Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) marked its 34th year taking on the challenge of fulfilling its newly added mandate to implement the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)- Seed and Extension programs.

With the theme, “Championing Competitiveness of the Filipino Rice Farmers,” the anniversary coincides with the observation of the National Rice Awareness Month every November.

“As we continue to embody the mantra of public service, let us all be servant-leaders. Let us do what we can to serve. That is our calling,” Dr. John de Leon, PhilRice acting executive director, said.

Emphasizing on strengthened cooperation to empower farmers amidst rice trade liberalization, De Leon said discussions on RCEF during anniversary programs will further drive the Institute on research, development, extension, and production competitiveness.

Under RCEF, PhilRice will develop, propagate, and promote inbred rice seeds; and enhance farmers’ skill and knowledge on rice production.

“More than anything else, it is teamwork, which causes the celebration of success,” he said.

The anniversary will also highlight this year’s roster of awards and recognition, which include the Intellectual Property Award for Top Patent Grant, Outstanding Innovator Award (Breeding Institute Category), PRIME-HRM Bronze Award, Information Visionary Category Award, and FutureRice Farm Project as Model Extension.

Thanksgiving and moral enrichment program, seminar series on research management and institution building, Dangal ng PhilRice awarding ceremonies and medical mission are also included in the activities.

PhilRice was established on 5 November 1985 through Executive Order 1061.

Globe has reinforced its partnership with Hineleban Foundation to drive awareness on the importance of planting more endemic trees and protecting the forests in view of the estimated 47,000 hectares of forest cover that the Philippines loses annually due to the destructive effect of deforestation.

To engage the public — most especially the younger generation — and teach them about deforestation, Globe introduced stylized Philippine folktale characters — the tikbalang, nuno sa punso, diwata, engkanto and engkantada and the aguila. These characters represent the now-homeless mythical creatures who were displaced from their natural forest habitat (Know more about their stories from this video.)

“The state of our Philippine rainforests is highly critical. In fact, they are almost gone. This campaign intends to revive our Filipino folklore so that our young people can get to know them again.

Using artistry from our partner HMT Studios, we want activities and conversation around reforestation to go mainstream so that together we can all contribute to preserving and protecting our rainforests,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

Kapre is a “gentle giant,” sweet and very warm. He serves as the leader of the forest creatures who look up to him for guidance and direction. When their home in the forest got destroyed from deforestation, he got lost trying to protect his friends. Now he is in the city, feeling out of place, as he is forced to spend his life alone with the noise, pollution, and cruelty of the city.

Kit is the kind-hearted tikbalang who lost the love of his life along with his family when their forest home was destroyed. Now he wanders in the city crying and looking for his loved ones.

Tatang is the nuno sa punso who never thought he would outlive even the youngest of his clan but illegal loggers came and attacked his home, causing devastation to his community. He followed the men to the city to find justice, forcing him to live alone, building a punso from the city’s trash.

This month, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) brings back its inventory clear-out sale with the November Price Knockdown promo. Shoppers can now avail of huge discounts and exclusive packages on 11 of Toyota’s best-selling models: Vios, Innova, Fortuner, Avanza, Corolla Altis, Hiace, Wigo, RAV4, Yaris, Hilux and Rush.

The promo runs from 1 to 30 November 2019.

Discounts go as high as P110,000 for the Vios G Prime CVT and P90,000 on the Fortuner G Diesel AT. Pay Low and Pay Light options are also available for other models.

Customers are also entitled to Toyota’s Free Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) of up to 20k kilometers and a 5-Year Extended Warranty when they purchase any of the Vios G or E variants within the promo duration. The Fortuner 4×2 variants also come with Free PMS.

“As the year closes, we encourage everyone to visit our dealerships and check out Toyota’s exciting offers,” said TMP vice president Elijah Marcial.

ICTSI anti-human trafficking program cited

International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI)’s initiative supporting the global fight against modern slavery has been cited as one of the outstanding corporate sustainability efforts in the Philippines during the recent 2019 Sustainable Business Awards.

ICTSI earned a Special Recognition for Business Responsibility and Ethics for leading the effort to stop human trafficking across local and global supply chains, made possible through a P5-million grant by ICTSI Foundation Inc. (IFI), ICTSI’s corporate social responsibility arm, to the Voice of the Free Foundation Inc. (formerly the Visayan Forum) in 2018.

Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI Global Corporate Head and Foundation President said: “While the phenomenal development of global connectivity — especially in mobile communications, the Internet and commercial transportation — have brought massive benefits to entire nations and regions, criminal elements, including those organized to profit from human trafficking, have also taken advantage of these connectivity systems to carry out their activities.”

He adds: “As a global player aware of our critical role to stop trafficking in local and global supply chains, ICTSI is committed to empower vulnerable women and children so they can explore even greater opportunities in life without the risk of exploitation.”

The company supports VF through the implementation of its key programs — including victim identification in transportation systems, raising public awareness on human trafficking, and supporting victims in rebuilding their lives. A Philippine based NGO founded in 1991, VF is licensed by the government to operate a shelter and manage legal cases of young girls rescued from prostitution, cybersex and migrant forced labor.