Get ready for The Ultimate Shopping Experience this December!

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The much-anticipated World Bazaar Festival (WBF) 2023 is set to captivate avid shoppers and enthusiasts alike as it unveils the grand spectacle of retail therapy at its finest. With the theme Shop til you pop, the 23rd edition of World Bazaar Festival promises an unparalleled shopping experience that celebrates the diversity of global merchandise in the country.

The World Bazaar Festival has long been revered as a premier destination for those seeking a one-of-a-kind shopping adventure during the Holiday Rush. With an extensive array of international and local “bazaaristas”, visitors can expect a curated selection of RTW’s, shoes and bags, pre-loved items, pet accessories, artisanal goods and organic produce, food options and a whole lot more - all uniquely styled for your shopping glee!

Woobie, the official WBF mascot, will shop with visitors through the labyrinth of choices, offering a curated selection of the latest trends and exclusive deals on budget friendly choices! So get ready for a Christmas Shopping Wonderland where you can explore pavilions dedicated to showcasing products from various corners of the country. Experience our star studded activities and witness the extravagant performances of Drag Queens at the POPDiva: Colors of pride. Meet cosplay characters that came to life in COSWALK: Parade of Characters and get ready to meet the newest boy band sensation at The World Stage!

Get it, let it roll! Get ready to witness our HALLYU contestant as they set the dance floor on fire with the kpop hits! From dancing to singing, get ready to sing the holiday tunes the only at the "Christmas Carols with the Angels". Put up your painting brush, and start coloring your dreams here at this year’s Woobie’s ArtFest!

The World Bazaar Festival 2023 promises an unforgettable fusion of Chritsmas and pop culture. Join us as we navigate the shopping universe together at the World Trade Centre From December 13-22, 2023. Get ready to "Shop 'til you pop" and discover the joy of finding the extraordinary amidst the ordinary. This event is organized by Worldbex Services International and for the benefit of ABS CBN Foundation Inc.

Get you tickets now! www.worldbazaarfestival.com

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Advocates launch Media Guide and ‘Visibility is Key’ Campaign Empowering Stories on HIV

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In observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, a network of advocates on Wednesday launched a media guide on HIV that will help Filipino journalists and media outlets produce ‘truthful, empowering, and human rights-based’ reporting on the issue. HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus.

‘Empowered Stories: Media Guide on HIV Reporting’ contains up-to-date information about HIV in the Philippines as an effort to encourage members of the media to veer away from sensationalized reporting.

“Sensationalizing and assuming shame in HIV reporting prevent people from getting tested and availing treatment,” said Anastacio Marasigan, President of TLF SHARE Collective, Inc., one of the organizations behind the media guide.

 

In the latest data released by the Department of Health- Epidemiology Bureau, the country posted the fastest growing HIV epidemic in Asia and the Pacific region with a 418% change in new infections between 2010 and 2022 and 518% change in AIDS-related deaths between the same period. There are now an estimated 164,400 people living with HIV in the country and 24,400 new infections are estimated to be added in 2022 alone, and nearly half (47%) are among the youth ages 15-24 years old.

“Public conversations surrounding HIV should inform the public of the latest developments and equip them, especially the youth, with accurate information to protect themselves,” he added.

‘Visibility is Key’

The media guide is part of the larger ‘Visibility is Key’ campaign, together with a series of videos featuring PLHIVs from different backgrounds. “The campaign seeks to break down barriers by putting a spotlight on the lives of courageous individuals who have been living with HIV and leading the country’s HIV response,” said Dr. Louie Ocampo, Country Director of UNAIDS Philippines.

“Persons living with HIV can lead healthy and happy lives and can contribute to nation-building,” he added. “Highlighting their stories will dispel misconceptions, foster empathy, and create an environment of acceptance.”


Letting communities be seen and lead

Mara Quesada, Executive Director of Action for Health Initiatives, Inc. (ACHIEVE), said that it will be difficult to address the rising incidence of HIV in the country without the meaningful participation of affected communities in decision-making processes, including in development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of HIV programs and services.

“Understanding the realities faced by affected communities helps ensure that the national HIV response is relevant and effective. It is time to let communities be seen and lead. It is time to change genres in storytelling about HIV from horror stories into stories of hope. We need a stronger stance against stigma and discrimination,” she added.

“Fostering a climate of openness for dialogue and education is the media’s unique contribution to achieving a world without AIDS by 2030,” Dr. Ocampo also said.



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DepEd, Go Negosyo link up to implement school garden project ‘Pampaaralang Taniman ng mga Agribida’

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The Department of Education (DepEd) and Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation, Inc. - Go Negosyo on Monday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement a School Garden Project dubbed as the Pampaaralang Taniman ng mga Agribida (PTA).

Aimed at advancing entrepreneurship skills in agriculture among the Filipino youth, the PTA project will establish and institutionalize school gardens in public schools, focusing on the cultivation of short-duration, specific-location crops and commodities.

With private sector assistance, the partnership will also enable various Parent-Teacher Associations to take the lead in planning, implementing, managing, and monitoring the school gardens and encourage active participation of the learners.

During the ceremonial signing of the partnership, Vice President of the Philippines and Secretary of the Department of Education Sara Z. Duterte stressed that the country must instill innovative mindsets in the Filipino youth to achieve a truly progressive nation.

“We are excited about the partnership. We are excited for the children. It will develop a responsive curriculum for agribusiness and entrepreneurship. By incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities, we will help learners grasp theoretical concepts and foster and an entrepreneurial spirit,” VP-Sec. Duterte said.

The MOA between DepEd and Go Negosyo also have other program components, including Curriculum Integration for Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness Education, Mentoring the Mentors Session, Youthpreneur Mentorship Programs, Stakeholder Partnerships, Showcase Agribusiness Events, and Self-liquidating Activity (Adopt-a-School Program).

“It is in education that I think we can make a big difference, and I’m calling your support. 

And this time, let’s help the Department of Education through our Vice President Sara to help, teach, and inspire our students to be the next entrepreneurs,” Go Negosyo Founder and Private Sector Advisory Council Lead for Jobs Sector Joey Concepcion noted.

DepEd highlights learner rights and protection measures in 2023 NCM culmination

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To culminate the celebration of National Children’s Month (NCM), the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday highlighted its significant measures in championing Learner Rights and Protection. 

In her keynote speech, Vice President of the Philippines and Secretary of DepEd underscored the importance of providing children with safe space, which is vital in their development. 

“Today, we conclude the observation of National Children’s Month, reminding us that we are tasked to provide our children with a safe, nurturing, and loving life that allows them to play, learn, and grow into responsible, productive, and well-rounded individuals," VP-Secretary Duterte said. 

“This task is binding and requires our will, commitment, and a strong sense of unity of purpose as a community of elected leaders, policy makers, educators, advocates, development partners, business development supporters, and parents all working together to champion Filipino Children," she added.

Meanwhile, the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) launched the Learners Helpline Jingle and Theme Song titled Karapatan ng Kabataan: Kilalanin, Iparating, Itaguyod.

The jingle aims to introduce the mandates of the LTCCH and ensure easy recall of helpline numbers to learners, parents, and stakeholders. 

Atty. Suzette Gannaban-Medina, OIC-Director of the LRPO, presented the Learner Rights and Protection Policy, which is the enhanced version of DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, including recent laws and issuances in relation to learner protection.

She also discussed the Guidelines on the Implementation of the Safe Spaces Act in Basic Education, a measure to ensure a positive and safe learning environment free from gender-based violence, especially gender-based sexual harassment.

Moreover, Atty. Gannaban-Medina explained the Protocols on the Handling of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAC) Learners, which shall guide all DepEd personnel and stakeholders on the appropriate handling and treatment of CSAC learners, ensuring the protection of all our learners in times of armed conflict.

The NCM culmination was attended by partner-organizations and allies for learner rights and protection advocacies.

CALAX Silang Aguinaldo now serving over 10,000 Motorists

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MPCALA Holdings Inc., the concessionaire of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), has announced that, in less than a month, it has already surpassed its targeted daily traffic for the recently opened Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange, with the highest daily traffic exceeding11,000 vehicles—well beyond the projected 5,000 cars.

This 4km segment of CALAX, which directly connects to Aguinaldo Highway, seamlessly transports motorists towards tourist destinations in Tagaytay, Silang, Dasmarinas, and other nearby cities and municipalities in the province of Cavite.

Meanwhile, MPCALA states that construction for the remaining portion of the CALAX Cavite Segment continues in full swing. The next interchange will be a 7.9km 2x2 lane expressway that will extend from Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange to Governor’s Drive in General Trias.

As of the date, more than 95% of the right-of-way for this segment has already been acquired, and the team has already begun earthworks and bridge constructions.

“Governor’s Drive will be the second-longest segment of CALAX, spanning almost 8km in length. We target to open it to the motoring public before the end of 2024. Through this interchange, we aspire to revolutionize our motorist travel experience, by connecting communities and helping improve the economy of the region,” shared Mr. Raul L. Ignacio, President, and General Manager of MPCALA.

Looking forward, CALAX is set to reach a total length of 45 kilometers by 2025, featuring eight strategically positioned interchanges: Technopark, Laguna Boulevard, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Silang East, Silang (Aguinaldo), Governor's Drive, Open Canal, and Kawit Interchange. CALAX will seamlessly connect with the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) in Kawit, further unifying key regions. Presently, operational segments span from Mamplasan Rotunda up to the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange.

MPCALA, a Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) subsidiary, is the leading mobility infrastructure and solutions provider in the Philippines. As the toll road development arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), MPTC's portfolio includes the concession rights for North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), NLEX Connector Road, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu, in addition to CALAX and CAVITEX.

For inquiries about this press release please email us at: corpcomm@mptsouth.com

Postmaster General Luis Carlos attends North Luzon PHLPost employee’s assembly

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The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos, Chief of Staff Marc Laurente, Area 1 North East Luzon Regional Director Dr. Melody Olavidez and Executive Assistant Jocelyn Cacho attended the Postmasters Assembly held at Hotel Mills and Rain in Ilagan City, Isabela.

Postmasters from Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Nueva Ecija and Aurora Provinces were present to express their support to the ongoing program of PHLPost most especially in the rehabilitation of the Manila Central Post Office building.

PMG Carlos also discussed the financial condition of the Post, its current projects in the mail operations, the Barangay Postal Station and the implementation of the New Zip Code. He thanked the Office of the President for prioritizing the release of Franking Privilege reimbursement which is needed to boost the improvement in mail systems and to pay other current obligations.

PHLPost release stamps to mark National Children’s Month

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The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has launched new stamps featuring artworks and illustrations dedicated in the observance of National Children’s Month (NSCM).

The stamps were unveiled by National Authority for Child Care (NACC) Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada, Postmaster General Luis Carlos, Ms. Beth Parrocha, book illustrator and author, SM Supermalls Senior Vice President for Operations Engr. Bien Mateo and Vice President for MBBU Operations Queenie Rodulfo during the three-day stamp exhibit in celebration of the 256th founding anniversary of the Philippine Postal Service and National Stamp Collecting Month (NSCM) held at Music Hall, Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

 
“The National Children’s Month or “Buwan ng mga Bata” special stamps, souvenir sheets, and official first-day cover were brought to life through the artistic brilliance of Ms. Beth Parrocha, a renowned book illustrator to have this beautiful masterpiece put into stamps”, PMG Carlos said.

Estrada lauded the efforts of PHLPost led by Postmaster General Luis Carlos to promote the well-being and development of the child by issuing the special stamps in celebration of National Children’s Month.

 
The Award winning collectors’ composed of Rey Ong, Jimmy Ang, Dodjie Lutera, Hans Becker, Alfredo Roxas, Robert Tan, Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak, Josie Cura and Benjamin Respecio exhibited their rare stamp collections, as well as those stamps recovered in the recent fire that gutted the Manila Central Post Office.

 
The historic “Manila Central Post Office” and “Dogs in Philippine History” commemorative stamps were both launched during the event. PHLPost in-house graphic artists’ Jose Antonio Jayme and Israel Viyo both designed the historic stamps.

 
Under Republic Act No. 10661, the National Children’s Month (NCM), also known as the “Buwan ng mga Bata” in the Philippines, the month of November of every year, is being commemorated pursuant to the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on 20 November 1989 which seeks to instill its significance in the Filipino consciousness and to sustain the promotion and protection of children’s rights.

 
The 31st observance of the NCM this November 2023 focuses on children’s survival rights, particularly on healthcare and nutrition, with the theme “Healthy, Nourished, Sheltered: Ensuring the Right to Life for All’.