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Tag: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

  • π‘πžπšππ’π§π Β π€ππ―π¨πœπšπ­πžπ¬’Β π’π©π’π«π’π­Β π‘πžπ¦πšπ’π§π¬Β π’π­π«π¨π§π Β πƒπžπ¬π©π’π­πžΒ π’π­πšπ­πžΒ π¨πŸΒ π‘πžπšππ’π§π Β π‚π‘πšπ₯π₯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐧 𝐭𝐑𝐞 𝐏𝐑𝐒π₯𝐒𝐩𝐩𝐒𝐧𝐞𝐬

    The National Book Development Board (NBDB) believes that the determination of reading advocates in the Philippines remains strong despite the current challenges facing the state of reading in the country.

    The State of the Reading Nation Address (SORNA) for the second quarter of this year was presented during the inaugural Milestone Meeting of the National Alliance of Reading Advocates (NARA). This initiative, a project of the NBDB, brings together numerous readership advocates and plays a crucial role in the NBDB’s ongoing efforts to foster a love for reading in the Philippines.

    The second-quarter SORNA highlighted three key areas: the importance of community engagement and support networks, the necessity of teacher training and professional development, and the critical issue of access to resources and materials.

    “To address these vital points, advocates and stakeholders across government, non-government, and private sectors are working tirelessly to rekindle a love for reading among Filipino adults and children and to prevent a reading crisis,” emphasized Daniel Lorenzo Mariano, OIC of NBDB’s Readership Development Division (READ).

    Established in the second quarter, the NARA and its members are collaboratively working to enhance Philippine readership. In April, the NBDB hosted the second edition of its flagship event, the Philippine Book Festival (PBF), a four-day fair attended by over 30,000 people. This event also served as the platform for the soft launch of NARA. The all-Filipino book fair aims to promote a culture of reading and simultaneously support the growth of the publishing industry in the country.

    In response to the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, which underscored the need to address literacy and reading issues, the Department of Education (DepEd) has adopted a science-based approach to teaching reading. Stakeholders are hopeful that the incoming DepEd chief, Senator Juan Edgardo β€œSonny” Angara, will advocate for reading and address the country’s literacy challenges.

    In collaboration with DepEd, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is promoting a reading mindset through its nationwide tutoring program, β€œTara, Basa.” This initiative has trained thousands of student-tutors and youth development workers to conduct reading sessions for struggling and non-reader Grade 2 learners in public elementary schools. The program also includes β€œNanay-Tatay” teacher sessions to empower parents and guardians to actively support their children’s reading journeys.

    Several Local Government Units (LGUs), along with private and non-profit organizations, have also launched their own readership development programs.

    Other efforts implemented during the second quarter aim to foster a reading culture among Filipinos and shape the country’s reading landscape.

    β€œThe NBDB, through NARA, is working on developing a NARA Readers’ Agenda. Alongside passionate advocates such as educators, librarians, publishers, community leaders, and students, we will continue to raise our collective voice to highlight the power of reading and make it an exciting and enriching adventure,” added Mariano.

    NBDB PRESS RELEASE – 19 July 2024

    Communications and Promotions

    National Book Development Board

    View Books Philippines Catalog

    Visit the www.philippinebookfest.com

  • Robinsons Bank rolls out new digital solution with its cardless ATM withdrawal for SAP beneficiaries

    Robinsons Bank rolls out new digital solution with its cardless ATM withdrawal for SAP beneficiaries

    Robinsons Bank (RBANK) has rolled out a new digital solution that will provide ease and convenience for the thousands of Filipinos that are awaiting their financial aid from the government.

    In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), RBANK successfully started the digital disbursement of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) subsidy in Laurel, Batangas.

    With RBANK’s new digital solution, beneficiaries were able to receive their SAP payouts through a cardless withdrawal process using RBANK ATMs instead of going through manual disbursement and risk exposure to the Covid virus.

    β€œWe, at Robinsons Bank, were eager to partner with DSWD for this initiative. We believe that our efforts have always had the bigger purpose of uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos — in line with our advocacy of financial inclusion. With this process, we also provided them with a bank account. We know that with our digital banking solutions, we can, and we want to do our part in helping our kababayan during these hard times,” RBANK Retail Banking Segment Head Salvador “Buddy” Paps shared.

    After the success of the initial distribution, RBANK is set to roll out the cardless withdrawal of the SAP payout for the second batch of beneficiaries in Laurel, Batangas, and to more places in the NCR and Albay in the coming weeks.

    According to Mr.Paps, RBANK went through a lot of preparation to ensure  that the service will be easy even for those unfamiliar with transacting via the ATM. 

    Shifting to digital disbursement

    Committed to providing ease and convenience in all its services, RBANK has also trained DSWD representatives so they can readily assist the beneficiaries in completing their cardless withdrawal process. This ensured that the payout will move swiftly and avoid instances that can hold back the queue.

    β€œSobrang dali lang po ng pagkuha ng subsidy kumpara sa ibang transaction. Kinailangan lang mag-reply sa text at sundin ang instructions. Wala akong naging problema, sobrang bilis ng processing. Maraming salamat po sa Robinsons Bank kasi mas pinadali niyo ang pagkuha ng SAP subsidy,” one of the beneficiaries expressed (identity withheld for safety).

    Furthermore, another beneficiary was also very happy with the outcome of the distribution, β€œSobrang dali lang po. Wala pang isang minuto nakapagwithdraw na ako. Walang hassle.”

    The shift to a digitalized disbursement through RBank’s E-Ayuda aims to speed up the distribution process to the beneficiaries. With E-Ayuda, RBank was able to provide the beneficiaries with a bank account that could store the government’s cash assistance, making the withdrawal process easier. They can also choose to upgrade their accounts to a Simple Savings account, to widen the banking features that they can enjoy.

    Securing a safe payout

    As hundreds of beneficiaries were expected to flock  the Municipal Hall of Laurel, DSWD and the LGU assisted in managing the crowd for a smooth flow from registration to payout . The presence of the local police helped in maintaining security and order in the premises. The SAP beneficiaries waited comfortably in the municipal gym while they underwent initial screening to ensure a faster process with their withdrawal.

    Additionally, in keeping with health and safety protocols, beneficiaries were ushered to the pay-out location in batches.

    Through digital innovation and RBANK’s coordination with the LGU and DSWD, the SAP payout in Laurel, Batangas proved to be a success.

    RBank, with the help of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Legazpi Savings Bank (LSB) has also begun the distribution of the SAP payout in different municipalities in Albay. According to LSB President Mykel D. Abad, being tapped as a partner of DSWD is a β€œgreat opportunity as LSB has always aspired to be of help to those in need.”

    Recognized as the Fastest Growing Commercial Bank in the Philippines for 2020, Robinsons Bank is the financial services arm of the JG Summit Group of Companies, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines. It currently ranks 18th among universal and commercial banks in the country, with assets amounting to Php 131.088 Bn as of December 2019.

    For inquiries and concerns, you may reach Robinsons Bank through its Customer Care Center at (02) 8637-CARE (2273) or domestic toll-free 1-800-10-637-CARE (2273); or visit its website at www.robinsonsbank.com.ph. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/robinsonsbank. Stay updated and join RBank’s Viber Community at https://bit.ly/RBankCommunity to know the latest announcements.

    REFERENCE:

    Catherine Llanes

    Media Relations Manager

    T. +63 2-332-10-31 loc. 103

    M2COMMS | M2SOCIAL | M2LIVE | PROI

  • Holcim Helps CSR programs assist over 200,000 in 2019

    Holcim Helps CSR programs assist over 200,000 in 2019

    Cement maker Holcim Philippines, Inc. directly helped over 200,000 people in 2019 through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs designed to support the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN).

    The company’s CSR initiatives under Holcim Helps benefitted 229,170 individuals last year. With this, the company has helped more than 800,000 people since 2015, surpassing its commitment to the LafargeHolcim Group of assisting 400,000 people by 2020.

    The biggest share of the funds were directed to initiatives for infrastructure and shelter (31%) followed by livelihood and inclusive business (20%), environment (17%), education (13%), and health (8%).

    In January, Holcim’s Davao plant was recognized by the Region XI office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for supporting the agency’s programs to uplift indigent people. In 2019, Holcim Davao partnered with DSWD and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for trainings on plumbing, welding, forklift operations, masonry and carpentry that benefited over a 100 people in the community.

    Other Holcim Helps highlights in 2019 were its support to the development of a sustainable tourism master plan for the municipality of Bacnotan, La Union, the masonry training for people displaced by the conflict in Marawi in partnership with the UN Human Settlements Programme and TESDA and the inaugural Young Builders Challenge, a sustainable construction contest for aspiring architects and engineers. Holcim employees also participated actively in volunteer programs throughout the year.

    Holcim Helps initiatives are aligned with the LafargeHolcim Group’s 2030 Sustainability Plan, a set of goals that contribute to the UN’s efforts to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

    Holcim Philippines President and CEO John Stull said the company will continue to implement progra working closely with various stakeholders to implement sustainable projects that help uplift the communities where it operates.

    β€œOur Holcim Helps programs are our way of giving back to our communities. As hosts of our facilities, they play an important role in the success of our company,” Stull added.

    Holcim Philippines Vice President for Communications Cara Ramirez said the Holcim Helps programs are aligned with the company’s message of contributing to progress beyond supplying essential building materials. In 2019, the programs also focused more on collaboration and emphasized the value of sustainability.

    β€œWe developed our CSR programs to have a more lasting positive impact. Our active collaboration with our communities helped us identify the right programs that are responsive to their needs. These are strategic initiatives that complement our operations. To ensure effectiveness, we prioritize sustainable programs that provide more quality support to our stakeholders,” Ramirez added.

    Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Philippine Stock Exchange: HLCM) is one of the leading building solution companies in the country. The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute with high performance and efficiency a wide range of projects from massive infrastructure to simple home repairs.

    With cement manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Batangas, Misamis Oriental and Davao, as well as aggregates and dry mix business and technical support facilities for building solutions, Holcim Philippines is a reliable partner of builders in the country.

    Holcim Philippines is also committed to the highest standards of sustainable operations and manufacturing excellence with its plants certified under ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management System), ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).

    Holcim Philippines is a member of the LafargeHolcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry present in 80 countries with over 80,000 employees.

    Holcim Davao Plant Manager Sam Manlosa (second from left) and CSR Manager May Escalicas (fourth) receive a plaque of appreciation from officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region XI last January 31 for supporting its programs through Holcim Helps.

    *LafargeHolcim has signed an agreement with San Miguel Corporation for the divestment of its entire 85.7 percent shareholding in Holcim Philippines Inc. The process is still ongoing. You may get more information on this development at this link: https://www.lafargeholcim.com/lafargeholcim-divests-activities-philippines

    REFERENCE:

    Cara Ramirez
    Vice President of Communications
    09175219397
    annclaire.ramirez@lafargeholcim.com

    Don Gil Carreon
    Communications Manager
    09178142589
    dongil.carreon@lafargeholcim.com

    Alvin Marayan
    Media Relations Director, PRC, Inc.
    09989613729
    alvin.marayan@teamprcinc.com.ph