Friday, March 25, 2022

Two Time Medalist in the IMO Tops 24th Philippine Math Olympiad


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A perfect score seals the deal in the recently concluded 24th Philippine Mathematical Olympiad (PMO).

Raphael Dylan T. Dalida of the Philippine Science High School – Main Campus, a veteran and a two-time medalist at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), topped over two dozen finalists in this year’s PMO with a perfect score, a rare feat in the national competition.

Dalida previously won a silver medal in last year's IMO, and a bronze in the year prior.

Joining him in the podium are Filbert Ephraim S. Wu of Victory Christian International School who placed second, and Jerome Austin N. Te of Jubilee Christian Academy who settled for third.

Wu was coached by his brother, Farrell Eldrian, who won the country’s first ever gold medal at the IMO in 2016, while Te is an up-and-coming prodigy.

With the win, Dalida, Wu, and Te bagged P25,000, P20,000, and P15,000 cash prizes, respectively, along with trophies, certificates, and cash prizes for their coaches.

The PMO is organized by the Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP) with support from the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). Students from all over the country showcased their mathematical prowess in a virtual setup from March 19-20, 2022.

“The student’s performances prove that the Filipino youth is ready to take on the world and make a mark in prestigious competitions in the international level,” said DOST-SEI Director Josette Biyo. “They are world-class and are truly deserving to be called Olympians.”

Biyo added the national finalists’ performances also provide optimism in the country’s continuous rise in its international ranking.

The Philippines notably placed 23rd over 107 participating countries in last year’s IMO, and backers from DOST-SEI and MSP hope to add on the medal tally of 26 honorable mentions, 33 bronze medals, 12 silver medals, and four gold medals this year.

The 63rd IMO will be hosted by Oslo, Norway this July.

Final participants to the world stage competition will be announced in May. MSP will conduct the Mathematical Olympiad Summer Camp to determine the six national bets for the upcoming IMO

Empowering communities through #SocialGood


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The private sector plays a significant role when it comes to economic growth in the Philippines by generating more jobs and contributing to our gross domestic product (GDP). Beyond that, it is also considered to be a driving force for inclusive and sustainable development in the country as more and more businesses employ corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to address social and environmental concerns within the communities where they operate.

By helping improve the quality of life of the people in these host communities, business is able to flourish. As such, CSR has become a key pillar of successful business management through the years. SM’s visionary founder, Henry “Tatang” Sy, Sr., put it best in his principle that social development and investment go hand in hand with business growth to achieve a better future.

The SM group has embraced the responsibility to contribute to nation building through its social good arm, the SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI). For nearly four decades, we have focused our resources, time, and reach to ensure that we are able to create opportunities wherever SM is present through social good programs that are geared towards quality education, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and disaster response.






Anchored on Tatang’s belief that education is the greatest equalizer, SMFI established the SM Scholarship Program in 1993 to provide the youth access to quality tertiary and vocational education. We believe that through our scholarship grants, SM will be able to contribute to eradicating the intergenerational poverty cycle by granting scholarships to economically challenged but deserving students. And to complement this and more importantly, to address the challenges being faced by our public school system, SMFI, together with social good partners such as SM Prime, we have provided school buildings equipped with key facilities and equipment to underserved communities.

Another social good pillar of SMFI is sustainable agriculture that aims to address the dilemma of the aging farmer population in the country as well as the growing gap between supply and demand for local food sources. In 2007, the foundation launched the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program to bring modern and sustainable farming skills and linkages in both rural and urban communities, empowering farmers to have food on their table and creating market linkage to provide them with economic opportunities.

Accessible healthcare and timely disaster response are also at the heart of the foundation’s advocacy. Through its Health and Wellness program, SMFI helps address the shortage of quality healthcare facilities in the country by constructing and upgrading health centers in host communities supplemented by medical mission activities nationwide. The Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), on the other hand, gives immediate assistance in the form of relief goods and medical services in collaboration with SM Supermalls and SM Markets to communities affected by calamities and disasters that frequently occur in the country.



During the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, SMFI was one of the first organizations to assume an active role in assisting in the pandemic response by expanding the reach and impact of the Health and Wellness program and utilizing its partnerships to extend a helping hand to frontliners and Filipinos nationwide, especially those in SM host communities.

Through these social good programs, we continuously aspire to be a development partner for our host communities and serve as model for other organizations in terms of bringing social development specially in areas where they operate.

Implementing CSR involves a dynamic learning process given that social and environmental good are moving targets – and these cannot be fully achieved through one-time activities and decisions. Instead, companies should view and approach CSR as a process of continuous improvement that involves being constantly alert to new issues and considerations, which can be achieved through consistent community consultation and engagement.

And contrary to the notion that CSR is only an approach for large corporations and multi-national businesses, small and medium-scale enterprises can also have the means to benefit their respective communities in their own ways. In fact, they are more likely to effectively facilitate local-level CSR programs as they are more deeply embedded in their communities. Examples of these include sourcing of raw materials from community-based suppliers, matching and encouraging charitable work by employees, and even as simple as going paperless in their daily business operations.

CSR programs, no matter the size or scale, are valuable to the communities they are serving because of their pivotal role in promoting sustainable, just, and balanced development, and contribution in addressing social and environmental challenges.



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Photos



SM Scholars General Assembly (File Photo)





SM KSK Urban Farmers from Pasay City











Residents from Foreshore, Tondo Manila can now utilize a fully equipped Super Health Center from SM





Staying true to its commitment, SMFI is one of the first responders after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette







SM Employees show their spirit of volunteerism as they help repaint an SM school building





SMFI donated PPEs and much-needed medical equipment to various hospitals nationwide to help fight the spread of COVID-19





Aside from free medical consultations and medicines, SM also provides free diagnostics and laboratory services to stakeholders specially in grassroot communities





MetroMart expands to Davao and Bicol


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More locations and brands available in the Philippines this 2022


Even more Filipino communities will now experience the convenience of online grocery shopping, as MetroMart - the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines - expands its services to Davao and Bicol.


Starting on March 28, 2022, MetroMart will provide its grocery delivery service in Davao with Robinsons Supermarket and S&R. Launching on the same day, Robinsons Supermarket will also be available on MetroMart for the Bicol area. Users in Davao and Bicol will now be able to order their complete range of groceries from fresh, frozen and dry goods from Robinsons Supermarket and S&R. And to top it off, you do not need an S&R membership to shop from S&R!


New Users of MetroMart in these locations can also get additional discounts. Use the code HELLODAVAO or HELLOBICOL to get FREE Delivery for a minimum spend of ₱1,000. Promos are applicable in their respective serviceable areas only, valid from March 28 to April 30, 2022.


“We’re excited to announce our nationwide expansion to more cities in the Philippines and to share the convenience of online grocery shopping from the MetroMart website and mobile app to more Filipino families. We are grateful for the opportunity to empower and provide income to our hardworking Personal Shoppers and Riders who are joining the MetroMart family, as well.” Stefano Fazzini, CEO and co-founder of MetroMart, said. “Stay tuned for more updates on new locations, new merchants, and more discount deals from MetroMart this 2022.”


MetroMart is the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines. Our grocery partners include Robinsons Supermarket, S&R (no membership required), Landmark, The Marketplace, Shopwise, All Day Supermarket, Merrymart and over 500+ specialty store retailers like Pet Express, Baby Company, Toy Kingdom, Toys R Us, National Book Store, Office Warehouse, Southstar Drug and AllDay Rx. Customers can order from their favorite stores on the MetroMart app and have it delivered to their door in less than 2 hours! For more updates on MetroMart, like and follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/MetroMartPH. Order groceries online or download the app via http://metromart.app.link/ 

Thursday, March 24, 2022

DOST-SEI launches search for most innovative STEM teachers


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If you are an innovative science or math teacher, this new program might inspire you even more. 

 

While best known for honing science professionals through its various scholarship programs, the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) also seeks to further capacitate teachers to ensure a holistic approach in developing science education in the country. To this, the Institute recently launched its 2022 Search for the Brightest STAR, a recognition program under its Science Teacher Academy for the Regions (STAR) training program.  

 

The Brightest STAR award is given to exemplary science and mathematics teachers who have been effectively integrating their STAR training in their teaching practice. The program aims to cultivate a culture of innovation among teachers.  

 

“We recognize that providing scholarships to deserving students is not enough,” says DOST-SEI Director Josette Biyo. “We aim to empower teachers through several trainings like Project STAR to be innovative and cause positive change in their classrooms, schools, and community. But on top of that, we want to make sure that their learnings will be translated into actions, and we reward them for that too through programs like Search for the Brightest STAR.”  

 

Nomination is open for teachers who have attended a regional level STAR training for the period 2014-2021 and are in-service during their time of attendance to the training.  They must currently be teaching at the basic education level and should also be endorsed by his/her school principal and school’s division superintendent. Teacher-participants who have been a national finalist in previous searches shall no longer be allowed to join this year’s search.  

 

Qualified teachers may submit the scanned Nominee Information Sheet on or before June 3, 2022.  

 

For more information, visit e-star.ph of the Facebook page Science Teacher Academy for the Regions. 

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Sheraton Manila Bay Joins The World for Earth Hour 2022


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On Saturday, March 26, 2022, Sheraton Manila Bay will be one with the world in the observance of Earth Hour.

Aside from joining the global movement by switch off lights in its main public and office areas from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Sheraton Manila Bay’s famed top-floor restaurant Pacific Lounge will also be serving a special Earth Hour Cocktail on its Saturday pre-dinner cocktail buffet available for only Php 988++ per person. Earth Hour Cocktail is a zero-waste rum-based cocktail infused with basil syrup made to compliment the wide array of delectable tapas and international cuisine prepared by the hotel’s seasoned chefs. Bring along friends and family for a delightful weekend feast and take home a signature WWF Plushie Panda for every group of 4 persons. Proceeds from the Panda Plushies are donated to the wildlife conservation projects of World Wide Fund.

Sheraton Manila Bay’s Pre-dinner Cocktail is available daily starting 6pm. For reservation please call +632 5318 0788 or email reservations.manilabay@sheraton.com. Like us on Facebook and Instagram @sheratonmanilabay and Twitter at @sheratonmnlbay. For more information, please visit our website at www.sheratonmanilabay.com. Sheraton Manila Bay is located at M. Adriatico cor. Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila.


MRT-3 will be giving free rides for one month


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No less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has announced that the MRT-3 will be giving free rides for one month, starting 28 March to 30 April 2022, following the successful completion of the rail system's massive and comprehensive rehabilitation project."I'd like to announce that Secretary Tugade decided that the MRT-3 rides will be free (hindi naman forever) from March 28 to April 30, 2022," President Duterte said.

President Duterte made the announcement as he graced the completion ceremony of the MRT-3 Rehabilitation project today, 22 March 2022, together with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade.

Secretary Tugade noted that train passengers can ride the MRT-3 free of charge in all its stations during the said dates.

He also stressed that this will greatly help ease the financial burden of the riding public, especially amid the inflation, rising fuel prices, and with many Filipino workers now returning to on-site work.

Moreover, the free ride initiative is expected to complement the improved services of the rail line after the DOTr Railway sector, the MRT-3 management, and its maintenance provider, Sumitomo-MHI-TESP completed the rehabilitation works last December 2021, two months ahead of schedule.

Following its rehabilitation, the MRT-3 now operates at speed of up to 60 kph from the previous 25 kph. The number of trains have also increased from as few as 13, now up to 23 operational trains. Meanwhile, the headway or the waiting time between trains have been reduced from around 10 minutes to as low as 3.5 minutes.

"Gumanda at nagbago ang ridership natin, bago mag pandemya -- 260,000. Ngayon, as I speak, bagamat may pandemya, 'yung ridership natin ay umaabot sa 280,000. At hangarin namin yung ridership kapag nailagay lahat 'yan [23 trains] ay magiging 600,000 per day. Ito ang legasiyang iiwanan ng Duterte administration sa MRT-3," Secretary Tugade said.

Under the MRT-3 rehabilitation project, all of its 72 Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) were restored, rail tracks were replaced and rehabilitated. Also upgraded were the line's power supply, overhead catenary system, communications and signaling system, stations, as well as depot facilities and equipment.

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Spoken Word Poet Mark Ghosn chosen to perform the theme of GMA Election Advocacy


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GMA News and Public Affairs has announced that they have chosen Filipino spoken word poet Mark Ghosn as one of the
performers of the official theme song of their 2022 Election advocacy.

Mark Ghosn renders the spoken word poetry on the iconic theme song entitled 'Panata sa Bayan' sang by Aicelle Santos.

Last November 2021, GMA proudly unveiled its election advocacy campaign “Dapat Totoo,” which is also the main content of the spoken word piece.

Aside from being a spoken word artist, Mark Ghosn is also known as the creator of the hit show 'Ampalaya Monologues' which was also adapted into a book and a TV series.




Videos of his performances went viral several times including that of a monologue about trolls and fake news entitled
'Trolling in the Deep.'

According to Ghosn, more than endorsing a candidate, he chose to continue fighting
for a bigger advocacy, and that is to fight the spread of fake news.

The collaboration of Mark Ghosn and Aicelle Santos is currently playing on the official social media accounts, radio stations and TV channels of the Kapuso Network.