Champions of Change—Pru Life UK Co-Funds the Philippines' 2 Chevening Scholars

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Pru Life UK, in partnership with the British Embassy Manila, is co-funding two Filipino Chevening scholars this year, to add to its pool of six scholar alumni since it started supporting the Chevening Scholarship Programme in 2018. Chevening, a UK government initiative, aims to develop global leaders and has a strong history of supporting Filipino scholars in pursuing studies in the UK.

In a world increasingly defined by conflict and environmental degradation, Filipino Chevening scholars, Jennivabe Allan and Ana Lourdes Cosme are leveraging their unique experiences to drive meaningful change.

Jennivabe Allan: Countering Violence in Mindanao

Jennivabe Allan’s journey began in Basilan Province, Mindanao, where the scars of conflict shaped her early years. Witnessing the devastating impact of violence, Jennivabe dedicated her life to promoting peace and counter-terrorism efforts. As a police officer and educator, she led the "Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism" (PCVE) education campaign across several provinces, influencing over 2,000 individuals to stand against terrorism and advocate for peace.

Jennivabe’s work in integrating former rebels into the Philippine National Police through a specialised training programme under the Bangsamoro Organic Law highlights her commitment to unity and reconciliation. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that education and collaboration are vital tools in preventing terrorism and fostering lasting peace.

With advanced education in the United Kingdom, Jennivabe aims to return to the Philippines better equipped to develop and implement peace-building strategies, ultimately contributing to a more stable and secure nation.

Ana Lourdes Cosme: Defending the Oceans

For Ana Lourdes Cosme, the fight for justice is fought on the seas. As a maritime and environmental law expert, Ana has committed her career to preserving the Philippines' marine ecosystems. Her leadership roles at the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (UP IMLOS) have seen her spearhead initiatives to protect Philippine waters from the destructive impacts of illegal fishing, pollution, and climate change.

Ana’s advocacy extends beyond the courtroom; she educates fisherfolk on legal remedies, mentors future environmental lawyers, and advises policymakers on crucial environmental issues. Her goal is to strengthen the legal frameworks that protect the Philippines' rich marine biodiversity, ensuring a sustainable future for the nation's waters.

With a Chevening scholarship, Ana aims to enhance her expertise in ocean governance and environmental law, ultimately empowering the Philippines to better protect its invaluable marine resources.

Jennivabe and Ana are two of the 21 scholars that make up the Philippines’ Chevening cohort for 2024.

“Supporting the Chevening Scholarship allows us to empower future leaders who are dedicated to building a more resilient and prosperous society, aligning with our mission of creating lasting impact in the Philippines,” says Pru Life UK Senior Vice President and Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer Atty. Paul Anthony Mandal.

Since 2018, Pru Life UK has partnered with the British Embassy Manila for the Chevening Scholarship Programme, which allows young Filipino professionals to take up a one-year Master’s degree programme in the UK. 

Cover Photo caption:

Pru Life UK SVP & Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer Atty. Paul Anthony Mandal (1st from right), VP for Government Relations, and Sustainability Maricel Estavillo (2nd from right) join His Majesty's Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils (1st from left) during the send-off to the UK of Pru Life UK Chevening scholars Jennivabe Allan (2nd from left), and Ana Lourdes Cosme (3rd from right). 

About Pru Life UK

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK is the pioneer of insuravest, or investment-linked life insurance products, in the Philippines and is one of the first life insurance companies approved to distribute US dollar-denominated investment-linked life insurance policies in the country. Since its establishment, Pru Life UK has expanded its reach to over 170 branches and general agency offices in the Philippines, with the largest life insurance agency force with more than 38,000 licensed agents.

The company ranks #1 for New Business Annual Premium Equivalent and Total Premium Income from Variable Life Insurance Products according to the Insurance Commission’s Life Insurance Sector Quarterly Statistics for Q2 2024. Pru Life UK is headquartered in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Pru Life UK and Prudential are not affiliated with Prudential Financial, Inc. (a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America), Prudential Assurance Company (a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom), Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company, Prudentialife Plans, Inc. or Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc. (all Philippine-registered companies). Pru Life UK is a life insurance company and is not engaged in the business of selling pre-need plans. 

For more information: www.prulifeuk.com.ph

About Chevening

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. The scholarships support one-year taught master’s degrees at UK universities for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers. 

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals from all backgrounds who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to become future leaders and can show how a UK master’s degree will help them create positive change in their country. The scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to study for any eligible master’s degree at over 150 UK universities, while also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

The Chevening application window is now open and will end on 05 November 2024. Apply here: Apply | Chevening

Design Beyond Desire: International Design Conference Returns to Shape a Life-Centered Future

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The DTI-Design Center of the Philippines hosted the 8TH International Design Conference on 20 September 2024, at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in BGC, Taguig City. This annual flagship event, held in celebration of Design Consciousness Week and as a co-branded event of the Philippine Creative Industries Month, both held in September, served as the country’s premier platform for design innovation and global knowledge exchange.

With the theme “Design Beyond Desire,” this year’s International Design Conference probed the critical role of design in crafting compelling, life-centered solutions and systems. The conference aimed to equip designers, businesses, and policymakers with the tools and insights needed to address real-world challenges and create a meaningful, sustainable, and equitable future.

The International Design Conference featured four Ignite Sessions led by renowned design experts and thought leaders. These sessions explored topics such as:

The Pursuit of Gross National Well-being: How a well-being focus can transform public spaces, policies, and services.

Once Upon a Place: Designing Authentic Identities: The role of design and narratives in shaping authentic identities and reputations.

Blind Algorithms and Society 5.0: How design can create a more inclusive, hyper-connected society.

Designing Beyond Desire: Exploring the role of values, ethics, and sustainability in design.

Panel discussions followed the Ignite Session, responding to the International Design Conference audience's clamor for a deeper exploration of the topics raised by the vanguards. Joining the discussion will be Philippine experts and provocateurs who guided the audience into new and exciting territories.

“The International Design Conference is more than just a conference; it’s a catalyst for transformative action,” said Rhea Matute, Executive Director of the DTI-Design Center of the Philippines. “We believe that design has the power to shape a better future, and this year’s conference will provide a platform for new thinking, innovative ideas, and radical collaborations to thrive in this brave new world.”

As a co-branded event of the Philippine Creative Industries Month, the International Design Conference is a testament to the Philippines' growing reputation as a hub for design innovation. The conference attracted a diverse range of attendees from around the Philippines, making it a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and networking.

Admission to the International Design Conference 2024 is free, and it is open to design professionals, students and faculty, policymakers, MSMEs, and design businesses.

 

Cover Photo caption:

International Design Conference speaker and reactors on the Gross National Happiness session featuring (from left) Carmen Jimenez-Ong, CEO of Menarco Tower; Dr Pamela Cajilig of Curiosity Design Research; main speaker Lhatu of Gross National Happiness Centre Bhutan; Paulo Mercado of Ogilvy; and Ar. Leandro Poco of Poco Architects

Bitcoin Drops to $53,000 Due to ETF Sell Pressure Heading Into the Weekend

On-chain analyst Ali Martinez has recently issued an important warning regarding the current Bitcoin market conditions. Based on a two-month chart analysis, the TD Sequential indicator, commonly used to identify potential turning points in market trends, shows concerning sell signals. This signal suggests a possible reversal from the bullish trend that has recently strengthened. This warning comes amidst ongoing uncertainty in the crypto market, where sharp price fluctuations have become commonplace.

Martinez explains that the $51,000 support level is critical for investors to watch.  If Bitcoin falls below this level, there is a significant risk that the price could continue to decline, potentially reaching $40,600. Such a decline could result in substantial losses for investors who have not taken preemptive measures. This prediction underscores the importance of the $51,000 support level in maintaining Bitcoin’s price stability and highlights that the crypto market remains highly volatile and susceptible to drastic changes. Martinez advises investors to remain vigilant and consider the risks associated with the current market uncertainty.

A drop below this support level could have a significant impact on Bitcoin (BTC) and potentially affect the broader crypto market. If BTC fails to maintain this critical support level, increased selling pressure could lead to further declines, not only impacting Bitcoin’s price but also potentially causing a domino effect on other crypto assets. This impact could create instability across the market, reduce investor confidence, and trigger panic selling.

Currently, Bitcoin is trading at $54,630, reflecting a 3.54% decrease over the last 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap data. This price drop reflects market concerns about Bitcoin’s ability to hold its key support level. The high volatility and negative sentiment surrounding this price drop emphasize the need for caution among investors. Given the potential widespread impact of this decline, it is crucial for market participants to closely monitor price movements and market sentiment in the coming days.

CryptoPotato reports that over the last five trading days, the crypto market experienced a massive outflow of $277.2 million. This situation has further exacerbated the market's existing pressures. The outflow reflects investor concerns and uncertainties, leading them to withdraw their funds from the crypto market. Despite various influencing factors, the sheer volume of this outflow indicates a significant lack of confidence in the current market stability.

Interestingly, this event occurred despite September 2 being a national holiday in the United States. National holidays are generally expected to provide some respite from market pressures, but this time, the situation was different. The large outflow still occurred, signaling that investor uncertainty and concerns are not limited by regular trading days. This highlights the fragility of current market sentiment and how global factors can influence investment decisions even during trading activity breaks.

Overall, this report underscores the importance of understanding market dynamics and factors that can influence short-term price movements. Market participants need to stay alert and be prepared for potential volatility resulting from these massive outflows. It also serves as a reminder for investors to continuously monitor the latest developments and make investment decisions based on thorough analysis.

During this period, investors made substantial withdrawals in several days. On Tuesday, they withdrew $287.8 million, followed by $37.2 million on Wednesday. Withdrawals continued with $211.1 million on Thursday and reached $170 million on Friday. Among the entities affected, FBTC Fidelity recorded the largest losses, adding to the market’s existing burden.

The total outflow during this period reached a significant $706.1 million, extending the negative streak to eight consecutive days. This is the longest recorded period of decline, indicating deep concerns among investors and impacting the overall market stability. The continuous withdrawal trend reflects widespread uncertainty and the potential long-term impact on the dynamics of the crypto market.

For novice traders looking to start investing in Bitcoin, now might be an opportune time. You can track Bitcoin prices through the Nanovest app, which offers a comprehensive selection of crypto assets. Nanovest provides up to 600 crypto asset options and allows investors to start with a small capital of just 5,000 rupiah.

If you're interested in crypto asset investment, Nanovest could be a suitable choice as it offers over 2,000 U.S. stocks and more than 600 crypto assets. Take advantage of the current market movement by investing through Nanovest! For those interested in using Nanovest, the app is available on both the Play Store and the App Store.

Tentang NANOVEST

Nanovest (PT Tumbuh Bersama Nano) is a platform-application-based, which makes it easier for customers or users to access digital asset transactions, including United States stocks, crypto assets, and digital gold. We aim to revolutionize the way young people invest to achieve their financial freedom. Nanovest officially registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Supervisory Agency (BAPPEBTI).

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES