The Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands, written by 16-year-old Nikki Go, is now available from www.bookshelf.com.ph. This book features artwork by pediatric cancer patients.
As the country gets ready to celebrate National Heroes Day on August 26 (yes, a long weekend is here again), we meet a new set of heroes.
As Arizona Robbins from Grey’s Anatomy said, “not all heroes wear capes. Some happen to be tiny humans.” Now, another teenager and her friends set out to create a lasting impact in the Philippine arts and culture space by publishing the first book of the ongoing children’s book series, The Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands.
At just 16 years old, Jacqueline Dominique “Nikki” Go is already creating heroic contributions to art and pediatric cancer communities.
As the founder of the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation and the author of The Adventures of Damgo, Nikki’s journey starts with a love for family and art.
Nikki’s artistic interests began in early childhood, nurtured by supportive parents who, despite not being artists themselves, recognized and cultivated their daughter’s creative talents. “I’ve always felt happiest when I get lost creating art,” Nikki shares.
This passion for art, however, was juxtaposed against a backdrop of loss and heartache as cancer took the lives of several close family members. “Cancer is hereditary, and I have it on both sides of my family. I’ve lost 3 uncles to cancer, and my grandma and aunt are survivors,” Nikki recounts.
These experiences naturally fueled her curiosity and empathy toward cancer patients and survivors, eventually leading her to establish the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation. Like most youth-led initiatives, the foundation originated from Nikki’s 8th-grade school project aimed at contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
While her peers focused on themes like poverty and sustainability, Nikki chose to explore the impact of art on mental well-being, particularly among teenagers. “I saw a huge lift in happiness when teenagers were exposed to art,” Nikki explains. This discovery ignited a deeper inquiry into the beneficiaries of art therapy, ultimately guiding her to Bahay Aruga, a halfway home for pediatric cancer patients.
“When I approached Bahay Aruga, I wanted to offer something more valuable than monetary donations. Something that would have a lasting positive effect on the patients… art therapy had that effect,” says Nikki.
The Damgo Art Therapy Foundation was born out of this desire, and it quickly became hope for young cancer patients. Through art therapy sessions, Nikki witnessed firsthand the transformative power of creativity. “One of my students said that she ‘couldn’t believe she is able to paint the things she’s done.’ She told me how she looked forward to our art therapy sessions, and she carries this feeling when she goes for treatment.”
Inspired by the children’s resilience and imagination, Nikki penned The Adventures of Damgo, a series that takes cancer patients on a cosmic journey filled with limitless possibilities. “I hope that through these stories, children all over the country and the world become inspired to dream big and help each other overcome any obstacle,” Nikki says. “Damgo, in Cebuano, also means dream.”
The book’s impact has been profound, forging deep connections between the young artists and the community that supports them. Tragically, two of the contributing artists, Richard and Ralph, passed away before the book’s completion. Yet, their legacy lives on through their artwork and the positive influence the project had on their lives.
“Remembering the moments with Richard, he remarked how he loves the art therapy sessions because it takes his mind off the pain, even for a few hours,” Nikki reflects. “Meanwhile, Ralph was that one student who didn’t miss a single week’s lesson. He loved the art therapy sessions! He told me that he loved to paint Damgo’s adventures because it makes him imagine that he too, can one day go outside the country and see unbelievable sights.”
Publishing the first book is just the start of Nikki’s big plans for the Damgo Art Therapy Foundation. With two more books in development and a growing partnership with the International School Manila’s Visual Arts Club, the foundation is poised to continue its mission of providing joy and comfort to pediatric cancer patients.
“In the future, I hope to see more innovation in the art therapy execution, and more adventures of Damgo,” Nikki says. “Excited for book 2!”
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP), a leading organization representing the personal care and cosmetics industry in the Philippines, held a tree planting initiative titled “Rooted in Beauty, Committed to the Future” at Mt. Purro, Antipolo Rizal.
This event marks a significant milestone in CCIP’s 50th-anniversary goal of planting 500 trees, a target they successfully surpassed with the enthusiastic participation of their member companies. A total of 98 member companies’ representatives were present in the active tree-planting event.
This event marks a significant milestone in CCIP’s 50th-anniversary goal of planting 500 trees, a target they successfully surpassed with the enthusiastic participation of their member companies. A total of 98 member companies’ representatives were present in the active tree-planting event.
Popular local clean beauty brands like Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Ellana Cosmetics, and Pili Ani were among the prominent participants.
Well-known personal care companies like Biogenic Alcohol, Splash Wipro, Personal Collection, and Bevi Manufacturing Inc. also joined the initiative. Leaders in the manufacturing industry, such as DJM Corporation, Connell Caldic, Bestpak, and Zizmore, among many others, lent their support as well.
CCIP’s vice president for CSR, Linda Yu of Amchem, expressed hope that this activity would inspire a new generation to advocate for sustainability and environmental protection. “These 500 tree seedlings are just the beginning,” Yu said. “We foresee a new era where various companies in the industry join hands to create a better world for the future!”
Ever Bilena, a CCIP member company, echoed this sentiment. Denice Sy, Ever Bilena’s Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, revealed the company’s aspiration to become a net zero company. “This year, we are on track to achieve our recovery and plastic footprint offset goal of 40%,” Sy shared.
Planting trees is a powerful act with significant environmental benefits. Trees not only beautify our surroundings but also play a crucial role in combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.In the context of the beauty industry, which relies heavily on natural resources, tree planting serves as a way to give back to the environment and ensure the sustainability of the very ingredients that go into the products we love.This initiative by CCIP and its members paves the way for a more sustainable future for the industry and the planet.
The Children’s First One Thousand Days Coalition (CFDC) will launch today, January 13, 2024, its operations manual and training program on how it will help in the government’s war against malnutrition. There is a law, RA 11148 entitled “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Magnanay Act”, that seeks to address malnutrition during children’s first one thousand days of life.
The coalition includes among others, the Rotary International, Lions Clubs International, Kiwanis International, Junior Chamber International, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Philippine Eagles, Knights of the Columbus, Knights of Rizal, Save the Children Philippines, World Vision Philippines, Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives, and Crusade Against Violence. A thousand leaders from these various non-governmental organizations will be attending the event.
The coalition considers the operations manual and training program as a key development as it clearly illustrates how the NGOs and government can collaborate in stomping out malnutrition during the children’s one thousand days of life, a huge problem that causes poor school performance, low intelligence quotient, stunting, sicknesses, and low work productivity. The manual functions as a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the NGO’s adoption of barangays aimed at addressing malnutrition, extending its scope to a national level with a vision for fostering a healthier future for Filipino children.
To demonstrate their support for the operations and training program, department secretaries Dr. Teodoro “Ted” J. Herbosa, DOH; Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr., DILG, will grace the event. Atty. Baldr H. Bringas, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will represent DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian. Additionally, NGO Head Representatives, spearheaded by Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, a Board Member of World Vision Philippines, will lead in reciting the NGOs’ Declaration of Commitment.
The event will also feature the following speakers: Dr. Azucena M. Dayanghirang, Executive Director of National Nutrition Council; Dr. Maria Isabel “Marcie” M. Atienza, MHPED, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of St. Luke’s Medical Center, College of Medicine – WHQM; Dr. Amado R. Parawan, Health And Nutrition Advisor of Save The Children Philippines; Former Senator Joey Lina, National Project Chairman of Children’s First One Thousand Days Coalition; Br. Erlito “Lito” R. Pardo of Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals – Las Pinas Chapter; Mr. Roberto A. Alvarez, President of RCMC Foundation; Atty. Salvador “Bingbong” Campo Medialdea, Former Executive Secretary; Engr. Ronaldo A. Aguila, Chief Technology Officer of ONELGC, Inc.; Mr. Cris Giovanni C. Chiong, President, Rotary Club Of Makati Central; Mr. Alberto D. Lina, Chairman of ONELEGC, Inc.; Mr. Ronald Delos Santos, National President of the Fraternal Order Of Eagles-Philippine Eagles, and Mr. Danilo “Danny” Sanchez, Past Council Chairman of MD301 Philippines and State Council Of Lions Governor.
Atty. Mike T. Toledo, former Press Secretary, shall serve as the moderator.
“With our battle cry for a ‘brighter, stronger, taller’ Filipino children, let us unite to uplift the vulnerable and intensify nutrition efforts for a new generation of Filipinos,” says Atty. Joey Lina.
The milestone event promises to be a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among key stakeholders committed to ensuring the well-being of children during their critical first 1,000 days of life.
One Meralco has marked a significant milestone in its sustainability journey with the successful planting of over two million trees across the country as the world celebrates Earth Day 2023.
A total of 2,037,450 trees have been planted and nurtured in different parts of the country under the One for Trees environmental advocacy program led by One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Meralco.
According to OMF President and Meralco Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer Jeffrey O. Tarayao, the successful planting and nurturing of over two million trees are a testament to the power of grassroots partnerships to impact lasting change.
“One for Trees goes beyond reforestation and embraces sustainability by working with communities to ensure that the trees they plant will also benefit their own families,” Tarayao said.
The One for Trees program, Tarayao explained, advocates multi-dimensional sustainable solutions to address reforestation and environmental protection, and conservation in the Philippines while empowering communities through economic and social development.
RAISING AWARENESS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. Meralco employees join a tree planting activity in Siniloan, Laguna as part of the One for Trees program of the One Meralco Foundation. The One for Trees program recently marked a significant milestone with two million trees planted across the country.
Since its launch in 2019, One for Trees has contributed to a greener future in different parts of the country including Bohol, Bukidnon, Aklan, Agusan del Norte, Pampanga, Bulacan, Laguna, Quezon City, as well as Panay, and Cebu, where reforestation sites of Global Business Power Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corporation, are located.
One for Trees also provides new sources of income for tree-farming families through partnerships with people’s organizations. These strategically contribute to the program’s aim to plant five million new trees by 2026 in biodiverse landscapes in the Philippines.
“Our reforestation efforts are in line with One Meralco’s holistic approach to embed sustainability not just in our business operations, but also in the development of the communities we serve. As we continue to engage more stakeholders in environmental protection and conservation, we remain committed to helping ensure that the responsibility and benefits of investing in our planet are shared by all,” Meralco President and Chief Executive Officer and OMF Vice Chairman Atty. Ray C. Espinosa said.
Centered on preserving and protecting the planet, One for Trees is a key initiative under One Meralco’s sustainability agenda called “Powering the Good Life” which is deeply rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Jollibee Group also released its first-ever global sustainability report which details the progress it has made toward the pursuit of its sustainability pillars of Food, People, and Planet.
The Jollibee Group launched last March 16 its Global Sustainability Agenda dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, which aims to further strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices.
While Jollibee Group has made significant strides over its 45-year history in various social and environmental projects, it is now purposely integrating all its sustainability efforts into a more cohesive framework that unites the Jollibee Group community, including employees, business partners, suppliers, vendors, and other stakeholders, toward a set of shared sustainability goals.
Dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, Jollibee Group launched its Global Sustainability Agenda with 10 focus areas, namely Food Safety, Food Quality, Nutrition & Transparency, Employee Welfare, Farmers Livelihood, Community Support, Good Governance, Packaging & Recycling, Waste Reduction, and Energy & Water Efficiency. Each focus area will showcase initiatives and goals that are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
With Joy for Tomorrow, Jollibee Group stays true to its mission of bringing the joy of eating to everyone, acknowledging that this mission extends not only to its customers and stakeholders today, but also to future generations. The company recognizes that it must use its global scale, resources, and expertise to help usher in a more sustainable future for society and the planet.
“Our challenge in Jollibee Group is how to sustain our success while creating a positive impact on our society and planet. As one of the fastest growing restaurant companies in the world, and with our vision to become one of the top companies in our industry, we recognize that we have a significant role and responsibility in impacting positive change,” said Jollibee Group President and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong.
The Joy for Tomorrow Sustainability Agenda centers on three pillars namely Food, People, and Planet. These pillars consist of 10 focus areas: Food Safety, Food Quality, Nutrition & Transparency, Employee Welfare, Farmers Livelihood, Community Support, Good Governance, Packaging & Recycling, Waste Reduction, and Energy & Water Efficiency. Each focus area sets goals and initiatives that contribute and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
According to Jollibee Group Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer Pepot Miñana, Joy for Tomorrow is the company’s roadmap for achieving the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. “It’s a call to action for everyone in Jollibee Group, amid pursuing our sustainability pillars of Food, People, and Planet. It is our commitment to future generations to preserve and improve natural resources from which they can benefit,” Miñana said.
Serving food that people trust
Jollibee Group prioritizes food safety and quality to maintain the trust of its customers worldwide.
In 2022, the company conducted over 15,000 Food, Service, and Cleanliness (FSC) Audits across its stores worldwide, while over 125,600 online training hours were devoted to Food, Service, Cleanliness & Condition. Moreover, 100% of its stores, commissaries, and logistics facilities have undergone rigorous Quality Management audits. The group also achieved a global Net Promoter Score of 82, exceeding the industry benchmark of 50, showcasing customer satisfaction and loyalty for the various brands.
Helping make people’s lives better
Jollibee Group recognizes its invaluable role in fostering an inclusive work environment for its employees, partners, farmers, and communities.
In 2022, women made up 59% of management positions and 51% of the total workforce. Through training courses on Unconscious Bias, Inclusive Leadership, and Anti-Discrimination, the company educates its employees on the value and benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace. As a measure of high employee engagement, the group achieved the 70th percentile of Gallup’s Q12 percentile ranking.
Outside of the organization, Jollibee Group Foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) has enabled over 700 smallholder farmers across the Philippines to deliver their produce directly to Jollibee Group. Today, the white onions, green bell peppers, tomatoes, calamansi, ginger, and other vegetables that the company uses in Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Mang Inasal products come from FEP farmers.
Treating the planet responsibly
In terms of environmental sustainability, Jollibee Group focuses on the key areas of packaging and recycling, energy, water, and waste.
By the end of 2022, Jollibee Group manufacturing sites in the Philippines achieved a 21% reduction in energy use ratio, a 23% reduction in water use ratio, and a 38% reduction in waste, with almost 50% of waste now being recycled versus the company’s 2020 benchmarks. On the store level, each solar panel installed reduces about 3-7% of consumption from the grid.
Progress over perfection
“We understand that assessing our impact is a continuous process of ambition and refinement. We will track the success of our strategies over the coming years, and periodically review our material topics and stakeholder engagement process. We will set agile goals and targets to help us significantly impact society and the environment more meaningfully,” Tanmantiong said.
Apart from establishing a unit dedicated to sustainability and the appointment of a Chief Sustainability Officer as part of its Executive Team, Jollibee Group also instituted an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Council to ensure that its business operations are aligned with the sustainability goals.
“Our Global Sustainability Agenda represents our belief system in conducting business more ethically. As a global food company, we are responsible and deliberate with our actions and their impact, and we are making our sustainability measures the way of the future,” added Miñana.
Fujifilm Philippines, one of the most trusted leaders in imaging solutions, continues its commitment to enhancing healthcare in the Philippines by conducting health outreach programs in various parts of the country.
Masahiro Uehara, Fujifilm Philippines President, said the Japanese company will partner with local government units to provide free medical consultations and diagnostic tests to communities using their innovative medical equipment. These include the FDR nano and FDR GO Plus for tuberculosis screening and X-ray.
“As part of our corporate social responsibility and commitment to adapting to the changing times, Fujifilm Philippines is taking action by implementing social initiatives to aid Filipinos and local government units. Through these outreach programs, we want to show our dedication toward the betterment of communities,” he said.
Uehara noted that Fujifilm Philippines will first go to Majayjay, Laguna to kick off the outreach program and provide medical assistance to around 300 individuals.
“Majayjay is committed to providing quality healthcare to its citizens and its commitment makes it an ideal site to launch our health outreach program,” he explained.
During the event, Fujifilm Philippines will also turn over medical kits, including sphygmomanometers and thermometers, to the local government of Majayjay to augment the local health centers’ medical instruments.
“We are committed to providing medical assistance to communities in need. At the same time, we look forward to launching more programs that will benefit more Filipinos,” Uehara added.
Pivoting to healthcare
Fujifilm Philippines started its Medical Systems business in 2012 offering five of its pillar products including the Digital X-ray Systems, Computed Radiography Systems, Medical Informatics, Dry Imaging Printers, and X-ray Imaging Films. The introduction of these products paved the way to establish Fujifilm Brand.
In 2013, the business expanded to include Ultrasound Systems, Dry Chemistry, Digital Flat Panel Detectors, Endoscopy Systems, and Digital Mammography Systems. Fujifilm then became one of the most competitive brands in the market as it continuously increases its installation around the Philippines.
Moreover, with FUJIFILM Corporation’s latest acquisition of the Diagnostic Imaging-related Business of Hitachi, Ltd in 2021, Fujifilm Philippines now offers a comprehensive product lineup covering CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound systems, endoscopy, in-vitro diagnostic systems Pictures Archiving and Communications System (PACS).
At the height of the pandemic, Fujifilm Philippines helped healthcare workers identify and monitor COVID-19 patients through a mobile X-ray system called the FDR Go PLUS.
Another innovative medical instrument is the FDR nano, a mobile device for high-quality X-ray imaging. Unlike the traditional mobile X-ray, which is around 500 kilograms, the FDR nano only weighs 90 kilograms. Its compact design makes it easy to use and ideal for confined spaces.
Uehara said Fujifilm Philippines is dedicated to developing new technologies to produce exceptional products and facilitate the treatment of patients.
‘Never stop’ campaign
Besides health outreach programs, Fujifilm Philippines will also conduct basic photography training for young adults highlighting Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras and Instax. The training will be facilitated by Ms. Jam Ramos, an instructor at the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF) and a part-time multimedia teacher.
In 2020, Fujifilm Philippines launched the Fujifilm Online Academy, where professionals provide free photography, videography, and vlogging training. Fujifilm will also put on display its various camera products including mirrorless cameras and Instax to provide a hands-on experience for the participants.
As part of its “Never Stop” global brand campaign, Fujifilm offers a diverse selection of products and services, such as Healthcare (medical equipment and pharmaceuticals), Materials (data storage media, electronic materials, sensor films for touch panels, film for LCD monitors, inkjets, and graphic systems), Business Innovation (office printers, digital production printers, and business solutions) and Imaging (instant photography/Instax and advanced digital cameras).
Established in 2012 as a sales subsidiary of Fujifilm’s regional headquarters in the Asia Pacific, Fujifilm Philippines is committed to promoting sustainability and addressing social issues through developing innovative products, services, and technologies.
Fujifilm Philippines started its Medical Systems business in 2012 offering five of its pillar products including the Digital X-ray Systems, Computed Radiography Systems, Medical Informatics, Dry Imaging Printers, and X-ray Imaging Films. The introduction of these products paved the way to establish Fujifilm Brand.
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