DULDULAO DOT NET This Day & Beyond

Category: Advocacy

  • NBDB urges focus on readership and literacy initiatives; ramps up efforts to boost reading among Filipinos

    NBDB urges focus on readership and literacy initiatives; ramps up efforts to boost reading among Filipinos

    The National Book Development Board (NBDB) urges policymakers, educators, community leaders, and stakeholders to prioritize readership and literacy initiatives, while also involving parents in efforts to make reading more accessible to all segments of the population.

    This call follows the release of the 2023 National Readership Survey (NRS) results, showing a notable decline in non-school book readership among Filipino adults and children. The survey revealed adult readership at 42% and children at 47% in 2023. Access to books emerged as the primary reason for the decline, with limited awareness of public libraries and constraints like time and distance cited as barriers to visits.

    These results have prompted the NBDB to reaffirm its commitment to bolstering existing programs and policies to reignite a love for reading among Filipinos.

    “These findings, which provide a much-needed nuanced understanding of Filipinos’ reading habits and preferences, reinforce the fact that access to quality books remains a pressing issue in book publishing and education, so the sectors’ focus now clearly has to be on addressing gaps in access,” said NBDB Chairperson Dante “Klink” Ang II.

    Moreover, Chairperson Ang stated that the NBDB and its partners will examine various proposals to develop meaningful policy directives aligned with the objectives of Republic Act No. 7743, which aims to establish congressional, city, and municipal libraries, along with barangay reading centers nationwide. According to a 2018 study by the National Library of the Philippines, only 3% of LGUs have local libraries across the country.

    “One of the main hindrances to reading revealed by the survey is access to reading facilities such as public libraries, particularly in the provinces. Some of them are really beyond the reach of those living in mountainous areas, for example. Besides expanding the Book Nook project, we will also work to bring libraries closer to the people,” Chairperson Ang added.

    Meanwhile, NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade emphasized the significance of enhancing NBDB’s readership efforts, particularly through initiatives like the Book Nook project. This project establishes reading and storytelling centers across the Philippines, featuring locally published books and serving as distribution hubs for publishers. By offering quality books in various Philippine languages, the Book Nook project addresses access and literacy issues in a single space, fostering education and community engagement in a safe and inclusive environment where visitors can participate in activities, borrow books, and take them home at no cost.

    Additionally, the Philippine Book Festival (PBF) promotes a robust reading culture while providing guidance on institutional book purchases. Like the Book Nook project, the PBF brings quality books to readers nationwide while facilitating collaboration between major buyers of educational resources and Philippine publishers.

    To encourage involvement in the local book economy, NBDB launched Booklatan sa Bayan, inviting both avid and passive readers to explore literature and culture. NBDB collaborates with reading advocacy groups such as the Reading Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc., and the Adarna Group Foundation, Inc., to synergize efforts in enriching the nation’s reading culture.

    “Programming must work hand in hand with policy. Besides readership programs, we will push for policies that democratize distribution and enable publishers to publish more affordable books,” Executive Director Tugade emphasized.

    “These survey findings should serve as a call to arms: an opportunity to acknowledge and better understand the current state of readership, to reframe the problems they pose in a way that we are pushed to act and change them rather than dwell on them. If attitudes toward reading are less than desirable, then the responsibility to create environments that make reading possible lies with us. The NBDB is hopeful and renews its commitment to better its programs and policies,” Executive Director Tugade added.

    The NBDB highlighted that, according to the survey findings, overall attitudes towards books and reading remained positive. The majority of respondents recognized the importance of books beyond educational and professional contexts. Key insights from the survey included the most popular non-school book (NSB) genres among adults (the Bible) and children (picture books), the preferred reading language (Filipino for both age groups), preferred formats (printed books for both age groups), and primary considerations when selecting NSBs (availability for both age groups).

    The NBDB enlisted the Social Weather Stations (SWS) to conduct the 2023 National Readership Survey from November 14th to 20th, 2023, with a sample size of 2,400 adults aged 18 and above, and 2,400 children aged 8-17. This survey is the most comprehensive examination of Filipinos’ reading habits and preferences and is expected to provide invaluable insights for the agency’s readership-focused initiatives.

    Reference: (PRESS RELEASE ON THE 2023 NATIONAL READERSHIP SURVEY – March 22, 2024)

    National Book Development Board

  • GFT Foundation Bridges Gap towards Philippines Progress through Healthcare, Sports and Entrepreneurship Initiatives

    GFT Foundation Bridges Gap towards Philippines Progress through Healthcare, Sports and Entrepreneurship Initiatives

    Gold Fortune Textiles (GFT) is making a mark in the local textiles industry by building its capacity in order to become a world class supplier for manufacturer’s textile needs. The Philippines used to be a major supplier not only of fabrics but also apparel products and GFT, through its 23 year old President and CEO Enrico Sy is positioned to help the industry regain its former glory.

    The company recently inaugurated its flagship showroom in Taytay, Rizal. Here, customers can check out their product in a well-lit and comfortable facility and queries can be addresses immediately by courteous staff who are trained in sales. They have also expanded their range of product to keep up with the trends from overseas not only in apparel but also in linens. Sy has likewise harnessed the power of social media to engage and build a customer base that has the distinction of putting a priority on quality products for their apparel brands.

    From his parent’s 30 year old RTW business, Sy has transformed the company into a modernized solution to address local entrepreneurs’ textile needs, such as more variety and better quality fabric blends and prints, providing a one stop shop with their accessory products, and customization service for bull orders. “As time went by, we saw a demand and started to upgrade production.

    We realized that the Philippines is following fashion trends in countries like Bangkok, so we decided to import different kinds of fabric instead of just pure cotton.”

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • New Survey Reveals Filipino Emergency Medical Professionals Often Overlook Life-Threatening Brain Condition

    New Survey Reveals Filipino Emergency Medical Professionals Often Overlook Life-Threatening Brain Condition

    The disregard for encephalitis despite symptoms, coupled with low confidence in recognizing the condition, underscores the urgent need for medical training.

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES—A new survey commissioned by Encephalitis International, the peak global body for encephalitis, reveals that Filipino emergency medical professionals often overlook encephalitis, a life-threatening neurological condition characterized by brain inflammation, despite the presence of common symptoms. Survey results showed that over half (54%) of local respondents did not consider infectious encephalitis, and three-quarters (74%) did not consider autoimmune encephalitis as a diagnosis when presented with a list of accepted symptoms for each condition. The survey findings are released in line with World Encephalitis Day on February 22, 2024.

    Moreover, despite encephalitis leading to death in up to 40% of cases, 66% of the respondents did not consider death as a potential patient outcome resulting from delayed recognition and treatment.

    “In the wake of these alarming survey findings, it is clear that much more must be done to bridge the gap in encephalitis awareness and expertise. Encephalitis International is determined to increase this awareness among medical professionals through the development of globally accessible training programmes which will provide the tools for them to better recognise and treat encephalitis. Of course, we cannot do this alone and will continue to work alongside international entities, such as the World Health Organization, to elevate encephalitis as a global health priority,” shared Dr. Ava Eason, Chief Executive of Encephalitis International.

    The condition can happen to individuals of any age, sex, and ethnicity, with symptoms varying depending on the type. Symptoms of infectious encephalitis encompass altered consciousness, behavioral changes, fever, and headaches, while autoimmune encephalitis presents with memory issues, psychiatric symptoms, altered consciousness, and personality changes.

    With the risk of death or permanent brain impairment when the disease strikes, first responders are essential in promptly considering encephalitis during health emergencies to mitigate the worst-case patient outcomes. Misdiagnosis in patients leads to worse patient outcomes

    The survey results reveal the reality for encephalitis patients in the country. Roschelle Del Rosario, caregiver based in Bulacan and mother to 23-year-old patient named Alex, shared their struggle with his rapid symptom progression despite medical intervention. Initially experiencing insomnia, hallucinations, agitation, personality changes, appetite loss, and seizures, Alex was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, a second opinion in May 2023 revealed autoimmune encephalitis.

    But diagnosis was just the beginning. Alex’s health rapidly declined, leading to a four-and-a-half-month coma following the misdiagnosis. Roschelle highlighted the extensive research required into treatment options., which due to limited local resources, is largely dependent on international organizations like Encephalitis International, who is committed to funding research that aims to advance recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition as well as rehabilitation and quality of life of all people affected and their families..

    “Alex had his whole life ahead of him as a graduating college student and the top of his class when his symptoms appeared. Today, he’s a fighter battling encephalitis. He’s overcome his comatose state and is even able to use his mobile phone again after losing his cognitive and motor skills due to the disease. Eight months into this journey, he still faces significant challenges like hallucinations and memory loss. Sometimes, you’ll talk to him and the next second, he’ll ask who you are. It’s a tough road, but we still consider ourselves fortunate because, even though treating encephalitis in the country is difficult, we’ve found dedicated professionals who are willing to help and learn more about this disease so Alex can regain his health and have a chance at a normal life again,” shared Del Rosario.

    Supporting emergency medical professionals with training for diagnosis

    Further survey results found that only (35%) a third of local emergency medical professionals surveyed strongly agreed that their training had given them the confidence to recognise encephalitis. More than three-quarters (79%) somewhat or strongly agreed that they would benefit from more training.

    Dr. Ferron Ocampo, an Adult Neurology Fellow of the Philippine Neurological Association and an advocate for encephalitis awareness, recognizes the challenges regarding the lack of training in encephalitis recognition and management in the country due to its rarity. Priority in resource allocation, including education and training, is given to more common conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, Dr. Ocampo stresses the importance of advocating for encephalitis awareness because this condition needs immediate attention, as delayed diagnosis can lead to worsening of the patient’s condition and serious consequences if not treated promptly.

    “Encephalitis is a neurological emergency that can have devastating consequences if not diagnosed and treated promptly. However, not all medical professionals are aware of the symptoms and are confident in managing them. As we celebrate World Encephalitis Day, various international and local stakeholders should collaborate to prioritize providing training and resources to medical professionals worldwide in order to enhance encephalitis detection, diagnosis, and treatment,” Dr. Ocampo shared. In line with this urgent need for education, Encephalitis International is launching its largest fundraiser yet, “Don’t Delay. Give Today.” This initiative aims to promote early recognition and treatment to prevent death and disability from encephalitis by developing accessible, accredited training modules to provide more robust information and training on encephalitis. Emergency medical professionals in the Philippines and globally can access training opportunities by signing up for free professional membership.

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Book Launch of Adarna House’s Newest Picture Book, Feeding the Hungry Ghost at The Studio, Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City

    Book Launch of Adarna House’s Newest Picture Book, Feeding the Hungry Ghost at The Studio, Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City

    Are you excited of the Adarna House’s Newest Picture Book, Feeding the Hungry Ghost? Who else will get a copy of the book for your own reading?

    On September 24, 2024, everyone have enjoyed the storytelling session and book talk at The Studio, Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City. Attenders was excited of The Book Launch of Adarna House’s Newest Picture Book, Feeding the Hungry Ghost.

    Photo Credit: Adarna House

    Storyteller Jing was excited in sharing the story of Feeding the Hungry Ghost! She also gave life to the story of Feeding the Hungry Ghost, the first-ever trilingual picture book. Storyteller Jing shared the story well to the listeners and believed that they will get a copy of the book for their own reading in their homes or other suitable places of the whole story of the Feeding the Hungry Ghost.

    Of course, the lovely book creators Alanna Michelle Escudero and Bru Sim shared about their recipe for a good storybook like Feeding the Hungry Ghost.

    After the storytelling session and book talk or at the end of the program, Alanna Michelle Escudero and Bru Sim signed the copies of the picture book, Feeding the Hungry Ghost.

    Who was thrilled of the storytelling session of the Feeing the Hungry Ghost? Well, the book, Feeding the Hungry Ghost is now available in Fully Booked.

    Reference & Contact:

    Gelai C. Manabat
    Senior Marketing Executive
    Adarna House, Inc.
    +63 969 302 0055
    www.adarna.com.ph
    fb.com/adarnahouse
    instagram.com/adarnahouse

  • Allianz PNB Life Extends Availability of Wealth Building Product STEP UP 7

    Allianz PNB Life Extends Availability of Wealth Building Product STEP UP 7

    Wealth building and wealth protection are two important aspects to consider given the current economic situation in the country. It is important for Filipinos to boost their savings and ensure that their assets grow, so that they are protected for their future needs.

    Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) remains committed to its purpose of securing more Filipinos by helping them build wealth as their protection and legacy to their families through its STEP UP 7 financial product. STEP UP 7 stands for Short-Term Endowment Plan with Uniform Payouts. It is a single-pay, non-participating endowment life insurance plan that matures in 7 years.

    Stable income stream

    The STEP UP 7 is ideal for individuals who want to add another stable and guaranteed stream of income to boost their savings while enjoying the benefits of insurance coverage. The plan offers guaranteed protection, maturity benefits, and an additional annual payout of 3.25% for 7 years.

    Since its launch in 2019, it has garnered the attention of customers becoming one of the most availed products of AZPNBL. Its popularity among customers led to the roll-out of the product’s third tranche with an allocation of 2 billion pesos.

    AZPNBL opened the third tranche in May 2023 with an adjusted coupon rate to adapt to current market trends and prevailing yield rates. It garnered even faster sales due to the attractive coupon rate offered to both new and repeat customers.

    Opportunity to build a legacy

    Given its success, AZPNBL has decided to extend the STEP UP 7 offer starting January 15, 2024, until supplies last. This extension allows more customers to avail of this plan and take advantage of its benefits of boosting their savings.

    Allianz PNB Life Chief Product Provider Officer Leo Tan, Jr. says, “I am immensely proud and excited to reintroduce our special proposition, STEP UP 7. It is tailored specifically to the unique financial needs and preferences of Filipinos and is designed to provide guaranteed savings and protection for those seeking medium to long-term financial solutions.

    Our proposition includes a guaranteed payout feature that allows customers to save up over time with the additional payout every year, while providing a level of protection with insurance coverage. This ensures that Filipinos can achieve financial stability and security while they work towards their financial goals. We understand the importance of financial security for Filipinos, and we have designed the STEP UP 7 propositions with this in mind. We take into account the long-term outlook and affinity of Filipinos towards financial planning, ensuring that our proposition aligns perfectly with their needs.”

    The STEP UP 7 product is exclusively available to PNB customers. Find out more about the product through AZPNBL Life Changers by visiting the nearest PNB branch.

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Allianz Liga Eskwela Kaagapay: Teaching Financial Literacy and Technical Skills thru Futsal

    Allianz Liga Eskwela Kaagapay: Teaching Financial Literacy and Technical Skills thru Futsal

    Allianz PNB Life Insurance Inc. (Allianz), in partnership with The Henry V. Moran Foundation (Moran Foundation), recently launched a futsal for development program: Allianz Liga Eskwela Kaagapay. This grassroots program combines technical skills training and financial literacy development through futsal for Department of Education (DepEd) public schools.

    Game time: U18 girls defending champion Valenzuela (maroon) vs Manila

    “The program innovatively uses futsal, an indoor small-sided version of football, widely played in Philippine grassroots communities. Allianz Liga Eskwela Kaagapay aims to teach public school children technical skills in football as well as basic financial literacy through capacity building trainings for teachers, training sessions with students, and competitions,” said Gino Riola, Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Sustainability in Allianz. “Teachers who attend the training receive balls to be used in their schools, and also have the chance to be seconded to further coaching and official development programs under the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).”

    For the win: Pasig U18 celebrate their U18 championship win

    “Since 2008, the Moran Foundation has been supporting football for development programs in public schools, orphanages, and NGOs across the country,” said Danny Moran, Chairman of the Moran Foundation. “But we realized that a major difficulty in promoting field football in most Filipino communities and schools is the lack of access to pitches. However, all these schools have access to covered basketball courts so it was natural to use futsal (indoor 5-aside football) for the kids as it is a game that has been proven to be an excellent formator of one’s technique, skill, and game awareness.”

    The Liga Eskwela Kaagapay Program promotes futsal development through the Moran Foundation’s partnership with DepEd and its close ties to the PFF. The program trains PE teachers on the basics of futsal coaching, officiating, and tournament organization, then supplements the training with futsal competitions organized by the Moran Foundation in collaboration with the PFF. In 2024, the program is currently working in all 16 school divisions/cities of the DepEd National Capital Region and in 12 school divisions/cities in DepEd Region 7. The program will also soon be implemented in Mindanao.

    The program also emphasizes using futsal for the development of financial values, and trains public school teachers to utilize futsal skills and games to teach public school children basic financial literacy concepts such as goal setting, savings, and budgeting. A report published by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in 2023 showed that the Philippines ranks third from last in ASEAN in terms of financial literacy with only 25 percent of Filipinos being financially literate.

    “Football and futsal in schools are fun for both the teachers and the students. Thus, through our partnership with the Moran Foundation, Allianz PNB Life hopes to address the financial literacy gap in the Philippines by using an attractive medium like futsal to get basic concepts across to public school teachers and students,” added Riola. “Liga Eskwela Kaagapay helps achieves Allianz PNB Life’s sustainability agenda in the country since it directly helps us address the UN Sustainable Development Goal #4 – Better Education.”

    Liga Eskwela Kaagapay aims to work with at least 100 public school teachers to reach 10,000 public school children in collaboration with DepEd Regions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

    Danny Moran, Chairman, The Henry V. Moran Foundation

    The winners of the one-day Liga Eskwela Futsal Festival 2024 in La Salle Greenhills last Jan. 21 are as follows:

    ● 12U Boys: Champion – Mandaluyong; 2nd Place – Caloocan; 3rd Place – Valenzuela.

    ● 12U Girls: Champion – Manila; 2nd Place – Muntinlupa; 3rd Place – Valenzuela.

    ● 16U Boys: Champion – Pasig; 2nd Place – Caloocan; 3rd Place – Valenzuela.

    ● 16U Girls: Champion – Malabon; 2nd Place – Muntinlupa; 3rd Place – Parañaque.

    ● 18U Boys: Champion – Pasig; 2nd Place – Manila; 3rd Place – Quezon City.

    ● 18U Girls: Champion – Valenzuela; 2nd Place – Pasig; and 3rd Place – Caloocan.

    Allianz PNB Life’s Grace Dar Santos, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR Lead; Jesus Dennis Montealto, Henry V. Moran Foundation, Program Coordinator; Gino Riola, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Sustainability, Allianz PNB Life; Kevin Goco, Philippine Football Federation and Fang Siong Chong, Chief Financial Officer, Allianz PNB Life

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Oreo Pokémon Launch Party at Activity Center, Ayala Malls TriNoma

    Oreo Pokémon Launch Party at Activity Center, Ayala Malls TriNoma

    Let’s Play With OREO POKEMON!

    For more than one hundred (100) years, OREO has been offering the sweetness of cookies to our families in the community, nationwide and worldwide. OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Chocolate Flavored Cream is one my favorite cookies for snack great with milk or any suitable beverages during a break or while watching animated movies like Pokémon in our home.

    On February 18, 2023, I have attended the successful Oreo Pokémon Launch Party at the Activity Center, Ayala Malls TriNoma, North Avenue, corner Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Quezon City, Philippines organized by Mondelez Philippines, Inc.

    For update…

  • GCash & Beyond: Send, Pay, Shop, Save, Invest, and More!

    GCash & Beyond: Send, Pay, Shop, Save, Invest, and More!

    In this digital age, we need a finance digital app like GCash for a seamless, convenient and secure transactions with the registered users, shops, investors, banks, government and other establishments in the community this day & beyond. Currently, GCash is a mobile wallet app and the No. 1 Finance Super App in the Philippines that their customers or users can instantly pay bills, buy load, send money, shop, save, invest, and more at home and in other establishments where you can use it with ease and secure of doing the digital transactions you need in your everyday living related to art, fashion, technology, food and etc. in the society.

    With regards to savings, you can save trough GSave with their current Partner Banks: Maybank (Convenient way to save. Plus get a free Debit Card.); UNO digitalbank (High-rate savings, daily interest, & time deposit); BPI (Easiest way to start your savings); and CIMB (High interest rates, no fees, & free insurance.

    For the investment through GInvest, you can start investing with GFunds, GStocks PH & GStocks Global. You may opt to grow your money through GCrypto were you can buy, sell and transfer crypto. GCash also offers GLoan, GGives, GCredit and promos to their loyal and active customers in the community.

    Are you registered yet with GCash? Download the GCash app and register now to enjoy fast, easy, secure sending, payments, shopping, transfers, saving, investing and more this day & beyond in community.