Category: Members News

The Alcantara Foundation, in collaboration with Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) and Siguil Hydro Power Corporation (SHPC), recently hosted a meaningful “Kapehan”  session with Indigenous Peoples (IP) elders from the communities of Barangay Nomoh  and Kablacan. This gathering brought together 32 participants, including 23 IP elders,  leaders, the esteemed Maasim Chieftain and other Indigenous Peoples Mandatory  Representatives (IPMR), and representatives from the Foundation and power  companies. 

The Kapehan session, a casual gathering over coffee, was organized as part of the  Watershed Enhancement Project (WEP) to foster open dialogue and collaboration  between the IP communities and project stakeholders. By engaging with IP elders, the  project aims to leverage their invaluable knowledge and practices to promote  sustainable environmental practices and ensure the long-term health of the  watershed. 

During the session, IP elders shared their wisdom on traditional and customary  agricultural practices that emphasize the importance of maintaining ecological  balance, planting endemic species, and utilizing indigenous knowledge to promote  sustainable land use. By basing these practices on traditional knowledge, the project  aims to develop sustainable and resilient agricultural practices that meet the basic  needs of families, including education, and benefit both the environment and the  community. 

This Kapehan session is a crucial step towards crafting a Watershed Protection Plan,  a vital blueprint that will guide the stakeholders’ engagement with the community and  strengthen the collaboration. This underscores the importance of honoring Indigenous  wisdom and integrating it into modern conservation efforts. By working together with  IP communities, the Alcantara Foundation and its partners aim to create a sustainable  future for the region.

#KapehanSession #IndigenousPeoples #EnvironmentalConservation  #WatershedEnhancementProject #Sustainability #CommunityEngagement  #AlcantaraFoundation #CLAFI

Typhoon Kristine struck hard in the Bicol Region and the province of Batangas in October 2024. Many houses were damaged and submerged in the flood, and many people were left stranded on their route to and from the Visayas and Bicol Region.

After the typhoon passed, some towns in the province of Camarines Sur and some roads remained submerged for several days causing heavy traffic along the Maharlika Highway from Quezon province to Bicol Region.

The RMN Foundation team was one of those who were stuck in traffic for two days, but this did not cause aid to be brought to the affected areas in Camarines Sur.

In partnership with RMN DWNX Naga and Metrobank Foundation, RMN Foundation conducted Oplan Tabang relief operations on October 29-31, 2024 in the following areas of Camarines Sur province where homes were submerged in the flood, and electricity and communication signals were lost:

• Municipality of Camaligan: Barangay San Francisco
• Municipality of Gainza: Barangay Sampaloc
• Municipality of Milaor: Barangay Balabag, Barangay Del Rosario, Barangay Flordeliz
• Naga City: Barangay Sabang

One thousand five hundred (1,500) affected families received food packs containing rice, coffee, biscuits, and canned meatloaf. The Municipality of San Fernando also received rice packs in collaboration with Pfizer (Philippines).

According to Ms. Eden Torallo, Barangay Captain of Brgy. San Francisco, Camaligan, the flood has reached the roof of the house, and the people are still on top of their homes. She also requests assistance with other necessities, such as medicines and clothing, in addition to food. The affected families express gratitude for the assistance they received.

Aside from Bicol, the RMN Foundation in partnership with Inner Wheel Club of Las Piñas Shining Diamonds District 383 and Pfizer Philippines also distributed aid to the following areas in Batangas.

• Municipality of Cuenca: Barangay Lumampao, Bungahan Evacuation Center
• Municipality of Talisay: Barangay Caloocan, Barangay Sampaloc, Barangay Leynes

The RMN Foundation is grateful to the following partners, donors, and volunteers who have helped make the Oplan Tabang relief operations successful:

• RMN DWNX Naga
• Metrobank Foundation
• Metrobank Naga
• Inner Wheel Club of Las Piñas Shining Diamonds District 383
• 902nd Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadron
• Municipal Government of San Fernando
• Pfizer (Philippines)
• FNK General Merchandise
• Doña Pacita Resort
• Office of Senator Francis Tolentino
• Other Volunteers and Donors

There are still many families who need assistance. In addition to food, they need sleeping bags, hygiene kits, medicine, and shelter repair kits.

A teacher’s influence extends beyond the four walls of the classroom. Recognizing the role of teachers in guiding the youth, the Department of Education (DepEd) and BDO Foundation organized a financial literacy session for the benefit of 20 teachers from Naga, 20 teachers from Iriga, and 60 teachers and nonteaching personnel from Camarines Sur in commemoration of this year’s National Teachers’ Month. This was hosted by Schools Division Office – Camarines Sur.

Designed to empower teachers in the early stages of their career, the session focused on essential financial management lessons like budgeting, saving, financial planning, debt management, and fraud and scam prevention.

“As teachers, we are responsible for setting a positive example to our students – we are their second parents after all,” said Norma Samantela, Camarines Sur schools division superintendent. “This training initiative enables us to be better role models as we make sound financial decisions and secure our futures and those of our families.”

DepEd and BDO Foundation work closely to help improve the financial literacy levels of beneficiaries in the education sector. Together with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the partners currently implement a financial education program for public schools across the country.

Veteran business journalist and staunch fin ed advocate Salve Duplito facilitated the learning session held at Lotus Blu Hotel. Raised by a mother who was also an educator, she related to the common struggles of teachers, especially those with family responsibilities.

“Sharing the gift of knowledge that hones the minds of the youth is what teachers do best. We want to give back to them in the same way – through financial education,” she shared.

Financial inclusion is one of the program pillars of BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank. The initiative in Naga is one of the many efforts of the organization to spearhead actions that aim to help improve the economic well-being of Filipinos in different sectors of society.

On October 9, 2024, the Liveable Cities Philippines hosted an impactful event focusing on Food Security and (Mal)nutrition. The event brought together leaders in agriculture, nutrition, and community development, with insightful contributions from various resource speakers. Among them was East-West Seed Foundation‘s Executive Director, Ms. Ma. Elena P. van Tooren, who spoke on improving food security and nutrition through shortening the vegetable supply chain.

The East-West Seed Foundation’s mission is to increase appreciation, availability, and consumption through sharing of knowledge on vegetable production and health benefits. Through community-based programs like VeggiEskwela, Gulayamanan and VeggieSapat, EWSF helps communities across the Philippines secure their food sources and improve family nutrition.

Other resource speakers highlighted complementary strategies aimed at addressing food security and malnutrition:

• Mr. John Echauz, Convenor and Chairman of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Business Network Philippines, emphasized the role of innovative solutions in advancing the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, working toward a well-nourished country.
• Mr. Henry Sison, Chief Farming Officer of Agro-Digital PH, introduced a platform that links small-scale farmers directly to markets, ensuring they can thrive by reaching broader audiences and delivering quality produce.
• Mr. Jomar Fleras, Executive Director of Rise Against Hunger Philippines, discussed global partnerships that combat hunger by connecting communities with vital resources through the support of international NGOs and health organizations.
• Ms. Celerina Amores, Senior Director for Corporate Citizenship and Volunteerism at the Ayala Foundation Inc., highlighted efforts in the Planting for Productivity (P4P) and Food for Work programs, which strengthen regional food security through partnerships with local stakeholders.
• Ms. Jirah Asa Sideco, Nutrition Program Coordinator of Quezon City, presented the city’s pioneering Calories Labeling Policy, which has positioned Quezon City as a leader in Southeast Asia for innovative nutrition initiatives.

Collaborative Action Toward a Food-Secure Future

The event reinforced the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to address the challenges of food security and malnutrition. Through collective efforts, the Liveable Cities Lab on Food Security and (Mal)nutrition highlighted how leaders in agriculture, nutrition, and community development are creating meaningful change. Their contributions will continue to stand out as a model for empowering the community and promoting sustainable food systems in the Philippines, complementing the broader initiatives, and all are working together to create a healthier, more resilient Philippines.

When typhoon Julian (Krathon) hit the country including the Ilocos Region, many of our compatriots were devastated in the province of Ilocos Norte. Some of the affected areas were submerged in floods and their livelihoods were affected.

In aid, the RMN Foundation along with its radio station iFM 99.5 Laoag conducted an ‘Oplan Tabang’ relief operation in partnership with the Metrobank Foundation on October 10-11, 2024 to deliver aid to affected families from twenty-one (21) barangays of the following areas in the province:

Municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Brgy. Nalasin

Brgy. Paratong

Brgy. San Agustin

Brgy. San Roque

Batac City, Ilocos Norte

Brgy. Aglipay

Brgy. Biloca

Brgy. Cangrunaan

Brgy. Caunayan

Brgy. Dariwdiw

Brgy. Nalupta

Brgy. Quiling Sur

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Brgy. 3 Nuestra Señora del Rosario

Brgy. 4 San Guillermo

Brgy. 7-A Nuestra Señora del Natividad

Brgy. 7-B Nuestra Señora del Natividad

Brgy. 30-B Santa MariaBrgy. 36 Araniw

Brgy. 37 Calayab

Brgy. 38-A Mangato East

Brgy. 38-B Mangato West

Brgy. 42 Apaya

Two thousand (2,000) families received food packs containing rice, biscuits, instant coffee, and canned meatloaf. The Laoageños also received hygiene kits from the DSWD through the local government of Laoag City.

The beneficiaries who received the aid were very grateful. The Municipal Government of Paoay, City Government of Batac, and City Government of Laoag also extended their thanks to the RMN Foundation, Metrobank Foundation, and iFM 99.5 Laoag for the assistance provided to their residents.

On behalf of the RMN Foundation, many thanks to the Metrobank Foundation, IFM 99.5 Laoag for the support and help to make the Oplan Tabang relief operation successful.

We are also grateful to the Municipal Government of Paoay, City Government of Batac, and City Government of Laoag for their support during the relief operations.

The onslaught of Typhoon Enteng has left portions of Naga City in Camarines Sur submerged in floodwater even days after its impact. Responding to its call for help, LCF member BDO Foundation, with the help of BDO Network Bank, donated six rescue boats for the barangays of Naga through the Angat Buhay Foundation. 

The boats will help rescuers provide aid to flooded households and support Angat Buhay’s goal of improving the barangay’s capacity for disaster response efforts.

“We hope that these rescue boats enhance the capacity of the ones in the frontline and help them safeguard affected families in times of natural calamities,” shared BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito. Apart from its commitment to disaster response, the foundation also puts importance to building long-term resilience in vulnerable communities.

Through the Home Empowerment Learning Program (HELP), Joy~Nostalg Foundation empowers Filipinos with knowledge on financial literacy, responsible homeownership, housing loans, and Filipino values. 

Over 70 aspiring homeowners and sellers gathered at the foundation’s Grand HELP Day to gain valuable insights into financial literacy, responsible homeownership, and the Filipino values that strengthen families. The event was further enriched by Pag-IBIG representatives, who provided a comprehensive guide to housing loans, ensuring participants left with a clear path toward achieving their homeownership dreams.

Check out their video here.

Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) facilitated a training session on the Singapore Math method for elementary school teachers in its beneficiary schools in Visayas and Mindanao. The session took place during Year 2 of the Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building training program.

During the training session, which took place in Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu on July 15-19, 2024, teachers were taught how to use images, manipulatives, and storytelling to enable students to visualize abstract mathematical concepts. The training methods employed on teachers included the use of:

• A balancing toy to understand balancing of equations
• Number lines to illustrate odd and even numbers
• Stories of animals to teach the concepts of sorting, sequencing, addition, subtraction, and problem solving. 

Teachers were also trained to use the “Prompt, Probe, and Wonder Why technique”  in challenging students’ critical thinking skills. The training session ended with teachers presenting a Math concept using the Singapore Math method to see if they can apply in a real-life classroom setting the strategies they have learned during the session.

At the end of the session, the teachers received training certificates and a set of teaching aids that include manipulatives, an equalizer (the balancing toy), cat puzzles, fraction tiles, and a chart.

The training session was facilitated by Ng Swee Fong, a former Associate Professor of Mathematics at the National Institute of Education in Singapore.  Throughout the training, Ng emphasized that “as a teacher, you may understand the math concepts and know the answers, but if you cannot properly communicate your thoughts in precise terms that all children will understand, then you will never be effective as a teacher.” 

The session ended with a call from SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr., who discussed learnings from the Year 2 program, teaching methodologies, and plans to help improve students’ proficiencies in mathematics and English.

To learn more about SBFI’s programs and how you can contribute, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.

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MANDALUYONG CITY, PHILIPPINES – BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, championed its commitment to disaster response by providing aid to coastal communities affected by the MT Terra Nova oil spill. In partnership with non-governmental organizations Angat Bataan Damayan and Ako Bakwit as well as the Civil Military Operations Group of the Philippine Navy, the foundation distributed food packs to more than 4,400 families in Bataan and Cavite. In line with its disaster response advocacy, BDO Foundation consistently leads efforts to support areas impacted by typhoons, earthquakes, fire and other calamities. MT Terra Nova, carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil, capsized 3.6 nautical miles east of Lamao Point in Limay Town, Bataan.

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About BDO Foundation

BDO Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank. Founded in 2008, the foundation contributes to nation-building by addressing the needs of various sectors of society through programs in the areas of financial inclusion, disaster response, rehabilitation and rebuilding. Supported by the BDO Unibank community and in partnership with local government units and non-governmental organizations, BDO Foundation mounts relief operations, rehabilitates rural health units, constructs school buildings and implements financial education programs across the country. Its corporate citizenship initiatives have been recognized at the Retail Banking Awards of Asian Banking & Finance magazine and Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards of Enterprise Asia. For more information, visit http://www.bdo.com.ph, e-mail bdo.foundation@bdo.com.ph or call 8840-7000 local 36046.

BDO Foundation, Inc.
10th Floor BDO Corporate Center Ortigas
12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center
Mandaluyong City 1550

Security Bank Foundation, Inc.’s (SBFI) Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building program welcomed its second batch of school principals from around the country at a kick-off training session on July 9-12, 2024. The program is conducted in partnership with the Ateneo Center for Educational Development, The HEAD Foundation Singapore, and the University of Bristol United Kingdom, with a focus on solving various school challenges, instructional leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

Mandaue City, Cebu – The second batch of Security Bank Foundation, Inc.’s (SBFI) school principal training program kicked off with an in-person training session with 24 principals from around the country on July 9-12, 2024, at the Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu. Called the Certificate in Educational Studies in Leadership (CESL), the program is conducted in partnership with the Ateneo Center for Educational Development, The HEAD Foundation Singapore, and the University of Bristol United Kingdom.

CESL is a four-month international certification program on educational leadership. The program consists of in-person training sessions, industry visits, online learning sessions, and an online mentoring session. CESL is part of SBFI’s three-year Mentoring Future Leaders for Nation-Building program aimed at developing school principals as masters and mentors of school problem-solving, instructional leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

Each of the 24 participants were asked to develop a Transformational Action Plan (TAP) to address a pressing issue in their school, implement the TAP, then present the results.

Recognizing the high number of non-readers in her school, Rolibecca Cruz of Tacurong Pilot Elementary School in Sultan Kudarat developed a TAP entitled BasaOke, which uses Karaoke singing in classrooms to improve English word recognition, language fluency, and reading comprehension of students.

Bayani Adona of Leyte National High School in Tacloban City developed a TAP entitled School Digital Dashboard, which aims to address the school’s manual processing and difficulty of generating reports for a school of 10,000 students and 400 teachers by digitizing data collection and extraction.

“Our goal is to make an army of change makers in the public education sector. If we can inspire them to lead changes in their respective schools and these changes become an inspiration for others to follow; to bear bore fruit for programs and systems that can be replicated for the benefit of other schools, then that is a legacy that we can leave together for our nation’s future,” shared SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr.

To inspire participants to further innovate their TAPs, participants visited the facilities of Visayan Electric, the second largest electric distribution utility in the country, and Bai Hotel, a Filipino-owned standalone business hotel—the largest hotel in Visayas by room capacity.

At Visayan Electric, participants learned about the journey of converting paper-based electric pole maps into a digitized system allowing better monitoring of a large electrical franchise area and giving room for further innovation of integrated processes. Participants also learned about how Visayan Electric boosts employee energy by playing music—and encouraging dance breaks—at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm every day.

At Bai Hotel, participants learned about how the hotel lives to their brand of being a “distinctly Filipino hotel” through the Filipino way of hospitality service to guests, training of people, marketing, and sustainability efforts.

SBFI’s school principals will continue their first year of training, inclusive of CESL, with the enhancement and partial implementation of their draft TAPs, with progress presentations set for October 2024.

To learn more about SBFI’s programs and how you can contribute, visit www.securitybank.com/foundation.