SSS welcomes delegates from Bangladesh conducting a study visit in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


The Social Security System (SSS) on Tuesday welcomed 11 delegates from the various government agencies of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh who are conducting a study visit in the Philippines.

In his welcome message, SSS President and CEO Michael G. Regino shared how the SSS intensified the digital transformation of its services since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the continuous delivery of meaningful social security protection to its members and their beneficiaries.


As part of the program, SSS officials also provided brief discussions about its various benefit programs and digitalization efforts, including some of the initiatives that the pension fund implements for the welfare of its stakeholders amid calamities such as this pandemic, and its role in the national government’s Small Business Wage Subsidy (SBWS) Program.


On behalf of the delegates, Joint Secretary of the Department of Disaster Management Nishchinta Kumar Podder expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the SSS for accommodating the group and imparting ideas and knowledge.

In 2017, the SSS also played host to officials from the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh who were on a similar study visit. Over the past years, SSS also welcomed delegates from other countries such as Azerbaijan, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, South Korea, and Tanzania, among others.

CAPTION - Top photo shows SSS President and CEO Michael G. Regino giving his welcome message to the delegates from the various government agencies of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.


Bottom photo shows the delegates from Bangladesh led by Joint Secretary of the Department of Disaster Management Nischchinta Kumar Podder (sitting, 4th from left) and SSS officials who were part of the team for the study visit led by SSS Executive Vice President for the Investments Sector Rizaldy T. Capulong (sitting, 5th from left).

PH Post Office launches National Artist Larry Alcala’s Slice of Life Stamps for National Heritage Month

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



To mark the celebration of National Heritage Month (NHM), the Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) will issue a commemorative stamp honoring cartoonist and National Artist for Visual Arts Larry Alcala featuring his well-known illustration “Slice of Life” cartoon series.

“His comic strips gave us a glimpse of Filipino lives in the wittiest and meaningful way. His comics became known for giving its readers the task of finding Mr. Alcala’s face hidden in his illustrations”, Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said.

In 1988, the "Slice of Life" cartoon series received the Best in Humor Award and was cited for helping to keep alive the Filipino's ability to laugh at themselves in the midst of adversities, through a combination of art and humor.

His commentaries that are both critical and compassionate, evoked laughter and reflection in the everyday life of Filipinos. Alcala’s art embodied Philippine culture, tradition, heritage and serious social issues in the most captivating and relatable way.

“Tinulungan po tayo ni Mr. Alcala na mas mapansin at maintindihan ang mahahalagang aspeto ng buhay Pilipino”, Fulgencio said during the launching ceremony attended by representatives from the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. (FHFI).

“Slice of Life" can be considered as his most popular cartoon series and he has generously shared so many more of his creations to the Filipinos. His 1947 "Kalabog En Bosyo" is the longest running serial ever by any Filipino cartoonist which was adapted into the silver screen twice by no less than Filipino comedians Dolphy and Panchito.

“Sigurado po ako na marami po sa atin ang hindi makakalimot sa kanyang classic comic strips na “Gorio and His Jeepney” , “Asyong Aksaya” , “Siopaw-man” and the modern classic, “Kikomachine” at marami pang iba. In December 2003, the Post Office had the honor of issuing stamps for his work in Kalabog En Bosyo”, Fulgencio noted.

“Mahalaga po ang mga selyong ito dahil stamps are our window to the world, showcasing the rich history and culture of our country. Like our own National Artist Larry Alcala, the Post Office recognizes Filipino talents and achievers, and encourages more Filipinos to do their best, to give joy, inspiration and pride to the nation and make a greater contribution in the improvement of Philippine economy and the nation”, Fulgencio said.

Post Office In-house stamp designer’s Ryman Alburadora and Agnes Rarangol did the layout of the stamps.

Stamps and Official First Day Covers are now available at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office. For inquiries, please call 8527-01-08 or 8527-01-32 or follow/like the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PilipinasPhilately/ for updates.

Art from the Heart Exhibit launch

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

“We need to protect our children and their hearts from the dangers of trans fat.”

This was the statement of law group ImagineLaw with parents and parent groups during the Art from the Heart Exhibit launch this week at Fisher Mall in Quezon City. The said exhibit aims to raise public awareness on the need to eliminate trans fat through the enactment of the Trans Fat Free Philippines Bill, and features children’s artworks on heart health. The Department of Health (DOH), StoneHedge Learners (SHL), and Fisher Mall - Quezon Avenue served as co-organizers of the event.

Trans fat or trans fatty acids (TFA) is a toxic fat usually added as an ingredient in processed food commonly consumed by children like pre-baked goods such as doughnuts, biscuits, and cookies. The Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) reported that children below 6 years old are more exposed to TFA than the general public.

The Trans Fat Free Philippines Bill, currently pending in Congress, seeks to eliminate industrially-produced TFA in the country’s food supply.

 

Trans fat intake also increases the risk of developing hypertension according to Deputy Director Rita Papey of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) during the exhibit’s launch event. “Trans fat raises bad cholesterol levels and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, and can cause inflammation and damage to healthy organs and tissues,” she explained.

The artworks from young artists featured in the exhibit depicted their perceptions of heart health and nutrition and advocated for healthy eating habits. A 3-year-old artist created a fruit and vegetable sculpture that depicts how he takes care of his heart. Entitled “Carrot Man,” the sculpture aims to inspire fellow children to eat healthy food and remove trans fat from their bodies.

“Even children know that we need to take good care of our hearts. As their parents and guardians, we are responsible for the health and future of our children so we need to ensure the implementation of sustainable health measures,” Dir. Karen Lorenzana - Reyes, Executive Director of SHL said.

“While we recognize that health starts at home, a law banning trans fat from the food will help us provide them with nutritious diets and stronger health,” she added.

“We urge the incoming new administration and the elected government officials to heed our call to pass the Trans Fat Free Philippines Bill for the sake of our children’s health,” Atty. Mary Grace Anne Rosales - Sto. Domingo, ImagineLaw’s project manager emphasized.

The DOH, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines (NFP), and Nutritionist Dietitians-Association of the Philippines (NDAP) also affirmed their support for the legislation and other trans fat elimination initiatives.

The children’s advocacy art exhibit is open to the public until June 3 during mall hours. To know more about the trans fat elimination advocacy, visit transfatfreephilippines.org.