Galing Pook Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Local Government Programs for 2022

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. recognizes the 10 winners of the Galing Pook Foundation 2022 at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace. He commended the Galing Pook Foundation for recognizing and incentivizing top performing LGUs. With them in the photo are: Galing Pook Foundation chairman Mel Sarmiento, Local Government secretary Benjamin Abalos, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Ten outstanding local governance programs were recognized in the 2022 Galing Pook Awards held at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace last Tuesday, November 22, 2022.

Galing Pook Foundation with its co-presenters SM Prime Holdings Inc., and the DILG-Local Government Academy, and sponsors Cebu Pacific and Airspeed named local government units from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that promote innovation and excellence.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended the Galing Pook Foundation for recognizing and incentivizing top performing LGUs. He stressed how strong collaboration between the public and private sector can lead to more meaningful and successful programs that truly benefit the Filipino people.

“The recognition that you give to cities and municipalities inspires them to accelerate their drive towards improvement and it encourages LGUs to adopt practices that make us paragons of excellence in public service. It is necessary for us to underscore the importance of strengthening partnerships between the government and private organizations, such as the Galing Pook Foundation, especially as we bring about meaningful progress in the country.”

Galing Pook Chairperson Mel Sarmiento expressed his gratitude to all the local executives and LGU teams that participated this year: “It’s truly inspiring to see the impact of the work that you do, and I’m sure you’ve brought value to many Filipinos all over the country. Our collaborations bring us closer to realizing our shared vision, na ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino, may simple pero kumportableng buhay.”

The winners of the 2022 Galing Pook Awards were: The Green Wall of Alcala (Alcala, Cagayan); Advancing and Sustaining Good Governance and Community Actions towards Resiliency and Empowerment (Basilan Province); Bataan Public-Private Partnership Programs (Bataan Province); Balik-Biñan Project: Tourism Development through Heritage Conservation (Biñan City, Laguna); From Black to Green: Fishponds, Eco-Tourism and Full Employment (Brgy. Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal); Trekking to Unlock Community Ailments and Difficulties (TUCAD) (Goa, Camarines Sur); “I-BIKE” A Program Promoting the Development of the Iloilo City Bike Culture (Iloilo City); Yaru: A Whole-of-Community Approach Towards Disaster Management (Itbayat, Batanes); Libertad Fish Forever Savings Club (Libertad, Antique); anda Basta Piddigueño, AgriHenyo: Consolidated Farm Production System (Piddig, Ilocos Norte).

The 10 winners were chosen from 18 finalists and a record field of 196 applications from different LGUs in the country.

Launched on October 21, 1993, the Galing Pook Awards has recognized 329 LGU programs from 200 LGUs in the country that have been promoted for replication to benefit more communities.

SM provides learners with environment conducive to learning

SM school building in Sorsogon City

More than just an area where students gather to hold classes, a school environment plays a vital role in learners’ cognitive development. Research has shown that with an environment conducive to learning, students increase their attention and focus, and they are more motivated to practice higher-level critical thinking skills.

Adamant to provide students with venues where they can fully hone their skills and knowledge, SM Foundation (SMFI)—the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group—cemented its partnership with the Department of Education (DepED) in 2002 through DepEd’s Adopt-A-School Program.

Through this, SMFI builds SM school buildings in grassroot communities, complete with basic furniture and equipment. More so, SMFI integrates specialized features to each SM school building to address the unique needs of their school recipients—some received rooms dedicated as a guidance office, a clinic, a mini-library, and some even got a water tank and a handwashing facility.

To date, SMFI has turned over more than 100 SM school buildings nationwide with the help of its partners, which share the same aspirations for the Filipino learners and teachers. One of which is the SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) - one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia. Since the project’s inception, over 90 SM school buildings out of the more than 100 were built through the social good collaboration with SM Prime.

Green space which promotes environmental consciousness.

Infrastructure for calamity prone areas

SMFI and SMPH ensure that the SM school buildings incorporate a disaster resilient design to guarantee the safety of the students, teachers, and other school personnel. Emergency lights at both staircases, and fire and earthquake alarm bells are also installed.

Principal Joji Buelvo, school principal of Basud Elementary School (BES) in Sorsogon City, shared the state of their school community before they accepted the fully furnished SM school building from SMFI and SM Prime in 2021: “Ang aming paaralan ay saksi sa maraming kalamidad. Kaya karamihan ng mga classrooms ay may kalumaan na, ang mga kisame ay malapit na bumagsak—talagang hindi na conducive for learning.” 

“But through your [SMFI and SM Prime] donation, our BES learners now have a haven where we can nurture their young minds to be academically-ready and well-rounded members of the community,” Buelvo further expressed.

Every classroom in an SM school building is well-ventilated and spacious enough to allow the students to have a better learning experience

Addressing classroom shortage

The continuous rapid growth of the country’s population is taking a toll on schools—leaving the students, even the teachers, with overcrowded classrooms which affect learners’ academic performance. 

In 2012, the Banisil National High School (BNHS) in General Santos City received its first SM school building. But being the only secondary school in Barangay Tambler, BNHS records a significant increase in their enrollment per year. With this challenge, SM Foundation decided to provide another edifice of hope for the sub-urban Muslim community in 2021, addressing the growing needs of BNHS learners and teachers.

SM School building in General Santos City

BNHS then principal Shiela Balbon said, “Yung patuloy na paglobo ng population every year ay talagang naging suliranin namin.”

“Pagpasok ng 2020, nagkaroon ng COVID. So naisip ko baka hindi na matuloy. Pero itong SM Foundation, walang pande-pandemya sa kanila. Talagang desidido silang matugunan yung pangangailangan sa classroom ng mga estudyante,” she added.

“Our salute to our longtime partner, SM Foundation and SM Prime, for being so generous and proactive in providing us with school buildings that are conducive to learning. We are so grateful for your extended support to our school amidst the pandemic,” Balbon concluded.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School project. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide.

Henry Sy Foundation Inc. (HSFI) and UST seals partnership for Henry Sy Sr. Hall build up

Leaders of Henry Sy Foundation Inc. (HSFI), led by the Sy family Harley Sy, Hans Sy, Elizabeth Sy, Debbie Sy, Tessie Sy, Henry Sy Jr, Engr. Ramon Gil Macapagal, formalize its partnership with the University of Sto. Tomas Rector Fr. Richard Gaw Ang, OP, Dr. Ma. Lourdes Domingo, Fr. Angel Aparicio, OP, Fr. Maximo Gatela, OP

A new structure will soon rise on UST main campus in Manila to respond to the needs of digital medical education.

Pursuing its objective of driving Philippine social development by fostering the youth and the culture of excellence through education, the Henry Sy Foundation, Inc. (HSFI) recently inked a partnership with the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Research and Endowment Foundation to construct a building that elevates health education in the country.

Named in honor of the late SM Founder, the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall of UST is a landmark for the Philippines' relentless push towards cutting edge medical innovation. It is expected to cater to the needs of digital medical education and help boost health education.

Designed by C.A. Ventura & Partners, the upcoming Henry Sy., Sr. Hall in UST is envisioned to propel the health education of future physicians in the country.

The Hall will feature technologically advanced facilities and equipment that complement UST’s teaching, learning, and research practices. It will also house the simulation and research facility of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS).

Paragons with passion

Fr. Richard Gaw Ang, OP, Rector of UST, thanked the Sy family as they work together to provide the best education to future physicians and increase UST’s research productivity to fill the gaps where communities are disadvantaged.

“Your family consists of industry leaders who have visions for the Filipino community. Your choice to support this endeavor of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is a significant stamp of approval to the work and tradition of this medical institution,” Fr. Ang said in a letter to the Sy family.

“Your family’s Patriarch, Henry Sy, Sr., had principles in life that we, as an institution, give our best to also follow. We aim to lead as paragons with passion, integrity, far-reaching and optimistic vision, sensible priorities, and discipline. At the core of this is a deep sense of charity for God, the church, and the nation,” Fr. Ang added.

UST’s future Henry Sy, Sr. Hall

Rising as an intellectual hub for future physicians, the building has a dedicated floor for the Faculties of Medicine and Surgery Research Center and the Medicine and Surgery Graduate Programs and Ethics Review Board. In here, medical education research and various medical-related specialty research will be reviewed and conducted.

The building will include specialized centers, rooms, and laboratories, such as Medical Simulation Centers and Care Ultrasound Institute, and Otorhinolaryngology Laboratory. These will be equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology to develop medical students’ competencies in multiple simulated healthcare settings crossing the human lifespan.

The HSFI is a non-stock, non-profit organization inspired by SM founder Henry Sy, Sr.’s desire to aid educational institutions to drive Philippine social development. Its projects are undertaken in partnership with the SM group and its foundations to honor the SM founder by supporting educational institutions in promoting academic excellence as a key to a brighter future for the youth.

Flash Express offers 50% shipping fee discount to online sellers

Flash Express strengthens successful partnerships among top e-commerce platforms and MSMEs; Offers 50% shipping fee discount for November to online sellers

L-R: Flash Express Marketing Deputy Director AR Polinar; Flash Express PR & Partnerships Manager Reginald Rex Pumihic; UnionBank Senior Vice President and SME and Micropreneurs Segments Head to Customer Experience Group; Flash Express PR Officer Kamille Cuello 

Flash Express, the fastest-growing courier and logistics service company in the Philippines has expressed vast growth and expansion through partnerships among the biggest e-commerce platforms in the Philippines including Lazada, Shopee, Edamama, UnionBank and the latest shoppertainment platform TikTok Shop, among others.

The company has become one of the most reliable courier and logistics service companies among the e-commerce platforms including a high demand for MSMEs who use Flash Express for their business delivery needs.

Flash Express Deputy Marketing Director AR Polinar said that the company has rolled out strategic plans to help boost the business of their partners through marketing campaigns for the holiday season including the 50% discount shipping fee for November.

“We all know that during this last quarter of the year, Filipinos love to shop and we have adapted the practice of online shopping due to the pandemic. Flash Express is prepared for the demand of this season especially in our operations, we are starting to add more people to make sure of efficient delivery service to our customers. Simultaneously, we want to help boost the sales of our customers especially our online sellers by offering a 50% shipping fee for the month of November”, Polinar said.

The company has expressed its confidence and gratitude to all their e-commerce platforms clients that have put their trust in Flash Express’ services that include free-pick up, fast delivery, 365 days delivery and no holiday and 24/7 customer service.

PR & Partnerships Manager Reginald Rex Pumihic said that the company is expecting a high increase of parcel volumes from their E-commerce Platforms customers, Key Accounts (KA) and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) considering that this is the biggest shopping season of the year.

“Flash Express has built business trust and confidence among our e-commerce platform partners considering that we have expanded enormously in just a year of operating here in the Philippines. We have grown to servicing 95% serviceable areas across the country with our presence nationwide and with our business affiliates such as Flash Home which has over 1,200 branches as drop-off points for our customers and the increasing numbers of manpower to support our operations”, Pumihic said. 

Flash Express is continuously contributing to the development of the e-commerce courier and logistics industry in the country and by providing more job opportunities among Filipinos.

For more information about Flash Express, visit https://www.flashexpress.ph/ or contact (02) 8539 4002.

3D LED Billboard, Space Tunnel, Golden Gateway and Dazzling Light shows take centerstage at the SM Malls

This Christmas season, SM Supermalls gives you an immersive, adventurous and experiential holiday celebration. Yuletide will be packed with experiences to pique your curiosity as SM takes you to the deep oceans with SM Megamall’s first-ever 3D Whale Shark LED billboard, see the Northern lights at the Aurora Trail of SM City North EDSA, Sparkle at the Light show and Holiday fireworks at SM Mall of Asia, enter the Golden gateway of SM Aura Premier and explore the outer space at the Mega Space Odyssey.

NORTH EDSA’S AURORA TRAIL

The illuminating lights of the Aurora Borealis is at the North this Christmas. Walk and indulge in a family friendly immersive experience at the Aurora trail ascending the giant holiday tree with a magical array of lights, forestry, rein-bears & holiday polar express.

 

MEGA SPACE ODYSSEY & 3D WHALE SHARK

Travel to majestic galaxies in outer space and take  videos with your space explorer friends. Experience the first-ever immersive 3D LED tunnel in Manila until December 25 at the ground level Mega Fashion Hall (at the back of the Giant Christmas Tree).

SM Supermalls introduces the new 3D technology along EDSA by screening a hyper-realistic 3D Whale Shark at SM Megamall’s LED billboard. Be mesmerized with the one-minute motion, realistic display of the whale shark as it hits a huge water-filled tank and later falls out of it. This specific installation theme pays homage to our country and recognizes the fact that  Philippines holds the second   largest population of whale shark in the world at over 1,950 count.

This High-Definition Immersive content  is the first in the Philippines. Netizens were awestruck of a larger-than-life Whale Shark peeking out of a digital billboard spanning over 2,000 square foot. The Mega Whale Shark was first teased on April 27 but tourists and motorists may still catch the short preview every 15 minutes  from 12NN to 10PM daily. Watch out for the new 3D content this Christmas. 

MOA SPARKLE OF LIGHT SHOW AND HOLIDAY FIREWORKS

Feel the Christmas spirit as you watch the brightest and merriest indoor Christmas tree music and lights show. Be in awe as you watch over one hundred thousand lights set to music. Catch the show DAILY, every hour from 10AM to 10PM until end of December at the Central Atrium. Enjoy the most awaited and better than ever fireworks display at the MOA Complex every Friday and Saturday from November to December 2022. Make sure to experience this magical moment with your families and loved ones.

AURA’s GOLDEN GATEWAY and NIGHTS OF DAZZLING LIGHTS

Tucked behind the giant Christmas tree is a golden gemstone-shaped immersive experience. In partnership with global smartphone brand TECNO Mobile, technology and art meet to transport all who enter this enclosure into scenes of an opulent holiday palace and fantastical golden worlds. Simply present ₱1,000 in single or collected receipts and enter a whole new world filled with glitz and glamour.

The theatrical room isn’t the only technological experience the mall has. Equally spectacular is a choreographed light and sound display at SM Aura Premier’s Skypark at Level 5. Visitors of the Skypark enter a space with tall tree-like sculptures made of strings of lights. As they go through a forest of lights, a jaw-dropping will excite them. Visitors may enjoy the choreographed audio-visual performance at 7PM on all Sunday nights of December, including December 25th itself.

Visit https://gosm.link/AHappyChristmasAtSMmedia and follow @smsupermalls on social media to stay updated on the various holiday happenings.

It’s a Happy Christmas at SM Supermalls!

S Maison

SM Megamall starts to spread sparks of happiness with an out-of-this-world Christmas event

SM Supermalls brings back the excitement in every visit, joy in every sight, and a magical connection in every experience that will make every Filipino’s Christmas happier and brighter.

Ode to outer space: An out-of-this-world celebration starts at SM Megamall

SM officially ushered the holiday season with an out-of-this-world celebration at the Mega & Bright: Christmas in Space 2022 at the SM Megamall on October 20. 

The mall’s mega Christmas Tree decked in stars and lights was lit, signaling the start of SM’s nationwide Happy Christmas campaign. And starting October 20 until December, SM shoppers can have a glimpse of the universe through SM Megamall’s Mega Space Odyssey. The 3D LED tunnel transports individuals into space and allows them to view it immersively. 

If you missed the SM Megamall Christmas event, there are still more ways to celebrate the joys of the holidays. SM Supermalls has lined up exciting and festive activities just for you and your loved ones! Check out the details below:

More Christmas Tree lighting activities in your favorite SM mall!

Apart from SM Megamall, other premier SM malls will light up their massive 50-foot Christmas trees to share hope, joy, and love with every SM shopper. Check out the dates below so you can drop by your favorite SM mall and watch the lighting of its dazzling trees full of lights, stars, and colorful ornaments.

Santa-approved Christmas Playpark

Witness as your favorite SM mall opens a new world of Christmas with towering centerpieces, functional spaces, and sprawling activities at the Christmas Playpark. Explore the Christmas markets and play areas, and watch out for Santa appearances, character meet and greets, and other surprises! Plus, you also get to have a multisensory experience at the playpark’s light and sound shows, festive eats and holiday treats, and a whole lot more scents and feels that will embrace you in holiday warmth and ambiance.

Sparkling lights to brighten up your holidays

Christmas won’t be festive without lights. Be in awe as you pass by hallways decked with twinkling lights, illuminated tunnels, beaming driveways, and lit parking spaces as they glow at their best. 

Dining out al fresco style at the Super Spots decked with lights

SM Supermalls has also created outdoor attractions for that picture-perfect, memorable shopping, dining, and leisure activities for the whole family. At The Podium, shoppers are in for Joie De Vivre with its Holiday Night Cap on October 21-23 and 28-30 at the ADB Al Fresco, and the Food Lab on October 24-30 at the Atrium East Level 2 so everyone can discover new food specials this Christmas. You can also enjoy special treats, promos, and exclusive deals from your favorite restaurants and food merchants at the SM mall near you!

Turn Christmas AReality at SM

Don’t miss out on a phygital Christmas experience as SM incorporates the festive season with Augmented Reality. In SM Megamall, four AR filters have been made available, including Santa Claus, Reindeer, Snowman, and Sparkle. You just need to scan the QR code at the SM mall near you and see the Christmas centerpiece and magical spots come alive!

Check out the Happiness Stations

SM installed various happiness stations where you can create lasting memories with family and friends. Spot the giant bears with lights at Bears of Joy corner, the happiness photo wall, the Christmas tree decors with your family photos, or the huge TV screen where you can watch your recently filmed Tiktok or IG video at your favorite mall.

Make your furbabies feel the happiness and love

Christmas is for the whole family including furbabies! Make them happy and feel loved by joining the Holiday Paw Play Dates and Costume PAWty. You can also flex them at the Christmas photo challenge and win amazing prizes, or shop for them at the Christmas markets. Also, SM Supermalls will be partnering again with organizations for a pet adoption drive so you can help the little ones find a home in time for the holiday.

Unlock a bigger, better, and brighter virtual Christmas Village

SM will reopen its virtual Christmas Village to bring an exciting, engaging, and rewarding holiday experience to Filipinos. Check out https://gosm.link/ChristmasVillage2022 as it goes live from October 28 to January 5 for an awesome augmented reality shopping, dining, and leisure experience. Create your own avatar, e-meet fellow shoppers and SM ambassadors, and enjoy bonding time with your family and friends while playing fun games at the immersive virtual Christmas zones made for you.

Create circles of happiness by buying products for cause-oriented programs 

Since it’s the season of giving, you can support cause-oriented advocacies of individuals and organizations by purchasing products that provide opportunities and livelihood to marginalized sectors. For this year’s 100 Days campaign, SM partnered with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote initiative.

SM Batangas 

“This Christmas, we are sending a message of happiness to every Filipino. With every activity we have for them, we hope to inspire everyone to spread sparks of happiness in their homes and communities as we celebrate this year’s holiday festivities,” said Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls.

A new light of experiences will bring happiness and kindness to every Filipino as SM Supermalls create more magical memories and opportunities to touch other people’s lives this holiday season. Check out www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts to stay updated on the various holiday happenings.

Protect your child's dream with Singlife's Cash for Goals

 

Invest in your child's college expenses with just Php 2,500 with Singlife's Cash for Goals (Education)

Filipino Parents understand that quality education is the best way to pave a better life for their children.  However, college tuition fees are expensive and continue to increase annually. To make sure there is money when it’s needed, they need to start building an education fund as early as possible. Singlife Philippines developed Cash for Goals (Education) to help parents prepare for education expenses. 

Helping parents provide for their children

Cash for Goals (Education) helps parents save and grow their money so they can afford their child’s college tuition fees. Singlife makes this hassle-free by making the product available on GCash, which is accessible anytime, anywhere through any mobile device. The purchase experience is designed to be informative, user-friendly, and transparent so that parents can learn how the product works and make a purchase in just a few minutes. 

Singlife has made investing for a child’s college fund budget-friendly. Initial investment starts low at only Php 2,500 and additional investments can be as low as Php 500/month. And it’s easy to stay consistent with monthly investing as funds are automatically deducted from the parent’s GCash account for convenience. 

Through Cash for Goals, the parent’s money is invested in the Singlife Smart Investment Fund - a peso-denominated investment-linked fund that aims to earn more than traditional savings accounts by primarily investing in a mix of Philippine fixed-income and equity classes. The fund is managed by ATRAM, one of the country’s leading asset management companies.  

On top of helping parents save and grow their money, Cash for Goals (Education) also ensures that the child has money for college in case anything unfortunate happens to his/her parents. If the parent investing in the child’s college fund passes away, Singlife will ensure that the target amount is available for the child by the time he/she enters college.  

Singlife provides a better way

What makes Cash for Goals (Education) better than the run-of-the-mill investment-linked insurance product is that 100% of the parents’ money is invested, as compared to other products that charge very high entry fees. For parents, this translates to their investments earning more than 50% versus other products in the market, especially during the early years. 

The product’s low cash out makes saving for education budget-friendly for every-Juan (and Maria). Cash for Goals (education) is available for as low as Php 500/month after a one-time initial investment of just Php 2,500. And when things get tight and parents need to withdraw funds for emergencies, they can do so without any fees or charges at any given time. 

“As parents, we want to provide all we can for our children to help them reach their big ambitions and education is key to that. It is better to start as early as possible to avoid being confronted with the high cost of education when the need is already there and when our budgets might be constrained. To help parents be ready, we created ‘Cash for Goals (Education)’ and give them a better way to plan, save and grow funds for their child’s education,” says Rien Hermans, Singlife’s CEO.

Cash for Goals (Education) is the first unit-linked investment product offered by Singlife Philippines. The company develops products that help customers plan, save, and invest for their financial future.  

To learn more about Singlife’s Cash for Goals product visit our website (http://singlife.com.ph/cash-for-goals/) or go to GCash (http://go.gcash.com/SinglifeCFGE).