THERE comes a point in life when one starts to realize the value of living life to the fullest. It may be because there is a family to raise
Moving to your new home in Trava can be a delightful experience
BYBUSINESSMIRROR
JULY 8, 2020
THERE comes a point in life when one starts to realize the value of living life to the fullest. It may be because there is a family to raise, or that the dazzle of a frenetic city life is waning. When the thought of settling in a more serene community begins to start appealing, then it is time to consider moving to a place that can give you opportunities to enjoy an extraordinary lifestyle.
Modern suburban townships like Trava in Greenfield City offer an ideal environment for family members to thrive physically, emotionally and mentally.
The 33-hectare development is a breath of fresh air as it boasts of open parks, landscaped gardens and lush greeneries perfect for communing with nature. Instead of staying cooped up inside the house playing gadgets, children will enjoy taking strolls amid trees and plants.
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Situated in Sta. Rosa, the new growth center, Trava is accessible to Alabang and Makati via major road networks, namely, South Luzon Expressway, Sta. Rosa Interchange and Eton-Greenfield exit. It’s still close enough to the metropolis to be able to enjoy urban conveniences without the claustrophobic and dizzying pace of city life.
Relocating to a new address may sound overwhelming at first as it involves major changes. Fortunately, there are a few tips on how to make the transition less daunting. Here are some stress-busting moving tips.
Make house hunting a family affair
When children are involved in the process of buying a new home, they may be less resistant to moving because expectations are already set beforehand. Even if you and your spouse are the ones who will ultimately make the final decision, consult the whole family for their individual preferences.
Acknowledge their feelings. It is normal for the family members to feel apprehension about the idea of changing homes. After all, they will be literally plucked out of their comfort zones. Explain why it is better to move and the benefits of the new home for the kids.
Plan ahead
Now that you’ve got your names on the title, the next task is planning for the move. Devote a journal to jot down important details such as expenses, supplies needed, items to keep and dispose and a timeline of activities to ensure that compliance to set targets are within schedule.
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Visit the neighborhood before the big day
Drop by the neighborhood from time to time before moving and get to know your future community. Ask your developer if there are social events where you can join and get acquainted with future neighbors or where your children can meet other kids in the block. At Trava, there will be plenty of opportunities to socialize at the community club house, a green architecture masterpiece that houses a lap pool and kiddie pool.
Because it is located in a city within a park, it is dotted with pocket parks and surrounded by lush greeneries and open spaces where one can commune with nature and get the chance to bump into other residents.
Sticking to routines
People thrive on familiarity. It keeps them grounded despite the seemingly overwhelming changes that are going on. To help lessen the impact of the move, maintain the family’s customary habits and activities before moving and when settling in your new home.
Pack essentials separately and bring them with you
The last thing you need is reopening already packed boxes to look for valuable items such as cell-phone chargers, medicines, daily clothes or toiletries. Store items that the family would immediately need in a carry all luggage and load them last in the family car.
Take a few days off from work
The truth is, no matter how long you have prepared for this, moving is an exhausting affair. Commission the help of relatives and close friends in packing and unpacking. Serve some food and mocktails and make this a party! Apply for a few days off or schedule your vacation leave around your moving day.
Enjoy your new home
Welcome to your new home! It’s time to put your personal stamp to your new place. Buy new furniture and appliances together as a family. Ask kids how they want to decorate their new bedrooms. Let them select the décor and furniture for their own spaces.
Get a new pet or start a garden in your new spacious lawn. Take a walk around your neighborhood and enjoy the beautiful, suburban, nature-rich scenery.
“Let’s stop spreading fake news. We should stop spreading wrong information that cervical cancer immediately means a death sentence – it is
Original article submitted:
“Let’s stop spreading fake news.”
This is the appeal of the panel of doctors and specialists who spearheaded the freshly held health talk on cervical cancer titled #TimeToTalkAboutHPV: A health forum on HPV prevention and cancer control. Organised by the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network of the Philippines (CECAP), together with the Asia & Oceania Federation of Obstetrics & Gynecology (AOFOG), the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), and MSD in the Philippines, the media forum aims to serve as a reminder that cervical cancer is preventable with regular screening tests and the HPV vaccination.
“We should stop spreading wrong information that cervical cancer immediately means a death sentence. We must stop encouraging wrong beliefs about the disease, screening and the vaccine,” patient advocate Carmen Auste appealed to the media.
Cervical cancer is largely preventable through both vaccination and screening for precursor lesions (pap smear at least every three years and HPV DNA testing for women starting age 30), with appropriate follow up and treatment. With access to accurate information, preventive services, and routine gynecological care, most cases of the disease can be prevented and successfully treated at an early stage.
In spite of this, cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most frequent cancer among women in Philippines and the 2nd most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age. Current estimates indicate that every year 7,897 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 4,052 die from the disease.
Cervical cancer develops at the entrance to the uterus from the vagina and around 99 percent of the cases are linked to HPV or human papillomaviruses. Modes of transmission include sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact and rarely, through objects exposed to the virus.
It’s a highly-treatable disease if detected at its early stages. The precancerous stage provides ample window for detection and treatment, and it could take as long as 30 years before it reaches malignancy. However, it is one of the most common type of cancers and common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, affecting mostly young, uneducated women from poor countries.
But more recently, COVID-19 has taken a toll on women’s health as studies have shown a gap in missed routine preventative exams and screening visits. “I think the world has been focused on Covid for the past 2 ½ years and we have overlooked other health concerns,” said Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim, professor and chief of division of infectious and tropical disease in Pediatrics University of UP Manila College of Medicine. “It is only recently when vulnerabilities to vaccine-preventable diseases are being noticed once again.”
Things you need to know about HPV
One life-altering issue that deserves focus is the huge burden that continues to threaten women and men, including teenagers worldwide, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). “HPV is a virus that causes a wide-range of diseases,” said MSD executive director of medical affairs for vaccines and infectious disease Dr. Mel Kohn.
“Apart from cervical cancer, the 2nd leading cancer for Filipinas, HPV can give men head and neck cancer, anal cancer for both sexes and a variety of less common but also devastating kinds of cancers,” he enumerated. Examples are vaginal and vulvar cancers, and penile cancer.
“Genital warts, while it doesn’t kill you, can be quite devastating,” interjected Dr. Kohn. “It is quite common and very difficult to eradicate. Imagine the psychological toll on the patient. Again, prevention is the best approach here.”
HPV is common. It is passed from one person to another during sexual contact. “It’s a quiet epidemic unlike COVID,” he warned. Unlike the measles that have obvious expression, “you don’t immediately see it when you meet somebody but it’s there and has been growing rather insidiously.”
The Philippines has a population of 37.8 million women ages 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. About 2.9% of women in the general population are estimated to harbor cervical HPV-16/18 infection at a given time, and 58.6% of invasive cervical cancers are attributed to HPVs 16 or 18.
Although some of the infections from this commonly occurring virus with more than 100 types usually go away on their own, at least 14 types of HPV have been found to be cancer-causing.
The age indication for HPV vaccines is as young as nine years old to both girls and boys. Teens and young adults through age 26 years who didn’t start or finish the HPV vaccine series also should have HPV vaccination. Women up to age 45 may be eligible for vaccination after discussing with their provider.
According to Dr. Ong-Lim, they are targeting the young ones because of their increased susceptibility to infections.
“That particular age group demonstrates optimal immune response. Also, only two doses are needed to achieve protection,” she shared.
But more importantly, giving the vaccine at a younger age ensures that they are already protected before they become sexually active. “HPV vaccines work best when given before exposure to the virus. We must try to catch that window when the immune system really responds very well to it,” explains Dr. Ong-Lim
Manila Declaration: Call to Action Against Cervical Cancer chair and practicing OP-Gynecologist Dr. Jean AnneToral mentions that the young and adult fertility study done recently, indicates that the average age Filipina women become sexually active is 18.2 years old. “Giving the vaccine at age 9-15 would be beneficial as there is no life event that exactly pinpoints exposure to HPV apart from age of sexual debut,” she said.
There will be seven to eight out of 10 women who would be exposed to HPV at one point in their life, “But not all women will develop cervical cancer,” assures Dr. Toral. The probability of HPV exposure developing into cancer increases if a patient smokes, is exposed to other sexually-transmitted diseases and has HIV.
School-based HPV vaccination
As part of the government’s effort to protect children and adolescents from vaccine-preventable diseases, the Department of Health together with partner agencies, rolls out the School-Based Immunization (SBI) Program.
The SBI Program includes measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria (MR-TD) and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines that are administered to eligible students in public elementary schools. The inclusion of HPV vaccination in the SBI Program aims to protect young women from cervical cancer later in life, among other diseases associated with HPV.
Under the DOH’s SBI Program, HPV vaccination is given to grade 4 based on DOH’s recommended age group to receive the two doses of HPV vaccine, six months apart, for protection against cervical cancer.
Prior to administering the vaccine, parents’ consent must first be obtained by school officials. That is why vaccination education campaigns usually highlight the role of parents in fortifying the health shield of their children through timely vaccination against diseases.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the HPV vaccination, which was formerly delivered through the SBI Program is now being shifted as part of the Community-based Immunization to be able to still deliver HPV vaccination to young girls amidst the pandemic to protect them against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases and cancers.
Towards a cervical cancer-free future
The elimination of cervical cancer has been defined as achieving an incidence rate low enough for the disease to be considered controlled as a public-health problem; this threshold has been defined by the WHO as fewer than 4 cases per 100,000 women per year.
To accomplish this, every country must reach and maintain three key targets, within the lifetime of today’s young generation. The first is for 90 per cent of girls to be fully vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) by the age of 15. The second is to ensure that 70 per cent of women are screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by age 45. The final target is for 90 per cent of women with pre-cancer to receive treatment and for 90 per cent of women with invasive cancer to have their condition properly managed.
Achieving this vision and each of the elimination targets will require a whole-of-society and multisectoral approach to ensure health systems prioritize women and girls. Individuals, families, communities, , civil society, and government agencies at all levels have a role to play in championing greater awareness, education, and social support.
Auste said that the Philippines is among the countries that declared commitment together with WHO to finally eradicate cervical cancer in the country by 2040, and by 2030 worldwide. “There is already one type of cancer that we can delete or ‘block’ like social media,” she humored. “To attain that goal, we must augment HPV vaccine uptake and educate the Filipinos on HPV, vaccines and cancers caused by HPV,” she said.
Auste mentioned SUCCESS ('Scale-up Cervical Cancer Elimination with Secondary prevention Strategy') project as one of the advocacies recently launched in selected barangays. Led by Expertise France and delivered in collaboration with Jhpiego and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in support of WHO, the project aims to deploy innovative solutions to fight cervical cancer in four countries, including the Philippines.
At this critical juncture, we must empower women and rally our neighbors, community leaders, and governments to take action and save thousands of lives. If widespread, high coverage of these interventions can be achieved by 2030 and maintained, research predicts cervical cancer can be eliminated in most countries globally by 2120—avoiding over 63 million deaths of women globally.
Together, let’s commit to women everywhere to end cervical cancer. ###
Cancer kills four Filipinos every hour. But with early diagnosis, and access to quality treatment and care, this disease can be better manag
Original article submitted:
The implications of COVID-19 on the global healthcare sector are immense. People are devouring all available information and realigning household expenses to protect themselves from the disease. With much attention devoted to fighting the virus, many tend to forget that there are other deadly diseases that also deserve equal, if not greater, consideration.
One of the killer diseases that was severely impacted is cancer. The World Health Organization reported that prevention and treatment of non communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer have been severely disrupted globally. [1] Cancer-related services provided by different countries have been partially, if not completely, disrupted.[2]
MSD in the Philippines, through its cancer advocacy campaign Hope From Within (HFW), is taking an initiative to remind the public that cancer does not sleep during these challenging times.
“Cancer remains as one of the greatest healthcare challenges for Filipinos, with its prevalence continuing to increase each year, hence cancer care, most importantly access to quality cancer care should continue to be prioritized,” said (spokesperson).
Tita Hope Talks
If anything, the pandemic has further emphasized the seriousness of cancer because some types of cancers increase a patient’s risk of severe illness and prolonged infection from COVID-19. Those who had recently received treatments are also highly vulnerable to the virus because of weakened immunity.
To help bridge the gap caused by disruption in health services related to cancer, HFW is conducting a series of Cancer Care Access dialogues called Tita Hope Talks. HFW ambassador and broadcast journalist Nina Corpuz, aka TIta Hope, will serve as moderator as key opinion leaders from various sectors share their insights on how to improve cancer care delivery to Filipino patients and their families, and to help them navigate their cancer journey even during the pandemic.
This simplified discussions on cancer will also provide insights on access to quality cancer care, and ways to provide quality of life to and improve overall survival of cancer patients.
There will be four talks scheduled for the entire year; the first symposium will happen on the 19th of May and will focus on access to information on the disease.
Cancer Survey
MSD Philippines commissioned IQVIA, which provides support services for pharmaceutical, biotech and medical companies, to conduct an online survey that measures the Filipinos’ level of understanding on the disease - including attitudes towards testing, treatment and access. A total of 1,000 participants from different age groups representing various socio-economic levels and regions responded to the survey.
The study revealed that 2 out of 5 Filipinos have personal experiences with cancer either as patients or through family, friends or colleagues diagnosed with the disease. The magnitude of the disease highlights the importance of sharing responsibility between the government and the entire health stakeholder community in carrying the burden of cancer.
The Cancer Survey can be used at national level to monitor awareness over time, compare awareness and attitudes between groups, identify information needs, and monitor the impact of awareness-raising interventions.
IQVIA Asia Pacific general manager for Philippines Mylene Rodriguez will discuss the results and its significance to drafting national and local health policies as one of the speakers in the first Tita Hope Talks.
Financial burdens of cancer
Cancer is an expensive disease. Some families just cannot afford the high levels of out-of-pocket expenditures.
Creating a financial plan may help reduce stress and unnecessary expenditures. Patients and carers are advised early on to gather necessary and helpful information on medical and financial access options. In the Philippines, patients can seek assistance from various government agencies, charity organisations and social programs such as Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO),PhilHealth and Malasakit Program.
The overwhelming costs associated with cancer as well as recommended funding sources will be tackled by UP-PGH director Gerardo Legaspi.
Cancer Game Plan Report
The enactment of landmark legislation National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) is a game changer for Filipino cancer patients and families. Key provisions under the law include the creation of Philippine Cancer Center, a Cancer Assistance Fund and the National Integrated Cancer Control Council, in charge of policy making, planning and coordinating body on cancer control, headed by the Secretary of Health.
The act addresses gaps in cancer care including access to affordable cancer treatments. There is now a wider range of treatment options available as indicated in the Cancer Game Plan Report, a health impact projection model or research that uses local data sets to project cancer outcomes and reveal potential benefits of innovative treatment options.
Commissioned by MSD Philippines in partnership with Dra. Madeleine Valera, MD, MScIH and former Undersecretary of Health, and medical oncologist Dr. Gerardo Cornelio of St. Luke’s Medical Center, the report indicates that innovative treatments such as immunotherapy is expected to bring new hope for select cancer patients as it can help them to further enjoy added years to their life, progression-free life years, quality-adjusted life years, and overall improved health gains between five- and ten-fold.
The funding support included in the provisions of NICCA is crucial to enabling accessibility to innovative treatment options that may be costly.
Dr. Valera herself will discuss this vital aspect of cancer care along with Philippine Society of Medical Oncology president Dr. Bill Ramos, who will share the group’s position on the proper funding and implementation of the National Integrated Cancer.
Sharing the cancer journey
HFW ambassador and veteran actress Susan Africa also joins the Tita Hope Talks panel to discuss her personal journey as a cancer carer for her late husband Spanky Manikan.
Carers play a critical role in the healing journey of a patient. Although their journey may be different from that of a patient, it is still fraught with challenges. It can be a financially, emotionally and mentally taxing job; and those who have personally experienced this duty are the best source of information as well as inspiration to those who are treading the same path.
While the country has achieved great strides in battling cancer, there are still areas that could benefit from further development. Cancer remains as one of the leading causes of mortality in the country, and this continuously growing epidemic necessitates sustained campaigns that help ease cancer burden among Filipinos.
Advocacy campaigns such as MSD’s HFW seeks to expand accessibility to more treatment options and quality cancer care for all Filipinos across class segments through provision of information and calls for increased multi-sectoral support including implementation and funding from NICCA.
To know more about Tita Hope Talks , you may visit Hope From Within website at https://hopefromwithin.org/, and their official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Hopefromwithinph. ###
[1] COVID-19 significantly impacts health services for noncommunicable diseases. June 1, 2020. https://www.who.int/news/item/01-06-2020-covid-19-significantly-impacts-health-services-for-noncommunicable-diseases.
[2] Impact of COVID-19 on cancer care has been ‘profound’, warns UN health agency. February 2, 2021. https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/02/1083552.
Asia Oceania lead to the way to cervical cancer-free region
Asia Oceania lead the way to cervical cancer-free 2040
With significant global attention currently focused on how to deal with COVID-19, other health concerns have taken a backseat due to financial issues and fears of contracting the virus during wellness checkups.[1] A recent survey done in UK shows women are delaying their cervical cancer screening appointments to minimise their exposure or prevent other people from being exposed to the virus.[2]
In the Philippines, uterine cervix cancer ranks second as the leading prevalent type of cancer among women.[3] To defer essential screening and preemptive health actions in high-burden settings is not advisable. It may lead to an increase in the incidence of morbidity and mortality among women by an otherwise preventable and treatable disease.
Hence, this year’s HPV Summit aims to highlight the importance of continuously pursuing the global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer despite the current coronavirus pandemic. The momentum gained from previous efforts must be maintained to achieve the Department of Health’s (DOH) thrust for a cervical cancer-free Philippines by 2040.
Cervical cancer incidence
Cervical cancer develops at the entrance to the uterus from the vagina and around 99 percent of the cases are linked to HPV or human papillomaviruses. Modes of transmission include sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact and rarely, through objects exposed to the virus.
It’s a preventive and highly-treatable disease if detected at its early stages. The precancerous stage provides ample window for detection and treatment, and it could take as long as 30 years before it reaches malignancy. However, it is one of the most common type of cancers and common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, affecting mostly young, uneducated women from poor countries.
The Philippines records more than 7,000 incidences and more than 4,000 deaths a year. To achieve the goal of less than 4 cases per 100,00 women by 2040, a holistic approach is vital and this includes HPV vaccination, screening and treatment of pre-invasive disease, treatment of invasive cervical cancer, and symptom management and palliative care.
Vaccine is still considered one of the most optimal strategies in fighting HPV, with its highly favorable benefits and very minimal side effects. [4]Regular screening is also highly recommended to detect pre-cancerous lesions caused by types of HPV not covered by present vaccines and also to protect unvaccinated women from areas where coverage is low[5].
Cervical cancer-free world
In 2018 World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made a global call for action on cervical cancer elimination. A draft global strategy was created which outlined a list of targets by 2030 and anchored on the three main pillars of prevent, screen, and treat.
The Philippines answered the call by outlining its own roadmap and strategies which shall be achieved through multisectoral partnerships and to be supported by healthcare legislations such as the Universal Health Care Act (RA No. 11223) and National Integrated Cancer Control Act (RA No. 11215). Medical societies in the country joined multiple stakeholders across Asia Oceania in pledging their commitment to achieve worldwide health goals during the AOFOG Manila Declaration: a Call to Action Against Cervical Cancer event held last year.
About the event
The annual HPV Summit, which commenced in 2012, is a gathering of healthcare professionals, medical societies, patient groups, and policymakers to discuss key developments and strategies in the road to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem.
In line with current health restrictions that discourage in-person mass gatherings, the 9th run of the summit adapts to the “new normal” by going livestream for the first time. Dubbed LEAD, the maiden virtual convention will be attended by more than 5,000 participants across Asia and Oceania region to reiterate their commitment in improving the lives of millions of women through protection from HPV.
Divided into four sessions, the first session takes on the theme Leveraging on Asia Oceania’s Commitment for Cervical Cancer Elimination on the Network Collaborators Crusade Program. Speakers from medical societies here and across the region will harp on previous declarations and pledges to the advocacy while DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III will provide insights on the country’s standing on the roadmap to cervical cancer elimination.
The summit is an annual collaborative effort among various medical societies including Asia & Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AOFOG), Philippine Society for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (PSCPC), Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines (SGOP), PSCPC, Asia-Oceania Research Organisation in Genital Infection and Neoplasia (AOGIN), Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inc. (PIDSOG); Patient Advocacy Groups: Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations, Cancer Coalition, I Live, Cancer Warriors, Kabalikat, JRMMC (Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center), UP PGH Survivor Group, Women First and in partnership with Healthcare Technology Association of the Philippines and MSD Philippines. ###
[1] Americans are putting off medical care due to coronavirus fears — but there have been consequences. May 28, 2020. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/americans-are-putting-off-medical-care-due-to-coronavirus-fears-but-there-have-been-consequences-2020-05-27.
[2] Women put off cervical screening during COVID-19 pandemic. June 17, 2020. https://rcni.com/cancer-nursing-practice/newsroom/news/women-put-cervical-screening-during-covid-19-pandemic-162126.
[4] 8th HPV Summit enforces critical ‘GOALS’ towards an HPV-free Philippines. Previous press release.
[5] Screening as well as vaccination is essential in the fight against cervical cancer. https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/cancers/fight-cervical-cancer/en/
For many coffee-lovers, the highlight of the day is drinking their favorite cup of brew. But sipping that glorious cup of espresso is actually anti-climactic compared to a coffee bean’s extra…
CEMEX Holdings PH takes pride in safe, digital culture
Construction activities in the country were halted when enhanced community quarantine protocols were put into place earlier this year, affec
Construction activities in the country were halted when enhanced community quarantine protocols were put into place earlier this year, affecting large scale operations and businesses. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine government announced a robust pipeline of infrastructure projects for 2020 under the Build, Build, Build program. The program included building various infrastructures to aid economic growth: airports, roads, bridges, highways, ports, and others. Even these had to be put on hold.
But with the easing of restrictions, and with public and private construction projects being allowed under general community quarantine to reopen the economy, many infrastructure works have resumed. The reactivation of these projects plays an important role in the economic recovery of the Philippines.
Safety First
Cement manufacturer CEMEX Holdings Philippines carefully studied the new and complex requirements that the pandemic has presented, and the company armed itself well enough.
As a global organization, CEMEX puts health and safety as top priority. The company proactively adapts strict health and safety protocols even prior to the pandemic. As operations transitions into the ‘new normal’, more than 50 safety protocols in line with the World Health Organization standards, were added to further strengthen these initiatives.
“Our number one priority is the health and safety of our employees, clients, suppliers and communities. It has been for many years,” said CEMEX Philippines President & CEO Ignacio Mijares. With the current pandemic, health and safety have not just been priorities, but have become the driving force for continuity. “We know that before anything else, we must care for our employees, our clients and our communities. Our employees understand that our clients’ wins are their wins, too, so with their help, we can continue being able to contribute to the success of the clients we serve. It is then a must that we keep them safe and healthy at all times,” he added.
CEMEX, in addition to government guidelines, added vital measures to its already existing stringent protocols to help mitigate the spread of the virus. In these past months, the company made proactive steps in reinforcing workplace safety, minimizing human-to-human contact, supplementing personal equipment for employees, creating thorough sanitary stations, and executing more frequent disinfection of its sites, facilities and vehicles.
The company also implemented its Behaviors that Save Lives campaign which includes regular temperature readings, frequent washing of hands, wearing of face masks and PPEs, two-meter physical distancing, proper respiratory hygiene, among others. CEMEX actively enjoins the entire workforce to adhere to these for the protection and well-being of the company and the people it serves.
Leveraging Digitization
Even while securing its internal workforce, CEMEX’s service of the construction industry never wavers. With the new normal becoming a large factor in today’s business operations, and with digitization leading the fore, CEMEX’s digital arm CEMEX Go has proven to be an asset.
Since its launch in the Philippines in October 2018, CEMEX Go has enabled easy, hassle-free, and contactless ordering, billing, and real-time tracking. During these extraordinary times, CEMEX Go continues to support the industry by enabling digital construction solutions to allow low-touch ordering, billing, and tracking of essential construction supplies to help the continuation of building projects.
By enabling these orders and providing for its partners and clients, CEMEX makes good with its commitment to provide sustainable infrastructure for a better Philippines. The company’s continued production and operations of quality concrete have also enabled the resumption of livelihood for Filipinos who need it the most during these times.
Country above all
CEMEX stays positive and keeps its eye on meeting its goals. With a protected and empowered workforce, a robust digital asset, and an optimistic outlook, the cement company continues to show its resilient commitment to build for a better Philippines.
Although CEMEX Philippines’ CEO Ignacio Mijares stated that the end of the pandemic is still uncertain, the company’s dedication to build the economy during the new normal remains strong. “We are committed to the future of the Philippines and we will be sure to continue to provide the highest quality cement to build this country,” he stated.
CEMEX has a rich history of improving the welfare of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future in more than 50 countries worldwide. In the Philippines, CEMEX subsidiaries Apo Cement Corporation in Cebu and Solid Cement Corporation in Rizal produce and market a broad product mix of building solutions. These cement manufacturing plants carry the well-established cement brands Apo and Rizal. More information is available at www.cemexholdingsphilippines.com.
Greenfield invests in green architecture down south
The Philippine Star18 Mar 2019
Eco-friendly lifestyle: Trava’s concept houses are designed with nature in mind.
Green architecture is the real estate industry’s contribution to help preserve the Earth’s resources. From forest cities to eco-friendly homes, it is not only a passing trend but a definite future in property development. Once again, developer Greenfield Development Corporation has unveiled several groundbreaking projects that demonstrate that luxury can thrive with genuine care for nature.
One of these is Trava in Greenfield City, a 400-hectare eco-friendly township located in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna — the new growth center south of Metro Manila. Through its new upscale brand Greenfield Deluxe, this ultra-luxe community is touted as the benchmark for future residential developments in the nature-rich locale as it points the way to where the property sector’s future is headed —towards sustainable practices that will reduce impact to the environment to secure the future of later generations.
“The green architecture movement is here to stay,” said general manager and executive vice president Atty. Duane A.X. Santos. “It’s taking root in our country and Greenfield is one of the property development companies that is on the forefront of this evolution.”
He added that “We can no longer afford the high price of climate change and the destruction of our environment. But while sustainable living entails a hefty investment, its long-term benefits outweigh the costs.”
This high-end project, which has been designed to blend with the natural topography of the location, marries lavish suburban living with sustainable designs. Some of its prominent features include gateless homes and underground utilities that further enhance curb appeal and create more streamlined roads. Furthermore, underground utilities minimize transmission loss, are more protected from extreme weather conditions, and promote wellness by emitting lower amounts of magnetic fields.
Trava concept homes are designed with sustainable materials like low-emissivity glass, which minimizes the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light coming in. Roofs are also solar panel-ready, and engineered wood and low VOC paint (odorless paint) are used for the houses.
The project’s tree-lined roads provide natural shade during hot weather as well as reflect the manicured landscape and verdant parks, all of which are hallmark features of the Greenfield brand: 45 percent of the entire property is devoted to open spaces and greenery so residents are virtually surrounded by nature whatever part of the private village they happen to be.
As with other Greenfield developments, this eco-friendly community also showcases a selection of top-drawer amenities, including a solarpowered grand clubhouse.
Trava sits on Greenfield City’s 400-hectare of self-sustaining network of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational communities. Nestled in the laidback yet progressive city of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, it is perfect for raising families or simply enjoying a comfortable and convenient yet sustainable lifestyle.
Greenfield City is accessible to and from Manila and CALABARZON provinces via the Sta. Rosa Interchange and Eton-Greenfield Exit. Another route, the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), is currently under construction and it is expected to add ease of access to this destination. CALAX is a controlled-access highway envisioned to enable efficient transportation to the Cavite and Laguna eco-zones, reduce traffic congestion, and improve the competitiveness of CALABARZON provinces.
Superbugs or antibiotic-resistant pathogens have already been in existence many years back. British physician Lindsey Batten and penicillin discoverer Alexander Fleming have even prophesied about it more than half a century ago.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a growing global challenge that seriously undermines public healthcare. It unnecessarily prolongs infections, leading to increase in deaths. AMR also inflates healthcare costs, which is a heavy burden for resource-limited countries such as the Philippines.
To address the serious healthcare problem caused by AMR, the government has signed an Administrative Order to combat AMR in the country. For its part, the Department of Health (DOH) rolled out the Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) program through the Philippine Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance: One Health Approach, which it spearheaded through the Inter-Agency Committee on AMR (ICAMR).
The AMS program is targeted to bring the strategic framework and advocacy to fight antimicrobial resistance closer to healthcare professionals and the general public.
Early this year, AMR was once again highlighted as a serious threat when it was observed on the severe burn victims in the Cavite factory fire. Three victims who suffered 70 to 80-percent burn in the body were infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the pathogenic bacteria listed by WHO as highly-resistant to most types of antibiotics.
Dr. Loreta Z. De Jesus, internal medicine and infectious diseases practitioner, recounts, “We already administered a wide range of drugs, even the expensive and potent brands. Some managed to work temporarily, but the pathogens eventually developed resistance.”
Ceftolozane-tazobactam, a new drug initially indicated for treatment of complicated urinary tract and complicated intraabdominal infections, was given as a last resort. The patients responded favorably and were discharged eventually.
WHO has been urging research and development teams to create new antibiotics to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. It published a list of bacteria for which new antibiotics are urgently needed. According to its news release, “These bacteria have built-in abilities to find new ways to resist treatment and can pass along genetic material that allows other bacteria to become drugresistant as well.”
The list is classified into three priority groups, from critical to high and medium. The critical priority class is commonly present in healthcare facilities and the culprit behind severe bloodstream infections and pneumonia. Pseudomonas, along with various Enterobacteriaceae (like the common E.coli) are included in the critical list of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
In the local arena, DOH pinpointed effective collaboration among various stakeholders as keys to success in handling AMR in the country.
Dr. De Jesus affirms that the industry badly needs fresh treatment options to address the problem of antimicrobial resistance.
So you want to engage in a franchise business. Venturing into entrepreneurship is not as easy as it sounds. But if you think you are ready t
So you want to engage in a franchise business.
Venturing into entrepreneurship is not as easy as it sounds. But if you think you are ready to experience being your own boss, have a look at the following things to consider before going into franchise business.
Know your passion.
Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) president Richard Sanz cautioned that it is hard to do business purely on profit. Even British conglomerate Virgin Group Ltd’s founder Richard Branson said something similar: when the prime motivation in launching a business is just money, it is bound to fail.
Passion is your love, your will and determination to succeed. It will push you to learn skills that may not be to your liking, but critical for boosting your business. Passion is contagious. Your people will imbibe that zest, helping you achieve your goals.
On the other hand, if there is no passion it’s easier to give up or just abandon what you have started during hard times.
Franchising is not a walk in the park
Like any kind of business, franchising requires the owner’s time, attention and effort. Some franchisors even stipulate in the contract that the franchisee devote a certain amount of time to be physically present in the store.
Sanz says many people have this misconception that a franchise business can run on its own. They think it will make money automatically and that there is no stress involved.
Running your own business can be taxing and frustrating. Experts warn against jumping into the entrepreneurial bandwagon just because you are getting burnt out from employment, hated doing overtime or do not get along with your team. You will certainly experience plenty of struggles, especially at the beginning stages, and perhaps worse than the difficulties of working for a company. Expect the worst but keep your eye on the prize – a profitable franchise business of your own.
Location matters…greatly
Sanz explained that the biggest factor for success is still location. Nobody wants to do trade in a place with minimal human traffic or where the market is oversaturated with the same brand or type of business. Your product or service should get an extensive exposure to potential customers, particularly your target market. If you have a specific location in mind, conduct a feasibility study first. Some franchisors offer assistance in doing a scientific-based site evaluation. Other times, the franchise applicant may have to execute the task himself or hire an expert on this. It is advisable that the target location is near or accessible from the place of residence of the franchisee so that he can easily devote time to his business.
Franchising is all about synergy
Sanz described the franchising relationship as a combination of the know-how, experience and successful business model of the franchisor matched with the energy, passion, creativeness, time and attention, and the financial resources of franchisee.
Simply put, it is not a one-sided affair. Many ventures fail because of the franchisee’s over-reliance to the system and not exerting any effort to run the business.
You are in a business for yourself but not by yourself
The risks are higher in a start-up business because you have to do everything from scratch. According to www.entreprenuer.com, about 25 percent of startup businesses fail within their first year, 50 percent of the remaining fail within five years and approximately 30 percent of the remaining last ten years.
Unlike in franchising, you work with a proven system that has achieved success and you just have to replicate it. Depending on the agreement, franchisors also provide an array of support ranging from Marketing, supply chain to manpower training.
Establishing a good relationship with your franchisor
Franchising is like a marriage, says Sanz. It is more than a contract but a sharing of same values. It is critical that the franchisor and franchisee are aligned in terms of vision for the next 3 to 5 years, depending on the duration of the contract.
Due diligence is a must
Do not take things at face value. You are not throwing away a small amount of money here. Find out if there is a demand for a particular product or service, much more if you are franchising a foreign brand. What may be popular abroad does not immediately translate to demand in our country. Include the franchisor’s track record and if possible, financial history in your background check.
Manage your ROI expectations
The general rule is that a franchise investment worth below Php1 Million will begin to see returns to their invested capital by about 18 months of operations. Those worth between Php1 to 5 Million such as mid-range salons and laundry shops will see results after 2 to 2 ½ years. A franchise worth P5 Million and above like a popular fastfood chain should wait until 3 to 5 years.
On hiring professional help
You cannot do everything alone. Sometimes you have to tap a specialist to perform necessary tasks that are beyond your capabilities. Hire an accountant to keep your finances in order or an external consultant to conduct a feasibility study when deciding on an ideal location for your business.
Attend franchise expos
Consider all options before deciding on what brand to franchise. You can do that by physically visiting a store, doing an online research or even better, by participating in franchise expos such as Franchise Asia.
The 4-in-1 biggest franchise show in Asia is an annual exposition staged by the PFA, the country’s pioneer franchise association. This year’s theme is Growing Businesses, Building Legacies with venue at SMX Convention Center on March 27 to 28, 2019.
On March 29 to 31, it will also feature a three-day international expo that is a one-stop shop of franchise and other investment opportunities from home-grown and foreign concepts. At the same time, it will hold a business matching and networking sessions with education seminars.
Lastly, there will be a two-day Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) Program to help professionalize the Philippine franchise sector and help sustain efforts in raising the global competitiveness of Philippine franchising on March 25 to 26. This will be held at the Asian Institute of Management at Makati City.
For details about the event visit www.pfa.org.ph, www.franchiseasiaph.com or www.facebook.com/franchiseasiaph. Those who want to visit the Expo may register online to get a free pass. For inquiries, contact the PFA Secretariat at (632) 687-0365 to 67 or email [email protected].###
Lily’s Peanut Butter Salutes Millennial Moms By Sharon R. Martin
To say millennial moms are a unique breed is barely skimming the multi-layered character of this new generation of mothers. They’re strong, independent, highly-involved in childcare but stop short of being helicopter parents, and most notably, they are very tech-savvy. That’s because they were born at a time when information age is just brewing and when the Internet exploded, they adapted swiftly and integrated it into their everyday lives.
With information literally in the palms of their hands, millennial mothers enjoy something that most of their predecessors did not: a lot of choices. Whether it’s about having a career or not, buying a certain product, availing services or educating themselves on copious childcare topics, these modern moms have more options as they are immensely connected to social media.
“Millennial Moms have the advantage of being parents in the age of digital connectivity which helps them become well-rounded multitaskers,” observed Jennifer Liza, brand manager for Lily’s Peanut Butter.
Jennifer Liza, brand manager for Lily’s Peanut Butter, explained how millennial moms are well-rounded multitaskers because of digital connectivity, and their dynamism is something that Lily’s share because of the brand’s commitment to be mothers’ ally in the kitchen in creating fabulous meals for the family.
“They are more hands-on, well-informed and health conscious when it comes to preparing meals for their families,” she added.
These innate traits of millennial mothers resonate strongly with Lily’s, the brand known for the sweet and creamy peanut butter spread that Filipinos love. Because just like modern Moms, Lily’s has greatly evolved as well. It started out as the first natural peanut butter in the market and eventually grew to become a globally-competitive product that adheres to international food standards.
What’s more, Lily’s has expanded its product lines to include diverse flavors to give mothers more choices for the whole family. There’s Lily’s Peanut Butter Crunchy which has real peanut bits for that unique texture. Lily’s Coco Jam is made from fresh coconut milk and brown sugar slow-cooked the traditional way, while Lily’s Chocolate Peanut Buttercombines the indulgence of chocolate with good old Lily’s classic peanut butter.
Lily’s also introduced a way for their market to enjoy peanut butter minus the guilt but without compromising its flavor. Lily’s Peanut Spread Lite is sweetened with all-natural Stevia extract, allowing consumers with dietary restrictions to enjoy the same yummy taste. “This is our second most saleable variant,” revealed Liza.
Representatives of Newborn Food Products Inc., the producer and distributor of Lily’s, graced the “Fab Meals and Fam Memories” event that celebrated modern moms with fun activities for both moms and their kids. Photo shows [from left to right] Marinelle Nicol, Lily’s Assistant Brand Manager, Christine Pua-Ozaeta, Lily’s Vice President for Operations, event host Nina Corpuz, Jennifer Liza, Lily’s Brand Manager, and Arthur Foz, Lily’s Deputy Operations Manager.
As a treat and tribute to the distinctive sense and style of millennial Moms, Lily’s recently threw a picnic party for selected Mommy bloggers and friends from the media. The activity-filled afternoon showcased fun activities that were cohesive with the spirit of today’s mothers – bento box contest using Lily’s range of spreads, giant jenga with a twist because players must share truthful views on motherhood, and in the Spread-uler contest, Moms must create their best meal and activity plan for the week.
Moms together with their children relax, enjoy, and get to know each other at the picnic party hosted by Lily’s.
Liza shared that this event is the brand’s way of reaching out to modern moms. “We want them to know that we are here. We’ve been part of Filipino meals for over 68 years and we would like to be part of their daily offerings for their own families,” she said.
Just as this unique generation of mothers have made a big mark in the world, Lily’s wants to forge an indelible impression that they can be an ally and a reliable partner in creating fabulous meals and wonderful memories with modern moms.
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