PBSP and Petron Partnership featured in Philippine Star

April 30, 2018

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Thank you Philippine Star for featuring our partnership with Petron! #PBSPinEducation


FULL TEXT:
Petron honors over 400 graduating TAP scholars
Giving the underprivileged youth a chance to build abetter life through education, Petron Corp., led by its corporate social responsibility arm Petron Foundation, celebrates the graduation of its Tulong Aral ng Petron (TAP) scholars from different academic levels in schools across the country.
This year, a total of 432 TAP scholars, including Petron's second batch of elementary graduates from Mindanao, its first batches of K-12 graduates in NCR, and its third batch of college scholars, are set to take the next step in their respective journeys.
To mark this important milestone, Petron recently held a graduation ceremony for its Senior High School graduates from Metro Manila in its headquarters in Mandaluyong City. Gracing the occasion are parents of the scholars, school officials, and representatives from Petron's partner institutions, the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and local government units.
"Education is a powerful tool in overcoming poverty. Over the years, it has been our privilege to see our scholars succeed and become better students, better sons and daughters, and better persons," Petron Foundation general manager Charmaine Canillas said.
"We continue to strengthen our scholarship program in order to help uplift the lives of more Filipinos," she added.
TAP scholars begin their journey toward a brighter future with Petron as early as Grade 1. They are nurtured through a comprehensive program that measures not only their academic progress but also their holistic development as individuals.
These scholars are provided with school supplies, shoes, school uniforms, daily meal allowances, as well as leadership and life skills workshops. Parents of TAP scholars are also given skills training, livelihood opportunities, and other support services to help their families become more sustainable.
"Petron taught me not to lose hope," shares Ann Dante Mary Planco, a TAP scholar since grade 1 and soon, a BS Electrical Engineering graduate from the Technological Institute of the Philippines. "Now that this chapter of my life is coming to a close, I can confidently look forward to what the future holds. Mar anting salamat po Petron sa tiwala, sa pagtitiyaga, at suporta."
Ronald Aranas, who will graduate from Far Eastern University with a BSBA degree in Business Management this year, shares the same sentiment. "They say good education is the key to a better life. With Petron's help, my dreams for myself and my family are slowly but surely becoming a reality," he said.
Planco and Aranas are among the 10 TAP scholars receiving their college diplomas this year.
As it continues to expand, the company is working toward having all its terminals across the country adapt the TAP program. In 2017, Petron introduced TAP in two new communities namely San Fernando City, Pampanga and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
To date, over 8,200 TAP scholars from Petron's host communities have graduated from elementary, high school, and college.
Petron Senior High School scholars graduating with high honors are given special recognition at the Tulong Aral ng Petron graduation last April 13. Joining them are their parents and officials from Petron, DepEd, DSWD, and PBSP.
Two of the newest TAP college graduates Anne Planco (second from left) and Nathaniel Barbacena (second from right) with former TAP scholars now Petron employees Danica Ramirez (third from left), Queenie Vargas (center), and Mark Joel Dela Cruz (third from right) share a special moment on stage with PBSP executive director Reynaldo Antonio Laguda (left) and Petron Foundation general manager Charmaine Canillas (right).

Marikina Watershed Family Fun Run (MWFFR) 2018

THE MARIKINA WATERSHED FAMILY FUN RUN (MWFFR) 2018
 May 20, 2018, Sunday at 5:30 AM
Marikina Sports Center, Marikina City

In partnership with Marikina City, this will be the first year of the MWFFR. The MWFFR is an effort to raise funds for the benefit of improving the Marikina Watershed and the families residing in its communities.

PBSP has been working in and with the Marikina Watershed communities as a response to Typhoon Ondoy in 2009. To date, PBSP, with its members, friends and partner farming groups, has reforested almost 300 hectares in the Boso-Boso and Montalban-Wawa Subwatersheds.

By joining this event, you help plant trees by running!

MECHANICS

1. Entry requirements

1.1. Registration is open to all 18 years old and above. If a participant is below 18 he or she can still register with a parent or guardian waiver. Registration fee is P500. Discounted rate of P400 for students and senior citizens.
1.2. Registration begins on March 12 until May 4, 2018. Participants must accomplish Registration Forms and Waivers are provided in bit.ly/2qlExVh. Singlets will still be available on the actual run but sizes will be subject to availability.
1.3. Participants must make cash or check payment to Philippine Business for Social Progress for the registration fees and their category of choice. One registration form has been duly processed there will be no refund of registration fees to a participant who, for whatever reason cannot participate. Acknowledgement Receipt, Official Receipt and Deposit Slip provided must be kept by the registrant. It will be used to claim the race kit on the day designated by the event organizers.
1.4. The run will take place regardless of bad weather and will only be cancelled, re-routed or stopped for reasons of safety. In this event, registration fees are not refundable.
1.5. Runners may deposit their belongings at designated baggage counters. Pls do not leave valuable items such as jewelries, money and gadgets. If really needed, pls. approach Ms Lea Sacay or Ms Tin Rivadelo. Race officials are not liable for bags or items that have been lost/ damage outside the baggage counters.

2. Claiming of Race Kits

2.1. No registrant is allowed to claim race kits without presenting any of the following proof of payment: Official Receipt, Acknowledgement Receipt or BDO Deposit Slip. Date of claiming will be communicated thru email and will be posted at PBSP and City Government of Marikina webpage and facebook page.
2.2. Sizes of the race singlet will depend on the availability. If a person will claim the race kit on behalf of the registrant, the following must be submitted: Authorization letter signed by the registrant, photocopy of the valid ID of the registrant and must present the Official Receipt.

3. Race Rules (10K, 5K, 3K)

3.1. Assembly time is 5:30 am. Thirty (30) minutes before the first event the organizers shall ask all the participants to convene at the starting line for the announcement of rules and for warm up exercises.
3.2. This fun run  will be recognizing and will be giving the following awards:
              Top Male and Female 10K Category: Medal and P5,000 each
              Top Male and Female 5K Category: Medal and P2,000 each
               Youngest Runner: Medal
               Most Senior Runner: Medal
               Top 1 Most Represented Marikina Barangay: P10,000 and Plaque
               Top 2 Most Represented Marikina Barangay: Plaque
               Top 3 Most Represented Marikina Barangay:Plaque
               Most Represented Company: Plaque
3.3. Every runner shall run carefully and with due regard to the safety of other runners and other road users.
3.4. A runner shall wear appropriate clothing, preferably the singlet with the race bib provided.
3.5. Every runner shall at all times display his/her race bib legibly and ensure it is pinned on his/her shirt.
3.6. Race official and organizers have the right to refuse and disqualify participants who do not show proper conduct and sportsmanship.
3.7. Every runner shall finish the full race course with the following gun start times:
10K- 6:00 AM
5K- 6:05 AM
3K- 6:10 AM
 Programme and awarding of winners/raffle will start at 7:45 am. All runners are expected to be in the Marikina Sports Center at this time.
3.8. A runner may not participate whilst under the influence of alcohol or any drug or medication that can temporarily impair any of the senses.
3.9. Runners must be on designated lane and race routes to avoid any untoward incidents. Race officials, organizers are not liable for any injury or illness incurred, by other party, vehicles, during the race.
3.10.Organizers can modify the rules, course, times, cut-offs due without prior notice. Conditions for the race may change depending on the operations, technical management, weather, safety and security.

4. Race Reminders – For Kids Ages 6 and below
4.1. For participants aged 6 years old and below, it is compulsory for a parent or guardian to accompany the child during the race for safety purposes, failing this, the organizer reserves the right to refuse entry to the participant.
4.2. For participants aged 6 years old and below, only one parent/ guardian, issued with an identification tag, will be allowed to accompany the child.

5. Hydration and Medical Services
5.1. Hydration will be provided from start- finish lines. Dispose any trash at designated receptacles.
5.2. Consult our medical team for any problem requiring immediate attention. A first aid booth/medical booth is available near the registration area in the Sports Center.
5.3. Medical assistance will be available along the route.
5.4. Any reasonable medical or emergency evacuation costs incurred on behalf of a runner by the organizer will be for the cost of the runner.

6. Finish Line and Claiming of Loot bag and Participation in the Raffle
6.1. Runners must proceed to the event area after they reach the finish line.
6.2. Runners are not allowed to stay at the finish line.
6.3. Race organizers will be facilitating the incoming runners.
6.4. Loot bag shall be claimed by presenting their stub for loot bag included in the race bib at designated redemption booths. No claim stub, no loot bag.
6.5. By 730 am or after your run also, please drop off raffle stub from your race bib in a designated fish bowl on the stage. 

 
7. On-Site Registration Schedules (additional schedules and sites may be determined)
    April 26 and 27, 9am-5pm    Marikina City Hall Grounds
   
For other Registration concerns, you may directly get in touch with Ms. Lea Loreen Jacinto-Sacay through 527-7741 to 48 or 0916-3962000.

FOR A HEALTHIER AND CLEANER LIFESTYLE AND ENVIRONMENT
1. Zumba dance session will be open for everyone.
2. While paper cups will be available in the water stations, participants are requested to bring their water jugs/containers.
3. Unilever's Misis Walastik Program will be collecting CLEAN and DRY plastic wastes (sachets, plastic food packs, old sando bags, flexible plastics, labels of bottled water). A minimum of 1 kilo can be exchanged for Unilever products. So, collect now in your respective households and bring these on May 20. Let us not let these stubborn plastic add to our solid waste management problem.
4. Waste bins will be available around the Marikina Sports Center so we hope we leave the area clean after the event.
5. Support our partner farmers who will be selling their newly-harvested vegetables near the registration area. Please bring eco-bag for your purchase. :)
6. Check out other activities in the Marikina Sports Center which you, your family members and your friends can do after. Food stalls at the 2nd Floor are also available.

RACE ROUTE

TRAFFIC/ROAD CLOSURES NOTICE 

For a more convenient trip to the Marikina Sports Center,  our recommendation is to utilize Marcos Highway, A. Tuazon Avenue or A.Bonifacio Avenue.


PARKING AREAS

Parking areas around the Marikina City Hall are available. There are also parking areas along McDonalds Avenue.

 EXPLORE MARIKINA

Check TripAdvisor site for restaurants and place to explore in Marikina! https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Tourism-g312692-Marikina_Metro_Manila_Luzon-Vacations.html

For other concerns, pls. do not hesitate to call Engr Gil Munar (Marikina City Hall) at 0917-1667541 or Kristine Rivadelo (PBSP) at 0928-5056005. Thank you!

Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya Program: Stronger at 10

From trash to cash for a cause Motolite, PBSP mark recycling program

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Contributor

IMAGINE if 4,000 tons of used lead acid batteries (ULABs) were disposed indiscriminately in our waterways over the last 10 years. The lead content in these batteries would have leaked into our rivers and poisoned animals. Worse, it may have caused health injuries to people who have ingested it.

Imagine if hundreds of children have been exposed to this neurotoxin and have developed intellectual disabilities which deprived them of enjoying their lives as regular kids. The World Health Organization points to lead as the cause of 143,000 deaths each year in developing regions.

Fortunately, the proper recycling of these extremely hazardous wastes under the Balik Baterya Program of the Oriental & Motolite Marketing Corporation (OMMC) and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) has made the country a little safer and also contributed significant benefits to the education, environment and health sectors.

A deeper purpose

Over the last 10 years, some Php99.8 million worth of proceeds have been raised from 4,000 tons of ULABs that were collected from 180 donor companies. These were used for the donation of 4,596 textbooks and storybooks to public schools, improvement of reading skills of 2,607 children, provision of 714 schools desks, training of 142 teachers on remedial reading, assistance to 117 public schools, establishment of 100 learning resource centers, construction and repair of 34 classrooms as well as toilet facilities in schools.

In environment, 25 hectares were planted with trees while 1,508 households benefitted from road and drainage improvement works. In health, 1,828 individuals were oriented on tuberculosis while 127 TB educators were trained.

Launched in 2006, the Balik Baterya Program involves the collection of ULABs for proper recycling (including the recovery of reusable components for the production of new automotive and industrial batteries). Its hazardous components are treated through the Evergreen Environmental Resources, Inc. (EERI), an ISO 14001- and 9002-certified facility. EERI is an accredited recycler of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

To encourage more companies to donate batteries, Motolite buys the ULABs at a premium value. The proceeds are then used to fund various projects on education through the LEAP (Learning Enhancement Assistance Package) being implemented by PBSP. These include provision of new classrooms, schools desks, books, supplemental feeding for children, teachers training, and the conduct of reading sessions. This year, the Program expanded its range of projects by adopting water-related initiatives and activities supporting Senior High School Program.

Reaping multiple benefits

OMMC and PBSP recently celebrated the milestones and accomplishments of the Program with its staunch partners who all worked together to achieve a shared mission.

Its donors from across the country, including top three donors PLDT, Inc., Smart Communications and Meralco, were feted with plaques of appreciation for their significant contributions and commitment to the cause.

PLDT joined the program in 2007 and has become the top donor with Php48 million raised from more than two million kilos of batteries donated. It is also the first corporate donor that used its proceeds for building classrooms all over the country. So far, it has repaired and built 29 classrooms, turned over 54 learning resource centers, provided two computer laboratories, and rehabilitated walkways and drainages benefiting almost 1,000 households out of its ULAB donations.

Jessie Sarmiento, Smart Communications’ Assistant Vice President for the Corporate Services Group lauded the program, saying that it has really given so much value for the large sums of money spent on these batteries. Being the second top donor, Smart was able to churn out a total of Php27 million worth of proceeds from their donation of 1.15 million kilos of ULABs.

“For us alone, the impact of this is very much worth the cost of our batteries which mostly come from our cell sites. One piece of battery costs Php27,000 and one set is composed of four pieces. You cannot use it after its useful life because quality is affected. In one year, we dispose more than 100,000 kilos of batteries. With this program, there is no waste and the cost of the batteries are worth it. I think the contribution of this is really huge, not only in terms of the volume of batteries it recycles but also to the recipients of the proceeds – the students, schools and the environment. Because of this, we are able to address proper disposal of batteries and at the same time, give back to the community,” Sarmiento said.

In terms of operational efficiency, he added that the program enabled them to save funds as they no longer spend on transportation and manpower costs in disposing the batteries because Motolite picks it up in their office. He also revealed that they are planning to invite their truckers and other partners to join the program.

Balik Baterya’s third top donor, Meralco has always been into 5S and recycles its junk from both hardware and hazardous materials. Before, the batteries from its vehicles and stations follow the usual disposal process which is through garbage collection. But since they joined the Balik Baterya Program in 2015, Meralco has since become a staunch supporter of the program, donating 71,000 kilos of batteries from their vehicles, stations and radio towers in Bulacan, Quezon and Batangas worth Php2 million.

In fact, the success of the Program has inspired them to start their own recycling project.

“We are proud to be part of the Program and to help schoolchildren. The Program has been inspirational in the sense that we have found an application. We are in the middle of talks with a Japanese company that safely disposes fluorescent lamps with mercury content. Meralco can be a channel where within our franchise we can ask our customers to dispose properly their mercury lamps through the company, in partnership with the Japanese company,” shared Antonio Abuel, Jr., vice president and head of Meralco’s Organizational Safety and Resilience Office.

Abuel added that they are also planning to expand their coverage in the BB program by involving their contractors who maintain a huge volume of vehicles.

As one of the pioneer donors of the program, PLDT, Inc. Community Relations Head and Public Affairs Consultant Evelyn del Rosario is hoping that more institutions, companies, and government will support the program to enable Motolite, PBSP and its partners to achieve more and sustain its efforts to conserve the environment.

“I think everyone should help, even government agencies and local government units. What I envision is that we will all collect these ULABs from Aparri to Jolo, make money from this and fund important projects for education and the environment,” she said.

Published: www.mindanaotimes.net