The Land Sector Summit 2010

“Challenges for a Sector in Transition: Innovation and Opportunities.” This was the theme that fueled the 2010 Land Sector Summit held at the Heritage Hotel last May 28.

"Land is a very important natural resource. Under the environment of good governance and effective land administration system, land can serve as an important asset and a catalyst for poverty reduction and economic development," said Hon. Horacio Ramos, secretary of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), in his keynote speech for the event. Ramos also pointed out that inconsistent and outdated land laws in the country cause land disputes and double issuances or fake land titles.

Included in the government’s efforts to revitalize and reform the land sector is the launch of the Land Administration and Management Project (LAMP), with support from the World Bank and the Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID).

Among the current achievements of the government in this endeavor are the introduction of innovations and development of technologies in land survey and titling; land valuation and land information management; improved capacity building in the land sector in terms of trainings, education, and research and development; and improved partnership with stakeholders.

Other speakers for the event were keynote speaker Hon. Margarito Teves, secretary of the Department of Finance; Mr. Tony Burns of Land Equity International; Mr. Ian Lloyd, TA team leader for LAMP2; Ms. Ma. Lourdes Ferrer, DENR-FASPO; Ms. Ma. Presentacion R. Montesa, Bureau of Local Government Finance executive director; Mr. Keith Bell, World Bank Task Leader for LAMP2; Mr. Gilbert Llanto, Mr. Aniceto Orbeta, and Mr. James Riddel of the AUSAID; Engr. Henry P. Pacis, Deputy Executive Director of LAMP2; and Atty. Allan Barcena, director of the Land Management Bureau.

For more information about the event, contact DENR at (632) 929-6626 or visit http://www.denr.gov.ph.

Ultra Marathon at Laguna de Bay

The Laguna de Bay Conservation Foundation (LBCF) staged the Laguna de Bay Ultra Marathon Challenge last May 1-2 on the perimeter of the Laguna Lake.

Mr. Ed Manda, Laguna Lake Development Authority General Manager, noted that the event hopes to create awareness in preserving the lake. Moreover, he also stressed that with this event, the foundation aims to instill the values of bayanihan, love of nature, and teamwork.

The race draws 40 teams, which is composed of five runners—only two tem members should be elite runners and should also include one female member. The race, moreover, started at Frontera and run toward the Laguna Provincial Capitol in Sta. Cruz—both on the first and second day of the event.

Sponsored by Accel, PAGCOR, Outlast Battery, and Shakeys, the proceeds of the race will go to the Galalan Community Forest in Pangil, Laguna, and the Laguna de bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council.

For more info, contact TEAM VENTURES at (632)522 5953, e-mail: teamventures@yahoo.com or LLDA-International and Local Cooperations Division (ILCD) at (632)284 4797.

Manila Hosts ASEAN Cultural Festival

The Philippines, declared as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)  as its Cultural Capital for 2010 and 2011, hosted the fourth installment of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts and the Sixth Senior Officials Meeting for Culture and Arts (SOMCA) last March 22–26 in Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga.

Along with these meetings, the Philippines also hosted the Fourth ASEAN Festival of Arts (AFA), focused on promoting ASEAN’s common identity and cultural diversity, enhancing cultural heritage and tourism, and strengthening ties among ASEAN members.

Carried by its theme “The Best of the ASRAN: From Ancestral Roots to New Artistic Routes of Expression Mobilizing Cultural Diversity for the UN-MDG,” the Fourth AFA highlighted the creativity and also fostered the exchange of ideas of the best artists from ASEAN countires.

The Philippines, in its part, restaged “Baler sa Puso Ko,” an original zarzuela, with libretto by Isagani Cruz and music by Lutgardo Labad.

Also featured in the festival were film showings, workshops, poetry readings, and book launchings at the Nayong Pilipino sa Clark Expo, plus performances from choral groups, dance troupes, drum and bugle corps, Aeta police scholars, lantern bearers, kite flyers, athletes, Kaddang tumblers, Angono papier-mache giants, and hot balloons.

For more details, contact National Commission for Culture and the Arts Public Affairs and Information Office and PIAF Media Director at 527-5529, 09285081057, 09275582656 or email ncca.paio@gmail.com. You could also visit their websites at www.ncca.gov.ph. and www.piaf-ncca.com.

Retrospective Forum of Subic-Clark Corridor Milestones & Prospects

The Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC)  staged the Retrospective Forum of Subic-Clark Corridor Milestones & Prospects last April 30 at the Grand Ballroom of Holiday Inn at Clark Freeport Zone with former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the guest of honor.

The welcome remarks was deliver by the Chairman of the Clark Development Corporation Mr. Rizalino S. Navarro. Among the attendees in the said forum were: Atty. Edgardo Pamintuan, former Secretary and Chairman of SCADC; Mr. Dennis L. Wright, President/CEO of Peregrine-Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC); former Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Jesli Lapuz; Mr. Narciso Abaya of Bases Conversion and Development Authority; Mr. Armand Arreza from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority; Mr. Simon Morley of Clark Investors & Locators Association; and Mr. Zoilo Andin of Northrail.

The event was made possible in partnership with Global Gateway Logistics City, Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation, Holiday Inn, fastrack, Sun Cellular, DIMERCO, Cargo Data Exchange Center Inc., the Department of Trade and Industry, Northrail, InterCommerce, BCDA, and the Business World.

For more info, contact Subic Clark Alliance for Development Council at (6345) 599 7499 or 499 0992.

Manila F.A.M.E. International 2010 Unfolds New Beginning

Re-inventing and transforming, Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers Exchange (Manila F.A.M.E.) International begins a new chapter in its 27-year history, as it evolves into Asia’s Boutique Show on April 22-25, 2010 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

More than just an exhibition for home and fashion lifestyle products, Manila F.A.M.E. provides its visitors and buyers a unique experience with more than the usual product selections.

This bi-annual trade show, organized by Center For International Trade Expositions And Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, expands into 4 co-located shows featuring Home Living for design-driven furniture and houseware; FashioNation for fashion forward collections of inspired fashion complements, garments, and textile; BIO-Search, a promotion of health and wellness that offers natural personal care and spa products; and ART:MNL, a sampling of Filipino contemporary paintings and sculptures.

Sticking to the show’s tradition of excellence, Manila F.A.M.E. boasts of top-notch craftsmanship with premium quality and design innovations unique to the country. As Asia’s Boutique Show, buyers are given further personalized customer service that is an extension of the world-renowned Filipino warmth and hospitality where both buyers and exhibitors are provided a venue to conduct business and build lasting relationships

In the Philippines, Manila F.A.M.E. International raises the bar for international exhibitions by being the only trade fair accredited by Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), a Paris-based association of trade fair organizers. And, as one of the longest-running trade shows for home lifestyle products in the Asia Pacific, it is a favorite sourcing destination of well-known brands such as Neiman Marcus, Jonathan Adler, Armani Casa, Ralph Lauren, Harrods, and Gucci among others.

“Through the years, Manila F.A.M.E. has never failed to give our buyers only the best that the Philippines can offer as we continuously seek new ways, new styles, and new approaches for a seamless buying experience. As we welcome our guests this April, we hope to inspire them with our expanded product offerings under 4 co-located shows: Home Living, FashioNation, BIO-Search, and ART:MNL, as I personally extend this invitation to our buyers and exhibitors alike. Be part of the evolution. See you this April,” said CITEM Deputy Executive Director and Manila F.A.M.E. Over-all Project Director, Thelma Dumpit-Murillo.

In its October 2009 edition, close to 2,000 buyers from Japan, Germany, Australia, France, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States, visited the show where 439 world-class companies exhibited.

“We keep visiting Manila whenever Manila F.A.M.E. International is there because we like the originality; the designs are nice, there are new concepts and the standard is high. We come here for Christmas items and pottery. It is extraordinary all the time here,” enthused a buyer from Belgium.

A first time visitor from India says, “…The handicraft [in the show] is good. The quality and design are nice.”

Likewise, a buyer from Australia had good words for the show saying, “We import from all over the world and the products you have here seem to be of better quality than all the other products we have seen. We are quite impressed with it.”

This April 2010, visitors can likewise look forward to new show components such as Switch, which highlights designers’ crossing over design disciplines to show versatility, Icons, which features forerunners of Philippine design who have made it big internationally as well as daily fashion shows and design competitions.

For more information about the event, contact the Manila F.A.M.E. International Secretariat at (632) 833-1258, 831-2201 Local 240/243 (Home Lifestyle), 831.1265, 8312201 Local 203 / 226 (Fashion Lifestyle) e-mail manilafame@citem.com.ph or visit the event website at http://www.manilafame.com

Tarlac to Host Palarong Pambansa 2010

The provincial government of Tarlac will host the 53rd edition of the Palarong Pambansa to be held on April 11-17, 2010 at the Tarlac Recreational Park (TRP) in San Jose, Tarlac.

Prior to the event, a launching was held last February 18, 2010 simultaneously in four other towns -- Bamban, Concepcion, Camiling and San Manuel-- as a signal for the start of the Palaro 2010 countdown.

Tarlac province has started the counting from the 53rd day before the event as this is the 53rd Palarong Pambansa. The theme for this year is “Play for the Region, Win for the Nation”. The activity kicked off at 6:30 a.m. with all the 17 municipalities and one city in the province held a firecracker launch, simultaneous with the ringing of all church bells. This was followed by a province-wide cycling and motorcade.

The launching also introduced “Palaro” this year’s mascot. “As first time host, we mark this event with this mascot. We named “Palaro”, -- a multi-faceted yet roundly unified ball to symbolize the energy, the discipline and the verve that go with every jump, every kick and every bounce made during the games.” Gov. Yap said.

He also said that “much like Tarlac, dubbed as the melting pot of Central Luzon where diverse cultures meet and mix, mascot ‘Palaro” also represents convergence and oneness.”

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Tarlac government also conducted a press briefing at the TRP where mechanics, security, fraud, accommodation of athletes, transportation, traffic and other matters about the competition were tackled.

Governor Victor Yap said that he was excited with the staging of the Palarong Pambansa in the province. He said that although there are some facilities that have not yet been completed, he assured that it will be done before the event. The DepEd, for its part, said that accommodations, mechanics, safety measures and other concerns were already been set.

Gov. Yap also emphasized that Palaro is a dream come true to all Tarlaquenos. “This is our chance to showcase our warm hospitality, our ability to handle the big sports event and to show not only to our countrymen but to the whole world as well the beauty of our province,” he said.

The Palarong Pambansa 2010 hopes to boost the province’s economy, especially the tourism industry. Some 25,000 guests from the country’s 17 regions are expected to attend the annual sporting event.

The 53rd Palarong Pambansa is in cooperation with the DepEd Task Force on School Sports and sponsored by Smart Communications, Inc., and SM.

For more information about the event, contact the Palarong Pambansa - Tarlac Secretariat at (6345) 6114148, (63910) 387-3956, email palaro2010@gmail.com or visit the Palarong Pambansa 2010 blog at http://palarongpambansa2010satarlac.blogspot.com/ or Tarlac Government website at http://www.tarlac.gov.ph/

CHED to Hold First Academic and Cultural Festival

To encourage students in promoting academic excellence, culture and arts in the country, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chair Dr. Emmanuel Angeles said the commission will hold its first ever Academic and Cultural Festival to be held from March 1 to 5, 2010 at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

Dr. Angeles said if the event will be successful, he plans to take it to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Education Council and make it an annual event for promoting culture and arts in the region.

“We will gather all the best performing students in each country that will represent their schools in the competition. It will be a chance for different educational institutions to market themselves as well as promote academic excellence in their country,” he said.

“We want to hone the students’ talents and competencies in a healthy, physically and intellectually-stimulating environment and developing the students’ discipline, hard work, and love for the country and his fellowmen," he added.

The first-time festival is an endeavor of CHED and the National Association of Higher Education Institutions (NAHEI), an umbrella organization of the Regional Association of Higher Education Institutions (RAHEI).

Dr. Angeles pointed that the would-be annual festival will provide public and private college students a chance to compete in various events in the areas of academics and culture.

For academic competitions, students will battle with their minds in the impromptu speech, oration, poetry interpretation, story telling, debate, science, math and computer quizzes.

On the other hand, cultural competitions will include awit saya (vocal solo and vocal duet), sayawitan (choir), tipa at tugtugan (solo instrument), likhawit (song writing), sayaw Pinoy (Philippine creative folk and ethnic dance), and ginoo at binibining pamantasan (pageant).

The CHED chairman said 17 regions in the country will participate in the event. Around 819 student representatives will compete for the cultural category while some 221 will compete for the academic events.

“We believe that this kind of competition brings out the best in every contestant. That is why we will strictly monitor the qualification of each contestant, including the grades. No one with failing grades would be allowed to join the competition even if they have the talent and skills,” he said.

For more information about the event, contact the Commission on Higher Education at (632) 687-13-17, 637-35-71, email info@ched.gov.ph or visit their website at http://www.ched.gov.ph/.

PSC Celebrates 20th Anniversary with All in Sports Expo 2010

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Philippine Sports Commission, players, coaches, and sports enthusiasts are invited to take part in the country’s newest sports and fitness expo: the 1st Philippine Sporting Goods and Facilities, Fitness Equipment, Apparel and Footwear, Hobbies, Recreation and Health-Related Products and Services Exhibition (All in Sports Expo 2010) scheduled on February 25 – 28, 2010 at the newly-renovated Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.

Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission in partnership with Global-Link MP Events International, Inc., the event will be an exhibit of the latest in the sports and fitness industry, featuring products, services, and technology form top local as well as foreign companies.

All In Sports Expo 2010 will coincide with the Commission on Higher Education - Private Schools Athletic Association - State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (CHED-PRISAA-SCUAA) National Games - the biggest sports competition among private and state colleges and universities in the country. The games will showcase young athletes from 17 regions across the Philippine battle it out to become achieve high honors in their respective sports, including judo, badminton, tennis, swimming, athletics, and baseball.

Aside from display of sporting goods and items sold at discounted prices, other activities have been lined up for the four-day sports expo. There will be an inter-school tournament and exhibition on the country’s National Sport, Arnis. Philippine Taekwondo's best athletes will compete for the Metro Manila Open Championship. Philippine Grandmasters will face-off in a chess tournament. Other activities include bodybuilding exhibition, international dance competition for the youth in multiple subjects and styles including hip-hop, jazz, and ballroom, Tennis Exhibition Match between top athletes in men's and women's divisions, and a Sports photo exhibit featuring the greatest moments in Philippine sports from 1990 to present.

For more information about the event, contact Global-Link MP Events International Inc. at (632) 750-8588, 887-1304; fax (632) 750-8585; email: info@globallinkmp.com, or visit their website at www.globallinkph.com.

DOT Opens MICECon 2010 to all Business, Industry Sector

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano has virtually opened the forthcoming conference on meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) to the entire business community as he invites all members of the corporate and entrepreneurial sectors to join the Philippine MICE Conference (MICECon) 2010 slated at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Feb. 4 - 7, 2010.

Sec. Durano said MICECON 2010 would orient corporate executives and entrepreneurs on the latest trends in this field, provide them with a lineup of competent foreign and local service providers, present to them the best practices worldwide, and acquaint them with the global network of MICE experts whom they could tap, thus enabling them to optimize the benefits they could derive from staging their own MICE-related activities anywhere in the world.

“MICECON is not just for the MICE sector of the tourism industry, but for the entire business community since it revolves around a marketing tool that is now being used extensively worldwide in pursuit of corporate and entrepreneurial objectives,” Sec. Durano explained.

This is the first time that a MICE event will be held north of Manila. Previous MICE events were staged in Cebu, Boracay, Davao, Bacolod and Batangas. The staging of this event in Subic is intended to develop and market the North as another MICE destination outside Manila. This is also the first time that the country’s two major MICE-related events – the Philippine Incentive Marketing Conference (Phil-Incentive) and the Philippine Asia MICE Forum – are brought together to form MICECON 2010.

Organized by the DOT and its marketing arm, the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp. (PCVC), MICECON 2010 includes an Amazing MICE Race, MICE Leaders Forum, Educational Tracks for MICE Mates, MICE market seminars, business networking, and bid presentations of future MICECON hosts.

Aside from the seminars, workshops and business networking activities, MICECON 2010 also includes special events in three key northern destinations – Balanga for bird watching, Subic for the main conference, and Clark for the post-tour.

MICECON 2010 is supported by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Philippine Airlines, Philippine Tourism Authority, Provincial Government of Cebu, City Government of Balanga, Bataan, Provincial Government of Bohol, Victory Liner, Islands Philippines, Primer Group of Companies, Recreational Outdoor Exchange (ROX), WOW Jeepney Tours, Clark Development Corp., Clark International Airport Corp., Coltrans, Marriott Hotel, Travellers International Hotel Group, Annset Holidays, Inc., INTAS Destinations, Yellowbird Tours, Abacus International, Smart Communications, Inc., TTG Asia, Manila North Tollways Corp., Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS), Movement of Incentive Travel Executives (MITE), Hotel Sales & Marketing Association (HSMA), National Association of Independent Travel Agencies Inc. (NAITAS), and Travel Café Philippines.

For more information on MICECON 2010, contact the MICECON Secretariat at (632) 525-9318 local 233 or 525-6110, email phil.MICEconference@gmail.com, cit@dotpcvc.gov.ph, or visit www.dotpcvc.gov.ph.

DepEd Understanding By Design Staged

The Department of Education’s (DepEd) National Conference entitled “Understanding by Design: Getting into the Core of the 2010 Secondary Education Curriculum” will be held this February 2010 at two venues, to accommodate participants from all over the Philippines.

Previously scheduled last November 5-7, 2009, the conference will still be held at the Manila Hotel, Roxas Blvd., Manila, on February 4-6, 2010, for Metro Manila and Luzon participants. For Visayas and Mindanao participants, it will be at the Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City, on February 8-10, 2009.

A registration fee of Php 8,500.00 (inclusive of lunch and two snacks per day, a conference kit, and 3 ASCD books) will be charged per participant.

The conference aims to orient school heads and teachers on Understanding by Design (UbD), a worldwide “teaching for understanding” model that links curriculum, instruction and assessment to improve learning outcomes. UbD was introduced in 1998 by Jay McTighe and Grant P. Wiggins, and it adopts the process of “backward design” in the development of a school curriculum.

Backward design aims at eliminating two common flaws in the traditional method: coverage-focused teaching and activity-focused teaching. In coverage-focused teaching, educators try to cover all topics as specified by a textbook for the whole school year, but end up with students who do not understand why they are being taught this much information. In activity-focused teaching, educators come up with all sorts of activities that students participate in and enjoy, but again, students do not completely understand why. This is what backward design aims to resolve: to make students understand and gain a deeper insight into why they are being taught information or made to participate in activities.

Internationally-renowned speakers Everett Kline and Jeanne H. Purcell from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) in the United States are invited to conduct the conference.

Presented by DepEd in cooperation with Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE), the conference shall be conducted in support of the implementation of the 2010 Secondary Education Curriculum in public and private secondary schools.

FAPE was established in 1968 to promote the development of private education in the Philippines. It pursues this mission by helping private schools in their quest for academic excellence, managerial competence and financial viability, through the extension of logistic and technical support. Over the last three decades of its existence, FAPE has already become an institution in the Philippine educational system.

For more information about the conference, you may call FAPE at (632) 818-7923, (632) 381-8071, e-mail info@peac-fape.org.ph or visit their website http://www.fape.org.ph.

Emerging Business Solutions at E-Services 2010

Bright skies are on the horizon as the tenth anniversary of the largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) event in the Philippines – the e-Services Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition, scheduled on February 8 – 9, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, signals edgier, more empowered breakthroughs and solutions for the ICT/BPO business industry as world markets recover from recession.

Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the event carries the theme, "Bright Skies Ahead: Collaborating for Smarter Business Solutions". An annual tradeshow and conference, e-Services has served as a premier platform for converging business and IT interests for local industry players and foreign delegations from places like the US, Japan, China, India, Korea, and the Asia Pacific. The show began in 2001 as a mere IT exhibition before evolving into the international ICT/BPO conference and exhibition it is today.

“We have always envisioned e-Services to be the venue, the go-to place, for global ICT leaders and authorities to interact, exchange ideas, and to showcase their products and services,” said Ms. Ma. Lourdes D. Mediran, Deputy Executive Director and Officer-in-Charge of CITEM. “Now for its 10th year, we want more than ever for IT companies to be where they need to be in order to maximize their business advantage, in light of the current market condition.”

Expectations for the show’s 10th year are high as the Philippines positions itself to grab a bigger market share from the multi billion-dollar BPO industry. e-Services 2009 booked US$100M export sales and US$1.484M in negotiated sales, as well as attracting ICT/BPO brands like Help Desk Institute – Japan (HDI-Japan), Salmat Limited, and Mustang Technologies, among others.

In addition to Back-office Operations, Contact Centers, Engineering and Design Services, Games Development, Animation, Health Information Management, Legal Transcription, and Software Development and Telecommunications – areas that showcase the competitiveness of the local industry – e-Services 2010 celebrates its landmark year with plenty of new attractions aimed at providing IT companies with the capabilities to maintain and improve the competitive advantage of their businesses.

Included in this is the introduction of new Exhibit Zones available: the Outsourcing Nation Zone where IT and BPO companies from neighboring Asian countries participate as exhibitors; the Green IT Zone that features environmentally-compliant IT companies and allied firms; the Consumer Electronics Zone that serves as a one-stop shop for the latest technology products and hardware electronics; the Creative Industry Zone with a sponsored Gaming Competition that includes local and international game developing companies; and the e-Government Zone to feature government agencies providing investments assistance to interested foreign companies.

In a bid to emphasize e-Services 2010 as the venue for high-level business matching and strategic partnerships, the Power Investors Program is launched as a buyer campaign program designed to maximize the business opportunities of exhibiting companies, with new formats Speed Networking and Online Business Matching made available.

Another fresh initiative is a Call for Papers mechanism with the aim of generating broader and more comprehensive choices for relevant topics to be presented in the Conference. Special Events such as the e-Services Awards that recognizes industry champions and ICT /BPO personalities and achievements; a Golf Tournament; a Networking Reception; and post-event company visits are also in the works.

The 10th e-Services Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition is in partnership with the Board of Investments, Foreign Trade Service Corps, DTI-Regional Operations and Development Group, Commission on Information and Communications Technology and supported by Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA), Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI), the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MTIAPI), Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and the European IT Service Center. Media partners are: Media G8way Corporation (Computerworld, PC World), Outsourcing Magazine, Philstar.com, Business World, IT Matters, Business Mirror, Philippine Graphic, Wall Street Journal, Management Systems Asia, and China Business Philippines.

For more information on the 10th e-Services Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition, contact the CITEM IT Services Division at (632) 832-5044, 831-2201 ext 212/251, email itservices@citem.com.ph, or visit the event website at www.e-servicesphils.com.

RPDEV Launches Eco-Mismo Conference Roadshow

In a timely initiative to raise environmental awareness, the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV) launched “Eco-Mismo”, a series of conferences on new and productive ways of protecting the environment through sustainable tourism development across the country.

A landmark road show project by RPDEV Chairman and former president Fidel V. Ramos, Eco-Mismo comes in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy, which triggered the most devastating flood in the capital over the past 40 years. According to experts, the Ondoy phenomenon ran in line with an observed abnormal pattern of unusually extreme weather conditions likely to prevail should climate change remain unaddressed.

With the theme “Ecotourism and Eco-Productivity: Best Practices and Challenges”, Eco-Mismo aims to help the country position itself as one of the top destinations for eco-tourism and the pioneer in eco-productivity. It is expected to bring together key players and stakeholders in the environment and tourism industry. The initiative is expected to gather more than a thousand individuals from the government, tourism industry, academe, media, church, business, and youth sectors.

Eco-Mismo paves the way for a cross-section of industry players and multi-sectoral stakeholders to discuss problems and map out solutions on matters concerning eco-tourism, eco-productivity, and sustainable development.

The first leg of Eco-Mismo was held in Manila last October 8, 2009 at the Carlos Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza in Makati City. World Wildlife Fund Philippines Vice Chairman Lorenzo Tan delivered a presentation on the dire effects of changes to global temperatures and precipitation, entitled “The Challenges of Climate Change and Tourism”.

The road show is slated to make major stops across key cities in the country: January 22, 2010 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu City in Cebu; January 23, 2010 at the Bohol Beach Club in Panglao Island, Bohol; February 19, 2010 in General Santos City, South Cotabato Province; and February 20 at Isla Parilla Resort in Alabel, Sarangani.

The conferences will tackle specific areas that will facilitate public and private sector cooperation in streamlining eco-tourism’s strategic directions as a key contributor to the local and national economy. It seeks to promote green travel through eco-productivity -- a practical solution that pushes efficient and productive use of resources, environmental protection, and poverty eradication.

Aside from Tan, conference speakers will include former President Ramos, Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Peter Favila, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza, as well as Asia Pacific Projects President Narzalina Lim; Cleanway Technology Corporation Chairman Herminio Esguerra; Ten Knots Development Corporation CEO Leigh Perez; and ABS-CBN Foundation’s Batay Kalikasan President Regina Paz Lopez.

Each of the provincial legs of Eco-Mismo conferences will concurrently feature a One Town, One Product (OTOP) exhibit under the DTI. The OTOP is a government program to promote entrepreneurship and spur job creation. Under the program, each city and municipality across the nation is to develop and promote a specific product or service that gives a competitive economic advantage to its locale.

Ultimately, Eco-Mismo hopes to provide a blueprint for tourism industry stakeholders in such areas as supply management, water resource management, energy efficiency, clean development mechanism, and solid waste management and community participation in sustainable development practices.

Eco-Mismo is in partnership with DOT and supported by DTI, DENR, Asia Productivity Organization – Development Academy of the Philippines and Asia Pacific Projects, Inc, in cooperation with Herma Group of Companies.

For more information about the event, contact the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation at (632) 8878964, fax (632) 8878966, email inquiry@rpdev.org or visit their website, http://www.rpdev.org.

RP Hosts East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009

The Philippines will host this year’s East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress, slated on November 23-27, 2009 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.

With the theme, “Partnerships at Work: Local Implementation and Good Practices,” the EAS Congress 2009 focuses on real actions and initiatives from the local level that contribute to the achievement of international and regional environmental targets and objectives, as well as the issues that confront local governments, communities and other stakeholders. The 2009 Congress, organized by Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will also serve as the venue to review and identify future actions pertaining to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA).

EAS Congress 2009 aims to highlight the initiatives and good practices at the local level covering wide area or issues on coastal and ocean management. This Congress emphasizes on-the-ground actions and innovations that contribute significantly in the achievement and meeting of regional and global environmental targets and commitments.

This year’s Congress will feature the Third Ministerial Forum, the International Conference on Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Development, the Third EAS Partnership Council Meeting, the Second EAS Youth Forum, an Environmental Exhibition on Good Practices and Innovative Technologies, Field Visits, and other side events.

The EAS Congress began in 2003 and has been held every three years to serve as a marketplace for knowledge and venue for partnership building contributing towards the vision of attaining the sustainable development of the East Asian Seas region.

EAS Congress 2009 is supported by the Global Environment Facility, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Office for Project Services, and Coastal Management Center.

For more information on the EAS Congress, contact the EAS Congress Secretariat at (632) 929-2992, email congress@pemsea.org or visit the EAS Congress website at www.pemsea.org/eascongress

2009 Visayas Island Invention Exhibit Festival Winners Announced

The Department of Science and Technology together with the Technology Application and Promotion and Institute (TAPI) and the Visayas Inventors Association (VIA) formally announced the winners of the 2009 Visayas Island Invention Exhibit Festival last October 4, 2009 at the Ayala Activity Center in Cebu City.

With the theme “Inventions: Responding to Global Challenges”, the event aims to promote the innovativeness and creativity of Visayan inventors.

Four entries won among the seventeen (17) official entries coming from the different parts of the Visayas regions. First and second prize was awarded to Engr. Noro S. Camomot for “Joyski-The Motorcycle Driven Jet Ski” and “NJ8-The Noro Wave Power Barge” while Mr. Jesselito V. Baring’s “Cyclonic Grease Stripping Column” got the third place for the Creative Research Category (Likha Award).

For the Student Creative Research Category (Sibol Award), first prize was given to Mr. Mark Jay Rivas from the University of San Carlos for “Sagassum as a Ceramic Flux in Conserving Energy”.

Prizes include P15000, P10000, and P5000 for the first, second, and third with certificates of recognition plus the chance to qualify for the upcoming 2009 National Invention Contest in November 16-20, 2009 at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Other qualifying entries for the 2009 National Invention Contest include: Cyclone 5-The Multi Stage Package Type Smokestack, NJ6-The Floating Cottage with Wave Power Generator, Modular Furniture Segment, and Plastic Biodiesel Home Brewer.

For more information contact the DOST Region 7 office at (6332) 232-86-32 or visit their website at www.ro7.dost.gov.ph

Three New Shows Co-locate at 50th Manila F.A.M.E. International

On its 50th edition, Asia’s Best Design Destination, the Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers Exchange International (Manila F.A.M.E.) will be held October 15-18, 2009 in two venues— SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center— offering three new shows that put the spotlight on Filipino creativity with its design and quality-driven products that meet global standards.

Ever growing and ever expanding, the bi-annual trade show for home and lifestyle products has always been at the forefront of innovation. Attuned to the international market trends as well as consumer demands, the show continues to evolve in order to meet these demands and open doors to more local manufacturers further strengthening the Philippines’ position as a source of high-quality products and services.

“This Golden Edition of Manila F.A.M.E. International is extra special. It opens in two venues to accommodate [our growing number of] exhibitors and to answer the clamor of our buyers asking for more of the unique and new products from the Philippines,” said Ms. Thelma Dumpit-Murillo, Over-all Project Director of Manila F.A.M.E. and Deputy Executive Director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry. Aside from holding the 50th Manila F.A.M.E. in two separate venues, three new shows have been created within the said event.

Fashion revolution at FashioNation
Philippine fashion has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade with young designers armed with fresh ideas and diverse design aesthetic leading the revolution.

Manila F.A.M.E., in its bid to invigorate and fortify the fashion industry, is launching a new show. Dubbed FashioNation, the show will house manufacturers of garments, textile, footwear, and fashion complements such as accessories and bags all export products with exceptional design and craftsmanship.

Also among the highlights of FashioNation include the daily fashion shows that will feature, among others, designer collections and eco-chic apparel. See new collections of established as well as up-and-coming local fashion designers that have wowed international design communities worldwide in the show’s Designer Lane.

Students of fashion schools and colleges will have a chance to show off their talents as well in a design competition with a theme, “The Green Scene: Eco-Pinoy Fashion.” The contest requires a modern yet timeless interpretation of the Philippines— it’s culture, heritage, and people— using recycled, natural, and indigenous materials.

Art and Soul at ART:MNL
ART:MNL is the first-ever venue to internationally showcase the artworks of Filipino contemporary artists. Leading art galleries as well as renowned and emerging artists come together to make available masterful pieces to interested local and foreign buyers.

Aside from this stimulating visual display, the show will also hold seminars and workshops that aim to expand participants’ knowledge on the arts, cultivate an eye for beauty, gather information on art conservation, and serve as a venue to meet the masters. Chosen artists will also get the chance to participate in a close door nude sketching session; their masterpieces put up for sale afterwards.

ART:MNL is a preview to the Philippine International Art Fair 2010. The show is done in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Committee on Visual Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Metropolitan Museum of the Philippines, National Museum, Intellectual Property Office, Bonafide Art Galleries Association, Contemporary Art Philippines, and Art Association of the Philippines.

Go Natural at the Philippine Health and Wellness Show
Wellness has been among almost everyone’s priority list, and Manila F.A.M.E. answers this demand for the body’s well being with the Philippine Health and Wellness Show which offers natural, herbal, and organic personal care products. Lemon grass essences and massage oils, VCO-based soaps and balms, and soy-based aromatherapy candles are only some of the all-natural, eco-lifestyle products offered in the show. Also featured are spa services, alternative healing modalities, centers for specialized healthcare, and retirement destinations.

For more information on Manila F.A.M.E. International, visit www.manilafame.com, or contact Manila F.A.M.E. Secretariat at (632) 833-1258, 831-1265 or email manilafame@citem.com.ph.

Asia’s Green Experts Met in Manila for ICGIA 2009

An array of distinguished global and regional leaders and experts in environment and business presented their views on orienting industries toward sustainability during the International Conference on Green Industry in Asia (ICGIA) held last September 9-11, 2009 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Carrying the theme “Managing the Transition to Resource- Efficient and Low-Carbon Industries”, the landmark conference was co-organized by the Government of the Philippines through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission (UNESCAP). 



ICGIA aims to promote and emphasize ecologically sound business practices. It serves as a platform for industry leaders, economics experts, ecologists, and governments to exchange information and experiences.

More than 1,200 participants, including government ministers and senior officials of Asian countries, business leaders, top officials of the United Nations system and other international/regional organizations, ASEAN secretariat, prominent experts, media and civil society representatives attended the conference. 



Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila welcomed the participants of the three-day event. In his speech, Sec. Favila said the Conference provides an opportunity to address approaches for improving industries’ environmental performance.

Representatives from various international organizations also expressed their insights on the conference. These include UNIDO Director-General Kandeh Yumkella, International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Juan Somavia (who spoke through a video message), UNESCAP Chief of the Environment and Development Policy Section, Environment and Development Division Masakazu Ichimura (who spoke on behalf of UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer), and International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management Co-chair Ernst Ulrich von Weizsacker.

In his keynote address, DENR Secretary Jose ‘Lito’ Atienza stressed that the global financial and climate change crises, while both independent problems, cannot be solved with separate solutions. He said green growth was the common solution to these twin challenges, and noted that Asia needs to solve their economic problems in a sustainable manner that protects the environment, creates jobs, generates income and stimulates economic growth.

The highlight of the event was the adoption of the Manila Declaration on Green Industry in Asia and Framework of Action, which is the outcome document of the International Conference on Green Industry in Asia.

While the Manila Declaration and Framework of Action is a non-binding document, it outlines the steps needed to reduce resource intensity and carbon emissions of Asian industries. It also provides a mechanism to periodically review and assess progress in implementing the framework of action towards a low-carbon future.

The Manila Declaration encourages Asian countries to set the appropriate institutional and policy framework towards a transition to resource-efficient and low-carbon industries. It calls for measures such as the incorporation of cleaner production policies in national development plans, and the fostering of a viable business environment conducive to investments in green industries.

Moreover, it encourages the promotion of the increased use of renewable energy and energy-efficient processes in the industrial sector, research and development programs that will lead to green innovation, and investments and financing in low-carbon and resource-efficient manufacturing industries.

The Framework of Action calls for the establishment of a communications strategy to enhance awareness towards green industries performance tools. It also calls for a network of green industries by setting up of energy management standard among Asian countries.

For more information about the event, contact DENR at (632) 929-6626 or visit the conference website, http://www.unido.org/index.php?id=7781

UN Green Energy Groups Visited PowerTrends 2009

Ministers from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as well as senior government officials and technical personnel of energy and energy-related industries, academia and research institutes, international/regional organizations, and the ASEAN Secretariat visited PowerTrends 2009 held last September 9 to 11, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

PowerTrends 2009, organized by Leverage International (Consultants) Inc., the event aims to present intensified and improved technologies for oil and gas exploration; new directions in production and use of diesel fuel, petroleum, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG), in the interest of energy security; eco-friendly products existing and under development; and carbon credits - the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Futhermore, it focuses on new and sustainable energy technologies to meet climate change, technologies to improve power, energy and lighting efficiency; and technologies for upgrading and building of new plants to meet growing market demands for an expanding economy and growing population.

PowerTrends 2009 was held concurrently with the UNIDO Ministerial Conference on "Managing the Transition to Resource-Efficient and Low-Carbon Industries in Asia". Side by side with the exhibition iwas the PowerTech Business Forum. Speakers in this parallel event were executives from both the private and public sectors engaged in the energy industry. They discussed the economics and opportunities of new sources of energy.

Among the forum speakers were Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary and Board of Investment Managing Head Elmer Hernandez, former Department of Energy Secretary Vincent S. Perez, Vergnet CEO Marc Vergnet, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines President and CEO Walter W. Brown, Aboitiz Power Renewables Inc., First Vice President Luis Miguel Aboitiz, Development Bank of the Philippines Senior Vice President Brillo L. Reynes, Seedlinks Philippines Inc., Chief Technical Officer Mila Jude, and former ASEAN Energy Chair Amada P. de Jesus.

PowerTrends 2009 is sponsored by Alstom, Andritz Hydro, Meralco, Chevron, and the following media partners: ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), Business World, Business Mirror, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Bulletin, Project Finance International, GoingToMeet.com, and WorldOils.

For more information about the event, contact the PowerTrends 200 secretariat at (632) 810-1389, 818-6828, or email leverage@leverageinternational.com.

Philippine Tourism Boosted at 20th Philippine Travel Mart

Spearheaded by Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the biggest association of tour operators and allied members, the 20th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) was held last September 4-6, 2009 at the MegaTrade Hall of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

PTM, the premiere and biggest travel, tourism and trade show in the country, has the most extensive coverage of the tourism and travel industry in the Philippines. It has a solid track record of bringing in thousands of local corporate buyers and consumers in a single venue for travel and tourism. It has also carved a niche in the international market as a prime venue for foreign buyers as a must-see, must-be event held in collaboration with the Department of Tourism.

PHILTOA, the main proponent behind the PTM, is the biggest association of tour operators and agencies that promote exclusively domestic and inbound tourism. It has a nationwide membership and has been at the frontier of Domestic tourism promotion, partnering with DOT, and its regional offices.

With “Beyond the Usual… Experience IT Here” as conference/exhibition theme, the main highlight of this year’s PTM was the Grand Vacation Sale ng Bayan, where exhibitors and participants offered beyond the usual, attractive discounts and special offers to consumers during the 3-day event. Reservations for travel and tour, hotel, transport (sea and air) were available to be purchased at lower rates but should be availed of or completed on or before November 15, 2009.

BPI credit card holders were entitled to 12-month instalment term promos inclusive of 3 day-2 night packages, complete with airfare, land transfers, hotel accomodations plus beyond the usual activities.

Aside from individual buyers, programs were also available for small and medium businesses to big corporations. The Corporate Buyers Program offered options for trips, tours and adventures geared towards corporate outings or even as company incentives to its employees.

Eco-tourism is one of the main pillars of this year’s efforts of showcasing beyond the usual in Philippine tourism and encouraging consumers to experience the Philippines in unusual ways. For this year, PTM has partnered with ABS CBN Foundation for their Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig project in launching another new innovation in Philippine tourism –thru the Pasig river travel cruise. The intent is to promote the Pasig river cruise as a tourism vehicle that ends in Escolta, tying it in with a walking tour of Binondo, cuisines galore from street foods to fine dining and tiangge shopping.

Entrance to the PTM exhibit was Php 50.00, while for senior citizens and students it was only Php 40.00.

An exciting line-up of special crowd-drawing events were conducted to ensure patronage from the different provinces as well as the greater Manila area consumers. Among this year’s events were the traditional Bituin ng Kasuotang Filipino, the traditional Best Cultural Presentation, Tourism Quiz Bee, seminar for students and practitioners in the travel industry entitled Biyahe-info, one-on-one corporate business meeting between sellers and corporate buyers entitled BiyahExhange, and an Eco-Chorale Competition which had two divisions, High School level and College level. A thanksgiving mass was given on the last day of the exhibit, and also the awarding of winners was done on the same day. The theme for the 21st PTM was also unveiled before the last day of the event ended.

The 20th PTM was sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Philippine Airlines, PAGCOR, CLARK Freeport, Primer Group of Companies, Chase Technologies Corporation, Jeepney Tours, BPI Express Credit, Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig, ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN Foundation, Manila Bulletin, ANC, Expat Travel & Lifestyle Magazine, Travel Update Philippines, The Foreign Post, Travel Plus, Travelife, Good News Pilipinas!, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Homestyle Magazine, and Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission.

For more information on Philippine Travel Mart, contact the Philippine Tour Operators Association at info@philtoa.org, secgen@philtoa.org or visit the event website at http://www.philtravelmart.com.

Low-cost Housing Industry Leaders Present Best Practices, Partnership Opportunities at 2nd Asia-Pacific Housing Forum

Housing developers, microfinance institutions, local governments, and academics are encouraged to attend the 2^nd Asia-Pacific Housing Forum slated today until September 9, 2009 at the Dusit Thani Manila Hotel in Makati City.

Organized by Habitat for Humanity International in cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies this year's forum revolves around the theme, "Maximizing Urban Poverty Housing Solutions for Greater Results." It gathers major stakeholders from the social, private and public sectors, academe and international organizations to share best practices, solutions and resource needs for the large and growing number of people living in substandard housing environments.

The forum presents opportunities for forging joint partnerships in housing projects, as potential sources of housing finance, cost efficient technologies, and social entrepreneurs are brought together by this event. The three-day event is structured in a manner to maximize dialogue, interaction and networking among participants. The forum's plenary sessions and discussion groups will focus on four themes: (1) innovations in housing the urban poor; (2) rethinking disaster response; (3) UNESCAP Quick Guides on Housing the Poor; and (4) "Leaders of Tomorrow Meet Leaders of Today".

Internationally acclaimed speakers and leading experts in housing concerns who will share insights at the forum, include:

• Dr. Nicolas P. Retsinas from the Joint Center for Housing Studies, Harvard University, with a plenary presentation on "Housing Policy: How to Meet the Needs of the Poor".
• Bruce Ferguson, former urban economist of the World Bank and member of the Advisory Board of Global Urban Development, on the plenary topic "A Value Chain Approach to Affordable Housing: The Key to Massive Scale";
• Graham Saunders, head of the shelter department at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva, Switzerland, to speak on "Linking Disaster Response with Sustainable Development"
• Huub Cornelissen, director on energy and housing of The Netherlands Development Finance Company, to present the organization's initiatives in housing finance for the poor, and
• Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr., deputy governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,to talk on the BSP's role in supporting housing microfinance in the banking sector

Vice President Noli de Castro, who is also the chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council will be the guest of honor and will deliver the keynote address.

The 2nd Asia-Pacific Housing Forum is in partnership with the Department of Tourism Vestergaard Frandsen, Local Government of Taguig City, and sponsored by Citi, Acer Business World, Epson, ACNNewswire, and IndianNGOs.com.

For more information and for online registration, visit http://www.aphousingforum.org or contact the Secretariat at (632) 897-3356, 897 3069 loc. 107 or email 2APHFSecretariat@habitat.org.ph.

PhilCAT Stages 16th Annual Convention

The Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT) held its 16th Annual Convention at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila, Ortigas Center, Quezon City last August 13-14, 2009.

The convention, dubbed “Synergy in TB Care: A Holistic Approach,” tackled numerous topics surrounding the management, diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB).

Led by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III, doctors, nurses, health workers, LGU officials, NGO's, DOH personnel, Muslim Religious Leaders (MRL), funding agencies, private practitioners, and other health professionals who attended were all united in improving their knowledge on combating Tuberculosis (TB) in the country.

An exhibit showcasing various activities by private and public institutions against TB was among the highlights of the convention.

PhilCAT is in support of DOH’s National TB Control Program (NTP) which aims to reduce the prevalence and mortality of TB by half and to contribute to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

Below is the summary of lectures presented during the convention:

Topic	Presenter/s
National TB Control Program (NTP) Updates	Yolanda E. Oliveros, MD, MPH Director IV, National Center for Disease Prevention and Control Department of Health
Fighting the TB Epidemic in the Western Pacific: Current Situation & Challenges Ahead	Nobu Nishikiori, MD, MSc, PhD Regional Stop TB Advisor WHO-Western Pacific Region
Psychosocial Aspect in the Management of TB - In children and Adolescents	Grace A. Macapagal, MD
Biopsychosocial Approach to the Care of Tuberculosis	Josefina S. Isidro-Lapeña MD, MFM Associate Professor, UP College of Medicine
Management of TB in Various Settings – TB in schools	Elmer Angus, MD
Management of TB in Various Settings - TB in Workplace: Local Experience	Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, MD and Victoria B. Dalay, MD
TB in Prisons and Jails	Ma. Lorela Averilla, MD, Jubert P. Benedicto, MD, Ilna Rita Maderazo, MD, and Cecilia Villanueva, MD
Clinical Pearls: Approach to Commonly Encountered Pitfalls in the Diagnosis and Management of TB: Common Pitfalls in the Diagnosis Approach of TB	Noel G. Macalalad, MD
Clinical Pearls: Approach to Commonly Encountered Pitfalls in the Diagnosis and Management of TB: Common Pitfalls in the Radiologic Diagnosis of TB	Pedro Danilo Lagamayo, MD
Clinical Pearls: Approach to Commonly Encountered Pitfalls in the Diagnosis and Management of TB: Common Pitfalls in the Therapeutic Approach of TB	Jose Hesron Morfe, MD
Updates in Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis - Diagnosis and Management of TB Meningitis	Paul Pasco, MD
Updates in Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis - Diagnosis and Management TB of the Bone	Edwin Jerd Siatan, MD
Updates in Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis - Diagnosis and Management of Genito-Urinary TB	Angel Rodriguez- Bandola, MD
Management of Common PTB Complications: Pleural Effusion, Pneumothroax, Fibrothorax, Hemoptysis - Medical Approach to PTB Complications	Lalaine Llamado-Mortera, MD
Management of Common PTB Complications: Pleural Effusion, Pneumothroax, Fibrothorax, Hemoptysis - Surgical Approach to PTB Complications	Antonio B. Ramos, MD
TB as a Differential Diagnosis - TB vs. FUO	Mario M. Panaligan, MD
TB as a Differential Diagnosis - TB vs. Malignancy	Guia Elena Imelda R. Ladera, MD
Improving the Quality of Direct Sputum Smear Microscopy (DSSM)	Cristina C. Villarico, MD
MDR-TB Rapid Diagnosis	Grace Egos, RMT, MSPH
Dietary Supplements in TB: is there a Role?	Susana M. Balingit, MD
Impact of Inappropriate Antibiotic Use in the Development of MDR-TB	Camilo C. Roa, Jr., MD., FPCP, FPCCP Professor of Physiology and Medicine UP College of Medicine - PGH
Antibiotic Collateral Damage: How it leads to MDR-TB	Roberto P. Salvino, MD
Vaccines that Really Matter for TB Patients	Cecilia Montalban, MD, and May B. Montellano, MD

The event was made possible in collaboration with the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians and the DOH. Founded in 1994, PhilCAT works in partnership with DOH to spearhead efforts in controlling TB, together with chest physicians, infectious disease specialists and non-government organizations.

You may contact PhilCAT at +632 749-8990, 781-9535 to 36; e-mail pcat@pldtdsl.net; or visit their website at http://www.philcat.org.