SHEIKH al QASIMI: IGCF TO IMPROVE GOV T WORKERS COMMUNICATION

Transcription

1 Volume 8, Issue 47 Duterte signs Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act DOTr, PIA, DOH, DepEd and private agencies and organizations to undertake regular nationwide info, educ, and communication campaign within 6 months from passage of the act Page 21 SHEIKH al QASIMI: IGCF TO IMPROVE GOV T WORKERS COMMUNICATION Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi (left), chairman of Sharjah Media Council, and HE Tariq Saeed Allay, director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau, announcing the details of the IGCF 2019, at a recent media briefing, held at Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Sharjah, UAE. (Photo courtesy of Sharjah Government Media Bureau) Page 2 Menopause symptoms aren t just 3 or 4, but 34 AVIVO Group launches Women 34 Clinic to raise awareness about the 34 symptoms of menopause that generally affects women between the age group of 40 and 50 years Page 26 KW - RF

2 2 -NEWS - Tariq Saeed Allay: IGCF keen to offer its platform as a launch pad for new initiatives and activities, in line its objectives SHEIKH Al QASIMI: IGCF TO IMPROVE GOV T WORKERS COMMUNICATION Kab. Cheng Ordoñez, Editor in-chief SHARJAH -- The 8th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), which kicked off on March 20, 2019, promises to improve the communication between the government of Sharjah and its workers -- local emiratis and expatriates alike -- to better the current communication platform and achieve positive changes, a top official of the Sharjah government media bureau told Kabayan Weekly. The global forum IGCF was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and will take place at Expo Centre Sharjah. We are trying to improve the work of every single person who works in the government, without looking into whether he is a local person (emirati) or expat (expatriate), Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of Sharjah Media Council (SMC), told Kabayan Weekly in an exclusive interview with this writer. And, through that we improve their work, and so, they can improve their overall government work, he added. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said, We believe that to change the big role of the government, we have to start with the person that to change the person would change the whole work idea. This year, we are targeting the person who can change the whole system of the government and to improve it. And, the speakers that we have in this forum are capable of giving them the right information (to do it), he explained. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi refused to say though that there is no communication problem with expatriates in the current situation. No, I wouldn t say there is no (communication) problem (with expatriates). There is always nothing is complete. Through this platform, we are trying to improve on what we have. We have a very good communication a government communication platform in Sharjah -- but, we always wanted to (improve it), Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said. With the themed Behavioural Change Towards Human Development, the high-profile two-day global summit will shed light on key challenges and issues in the field of government communication in motivating individuals to play a key role in the development process. In a statement released to media at the start of the global forum, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said: To achieve positive change, however, focusing on individuals alone is not enough. We need to actively involve public entities and businesses regardless of their size or nature of operations to contribute to this process because each one exercises a unique influence and impact on society. It is imperative for these entities to wear the role model hat to inspire positive change in individuals. A positive government communication experience in the region, especially the UAE, is seen in the shifting balance of power. Government bodies that have innovatively shaped communication strategies, riding the wave of 21st century technology disruptions to prompt stronger engagement with politicians and the public alike, have successfully built trust and a closer connection, which has in turn assisted them to realise their policy delivery goals successfully, he added. Worldwide, we have seen private and public sector organisations champion causes economic, social or political by communicating the underlining messages effectively to their citizenry. They have undergone a major attitudinal shift reflected in changing communication methodology from broadcast to engagement. This shift has increased public engagement because public campaigns are increasingly seeking a connection with the audience s emotions and intellect, to build credibility before the public eye. Government communication is that powerful medium that empowers both the government and the public, brings them closer on community matters, said Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi. Similarly, discrepancies between governments manifesto and their actions have consequences the most severe perhaps losing credibility and trust. Needless to add, building lost trust in the public is the steepest uphill climb. There are plenty real-life experiences to substantiate how promises made and unfulfilled or an inconsistency in the messaging of a campaign and public delivery have led to irreparable damage to an organisation s public image. The Sharjah forum is set to assert that the responsibility of overcoming developmental challenges does not solely lie with governments anymore; it is now a shared responsibility with citizens and strategic partners, particularly media.

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4 4 - NEWS - Representatives from government directorates and departments in Sharjah, event sponsors, and local and international media attend the media briefing that announced the details of the two-day international forum, held at Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Sharjah, UAE. (Photo courtesy of Sharjah Government Media Bureau) The organisers, International Government Communication Centre (IGCC), has convened 70 speakers, including international media and PR stalwarts, policy experts, social entrepreneurs, and communications and technology experts, who came together to deliver on IGCF 2019 s extensive discussion agenda featuring 37 discussion panels, inspirational speeches, sessions, workshops and interactive forums. Details of the forum were announced at a recent media briefing by the IGCC, a Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) subsidiary, at Al Majaz Amphitheatre, where SMC chairman Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, HE Tariq Saeed Allay, director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) and Jawaher Al Naqbi, director of IGCC spoke, and where a host of representatives from government directorates and departments in Sharjah, event sponsors, and local and international media were in attendance. A whole gamut of most relevant issues and topics facing the media industry today, like fake news and its detrimental impact on government communication efforts, the role of government communications in motivating and empowering citizenry, the possibility of governments joining forces with private and academic sectors to design and implement long-term communication strategies, the need to harness individual responsibility as a key solution to future challenges, training, capacity-building and attracting communication competencies to bridge the gap in an era of rapid technological changes, and more, will be debated at the two-day forum. When we study the development of some countries, we see that they adopted long-term communication strategies that were consolidated through an advanced approach focused on the positive change model applied by government entities. One important branch of this model is aimed at building positive change in the minds and outlook of communities, and empower them to partner with governments to further the country s inclusive development project, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said at the media briefing. New features of IGCF HE Tariq Saeed Allay said that the IGCF continually innovates to not only include new discussions to enrich the forum, but to also offer its platform as a launchpad for new initiatives and activities, which are in line with the forum s objectives. This year, a new behavioural change e-game platform, titled Sharjah 2071 in collaboration with Sharjah s Department of e-government and Sharjah Children will be launched; alongside a special SGMB release themed Government Communication Practices and Studies. The event will also see several interactive platforms, one for the Sheikh Sultan Award for Celebrating the Spirit of Youth, and researcher platform with several features including one that will shed light on youth challenge in innovation. Allay also added IGCF will also be featuring an Expo 2020 Dubai platform, which unveils the 50 Years of Expo exhibition to encapsulate the UAE s engagement with world expos since 1970 until now. They have also hosted an interactive session to highlight how they are in the process of hiring 3,000 young volunteers to help deliver a successful Expo The 2nd Sharjah Youth Forum will be hosted in collaboration with Sharjah Youth Council. The Sharjah Press Club with be at the venue with interesting social experiments, and there will be lots more. For her part, Jawaher Al Naqbi, Director of IGCC, said: IGCF s theme Behavioural Change Towards Human Development underlines that communication s key mission is first and foremost to elevate communities and empower all community members. The upcoming edition will explore the future of many countries in the region and the world, shedding light on the technical and technological changes that are leading the humankind towards a new age. Since its inception, IGCF has been dedicated to hosting renowned regional and global experts who have hand-on experience in the field along with a wealth of academic expertise, to share important lessons they have picked up throughout their professional careers in the government communication field, she added. Strong focus on youth participation On the forum s second day, Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators, was expected to convene young representatives of Sharjah s children and youth organisations and select UAE officials for a special session, which will explore ways to intensify the youth s role in participatory development. The session sheds light on the centrality of the UAE s youth in the nation s cultural, societal and developmental journey, and seeks to learn from the young participants their aspirations and interests. An Arab Government Communication Leaders Forum was also expected on the sidelines of IGCF Global communication, media experts in attendance The Sharjah forum has hosted renowned local and international dignitaries and experts with the following illustrious speaker included in the list: HE Hessa bint Issa Buhmaid, UAE Minister of Community Development, Prof Hamid M K Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, Dr Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz, Executive Director, Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar; and Andrew Keen, acclaimed author and keynote speaker from the UK. Other speakers in the list included Rene Carayole, global speaker on Inspirational Leadership and Culture from UK, Rabee Zureikat, founder of the Zikra Initiative, one of the most important initiatives in Communities Exchange Programmes and winner of many global awards, from Jordan, HE Abdulla bin Touq, Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet, Dr Abdullah Al Maghlouth, Ministry of Media Spokesman and Director General of the Centre for Government Communication, KSA, Sir Craig Oliver, Director of Politics and Communications for David Cameron, former Prime Minister of UK and Michelle Gielan, the bestselling author of Broadcasting Happiness and positive psychology expert from US. Also included were Suzanne Afanah, Founder and Managing Partner at Advvise, Jordan; Marc Prensky, Founder of the education non-profit Global Education for Future, USA; Graham Brown Martin, Founder of the global movement Learning Without Frontiers (LWF), UK. The line-up included Dr Ali Al Marri, Executive President, Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, Dr Abdullatif Al Shamsi, Vice Chancellor of UAE Higher Colleges of Technology, Dr Adiy Tweissi, Assistant Professor and Director of E-Learning Center, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Jordan, Dr David Katz, poet laureate of physical and psychological health promotion around the world, USA, Meik Wiking, author and happiness expert from Denmark; Dr Hanan Saleem, consulting pharmacist and health coach, and Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, UAE. Fireside chats and inspirational speeches A special session at IGCF was expected to host the renowned US media personality Larry King, who has over 60 years of experience in media. The Emmy and Peabody winner will offer key insights on how governments can effectively communicate with societies through leveraging media. Another special session will see motivational speaker, filmmaker and social activist, Richard Williams, aka Prince Ea address the IGCF gathering. The second day of the forum also saw an inspiring address by Michelle Gielan, an expert and a researcher in positive psychology, and author of Broadcasting Happiness. Panel discussions on change communication On the first day of the Forum, the main session was held under the title Human Behaviour: New Dimensions for Change Communication, while the second will be themed Responsible Individuals: A Key Solution for Future Challenges. The third and last session of the day was titled, Challenging the Lack of Capacity in an Era of Change Communication. The second day of IGCF 2019 featured four panel discussions. These are titled, Education Through the Lens of Tomorrow: Changing the Norm, The Skills of the Future Culture: Addressing the Expected Disappearance of Jobs, Fostering Positivity and Sustainable Approaches to Happiness: A Road Map and Pioneering Thought of Women Advancement, which will be held in collaboration with NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA). (With reports from Sharjah Government Media Bureau)

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6 6 - SPECIAL FEATURE - Ma. Teresa Montemayor, PNA MANILA -- Armed with the goal to fast-track digital transformation in public schools nationwide, the Department of Education (DepEd) has launched its first cyber expo on education and technology. Some 4,080 students and teachers from 16 divisions in the National Capital Region (NCR) attended the three-day event at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on March to learn about the latest technologies promoting quality learning and teaching. Wilfred Moledo, one of the delegates, is a senior high school student of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino School under the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) strand. Wilfred Moledo, a senior high school student of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino School, says technology is important in the economic growth of the country. (Photo by Ma. Teresa Montemayor) In an interview, Moledo told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the Philippines is still lagging in terms of digital education despite the availability of computers and internet connection in the country. "Sa tingin ko, ang mayroon lang ng (I think, only those who have) technologies like these is the NCR but the other regions lack information technology-based classrooms. In our school, there's no problem about this. We use computer and tablets," he said. DepEd ICT Standards director Abram Abanil said there is still no data which can prove that the country is behind in terms of digital education. "Currently, wala pa talagang (there's no really) statistics with regards to digital literacy even internationally but we're taking steps to improve digital literacy in the Philippines. Under our K to 12 curriculum the computer skills are already embedded, so from Grades 4 to 6, the productivity tools are taught, then basic programming in Grades 7 to 10, then vocational skills in Grades 11 to 12," he said. Abanil added that teachers are provided electronic learning resources so they can "move away from using Manila paper and cartolina in their classes." (From left) Department of Education officials: Undersecretary for Finance-Budget and Performance Monitoring Annalyn Sevilla, Secretary Leonor Briones, Undersecretary for Administrative Service Alain Del Pascua and ICT Standards Director Abram Abanil, at the Drive 2019: The Digital Rise of Philippine Education press conference in Pasay City. (Photo by Ma. Teresa Montemayor) E-learning Meanwhile, students are given access to e-learning resources and quick results of their quizzes and tests through DepEd's systems. "Our systems will specify or recommend the right resources for them to use and overcome their incompetencies and weaknesses in certain subjects," he added. Citing the challenges brought about by the country's geographical makeup, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said there is no general status in terms of digital education nationwide. "The picture is very mixed. For example, the science high-schools are fairly advanced in the elementary they're already exposed to digital education. But there are areas where there are no opportunities and connections. We want to level up this condition, whether you are a child in the remote area or a child in Manila, more or less, their ICT skills are comparable," she added. Curicent Technologies country director Saju Vincent (second from left) says DepEd is looking into integrating their advanced robotics technology in the current robotics curriculum nationwide. (Photo by Ma. Teresa Montemayor) DepEd launches cyber expo on education, technology

7 - SPECIAL FEATURE - 7 Why Benguet Arabica Coffee is the best Larry T. Lopez, PIA PHILIPPINES -- Coffee lovers say a cup of coffee in the morning makes your day. But coffee drinkers would claim, it s up to your coffee! Well, coffee experts say the best Arabica coffee in the Philippines is grown in the highlands, particularly in the province of Benguet. Produced in the upland farms of Atok, Itogon, La Trinidad, Tuba, Kibungan, and Tublay in Benguet, this variety of coffee blends well with the upland climate to produce the country s top-coffee blend. Because of distinct taste and quality, Benguet Arabica Coffee is now a leading coffee brand in the market. During the 3rd Philippine Coffee Conference held in Baguio City in March last year, Benguet-grown Arabica coffee emerged as the champion for the best Arabica coffee in the country, besting entries from other regions. Judges, international and local coffee experts, unanimously voted for the Arabica coffee entry of Oliver Oliem of Caliking, Atok, that blends the characteristics of apricot, lemongrass, pomelo, oolong Tea and the aroma of a rose, as the best. Other Benguet coffee entries that won in the 2018 Philippine Coffee Quality Competition were those of Restie Labi Tacio of Atok, and Belen Macanes of Sagpat, Kibungan in third and fifth places, respectively. What brings the distinctive taste of Benguet Arabica coffee? Oliver Oliem, chair of the Cordillera Regional Coffee Council, elaborated how the distinct and great taste of their produce had pushed the coffee industry to be now the province s booming industry. Oliem explained the entire system in production tells it all. Grown from seedlings of their own nurseries, farmers grow their coffee plants through pure organic farming without using pesticides or any chemical input. He shared that Benguet farmers practice multi-cropping in their coffee lands by planting other crops in between coffee trees like anthurium, strawberries and vegetables to add more income. During harvest, usually in the months of November to March, farmers do not strip-off the coffee beans. They pick only the ripened ones one by one, leaving the unripe beans. This assures that the beans come from selected pick. In drying, farmers adapt elevated-drying system where de-hulled coffee beans are spread on drying beds, instead of just putting them on the ground. This way, the beans are kept away from soil microbes making it arsenic-free adding a factor to its distinct taste, Oliem said. Shirley Palao-ay, President of the Tuba Benguet Coffee Growers Association, Inc. (TUBENGCOGA), informed that among Benguet coffee farmers, the production of honey-blend Arabica coffee is gaining headway. Processors do not wash hulled beans before drying to retain the natural sugar in their coffee-produce. Even without sweetening, this brewed coffee comes naturally sweet, she said. Dry coffee beans sell from P300/kg-P350/kg among traders, which sometimes even go higher. Oliem noted the price is dictated based on the coffee grade given by trained cup Q-graders, who classify the quality of the coffee. Growing industry With the fast-growing market of the Benguet Arabica Coffee caused by increasing demand in the market, the 300 coffee farmers of Benguet grew to be more than a thousand in five years. The coffee industry is becoming a lucrative source of income among farmers in the province. This translates to more families being able to send their children to college, more families having better homes and more families assured of brighter future. Oliem acknowledged the coffee industry of Benguet has not reached this far without interventions from government agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Training Institute, Benguet State University, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agrarian Reform and PhilMech thru their support-programs on certified seedling production, organic farming, improved post-harvest facilities and marketing promotion. ( JDP/LL-PIA CAR) PH FILMS BAG Lorem ipsum AWARDS AT INT L FILM FESTIVAL LISBON -- The International Jury of the 39th Porto International Film Festival presented various awards to three Philippine films at the Fantasporto 2019 in the city of Porto on March 2, The Philippine drama film entry Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon (Waiting for Sunset), directed by Carlo Catu, won the Director s Week Special Jury Award as well as the Best Actor award to Dante Rivero for his portrayal as Benedicto for the same film about love, companionship and forgiveness. Director Louie Ignacio s entry School Service, which presents a film about a young girl taken against her will from the province and placed as a beggar in Manila by a small-time syndicate, won the Orient Express Special Jury prize, with Ai Ai delas Alas winning Best Actress in the Director s Week Category for the same film. Meanwhile, James Mayo s Kuya Wes received a nomination in the Orient Express category at the film festival, while Ina Raymundo, who played Erika in the film, won Best Actress in the Director s Week Category. The film starring Ogie Alcasid portrays a timid remittance clerk who falls for his customer in need, Erika. During the film festival, Ambassador to Portugal Celia Anna M. Feria hosted a reception in honor of the Philippine delegation participating in the film festival including Messrs. Alcasid, Ignacio and Mayo. The reception was attended by the film festival organization, jury members and special guests as well as members of the Filipino community in Porto. The annual Fantasporto is considered one of the leading film festivals of the world, which features a diverse range of films from various countries around the world. The festival ran from February 22 to March 2, (DFA)

8 8 - OPINION - ATALLAH MUHAMMAD HABIB PUBLISHER publisher@ CAMCER ORDOÑEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF eic@ DOMINIC SAMPANG GRAPHIC DESIGNER dominic@ REPORTERS/CONTRIBUTORS JEROME LAGUNZAD jerome@ LALIEBETH P. PETANCIO lalz@ PHILIPPINE CONTRIBUTORS MONSI A. SERRANO CHRISTIAN U. BURGOS ULYSSES ESPARTERO The first and leading Flipino weekly news publication catering to more than 850,000 Flipinos in the UAE as target readership. It is the main communications platform for variousuae and Philippine government agencies that brings about a considerable impact on the lives of Filipinos based in this region. Circulation in the entire UAE is pegged at 70,000 copies. All copies are properly distributed and given out for free. DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed by writers and readers do not necessarily reflect the newspaper's views, unless otherwise stated. LEGAL NOTICE: Unless otherwise stated, all graphics, illustrations and pictures published herein are of Kabayan Weekly copyright. Permission in writing has to be obtained beforehand to use Kabayan Weekly copyrighted materials. Kabayan Weekly reserves the right to take any legal action should there be contravention of this legal notice. For comments: info@ For advertising: sales@kabayanweekly com P.O. Box Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel. No.: (04) Government vs Governed: Role of Government Communication in Balancing a New Power Dynamic By Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council EVER since the United Nations launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in 2015, which are focused on boosting the role of communities and individuals in achieving them, social science experts have sprung to develop mechanisms and methodologies that would influence positive change in individual behaviour. The kind of behaviour that is dotted with specific qualities to embrace participatory development, take ownership of government s nation-building goals, and fuel a nation s race towards achieving the UN SDGs. All this stems from the individual s capacity to change. To achieve positive change, however, focusing on individuals alone is not enough. We need to actively involve public entities and businesses regardless of their size or nature of operations to contribute to this process because each one exercises a unique influence and impact on society. It is imperative for these entities to wear the role model hat to inspire positive change in individuals. A positive government communication experience in the region, especially the UAE, is seen in the shifting balance of power. Government bodies that have innovatively shaped communication strategies, riding the wave of 21st century technology disruptions to prompt stronger engagement with politicians and the public alike, have successfully built trust and a closer connection, which has in turn assisted them to realise their policy delivery goals successfully. Worldwide, we have seen private and public sector organisations champion causes economic, social or political by communicating the underlining messages effectively to their citizenry. They have undergone a major attitudinal shift reflected in changing communication methodology from broadcast to engagement. This shift has increased public engagement because public campaigns are increasingly seeking a connection with the audience s emotions and intellect, to build credibility before the public eye. Government communication is that powerful medium that empowers both the government and the public, brings them closer on community matters. Similarly, discrepancies between governments manifesto and their actions have consequences the most severe perhaps losing credibility and trust. Needless to add, building lost trust in the public is the steepest uphill climb. There are plenty real-life experiences to substantiate how promises made and unfulfilled or an inconsistency in the messaging of a campaign and public delivery have led to irreparable damage to an organisation s public image. The ubiquitousness of information and the fact that it is accessible on the fingertips makes the adage practice what you preach an imperative. Governments need to measure the public impact of their messaging, spend on research and data collection, and use their findings to adopt mechanisms that will enable them to strike a perfect balance between their messages and action. This is quite normal in the business community where entities tap market research and analysis companies to assess the reach of its messaging and its potency and refine it accordingly. That way, government communication ensures the balance of power doesn t tip over on either side. Successful government communication is a result of impactful messaging and is based on collective human values and followed up with perfectly aligned action.

9 - OPINION - 9 A Russian mole in the White House? KALEIDOSCOPE Kabayan Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com On January 24, 2019, Rachel Maddow, MSNBC s star talk show host, mentioned Carl Kline as a former career Pentagon employee who was appointed by President Donald Trump as Director of Personnel Security at the White House in May He s in charge of reviewing applications for security clearances of people appointed to high administration positions. The reasons for denying a clearance can include debts, a criminal past or questions about foreign entanglements, and anything in a person s background that could make them vulnerable to blackmail. According to Maddow, an adjudicator reviewed Kushner s application for security clearance. It was deemed unfavorable and handed it to a supervisor. The supervisor agreed that it was unfavorable and sent it to Kline who then overruled the unfavorable determination and approved a Top Secret security clearance for Kushner. As it turned out, in the short time that Kline was on the job, he had ignored national security risks more than 30 times to approve clearances for White House personnel. Thirty times, at least, this one supervisor whom Trump put in there handed out a clearance to an incoming Trump White House person who was otherwise flagged as too risky to get a clearance approved, Maddow said. Thirty of them. At minimum. Christ. Sources said the number of rejections that Kline overturned had happened only once in the three years preceding Kline s appointment, which makes one wonder: Was there someone higher up who directed Kline to overrule his subordinates? During the FBI background investigation of White House Special Adviser Jared Kushner, there were questions about his family s business, his foreign contacts, his foreign travel, and meetings he had during the campaign. Kushner is married to Ivanka Trump, the president s daughter. He holds the role of Special Adviser to the President in the White House with responsibility over the Middle East, Mexico, criminal justice reform, and innovation in government. He was one of those whom Kline overruled two career security experts who determine Kushner as too risky, and approved Kushner s top-secret clearance. The two security clearance specialists are concerned that Kushner was potentially susceptible to foreign influence. Security breach The scandal surfaced as Rep. Elijah Cummings, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, had characterized approval of Kushner s clearance as unprecedented. My request letter to the White House explicitly covers Mr. Kushner, and we expect the White House to produce all of the documents and interviews we requested to determine if tonight s breaking story is accurate, Cummings (D-Md.) said. The system is supposed to be a nonpartisan determination of an individual s fitness to hold a clearance, not an ad hoc approach that overrules career experts to give the President s family members access to our nation s most sensitive secrets. Not content with his White House top-secret clearance, Kushner sought to get higher security clearance so he would have access to the government s most highly guarded information, known as Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). But only the CIA can approve SCI clearances. The agency rejected the request and returned the application to the White House, questioning how Kushner even obtained a top-secret clearance to begin with. Had the CIA granted Kushner an SCI clearance, he would have access to information that could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if it were leaked out. The problem is: Trump can override CIA s determination and make any information available to his son-in-law at any time. Reportedly, Kushner had regular access to Trump s highly classified Presidential Daily Brief (PDB) during Trump s first year in office. Presumably, Kushner still have access to it simply by reading the PDB, which he can get at will. Call it part of family privileges. It is now up to Cummings who wields the power of the Oversight Committee to investigate how Kushner and other Trump officials managed to get their security clearance, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his interactions with Russia during the transition; Rob Porter, a former White House staff secretary who resigned after multiple allegations of domestic abuse; and former deputy assistant to the president Sebastian Gorka. Red flags It s interesting to note that this is not the first time that Kushner have a problem with his security clearance. A year ago, he was stripped of his access to the nation s top secrets after his security clearance was downgraded. Along with several White House officials who had been operating on interim clearances, their access was altered after chief of staff John Kelly stipulated new changes to the security clearance system. Those who previously operated on Top Secret or SCI interim clearances saw their access changed to Secret, a classification for less sensitive material. A Secret clearance only allows access to fewer and lesser government secrets. It prevented Kushner from accessing the PDB. But because of Kushner s affinity to Trump by marriage, it s doubtful if Trump didn t share the PDB with Kushner. However, Kushner accepted the decision about his security clearance and will not ask for special permission from Trump. But it makes one wonder: How can Kushner perform his function without access to Top Secret or SCI clearances? Kushner s use of security clearance is now the subject of the Democrats inquiry. After Trump won the presidential election Kushner had private discussions with the Russian ambassador about opening a secret back channel with Moscow to discuss policy. This was a red flag that immediately put Kushner under the FBI s scrutiny. Wthin a short time after Trump was inaugurated as president, the Washington Post reported that Kushner had been the subject of at least four countries United Arab Emirates, China, Israel, and Mexico as possible target of manipulation. Concerns were raised about Kushner s irregular way of accessing very sensitive intelligence. Indeed, the powerful Democrat-led House Oversight Committee had opened an in-depth investigation into what it said were grave breaches of national security at the highest levels of the Trump administration. Trump-Putin Chabad connection In 1999, Putin enlisted two of his closest confidants, the oligarchs Lev Leviev and Roman Abramovich who would go on to become the Chabad-Lubavitch movement s biggest patrons worldwide to create the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia under the leadership of Chabad rabbi Berel Lazar, who would come to be known as Putin s rabbi. [Source: The Odd Chabad Connection Between Putin and Trump] When Kushner was a student at Harvard, he was affiliated with the Chabad house. Since settling in Washington DC, Jared and Ivanka (who converted to Judaism prior to marrying Jared) have been attending services at a Chabad synagogue. Meanwhile, Ivanka was very close friends with Abramovich s wife, Dasha Zhukova, who attended the Trump inauguration as Ivanka s personal guest. [Ibid] In May 2015, a month before Trump officially entered the Republican presidential primary, Kushner bought a majority stake in the old New York Times building on West 43rd Street from Leviev for $295 million. The transaction first came up due to the $285 million Kushner borrowed from Deutsche Bank to complete the transaction. Deutsche Bank and two companies tied to Leviev, Africa Israel Investments, and Prevezon have all recently been the subject of money laundering investigations. A laundering case against Prevezon led by then-u.s. Attorney Preet Bharara abruptly ended in May 2017, two months after Trump fired Bharara, with a $6-million settlement that raised eyebrows. [Ibid] Jared-Kushner-Russian-SpyCould it be that the financial transactions involving Kushner and the Russian oligarchs close to Putin one of the reasons why Kushner s application for security clearance was red flagged? Was this just the tip of the iceberg, which begs the question: Would the Mueller investigation into the Trump-Putin Chabad connection lead to indictments? At the end of the day, with more than 30 security clearances, including Kushner s, that were approved over the rejection by career security clearance experts, what is the likelihood that there is a Russian mole in the White House?

10 10 - OPINION - Katanungang legal? May sagot d yan! Alamin ang mga batas at iyong karapatan dito sa UAE. Kung ikaw man ay nangangamba sa iyong visa, nagbabalak ng annulment, magsisimula ng negosyo, may pinagkakautangan, problema sa pinapasukan, hinaharap na kaso o anumang usaping legal, sasagutin ng ating Kabayan Atty. Barney Almazar ang inyong mga katanungang legal dito sa UAE. Mag- lamang sa barney@gulflaw.info SAGOT KA NI ATTORNEY! Atty. Barney Almazar Stale Cheque I purchased an expensive watch and paid by cheque. Am I still liable to the seller if he failed to deposit my cheque within 6 months from the date of issuance? Can I be liable for bounced cheque? I understand that banks will no longer allow him to deposit the cheque. - Jade You are still liable to pay the watch. Issuing a cheque is only a means of paying an obligation, which in your case is the payment of the purchase price. The seller can rightfully demand that you issue a new cheque or pay him in cash. Banks will not accept stale cheques for deposit and thus it cannot be used to file a bounced cheque case against you. However, the stale cheque is an evidence of your civil obligation to pay the purchase price for the watch that you got from the seller. If the seller failed to collect from you within 15 years, your liability to pay is extinguished pursuant to Article 473 of the Civil Code. Philippine Laws Applicable on Family Matters in UAE Atty. Barney, my husband and I are separated but both of us are in Abu Dhabi. He is forcing me to give the custody of our children to him even though I am also capable of supporting our kids. He told me that I do not have any rights since the Family Code of the Philippines will not be considered by the Abu Dhabi Courts. Please advise as I do not want to be separated from my children. - Jellie Your husband is wrong. Although as a general rule, the Personal Status Law or Federal Law No 28 of 2005 is applicable to UAE Citizens and foreigners in the UAE, Paragraph 2 of Article 1 if the same law provides an exception, to wit: The provisions of this Law shall apply on citizens of the United Arab Emirates State unless non-muslims among them have special provisions applicable to their community or confession. They shall equally apply to non-citizens unless one of them asks for the application of his law. Thus, you must inform the judge that you intend Philippine laws to be applied in your custody case. Atty. Barney is a Director at the Commercial Department of Gulf Law in the Middle East, Philippines and United Kingdom. Readers can visit or call for further information.

11 - FILIPINO ACHIVER - 11 Roselyn Cecillano Position: Chief Operating Officer/Managing Partner Company: ARC Med LLC Anas Rose & Co. FZC Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Hometown: Malabon, City, Metro Manila Super mom entrepreneur now operates a company in Dubai, empowers young expats and women to pursue dreams I am always optimistic in everything. I know that with God s grace, He will let us reach our dreams. Never quit. I keep on trying till I learn and made it. If I made a mistake, I have noted that incident and make sure I will never commit the same mistakes again. Yul Espartero RECOGNIZED by her colleagues as a Super Mom Entrepreneur for her commitment and dedication, Roselyn Cecillano worked as an employee for two and a half years. She has been an entrepreneur for almost nine years now. Journey abroad The 42-year-old achiever came to the United Arab Emirates on a visit visa for two months. She arrived on February 7, She relates, I got a job after two weeks from Drake & Scull International PJSC. I signed the contract and immediately started. Unfortunately, after a month, I felt I cannot stay on that office, she recalls. She further relates, Thus, they didn t process my employment visa. I went to Kish Island for exit and stayed for almost two weeks. I experienced sleeping overnight in Kish Airport with other more than 20 Filipinas who were waiting as chance passengers. She stressed, When I came back to Dubai, I was referred for a part-time job in Metito Overseas Limited. I didn t know that this will be my first ever job overseas. During my first month as reliever for one of the staff, the management and other employees were happy with my performance and they have offered me a job in the sales department. Humble beginnings She was born in 1976 in Malabon, Metro Manila to spouses Ernesto Cecillano, Jr. and Lorna Cecillano. Her four siblings are Ritchie C. Salceda, a sales executive; Ryan Jay, an engineer; Rochelle, a Tanuguchi businesswoman; and, Romwell, a computer analyst. She took her elementary education from Tinajeros Elementary School in 1989 and obtained a high school diploma from Araneta University in Only rose She s the only rose among thorns in Metito Sales Department, the only lady in the sales department in a corporate world of engineers. Her hard work and excellent performance paid off when she was recognized by her colleagues and HR Director. These led her to a more challenging role and task in the company. In less than a year, they sent her to Qatar office to train the newly hired sales coordinator. Her dedication and willingness to learn were recognized with series of assignments. She became the regular reliever to different departments (Admin, HR, Legal Department and Executive Directors office whenever a staff was on its annual leave). Concurrently, she worked as sales coordinator and performing other tasks from different departments. On her own For more than two years, she never stopped dreaming for something big. Few years back, she thought, If I could handle more tasks from different departments in the company, so maybe I can handle my own company. Bigger dreams started there. How she became an entrepreneur is a result of a friendship. She relates, I approached my best friend and my closest colleague in our department, one of our chemical sales engineer Anas Al Badri. I asked if he will be interested to do business with me. I proposed that he will be the one to invest and I will be the one to manage and run the business. Knowing my capacity and dedication, he immediately agreed on my business proposals. Thus, Anas Rose & Co. (ARC FZC), a free zone company was born. The general trading company deals with stationeries, office equipment and supplies, health and hygiene supplies and cleaning materials. I fully managed this company and just have daily meeting for business updates with Anas after his work then we both work during off days (Friday and Saturday). They both never expected the company growth and later after three years, they decided to expand into healthcare industry and formed the ARC MED LLC in Dubai. Expansion ARC MED LLC is now a known supplier / sole agent to most of the biggest hospitals, medical centers, clinics and majority of medical distributors in the UAE. We are continuously serving majority of the hospitals, medical centers, aesthetic clinics, and high-end salon and spas. We have contracts as well with well-known corporate accounts and Facilities Managements companies. We are the agent and sole distributor of two Turkish manufacturers of health and medical products (Turkuaz Medikal & Optimal Saglik) two manufacturers from China (Shanghai Joy Crown & Yangzhou Ecoway) for the medical disposables, hospital amenities and health and hygiene products. We are the sole agent for UAE and Oman. Just recently, with the planned expansion, they opened their first branch in Manila located at BGC Taguig City and have ARC MED SUPPLIES Inc. registered with the Philippine Security and Exchange Commission. Turning point A single parent, she has one child, 15-year-old Cyrill Kiersten Cecillano who is enrolled at Oxford School Dubai. Being a breadwinner in the family and a single mother made my stay here as an OFW worth remembering. It motivates me to think and plan well for our future. It serves as a challenge that a single mother could do more, could be successful and unbeaten. She has been involved in community events and activities of POLO-OWWA. We have been supporting them in most of the activities and events. We have annual charity event supporting our kababayan at the POLO OWWA. We have always involvement in medical missions, health camps, health awareness on issues like Breast Cancer and other community events. We have been assisted Dubai Autism and supported some schools and communities. And we will continuously be part of all these consequential acts.

12 12 - EDUCATION - Sa pangalan ni Allah, ang Mapagbigay, ang Maawain. SURA 18: Papuri ay maging kay Allah na nagsiwalat ng Kasulatan sa Kanyang tagapaglingkod, at hindi naglagay sa loob noon ng alinmang kabaluktutan, 2. (Nguni't gumawa nitong) tuwid upang magbigay ng babala ng mahigpit na parusa galing sa Kanya, at magdala sa mga naniniwalang gumagawa ng mabuting mga gawa ng balitang ang kanila ay magiging isang makatarungang gantimpala. 3. Sa loob noon sila ay mamamalagi kailanman; 4. At magbabala sa mga yaong nagsasabing si Allah ay pumili ng isang anak na lalaki, 5. (Isang bagay) na doon sila ay walang kaalaman, o ang kanilang mga ama. Nakahihindik ay ang salitang lumalabas sa kanilang mga bibig. Sila ay nagsalita ng wala maliban sa isang kasinungalingan. 6. Ito ay maaari, sakali man, kung sila ay hindi maniwala sa pahayag na ito, na ikaw (Muhamad) ay magpapahirap sa iyong kaluluwa ng hinagpis sa ibabaw ng kanilang mga hakbang ng paa. 7. O! Kami ay naglagay ng lahat na nasa lupa bilang isang palamuti doon upang Kami ay makasubok sa kanila alin sa kanila ang pinakamagaling sa ugali. 8. At O! Kami ay gagawa sa lahat ng nasa loob noong isang tigang na tambak. 9. O ikaw ba ay mag-aakalang ang mga Tao ng Yungib at ang Nakasulat ay isang kababalaghan sa Aming mga kababalaghan? 10. Nang ang mga kabataan ay tumakas patungo sa Yungib bilang kublihan at nagsabi: Aming Panginoon! Bigyan kami ng awa galing sa Iyong harapan, at ihugis para sa amin ang wastong ugali sa aming kalagayan; 11. Pagkatapos Aming tinakpan ang kanilang pandinig sa Yungib para sa isang bilang ng mga taon. 12. At pagkatapos Aming itinayo silang pataas upang Kami ay makaalam kung alin sa dalawang bahagi ang pinakanakatatantiya ng panahong sila ay naghintay. 13. Kami ay nagsalaysay sa iyo ng kanilang kasaysayang may katotohanan, O! sila ay mga batang kalalakihang naniwala sa kanilang Panginoon, at Kami ay nagparami sa kanila sa patnubay. 14. At Aming ginawang matatag ang kanilang mga puso nang sila ay tumayo sa pangmasid at nagsabi: Ang aming Panginoon ay ang Panginoon ng mga langit at ng lupa. Kami ay tumawag sa walang maykapal bukod sa Kanya, para sa gayon kami ay magsasabi ng isang kalabisan. 15. Ang mga ito, aming mga tao, ay pumili ng (ibang) mga maykapal bukod sa Kanya bagama't sila ay nagdala ng walang maliwanag na panagutan (na ipinagkaloob) sa kanila. At sino ang gumawa ng higit na malaking kamalian kaysa kanyang tumuklas ng isang kasinungalingan tungkol kay Allah? 16. At nang kayo ay umurong sa kanila at ang mga bagay na kanilang sinasamba maliban kay Allah, ay kumuha sa inyong mga sarili patungo sa Yungib: ang inyong Panginoon ay maglaladlad para sa inyo ng Kanyang awa at maglalagay sa inyong mga gawang maginhawa at may kaluwagan. 17. At ikaw ay makakakita ng araw sa pagtaas nitong gumalaw palayo sa kanilang yungib patungo sa kanan, at kapag ito ay bumaba pumuntang padaan sa kanila sa kaliwa, at sila ay nasa hati doon. Iyan ay (isa) sa mga kababalaghan ni Allah. Siyang pinatnubayan ni Allah, siya talaga ay ginabayang matuwid, at siyang Kanyang ipinadala sa pagkaligaw, para sa kanya ikaw ay hindi makatatagpo ng isang tagapatnubay na kaibigan. 8. At ikaw ay mag-iisip na sila ay gising bagama't sila ay natutulog, at Aming ginawa silang pumihit paibabaw sa kanan at sa kaliwa, at ang kanilang asong nag-uunat ng kanyang dalawang harapang paa sa pasukan: kung iyong napagmasdan silang malapitan, ikaw ay talagang pipihit palayo sa kanila sa pag-alis, at talagang puno ng mapitagang pagkatakot sa kanila. 19. At sa katulad na pangyayari, Kami ay gumising sa kanila upang sila ay magtanong isa sa isa pa. Isang tagapagsalita sa kanila ang nagsabi: Gaano katagal kayo namahinga? Sila ay nagsabi: Kami ay namahinga ng isang araw o ilang bahagi ng isang araw. (Ang mga iba ay) nagsabi: Ang inyong Panginoon ay pinakanakaaalam ng anong inyong pamamahinga. Ngayon magpadala ng isa sa inyong may dala nitong inyong pilak na salapi sa lungsod, at pabayaan siyang makakita kung anong pagkain ang pinakadalisay doon at magdala sa inyo ng isang pangangailangan doon. Pabayaan siyang maging magalang at pabayaan siyang hindi magpabatid sa sinuman tungkol sa inyo. 20. Sapagka't sila, kung sila ay dumating sa pagkaalam sa inyo, ay babato sa inyo o magpipihit sa inyong pabalik sa kanilang pagsamba; pagkatapos kayo kailanman ay hindi uunlad. 21. At sa katulad na pangyayari Aming ipinaalam sila (sa mga tao ng lungsod) upang sila ay makaalam na ang pangako ni Allah ay tunay; at para sa Oras, walang pag-aalinlangan tungkol dito. Nang (ang mga tao ng lungsod) ay nagtalo sa kanilang kalagayan sa kanikanilang mga sarili, sila ay nagsabi: Magtayo sa ibabaw nila ng isang gusali; ang kanilang Panginoon ay alam ang pinakamabuti tungkol sa kanila. Ang mga yaong nagwagi ng kanilang ibig ipasabi ay nagsabi: Kami talaga ay magtatayo ng isang lugar ng pagsamba sa ibabaw nila. KNOWLEDGE & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DUBAI INTERVENTION (Seventh of a series) INTERVENTION PLANNIN Effective procedures to assess and identify a student s special educational need is essential to inform provision to lower barriers to learning. The diversity of need experienced by students of determination requires a graduated approach to intervention. Such provision will include: Level 1: high quality teaching where teachers accommodate individual differences in ability, learning style and behaviour, through effectively differentiated classroom practice. Level 2: personal support and/or curriculum modification to enable a student to engage with, and participate in, appropriately challenging learning experiences and achieve within age-related expectations. Support teachers and or in-school specialists are likely to support this process by observing lessons and making recommendations as well as providing support through professional coaching and monitoring. Level 3: individualised programmes to accelerate progress or enable students to achieve their potential. This provision is additional to or different from the provision required to meet the needs of most of students within the school, and is likely to include the use of specialist approaches, intervention or support services. Schools should ensure that progress indicators, from the student s starting points, are continuously monitored and reviewed to inform the further refinement of practice, provision, and intervention over time. In most cases, students will have their learning needs met within the context of the inclusive classroom alongside peers of the same age. This requires teachers to develop a comprehensive understanding of: different barriers to learning the restrictions these barriers place on access to and engagement within the curriculum, the ultimate impact on students personal, social and educational outcomes.

13 - EDUCATION (Ang ilan ay) nagsasabi: Sila ay tatlo, ang kanilang aso ang pang-apat, at (ang ilan) ay nagsasabi: Lima, ang kanilang aso ang pang-anim, nagtatantiya sa paghula; at (ang ilan) ay nagsabi: Pito, at ang kanilang aso ang pangwalo. Sabihin (O Muhamad): Ang aking Panginoon ay pinakanakababatid ng kanilang bilang, Walang nakaaalam sa kanila maliban sa isang kaunti. Kaya huwag makipagtalo tungkol sa kanila maliban kung may kasamang isang labas na salita sa pakikipagtalo, at huwag humingi sa alinman sa kanilang magsiwalat tungkol sa kanila. 23. At huwag magsabi ng alinmang bagay; O! ako ay gagawa niyan sa kinabukasan; 24. Maliban kung inibig ni Allah. At alalahanin ang iyong Panginoon kung ikaw ay makalimot, at sabihin: Maaaring ang aking Panginoon ay pumatnubay sa aking patungo sa higit na malapit na landas ng katotohanan kaysa dito. 25. At (sinabing) sila ay namahinga sa kanilang Yungib ng tatlundaang taon at dagdag na siyam. 26. Sabihin: Si Allah ay pinakanakababatid kung gaano katagal sila namahinga. Ang Kanya ay ang hindi nakikita sa mga langit at sa lupa. Gaano kaliwanag ang Kanyang paningin at kalakas ang pandinig! Sila ay walang kaibigang tagapagtanggol bukod sa Kanya, at Siya ay gumawa ng wala upang makibahagi sa Kanyang pamamahala. 27. At bumigkas niyang isiniwalat sa iyo sa Kasulatan ng iyong Panginoon. Walang makapagbabago ng Kanyang mga salita, at ikaw ay hindi makatatagpo ng kublihan bukod sa Kanya. 28. Pigilin ang iyong sarili kasama ang mga yaong tumatawag sa kanilang Panginoon sa umaga at sa gabi, humahanap ng Kanyang pagsang-ayon; at huwag pabayaang ang iyong mga mata ay makalingat sa kanila, minimithi ang karangyaan ng buhay sa daigdig; at huwag sumunod sa kanyang ang puso ay Aming ginawang walang pansin sa Aming alaala, na sumusunod sa kanyang sariling kalaswaan at ang kanyang kalagayan ay pinabayaan. 29. Sabihin: (Ito ay) ang katotohanan galing sa Panginoon ninyo (lahat). Pagkatapos sinumang may ibig, pabayaan siyang maniwala; at sinumang may ibig, pabayaan siyang hindi maniwala. O! Kami ay naghanda para sa mga hindi naniniwala ng Apoy. Ang tolda nito ay pumapalibot sa kanila. Kung sila ay humingi ng ulan, sila ay pauulanan ng tubig tulad sa tunaw na tinggang sumusunog sa mga mukha. Nakasisira ang inumin at masakit ang lugar na pahingahan! 30. O! para sa mga yaong naniniwala at gumagawa ng mabuting mga gawa O! hindi Namin kayang mawala ang gantimpala ng sinumang gumawa ng isang mabuting gawa. 31. Para sa ganyan, ang kanila ay magiging mga Hardin ng Eden, sa loob noon ay mga ilog na dumadaloy sa ilalim nila; sa loob noon sila ay pagkakalooban ng mga panlagay sa bisig na ginto at magsusuot ng luntiang mga damit ng pinakamanipis na sutla at burdang gintong namamahinga sa mga trono sa loob noon. Pinagpala ang gantimpala, at makatarungan ang lugar na pahingahan! 32. Maghambing para sa kanila ng isang katulad: Dalawang kataong sa isa sa kanila Kami ay nagtakda ng dalawang hardin ng mga ubas, at Aming pinalibutan ito ng mga deitpalma at inilagay Namin sa pagitan ng dalawa ang bukirin. 33. Bawa't isa sa mga hardin ay nagbigay ng bunga nito at nagtago ng wala doon. At Aming ginawang ang isang ilog ay bumulwak sa pangmasid sa loob noon. 34. At siya ay may bunga. At siya ay nagsabi sa kanyang kasama, nang siya ay makipag-usap sa kanya: Ako ay higit kaysa iyo sa kayamanan, at higit na malakas sa paggalang ng mga tao. 35. At siya ay nagpunta sa kanyang hardin, samantalang siya (sa gayon) ay gumawa ng mali sa kanyang sarili. Siya ay nagsabi: Hindi ko iniisip kailanmang ang lahat ng ito ay mamamatay. 36. Hindi ko iniisip kailanmang ang Oras ay darating; at kung talagang ako ay dinalang pabalik sa aking Panginoon, ako talaga ay makatatagpo ng higit kaysa dito bilang isang kublihan. 37. At ang kanyang kasama, nang siya ay nakipagtalo sa kanya, ay sumigaw: Hindi ka ba naniniwala sa Kanyang lumikha sa iyo sa alabok, pagkatapos sa isang patak (ng binhi), at pagkatapos ay humubog sa iyong isang tao? 38. Nguni't Siya ay si Allah, aking Panginoon; at ako ay naghambing sa aking Panginoon ng walang katambal. 39. Kung nang ikaw ay pumasok sa iyong hardin, ikaw lamang ay nagsabi: Iyang inibig ni Allah (ay darating padaan)! Walang kapangyarihan maliban kay Allah! Bagama't iyong nakikita akong higit na kaunti kaysa iyo sa kayamanan at mga anak, 40. Maaaring ang aking Panginoon ay magbibigay sa akin ng higit na magaling kaysa iyong hardin, at magpapadala dito ng isang kidlat galing sa langit; at sa ilang umaga, ito ay magiging isang pantay na tabingbundok; 41. O sa ilang umaga, ang tubig doon ay mawawala sa lupang ikaw ay hindi makagagawang humanap nito. 42. At ang kanyang bunga ay itinakda (na masira). Pagkatapos siya ay nagpasimulang magpiga ng kanyang mga kamay para sa lahat ng kanyang ginugol dito, nang (sa gayon) ito ay wasak lahat sa mga balag nito, at nagsabi: Ako dapat ay naghambing ng walang katambal sa aking Panginoon! 43. At siya ay walang pulutong ng mga taong tutulong sa kanya laban kay Allah, o siya ay makasasagip sa kanyang sarili. 44. Sa kalagayang ito, ang pagtatanggol ay galing lamang kay Allah, ang Totoo. Siya ay pinakamagaling para sa gantimpala, at pinakamagaling para sa kinalabasan. 45. At maghambing para sa kanila ng katulad ng buhay sa daigdig tulad sa ulan na Aming ipinadalang pababang galing sa langit, at ang pananim ng lupa ay sumanib dito at pagkatapos ay naging tuyong mga sangang maliit na ikinalat ng mga hangin. Si Allah ay Kayang gumawa ng lahat ng mga bagay. 46. Kayamanan at mga anak ay isang palamuti ng buhay sa daigdig. Nguni't ang mabuting mga gawang tumatagal ay higit na mabuti sa paningin ng iyong Panginoon bilang gantimpala, at higit na mabuti tungkol sa pag- asa. 47. At (mag-isip kayo) sa Araw nang Aming alisin ang mga bulubundukin at inyong makita ang lupang lumilitaw, at Kami ay tumipon sa kanilang samasama upang huwag mag-iwan ng isa sa kanila sa likuran. 48. At sila ay itinakda sa harapan ng iyong Panginoon sa mga katungkulan (at sinabi sa kanila): Ngayon talagang kayo ay dumating sa Amin tulad sa Kami ay lumikha sa inyo sa pasimula. Nguni't kayo ay nag-isip na Kami ay hindi nagtakda ng tipanan para sa inyo. 48. At sila ay itinakda sa harapan ng iyong Panginoon sa mga katungkulan (at sinabi sa kanila): Ngayon talagang kayo ay dumating sa Amin tulad sa Kami ay lumikha sa inyo sa pasimula. Nguni't kayo ay nag-isip na Kami ay hindi nagtakda ng tipanan para sa inyo. Targeted professional training and support for classroom teachers is a critical component of inclusive classrooms. It informs the teacher s ability to intervene through adapted teaching approaches and resources; it enables effective collaboration and team working, and enhances the quality of the relationship between the teachers, students, and their parents. INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN The impact of intervention for stude ---nts of determination is improved through the use of an individual education plan (IEP). The IEP is not a point of action, but should be viewed as a continuous and collaborative process of development, implementation, and review. The decision to develop an IEP will be informed by the results of associated assessments. It should be generated by a knowledgeable and collaborative team, including contributions from teachers, parents, specialists and the student him/herself. Each student s IEP should be unique, and take account of their specific profile of abilities, skills, challenges, and interests. It contains measurable goals and information about the specific types of modifications and/or support strategies required to lower barriers to learning and ensure progress. Any specific challenges related to the transition of students should also be incorporated in the IEP. Whilst in-school specialists may lead on the development of the IEP, it is essential that classroom teachers are enabled to implement it, and therefore be held accountable for its impact within the classroom. An effective IEP is the cornerstone of quality education for students of determination. SYSTEMATIC SUPPORT The achievement of a fully inclusive education system requires that sustainable and systematic support is embedded within each school across Dubai. School communities must build the capacity to identify and remove barriers so that inclusive learning experiences become an expected element of everyday school life. The requirement for schools to introduce enhanced professional roles across their staffing structures provides a powerful mechanism to enable this change. THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNING BOARD A school s governing board plays a critical role in providing systematic support for the development of an inclusive school. The importance of their influence is further emphasised by the requirement for every governing board to appoint a dedicated governor for inclusive education. The governor for inclusive education should be committed to developing the knowledge, understanding and skills required to provide effective support and challenge to the school as it progresses towards realising a vision of inclusion in practice. This will include supporting the governing board to: set strategic direction through a clearly-stated inclusive vision and ethos hold the designated school-based inclusion support team accountable for the development and implementation of an appropriate inclusive education improvement plan allocate financial investment to ensure that targeted plans are sufficiently resourced monitor the overall educational performance of the school through clear inclusive education outcomes and impact measures.

14 14 - BUSINESS - For You Are No Longer Two But ONE! (Photo credits: BetterHomes) HERE S another love-related question you might have forgotten to ponder in a while: Are you and your spouse on the same page about your portfolios? As the relationship solidifies, couples can start investing their savings for a shared future but often they don t know where to begin. There s a common misconception that you need a lot of money to start investing. This might be the reason why only few people actually own investments. You will never get rich by stashing your money under the mattress or just simply leaving a deposit in your bank account, your savings alone won t stand a chance against inflation. Today, a bank account s annual interest will range from 0.5 to 1.75%, while the inflation rate is pegged at 5.2% in 2018, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This means your savings alone won t be earning fast enough to let you live the life you want. When inflation speeds up and incomes don t keep up, Filipinos living standards suffer. Every year, what you place in a regular savings account decreases the purchasing power of your money, but that doesn t mean you shouldn t save; you need buffer funds. You can put money away in a high-interest savings account, and couple that with investments. According to Philippine Business School s CEO Christine Filomeno, it s best to start investing while you re young. The earlier you start setting aside a portion of your earnings to grow as fund for the future, the bigger the growth potential is over time. Invest in assets that earn an interest of at least above the inflation rate like stocks or mutual funds. That way your money can keep up with or even beat inflation. Though there is no guarantee on these investments, you still have to do your homework and understand the dynamics on investing in stocks and mutual funds before your dive in. Investment in real estate such as land property in a good location can provide capital appreciation over time. This way, you lodged your savings on assets that grow in value. This is the time-value of money. Here are tips that will help you invest wisely as a couple: 1.Understand each other s goals and fears Make sure you understand your spouse s views and goals regarding finances before you invest together. Remember that each spouse will have their own investment preference. Agree on an investment purpose, time frame and risk level, as these elements will dictate how you invest as a couple. Don't let one partner take over all investment decisions, even if he/she is more investment-savvy. You both need to be engaged in the investment process. We recommended starting a business as one of the best investments a couple can make if they have the right idea and the inclination for it. 2.Know the kind of investment that fits your goals Aside from basic needs, know your long-term goals and aspirations. Ask yourself if a specific product would ultimately bring you to your financial end-goal. Investment vehicles are called as such because they should take you to where you want to be. If not, then change direction and shift to another vehicle. Map out your financial goals in life. Each goal will dictate which type or mix of products fit for you. As a general rule in investing: invest only in things you understand. If you don t understand what you re getting into, don t! 3.Know the kind of investment that fits your budget Buying a product that will severely impair your other needs isn't a smart decision. take a look at your existing cash flow, do research to find a product that suits you. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes. In this day and age, pyramid scams disguised as legitimate businesses are proliferating, preying on the greed and gullibility of people. As the Filipino saying goes: Naghanap ng kagitna, sang-salop ang nawala. Remember, if it s too good to be true, then it probably is. 4.Treat your funds as SINGLE POOL. Do not separate your funds. You must know a handful of couples who takes care of their household expenses separately. In between months, they tend to borrow from each other when the expenses get higher than the spouse s capacity. This setup is detrimental to your financial freedom. Have full knowledge on where your money goes, from single pool. 5.Start investing in small portions No matter how small you start, the most important thing is to get started. You can always increase the amount you save over time. Many OFWs invest in fixed assets like real estate in preparation for retirement. Most will look forward to coming home to their dream house, or using the house as a passive source of income through rent. On the offhand, investing in real estate also constitutes years of mortgage, followed by annual taxes. Calamity or accident can reduce this solid investment into rubble. You need to remember that every investment, tangible or not, comes with risks. If you don t take risks, you won t get anywhere from where you started. Take calculated risks and learn to work out the risks as a couple. 6.Diversify your investment The safest most advisable way to protect your earnings is to spread it out through different forms of investments. Diversification done right is a strategy that can spell out the difference between profit and loss. In order to protect yourselves from a market downturn, you must diversify. You cannot eliminate risk completely but you can manage the level of risk. 7.Find mentors and seek expert advice Communicating and constantly adding to your financial knowledge as a couple goes a long way. If you don t know anything about finances or investing, recognize that you need to increase your financial literacy. Keep learning together, ask for help from a professional, start reading up on personal finance books, and look into educational courses on money and investments that you can take together. Marriage is ideally "until death do you part," and your investment strategies should be the same. If you want to stay on the same investing page as your spouse, you have to talk about your investment goals and strategies. The key to any healthy relationship - including investing - is communication. If you and your spouse talk about your goals as a couple, then you can decide how to invest in a way that you are both comfortable with. While having proper investments for the future is vital to your life after retirement, it is essential that you not only value your relationship but also know the value that your money brings. Financial literacy is about your basic understanding and having the right mindset towards money-related decisions as well as the products and services of financial institutions and how you can optimize their benefits. PBS is keen to see you and more Filipino couples know how to manage personal finances including savings, budgeting, making investments, business ventures and retirement planning to become a Financially Smarter Couple! We are inviting you and your spouse in our Financially Smarter Couple - A Special Financial Mastery Session for Couples. This special session presents a comprehensive overview of financial knowledge, with best practices and tips for individuals on how to save, budget, invest, and borrow funds effectively. Being financially educated is the first important step towards becoming financially independent and secure. So start your journey with us today! We appreciate your comments on this article, visit our website at Connect with our office at Ibis One Central Building with telephone nos: You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. For more information visit our website at

15 - BUSINESS - 15 About Expo 2020 Dubai NORWAY TO BE PRESENTED AS WORLD LEADING OCEAN NATION AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI NORWAY will participate at the world exposition Expo 2020 Dubai under the theme Norway as a world leading ocean nation. Norway s coastline is one of the longest in the world, and the marine areas are more than five times as large as the land. Thousands of Norwegians work within one of the ocean industries, being oil and gas, maritime or seafood sectors. In total, these industries account for nearly 70 per cent of Norwegian export earnings. The Norwegian government is committed to the oceans, and Norway is playing a leading role in the global efforts to promote clean and healthy oceans. Norway s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai aims to further strengthen Norway's position as a leading ocean nation, and to present sustainable technologies and solutions to an international audience. Norway has large and important ocean industries, such as oil and gas, seafood and maritime sector. The government's goal is for Norway to be a leading ocean nation. We therefore need to take an international leadership role on important ocean issues and be at the arenas where solutions to the world's challenges are discussed. Expo 2020 will be such an arena, says Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Torbjørn Røe Isaksen. The Norway Pavilion The Norwegian pavilion s design and content will highlight Norway's position within ocean issues. The winner of the tender competition is a consortium between Rintala Eggertsson Architects, Expomobilia and Five Currents. The pavilion design and its content will effectively visualise the Norwegian theme and contribute to further strengthening the perception of the importance of a sustainable use and development of the ocean. In an interactive and playful way, Norway will present ocean industries, ocean research and solutions to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goal number 14. The Norwegian pavilion will be central to Norway's participation. Additionally, there will be thematic days and weeks highlighting and discussing important issues related to sustainable use and development of the ocean. Collectively, all the Norwegian activities aim to provide a glimpse into what Norway can offer to preserve and sustainably use the ocean. It all starts below the sea bed, leading the visitor through all levels of the ocean up to the surface; covering environmental and climate aspects, research and innovation, and presenting sustainability solutions provided by Norwegian ocean-related technology companies from all types of industries. Ambition for Expo 2020 Dubai and our Ocean Industries The ambition is to make the Norwegian pavilion entertaining and relevant to the theme, which in turn will open minds and stimulate interest for sustainable use and development of the ocean. Norway s Expo 2020 Dubai ambition is to present what we already are doing, what we are planning to do and what we are dreaming of doing Our Expo presence will be a playground for the adventurous with basis in a cross-section between fiction and reality We will strive for higher grounds and search for new possibilities and walk the paths never walked before Opportunities within the ocean industries Sustainable solutions for the oceans Mobility in the maritime sector The core exhibition will consist of 680 sqm interactive exhibition space that will meet visitors in a playful, educative and interesting way. (PR) Expo 2020 Dubai is guided by the belief that innovation and progress are the result of people and ideas combining in new ways. For six months from 20 October 2020, Expo will bring together 190 countries and millions of people to celebrate human ingenuity: Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. During the six months from 20 October, 2020 to 10 April, 2021, we expect to welcome 25 million visits About 70 per cent of all visitors are anticipated to come from outside the UAE the largest proportion of international visitors in Expo history We aim to create and deliver an inclusive and global Expo with more than 200 participants, including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses and educational institutions Expo 2020 also has an ambitious volunteer programme, which aims to include more than 30,000 volunteers from a wide range of ages, nationalities, cultures and backgrounds The Expo site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area. It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo to take place in the MEASA (Middle East, Africa and South Asia) region Visit: Follow: Instagram: expo2020dubai About World Expos In 1851 the Crystal Palace was the centerpiece of London s Great Exhibition the first World Expo. It celebrated the man-made industrial wonders of a rapidly changing world. Architecture, contents and a theme, Industry of All Nations, were combined to create a big idea of nations meeting nations in shared technological and commercial progress. In more recent years, participants in World Expos, including governments, international organisations and companies, have gathered to find solutions to universal challenges and to promote their achievements, products, ideas, innovations, their national brand, and their nations as destinations for tourism, trade and investment. World Expos are held under the auspices of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental organisation responsible for overseeing and regulating international exhibitions ( Expos ) and for fostering their core values of Education, Innovation and Cooperation. Today, four types of Expos are organised under the BIE s auspices: World Expos, Specialised Expos, Horticultural Expos and the Triennale di Milano. For media enquiries, please contact: Courtney Trenwith Editor-in-Chief (English) courtney.trenwith@expo2020dubai.ae nora.feidi@bcw-global.com Tel: P.O. Box 2020, Dubai, UAE Rania Moussly Nora Feidi ASDA A BCW rania.moussly@bcw-global.com Dubai Media City, Dubai, UAE

16 16 Fashion &LIFESTYLE EDWARD TACULOG: THE B & RAQUEL GONZALES: THE O VERTURE: The Baron of Fashion Edward Taculog, one of Dubai's fashion stylist who have parlayed their tastemaker status into clothing and accessories brands in Dubai, is making waves since he started. His Biggest Clients: Diesel, Brand Black, Lacoste, Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Guess, and Aigner to name a few and some printed editorials for UK Magazines L'Affaire and Stella Mag. Edward said that the celeb he'd most love to dress is Angelina Jolie. She is a dream. You can dress her up in any style but still looks good on her. She can be in elegant to chic to street to grunge. Everything suits her. Designers that never disappoint Every designer surprises me with his or her collection every season. They always show their own trademark but introduce new and interesting ensemble that leaves a mark. Well, my favourite is Alessandro Michelle of Gucci. His love for prints, colours and patterns make me want to wear his designs every single day. Donatella Versace with her bold baroque prints and loud emblems can easily be distinguished when a person is wearing her brand. And, of course, our very own Michael Cinco who makes every women's fairytale dream come to life. I love his homme collections especially the Dream of Chrysalis Collection. Vibrant colour, floral hand painting on suits is something appealing and new. I love Dubai in every bit because I appreciate and opened my eyes to all the possibilities that the city is giving to me. I love Dubai in every bit because it gave me opportunity to discover myself, my passion and my career path. To tell you honestly, i don t have the I-made-it moment yet because I m bringing out the best in me everyday and never stop learning from my daily styling projects. In my own perception, that "I-made-it moment" is when you reached all your goals and there s nothing else you can wish for in your career path. I still have a lot of tons of things that I wanted to achieve and to do but I believe that every little step will make me through there. Raquel Gonzales: The Make Up Artist Contessa The only way to stand out and be successful in the fashion industry is to differentiate yourself. Behind every breath-taking immaculate makeup look is an exceptional and talented makeup artist who can turn anybody into a model or a celebrity in one snap of a finger. As the lady of the hour, Raquel Gonzales, 26 years old, and a mother of one from the province of Sariaya, Quezon, Philippines, a professional make-up artist working with individual, fashion houses and commercial clients in the UAE has made over hundreds of models on the show by giving them easy, quick and gorgeous make over and has managed to make an everlasting mark in the world of beauty. An in-house creative make up artist of noon.com -- a leading online shopping store under the EMAAR umbrella, spreads her magic all over with her incomparable skills and can completely transform anyone with her expert application of products and a lot of blending. Her artistry and meticulousness have helped A-list models shine. To see and work with so much beauty. Everyone loves to see beautiful people and my job is to bring out the beauty in each person, she said. I m a product of Filipino Institute for basic and advance make up class. I m also a product of Youtube and Google. I gained all the techniques from the Internet and, of course, practicing a lot is the best way of educating myself, she added. Aside from the qualities of being artistic and possessing excellent knowledge about different skin tones or colors, a make-up artist should be patient and has the ability to work under pressure. These last two qualities are very important because a make-up artist deals with different kinds of personalities and sometimes even the client is beyond difficulty, you still need to work with his/her up-close to make them look good, she explained. HER DESTINY My craving for beauty; I guess that s the reason why I m holding this profession now. Before joining the Filipino mafia who works in fashion and glamour industry, I was your typical saleslady for two years. Being a saleslady is not an easy task and not to mention that I was getting very low salary, which was hard for me to save and sustain the needs of my family. That struggle pushed me to find another source of income. Sometimes, I assisted my brother, Jef Anog, who is a fashion photographer to earn extra income. While assisting my brother in his fashion shoots, I get more inspired to become part of this beauty and glamour world as a make up artist. I also studied photography knowing that there is a good market for this skill but I found myself having more interest in make-up and decided to enroll in professional make up classes in Dubai. I finished the Basic and Advance Make Up class and I m very humbled to be awarded as 2nd and 1st honour in respective classes, she continued. THE GRAND ENTRANCE I m one of those kababayans who tried the luck in this country. This is the land where we could be anyone we want to be, as long as we worked hard for it. In the beginning, I also had so much struggles but I chose to stay because I believe that there is a good plan for me and I just need to be patient and work hard to make it happen.

17 Fashion 17 &LIFESTYLE ARON OF FASHION (a sequel) MAKE UP ARTIST CONTESSA THE ROYAL CORE Each job assignment is memorable for me most specially if the creative team is very easy to work with. So far, I could say that my unforgettable project was when I did a collaboration shoot with Michael Cinco Couture with Jef Anog as the photographer. We are all creative one way or another. I keep myself being creative by not limiting myself to learn more and to be inspired more to hone my craft, she continued. THE CONTESSA'S BIGGEST CLIENTS My biggest clients are Landmark Group, Emaar, Bareface Modeling, Niche Modeling and other fashion houses. Just always be inspired, dedicated and do your profession with passion, she concluded.

18 18 Travel &LEISURE Wild Expeditions Palawan: Promoting Leave No Trace Tourism Celeste Anna Formoso, PNA PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan The number of travel and tour retailers in this capital city of Palawan, now at more than 100, continues to increase -- undeniably, because tourism is a major contributor to the province s economy. Travel and tour operators have mushroomed in the city, but more so in the global computer network, including fraudulent ones, offering a multiplicity of information about what could be an itinerant s dream travel in Puerto Princesa and the province. A lot of them, but not all, offer matchmaking tour services to let travelers express what they truly want to do, for instance, explore the unbeaten tracks, or for the elderly, simply enjoy a day near the river, which does not require much walking. This is where the eco-tour agency, Wild Expeditions Palawan (WEP), comes in. The WEP, owned by local travel operator and entrepreneur Rommel Cruz, focuses on nature-themed activities -- from the easy treks to the more enthusing sea-to-summit journeys and wildlife documentaries. The agency s kind of tour is so far unparalleled in that it strictly follows the Leave No Trace principles in the conduct of its business. Cruz said with the rising influx of visitors in this city and the municipalities of Palawan, it is now essential to highlight the leave no trace principles to guests to let them know they have a shared responsibility in taking care of the natural and cultural sites they visit. Tourism is good, but if not well managed, has the possibility to cause negative impacts in the balance in our environment. All kinds of tourism activities, if poorly supervised, can result in a range of damage to our environment the wildlife -- and eventually, the people that live in it, he said. The leave no trace principles are no sweat, he said, noting that they depend a lot on the travelers awareness, more than rules and regulations. These principles include planning ahead and not rushing tours in an effort to gain higher income; not stamping on sensitive vegetation and weak surfaces; bringing trash back home; leaving what you find alone; zero tolerance for having campfires; keeping noise down to respect wildlife; and being a considerate travel retailer by maintaining group numbers in manageable sizes. Leaving no trace is a responsibility that should be shared between the travel managers and the guests. It should be stressed enough so nobody forgets or they will be causing the degradation of the natural environment they re visiting. Just think about their numbers multiplying, Cruz said. (PNA) WEP owner Rommel Cruz with British wildlife and television presenter, author, and bird watcher Nigel Marven in Palawan. (Photo courtesy of Wild Expeditions Palawan) Victoria's Peak in the southern Palawan municipality of Narra is the second highest peak in the province. It is not generally open to the public without authorization from the municipal government. An endemic carnivorous plant called Nepenthes attenboroughii, was discovered here and its surroundings. (Photo by the Narra Tourism Office/Sherwin Corpuz) Bird watchers appreciating the different kinds of bird species in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park on the boat as letting them down on the bird islet is not allowed due to the sensitivity of the habitat. (Photo courtesy of Rommel Cruz/Wild Expeditions Palawan) Great-crested terns found on the bird islet in the World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. (Photo by Rommel Cruz/Wild Expeditions Palawan) The carnivorous plant called N. Leonardoi found on Victoria's Peak. It was selected as one of the Top 10 new species described in 2009 by the International Institute for Species Exploration in Arizona State University. (Photo courtesy of Rommel Cruz/Wild Expeditions Palawan) The azure sky over Ursula Island Bird Refuge and Game Sanctuary in southern Palawan (Photo by Rommel Cruz/Wild Expeditions Palawan) Clear reflection of the surrounding forest can be seen in the river water between the Victoria's Peak-Anepahan trekking route in Narra, southern Palawan. (Photo courtesy of Rommel Cruz/Wild Expeditions Palawan)

19 - FEATURE - 19 Captured moments before a grand preformance.photo by Teodoro Pelaez 'Uniting' people through Mimaropa festivities Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, PNA MANILA-- The only knot in having too many festivals in the country, which is never a thousand short, is the struggle of choosing where and what to attend. Although the extravagant and world-prominent ones may top your list, there are three quarters more that can't be missed-- those equally spectacular yet little-known festivities that celebrate heritage, culture, and the Filipino way of life altogether. Some of these undiscovered gems are held in various parts of MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan). And lucky for you, the MIMA- ROPA Festivals are held annually to bring these best festivities in one place. In November 2019, the 5th MIMAROPA Festival will take place in Marinduque. Last month, it drew a crowd that filled Occidental Mindoro's provincial capitol in Mamburao full packed. The 2018 grand champion was Occidental Mindoro followed by the Palawan contingent, and Puerto Princesa. Meanwhile, Calapan City came in third place with Oriental Mindoro in fourth and Romblon in fifth. Costumed in distinct traditional clothing, the young street dancers put a spotlight on the identity of each provinces-- marble for Romblon, tamaraws for Mindoro, Moriones festival for Marinduque, and the reefs and underground river for Palawan. Mixed with anticipation for 2019, Occidental Mindoro Representative Josephine Ramirez-Sato shares the annual affair brings to spotlight both the colorful Filipino culture and unity among the people of Region 4B. We have never felt so united before and as I've said, we've never experienced that kind of pride for MIMAROPA and I think that's the best outcome or the thing that happend from the festival," mused the congresswoman. "Before, 4B is a poor region but you know, you've seen that there's economic development," she added, noting its potentials, particularly in tourism. The region is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely the Tubbataha Reefs and the otherworldly Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. The Apo Reef Natural Park in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro is also on UNESCO's tentative list of heritage sites. These alone serve as a drive for the local government to fix the island group's connectivity. In the two provinces, Ramirez-Sato said a plan to dock yachts in their major ports, as well as the construction of a world-class hotel in Occidental Mindoro, are under discussion. Moreover, medium-sized cruise ships are also set to ply through the region. Though still being finalized, the representative said "this will connect the provinces of MIMAROPA." 'Occ. Mindoro introduced' Not only the festival brought unity among the provinces of MIMAROPA, it also highlighted Occidental Mindoro's undiscovered jewels--one of the benefits the event brings to its host province. At a trade fair, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro proved it was more than a gateway to Coron as it showcased its abundant beach sites: the Inasakan Beach, the Manadi Island, locally known as White Island, and its Aroma beach a few meters from the airport. Sablayan's booth featured the famous Apo Reef Natural Park and Mindoro's emerging tuna industry propelled by the sudden change in the tuna's migratory route. The fair also boasted the "cleanest inland body of water" in Paluan, and the Cabra Island Lighthouse in Lubang, where the Blessed Virgin Mary was sighted some time in 1960s. Aside from heritage and ecotourism, Occidental Mindoro is keen to develop its agritourism. "We would also like to have the agritourism because as we all know Occidental Mindoro has become the number two or three in rice production and we are now the number one salt producer in the country," Ramirez-Sato said. "We would like the people to see what we have, and specially we have the tamaraws, the critically endangered species, which can only be found in the island of Mindoro." As of 2018, there were only 523 tamaraws recorded in the Philippines. (PNA)

20 20 - FEATURE - Filipino Excellence By Art Los Banos I TOOK a backseat, literally, last Saturday morning, at the celebration of International Women s Day, held at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and Northern Emirates. March 8 was a special day for my wife, Rachel Salinel, when she read an excerpt of her story in the book Disrupt 3.0 Filipina Women: Rising published by the Filipina Women's Network or FWN. The book reading by Rachel and four other inspirational women was one of the four activities of the Women and the Balance of a Global Migrant Society event initiated by Dr. Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes, wife of Consul General Paul Raymond Cortes. According to the San Francisco based non-profit, non-partisan international advocacy organization, the book celebrates Filipina women who have emerged as global leaders despite challenges, failures, and setbacks. Disrupt 3.0 is the third in a series on leadership by the FWN. Rachel s fellow co-authors, Dr. Wafa Kasimieh, Cristina Calaguian, and Roxie Negrillo, also read excerpts from their own life journey. They were given the privileged to contribute being a recipient of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World Award also called Global FWN100. The award recognizes those who have reached status for outstanding work in their respective fields and who are recognized for their leadership and achievements in the global workplace and their local communities. Wafa was a 2014 recipient, Rachel in 2016, and both Cristina and Roxie in The first Filipina in the UAE to receive the Global FWN100 award was Dr. Mary Jane Alvero Al-Mahdi in 2013 and She also read an excerpt of her inspirational story from the first book Disrupt: Proud. Loud. Leading Women Empowering Women Without A Doubt. I asked the four co-authors of the third book on what they really wanted to convey and these were their messages: Wafa: Never be discouraged. Never hold back. Give everything you have. This is not the end but the beginning of another journey. Just as I was able to rise above my circumstance, just like other success stories, you can make your own story and create a happy ending. Explore your possibilities and write your own story of success despite failures. The biggest tools to success are hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination to WIN. Wafa is Senior Advisor and Major Cultural Consultant with the Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department, Government of Dubai. She holds a Doctorate in Humanity from the Academy of Universal Global Peace. In December 2010, then President Benigno Aquino III presented the highly revered Banaag Award to Wafa for her tireless efforts in assisting distressed Filipino workers in the UAE and extending financial assistance to impoverished Filipinos in her hometown of Iloilo and as well as in other regions. Rachel: Have courage to face the unknown. Be humble to accept that you need others to deal with in some challenges in life. To be always grateful for all the opportunities given by God and not to give up even during the hardest and darkest moments. We all have our mission to live. Find it, nurture it and honor God by sharing it with others as He designed it to be. Rachel is a freelance broadcast journalist who reports on the lives of Overseas Filipinos in the UAE and Africa on The Filipino Channel of ABS-CBN since She used to be a freelance News Presenter of TAG 91.1 FM from 2013 to She is also the Managing Partner of the Filipino Excellence in the Middle East or FEME Connect Directory which she co-founded with her group mates at the 2015 Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) program of the Ateneo School of Government held in Dubai. She co-hosted with me the FEME talk show on Dubai Eye FM from October 2010 to February Cristina: Following your road, selecting your route to reach your place of passion and purpose will lead you to your reason for being. Being a successful business person was not enough, I found happiness and satisfaction once I evolved into a social entrepreneur. Leading with a purpose and values is very important. Cristina is a Managing Director and Career Management Consultant. She founded Dagaz HR Consultancy in 2011, where helping people find jobs is among her objectives. Helping people with disability and encouraging them with confidence is her passion. She has a passion to help children and people with disability. She discovered her passion to serve in volunteer works. Cristina is currently the president of the Ateneo Alumni Association of LSE UAE. Roxie: Through my story, I would like to inspire women that they can conquer their fears and start moving mountains. Always bring your best self forward, that can only happen if you have determination, energy, focus and grit. Be brave, have skin in the game. In a world that seeks to keep you down, build yourself up. In a situation that wishes you to stay in the dark, step into the light. Do not allow past pains and present frustrations to diminish your glory. There is enough light for you to take the next step. Filipino Excellence... page 21

21 - PH NEWS - 21 Filipino Excellence... From page 20 PRRD signs Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed into law a bill that requires motor vehicle owners to use child restraint systems when traveling with children. Duterte signed Republic Act No or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act on Feb. 22 and a copy of which was released to media on March 12. "It shall be unlawful for the driver of a covered vehicle not to properly secure at all times a child, in a child restraint system while the engine is running or transporting such child on any road, street, or highway unless the child is at least 150 centimeters or 59 inches in height and is properly secured using the regular seat belt. The child restraint system shall be appropriate to the child's age, height, and weight, the law reads. Under the law, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd) and private agencies and organizations must undertake regular nationwide information, education, and communication campaign within six months from the passage of this act. The campaign must include information on the proper installation, use, and maintenance of the child restraint system The DOTr may call upon any government agency, including the Philippine National Police (PNP) and non-government organizations (NGOs) to extend their full support and cooperation for the implementation of this act. It must also conduct and submit to Congress a periodic review on the implementation of this act at the end of the third year from the date of effectivity year thereafter. The DOTr, in consultation with the Department of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DOH, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), and other concerned agencies and stakeholders must promulgate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on child restraint systems within six months from the effectivity of this act. The act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two national newspapers of general circulation. That act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No and House Bill No was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on Dec. 11, (AP/PNA) Roxane is a Senior Planning Director and has been in the field of advertising and media in the last 16 years. She is passionate about building brands through powerful strategies and innovative executions that drive conversions and meaningful experiences for consumers. Her first 6 years of work experience had been spent handling top FMCG brands such as Nestle and Procter & Gamble. In 2007, Roxane moved to UAE with the desire of learning and excelling in an international arena. This move eventually led to a very successful and fruitful career in media communications in a span of 10 years and counting. The first activity was the Personality Development session which was facilitated by the Zablan sisters Jijie and Cherry Pye who shared their knowledge about DISC behavioral styles represented by four birds: Eagle, Parrot, Dove and Owl. DISC stands for Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness. Both Jijie and Cherry Pye are Engineering degree holders and Distinguished Toastmasters. The book reading was the second activity followed by a basic yoga session conducted by the Daily Community Yoga in Discovery Gardens group which is comprised mostly of Indians. The fourth and last activity was the movie screening of 'Rosario' which depicted relevant and timely women's issues. The consulate s commemoration of international women s day provided a perspective of how Overseas Filipinos could balance the delicate role of women as prime nurturers of humanity and as contributors to the global migrant community, explained Dr. Yasmin. Our goal is to continually remind the Filipino community of the equality of men and women and how both could play their roles in society in a balanced manner that would highlight respect. I totally agree with her. Women s Day, therefore, should not only be celebrated on March 8 every year but every day Digital Printing Large Format Indoor & Outdoor Joinery/Fabrication/Events Furniture Acrylic Metal Painting Interior Decoration Fit-out Shop Restaurant Villa/Flat Interior Decoration llc elegant l lifestyle l structure info@elsinterior.com KW - RF B

22 22 - PH NEWS - National Bureau of Investigation-10 Regional Director Patricio Bernales Jr. answers queries from reporters inside his office, March 8, in relation to the truckloads of fake cigarettes seized by the NBI and the Bureau of Internal Revenue. (Photo by GERRY LEE GORIT) NBI, BIR seize fake cigars; makers, sellers face charges Gerry Lee Gorit CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY The National Bureau of Investigation-10 (NBI-10) said Friday it is set to file charges against individuals who they believed are behind the proliferation of illegally made and illegally sold cigarettes in Northern Mindanao. NBI-10 Regional Director Patricio Bernales said those who are suspected of manufacturing the counterfeit tobacco products will be charged with violation of Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. He said the suspects will be facing intellectual properties rights case for copying legitimate products. It was determined that these products were counterfeit based on verification made by company representatives, Bernales said, referring to the boxes of cigarettes bearing brands commonly found in the market that were seized by a joint team of NBI-10 and the regional office of the Bureau of Internal Revenue in a warehouse in Barangay Kauswagan, this city, on Thursday, March 7. Those who were able to determine that the confiscated cigarette brands using an electronic device were faked were representatives from the Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. (PMFTC) and Japan Tobacco Industry. NBI-10 special investigator Nolan Gadia, in a previous interview following the confiscation, placed the worth of the seized cigarettes at about P0 million. One of the possible respondents was identified by the NBI as Shi Zhulian, a Chinese national based on his passport, who was at the warehouse when authorities came. Aside from Shi, there were other individuals, both Chinese and Filipinos, who will be included in the list of respondents, although Bernales has yet to divulge the names of the other persons. Bernales said they released Shi from the NBI-10 custody as he was not subjected yet to an inquest proceeding at the City Prosecutor s Office. But he (Shi) can be arrested anytime, he said, adding that the Chinese national is now under the custody Filipino associate of Shi while awaiting the filing of the legal action. Bernales said they are now determining if Shi and his cohorts are members of larger group allegedly involved in the manufacturing of counterfeit goods. He added the NBI is also trying to connect Shi and his companions with a group responsible for the manufacture of cigarettes that law enforcers raided in Barangay Cugman, this city, and in Villanueva last year. Both the NBI and BIR are planning to destroy the confiscated items in the immediate future.

23 - HEALTHCARE - 23 DO YOU know that there is a weed that is medicinally beneficial, succulently available, and naturally cancer-fighter? Now, there is a whole-new reason for parents to teach kids to eat edible greens as a latest research compels people not to set aside vegetables in the dinner plate. Introducing the locally known pukpuklo seaweed that is best served in Ilocano dishes and salads. A sea-to-table popular Ilocano favorite, Pukpuklo is an iron-rich seaweed that has a feature of a slimy, jelly-like, and spongy strands that one might look at it as Medusa s hair. Pukpuklo as anti-cancer, anti-aging In this modern age of intensive discovery of medicinal alternatives, there is wealth in the sea as the pukpuklo seaweed has been found to have anti-cancer benefits. This Codium species, which is naturally found in Ilocos Norte, Aklan, Iloilo, and Cagayan, has been put into research by students from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Presented at The Values of Philippine Flora and Fauna symposium by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-National Research Council of the Philippines, this eatable sea vegetable was tested for its inhibitory potentials against cancer and other diseases. In their findings, pukpuklo possesses polysaccharides that can effectively combat enzymes that aid the propagation of cancer cells in the body. These polysaccharides are composed of carbohydrates such as starch and cellulose that can strengthen cells and tissues in the human body. According to the DOST, polysaccharides are carbohydrates such as starch, cellulose, or glycogen that are used in storing energy, sending cellular messages, and providing support to cells and tissues. Yung pukpuklo natin ay may characteristics that can help or makatulong sa paglaban kontra cancer cells, DOST Provincial Director Jonathan Viernes said. Aside from being a potent neutralizer of cancer, one can turn to this green seaweed for skin, goiter, and aging issues. This has also properties that have an effect on the skin. Nagbibigay din ito ng healthy skin and faster healing on the body, Viernes added. Soon, more studies will be developed for this fauna which will be a good alternative treatment drugs against cancer. Viernes further added research studies will be conducted to explore more of its medicinal values. Pukpuklo as Ilocano dish Because of its acquired taste, pukpuklo is aimed not just to be an old-folk favorite but also a preferred food choice of this millennial generation. To maintain its fresh texture, pukpuklo is never cooked as the heat makes its shrink and takes away its natural quality. Just rinse it with water to clean away the sand and grits that are attached to it and voila, you can eat it fresh. If eating it as a salad, it is best presented with tomatoes, salt, shallots, lime, and surprisingly, lemon. Other folks add a small amount of salt into the salad to keep the pukpuklo s freshness. This can be eaten in whatever time of the day. Pukpuklo for all When you mix pukpuklo with tomato to make a salad, you re not just making your stomach full but, on the inside, you are already helping your body fight any hints of cancer. This seasonally-available seaweed is available from November to March and can be bought for P100 per kilogram. Indeed, seaweed is the food that we need! (JNPD/MJTAB/PIA-1, Ilocos Norte) Pukpuklo seaweed, an anti-cancer agent we need MANILA -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has lauded the Philippines for passing a law that will require vehicle owners to use child restraint systems when traveling with children. The WHO said Republic Act or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act recently signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte will help prevent injuries that might be sustained by children at road accidents. The WHO congratulates the Philippines as President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act or Republic Act The initiative makes Philippines among the few countries in Asia to pass child restraint legislation, the organization said in a statement on Wednesday. In the Philippines, more than 600 children die from road crashes each year. The legislation is a significant step towards prioritizing the safety and welfare of infants and children on Philippine roads, and preventing traffic-related deaths and injuries, it added. The Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act also restricts children from sitting in the front seats of automobiles. The use of child restraints in vehicles keeps children secured on their seats as they are not Ma. Joreina Therese A. Blanco, PIA WHO lauds PH for passing child safety in vehicles law thrown against the car interior or ejected in cases of sudden braking or road collisions, the WHO said. Evidence has shown that child restraints reduce the likelihood of a fatal crash by approximately 70 percent among infants and between percent among young children, the statement read. The organization has committed to provide its support to the Philippine government in crafting the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA The Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Metro Manila Development Authority, Council for the Welfare of Children, and other concerned agencies and stakeholders must promulgate the IRR on child restraint systems within six months from the effectivity of the law. Various government agencies, as well as private agencies and organizations, must conduct a nationwide information campaign on the proper installation, use, and maintenance of the child restraint system. (PNA)

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25 - FILIPINO EXPAT NEWS Filipino professionals march at 5th PUP OU graduation rites Kab. Laliebeth Petancio DUBAI After two years of sleepless nights, dedicated studies and numerous sacrifices, 25 Filipino engineers and architects have finally conferred as graduates of Master of Science in Construction Management (MSCM) obtained from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines PUP Open University, which commencement exercises was held just recently, at Lapita Hotel, Dubai. Delegates from PUP Philippines headed by its executive vice president Dr. Manuel M. Muhi, PUP executive director - Institute for Open & Distance Education Dr. Carmencita L. Castolo, among other members of the board, have witnessed the graduation rites. Philippines Commissioner of the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) Ronald L. Adamat was the commencement speaker at the ceremony. He stressed the importance of values and continuous education in the transformation of an individual. The world is like a global village, that is, a single inter-related community. The advancement in science and technology has changed the way we learn, the way we live and the way we work. With right education and values, and knowledge and expertise form part the transformation of a person, said Dr. Adamat in his message. He congratulated the graduates and their loved ones for the hard work and success, even as he also offered encouragement. "It is not a joke to stay away from home and to work in faraway places to ameliorate the living condition of your families. While you are abroad, live with you the spirit of patriotism and continue to learn and try to contribute to society's sustainability, Adamat added. The new MSCM graduates, composed of 13 engineers and 11 architects, were presented in the International Research Colloquium that was held a day after the commencement rights in Arjaan Hotel by Rotana in Abu Dhabi. The list includes Engr. Milandro Acuzar, Engr. Alvin Alejandro, Ar. Aileen Aliado, Engr. Margarito Arcadio Jr., Architect Maisa Aritalla, Engr. Gilbert Bontigao, Architect Edward Castro, Engr. Arlene Dela Cruz, Architect Floyd Ethelbert De Leon, Architect Carmen Haz, Architect Frijohn Keith Manalastas, Architect Ma. Christina Molbog, Architect Giovanni Flotible Odtuhan, Engr. Franz Marco Ozaeta, Engr. Isagani Puddunan, Architect Jojo Pulido, Engr. Michael Repomenta, Engr. Gilbert Reyes, Engr. Rachel Rosas, Architect Marc Jim Salmorin, Engr. Eldie Tadalan, Architect Shay Michaela Tan, Architect Jeffrie Tsang, Engr. Onofre Valencia, and Engr. Reynate Zablan. The day s affair was concluded with a Graduation Ball, held in the same venue that was also graced by POLO Abu Dhabi s labor attaché Atty. Alejandro Padaen and Deputy Consul General for Philippine Consulate - Dubai Renato R. Duenas Jr. 120 PINOYS JOIN ART DUBAI AT LEAST, 120 Filipinos participate in this year s Art Dubai, which Opening Event theme is Carnival Experience, where Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Artist Marlon Griffith features his version of A Walk Into the Night. Taking the aesthetics of Trinidadian carnivals and West African shadow puppets as a starting point, his piece will stage both a large-scale celebratory procession and a magical play of light and shadow that will enact several narratives associated with the recent migration history of Dubai. The opening performance is a collaboration of the Philippine Business Council - Dubai and the Northern Emirates and the Filipino community in Dubai, involving 120 performers and collaborating with Dubai-based Filipino artists. Performances start on March 19, as Gala Night for VIPs, and for the general public on March 22, Art Dubai audience can watch the celebratory procession of and the magical play of light and shadow by the 120 Pinoy performers. Marvel at the Sarimanok costume designed by Filipino designer Armand Zarris Manapat while being enthralled by the danceable and electrifying musical background composed by Dubai-Dubai Musikahan champion Exekiel Nunez, organizers said. ( Jason Roi Bucton)

26 26 - EVENTS - TESDA chief graces inauguration of POWER Technical Training Center DUBAI -- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General and Secretary Isidro Lapeña graced the inauguration of the POWER Technical Training Center, here along with Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn Quintana, Deputy Consul General Renato Dueñas, Labor Attache Felicitas Bay, and Worldskills Asia Chief Executive Officer Fahar Al Suwaidi, last March 8. The center has its own equipment and facilities related to the Construction, Engineering, Hospitality and Healthcare sectors. It is ISO Certified 9001:2015 and accredited by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority or KHDA. Engr. Jim Mahan, POWER chief executive officer, Dr. Dexter De Castro, POWER chief healthcare officer, and Paolo Arao, POWER adviser and president of the Association of Filipino TESDA Trainers and Assessors or AFTTA, toured the government officials and VIP guests around the 12,000 square feet compound. The three are shareholders of the largest Filipino-owned technical school in the UAE. Our Engineering and Construction Sector training programs are aligned with the training regulations of TESDA and internationally-related standards. We offer Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Industrial Motor Control NC III, Solar Panel Installation Business, Fire Alarm System, CCTV Installation, Access Control System, Building Management System, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC), Plumbing NC II, Diploma in Electronics, Industrial Engineering, HVAC, and Electrical Testing and Commissioning, among others, disclosed Engr. Mahan. "Our Caregiving program is an internationally-recognized training and certification program developed to equip students with the knowledge and skills on caregiving. The program includes care and support to infants, toddlers, children, people with special needs, and the elderly. It also teaches students on the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills on preparing hot and cold meals, cleaning, laundering, ironing, health and safety, and responding to an emergency. In addition, our caregiving program involves on-the-job training in a hospital and hotel, as well as basic life support training. It is aligned with the TESDA and American Caregiver Association curricula," explained Dr. De Castro. For his part, Arao noted that it is the moral obligation of any school to ensure delivery of quality training and education to its target students by providing adequate tools, equipment and training facilities based on a prescribed training regulations. Menopause symptoms aren t just 3 or 4, but 34 AVIVO Group launches Women 34 Clinic to raise awareness about the 34 symptoms of menopause that generally affects women between the age group of 40 and 50 years DUBAI -- As the UAE celebrated the empowerment that 2.65 million females enjoy in the Gulf country, a handful of medical professionals were busy raising awareness about the 34 symptoms of menopause a key phase of every woman s life and a core component of her health on the occasion of the International Women s Day. Discussion on menopause which generally affects women between the age group of 40 and 50 years was hosted as part of the Women 34 Clinic campaign launched by Avivo Group to clear misconceptions that are generally linked to the sudden changes in the body functioning due to the natural ageing process. Dr. Dilshaad Ali, CEO of AVIVO Group said, Investing in our community is a great way to give back to those who have helped support us throughout our journey. Every Woman is special, so is her Health and this International Women s Day, AVIVO Group has launched Women 34 Clinic with an objective to raise awareness on the 34 symptoms of menopause among women in their 40s and 50s. Dr Vaishali Joshi, Specialist Obs & Gynae, PrimaCare Specialty Clinic, Dubai said, Let's understand that menopause is not a pause in your life. Typical menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes or night sweats, are caused by changing hormone levels in the female reproductive system. Almost all women notice these symptoms in their 40s &50s. The Women 34 Clinic campaign will benefit most of the women population under the age group of 40s 50s years in the UAE. Dr Anjali Arora, Specialist Obs & Gynae, Reem Medical Group, Sharjah, said The menopausal symptoms, which Woman experience in their 40s take them by surprise. Several hormonal and physical changes happen to them during this period which makes them vulnerable to various health problems. Dr. Liselotte Mettler, Specialist Obs & Gynae, German Medical Center-DHCC, said, Menopause is a natural biological process and does not affect every female. There are many effective treatments available, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy. It is important particularly in this period to keep up with regular visits to doctors for preventive health care and any medical concerns. Preventive health care as we age may include recommended health screening tests, such as colonoscopy, gynecological and pelvic exams, mammography and triglyceride screening, particularly in unclear pain situation. Life has 3 phases, Youth and puberty, Reproductive age, work, and family building. The third phase starts at menopause. It is the phase of life with happiness and love to live. Thus, the life after menopause canned should be the best and longest phase of life." Ms. Sandy Saksena, Independent Financial Advisor and The best Woman Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award Winner for 2019, Berkeley Middle East stated, Strength training for older women lessens the symptoms and common chronic conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes back pain, and yes depression. Do annual full comprehensive health check-ups, follow through on health and wellness advice, exercise, diet, Supplements all these must become a priority. The group plans to conduct a free consultation camp for Women 34 Clinic on March 29, 2019 at the Primacare Clinic Dubai, Reem Medical Center- Sharjah and National Hospital- Abu Dhabi where free gynaecology consultation and a special packages are being offered to women in their 40s and 50s as part of the International Women s Day celebrations by AVIVO Group the fastest growing medical network across the UAE and Kuwait, encompassing hospitals, medical centres, speciality centres and diagnostic centres. (PR)

27 - EVENTS - 27 Members of the Philippine delegation shared a light moment in the first day of Gulfood The names of the members (from left to right): Trixie Fernandez (Monde Nissin Corp, International Business Executive), DTI USec. Abdulgani Macatoman, Isaac Chun (Monde Nissin Corp, International Business Executive), Jhasper Reganit (Monde Nissin Corp,Business Development Head), Ambassador Hjayceelyn Quintana (UAE), Ambassador Alfonso Ver (Bahrain), Mark Santos (Monde Nissin Corp, Dubai Market Officer), Commercial Attache Charmaine Yalong (DTI Dubai). At right, international buyers and visitors in Gulfood 2019 flocked towards the FOODPhilippines pavilion to sample the country's halal-certified tropical food and beverage selections. 25 Filipino food brands net over USD83.2M export sales at largest annual food show AT LEAST, 25 Philippine companies bagged more than 83 million US dollars of export sales from over 1,163 foreign buyers in the country s participation in the recently held Gulfood at the Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates (UAE), last month, here. Led by the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), twenty-five food producers and manufacturers showcased the country s top halal-certified food selections in the country s 14th participation in the event. Our country s tropical selections have once again delighted the palate of buyers across the globe under the Philippine pavilion in Gulfood, which is one of the world s biggest and most prestigious events on food, said DTI-CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan. The Gulf Food Hotel and Equipment Exhibition and Salon Culinaire, popularly known as Gulfood, is considered as one of the world s biggest stages where the latest tastes, trends and innovations are unveiled. It is a trade and business platform that provides immense opportunities to buyers, exhibitors, and notable personalities in the food and hospitality industries. Among the best sellers under the FoodPhilippines pavilion were dried fish (herring and anchovies), fruit preserves, nuts, condiments from Pixcel Transglobal Foods Inc.; fresh banana from SL Agritech; tamarind mix and oysters sauce from Mama Sita s; canned sardines from Phil-Union Frozen Foods, Inc.; and sardines, tuna, frozen fish, canned vegetables and fruits from Mega Global Corporation. Also showcased in the pavilion were products from Alsons Aquaculture Corporation, Brandexports Philippines, Inc., Celebes Coconut Corp., Century Pacific Food, Inc., Columbia International Food Products, Inc., Fitrite, Inc., Gem Foods International, Inc., Krystle Exports Phil., Inc., Leonie Agri Corp., LTH Food Industries, Inc., Mama Sita s, Marikina Food Corporation, Market Reach International Resources, Monde Nissin Corporation, Philippine Grocers Food Exports, Inc., Profood International Corporation, Q-Phil Products International, Sagrex Foods, Inc., San Miguel Pure Foods Company, See s International Food and Super Q. Participating in this five-day event is strategic for us to sustain and strengthen the promotion of Philippine food products in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, particularly in member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GGC), said Suaco-Juan. The Philippine participation in Gulfood is also aimed at expanding the country s market share in the global halal trade. According to Hexa Research, the global halal food market size is predicted to reach USD 2.55 trillion by 2024 driven by the rising demand for the consumption of halal meat. We also invite buyers and food enthusiasts with keen interest in Philippine and other Asian products to taste more of these in the upcoming edition of IFEX Philippines where we will present the next big thing in Asian food under the theme NXTFOOD Asia, she said. This participation under FoodPhilippines is led by DTI-CITEM as part of the government s unified effort to promote the Philippines as a source of quality food products in the global market. CITEM is organizer of IFEX Philippines, which is the Philippines biggest export oriented food show, happening on May IFEX Philippines 2019 will present NXTFOOD ASIA where it will showcase the next big thing in Asian food with the latest food innovations, trends and best practices in the Asian food industry. Those who are interested to join IFEX Philippines can visit ifexphilippines.com/

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30 30 - SPORTS - June Mar back in dominant form for SMB KAI-YA MO YAN! Making it to NBA still PH phenom s ultimate dream Kab. Jerome Lagunzad KAI Zachary Sotto has yet to choose which path he will take. But his desired destination remains the same: The National Basketball Association (NBA). As the list of his suitors, mostly from established European teams, continues to increase, the towering Filipino cage phenom believes it won t take him long to come up with the biggest decision yet on his rapidly-improving basketball career. Maybe before NBTC (National Basketball Training Center tournament) or after. Basta, this summer, hindi mahirap na mag-decide ako," the 16-year-old prodigy was quoted as saying by spin.ph in a recent interview. Aside from fabled European teams, Real Madrid and Barcelona, plus Baskonia in Spain, and Alba Berlin in Germany, the proud son of former pro Ervin Sotto admitted that another Spanish club in the mold of Estudiantes has also expressed its intentions of securing his services. Any decision won t solely come from Kai Sotto. " Yung tatay ko naman, sinasabi naman niya lahat at open siya sa akin. Talagang transparent siya. Kaya ako, more of nagtatanong lang ako sa kanya at umu-oo o hindi lang ako sa kanya. Magde-decide kami siguro ngayong summer," he said. The reigning UAAP Season 81 juniors MVP, Sotto added that he and his family continue to take a diligent approach in analyzing all offers on the table. "Siyempre wine-welcome ko naman yung mga offers nila para sa akin. Hindi ko naman yun binabalewala kasi alam ko naman na para sa akin din 'yun at makakatulong din yun sa akin. Talagang pag-iisipan muna namin ng mabuti kung ano yung magiging decision namin bago kami mag-decide," he said. But if there s one major factor to get the Sotto s collective approval, it will all boil down on which can give Kai the biggest shot of making it to the world s grandest basketball stage in the near future. "Yung development ko as a player ang pinakaimportante kasi pwede namang hindi ako pumili ng club pero magti-train lang ako sa kanila," he said. "Ang importante lang naman sa akin is mag-improve ako, magpagaling at magpalakas pa lalo dahil yung goal ko talaga is mag-nba. Gagawin ko yung lahat para makapunta doon, Sotto concluded. Even current Alab Pilipinas star Ray Parks and national team mainstay Gabe Norwood joined the ever-growing chorus of letting Sotto play overseas to size himself up in tougher fields. (They) should send him overseas ASAP, tweeted Parks, who cut short his stint with National University in the UAAP back in 2013 to chase his own NBA dream. However, the son of former seven-time PBA Best Import Bobby Parks went undrafted in the NBA Rookie Draft in 2015, but was invited by the Dallas Mavericks in the Summer League and went on to see action for 32 games in the NBA D-League under the Texas Legends colors. Meanwhile, the 6-foot-6 Norwood echoed Parks sentiments. In terms of competition level, challenging yourself and growing up, as much as you d like him to stay as a kid, he s gotta grow up sooner or later in the game of basketball. And for me, sooner is always better than later, he said in a TV interview. JUNE Mar Fajardo marked his return with a pair of monster performances as defending champion San Miguel Beer enhanced its Top Two bid in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup. The 6-foot-10 Fajardo was in top MVP form after averaging 33.5 points, 16 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting an astounding 85.7 percent from the floor to lead San Miguel Beer to victories over NLEX and NorthPort last week. His dominant effort earned him his first Cignal-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week this conference. The five-time PBA Most Valuable Player beat Columbian rookie CJ Perez and young gunner Rashawn McCarthy, Meralco s Baser Amer, TNT s Roger Pogoy and Ginebra s LA Tenorio and Aljon Mariano for the weekly citation for the period of March The 29-year-old Fajardo looked sharp, his movement quicker since his recent stint with Gilas in the sixth and final window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers. He had 27 points, 13 rebounds and two assists, mocking the defense thrown at him by making 10 his 13 shots to lead SMB past NLEX, last Friday. Fajardo increased his output two days later, firing 40 points, hauling down 19 boards and issuing three assists as San Miguel nosed out NorthPort, He finished the game with a near perfect 14-of-15 shooting from the field. It was his best game since registering 42 points and 20 rebounds in Game 5 of their title-clinching win in last season s Philippine Cup Finals over Magnolia. The Beermen have won their last four games overall to move to solo third spot in the standings with their 6-3 record. Phoenix paces the tournament with its 8-2 record, with Rain or Shine at second spot (7-3). San Miguel tries to inch closer to a Top Two finish with a win against Phoenix when both squads collide on Saturday at the Panabo Multi-Purpose Tourism Sports and Cultural Center in Davao del Norte. (JL)

31 - SPORTS - 31 Louvre Abu Dhabi welcomes all to Special Olympics ABU DHABI,: Louvre Abu Dhabi is honoured to have been chosen as one of many historic landmarks to serve as the location for the Special Olympics Flame of Hope relay. As a universal museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi has a mission to foster tolerance and inclusivity. In the UAE, these values today are more important than ever, particularly with the celebration of the UAE Year of Tolerance in In keeping with these values, Louvre Abu Dhabi welcomes people from all over the world and from all walks of life, including people of determination. The museum offers a range of tools and activities to become more accessible for people of determination, who can enter the museum for free and are invited to bring a guest with them. Louvre Abu Dhabi has created multisensory guides including tours of the museum galleries and architecture for the hearing and visually impaired. In addition, the museum offers sensory tactile tours and stations, and even has a special newsletter dedicated to people of determination. Photo credit: Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi / Photo by Ismail Noor/ Seeing Things No Milena, no problem as Eya roars for UST Kab. Jerome Lagunzad WITH University of Santo Tomas in dire need of firepower after losing power hitter Milena Alessandrini to a left knee injury, prized rookie Eya Laure stepped up the challenge. The proud daughter of former pro cager Eddie Laure proved what she s capable of doing by steering the Tigresses to back-to-back big victories last week to keep themselves in the hunt in the UAAP season 81 women s volleyball tournament. Laure came up big with an average of 17.5 points per game on top of several intangibles as UST pulled the rug from under three-time defending champion La Salle and fellow contender National University. Instead of being demoralized following Alessandrini s harrowing injury, the Tigresses used it as a rally point against the erstwhile favored Lady Spikers, with Laure at the forefront of their renewed charge with 15 points, 13 of them coming on the offensive end, aside from 17 successful digs. Ako as a rookie po siyempre, parang La Salle is, nasa taas sila. Itong liga na ito, sila yung defending champions. So isang malaking bagay na din, hindi lang sa akin pero sa buong team, yung ma-boost ang confidence namin na, na kaya din namin, she said after their massive 25-20, 25-22, victory UST s first over La Salle since Season 78. Three days later, Laure picked up from where she left off with another stellar offensive performance of 20 points, all but one coming off attacks, as the Tigresses tamed the Lady Bulldogs, 26-24, 25-17, 23-25, For the fast-rising Tigress, it s more than just getting back at some of her high school rivals on the Lady Bulldogs side. Hindi ko naman iniisip na ganun. Iba naman talaga pag-college, iba yung pinag-uusapan so yung high school, nandoon na iyon, leave it there, she said. Thanks to their two-game winning streak, UST jacked up its win-loss mark to 4-2 and forged a three-way tie from second to fourth spots with La Salle and Far Eastern University. Ateneo remains as the pacesetter with a 5-1 record. Laure also emerged as the Collegiate Press Corps Player of the Week, besting touted teammate Sisi Rondina, Ateneo s Kat Tolentino, and FEU s pair of rookie Lycha Ebon and Heather Guino-o for the weekly citation given by scribes from national broadsheets, daily tabloids and online portals covering the beat.

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