Sinag Schools program powers up school in Batangas

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SM Foundation (SMFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group, together with Maxeon Solar Technologies, recently powered up the Lemery Pilot Elementary School (LPES) in Batangas through the Sinag Schools program.

This social good collaboration between SMFI and Maxeon aims to provide clean and renewable energy to schools in grassroot communities by installing solar panels on an SM school building, especially to those that have low operating expenses.

In addition to the solar panel installation which intends to power positive change in the way energy is consumed in public schools, the program also aims to enhance the understanding of students in terms of energy management and the need to transition to cleaner energy alternatives with lower environmental impacts.

“Through this program, we want to power up the learning and development of young people. We want to help teach young people about solar energy, about renewable energy. We want to power up the next generation to help save our planet,” Maxeon Fab4 General Manager Glenn Everett said.

The SM school building at the LPES, which was donated by SMFI in partnership with SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) in 2017, now boasts 21 solar panels—estimated to produce 6510 watt-p. With the savings on electricity, the school may realign their budget to more efforts and other innovations that will give the students an environment more conducive to learning.


It takes a village to raise a child

SMFI executive director Debbie Sy underscored the importance of collective efforts in advancing the learning experience of every student in the country: “We believe that collaboration can drive growth and become a force for good in addressing societal challenges. CSR partnerships can create solutions that improve society by fostering learning, promoting innovation and gaining access to new technologies, such as the Sinag schools program. CSR collaboration can pool resources, both financial and human resources - between multiple organizations which can amplify social good impact.”

“The establishment of an ever-evolving CSR strategy and partnerships will help companies and non-government organizations in developing and implementing crucial social good programs over decades while having procedures in place that integrate social and environmental priorities into CSR core strategy – all in close collaboration with stakeholders,” she further added.

Moreover, Everett mentioned how SMFI and Maxeon share the similar set of values and interest when it comes to helping Filipino learners: “We have this concept of powering positive change in the world. We are happy to be working together with SM Foundation to power up the Lemery Pilot Elementary School.”

“Individually, we can do so much. But together we can do actually more. For us to bring our solar technology and SMFI to bring in their schools, these things are much better together than they would be apart,” he concluded.



Spreading social good all the way

SM Foundation made sure to truly touch the lives of the learners and teachers of LPES as it donated eight desktop computers, 200 bags with school supplies, and more than 160 pcs brand new kinder and elementary books to further promote the love for reading among the students. Clothing items for parents were also distributed.

For more information about this initiative, follow SM Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube: @SMFoundationInc.

Maxeon is headquartered in Singapore. The company designs, manufactures, and sells Maxeon® and SunPower® brand solar panels. Maxeon has sales operations in more than 100 countries, operating under the SunPower brand in certain countries outside the United States. Maxeon is a leader in solar innovation with products that span the global rooftop and solar power plant markets through a network of more than 1,700 trusted partners and distributors. A pioneer in sustainable solar manufacturing, Maxeon leverages a +35-year history in the solar industry and numerous awards for its technology.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School program. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide. To date, it has turned over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities.


PHOTO CAPTIONS:

SMFI 1-2: Through the Sinag Schools program, SMFI and Maxeon installed 21 solar panels— estimated to produce 6510 watt-p—on an SM school building in Batangas.

SMFI 3: SM Supermalls employee volunteers led the distribution of donations from SM Foundation to the students of Lemery Pilot Elementary School.

SMFI 4: SM Foundation and Maxeon Solar Technologies formally held the community launch of the Sinag Schools Program at Lemery Pilot Elementary School in Batangas.

Save the Children Philippines’ Statement on Safe Back to School for SY 2022-2023

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Learning must no longer be disrupted – no matter what it takes.


Save the Children Philippines supports the mandate on the formal reopening of schools for School Year 2022-2023, provided that the safety of face-to-face classes are strictly ensured for children and adults, the protection of their mental health and well-being are prioritized, and education systems are further strengthened.

The Philippines is among the last countries to reopen schools since the start of the pandemic. After two and a half years, the impact of the pandemic-induced school closure in the country has become more evident than ever.

The Asian Development Bank reported that students in Developing Asia, including the Philippines, lost over half a year of effective learning on average. Meanwhile, a recent World Bank report revealed that more than 90 percent of Filipino children struggle with reading and understanding simple texts at age 10. This problem is even compounded by the significant number of out-of-school children which is now close to half a million.

Save the Children is committed to help address this education crisis. We call on the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Health (DOH), national government agencies, all local government units (LGUs), including the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and all sectors of society to work together and ensure the following:

Health and safety 

Strictly implement health and safety protocols, ensuring that schools have adequate ventilation, safe spaces, and proper water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. Students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel should have access to regular testing and vaccination, as applicable.


Protect well-being

Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) must be fully integrated into educational responses. Increased MHPSS provisions for teachers, children and their families should be considered to help protect their wellbeing and economic security. Teachers must also be capacitated in identifying children experiencing violence and/or neglect, and in supporting children’s recovery. Children can also be enrolled in early childhood care and development (ECCD) to help prepare them for formal school.

Strengthen education systems and access to quality and inclusive education
Schools should be able to address educational inequalities and be able to support the specific needs of children most impacted by inequality and discrimination. There should also be referral mechanisms and contingency plans for reclosure and reopening of classes, as well as alternative/ flexible learning options, as necessary. Teachers should also be trained in the assessment of learners' level of learning to inform remedial efforts and provide age-appropriate learning support. Investment on the digital literacy of teachers and students is also critical so they can competently adapt to the ever-changing demands of the global education landscape.

It is imperative, that we all take collective steps to improve the overall quality of education, make up for lost learning, and support disadvantaged students as the school year starts. This includes investing in data and research, and implementing 1) concrete catch-up programs and remedial education, especially in marginalized communities; 2) proactive approaches to reintegrate out-of-school children; 3) accommodation for children with disabilities; and 4) improving teachers’ professional development.



All these initiatives must ensure that the adverse effects of the pandemic do not cross over to the next generation.



Our conviction is clear: Learning must no longer be disrupted.



Save the Children Philippines will continue to work with the DepEd, MBHTE, teachers and the academe, the private sector, and other stakeholders, including parents and children themselves, in improving the competencies and learning outcomes of students, and ensuring that dropouts, and learning gaps and inequality will be addressed.

 
Every Filipino child, regardless of who, what, and where they are, or whatever their circumstances may be, deserves the right to learn at all times.

We can give them the future they deserve if we work hand-in-hand to get our children safely back to school.

The role of animal-based protein diet for cats to live a long, healthy life

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Find out why including chicken can be your cat’s source of nutrition and immunity


Contrary to the popular opinion that cats love to eat fish, cats are in fact obligate carnivores–they eat meat that is comparable to their natural prey such as mice or birds out of biological necessity.

A study conducted by the WALTHAM Center for Pet Nutrition found that 52% of a cat's calorie intake is from protein, which can be synthesized best through an animal-based protein diet. Therefore, cats require quality protein sources to be included in their diet for sustenance.

Dr. Cissy Ramos, a practitioner from Vets in Practice and a pet nutrition specialist said, “Cats are considered as strict carnivores and they’re still highly related to their ancestors. Their teeth and skull conformation are actually designed to hunt and kill prey efficiently.”



Dr. Cissy Ramos feeding stray cats in ETON Centris for a volunteer work

Animal-based protein can help cats maintain healthy muscle structures and provide them with natural forms of amino acids. Dr. Ramos noted, “Animal source proteins like chicken can greatly contribute to the quality of protein in their diet and they do get appropriate amounts of essential amino acids from it.” She also said, “Adding certain sources of protein especially, animal sources, cats can easily process it, break it down, and use it up in their body.”

In total, cats can internally produce 11 non-essential amino acids. ​However, the remaining 11 categories of essential amino acids can only be provided through a nutritious diet to meet their needs, “When you have good quality protein, the cat can receive a good amount of amino acids that are important for its health.” She added, “The protein from chicken contains multiple levels of essential amino acids, such as Lysine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, and Taurine.”

To help owners better maintain the health and development of their cats, IAMS has developed a line that is uniquely tailored for cats’ needs and has chicken as its number one ingredient. Ticks on cats can transmit diseases and cause discomfort. Regularly check your cat's fur, especially around the head, neck, ears, and paws. Use tweezers or a tick removal tool to carefully remove any ticks found. Consult your veterinarian for prevention methods for ticks on cats such as topical treatments, oral medications, or tick collars. Promptly addressing ticks is crucial for protecting your cat's health and preventing the spread of tick-borne illnesses.

Promptly addressing ticks is crucial for protecting your cat's health and preventing the spread of tick-borne illnesses. When it comes to flea treatment for your cat, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most suitable approach. They can recommend safe and effective products tailored to your cat's specific needs.

Dr. Ramos recommends the IAMS brand to cat owners like herself, “It is necessary for cat owners to choose a diet that is made by a trusted brand: palatable, complete, balanced, contains high quality protein, and enriched with amino acids. This will play a key role for the proper development and normal functioning of cats and enhance their wellness.”

The importance of considering the life stage of cats when feeding them is also crucial for cat’s nutrition. With this, IAMS’ food products offer different varieties of cat foods–dry or wet and for each life stage, “For each life stage, there are specific recommendations for the amount to feed and the levels of nutrients that they need.”

Therefore, flea medicine for cats requires quality protein sources to be included in their diet for sustenance.

Having protein in your cat’s diet is vital for its overall health and long-term wellbeing! For more information about IAMS Cat visit https://iams.asia/ph/. IAMS Cats is available at all leading supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide.