PH Strikes Energy Development Initiatives from AMEM35

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi announced today (2 October) that the Philippine delegation conducted bilateral talks with China, Japan, Singapore, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the US-ASEAN Business Council on possible cooperation in oil exploration and natural gas industry, as well as renewable energy and emerging technologies.

The talks were an offshoot of the 35th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM35) hosted by the Philippines, according to Secretary Cusi, who said "the Philippines is attuned with the ASEAN’s vision of being the bright spot for energy investments and development in the global arena."

Cusi revealed that the Philippines is presently finalizing policies on natural gas and may have agreements with development partners like China, Japan and Singapore after the publication of the policy which is on 30 October this year "to fully embark on viable LNG cooperation projects."

The DOE is looking at three models on how the country will develop and utilize the natural gas resource: namely, to source indigenous natural gas, like that of Malampaya; to import liquefied natural gas (LNG); and to combine both models. LNG facilities, from the upstream to the downstream shall be established following the Philippine Natural Gas Regulation. Facilities include the integrated LNG import, storage, regasification and receiving terminals, pipelines and related facilities.

Coding Knows No Boundaries

Chaos

As parents toil over long work days, children often go unsupervised. The adult drama would often roll over into children’s lives as relationships soured, fights took place, employment statuses changed… As chaos emerged as a persistent theme in these children’s lives, it is unsurprising that plans are unheard of. In fact, many are pushed into rental housing due to “deteriorating family ties – divorce, abandonment or strained relationships” and stairwells lurking with drunks, drug abusers and loan sharks.

The challenge posed to us is then: How do we systematically, sustainably encourage these children to create with technology? How can we help them chart a better course forward, within constraints and given the particular challenges of their situation?

Scarcity

People lead intensely claustrophobic lives due to big family sizes and may eat as little as a meal, or none, through the day.

Such scarcity wields a powerful influence over behaviour. When resources are scarce, people are more predisposed to compete than to cooperate; when there is little social contact between neighbours, people are more predisposed to be aloof than to adopt prosocial behaviours.

That’s a phenomenon well-documented by psychologists: if the mind is focused on one thing, other abilities and skills—attention, self-control, and long-term planning—often suffer. Like a computer running multiple programs, Mullainathan and Shafir explain, our mental processors begin to slow down. We don’t lose any inherent capacities, just the ability to access the full complement ordinarily available for use.

But what’s most striking—and in some circles, controversial—about their work is not what they reveal about the effects of scarcity. It’s their assertion that scarcity affects anyone in its grip.

Their argument: qualities often considered part of someone’s basic character—impulsive behaviour, poor performance in school, poor financial decisions—may, in fact, be the products of a pervasive feeling of scarcity. And when that feeling is constant, as it is for people mired in poverty, it captures and compromises the mind. (Source: http://harvardmagazine.com/2015/05/the-science-of-scarcity)

Fear

In this context, it is hardly surprising that there is an underlying current of pervasive fear. Fear of betrayal, fear of trying, fear of being ridiculed or laughed at. While most children may have parents, teachers and other adults pushing them on, urging them to keep trying if not telling them that they are the centre of the world, kids growing up in disadvantaged families enjoy no such cushion. Lack of supervision often means that they have to learn to take care of themselves and younger siblings from a young age, all while trying to grasp academic work that can oftentimes feel far-removed from their daily experiences.

This fear holds people back, and they dare not tread on to newer grounds that may provide more fertile pastures for their talents. In practical terms, this means that our coding classes are not just about technicalities and the mechanics of making an app, but getting these children to believe in their abilities to create as well. And why might coding classes for children from disadvantaged families be necessary rather than a luxury you ask?

Why Coding?

Research from OECD “found that richer teenagers were more likely to use the internet to search for information or to read news rather than to chat or play video games.” Computing costs have never been cheaper and information has never been more accessible, the critical bottleneck when it comes to unleashing digital opportunities for growth and innovation has been the missing analogue foundation of education and awareness.

In an age of fermenting populist fury at digital disruptions and widening inequality, the way forward cannot be a retreat to tribal enclaves but to forge a more inclusive globalisation and to enhance access to opportunities – and coding is a critical pillar of that since the ability to communicate with machines is the new literacy that is richly rewarded in our Information Age.

Technology, or rather the lack of effective use of it, is a source of much inequality. Without proper guidance, kids fall prey to games and entertainment when they could be making their own games instead. Hence, learning to code holds the key to closing up the gap of the digital divide.

Code-a-Thon is a learning-intensive hackathon experience where beginners and experienced coders, designers and business people alike come together to develop app prototypes under the theme of Technopreneurship for Gender Equality in 2017.

This extended experience takes participants through a kick-off weekend, followed by a period of ongoing consultations/mentorship with local mentors until they finally submit their entries online for judging.

Our Lead Sponsors are the U.S. State Department under its Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative and the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council.

Why Take Part?

●          Code for change!

●          Build your portfolio and learn new transferable skills with industry mentors

●          Receive feedback from esteemed judges

●          Win prizes and/or media mention!

Who can take part?

Whether you are a complete newbie or a hacker, your entries will be judged holistically… We offer 2 separate judging tracks for you to compete in teams of 2-5:

●          Pre-university

●          University

Anyone from outside of these categories are more than welcomed to join EXCEPT that:

●          You will not be eligible for certain sponsor prizes

●          No team should have 50% or more of its members from outside of the track that they have chosen to participate in

             

When is it?

City                             #codeathon kick-off

Singapore                    18-19 March 2017

Hanoi                          22-23 July 2017

Ho Chi Minh               TBA

Jakarta                        TBA

Kuala Lumpur             12-13 August 2017

Bangkok                      TBA

Denpasar                     TBA

Brunei                         TBA

Yangon                       TBA

Penang                        25-26 November 2017

Suzhou                        TBA

Manila                         7- 8 October 2017

Hangzhou                    TBA

Nanjing                       TBA

Beijing                        TBA

Creative Works of Imagination at the 2017 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence

The tradition of celebrating Filipino artistry and creativity continues as the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) recognized another batch of promising artists for the 2017 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) in an awarding ceremonies held last September 21, 2017 at the at the Le Pavillon, Metropolitan Park, Pasay City. Three young painters and two professional sculptors will be welcomed to the roster of MADE awardees since 1984. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero served as guests of honor. National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose, together with distinguished art personalities and officials from the diplomatic community, government, academe, civil society, and business graced the event. 

This year’s MADE carried the theme “IMAGINE” where Filipino painters and sculptors were challenged to root their creative works on the very seedbed of their artistic genius—the human imagination. MBFI believes that as artists, they hold the power to imagine things anew. Through MADE, they are empowered to showcase and render their creative side to become true works of art.

“The theme affirms our advocacy to empower artists across the country to create new worlds and alternative realities rooted in every seedbed of creative genius: the human imagination,” said MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña. “But more than that, it is a call to action. It poses a challenge to every Filipino far and wide to use the power of their artistic judgment to bring color to our nation” he continued. 

Sculpture Recognition Program

Bacolod City-based sculptor Moreen Joy Austria earned the Grand Award for her sculpture entitled “Pagtaguyod.” Inspired by the closeness and warmth of Filipino families, Austria used fabricated stainless steel to form human figures of a family supporting each other as they rise.

For Austria, Pagtaguyod also embodies the sense of family and inclusion that is reflected on how Filipinos relate with their countrymen. On top of the sculptural piece is a blue “paper airplane” that symbolizes a society of progress and optimism.

A reflection of values that define Filipinos, Pagtaguyod translates to a range of meanings: Promote. Patronize. Foster.


Adulmari “Toym” Imao, Jr., on the other hand, was awarded with a Special Citation for his sculpture entitled “Monument for the Pursuit of Happiness.” Inspired by the tree of life, the sculpture features the growth and blossoming of an individual depicted by different family milestones that is shown from every side of the work.

Imao used a canopy populated by migratory birds which takes a contemporary form of a sarimanok, to depict the many narratives of happiness in the family that a person would always remember. The whole piece is supported by bamboo pillars which imitate the strength and courage of Filipinos to hurdle all challenges with the support of their family. Imao is the son of national artist Abdulmari Imao and has done many symbolic sculptural pieces in the country. 

In partnership with property developer Federal Land, Inc. (FLI), this year’s Sculpture Recognition Program awardees will have the chance to be commissioned for the actual installation of their art piece along the Metro Park rotunda in Pasay City.



 The Final Board of Judges was chaired by architect and glass sculptor Ramon Orlina, joined by multi-awarded sculptor Juan Sajid Imao; renowned art critic and author of more than 40 art books Cid Reyes; internationally-acclaimed sculptor Daniel Dela Cruz; sculptor, art teacher, and Art Informal Galleries co-founder Salvador “Joel” Alonday; and the country’s pioneer in art installation Luis “Junyee” Yee, Jr.



Painting Recognition Program

Amateur artists Paul John Cabanalan and Marvin Quizon were the Grand Awardees for the Painting Recognition Program under the categories of Oil/ Acrylic on Canvas and Watermedia on Paper, respectively.

Concerned with the daily issues happening in their local community and in the country, Ilonggo artist Cabanalan used his art piece entitled “Genesis” to portray chaos and disorder through a mix of elements like human illustrations of varying emotions and sizes, city buildings, and some component of nature.

With his observations and experiences as inspirations of his works, Cabanalan believes that his paintings serve as his journal, a record of his experiences, the people he interacts with, and the places he has visited. An Architect by profession, Cabanalan finished his degree at the Iloilo Science and Technology University.



       
On the other hand, Marvin Quizon’s “For Those Who Lived and [are] Forgotten” uses an image of a lifeless bird with flowers and branches growing from it, a reminder of life that comes after death and a symbol for new beginnings and opportunities that may open.

In his work, Quizon also conveys the significance of life for those who have lived and departed, emphasizing their good deeds which must always be remembered by their loved ones. A native of Baliuag, Bulacan, Quizon finished Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Advertising Arts at the Bulacan State University-Malolos. 

Meanwhile, Caviteño artist Jett Stanley Osian received the Special Citation for his artwork entitled “Tell Lie Vision.” Entered under the Oil/ Acrylic on Canvas category, the work rendered monochromatic television sets watched with awe by onlookers whose backs are turned to the viewers. The art piece depicts questionable information being fed by the media as well as the humanity’s clamor for social truth.

A full-time artist and a member of an artist group Studio 1616, Osian hails from Dasmariñas, Cavite and is a graduate of Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Advertising Arts at the Technological University of the Philippines in Manila.



This year’s Final Board of Judges was chaired by one of the country’s leading advertising art director and visual artist, Lydia Velasco. Members included award-winning visual artist Emmanuel “Manny” Garibay; contemporary visual artist Ferdinand Montemayor; visual artist and West Gallery owner Soler Santos; and Ateneo Art Gallery curator and Ateneo De Manila University Fine arts Department lecturer Ma. Victoria “Boots” Herrera. 


Awarding Ceremony & Exhibit Opening

Grand Awardees for both Painting and Sculpture Recognition Programs received a financial incentive of P500,000 plus a “Mula” glass trophy designed by sculptor and past MADE awardee Noell El Farrol. Recipients of the Special Citation for Painting and Sculpture Recognition Programs received financial incentive of P30,000 and P50,000, respectively, and a plaque. They automatically become a part of the MADE-Network of Winners (MADE-NOW), the alumni organization of MADE awardees, leading pay-it-forward projects for the marginalized sectors.

The winning artworks, including the semi-finalists, will be exhibited from September 22 to 23 at the Le Pavillon. A two-day lecture will also be held in the same venue—September 22 “MADE Art Exploration Lecture Series” and September 23 “Cultural Heritage & Education Program Lecture Series” from 9AM to 5PM. Admission to the lectures is free. Interested individuals may call Nicole Soriano at 898-8856; e-mail nicole.soriano@metrobank.com.ph; or check the MADE Facebook page for updates.

Now on its 33rd year, MADE has set the benchmark among the country’s art competitions, raising the general public’s appreciation for the arts through exhibits and lectures and has long served as the career launch pad of the country’s most admired contemporary artists and sculptors. Among its past awardees are Elmer Borlongan, Mark Justiniani, Jan Leeroy New, Salvador “Buddy” Ching, and Andres Barrioquinto.


*****

The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) was established on January 8, 1979 by Dr. George S. K. Ty, sixteen (16) years after he founded the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank). As the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group, the Foundation implements various programs in recognizing excellence among key pillars of society, education, visual arts, healthcare including active and dynamic partnerships with other organizations that likewise provide services for the underprivileged sectors of society, while remaining to be responsive to relief and rehabilitation efforts for affected Filipinos in times of natural calamities in the Philippines and in Asia. Its flagship programs include the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, implemented under 3 component recognition programs—Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT), The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS), and Country's Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS); Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE); MetroGold Scholarship Program (MSP); Metrobank MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC); Grants and Social Development Partnerships; and Disaster Response. MBFI also spearheads the celebration of the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) held from September 5 to October 5 of every year since 2008. It also supports programs aimed at educating the citizenry on public-interest issues through research and lectures given by the distinguished chair holders of the Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair Lectures, established by the Foundation in partnership with reputable educational institutions. MBFI is also the principal owner of the Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH), one of the leading centers of wellness in the country. The Foundation endeavors to be the country’s premier corporate philanthropic foundation contributing a significant impact on social development. As a development organization, its goal is to uplift individuals and the sectors they represent and strategically link with institutions for a shared-purpose. By creating and propagating a culture of excellence and providing solutions to stakeholder’s needs, the Foundation shall continuously expand its scope of reach and be at the forefront in serving communities. “Excel. Engage. Empower” or the 3Es shall remain our roadmap.