A number of resorts and establishments in Boracay Island have made themselves stewards of waste management on the island. This after local officials in Aklan declared Boracay its waste management system a failure. With hundreds of thousands of tourists visiting the country’s prime tourist destination and with the construction of resorts and commercial establishments evolving at an increasing rate, Boracay’s business sector took the lead in implementing a proper waste management system by applying a grant to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Challenged to improve Boracay’s deteriorating environment, the Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) took the initiative to look for ways to handle its waste management system. The support and Php2 million grant from Private Enterprise Accelerated Resource Link Phase II (Pearl 2 project) under CIDA, the island’s successful waste management system has made it a role model for the entire province of Aklan.

BCCI put in an additional allocation worth Php2 million to the Canadian grant from the Canadian-based Pearl 2 project, and the project kicked off to a good start. The business sector organized a campaign in implementing waste management practices in different establishments that also covered ecological education seminars, capability building workshops and the construction of the Material Recovery Facility in Balabag, Aklan. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed between Barangay Balabag and BCCI.

The system enabled Boracay Island to have a more organized handling of waste: recycling formally done and organic waste matter properly handled. With the introduction of the PEARL 2 project, Aklan officials hailed the BCCI for its effort in implementing a proper waste management system. In particular, Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling acknowledged the role of the BCCI in partnering with the local government units program in ensuring that proper waste management systems in the resort island are being implemented. Pearl 2 is considered a flagship project of CIDA for private sector development in the country.

The project is aimed at providing assistance to small and medium enterprises, through Business Support Organization (BSOs), to enable them to remain competitive and as a result, create sustainable jobs for Filipinos. In an interview in Boracay last week, Philippe Bartholomi, chairman of the executive committee of BCCI and general manager of Fridays Boracay, said the members went through an extensive educational campaign.

“We went door-to-door,” Bartholomi said, adding that the project has taken shape through the support of the community and the Pearl 2. Bartholomi said everybody benefits from it and that BCCI was fully involved with the implementation. The BCCI ended its campaign, which is aimed at recognizing the efforts of the establishments in handling waste. Last year, the 2006 WOW (War on Waste) had 33 establishments vying for the outstanding waste management. The award was the result of months of observation, screening and judging made by a qualified board of judges. The award went to the best hotel, resort or restaurant with the best management practices. Another contest called Trophy Design Challenge was also held which was participated in by different schools. The objective was to submit a trophy using recyclable materials.
 
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry accorded the Most Outstanding Young Chamber Award to BCCI in Dec. of last year. Although there is still a lot to be accomplished, introducing the waste management system on the island was a good investment for the future as Boracay receives nearly 500,000 tourists a year.

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Qatar Airways Shows Major Presence at Fitur 2007

The government of Sweden, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), has given Php35 million (SEK 5 million) in response to the United Nations Typhoon appeal for the Philippines. The contribution will be channeled through the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children Educational Fund (UNICEF) for relief operations in areas in the Philippines severely affected by successive and devastating typhoons in 2006. The contribution is in addition to previous Swedish donations to typhoon-affected areas amounting Php55 million released in September and November last year.

In a press statement from the Embassy of Sweden in Manila, the Swedish contribution to the UN Typhoon Appeal is in support of two UNDP projects namely the Management and Support of Risk Resilient Recovery for approximately Php9 million and the Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation of Early Recovery Projects for approximately Php6 million; and approximately Php20 million in support to UNICEF projects within the areas of health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation and protection for the Bicol region and other areas in the Philippines severely affected by successive and devastating typhoons last year.

Previous donations were channeled through the Philippine Red Cross in response to the emergency appeal made by the International Federation of Red Cross amounting to Php35 million for relief work in South Luzon and primarily to purchase and provide accommodation, food, water, sanitary facilities and medical care. Another Php5 million was released through the Swedish Church for relief work in Daraga City and Legaspi Village providing food, emergency shelter and rehabilitation.

Other previous donations included Php3.5 million in support to the relief efforts of Star of Hope in the province of Albay and another Php5 million was provided through Save the Children for psycho-
social and education services of about 3000 school children in Camarines Sur and Marinduque. A sum of Php7.5 million was released through Plan Philippines.

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Several multinational corporations today have expanded their role beyond gaining profits and improving marketability. Business entities are starting to put corporate social responsibility in their corporate agenda. But one corporation led by PAMATEC (Paris-Manila Technology Corporation), along with other French and Filipino companies in the Philippines, has put up its own foundation called Together Ensemble to help foster development and progress in the Philippines.

Ben Gobin of Handicap International. and PAMATEC’s CEO and president Hubert d’Aboville.

Together Ensemble was formed in January 1992 and has formed partnerships with local non-governmental organizations through various social projects aimed at improving the lives of the underprivileged and calamity-stricken individuals, families and communities. Founded by Hubert d’Aboville, chief executive officer and president PAMATEC and his other French partners, the foundation immediately consolidated its resources and provided relief goods to the victims of typhoons and other natural calamities.

Since its inception, the foundation has spearheaded a number of relief operations and social projects. For this year, the foundation has lined up “multiple projects” working again with their French partners and with the support of NGOs. Together Ensemble has spearheaded a number of social projects. “The Philippine-French community has been helping Filipinos in so many ways,” says a member of the NGO.

Last year, Together Ensemble joined multisectoral efforts in providing relief and medical assistance to residents of Albay recently battered by super typhoons “Milenyo” and “Reming”. D’ Aboville and Ben Gobin of Handicap International, also a member of the foundation, met recently to work with other local NGOs for their projects in 2007.

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Macroasia Corporation was recently awarded the Best Annual Report Award by the Management Association of the Philippines in a ceremony held at the Hotel InterContinental Manila. First and second runner-up awards were also handed out to Aboitiz Transport System Corporation Manila Water Company, respectively. “You are all winners,” declared outgoing MAP president Evelyn R. Singson as she greeted the 15 semi-finalists. She added “MAP believes that the capital markets will develop quickly if information about companies flows freely to interested parties. Minority shareholders, with little participation in company management, learn about management decisions and governance through the annual reports.”

Other awards went to Aboitiz Equity Ventures and PLDT for Best Visual Presentation. PLDT also got Best Corporate Governance Disclosure for Non-Financial Institutions while Banco de Oro Universal Bank was acknowledged as Best in Corporate Governance Disclosure for Financial Institutions. The Special Award was given to the Ayala Group in recognition as a conglomerate with three or more companies that made it to the top 15 finalists.

The 15 finalists were: Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Aboitiz Transport System Corp., Ayala Land, Banco de Oro Universal bank, China Banking Corporation, Chinatrust (Phils.) Commercial bank Corp., First Gen Corporation, Globe Telecoms, Keppel Philippines Marine, Keppel Philippines Properties, Macroasia Corporation, Manila Water Company, Petron, PLDT and PSBank. MAP, the leading management organization in the country, holds this search to award corporations that practice good governance by adhering to the rules of transparency, accountability and are compliant with international standards of financial reporting. The event was held in cooperation with the Philippine Stock Exchange and Businessworld.

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THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION (EC), through a component of the Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) Program, has recently authorized the release of a Php64.4-M grant (1.1 million
euros) to various government agencies. The TRTA component 2, dubbed “Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)”, is directed at strengthening of inspections and enforcement measures through training and assessment, the upgrading of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) laboratories, and the development of a risk assessment and management system of selected government agencies, among others.

Serving as the main beneficiaries here are components of the tuna industry in General Santos, the Bureau of Customs, and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA); the latter serving as the executing agency. According to Frank Hess, certain aspects of the local system need to be amended for the long-term welfare and overall benefit of the people and locality as well.

“Certain parts of the legislation process and government agencies need to undergo re-structuring. The implementation process has to be improved. Likewise, everyone has to learn the spirit of teamwork so they can pursue their goals,” he added. The grant was released to enable local players to cope with the more complex and stringent requirements of the sophisticated consumers in the EU. To recall, the EU issued a temporary ban on local aquaculture products in 2003 and 2004 due to the presence of certain impurities in the tuna supply and poor methodologies and business practices utilized in the industry.

According to Atty. Malcolm Sarmiento Jr., director of BFAR, the local government units (LGUs) should be more attuned to the actual needs and overall development of the industry instead of financial revenues. “Their ordinances should be in line with the world business climate. The players
need new markets in order to increase livelihood opportunities for the people,” he continued. He expressed optimism that the impact of the assistance would be more for the long-term and eventually lead to a change in culture and habits of the officials.

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The Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CANCHAM) will present the first International ICT Awards Gala Night on March 1, 6 pm, at the Renaissance Makati City Hotel Manila. The International ICT Awards – Manila 2007 recognizes individuals and organizations that help promote the Philippines as a choice destination for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) for multinational companies.

Among the highlights of the event will be the special participation of Jim Dvorkin, Chief Technology Officer of Five9, one of Silicon Valley’s renowned technology gurus and high-ranking PLDT representatvive. In recent years, the Philippines has emerged as a dominant player in the booming ICT Industry in Asia Pacific as well as a top BPO destination.

The ICT Committee is now accepting nominations for the following categories: BPO Company of the Year, Best New BPO Locator, Best Mid Sized BPO Company, BPO Employer of the Year, Fastest Growing BPO Company, Most Innoivative BPO Company and IVT Individual Contributor of the Year. For more information or to download a nomination form, log on to: www.ict-awards.org or call the CANCHAM secretariat at (02)843-6457.

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The International Monetary Fund expects the Philippine economy to grow at a faster pace of 5.8 percent this year, reflecting improved investor confidence following fiscal reforms, but it said it was still worried about the huge public debt. The country’s gross domestic product grew 5.4 percent in 2006, below the IMF’s forecast of 5.5 percent. “Public debt remains sensitive to rollover and exchange rate risks and external commercial borrowing requirements, while declining, are still significant,” the IMF said in a statement following a regular consultation with Philippine authorities.

It urged Manila to sustain the reform momentum to maintain market confidence. “Impressive fiscal reforms in an environment of sustained growth and declining inflation have strengthened market confidence in the Philippines,” the Fund said. The IMF said GDP growth could be stronger over the medium term if more reforms to reduce public debt more sustainably are done. “Continued reforms are also necessary to boost investment and growth and accelerate progress in reducing poverty,” it said.

A renewed surge in oil prices, a slowdown in the global economy, and a sudden reversal in global risk appetite are the main downside risks to the outlook, it said. In December the Philippine central bank paid in full the country’s $219.7 million in outstanding obligations to the IMF, which triggered Manila’s exit from a post-program monitoring arrangement with the Fund at the end of 2006. (PIA)

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Rondalla Festival: A Cultural Identity

By Jacqueline L. Ong

It may be but a simple eight stringed wooden instrument found in just about any music store. But for the rondalla to have a yearly festival held in its honor, an international one at that, there must be something beyond its passable frame. Now on its second year, the Rondalla Festival is going international as it welcomes 450 delegates from the world over to congregate in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental for a week-long celebration of music heritage.

A group of rondalla players

From Feb. 19–25, foreign participants such as the The Quartet Phoenix of Russia, Three Plucked Strings of Israel, the Gitameit of Myanmar, Rondanihan of Australia, Rondalla del Recuerdo and La Rondalla Magisterial of Mexico, Ryukyu Kingdom Traditional Music and Dance Co. of Japan, Chiangmai Rajabhat University and Mahasarakham University of Thailand, Singapore Rondalla of Singapore, will gather together with local groups such as the Celso Espejo Rondalla, Sta. Rita de Cascia Children’s Rondalla, Handuwaran, Zamboanga del Norte High School Rondalla, The Cainta Los Trobadores Rondalla, Kwerdas and the Kabataang Silay Performing Arts and Rondalla Ensemble for the “Cuerdas sa Panaghuisa” (Strings of Unity), the Second International Rondalla Festival.

The rondalla that is now indigenous to the Philippine provinces originated in Spain, which was perhaps acculturated to the Philippines within the more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule. According to festival director Dr. Ramon Santos, the Spanish rondalla originally came from the Moors of the Arabic world.

In time, one cannot really say that a piece of art is native to this or that society. As “there’s no original when you talk of culture,” he adds. The lowly rondalla gets to be on the centerstage of the festival. This is due in part to the efforts of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts to further the advancement of indigenous cultures as part of a broader campaign in revitalizing Philippine tradition. The rondalla has been here for 100–150 years, says Dr. Santos, but it’s not as widely known and exposed to the general public as it should be. When asked why the festival simply focuses on one instrument, and in particular this wooden string that looks like a guitar, Dr. Santos explains that although they have considered the kulintang and its likes, these traditions have a certain ethnicity to it, found only in small ethnic groups.

What the core group of organizers, which is composed of the NCCA, the University of the Philippines College of Music and the Province of Negros Oriental through its Governor George Arnaiz, is looking for is a tradition that cuts across all regions and sectors of society and that which is known as a common heritage, thereby a mark of cultural identity. He explains that the rondalla could be found in Cagayan de Oro to Zamboanga and it reaches to children, adults, churches, “it’s a national tradition,” he elaborates. Dumaguete, a provincial city in the Visayas, was chosen as the site of this year’s festival, following last year’s successful pitch in the Bicol region. “Because it is in the provincial and local communities where you will find this tradition still alive and really part of the everyday life of the people,” Dr. Santos relates.

Nightly concerts to be held at the city’s convention center will be the highlights of the festival. Also, a month-long exhibit on the shared cultural heritage of the plucked string would be showcased at the Silliman Hall of the Silliman University in Dumaguete. Outreach performances in the streets, the senior citizens centers, nongovernmental organizations, orphanages, nursing homes, hospitals as well as the city and provincial jails will also be conducted, prompting Dr. Santos to remark in humor that none will be spared by the music of the rondalla. Through this festival, the organizers hope to achieve greater awareness and to encourage all sectors to take up the rondalla as part of understanding the Philippine heritage more. On such premise, a series of workshops will be held on the history, transmission, conservation, performance practice, organology and even instrument-making. For more information on the festival, call (02)926-0028, email rondalla2007@yahoo.com or check the website at www.rondallafestival.com.

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Channel and Sony Ericsson, come together to showcase the richness and vibrancy of Asia through Windows Into Asia, a one-of-a- kind event that celebrates photography at its best. The integrated campaign “Windows Into Asia,” composed of a series of on-air vignettes, online contest and below-the-line promotions, encourages people in Asia to view life through their own perspectives and to celebrate it by capturing those memorable moments with Sony Ericsson’s camera phones.

In this campaign, National Geographic Channel photographer, Matthieu Paley was given the challenge to explore and capture diverse cultures, landscapes, sceneries and beautiful colours using Sony Ericsson’s recently launched of 3.2 megapixel Cyber-shot™ phone, which sets the standards for mobile photography. Avi Himatsinghani, Vice President of Advertising Sales & Integrated Marketing, National Geographic Channel Asia, says: “National Geographic has always been known for its excellence in photography, and showcasing the world in different and inspiring perspectives. This great partnership with Sony Ericsson adds a fresh dimension to how one can see and appreciate our world.”

“As a leader in the mobile phone industry, Sony Ericsson is bringing mobile photography to new heights with its proven Cyber-shot™ technology. The way people are exploring and capturing images is changing and we are glad to be at the forefront in facilitating that change. Windows Into Asia is an example of this. Together with the National Geographic Channel, we open the Windows Into Asia and celebrate its culture, people and places through captivating visuals.” - Chris Lee, Vice President, Marketing (Asia Pacific), Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications.

A series of 60-seconds, 30-seconds and two 10-seconds on-air vignettes will be produced as part of the campaign. Consumers will also have access to exclusive downloads of ring tones, video and wallpaper that are made specifically for this campaign. The campaign also includes the Windows Into Asia Awards 2007, an online photo contest until February 25, 2007, where participants from seven countries (India, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Pakistan) are invited to submit photos taken by their camera phones.

These photos would be each individual’s unique interpretation of the way they see Asia, and they should fascinate, captivate and inspire. First prize winner from each of the above countries will each receive one Sony Ericsson’s 3.2 megapixel Cyber-shot™ phone. Runners up prizes will receive other National Geographic premiums including National Geographic: The Book of Photography. And to top it all, among the seven first prize winners of each country, one grand prize winner will be picked to win a “Mongolia: Land of the Nomad” National Geographic Expedition in July 2007 for two. For more details on Windows Into Asia, log on to www.ngcasia.com/windowsintoasia

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Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and Andrew Adamson’s The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe—just two movies which have had their share of the limelight, well-received by the world audience and proudly New Zealand-made. Come February 12 until the 15th, the New Zealand Film Festival showcases 13 full-length, short and experimental films to the public. To be screened at the University of the Philippines’ Cine Adarna in Quezon City, the festival brings to the fore the world’s best cinematographers, directors and actors. On view are The Grocer’s, Apprentice,
Sione’s Wedding, Two Cars One Night, Blue Willow, Whale Rider, No Ordinary Sun, In My Father’s Den, among others. The festival is open to the public. For film schedules, please call (02)8915458.

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