised ₱2 million to help families in typhoon-affected communities in Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao. Additionally, the Insular Foundation provided ₱1.02 million worth of food packages and sleeping mats. The Foundation partnered with NORFIL Foundation and the Philippine Association of Social Workers Cebu Chapter to reach out to 380 families in Mandaue City, Cebu; and with the League of Corporate Foundations to help 200 families in South Cebu. The Foundation also worked with the Philippine Relief and Development Services, Inc. to provide two-week food supplies for 150 families in Dinagat and Siargao islands, and Surigao.

 

InLife also extended assistance to its policyholders in typhoon-affected areas, as well as its building tenants in its Cebu office.

 

Additionally, InLife extended the grace period from 31 days to 61 days for premium payments due from November 15 to December 31, 2021 in the following areas and provinces: Siargao Island, Dinagat Islands, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Palawan. This move is to allow InLife policyholders in these areas to manage their funds and allocate it to more pressing and urgent concerns.

 

Even as super typhoon Odette caused power interruption and water shortage for weeks, the Insular Life Cebu Business Centre and its tenants which include business process outsourcing companies continued their operations through InLife’s generator sets and water supply.

 

InLife offices in the following areas remain open to serve policyholders: Cebu, Tacloban, Ormoc, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Catarman and Iloilo in Visayas; and Cagayan de Oro, Pagadian, Dipolog, Tagum, Valencia, Zamboanga, Davao, General Santos, Butuan, Ozamiz, Digos, and Cotabato in Mindanao.

 

 

Insular Foundation, in partnership with NORFIL Foundation and the Philippine Association of Social Workers Cebu Chapter, distributes food packs to families in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Insular Foundation’s program manager Teresita Melad (second from right) turns over donations for typhoon-affected families in South Cebu to Philippine Air Force (PAF)-Civil Military Operations Group Commander Lt. Col Rifiel Santiago Sotto (rightmost) in PAF headquarters at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. 

About The Insular Life Assurance Company, Ltd

Insular Life (InLife) is the first, largest, and only mutual Filipino life insurance company in the country with over 111 years of uninterrupted service. We apply over a hundred years of experience in financial protection, risk management, savings, and investment to help you make confident decisions for you and your loved ones. 

 

As a mutual life insurance company, our accountability is to our policyholders.  They can be assured of being protected by a company that has an asset base of over P148 billion and net worth of P37 billion. We have a nationwide presence in 52 branches all over the country, and an expanded digital footprint to serve our customers, wherever and whenever they want. Our success is anchored on the growth and security of our partners, policyholders and beneficiaries, because we exist to offer a lifetime for good for everyone. For more information, visit www.insularlife.com.ph.

Alaska gives 70 days of ‘Lakas at Talas’ to foster kids

 

Social Worker Jessa Mae Masalon of House of Refuge Foundation, Inc. receives Christmas cards made by Alaska MOMA members and 70 days’ worth of “Lakas at Talas” from Alaska Milk Corporation representative Miriam Maramba, Associate Manager for Marketing Services

As we greet a new year, new challenges have inevitably arisen given the current state of the world. With these problems that we face during these uncertain times, Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk sought to uplift vulnerable communities and share the spirit of giving. Last Christmas, Alaska invited members of its Facebook community, MOMs of Alaska (MOMAs), to make the holidays a little brighter for the children from the company’s partner orphanages, Christian Compassion Ministries Foundation, Inc. and House of Refuge Foundation, Inc. Over a hundred members of the Alaska MOMAs community came together to create special Christmas cards, with creative designs and personalized messages dedicated to each of the children.

 

Alaska collected the Christmas cards and held a turnover with the partner institutions, donating 70 days’ worth of “Lakas at Talas” in the form of Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk products that can give the children the added nutrition to help with their brain and body development while they are growing. Gift packs with toys and educational materials were also included in the turnover, which the children welcomed with smiles and loud cheers.

 

Mailyn Balairos, Center Head of Christian Compassion Ministries Foundation, Inc. (CCMFI), a church-based Christian organization that aims to provide children with educational assistance, shelter, medical aid, skills training and nourish their souls with the word of God, shared her appreciation to the moms who took their time to create Christmas cards for the children under their care. “On behalf of CCMFI and the children, I wanted to convey my deepest gratitude to the moms of Alaska and to Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk for this unforgettable event for the children,” Mailyn shared.

 

Center Head Mailyn Balairos joined by the staff Christian Compassion Ministries receive Christmas cards and 70 days’ worth of “Lakas at Talas” from Alaska

Riza Lepasana, OIC and Directress of House of Refuge Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting orphaned and abandoned children in Metro Manila, also expressed her gratitude for the initiative. “On behalf of House of Refuge, I sincerely thank the moms who made an effort to make this Christmas feel special for our kids, and to thank Alaska for sharing their blessings of ‘Lakas at Talas’ with our children,” Riza said.

 

Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk also thanks its partner orphanages for assisting and providing homes to children in need and giving them the “alaga” or care that they deserve. In these challenging times, Alaska reaches out to the children of House of Refuge and Christian Compassion Ministries Foundation and hopes to continue their mission of providing affordable quality nutrition to Filipino children and families everywhere.

 

For more information on Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk and its initiatives, visit www.alaskamilk.com and www.facebook.com/alaskamilkph.

World Vision lauds new Philippine law prohibiting Child Marriage

 

Globally, 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 each year^[I]. Despite the recent decline in its prevalence, the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact to families have placed children—especially girls—at a higher risk of being forced into marriage to make ends meet.

Studies have shown that marrying at an early age hinders children from reaching their potential and experiencing full lives. It not only discourages them from pursuing their education, but it also makes them prone to domestic violence and to several health risks.

As a child-focused organization and member of the Child Rights Network in the Philippines, World Vision lauds the recent passing of Republic Act (RA) 11596 or An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage. This new law recognizes child marriage as a form of abuse that debases, degrades, and demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of children and repeals all laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, and rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions stated in the Act.

“As adults, we have the responsibility to make sure that children are loved, protected, and cared for not only at home but also in the community. World Vision commits to work with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), and other mandated government agencies in ensuring that this Act is fully and promptly implemented,” says Rommel Fuerte, World Vision National Director.

Despite the Family Code stating that the legal age of marriage in the Philippines is 18, it is only through the passage of RA 11596 can a person be penalized for causing, fixing, facilitating, or arranging a child marriage. This includes individuals who officiate the child marriage, as well as perpetrators who are ascendants, step-parents, or guardians of the concerned minor.

“Child, early and forced marriage robs adolescent girls (and boys) of their childhood, pushing them further into deep cycle of poverty and violence which has devastating and long-lasting impact to their overall well-being. Clearly, child marriage is a violation of children’s right to protection and human rights,” shares Jezreel Domingo, Child Protection Manager for World Vision in the Philippines. “RA 11596 is a major win in protecting Filipino children and a huge step towards creating a safer Philippines for them so that girls and boys can enjoy their childhood,” Domingo added.

There are varied factors that enable child marriage but it is most closely linked with low levels of economic development. For families living in extreme poverty, child marriage can help alleviate their poor economic conditions and even offset debts or settle conflicts. In other cases, child marriage is influenced by traditions, norms, and beliefs.

With this new law that prohibits child, early and forced marriage, World Vision is hopeful that more Filipino children will be able to experience the full life aspired and intended for them.

To know more about World Vision and its other initiatives, you may visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.