President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. recognizes the 10 winners of the Galing Pook Foundation 2022 at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace. He commended the Galing Pook Foundation for recognizing and incentivizing top performing LGUs. With them in the photo are: Galing Pook Foundation chairman Mel Sarmiento, Local Government secretary Benjamin Abalos, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Ten outstanding local governance programs were recognized in the 2022 Galing Pook Awards held at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace last Tuesday, November 22, 2022.

Galing Pook Foundation with its co-presenters SM Prime Holdings Inc., and the DILG-Local Government Academy, and sponsors Cebu Pacific and Airspeed named local government units from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that promote innovation and excellence.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended the Galing Pook Foundation for recognizing and incentivizing top performing LGUs. He stressed how strong collaboration between the public and private sector can lead to more meaningful and successful programs that truly benefit the Filipino people.

“The recognition that you give to cities and municipalities inspires them to accelerate their drive towards improvement and it encourages LGUs to adopt practices that make us paragons of excellence in public service. It is necessary for us to underscore the importance of strengthening partnerships between the government and private organizations, such as the Galing Pook Foundation, especially as we bring about meaningful progress in the country.”

Galing Pook Chairperson Mel Sarmiento expressed his gratitude to all the local executives and LGU teams that participated this year: “It’s truly inspiring to see the impact of the work that you do, and I’m sure you’ve brought value to many Filipinos all over the country. Our collaborations bring us closer to realizing our shared vision, na ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino, may simple pero kumportableng buhay.”

The winners of the 2022 Galing Pook Awards were: The Green Wall of Alcala (Alcala, Cagayan); Advancing and Sustaining Good Governance and Community Actions towards Resiliency and Empowerment (Basilan Province); Bataan Public-Private Partnership Programs (Bataan Province); Balik-Biñan Project: Tourism Development through Heritage Conservation (Biñan City, Laguna); From Black to Green: Fishponds, Eco-Tourism and Full Employment (Brgy. Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal); Trekking to Unlock Community Ailments and Difficulties (TUCAD) (Goa, Camarines Sur); “I-BIKE” A Program Promoting the Development of the Iloilo City Bike Culture (Iloilo City); Yaru: A Whole-of-Community Approach Towards Disaster Management (Itbayat, Batanes); Libertad Fish Forever Savings Club (Libertad, Antique); and Basta Piddigueño, AgriHenyo: Consolidated Farm Production System (Piddig, Ilocos Norte).

The 10 winners were chosen from 18 finalists and a record field of 196 applications from different LGUs in the country.

Launched on October 21, 1993, the Galing Pook Awards has recognized 329 LGU programs from 200 LGUs in the country that have been promoted for replication to benefit more communities.

 

More than just an area where students gather to hold classes, a school environment plays a vital role in learners’ cognitive development. Research has shown that with an environment conducive to learning, students increase their attention and focus, and they are more motivated to practice higher-level critical thinking skills.

Adamant to provide students with venues where they can fully hone their skills and knowledge, SM Foundation (SMFI)—the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group—cemented its partnership with the Department of Education (DepED) in 2002 through DepEd’s Adopt-A-School Program.

Through this, SMFI builds SM school buildings in grassroot communities, complete with basic furniture and equipment. More so, SMFI integrates specialized features to each SM school building to address the unique needs of their school recipients—some received rooms dedicated as a guidance office, a clinic, a mini-library, and some even got a water tank and a handwashing facility.

SM school building in Sorsogon City

To date, SMFI has turned over more than 100 SM school buildings nationwide with the help of its partners, which share the same aspirations for the Filipino learners and teachers. One of which is the SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) - one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia. Since the project’s inception, over 90 SM school buildings out of the more than 100 were built through the social good collaboration with SM Prime.

Infrastructure for calamity prone areas
SMFI and SMPH ensure that the SM school buildings incorporate a disaster resilient design to guarantee the safety of the students, teachers, and other school personnel. Emergency lights at both staircases, and fire and earthquake alarm bells are also installed.

Principal Joji Buelvo, school principal of Basud Elementary School (BES) in Sorsogon City, shared the state of their school community before they accepted the fully furnished SM school building from SMFI and SM Prime in 2021: “Ang aming paaralan ay saksi sa maraming kalamidad. Kaya karamihan ng mga classrooms ay may kalumaan na, ang mga kisame ay malapit na bumagsak—talagang hindi na conducive for learning.”

“But through your [SMFI and SM Prime] donation, our BES learners now have a haven where we can nurture their young minds to be academically-ready and well-rounded members of the community,” Buelvo further expressed.

Pursuing its objective of driving Philippine social development by fostering the youth and the culture of excellence through education, the Henry Sy Foundation, Inc. (HSFI) recently inked a partnership with the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Research and Endowment Foundation to construct a building that elevates health education in the country.

  Named in honor of the late SM Founder, the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall of UST will rise on the main campus in Manila to respond to the needs of digital medical education.  

The Hall will feature technologically advanced facilities and equipment that complement UST’s teaching, learning, and research practices. Focused on interdisciplinary collaboration in medical studies, it will also house the simulation and research facility of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS).   

Paragons with passion  

Fr. Richard Gaw Ang, OP, Rector of UST, thanked the Sy family as they work together to provide the best education to future physicians and increase UST’s research productivity to fill the gaps where communities are disadvantaged.

“Your family consists of industry leaders who have visions for the Filipino community. Your choice to support this endeavor of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is a significant stamp of approval to the work and tradition of this medical institution,” Fr. Ang said in a letter to the Sy family.  

 

SM Supermalls celebrates not just joyful, but also fun, immersive and experiential holidays. This year, we take you to the deep oceans with SM Megamall’s first-ever 3D Whale Shark LED billboard, see the Northern lights at the Aurora Trail of SM City North Edsa, Sparkle at the Light show and Holiday fireworks at SM Mall of Asia, enter the Golden gateway of SM Aura Premier and explore the outer space at the Mega Space Odyssey.

 

 

SM Supermalls brings back the excitement in every visit, joy in every sight, and a magical connection in every experience that will make every Filipino’s Christmas happier and brighter.

Ode to outer space: An out-of-this-world celebration starts at SM Megamall
SM officially ushered the holiday season with an out-of-this-world celebration at the Mega & Bright: Christmas in Space 2022 at the SM Megamall on October 20.

The mall’s mega Christmas Tree decked in stars and lights was lit, signaling the start of SM’s nationwide Happy Christmas campaign. And starting October 20 until December, SM shoppers can have a glimpse of the universe through SM Megamall’s Mega Space Odyssey. The 3D LED tunnel transports individuals into space and allows them to view it immersively.

If you missed the SM Megamall Christmas event, there are still more ways to celebrate the joys of the holidays. SM Supermalls has lined up exciting and festive activities just for you and your loved ones! Check out the details below:

More Christmas Tree lighting activities in your favorite SM mall!
Apart from SM Megamall, other premier SM malls will light up their massive 50-foot Christmas trees to share hope, joy, and love with every SM shopper. Check out the dates below so you can drop by your favorite SM mall and watch the lighting of its dazzling trees full of lights, stars, and colorful ornaments.

Santa-approved Christmas Playpark
Witness as your favorite SM mall opens a new world of Christmas with towering centerpieces, functional spaces, and sprawling activities at the Christmas Playpark. Explore the Christmas markets and play areas, and watch out for Santa appearances, character meet and greets, and other surprises! Plus, you also get to have a multisensory experience at the playpark’s light and sound shows, festive eats and holiday treats, and a whole lot more scents and feels that will embrace you in holiday warmth and ambiance.

Sparkling lights to brighten up your holidays
Christmas won’t be festive without lights. Be in awe as you pass by hallways decked with twinkling lights, illuminated tunnels, beaming driveways, and lit parking spaces as they glow at their best.

Dining out al fresco style at the Super Spots decked with lights
SM Supermalls has also created outdoor attractions for that picture-perfect, memorable shopping, dining, and leisure activities for the whole family. At The Podium, shoppers are in for Joie De Vivre with its Holiday Night Cap on October 21-23 and 28-30 at the ADB Al Fresco, and the Food Lab on October 24-30 at the Atrium East Level 2 so everyone can discover new food specials this Christmas. You can also enjoy special treats, promos, and exclusive deals from your favorite restaurants and food merchants at the SM mall near you!

Turn Christmas AReality at SM
Don’t miss out on a phygital Christmas experience as SM incorporates the festive season with Augmented Reality. In SM Megamall, four AR filters have been made available, including Santa Claus, Reindeer, Snowman, and Sparkle. You just need to scan the QR code at the SM mall near you and see the Christmas centerpiece and magical spots come alive!

Check out the Happiness Stations
SM installed various happiness stations where you can create lasting memories with family and friends. Spot the giant bears with lights at Bears of Joy corner, the happiness photo wall, the Christmas tree decors with your family photos, or the huge TV screen where you can watch your recently filmed Tiktok or IG video at your favorite mall.

Make your furbabies feel the happiness and love
Christmas is for the whole family including furbabies! Make them happy and feel loved by joining the Holiday Paw Play Dates and Costume PAWty. You can also flex them at the Christmas photo challenge and win amazing prizes, or shop for them at the Christmas markets. Also, SM Supermalls will be partnering again with organizations for a pet adoption drive so you can help the little ones find a home in time for the holiday.

Unlock a bigger, better, and brighter virtual Christmas Village
SM will reopen its virtual Christmas Village to bring an exciting, engaging, and rewarding holiday experience to Filipinos. Check out https://gosm.link/ChristmasVillage2022 as it goes live from October 28 to January 5 for an awesome augmented reality shopping, dining, and leisure experience. Create your own avatar, e-meet fellow shoppers and SM ambassadors, and enjoy bonding time with your family and friends while playing fun games at the immersive virtual Christmas zones made for you.

Create circles of happiness by buying products for cause-oriented programs
Since it’s the season of giving, you can support cause-oriented advocacies of individuals and organizations by purchasing products that provide opportunities and livelihood to marginalized sectors. For this year’s 100 Days campaign, SM partnered with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote initiative.

Be entertained by performers under the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ Company of Artists at the Estancia Christmas Symphony located at the G/F East Wing on November 20 & 27, 2022 and December 11 & 23, 2022 at 6 PM, and catch the Varlez Piano Recital Culminating Activity at the 3/F East Wing on December 18, 2022 at 11 AM.

Meet & Greet with Santa Claus every Sunday starting November 20, 2022 from 3 to 5 PM at the Greenhills G/F VMall, Tiendesitas Level 1, Building B, and Estancia G/F East Wing.

Bring the whole family to enjoy the Fireworks Displays at the Greenhills Connecticut Arcade Roofdeck and Estancia at Capitol Commons on December 3, 10, 17, 25, 2022 and January 1, 2023 at 7 PM, and at Central Ave., Ortigas East on December 10, 17, 25, 2022 and January 1, 2023 at 7 PM.

Visit the Greenhills Mall, Tiendesitas, and Estancia at Capitol Commons Facebook pages for more details!

#EnjoyEveryday #OrtigasMalls

In photo (L-R): SSS Commissioner - Jose C. Julio, Representing Workers' Group, SSS President and CEO - Michael G. Regino, Bayad VP and Head for Biller Solutions – Anely P. Aviles, Bayad VP & Group Head for Regional Operations and Biller Solutions - Meinard D. Cruz, SSS Commissioner Diana Pardo-Aguilar, Representing Employers' Group, and SSS Commissioner Bai Norhata M. Alonto, Representing Workers' Group

Bayad, the pioneer and the most trusted brand in the outsourced payment collection industry in the Philippines, and now a full-service fintech subsidiary of the biggest power conglomerate in the country – Meralco, was recently conferred as SSS’ Best Collecting Partner under the non-bank category during the 2022 Balikat ng Bayan Awards.

The said award giving body has been established since 1995 and has continued to recognize individuals, employers, and organizations that significantly contributed to SSS’ pursuit of its mandate, which underpins the importance of saving and investing among its members and their beneficiaries.

     This 2022, SSS puts Bayad to spotlight, acknowledging the company’s consistent compliance of accurate and timely collection reports as well as its active participation in the integral programs of the institution. Apart from these, Bayad breaks records with a 9% growth rate increase in SSS contribution transaction volume from 2021 to 2022, which substantiates how Bayad ceaselessly scales up its physical and digital payment touchpoint to deliver a one stop shop payment solution to its customers. With this, SSS members can now conveniently access other bills payment services covering for various government contributions, loan, electric and water utilities, cable & internet, tuition fees, online shopping, insurance, and many others. This payment experience is also backed up by Bayad’s real-time posting feature, allowing SSS members to process and monitor instant and seamless contribution payments.

Bayad President and CEO, Lawrence Y. Ferrer underscored “All of our efforts in Bayad are directed towards the belief that Filipinos deserve to be rewarded for their hard work. We will stand with SSS in every step of the way as we elevate the financial experience of its members through convenient and secured payment transactions.”

For government, financial, and banking institutions that are interested to be part of Bayad’s extensive biller and payment channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) committed anew its support for the government’s transportation infrastructure development efforts crucial to the country’s pandemic recovery and economic growth.  

In a meeting with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Meralco President and CEO Atty. Ray C. Espinosa affirmed the power distributor’s assistance through continuing pole relocation and energization activities in support of the agency’s ongoing and planned transportation projects geared towards greatly benefiting the public.   

“As the country’s largest power distribution utility, Meralco is cognizant of the importance of stable and reliable electric service in the timely completion and effective operations of DOTr’s infrastructure projects. The government can always count on Meralco’s continued and full support for these initiatives which will help spur the Philippines’ post-pandemic recovery and renewed drive towards economic progress,” Atty. Espinosa said.

  Among the new transportation projects requiring substantial power supply are the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Packages 2 and 3, North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Extension from Calamba to Batangas; MRT-4; LRT-2 East Cogeo Extension; LRT-2 West Extension; LRT-6 Cavite Line A; MRT-7 Extension Project; EDSA Greenways; EDSA Bus Rapid Transit-Busway Concourse; Pasig River Expressway; Southern Access Link Expressway; and Northern Access Link.

  Meralco is also currently undertaking a pole relocation project in support of the ongoing construction of NAIAxEDSA Tramo Connecting Ramp and Skyway Stage 4.

  In May 2019, Meralco and DOTr signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) underscoring the parties’ close coordination for the timely completion of Common Station, LRT-1 Cavite Extension, MRT-7, Metro Manila Subway, PNR South Long Haul (from Manila to Sorsogon), and the three phases of North-South Commuter Railway System, namely PNR North 1 (from Tutuban to Malolos, Bulacan), PNR North 2 (from Malolos to Clark, Pampanga), and PNR South Commuter (from Solis to Calamba, Laguna).  

Meralco and DOTr are likewise working together to ensure the timely grant of necessary permits and rights-ofway (ROW), clearances, access and authority for properties within their jurisdiction, in order for Meralco to fully implement the related relocation projects and to continuously operate its electrical facilities.  

Since 2020, Meralco has relocated more than 2,500 poles and has energized 21 facilities to support the government’s infrastructure projects.  

“We are grateful to Meralco for their renewed commitment to support our projects. Long before these projects become operational, Meralco has been and remains a loyal partner in supplying power critical for these projects to prosper,” DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said.  

Solane has been a trusted companion of Filipino households when it comes to cooking for over 50 years, may it be simple #LutongSolane meals at home or grand and festive celebrations and get-togethers. This Christmas, Solane wants to make sure that more Filipinos enjoy their meals and celebrations without breaking the bank, even if they want to enjoy festive meals outside the house.

Solane is unveiling Solane Sakto, its mini-LPG tank holding 1.4 kilograms of kitchen fuel, perfect for budget-conscious households, students, small families, and small businesses. For the more adventurous types, Solane Sakto is also a great addition to cooking equipment to bring – no more canned food for camping!

It’s the same safe, sustainable, and quality kitchen fuel Filipinos have known, but in a sakto size!

“We have long cultivated Filipinos’ passion for cooking and celebration by providing safe and quality kitchen fuel over the decades through Solane LPG,” said Jose Antonio Gonzalez, CEO of Isla LPG, the company behind Solane. “Through the ‘tingi’ version of our trusted Solane LPG, we want more Filipinos to have access to affordable and quality kitchen fuel without compromising safety.”

To show how Solane Sakto is the perfect companion for celebrating food outside the house, Solane hosted the ‘Saktong Salu-salo with Solane’ event. Guests were treated to mouthwatering dishes while enjoying an energetic chitchat with cooking enthusiast and proud long-time Solane user Suzi Entrata-Abrera.

Chef Mark Joseph Bartolome, known as Chef Marky on Tiktok, demonstrated how to cook simple yet filling chicken fajitas, showing how the Solane Sakto is easy to install on existing LPG or canister-fed cooking stoves.

Chef Marky unveils the content of the mystery box he received from Solane

Guests also sampled best-selling dishes from some of the trendiest small businesses in the metro: Kahatea, Airballs 320, and Hungry Homies.

Local food businesses had the chance to showcase their most raved dishes.

Guests took turns guessing the weight of Solane Sakto’s LPG content.

Solane Marketing Manager Kathy Mendez Cabisada and Solane Product Manager Gilbert Roque join Suzi and Chef Marky in exploring the new Solane Sakto LPG.

Swak Benefits in a Sakto Size

Solane Sakto’s saktong laki and saktong gaan makes it perfect for limited spaces and kitchens, such as condominium units, student dormitories and compact apartments.

Designed with a collar handle for better grip, Solane Sakto is also portable enough to take anywhere, and can be used outdoors, perfect for out-of-town vacations, picnics, and camping.

Priced at PHP 150 per refill, Solane Sakto is affordable and is a safer alternative than charcoal fuel wood and other dangerous fuel sources such as LPG-refilled butane canisters. It is the only small LPG SKU that is safe and compliant with the Department of Energy for indoor use.

One Solane Sakto tank can last up to a week of cooking for the typical family of five. During unforeseen situations or emergencies, it can be used as a backup LPG tank, lasting up to 3-4 days for heavy cooking.

Like Solane 11 kilogram AS and POL tanks, authentic Solane Sakto cylinders also carry the important markings that certify their registration, the specific standards used, the date the cylinder was tested, as well as the tare weight in kilograms which is around 4.1 kg. Genuine Solane Sakto LPG tanks also come with a white biodegradable seal.

To order Verified Solane LPG, customers may call the Solane Hatid Bahay Hotline +63 2 8887 5555 (Metro Manila) or place their orders through the Solane mobile app or through the Web Ordering Platform. For inquiries, they may also text or call +63 918 8875555 or +63 917 8977555 or send a message to Solane’s Facebook Messenger account.

Fans in the Philippines can now have a chance to go to Indonesia and watch the world's biggest multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) tournament. MPL Philippines officially launched its "Lipad Tungo sa Tagumpay" online contest to provide a lucky fan with an all-expense paid flight and hotel accommodation in Jakarta for the upcoming M4 World Championship from 14-16 January 2023.

Starting 26 November 2022, fans can submit creative video entries stating their message of support to the Philippines' M4 representatives. To officially submit an entry, fans are required to follow the mechanics listed below:

Create a video in a vertical orientation

Post the output on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok with the hashtags #PinasLangMalakas, #MLBBM4, and #MPLPH

Ensure that the entrant's profile is set to public

Follow and tag the official MPL Philippines account in the post.

The videos should relate to and mention the PH team battlecry "Pinas Lang Malakas" which aims to ignite the players' strength, pride, and honor to once again bring the championship title back to the Philippines.

Fans should meet all of the following criteria to qualify for the contest:

Should be a Filipino citizen aged 18 and above

Should have an active MLBB account

Should have a passport valid for 6 months starting January 2023

Should be available to fly to Jakarta on January 14-16

Should possess proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination (vaccination card or vaccination certificate from the Department of Health)

The qualifying entry with the most reactions will be declared the winner. Meanwhile, 10 lucky winners will be randomly chosen from the selection to be awarded Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in-game diamonds (up to 4,000). Another set of 10 random winners will be awarded an official M4-branded shirt from the official peripheral partner GANK. The deadline for submission is until 10 December 2022 only.

Get to know more about Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League - Philippines and stream the upcoming M4 World Championship by visiting the following official social media platforms:

Website: https://ph-mpl.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mplph.official

Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/463149115349162

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/MPLPhilippines

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mplph_official?lang=en

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Philippines: iOS and Play Store