The EB Matte Lip Ink is the newest creation from your favorite local beauty business, offering a welcome diversion from the recent slew of gloss releases. It is my go-to lippie; aside from its beautiful shades and formula, I also like that it is long-lasting and does not dry on my lips. I also like that it is easy to apply. It is everything that I need, and I’m a happy user.
This unique liquid lipstick, dubbed as your new go-to summer necessity, gives a perfectly matte pout packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. As it hydrates your lips for pleasant wear throughout the day, notice the difference.
The gorgeous range of six warm tones of EB Matte Lip Ink will help you channel your summertime vibes. Discover your ideal match:
Ginger Spice: A light and playful orange pink.
Nude Salmon: Your everyday MLBB with a warm touch.
Melon Milk: A deep, luscious warm melon.
Fresh Coral: Your go-to coral for any occasion.
Burnt Red: A brick red hue.
Cocodamia: A gorgeous toasted terracotta.
Thanks to its unique film-forming technology, experience the first-ever waterproof, non-drying, non-sticky, and long-lasting liquid lipstick formula. Matte bliss instead of pain and flakiness.
The EB Matte Lip Ink is an essential addition to any beauty kit, especially for only Php 220. Visit Ever Bilena’s official flagship stores on Shopee, Lazada, and Tiktok to purchase the line online right now.
Follow @everbilenaofficial on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok for additional details.
From left to right: Engr. Dennis Tablante, MMDC Executive Director; Mr. Noel Torregoza, MMDC Head of Academics; Ms. Tonichi Achurra-Parekh, Vice President for Service Delivery, Concentrix; Ms. Bianca Gonzalez; Ms. Jenny Chua, MMDC Vice President for Marketing; Mr. Joshua Aquino, Guest Speaker Global Head for Communications, Microsoft; Ms. Ana Cua, Product Business Manager, GCash; and Mr. XP Villa, Head of GGives, GCash
Conventional educational approaches are inherently limited. Prolonged lectures and heavy reading assignments frequently cause students to get disengaged, which limits the effectiveness of the program’s ability to effectively prepare them for the careers they want. For working students who want to complete their college degree but can’t follow traditional models, this is especially difficult. As we attended the event, we learned so much from them about how useful these courses are for students, especially in our modern world, where we use so much of our technology. They also instilled in us the importance of safe use of technology. Additionally, a lot are still conducting online classes for various reasons and it is still relevant today even though we are slowly returning to normal; hence, IT education is such a significant learning for students.
In subjects as dynamic as information technology (IT), the shortcomings of conventional educational institutions are painfully obvious. Rapid technological advancement means that acquired skills and information can quickly become outdated. Furthermore, given the continuous integration of businesses and technology, the growing prominence of AI and machine learning in the workforce highlights the need for IT learners to stay competitive over the long term.
Empowering College Education
In pursuit of evolving education, Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC), the premier digital-first college in the Philippines with a core focus on the application of technology in business under Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna, has leveled up its IT degree program to provide progressive training in line with the demands of today’s professional landscape. Launched in an event held in Rockwell, Makati, MMDC’s new IT program now features two tracks, each with their own range of specializations.
Learners under the Development-focused IT program can choose between earning degrees in either Software Development or Network & Cybersecurity. On the other hand, the Business-focused IT Program offers three specializations focused on the strategic application of technology in businesses across various sectors – Marketing Technology, Entrepreneurship Technology, and Data Analytics.
“In this digital age, businesses are harnessing technology to make better decisions and market products and services at a faster pace and in more personalized ways,” said Engr. Dennis Tablate, Executive Director at Mapúa Malayan Digital College. “Our leveled-up IT program equips students with the technical and soft skills to leverage today’s entrepreneurship, marketing, and data analytics tools, opening them up to more avenues where they can establish and build thriving careers locally and globally.”
Digital Education, Real-World Experience
To help prepare students for the real world, MMDC’s unique Projects, Problems, and Cases (PPC) learning model emphasizes hands-on experiences, problem-solving, and analysis of local and global cases – mirroring the dynamics of modern workplaces. Instead of relying solely on traditional testing methods, this approach prioritizes outputs, aligning with the evolving demands of today’s industries. Designed to cater to all types of learners, including working professionals, this educational model unlocks future career opportunities by fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Learners can expect a challenging yet collaborative curriculum that equips students with the skills essential in navigating complex situations confidently.
In a discussion among Ms. Bianca Gonzalez, MMDC Instructional System Design Director Noel Torregoza, and Working Student Nico Lim during the launch event, attendees discovered multiple perspectives on how the PPC model develops both the technical and soft skills needed by professionals today.
Ms. Jenny Chua, MMDC Vice President for Marketing during the couch discussion
“Educational experiences that are active, social, and engaging lead to deeper learning. On top of developing knowledge and technical abilities, our PPC learning model was designed to foster higher-level thinking, communication, self-management, and leadership skills which are all highly desirable traits to have in the workplace,” said Torregoza.
Stepping Up Together
From left to right: Mr. Nico Lim, BS IT Data Analytics Working Student, Mapúa Malayan Digital College; Ms. Bianca Gonzalez; Mr. Noel Torregoza, Head of Instructional System Design and Academic, Mapúa Malayan Digital College
In celebration of working students across the country, MMDC relaunched Step Up sa Pangarap – a movement that empowers and encourages working students to accomplish their professional and personal goals. Now in its second year, Step Up sa Pangarap aims to showcase the continuously growing community in support of working students across the country.
The movement continues to grow thanks to the efforts of partners across various industries who share the goal of helping working students finish college and get a degree. Through one of MMDC’s partners, Concentrix, new MMDC students can benefit from an exclusive Work and Study Program, offering part-time jobs alongside part-time study opportunities. With salary deduction options aimed at helping learners sustain their education until graduation, the program is designed to provide working students with the support they need to balance education and employment demands.
To help more working students effectively navigate both their professional and student life, MMDC is looking forward to collaborating with more companies in the country for its Work and Study Program.
MMDC and GCash have teamed to offer Study Now, Pay Later options through GGives, an installment payment program, with the aim of making quality education more accessible to working students. Students now have up to 24 months of flexible payment choices. Based on the average number of monthly active users, the connection between MMDC and GCash has also made internship and job possibilities for students in the #1 Finance Super App conceivable.
With the host Ms. Bianca Gonzalez
The goal of MMDC is to improve the college experience by recognizing the needs of modern professionals and students, as well as the obstacles preventing them from reaping the rewards of a top-notch education. This objective is the foundation for all of the organization’s activities and projects. MMDC seeks to assist working students in their attempts to contribute to nation-building initiatives targeted at developing a stronger economy and establishing a better nation by consistently innovating, modernizing learning methods, and improving access to learning and development opportunities.
Leading international financial services provider Manulife’s Philippine operation recently announced the hiring of Ardhi Lufti Siregar as the organization’s new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Sonali Verma as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).
Sonali Verma has over 18 years of leadership experience in bank partnerships, customer experience, and digital innovation. She was previously Manulife’s Head of Digital Customer Experience and Innovation for Asia Bancassurance. In her former position, she oversaw innovative projects in the field of digital bancassurance, such as the Manulife-DBS Bank digital channel’s successful launch and Techombank’s first digital protection offering in Vietnam. In her role as CMO for Manulife Philippines, Verma will spearhead creative marketing tactics to support Manulife in enhancing its customer offerings in the areas of retirement, health and life insurance, and digitalization; she will also spearhead customer-centric propositions, community investments, and the Impact Agenda, all while bolstering the company’s overall reputation and position as a market leader.
“As our new CMO, Sonali’s track record of delivering results amid innovation and development trends in the insurance space proves her leadership capability to empower our distribution teams with dynamic, relevant, and data-driven programs, accelerating our journey towards becoming the most digital, customer-centric global company in our industry,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.
Ardhi Lufti Siregar
Ardhi Lufti Siregar, as the company’s new CHRO, expands his decade of leadership experience spanning banking, technology, and insurance. He previously served as the head of Human Resources for Manulife Business Processing Services in the Philippines, and as Manulife Indonesia’s CHRO. As part of Manulife’s senior leadership team, Siregar will be pivotal in driving Manulife’s culture, talent strategy and employee engagement; enhancing its talent acquisition and retention; and strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion in their workforce.
“Driven by his extensive leadership experience and expertise in fostering an inclusive and empowering culture, Ardhi will be instrumental in our ongoing efforts to attract and retain top talent, and build on our winning team to accelerate our goals for our customers and other stakeholders. We welcome Ardhi’s addition to our top management as we continuously sustain a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential,” Hora added.
Learn more about Manulife Philippines by visiting their website manulife.com.ph and following them on Facebook (facebook.com/ManulifePH), Twitter (@ManulifePH), and Instagram (@manulifeph).
Schneider Electric recently partnered with artificial intelligence (AI) computing company NVIDIA to introduce the world’s first publicly available AI data center reference designs for energy efficiency.
Leading global provider of energy management and digital automation, Schneider Electric, collaborates with NVIDIA, a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) computing, to maximize data center energy efficiency with AI.
The collaboration will launch the first AI data center reference designs in the world. In order to increase efficiency and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, these designs will combine Schneider Electric’s knowledge of digital infrastructures with NVIDIA’s AI technologies, establishing new benchmarks for AI deployment and operations within data center ecosystems.
Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President of the Secure Power Division & Data Center Business at Schneider Electric, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “By combining our expertise in data center solutions with NVIDIA’s leadership in AI technologies, we’re not just overcoming infrastructure limitations; we’re unlocking the full potential of AI.”
“This collaboration is a leap forward towards a more efficient, sustainable, and transformative future, powered by AI,” Sharma added as he stressed that the data center industry continues to evolve, which calls for a stronger focus on integrating AI technologies to their operations and addressing Scope 3 emissions to achieve net-zero emissions.
Scope 3 emissions account for about 50% of data centers’ GHG footprint. According to GHG Protocol and ISO 14064, Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions attributed to the activities of companies which include business travel, waste management, and value chain operations. This type of emission is often not reported and is more challenging to measure compared to Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
These indirect emissions are major but often overlooked drivers of environmental impact of data centers. As a response, Schneider Electric is advocating for a holistic approach to GHG management, which includes accurate carbon accounting, target-setting, and a systematic review of data and emission sources.
Schneider Electric provides accounting and reporting solutions for data centers in order to manage their emissions under Scope 3. One tool for simulating energy use to estimate greenhouse gas emissions is included in this, taking into account the data center’s power use, cooling systems, and operational efficiency.
“This approach aligns with our commitment in leading the charge to equip critical and energy-intensive industries such as data centers with advanced solutions to help them achieve better operational efficiency all while minimizing their carbon emissions beyond traditional means,” said Abraham Lim, Secure Power and Industrial Automation BVP of Schneider Electric Philippines.
Schneider Electric is still dedicated to pursuing the digital transformation of sectors in order to maintain environmental sustainability worldwide and stay up to date with technological breakthroughs.
Another pop-rock hit song inspired by a popular Korean drama is released by the Filipino band Sponge Cola.
The journey of a marriage towards recovery and reconciliation is explored in their new track, “Tatlong Buwan.” It is reminiscent of the well-known storyline of the hit television show “Queen of Tears,” starring Kim Ji Won and Kim Soo Hyun, two Korean celebrities.
The lead singer and guitarist of Sponge Cola, Yael Yuzon, describes the song as “a love letter, epistolary, or even a midnight soliloquy for one person.”
He clarifies, “The love tale of Queen of Tears’ central characters served as the inspiration for Tatlong Buwan. Being a series helps because you get to know the characters well. You understand their motivations. trauma, familial bonds, and sociological variables. You can observe each character’s push and pull as well as how they are all molded. In the end, the story just makes so much sense in the way it develops that it’s really simple to sympathize, which facilitates both writing and feeling.”
Yael wrote “Tatlong Buwan” immediately after catching the tenth episode of the smash Netflix show. He admits that the song reflects the urgency of the moment, inspiring him to write with newfound vulnerability.
“I don’t think I’ve ever said mamahalin ka lang, mamahalin kita in a song before,” Yuzon reveals.
The following day, he recorded the song over at Love One Another Studio with legendary music producer Angee Rozul, who told him to sing it in a way that is exactly the opposite of the lyrical mood.
“This actually made me sadder, knowing that it’s a love song that could sadly end in death,” said the Gemini hitmaker. “He had no idea, so the burden was all on me.”
After getting approval from his bandmates, including the ever-stoic Gosh, the band’s bassist, Yael Yuzon, sent the track to Joey Santos for mixing and additional instrumentation. The result, as expected, is a beautifully produced paean to a love that was once lost but is now found, growing stronger by the day even after going through so many twists and turns.
In addition, a music video for the song featuring the main Queen of Tears filming sites will be published alongside it. Yael says that everything about the experience was magical, a labor of love, and a tribute to one of the greatest K-dramas ever.
“There’s something engulfing about visiting locations where great narrative moments took place. It’s like these places witnessed so much emotion that there’s still some of it left.”
The song“Tatlong Buwan”by Sponge Cola is currently available via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms worldwide. The official music video will be made available at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26. through the official Sponge Cola YouTube channel.
Existing clients of the platform who took a reloan during the promo period are eligible for the giveaway
This summer, one of Digido‘s clients will receive a highly sought-after iPhone 15 Pro Max thanks to the multi-awarded consumer finance company.
The promotion is open to returning Digido platform users who apply between April 23, 2024, and June 20, 2024. For every successful reloan transaction, clients will receive one lottery entry.
Using the client’s Lifetime ID, the giveaway winner will be revealed on Digido’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/digidoph/).
First-time borrowers can receive up to PHP 4,000 with 0% interest through Digido’s First Loan For Free program, while returning customers can receive a normal Personal Loan up to PHP 25,000. It is available via its official website, digido.ph, Lazada Loans, and its applications on Google Play and the iOS App Store.
Digido’s inclusive, trustworthy, and safe digital lending services have been utilized by over a million Filipinos.
Commenting on the promotion, Digido business development manager Rose Arreco said: “This new giveaway is especially for our valued clients who have been clamoring for more rewards as they continue to use our trusted, safe and inclusive lending platform. We commit to not only innovate the way we deliver our services, but to also find more ways to delight our customer.
The winner will be announced on July 9, 2024 through Digido’s official Facebook page. The winner shall be notified via registered email and a call through their registered mobile number.
Research from Statista revealed that the number of smartphone users in the Philippines in 2023 were at 50.94 million and is projected to reach 96.12 million by 2029.
Notes for Editors
Additional details on eligibility:
-The raffle draw will happen in the office of the corporation, Level 7 Cyberpark Tower 1, 60 Gen. Aguinaldo Ave., Cubao, Quezon City, on July 8, 2024 with the presence of DTI representative in-charge via Zoom.
-In claiming the prize, the winner is required to present at least 1 valid ID and his/her Digido app where we can see his/her Digido Lifetime ID. Digido reserves the right to require additional proof of identity for validation purposes
Jayson and Juanito proudly showcase a selection of produce at the SM City Clark’s Weekend Market.
Modern farming methods increase yields for some farmers, but many Filipino farmers are still unable to keep up. These seasoned workers are clinging to tried-and-true, frequently ineffective techniques that have been passed down through the generations while they find themselves falling behind in a market that demands increased output.
Jayson Garcia, a Pampanga farmer, aimed to challenge the dominant narrative among his family. He was aware that, in the quickly changing world of contemporary agriculture, he would need to innovate and set a new direction for his farm in order to stay competitive.
“Noon, mahirap ang magtanim,” he recalled their life before joining SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan. “Para bang tsambahan, basta pag itinanim mo ‘yan, hintayin mo na lang mamunga. Mas mahirap pa lalo kapag nagkaroon ng kalamidad,” he added.
SM Foundation’s training program focused on high-value crop cultivation was the breakthrough Garcia needed to revitalize his farming techniques. These included selecting the best seeds and caring for them as well as strategic planting schedules.
Jayson attends the SM City Clark’s Weekend Market to observe best practices and gain insights into new agricultural techniques.
The livelihood program also gave way for him to discover alternative sales channels that enhanced his earning potential while extending fair prices to his customers. The knowledge and confidence he gained led him to expand his farm, and in effect, increased his monthly income to more than Php25,000.
Aside from directly selling his harvests, he is now planting a variety of vegetables–on his farm, including lemongrass, malunggay, and madre de cacao, which he sells online to small businesses that process the produce into other products.
Embracing new techniques
Sharing the same story of hope is another KSK farmer from Pampanga, Juanito Dela Cruz. Despite his age, he actively pursued and adopted modern farming techniques. Building on his current success, he shared the importance of adaptability for farmers, calling for others to try and explore new practices.
From a modest monthly income of Php10,000, Juanito experienced an upsurge in his earnings, notably through participation in the Weekend Market at SM City Clark, yielding around Php30,000 weekly. “Kailangan maging bukas tayo sa makabagong pamamaraan ng pagsasaka para makahabol tayo sa demands ng panahon ngayon—ito ang itinuo sa akin ng SM Foundation-KSK,” he said.
Juanito, alongside his wife, actively participates in the SM City Clark Weekend Market. They credit the market with contributing to their increased profitability.
Jayson and Juanito are two of the approximately 30,000 Filipino farmers whose lives have been transformed by the SM Group’s KSK program. Farmers who had given up thanks to its activities were able to adopt contemporary farming methods and become more adaptive in the face of the changing agricultural world.
The SM Group is unwavering in its dedication to advancing social good through the SM Foundation. This commitment continues SM’s upcoming initiatives, which will be spearheaded by its planned smart city real estate development, with an emphasis on boosting beneficial social impact in the areas in which SM operates.
“Nag-aalala ka dahil nagmamahal ka (You worry because you care).”
Ms. Sharon Cuneta expressed this perspective in her most recent vlog for the Insular Life (InLife) Dreamweaver Series.
“My life still had its ups anddowns but generally I havebeen really fortunate. Andwhile most of you will see meas an accomplished individual,believe it or not, I still have myown share of worries.I still worry about my kids, myhusband, my family, which isjust normal,” the mom of KC, Frankie, Miel, and Miguel said.
The acronym S.A.D., which stands for sickness, accidents, and death/disabilities, can be used to summarize some of these concerns. Cuneta emphasized to the audience that worries about these are understandable given their inevitability.
Finding Certainty in an Uncertain World
“But there is a way to freeyourself from these worries,and it’s called life insurance.Just a small trivia fromsomeone born in the sixties,noong araw ang tawag naminsa insurance ay seguro,which is a Spanish wordmeaning ‘sure’, or in Tagalog,tiyak,” shared the icon who has been hailed as Philippine entertainment’s Megastar.
Cuneta pointed out that having life insurance guarantees that your loved ones are taken care of if something happens to you — from replacing the income and financial support that you have provided to assistance in paying for funeral expenses.
The Benefits of Life Insurance
The multi-awarded actress, host, and singer explained that life insurance is a policy or plan that one pays for on certain periods of time and that its lump sum will be received by the policyholder’s beneficiaries when they pass away. Its benefits can be summed up in the following:
It can support the family in case of the breadwinner’s sudden demise. The death benefit can help maintain the family’s standard of living and keep them financially stable.
It can be used to pay off the policyholder’s outstanding debts, like mortgages, car loans, and credit card payments.
It can help with estate planning as it can secure the value of one’s assets and easily transfer them to the loved ones when the time comes.
It can also secure a policyholder’s business in case of sudden death, as it can cover their business obligations.
A Life with No Worries
“The real value of life insurance is that it gives you peace of mind, it frees you from the anxieties you have about the future of your loved ones should any of the sad uncertainties happen to you. It’s your hakuna matata, a life with no worries, and not worrying means you can focus on living your life to the fullest, and making more happy memories with the people you love,” Cuneta said.
The Megastar, together with her daughter Miel Cuneta-Pangilinan, are proud Dreamweavers for InLife, the country’s first and largest Filipino-owned life insurance company. As Dreamweavers, they are helping amplify InLife’s mission of helping Filipinos lead A Lifetime for Good.
“As an InLife Dreamweaver, it is my privilege to share with you that InLife has flexible life insurance coverage options, depending on your budget, your preferences, and your needs. They have policies with guaranteed cash payouts, meaning you will get an amount for certain periods of time,” Cuneta said.
For those who wish to grow their premium policies created for a specific time period and for life, InLife also offers investment-complementary plans.
To find out more about the insurance plan that best suits your needs, contact an InLife financial advisor or stop by the InLife office that is closest to you.
The Philippine Book Festival (PBF) 2024 will see the release of a brand-new collection of children’s books and educational resources from Lampara Books, the publisher of Easy-To-Learn Books.
Lampara will be introducing brand-new titles that are sure to excite children with a blend of culture, imagination, and education from April 25–28 at Booths C20–C23 at the World Trade Center.
These are the most recent releases:
1. ABC Pilipinas
Written by Eugene Y. Evasco with illustrations by Cha C. Gatchula, this book offers a captivating exploration of the Philippines’ natural and cultural heritage through the Filipino alphabet.
2. Og Uhog
An Honorable Mention at the PBBY-Salanga Writer’s Prize in 2002 and a finalist at the National Book Awards in 2003, this comical book is about a snotty-nosed boy named Og who seemingly never has any time to blow his nose. Authored by Christine S. Bellen-Ang with illustrations by John Ronnel Popa, this second edition features whimsical illustrations, offering readers a delightful blend of laughter and life lessons.
3. Mamay Esing
Crafted by Jobert Grey Landeza and illustrated by Arli Pagaduan, this story, an Honorable Mention at the PBBY-Salanga Writer’s Prize in 2021, introduces readers to the legendary healer of Sorsogon. Through an unexpected encounter with engkantos, this story explores the timeless values of love and family, leaving a lasting impression on readers of all ages.
4. Ang Kuwento ni Mimosa
Penned by Bimbo Papasin and brought to life by Aldy C. Aguirre’s illustrations, this book follows Pitsy’s journey of faith and growth as he awaits his transformation into a Mimosa tree. Through challenges and perseverance, this enchanting tale inspires readers to embrace their true potential.
5. Burnay, Ang Batang Palayok
Written by Augie Rivera and illustrated by Danielle Florendo, this book, which won 2nd Prize at the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in 1993, tells the story of a clay pot’s journey to self-discovery. This timeless tale teaches valuable lessons about self-worth and acceptance, accompanied by reimagined illustrations in its second edition.
6. PaaasaaaluuuBONG!!!
Authored by John Romeo Venturero and illustrated by Lui Buan, this story explores themes of familial love and sacrifice amidst the Overseas Filipino Workers phenomenon. Through Bong’s heartwarming journey, readers are reminded of the power of love and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones.
PBF attendees can look forward to engaging in various activities such as book signings by authors and illustrators, interactive storytelling sessions, and exciting booth activities.
Additionally, Lampara Books presents remaining titles from Eugene Y. Evasco’s Big Books series that are designed to make reading fun and worthwhile for children as they improve their reading skills.
With themes ranging from cultural appreciation to moral lessons, these titles promise to ignite young minds and foster a lifelong love for reading.
Aklat ng Halagahan
– Bayanihan Para kay Umang
– Bilib Kami sa Iyo
– Mahal Ko Ang Pilipinas
– Mga Sagisag ng Pilipinas
Aklat ng Konsepto
– Ang Pitong Alitaptap
– Pasasalamat ni Haribon
– Pasasalamat ni Haribon
– Pista sa Aming Bayan
Don’t pass up these fantastic chances! I hope to see you at the Lampara Books booths at the 2024 Philippine Book Festival.
ChildFund Philippines gathered its partners from ReINa Federations of Parents Associations, Inc. and community members of Infanta, Quezon for a tree growing activity in one of the Project Greenlight areas.
Through its climate action program, Project GREENLIGHT, ChildFund Philippines assists young people in Infanta, Quezon. The program’s goal is to address climate change issues and reduce the risk of climate-related disasters, highlighting the crucial role that young people play in promoting climate action in their community.
Project GREENLIGHT incorporates Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) and Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) into Infanta, Quezon’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) program in collaboration with the municipal government and ReINa Federations of Parents Associations, Inc.
Project GREENLIGHT represents a comprehensive approach to climate action, acknowledging that climate change is a complex and interconnected issue. “It integrates education, community engagement, and sustainable livelihood development to help the next generation of local eco-leaders combat climate change, especially since the Philippines is prone to various climate hazards and risks due to its geographical location and human activities,” said Erwin Peter Galido, Program Specialist – Disaster Risk Management of ChildFund Philippines. “Our ultimate goal for this project is to eventually make this a national program and support more Filipino youth taking action to mitigate climate change impacts,” he added.
The initiative employs a classroom-to-forest approach to support the youth in taking an active role in environmental protection and conservation, efficient energy consumption, waste management, awareness raising, local policy advocacy, and climate action. It involves taking students out of traditional classroom settings and into natural environments, such as forests, wetlands, or parks, to learn about environmental concepts, ecological systems, and conservation practices firsthand.
“We believe in the power of these young individuals to make a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond. With Project GREENLIGHT, we aim to work hand-in-hand with them to actively contribute as catalysts for climate action, particularly in communities vulnerable to the impacts of disasters, and for a more sustainable and eco-friendly world,” said Anand Vishwakarma, CEO & Country Director of ChildFund Philippines.
Project GREENLIGHT Eco-scouts Lu By Ron Broto and Ramiline Resplanador stressed the importance of youth participation in climate action during their training on production of quality planting materials and nursery establishment in Infanta, Quezon.
Youth leaders and advocates in the program, called Eco-scouts, highlight the importance of youth engagement in creating sustainable solutions to address climate change.
“This immersive approach gives us a better understanding of why we need to combat climate change now more than ever,” said Ramiline Resplanador, one of the Eco-scouts. “Throughout the implementation, we are learning the impacts of deforestation and degradation on our community, and so we encourage other children to become better stewards of our planet,” she added.
Lu By Ron Broto, another Eco-Scout, shared, “I apply what I learn from the project by encouraging my family to switch to more sustainable ways of living, including waste segregation, plant growing, and efficient energy consumption.” He added that the project also enhanced his leadership skills to educate more members of the community about climate change, helping them make conscious choices that have a positive impact on the environment.
The project’s approaches and tools will enable individuals and communities to adapt to the challenges of climate change while simultaneously promoting sustainable development. This includes the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices, green jobs and livelihoods (e.g., zero waste stores), and renewable energy, among others.
In order to enhance climate resilience in Infanta, Quezon, which is vulnerable to natural disasters due to its diversified topography, ReINa Federation and the government of Infanta, Quezon have been essential partners in the program’s pilot implementation.
The government of Infanta emphasizes that climate awareness should lead to action. “It is imperative to get commitments on the ground and to act with more urgency. By thinking globally and acting locally to adapt to our community’s needs, we can effectively utilize our resources to mitigate climate change impacts,” said Ron Pallugna Crisostomo, Municipal Government Department Head I – Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer of Infanta, Quezon.
ChildFund Philippines advocates for increased multi-sectoral partnerships with business entities, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant parties in order to extend the implementation of Project GREENLIGHT to additional communities around the nation.
Go to https://childfund.org.ph/get-involved for further details on how to become involved.
