Instituto Cervantes Celebrates Filipino Artist Melecio Figueroa's Enduring Legacy

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




Instituto Cervantes, the Spanish Cultural center, is presenting a lecture on Melecio Figueroa, a pioneering Filipino artist, renowned for his profound contributions to both Philippine medallic and numismatic art. The talk, which will be delivered by researcher Gerard Wassily Y. Clavecillas, is scheduled to take place on June 27 at the Makati branch of Instituto Cervantes, at 5:30 p.m.

Melecio Figueroa (1842-1903) was a celebrated and highly decorated scholar of the Spanish artistic tradition, an alumnus of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in San Fernando (Madrid), and a long established bastion and incubator of European creative potential. He was appointed the Chief Engraver of the Manila Mint and was, without a doubt, the Islands’ foremost medallic artist. Becoming a founding father later in life, he was one of the signatories of the first constitution in Asia. Undoubtedly, he was one of the most important Filipino Masters of the 19th century. Tragically, however, compared to his more famous peers, namely Luna and Hidalgo, his legacy has since been relegated to mere historical footnotes, his hard won contributions; forgotten and sadly ignored.

In this lecture, Filipino antiquarian, researcher Gerard Wassily Y. Clavecillas, will discuss Figueroa's remarkable artistic career. The conference will feature a presentation exploring Figueroa's life, art and enduring influence.

The lecture is open to scholars, students, artists, collectors, and anyone with an interest in art history and Filipino culture. Attendees are encouraged to register early through this link: https://forms.office.com/e/D0EHesF1NH

This event is organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, with the support of PTC-Philippine Transmarine Carriers. Admission is on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED basis. For more information about this event, visit Instituto Cervantes’ website (http://manila.cervantes.es) or its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila

Mandatory use of payment reference numbers for SSS housing loan payments starts this June

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


The Social Security System (SSS) announced that SSS housing loan mortgagors or borrowers must present a Payment Reference Number (PRN) for their loan payments beginning this month, making it easier for them to pay their housing loans and have it posted on the same day on their loan accounts.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet highlighted that this transition to Real-Time Processing of Loans (RTPL) is designed to enhance the convenience of housing loan borrowers.


Macasaet said that it enables the real-time posting of housing loan payments to individual loan accounts, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.


“The PRN for loans is a system-generated number corresponding to a loan billing statement of the individual loans by the borrower, which contains certain characters to distinguish the housing loan from other SSS loan programs,” he said.


He added that borrowers with outstanding loan obligations in the Direct Individual Housing Loan Program and the Direct Housing Loans for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Workers’ Organization Members, and Trade Union Members (TUM) should have a PRN whenever they pay their loan payments.


SSS Senior Vice President for Lending and Asset Management Group Pedro T. Baoy said that SSS will send a monthly billing containing the PRN to the mortgagors’ registered email addresses and mobile numbers.


“We strongly advise our housing loan borrowers to take responsibility for keeping their contact details with the SSS up-to-date. This will ensure they receive the PRN they need for every housing loan payment transaction, contributing to a smooth and timely payment process,” Baoy emphasized.


Baoy added that borrowers can also get a PRN at the SSS Housing and Acquired Assets Management Department, SSS Investments Accounting Department, or SSS Member Loans Department in the SSS Main Office, Quezon City.


Baoy explained that mortgagors will have one PRN for each outstanding SSS loan. “For example, if a borrower has an original housing loan and a Housing Repair and Improvement Loan, he/she will get two separate PRNs for each loan.”


He said borrowers can obtain the PRN every 10th day of the month, so their PRN for June 2024 will be generated on June 10.


Baoy clarified that once the PRN expires, the borrower needs to get a new PRN that contains the past due and current amounts, noting that an expired PRN will no longer be accepted for payment.


“Mortgagors can pay their monthly housing loan amortizations over the counter at SSS branch offices with tellering services or through SSS-accredited collecting partners such as Union Bank of the Philippines, Philippine National Bank, Bayad Center, and SM Mart, Inc. SSS will notify them through their registered email address and mobile number to confirm their payment and its posting on their accounts,” Baoy said.


As of December 2023, SSS has 3,744 mortgagors with housing loan collectibles amounting to P6.83 billion.

Harvard Spotlight: UN Laureate Glenn Banaguas – From Science to Soul

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



In the hallowed halls of Harvard, where intellect and aspiration converge, a celestial symphony unfolded—a harmonious blend of science, service, and unwavering faith. Science Diplomat Glenn Banaguas, the multi-awarded scientist and esteemed UN Sasakawa Laureate from the Philippines, illuminated the Harvard Climate Action Week (HCAW) during the event held from June 10-14, 2024. He stepped onto the stage, not merely as an emissary of knowledge but as a vessel of divine purpose.

Imagine the ethereal moment when the invitation arrived, an envelope bearing the Harvard insignia, its fibers infused with centuries of wisdom. Banaguas, the only Filipino bestowed with this honor, felt the cosmic alignment, the universe conspiring to amplify his voice. It was more than an accolade; it was a cosmic covenant, a promise to elevate humanity through resilience.

Banaguas’ magnum opus, the “Climate Smart Philippines: Science for Service”, resonates like a celestial score. Its notes echo across archipelagos, whispering to the wind-swept palms and coral reefs. But this symphony is no solo act; it thrives on multi-stakeholder participation. Government, academia, communities—all harmonize in a chorus of purpose. Their voices blend, creating a crescendo of hope, peace, and unity.

1. Multi-Stakeholder Participation: By bringing together government agencies, local communities, academia, NGOs, and private sectors, it fosters dialogue and shared decision-making. This approach ensures that diverse perspectives contribute to resilient solutions, empowering communities to actively engage in their climate resilience journey.

a. Collaboration and Inclusivity: Climate Smart Philippines recognizes that addressing climate challenges requires collective effort. It brings together various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, academic institutions, NGOs, and private sectors. By fostering dialogue and shared decision-making, it ensures that diverse perspectives contribute to resilient and sustainable solutions.

b. Empowering Communities: Through this participatory approach, Climate Smart Philippines empowers communities. Rather than being passive recipients of climate resilience measures, they become active agents in their own journey. Their insights, experiences, and local knowledge play a crucial role in shaping effective strategies.

c. Resilient Solutions: By incorporating diverse viewpoints, Climate Smart Philippines enhances the robustness of its solutions. It considers not only scientific evidence but also the practical realities faced by communities. This holistic approach leads to more adaptive and sustainable outcomes.

2. Science and Evidence-Based: Climate Smart Philippines is the brainchild of Glenn Banaguas. It stands firmly on the bedrock of rigorous scientific research. Here’s how it leverages science:

a. Data-Driven Approach: Climate Smart Philippines collects and analyzes data related to climate change impacts, vulnerabilities, and risks. By understanding these factors, it tailors its strategies to address specific challenges faced by different regions within the Philippines.

b. Models for Decision-Making: The program employs predictive models to simulate various scenarios. These models help policymakers and stakeholders anticipate the consequences of different actions. For instance, they can assess the effectiveness of early warning systems or evaluate the impact of sustainable practices.

c. Empirical Evidence: Climate Smart Philippines relies on empirical evidence—real-world observations and measurements—to validate its strategies. Whether it’s designing resilient infrastructure or promoting eco-friendly practices, evidence-based decision-making ensures effectiveness.

d. Policy Guidance: Scientific findings guide policy formulation and implementation. Climate Smart Philippines collaborates with government agencies to integrate climate resilience into national and local policies. This alignment ensures that science informs practical actions.

3. People-Centered Approach: Climate Smart Philippines acknowledges that true resilience extends beyond physical infrastructure—it encompasses the well-being of individuals and communities. Here are the key aspects:

a. Gender Sensitivity: The initiative recognizes gender differences and ensures that climate actions consider the unique vulnerabilities and needs of women, who often bear the brunt of climate impacts.

b. Cultural Awareness: Climate Smart Philippines respects cultural diversity. It tailors solutions to specific contexts, considering local practices, traditions, and knowledge.

c. Community-Driven: Rather than imposing top-down solutions, the program actively involves communities. It listens to their voices, understanding their challenges and aspirations.

Banaguas’ insights at HCAW 2024 resonated with attendees, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action. His voice represented the indomitable spirit of a nation committed to the fight against climate change, and his contributions were a valuable addition to the global conversation on sustainability. His message echoed themes of peace, resiliency, and sustainability, urging us all to take meaningful action, navigate the challenges with compassion, innovation, and a shared vision for a climate-smart world.

Glenn Banaguas concluded with a profound perspective on how God answers our prayers amidst disasters:

· Yes - Yes: “I am going to give it to you because it is good for you.” Sometimes, our prayers are answered exactly as we hope, and it’s a clear affirmation that what we desire aligns with our well-being.

· Yes - No: “I am going to give it to you, but not the way you want it.” This response reminds us that God’s wisdom transcends our understanding. Even when things don’t unfold as we expect, there’s a purpose, a different path that leads to growth and fulfillment.

· No - Yes: “I am not going to give it to you today, but you will have it someday.” Delayed answers teach us patience and trust. What seems like a denial now may be preparation for a better outcome in the future.

· No - No: “I am not going to give it to you because it is not good for you.” Sometimes, what we desire isn’t aligned with our highest good. God’s refusal protects us from harm and redirects us toward what truly matters.

Banaguas’ words resonate beyond faith, they echo universal truth about peace, resilience, sustainability, acceptance, and divine wisdom.