77th NRCP General Assembly

The National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) held their 77th General Assembly last March 10 at the Manila Hotel, carrying the theme “Facing the Challenges of Climate Change through Science and Technology.”

Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, delivered a very inspirational welcome remark. Moreover, keynote speaker Atty. Anotnio A. Oposa Jr., 2009 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Public Service, also conveyed encouragement to the attendees.

The discussions in the said assembly will dealt with the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development, the current research data and methods on climate change science and their implications for future climate change, and climate change and health and population issues.

NRCPI envisioned in promoting the advancement of science through research that would build up a group of Filipino men and women devoted to scientific investigation. Moreover, it was also to convene as an organization to formulate national plans and to address problems related to health, sanitation, agriculture, and industry.

A group of 114 prominent scientist and technologist constituted the charter membership of the NRCP headed by their president, Dr. Jaime C. Montoya.

PWJA Members meets up at 15th Annual Convention-Seminar and General Meeting

The Members of the Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA) led by President Supreme Court Associate Justice Teresita J. Leonardo de Castro gathered together at the Historic Landmark Manila Hotel last March 4, 2010 for their 15th Annual Convention-Seminar and General Meeting. This was to focus themselves to their roles in protecting the environment.

The convention’s Keynote Speaker was Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, the proponent of the historic and impending Writ of Kalikasan. Aside from the seminars, the Magistrates also visited the La Mesa Ecopark and took part in a tree planting activity to connive with their theme “Role of Lady Magistrates in the Protection of the Environment”.

International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), a non-profit, non-governmental organization of more than 4,000 members at all judicial levels in more than 90 nations, had chosen PWJA in assisting them pursue the implementations of their projects. Since forming in 1991, the IAWJ has united women judges from diverse legal-judicial systems who share a commitment to equal justice and the rule of law.

The members of the PWJA have also advocated various other concerns, from the inviolable rights of every individual to the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence, especially to the most vulnerable sector of the society – women and children.

The 15th Annual Convention-Seminar and General Meeting was made possible by the International Association of Women Judges or IAWJ.

For more information about the event, do contact PWJA through IAWJ’s contact information at the telephone number 202-223-4455, fax number at 202-223-4480, or e-mail at office@iawj.org.

ASPPI organizes its 10th General Assembly and Convention

Last August 27 to 28, 2009, the Association of Safety Practitioners of the Philippines Inc. (ASPPI) organized its 10th National Convention and General Assembly of Safety Practitioners and Advocates. The convention shared the theme “Managing Occupational Safety and Health Amidst Economic Challenges” and was held at the Apo View Hotel, Davao City.

The event generally started through the presentations of ASPPI Regional Chapter by Engr. Joanne Dionela, ASPPI National Board of Directors. Hon. Marianito D. Roque, Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), graced the event’s keynote speaker.

Other speakers who also shared their thoughts for the event were Ms. Cynthia R. Cruz, Executive Director of DOLE Institute of Labor Studies for the topic Building a Safety Culture in the Light of Decent Work Agenda, and Mr. Nomer A. Reynaldo, SHESQ Manager of SN Aboitiz Power Group.

The assembly also included the presentation of Joint Resolution for the Proposed Amendment of Proclamation No. 115-A, and the oath-taking and the renewal of commitment of National Officers and Board of Directors, and all ASPPI Members.

ASSPI is a non-stock, non-profit professional organization composed of Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Working Condition (BWC) accredited safety practitioners and consultants and aims to assist DOLE in the promotion, administration and enforcement of the Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) standards.

For more information about the event, do visit ASPPI website at www.asppi.org.ph, or do contact ASPPI secretariat at the telefax number 412-1214 or e-mail at asppi_1999@yahoo.com/asppi1999@yahoo.com.

Nattco to set GA in Boracay

The National Confederation of Cooperatives (Natcco) held their annual General Assembly at the La Carmela de Boracay Hotel resort last May 22, 2009.

Delegates from various cooperatives nationwide, with approximate number of three hundred people, attended the assembly to discuss the directions that it will take in year 2010. Moreover, the management also presented the confederation’s accomplishments in the past years.

Chief Operating Officer and eKoopBanker Plus Project Manager Wilfredo A. Dimamay spearheaded the launching of the eKoopBanker Plus to help the cooperatives put up Automated Teller Machines (ATM) in their branches that will enable them to give 24-hour services to clients, and also hasten financial reporting.

Natcco Chief Executive Officer Cresente C. Paez, moreover, presented the plans for the new 12-storey Nattco Tower set to construct beside the current 4-storey headquarters in Quezon City. 

Aside from the awards that will be given to the top cooperative/members in various categories, the event will also cover the election of board of directors and management appointees.

For more information, contact the National Confederation of Cooperatives at (632)913-7011, 913-7016, email ceo@natcco.coop, or visit http://www.natcco.coop/