WWF-PH recognizes local sustainable urban development champions in the One Planet City Challenge Awarding Ceremony 2020

Wazzup Pilipinas!

13 cities across the country were awarded on December 9 in the first-ever virtual run of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines’ One Planet City Challenge Awarding Ceremony, hosted by WWF-PH Ambassador Karen Ibasco.

The event, which was held via Zoom, recognized the efforts of the Philippine cities that participated in the 2019-2020 run of One Planet City Challenge (OPCC)—the WWF network’s biennial global challenge that aims to promote best practices in climate mitigation and adaptation anchored in the cities’ crucial role in building a sustainable and climate-safe future. 

Above photo shows WWF-PH Executive Director Jose Angelito Palma commends the awardees for finding solutions to ensure that development is made sustainable, putting into the equation the health of the environment and the health of their citizens. 

In his opening remarks, Palma expressed his appreciation for the Philippine cities that participated in this call for transformational governance.

"We would like to thank the 13 cities for striving to make things better. We hope that all (Philippine) cities will do their part to ensure that we attain our 1.5°C target because it connects to our survival. Maraming salamat, and we hope we all put our minds and efforts together to attain a more sustainable and climate-friendly future not just for the Philippines, but the whole world,” said Mr. Palma.

WWF-PH Project Manager for One Planet Cities Imee Bellen shares the critical role of cities in a climate-defined future and how the One Planet City Challenge aims to help transform these urban areas. Photograph © WWF-Philippines.

Bellen highlighted the critical role of cities as important actors in the transition toward a low-carbon and sustainable future as well as provided an overview of the OPCC 2020, which represented 66% of the global population, with 255 cities from 53 countries sharing their plans and initiatives to achieve climate resiliency. Meanwhile, a representative from ICLEI-Southeast Asia Secretariat, Pamela Cabacungan shared the data submissions of the 13 participating cities that served as the basis of the screening assessment and feedback. 

WWF-PH Integrated Communications Manager Pamela Bianca Luber shares the best practices of this year’s We Love Cities Campaign local finalists. Interwoven with the One Planet Cities Challenge, We Love Cities Campaign is a WWF initiative which has empowered the general public globally with the opportunity to celebrate, vote, and upgrade their city through suggestions made and addressed to decision-makers. Through the OPCC, Batangas City, Muntinlupa City, and Santa Rosa City, were the representatives of the Philippines in this year’s We Love Cities campaign and all the three Philippine cities ranked into the Top 10, out of 54 cities in 26 participating countries across the globe for the 2020 edition. Photograph © WWF-Philippines.

Also present was WWF-Philippines Integrated Communications Manager Pamela Luber who discussed the process and objectives of the WLC campaign, including the digital efforts by the national representatives. Batangas City, Muntinlupa City, and Santa Rosa City all ranked within the Top 10, out of 54 cities in 26 participating countries across the globe for the 2020 edition. 

League of Cities of the Philippines Executive Director Atty. Shereen Gail Yu-Pamituan gives a keynote message acknowledging the efforts of the participating cities to create a climate-secure future for their constituents.

Pamituan gave a keynote message acknowledging the efforts of the participating cities to create a more sustainable future for their communities, even in these challenging times.

“Without a doubt, environmental sustainability lies at the intersection of public health and climate change. Thus, it is very encouraging to see the quality of work exhibited by our cities to address this despite restrictions in movement and limited resources in this very unique time in history. It only highlights the commitment and dedication of our cities to be of service to their communities and support actions that aim to mitigate the impact of climate change and COVID19,” Atty. Yu-Pamituan shared. 

Wrapping up the event is WWF-PH Climate and Energy Programme Head Atty. Angela Ibay who led the commitment ceremony encouraging cities to continue doing climate actions that will lead them to a 1.5C trajectory and encourage other cities to ensure a climate-secure future for their constituents.

Atty. Angela Ibay, WWF-Philippines Climate and Energy Programme Head, wrapped up the event by leading the commitment ceremony to continue doing climate actions that will lead them to a 1.5°C trajectory and encourage other cities to ensure a climate-secure future for their constituents. Atty. Ibay also noted the role of cities in achieving a future where both nature and people thrive. “Despite all the challenges that our Philippine cities face, we have seen how they have continued to positively act and contribute to climate and environmental action. Across our OPCC participant cities, we are heartened by their generosity in sharing ideas on how cities can become cleaner, greener and more sustainable, recognizing that they can act as transformation catalysts. This is critical not just now but more so for the future of our planet and the next generation.” 

Batangas City Mayor Beverley Rose A. Dimacucha gives a pre-recorded acceptance speech on behalf of her city and constituents, for being conferred both the National Winner award for the One Planet City Challenge 2020 and the overall global winner and the Most Lovable City award in this year’s We Love Cities Campaign. Batangas City has developed a comprehensive climate mitigation and adaptation plan to achieve its vision of becoming the first carbon-neutral city in the Philippines by 2030.

With cities accounting for 70% of carbon emissions globally and generating 80% of the total GDP, their political leadership and economic power are considered instrumental in the transition to a more stable climate. Follow WWF-Philippines’ social media pages for more information about the organization’s transformative partnerships with local government units as they work to #ChangeTheEnding for the community, the country, and ultimately—the planet.

Awarded during the program were the following participating cities: Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Dipolog City, La Carlota City, Malolos City, Parañaque City, Pasig City, Quezon City, San Carlos City, and Tagum City. Also recognized were finalists Muntinlupa City and Santa Rosa City, as well as Batangas City, who bagged both the OPCC National Winner title and the World’s Most Lovable City award in the We Love Cities (WLC)—the organization’s public engagement campaign aiming to raise awareness and inspire citizens to engage in the sustainability efforts of their respective cities. 

For the first time in its history, a Philippine city was awarded as the global winner of the We Love Cities Campaign. 

Job Description: Are Graphic Artists / Designers required to be multi-talented?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

If you're a newly graduated Graphic Artist or Designer, you've probably encountered job openings that require you to be multi-talented, in short a one-man team for anything and everything related to multimedia which includes but is not limited to photo and video production and editing, animation, and even managing social media entries, etc. 

You basically are expected to do everything that requires both knowledge on art and technology, aside from having the eye for creativity and beauty.

Back then, when a company is looking for a "graphic artist", the work mostly revolves around design and layout in desktop publishing or print media. 

Nowadays, when I look at the requirements of "graphic artist" needed by some establishments,  they must have some knowledge in photography, video editing and web design. That's like hiring four professionals (artist, photographer, video editor and multimedia designer) already. 

Clearly, these companies are either misinformed on the title(s) and scope of work it entails. Or maybe they are just exploiting graphic designers by doing this?

The new trend seems going to the point of multitasking for a title of designer which truly frustrating. 

A lot are requiring the same "capabilities" especially those who are starting up their businesses. But to survive and become competitive, the graphic design community should really invest on knowing more since a lot of companies are offering creative services as a package. That's the reality now, and most are accepting and just going into the industry because of financial needs... that is why it is not surprising to see half-baked outputs and businesses. The graphics designer is overworked or not a specialist for being a jack of all trades. Let's admit it that you can't be an expert in everything. You can't focus on a task since you are overwhelmed with too many responsibilities.

Maybe we should look back at the curriculum. Who came up with the idea of a multimedia course? It's doable only if you study them all first before actually working. Then just update yourself when new technology comes through out the years like new software and hardware. In a few years, just as how robots have replaced workers in the manufacturing industry, Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be capable of doing what only we could do now. Adapt or die will be the new rule of the game because technology is becoming smarter than us.

At the moment, while we still have the skills, maybe we could do an information campaign for each skill set can help lessen the misinformation.

But with the current situation now, unless there's a slow on-going collective consciousness, realization and effort...it's a long road ahead for everyone.

Damage Control: Can we still save the Plantation Bay Resort?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

By now I'm sure everyone is aware of the Plantation Bay issue currently circulating on social media. (Needless to say, this fiasco is exactly why companies should hire a PR person/firm.)

Plantation Bay should just stop issuing statements. But there's an improvement on how they wrote the apology letter. Nag-improve na nga eh. Hindi na Comic Sans ang font na ginamit. But the tone of the apology letter is "unapologetically still full of entitlement."

I suggest they stop responding to the complaints and bashings. 

They're, or should I say Manny Gonzalez is, digging their/ his own grave at break-neck speed.

There are two issues here - disability mishandling, and irresponsible feedback management. 

For the first one: issue a public apology, acknowledge the mishandling, commit to inclusivity to the disabled, express interest to investigate on the matter, coordinate with specialists, say the staff will be better trained so it won't happen again.

For the second one, you cant do damage control if the owners are exactly the cause of damage. They deny public opinion and even insinuate in their website that social media uproars are orchestrated. The second issue is unfixable unless the issue translates to negative business - but I think it isn't given the entitlement they are showing off. Best for the old people to stay away from company assets. Sila ang risk.

It won't do anyone any good if, moving forward, a person who thinks like THAT is still the head of the business. It will happen again.

In crisis management, there are three key things to consider in the communication:

1. Acknowledgment

2. Apologies

3. Accountability

I would start by crafting a proper letter of apology, and it should come from the CEO, and not that Manny person. However, Manny is the CEO. So therefore, either get the second highest in command and keep this Manny away from the social media accounts of Plantation Bay.

Under the circumstances, the only thing they can do is distance themselves from this Manny Gonzalez (if that’s possible) and issue a more appropriate statement of apology. 

Manny, unfortunately, will never be able to redeem himself. But he can be useful as a sacrificial lamb. 

The new apology should throw Manny under the bus in no uncertain terms. In the statement, they will apologize (almost to the point of groveling) to the family, the public, and to all families with special needs members. The statement should acknowledge what was done wrong, what was said wrong, and will offer no defense. Will offer no excuse. It will say in no uncertain terms that the company has failed to uphold its values and failed to protect its guests. If the resort is not a place of comfort for ALL of its guests then it has failed its mission and brand promise. It will also outline what the company will do moving forward in order to help ease the emotional inconvenience they caused to the child and family. 

They will also make a commitment to change the resort’s policies, educate their staff, and improve their customer service overall. They will seek the help of professionals to do proper training. And the statement will end with him promising that the company will donate a hefty sum to CereCare Philippines, an educational facility for special needs children. Lol.

As a PR practitioner, there is no way that I'm going to accept this project even if they offer a huge amount of money as payment. This is a different crisis for their company as it's almost inhumane for someone to belittle, question, and defend his ignorance towards people with special needs. 

But on a PR standpoint, the CEO or owner of the resort should make certain actions, especially towards that shitty response to the issue. I would encourage the executives to create a statement that they do not tolerate this kind of behavior from their employees towards guests. Especially those of special need.

So does this mean Manny is a failure in this particular part of handling customer complaints. He speaks with so much entitlement as if he is never wrong. Remember the saying that a customer is always right? Basic but he is so full of himself to realize what is more important.

Maybe the resort should revisit their policies. Plantation Bay is really really strict when it comes to noise. It’s posted in the reception area and everywhere. I remember when I was there, it clearly says that IF YOU CAN’T FOLLOW THE RULE, WE WILL BE GLAD TO ASSIST YOU TO TRANSFER TO A DIFFERENT RESORT. 

But how come they were not strict to the Koreans who were probably noiser than the autistic child?

Seriously, they should’ve remained silent for a couple days. Afterwards, acknowledge and be accountable of the blunder. Then apologize(with a heart) and not with that righteous tone.

Moving forward, accept that the damage has been done, and the resort right now is facing backlash for what the CEO did, kung ako Ang PR person, I'd urge the resort to humble itself and accept their fault, then settle the matter with the complainant personally and privately, like what some suggested, away from the eyes of socmed. 

Tapos, fix things from the inside muna. Educate the CEO about the issue and since may PR team (or person) na sila, huwag na ipahandle sa CEO yung pagrereply sa feedback ng mga nagstay.

Sabihin nating may point yung post nung CEO. Mahirap nga naman kasi talaga ang maingay, pero there is always a proper and better way to handle such situations. 

Improve facilities, do proper staff training in case may mga ganoong guests na darating. Assign a person para sa guests na with disability or special needs. Para kahit sila lang ang go-to-person ng staff pag may assurance ang guests na maaasikaso sila. 

Then yun ang ipa-publicize. Ilagay sa socmed na may ganung person na sa resort to make sure ma-accommodate yung needs ng mga special guests, bilang improvement sa kanilang past mistakes.