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Meaningful gifts for this Christmas
Meaningful gifts for this Christmas
by: Harvey S. Keh
The Manila Times
LAST weekend, I attended a wedding reception at the Thunderbird Hotel and Resorts in San Fernando, La Union. There, I caught up with Mary Jane Ortega, one of our Kaya Natin! champions and widely acknowledged as one of the country’s best-performing local chief executives during the nine years she spent as mayor of San Fernando. The last time I talked with her was during the May 10, 2010 elections, in which I tried to convince her to support then-Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd and Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd. But Ortega politely declined to do so, saying that, as a Lakas-KAMPI stalwart, she was committed to support former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro despite knowing that it would be tough for him to make it to Malacañang.
The former mayor may continue to be associated with the former ruling party, but what is admirable about her is that, despite being with the opposition, she says that she wants to help ensure that President Aquino will succeed in his job. This is very commendable, since we usually see leaders of different political parties slugging it out and trying to bring each other down. The result? A country so divided that it cannot move forward and solve our nation’s most pressing problems. Ortega said that she continued to pray and wish the President well, since his success would also mean our country’s. We certainly hope that we will have more political leaders like her who go beyond political affiliations for the greater good of our country.
Help young Filipinos get a good education this Christmas
I am sure that many of us are now busy coming up with our own Christmas lists and thinking about what we can give to our family and friends. I hope that you can consider giving some meaningful gifts this Yuletide season, gifts that would not only make your loved ones smile but also make a difference in the lives of other Filipinos.
Pathways to Higher Education-Philippines, a non-profit organization based at the Ateneo de Manila University, is currently selling two main Christmas packages that you may want to consider giving to your family and friends. The first is called Double Blessings (P250 a pack), a set of nutritious brown and red rice cultivated by our hardworking Filipino farmers in Benguet and Ifugao. The second, Two Brews (P280 a pack), offers two kinds of coffee—Benguet and Hazelnut.
Pathways helps academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students from public high schools gain access to quality higher education. If you would like to order and support Pathways, you can get in touch with Donna de Jesus by calling (02) 426-6001 local 4046 or send an e-mail to pathways.donna@gmail.com.
3G: Goodies for Good Governance
For those who prefer sweets, the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership is launching its highly successful 3G: Goodies for Good Governance Brownies and is selling these for P195 a box. I guarantee that these brownies taste really good and I am sure that whoever you will give these to will definitely appreciate it. Proceeds from the sale will help fund the movement’s Caravan of Good Governance, which helps educate more Filipinos in colleges and universities about the importance of good governance and responsible citizenship. The movement has visited more than 100 colleges and universities in the country and through your support, it can continue to bring its message to more schools in the provinces.
Plus, Kaya Natin! also continues to sell Pasyonista shirts that are specifically designed to inspire young Filipinos to get involved in activities that promote nation-building. You can see the shirt designs at http://pasyonista2011.multiply.com. To order the brownies or the shirts, contact Wendell Bal-deras or Krz Lopez at (02) 433-1440 or send an e-mail to knmovement@gmail.com.
Help kids fight cancer
If there is one organization that I look up to, it is the Kythe Foundation. Kythe provides support for children stricken with cancer and other chronic illnesses and their families. This Christmas, they are trying to raise funds to support their wellness programs by selling eco-friendly Kythe Tote Bags and Christmas cards. Each bag and card cost P 200 apiece and this will certainly go a long way in helping these children. To order and support this very noble organization, you can contact Milette Belen by calling (02) 376-3454 or through milette.belen@kythe.org.
I hope you will consider purchasing these meaningful Christmas gifts and help bring hope to more Filipinos all over the country.
Comments are welcome at harveykeh@gmail.com
Fashion for Good Governance
Fashion for good governance
Kai Pastores wearing Pasyonista
MANILA, Philippines — Kaya Natin! (KN) Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership (KN) continues with its advocacy to encourage more ordinary Filipinos to support effective, ethical and empowering leaders. If we don’t support good leaders in our government, then we will always be at the mercy of corrupt government leaders.
On Sept. 23, KN will launch its Pasyonista line of shirts to encourage Filipinos to take an active role in pushing for good governance in our country. With theme ‘’Fashion for Filipinos with a Passion for the Nation,’’ the fashion show and mini-concert is set at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Conspiracy Bar along Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.
By fusing fashion and good governance, KN wants to encourage creativity and innovation in people’s participation. Entrance to the event is for free but pre-registration is required by contacting Kirstin Lopez at (02) 990-0928 or sending an email to knmovement@gmail.com .
Standing up to the bully
When we were still in school, one of the things that was taught to us by our parents and teachers was to stand up to bullies who threw their weight around to get what they want.
Through the years, bullying has taken different forms in a society where the rich, the influential, and the powerful use their position to enrich themselves at the expense of the common good. This is what is happening right now along Katipunan Avenue where SM Development Corporation (SMDC) is currently constructing a 40-storey condominium called Blue Residences despite zoning restrictions of up to 23 storeys only.
How has this happened? Members of the Loyola Heights community where the project is located allege that no consultation took place, as they are concerned with the usual problems that high rise building constructions usually bring, such as water supply, waste management and traffic. How have the builders secure a building permit from Quezon City Hall without securing clearance from Barangay Loyola Heights?
At this point, Ateneo de Manila University, Miriam College and homeowners are standing up to the ‘’bullying” by lobbying with the present city council for the rescinding of the exemption which was given by the previous city council.
They are also organizing mass actions to air their concern.
In Ateneo, we teach our students that value of corporate social responsibility which SMDC is not showing in this instance. Ateneo and Miriam are also leading by example, showing its students the importance of fighting for what is right and good in our society. It is indeed an uphill battle for good governance.
Ateneo de Manila University-School of Government’s 8th Social Entrepreneurship Program for Professionals
Ateneo de Manila University’s 8th Social Entrepreneurship and Good Governance Training Program for Professionals
Learn and discover effective and sustainable ways of solving some of our country’s most difficult social problems or simply creating a change in your own, little way. Join the 8th Social Entrepreneurship Training Program for Professionals every Saturday from 19 November 2011 to 24 March 2012, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Ateneo School of Government, Fr. Ortiz Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
Through lectures, discussions, and case studies of actual social enterprises, this program will have you introduced to the concept of social entrepreneurship as innovative means to solve social problems using entrepreneurial skills. The program will help you develop new and innovative social enterprise business plans that would improve or help solve basic needs and deliver basic services in the community. This program can help you practice good governance in your field and ultimately making a positive contribution in our society. Moreover, the program will also help you in developing ways by which you can earn profit while at the same time uplift the lives of the marginalized sectors of our country. Mentoring sessions with social enterprise experts will also be afforded as an opportunity to further improve your social enterprise business plan.
The main faculty member for this program will be Atty. Arnel Casanova, a Mason Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Program fee is only P19,000.00 inclusive of a book on social entrepreneurship (HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD by David Bornstein), class materials, and a certificate of completion.
DISCOUNTS: Less 20% for those who register and complete their payment on or before 21 October 2011. A group discount of 10% is also offered to groups of 3 or more. Early bird groups will be given a 25% discount
Members of the academe, government and non-profit organizations can also be given a discount or a scholarship on a case to case basis.
Deadline of Registration and Payment will be on November 11, 2011 (Friday).
To register, please contact Myra de Leon at (02) 990 0928 or you can send an email to ateneoylse@gmail.com .
Limited slots only! Registration will be done on a first come, first serve basis.
Pasyonista – A Night of Music and Fashion
Pasyonista: Fashion for Filipinos with a Passion for the Nation
Job Opening at the Ateneo School of Government
Job Opening for Research Assistant
The Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) will be conducting a research project of existing social enterprises all over the country. The research will aim to identify these social enterprises, their activities, their success stories, challenges and their future plans. The research project will be done within a period of three (3) months.
As such, ASOG is currently looking for a full-time Research Assistant that will conduct interviews, focus-group discussions and profiling of these social enterprises. Minimum requirements for this position are as follows:
a.) College graduate, preferably of a social sciences-related course
b.) Must have very good communication skills
c.) Must be willing to travel
d.) Must be flexible and a team-player
e.) Prior background on social entrepreneurship is an advantage
Interested applicants must send their updated resume/CV with picture toharveykeh@gmail.com on or before August 8,2011.
Beyond Bottomlines: Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship Seminar-Workshop
7th Social Entrepreneurship Training Program for Professionals
Ateneo de Manila University’s 7th Social Entrepreneurship Training Program for Professionals
Learn and discover effective and sustainable ways of solving some of our country’s most difficult social problems or simply creating a change in your own, little way. Join the 7th Social Entrepreneurship Training Program for Professionals every Saturday from 25 June 2011 to 15 October 2011, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Ateneo School of Government, Fr. Ortiz Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
Through lectures, discussions, and case studies of actual social enterprises, this program will have you introduced to the concept of social entrepreneurship as innovative means to solve social problems using entrepreneurial skills. The program will help you develop new and innovative social enterprise business plans to help you towards making a positive contribution in our society. Moreover, the program will also help you in developing ways by which you can earn profit while at the same time uplift the lives of the marginalized sectors of our country. Mentoring sessions with social enterprise experts will also be afforded as an opportunity to further improve your social enterprise business plan.
The main faculty member for this program will be Atty. Arnel Casanova, a Mason Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Program fee is only P19,000.00 inclusive of a book on social entrepreneurship (HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD by David Bornstein), class materials, and a certificate of completion.
DISCOUNTS: Less 20% for those who register and complete their payment on or before 31 May 2011. A group discount of 10% is also offered to groups of 3 or more. Early bird groups will be given a 25% discount.
Members of the academe, government and non-profit organizations can also be given a discount or a scholarship on a case to case basis.
Deadline of Registration and Payment will be on June 17,2011 (Friday).
To register, please contact Myra de Leon at (02) 434-1458 or you can send an email to ateneoylse@gmail.com .
Limited slots only! Registration will be done on a first come, first serve basis.
Be a Changemaker this summer!
AHON FOUNDATION promotes literacy throughout the country through the help it extends to public school libraries.
Be a Changemaker this summer
by: Harvey S. Keh
The Manila Bulletin
http://mb.com.ph/articles/307739/be-a-changemaker-summer
MANILA, Philippines–As we enter the month of March, many students are now looking towards planning their summer vacation activities. Whether you are looking forward to hitting the beaches of Boracay, cooling off in Baguio or trekking up the wonderful Banaue Rice Terraces, I hope that you will also consider volunteering your summer for bigger causes such as helping improve our public education system and promoting good governance and ethical leadership in our country.
Choosing to become a volunteer this summer will not only help others but will also help you improve your leadership skills as well as provide you with an opportunity to meet new friends. Here are some organizations that you can join to make your vacation worthwhile and become a positive changemaker this summer.
• Kaya Natin! Movement for good governance and ethical leadership (KN)
One of the main missions of KN is to be able to encourage more young Filipinos to become active in terms of holding our government officials like our mayors and congressmen accountable for their action or in many cases, inaction.
KN also showcases effective, ethical and empowering leaders in our county such as DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo, Among Ed Panlilio and former Gov. Grace Padaca.
We are currently in the middle of our Caravan of Good Governance which gives talks to different colleges and universities all over the country.
Among the schools that have been visited by KN are Miriam College, St. Scholastica’s College, Letran and Malayan Colleges Laguna.
This summer, KN will be conducting a Leadership and Good Governance Training Workshop for college level youth leaders. The event will be held from April 28-29 in Antipolo. Participants will be given an opportunity to interact with the KN Champions who will share their personal experiences in advocating transparency, accountability and people participation in their respective localities.
At the end of the workshop, KN will train these youth leaders to also establish innovative programs and projects that will help them to engage their local government officials.
KN is also looking for volunteers who are interested to participate in our Karapatan at Kalusugan program which provides free medical check-up and medicines to indigent senior citizens in the areas of our KN Champions. What makes this different from your typical medical mission is the fact that all those who participate will also be given a lecture on their rights as senior citizens, good governance and responsible citizenship. Those who choose to volunteer or become a summer intern for this program will help KN in coordinating with the different partner communities as well as help the movement in sourcing donations of medicine. If you would like to be involved in KN this summer, you can send an email to kayanatin@yahoo.com or you can also call 4341458.
• Community-based toy library
We believe that every Filipino child deserves to be given the opportunity to play that is why a group of my friends are now working together towards setting up the first community-based Toy Library at Barangay Loyola Heights on Quezon City.
The toy library aims to take young children off the streets and give them a place where they can play with other children.
It will also teach children how to share and interact properly with each other. Parents of the children who will use the toy library will be the ones tasked with maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of the facilities.
Currently, we are now accepting donations of toys and other educational materials. We also need volunteers who will help us in designing and refurbishing the room that the barangay has so generously lent us.
Youth volunteers will also be asked to conduct story telling sessions, art workshops and other educational activities for the children who will be using the toy library.
For those who want to volunteer for our toy library, you can get in touch with Edsel Ramirez by sending an email to ramirez.edsel@gmail.com .
• Acts of Hope for the Nation (AHON) Foundation
As the corporate foundation of Filway Marketing Inc., the country’s exclusive distributor of Time Life books, AHON Foundation aims to promote literacy by helping develop well-equipped and functional public elementary school libraries all over the country.
To date, the foundation has helped 40 schools in Metro Manila and the nearby provinces. The foundation does not merely give books to the schools but more importantly it works toward empowering different stakeholders in the community such as the barangay, teachers association and the parents to work together to set up the library.
Volunteers or summer interns will help the foundation organize events and activities that will encourage people to donate books for the beneficiary libraries. They can also help in sorting the book donations since there are times that the books that are donated are not applicable to elementary school students. If you are interested in helping AHON Foundation, you can get in touch with Herbel Santiago at 355-1567.
So instead of just spending your whole summer vacation updating your Facebook or chatting with your friends online, why not just choose to make this coming summer a memorable and fulfilling one by volunteering your time, talent and energies towards being a young Filipino changemaker!
Comments are welcome at harveykeh@gmail.com
Right on Target
Right on Target
by: Harvey S. Keh
The Manila Times
http://www.manilatimes.net/opinion/right-on-target/
Two weeks ago, the Acts of Hope for the Nation (AHON) Foundation formally opened its 40th adopted public elementary school library in P. Bernardo Elementary School, Quezon City. AHON is a corporate foundation of Filway Marketing Inc., one the country’s largest book distribution companies.
Recently, AHON also received a grant from Target, one of the largest retail companies in the United States of America (USA). It was also only recently that I found out that Target actually has an office here in the Philippines which takes care of sourcing well-made and innovative Philippine made products that are exported and sold in the different Target branches all over the US. Their main focus now is to help improve the quality of education all over the world. In fact, they recently made a pledge to give a total of $500 million by 2015 to help improve schools and help children learn how to read. Their recent donation to AHON will allow the foundation to provide new story books to at least five public elementary schools here in our country. Let us hope that many big companies like Target will also follow suit and invest towards the improvement of our basic education system here in the Philippines.
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I just received my latest copy of Fortune magazine which contains the best 100 companies to work for. Among the companies mentioned are Google, Intel, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft and Dreamworks Animation. In this day and age of globalization, many companies have now shifted towards making human resources as their most important investment.
These companies have developed new ways of taking care of their employees and providing them with up to date training to enhance their skills. This can clearly be seen when we look at the top companies in the world such as Google, Facebook, Apple and Microsoft wherein innovation has been the main driving force in their growth.
This is perhaps the reason why companies are now trying their best to outdo one another in terms of providing the best possible benefits and perks to their employees. By ensuring that they keep the best employees in their company, they are also assured that they will continue to remain competitive in this ever-changing global market.
Perhaps our government should take the cue in making sure that our students are given the best possible training and education in our country so that this can easily become a selling point for investors to come and set up their businesses here.
This is the strategy that Singapore, China and India are currently doing. Thus have they become investment havens for these large companies that not only bring additional revenues to a country but also much sought after job opportunities to its people. If Filipino talent, skill and ingenuity become known worldwide then our government need not necessarily give too much incentives for foreign investors to entice them here since some of our local businessmen are already saying that these incentives might unduly prejudice our Filipino-owned companies.
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Col. George Rabusa
Speaking of perks, I was really shocked when I heard the revelation of retired Col. George Rabusa that many of our military leaders when they retire receive millions of pesos as a “send-off gift.” Rabusa mentioned that he was witness when former Chief of Staff Gen. Angelo Reyes received P50 million when he retired from the service. I don’t mind giving a retirement gift to our honorable soldiers who often risk their lives for our country but P50 million at the expense of hard earned tax payers money is just way too much. Add to this the fact that many ordinary soldiers often die on the field without having the necessary equipment and supplies needed to put up a good fight against rebels and terrorists.
Worse, while the families of these generals also get to enjoy the perks of the job, like first class travel and shopping money, many of our ordinary soldiers do not even have enough to bring their children to a hospital and buy their much needed medicines. This shows how indifferent our military leaders have become to the plight of our ordinary soldiers who are actually the ones thrown into the line of fire day in and day out.
Moreover, based on merit alone, I don’t think our military leaders deserve such big amounts for their retirement. If you look at the record of the military in the past 10 years, it has spent billions yet it hasn’t even completely neutralized the Abu Sayaff group which continues to bring terror in Mindanao. Time magazine also featured the Philippines as having the longest running insurgency problem in the world as it continues to struggle against the New People’s Army. It is no wonder why we have junior officers such as the Magdalo group try to attempt a power grab from time to time since they are clearly disgruntled at the callousness of their leaders.
Let us hope that Rabusa’s revelations will not remain on the level of lip service but lead towards drastic and lasting reforms in our Armed Forces of the Philippines. Our country and every Filipino deserve nothing less.
harveykeh@gmail.com
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