Banwa Private Island is proud to announce its designation as one of the Philippines’ 10 Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs). This significant recognition highlights the island’s vital role in protecting and conserving threatened marine species.
Years of dedicated research by marine biologists have unveiled the island’s critical importance as a habitat for Black Tip Reef Sharks. The island’s unique geography, with its lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine environment, creates ideal conditions for these vulnerable creatures to thrive, a fact that never ceases to fascinate.
As an ISRA, Banwa Private Island joins a global network of protected areas committed to safeguarding shark and ray populations. This designation underscores the island’s unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation, a cause that we can all support and be reassured by.
Banwa Private Island, in partnership with the Aquos Foundation, is actively working to protect its marine ecosystem through reef rehabilitation and community outreach programs. This inspiring collaboration aims to set a global standard for sustainable luxury tourism and marine conservation, giving hope for a brighter future.
The validation follows years of dedicated research by Dr. AA Yaptinchay of Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines and Dr. Teri Aquino, Aquos Foundation Consultant, who have been studying Black Tip Reef Shark habitats around Banwa Private Island since 2017. Their collaborative work has been instrumental in demonstrating the island’s importance as a critical habitat for these vulnerable creatures.
black tip reef shark photo credit to aqua.org
This prestigious recognition places Banwa Private Island alongside renowned marine protected areas like Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in safeguarding threatened marine species. Located within the Tumarbong Marine Protected Area, a region known for its rich biodiversity and strict conservation measures, Banwa Private Island is a haven for marine life, boasting shallow waters teeming with diverse ecosystems. The island’s unique geographical location and rich marine environment create ideal conditions for sharks and rays to thrive.
ISRAs are designated ocean habitats crucial for the survival of sharks and rays. With over a third of shark species at risk of extinction due to overfishing and habitat loss, these protected areas are essential for their survival. Coastal regions, home to 75% of endangered shark species, are particularly vulnerable.
Banwa Private Island has become a sanctuary for marine life, with a remarkable resurgence of threatened species. Black Tip Reef Sharks have returned to the island’s shallow waters, and Hawksbill Turtle nesting success rates have soared. These achievements are a testament to the island’s commitment to conservation and habitat preservation.
“Being named an ISRA is a significant milestone for Banwa Private Island,” said Janet Oquendo, Island Manager of Banwa Private Island. “This recognition underscores our dedication to safeguarding our marine ecosystem and contributing to global shark and ray conservation efforts.”
The identification of ISRAs is a global initiative led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (IUCN-SSC) Shark Specialist Group in collaboration with local and regional experts. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of area-based conservation strategies, including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The newly designated ISRAs will provide valuable insights for developing and managing effective conservation measures to ensure the survival of these vulnerable species.
The Aquos Foundation, Banwa Private Island’s non-profit partner, has been instrumental in the island’s ecological restoration through reef rehabilitation and community support. Together, they are working to create a thriving underwater sanctuary for generations to come. The foundation’s commitment and support have significantly contributed to the island’s conservation efforts.
Banwa Private Island is an exclusive all-villa destination offering unparalleled luxury, privacy, and personalized service in a pristine marine and nature preserve. Nestled in the Sulu Sea, the island’s lush landscapes and crystal-clear waters provide an idyllic setting for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable escape.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
The Philippine National Police (PNP), with the aid of GCash, has uncovered the proliferation of online children and women trafficking during recent arrests of cybercriminals conducted by the law enforcement body.
A human trafficking suspect allegedly exploited victims on a popular social media platform. Posing as clients under various aliases, he purchased pornographic material from victims and then used it to coerce them into further sexual exploitation. The victims were subsequently trafficked to the Middle East for forced labor and prostitution, reportedly using various social media aliases, including Lester James Ang, LJ Garcia, Harley Garcia, Mark Harley Garcia, Mark Harley Dave Garcia, and Mark Harly Dave Garciano. He was eventually traced and arrested by an operation led by the PNP Anti-cybercrime group.
Two more separate cases of online child sexual exploitation have been reported by PNP-ACG involving a suspect named Mary June Netuliano Espiritu, who was put into custody for purportedly selling explicit videos of her daughter on social media. In a similar case, Leonisa Postetad Ligo is facing charges for allegedly prostituting two minor victims through a popular messaging app.
As the largest digital ecosystem, GCash recognizes its role in keeping the public and cyberspace secure— while safeguarding the well-being of women and children.
“To create a financially inclusive cashless ecosystem, we must ensure that the digital landscape is safe for users and their children by supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts against cybercrimes. Our commitment extends to protecting the community from all threats, especially involving women and children,” said GCash vice president and head of corporate communications Gilda Maquilan.
GCash urges the public to report any incidents of scams, fraud, or cybercrime to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) by calling (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116 or by emailing ac*@pn*.ph. Users can also report cybercrimes through the official GCash Help Center at https://help.gcash.com by messaging Gigi on the website and typing ‘I want to report a scam.’ Alternatively, they may contact the GCash hotline by dialing 2882.
For a safer digital experience, GCash reminds its users to remain vigilant, never share their MPIN or OTP, and avoid clicking on suspicious links that could lead to phishing or fraud. GCash will never ask for personal information through private messages.
About GCash
GCash is the leading finance super app in the Philippines and boasts the largest cashless ecosystem in the country. With the GCash app, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime, pay bills through a network of partner billers nationwide, send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines (including to other bank accounts), and shop from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers. Users also have access to savings, credit, loans, insurance, and investment options, all conveniently available on their smartphones.
The mobile wallet operations are managed by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, which is the first and only unicorn valued at $5 billion in the Philippines.
GCash is a strong supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 5, 8, 10, and 13. These goals emphasize safety and security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the urgent action needed to combat climate change and its impacts.
About Fuse Lending, Inc.
Fuse Lending, Inc. is a company that provides simple, affordable, and secure loans in the Philippines. Its primary mission is to help individuals and small businesses achieve financial security and growth through a variety of digital lending products. Fuse Lending is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion unicorn in the Philippines. It is also regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Mynt, through its fintech operations, strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goals 5, 8, 10, and 13. These goals focus on safety and security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
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.
Years of dedicated research by marine biologists have unveiled the island’s critical importance as a habitat for Black Tip Reef Sharks. The island’s unique geography, with its lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine environment, creates ideal conditions for these vulnerable creatures to thrive, a fact that never ceases to fascinate.
GCash is the leading finance super app in the Philippines and boasts the largest cashless ecosystem in the country. With the GCash app, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime, pay bills through a network of partner billers nationwide, send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines (including to other bank accounts), and shop from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers. Users also have access to savings, credit, loans, insurance, and investment options, all conveniently available on their smartphones.
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