#LetsBeReal, Filipina Mothers

We’ve all been told that breastfeeding’s best for babies; but why are less than half of Filipina mothers opting for exclusive breastfeeding?

Reality bites, and in fact, recent figures released by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI-DOST) say that breastfeeding rates are at 47 percent and more alarmingly, there are actually areas in the country that have breastfeeding rates of only 27 percent. That’s 7 out of 10 mothers who opt for infant formulas and other artificial milk substitutes.

Beauty, Brains and Breastfeeding together with UNICEF are looking to shift this mindset. “Filipina mothers aren’t keeping it real and we want to help change that,” says Iza Abeja, Executive Director of Beauty, Brains & Breastfeeding.

Nurture Run

In keeping with the thrust to promote, support and protect the rights of the breastfeeding mother and child, BBB is organizing the Nurture Run, one of the biggest breastfeeding awareness initiatives in the country to date. More than 10,000 runners and breastfeeding advocates are expected to join Nurture Run.

Iza also shares that proceeds of the Nurture Run will go to mobilizing skilled counselors, sustaining mommy groups and organizing breastfeeding awareness activities as well as supporting Milk Banks through Milk Letting Days. “All these initiatives will be carried out in strategic areas in the country specifically in disaster prone provinces,” notes Iza. “As the recent disasters in Tacloban, Bohol and Zamboanga have taught us, breastmilk can save lives.”

The Nurture Run is set on April 13, 2014 Sunday from 5:30 am to 10:00 am at the Quezon Memorial Circle. It covers 3km and 5km options with race kits costing PHP 450.00 inclusive of the race bib and Nurture Run shirt. The event is co-presented by UNICEF, International Labour Organization (ILO), National Nutrition Cluster group for Haiyan/Yolanda and Department of Health (DOH) in coordination with venue-host the Quezon City Government.

“Our children deserve the most genuine form of care and nutrition they can get. Support breastfeeding and help us spread the word by joining the ‘Nurture Run.’”

About UNICEF UNICEF is an agency of the United Nations devoted to serving the world’s children. UNICEF began providing assistance to the Philippines in November 1948. Since then, they have been partners with the Philippine government in protecting Filipino children.

UNICEF Philippines has more than 60 people working to promote and protect the rights of children. They aim to provide the best quality of life for every Filipino child through programmes that help them survive and flourish.

About Beauty, Brains and Breastfeeding

Beauty, Brains & Breastfeeding was established and registered at SEC in 2006. It aims to bring back the breastfeeding culture in the country and elevate the stature of breastfeeding and eradicate the misconception that breastfeeding is only for those who can’t afford formula milk.

In recent years, BBB has not only participated in the promotion of breastfeeding. We have also taken part giving support to mothers. Providing free breastfeeding counseling at evacuation areas and informal settlers vulnerable of displacements in times of calamities BBB is also an active lobbyist when it comes to the protection and implementation of legislations promoting breastfeeding.

For updates and more information:

Like us on www.facebook.com/beautybrainsandbreastfeeding

Follow us on www.twitter.com/womenbreastfeed

Visit us at www.beautybrainsandbreastfeeding.com and www.nurturerun.com

#DearFutureMom: Your Child Will Be Happy

“What kind of life will my child have?”

A scared mom-to-be wrote to CoorDown (Coordinator of the National Association of People with Down Syndrome) when she learned she was expecting a child with Down syndrome. The organization, in collaboration with Saatchi & Saatchi Italy, responded by creating this #DearFutureMom campaign:


World Down Syndrome Day takes place on March 21st. Help spread the important message behind Dear Future Mom to help advocate the right to happiness and well-being of people with Down syndrome.

Official Hashtag: #DearFutureMom

 Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju-q4OnBtNU

Why Be a Lifeline?

On the windblown stretches of rural areas across the bustling streets of the metropolis, unreturned, startling requests are made by illness-ridden Filipinos everyday who wish to continue living their lives.

For a major cluster of these people, the answer would be a new heart, a new pair of kidneys or a new set of eyes. However, obtaining such solution are far harder than merely enumerating them, as the scope of most Filipinos' heartbreak is captured by facts showing that throughout the Philippines, a significant number of people are currently in line for possible organ matches, and last year almost 10% individuals died waiting.

These disquieting statistics have haunted awaiting recipients and their families alike given that organ donations and transplantations have long  been in place in the country, both still remain unacceptable for many. The reasons behind why organ donors have been dismally low stretch far and wide-ranging from the social plague of human trafficking to sensitive topics concerning religion to emotions of deep family ties intrinsic to Filipinos.


What really does organ donation entail?

"The statistics for organ donation and transplantation in the country, albeit saddening, are not surprising. Because, after all, how can families even find room to think of such options when someone they love, with a beating heart and still warm to touch has just been declared brain dead?" shares Dr. Antonio Paraiso, Program Manager of the DOH-Philippine Network for Organ Sharing and Founder of the Human Organ Preservation Effort (H.O.P.E)

Dr. Antonio Paraiso, Program Manager of the DOH-Philippine Network for Organ Sharing and Founder of the Human Organ Preservation Effort (H.O.P.E) during the press conference at  Romulo Cafe yesterday, February 20, 2014.

People who would put their feet into the shoes of those who have chose to say no to organ donation would understand how it isn't anyone's idea of comfort, especially in such time of grief. "However, what we are continuing to advocate is the very essence of breathing life to losses--of carrying on with their stories by being lifeline to others," says Paraiso. "Organ donors are referred to as lifeline because just one can let up to 50 people who were once captives of organ failure, see, walk, breeze through life again."

Unlike countries such as Spain, Singapore and Denmark where all citizens are considered as lifeline unless one declares disagreement, the reverse holds true in the Philippines where consent is needed before one can donate organs. A deeper understanding of Republic Act No.7170 or the Organ Donation Act of 1991 would shed light to the weight of what being a lifeline details.

Any individual at time of brain death, through the consent of the immediate family (spouse, sibling, child, parent, or guardian), may become an organ donor and allow the harvesting of all any part of his/her body for donation. However, any individual who has signed an Official Organ Donor Card while living, will at time of brain death, be considered a citizen who has left a legacy".  On top of this, any individual with an Official Organ Donor Card automatically becomes a priority recipient candidate should he/she be the one who would require an organ  transplant throughout the course of his/her life.


More than ticking a box.

In this light, the Department of Health (DOH) and its partner organizations aim to continue the advocacy and awareness of organ donation as it pushes for the Philippine Organ Donor and Recipient Registry System.

More than just building a national registry or organ donors, the organizations have placed their bids to break two Guinness World records of "Most People to Sign up as Organ Donor" for One (1) Hour Single Site and Eight (8) Hours Single Site. On top of this, the Philippines has been given the green light to establish new records for the One (1) and Eight (8) Hours Multiple Sites--making it a national campaign.

This is set to happen this February 28, 2014 at six sites: Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Track & Field, Sta. Mesa Manila and Quezon City Circle, Quezon City in the National Capital Region (NCR); RTMC, San Fernando City, La Union, L. Mamba Gym, Tuguegarao City in Cagayan; JMR Coliseum, Naga City in Camarines Sur; and Almendra's Gym, Davao City in Davao del Sur. The event will officially start at 9-10AM for the one-hour category and at 9AM-5PM for the eight-hour category. This event is targeted to break India's 2013 records of having 2,755 pledged organ donors in a single site in one hour and 10,450 pledged organ donors in a single site spanning eight hours.

Registrants will be allowed to consent donations of vital organs including kidneys, lungs, heart, liver and pancreas, and even tissues such as corneas, bones and skin. "With high hopes, this attempt to break the Guinness World records will help expedite positive awareness about organ donations in the country," states Paraiso. "By securing their stand as lifelines, every pledge garnered on this day will be regarded as a legacy. People will live on. A new heart can begin pumping for another, a pair of lungs can take breaths for more, and all other organs can start changing  the lives of many.

 

i'm a LifeLine

(Press Release)

Bo’s Coffee Supports its Homegrown Roots

 

"One Heavily Caffeinated Blogger."  That says it all,  right there on my side bar.   I always blog about my love for coffee.   You ask?  How do I start my day?   COFFEE!  What about  having a cup of coffee everyday  and  at same time  supporting  an  advocacy,  promoting homegrown coffee and supporting our local farmers.     

At 2pm yesterday, upon the invitation of Bo's Coffee,  we headed Glorietta 5 for launch of  their new branch with a different concept.   It was actually an informal event  where Mr. Steve Benitez, Bo's Coffee CEO,  shared his passion and his advocacy in promoting homegrown coffee and discussed all things about it and the many exciting changes for this proudly Filipino brand.  
  

Upon entering the coffee shop, I already felt at home with the baristas warm way of welcoming the guests.  Local products such as   Sagada Coffee Gelato, Coffee Origin Tumblers featuring handwoven fabrics from different regions of the Philippines reflects the  new store look  and with  its local accents such as  Kenneth Cobonpue lamps.

 

These are just some of the things that Bo’s Coffee is excited to share with coffee lovers in Manila with the opening of  its Glorietta 5 concept store.

As an avid supporter of Homegrown coffee, culture, and talent, this proudly Homegrown brand aims to not just provide customers with a distinctive and fresh new experience, but also to encourage everyone to see the value and beauty of homegrown products.

 


"Our Glorietta 5 branch redefines the local coffee experience,”  Mr. Benitez said.   “We showcase the best of what the country has to offer, from Theo & Philo’s artisan chocolates, to social enterprise merchandise, to our very own Philippine Coffee Origins Arabica beans.”

 

Given its aim to support and preserve local culture, Bo’s Coffee has been working with its social enterprise partners in order to provide more opportunities for young entrepreneurs and the various communities they are helping. Their partnership with ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, in particular, has enabled customers to learn more about the distinctive fabric patterns from areas such as Sagada, Benguet, Mt. Matutum, Mt. Kitanglad, and Mt. Apo. Having been created by artisan weavers, these fabrics are currently featured on Bo’s Coffee’s tumblers and luggage tags.

In addition to this, Gawad Kalinga – Enchanted Farm’s (GK-EF) Bayani Brew Filipino Iced Tea and local artisan chocolate brand Theo & Philo are now also being offered in selected branches.

A lot of changes are happening at Bo’s Coffee, and as the months progress, one can be certain that social procurement and the passion for all things homegrown will remain an integral part in their plans. “We our embracing our Homegrown identity,” says Benitez.

“We want customers to feel at home in our stores and be reminded of the beauty of our culture and heritage. We are also looking forward to partnering with more social enterprises to create an even bigger impact among the different communities in the Philippines.”


More photos at the event.

And we are part of this advocacy to promote  homegrown coffee and  help  our  local coffee farmers.

For more information about Bo’s Coffee, visit www.boscoffee.com.

Advocacy: Public awareness on hearing Impairment, prevention and rehabilitation

Today, November 20, 2013 at Thai Bistro,  Deaf Awareness Week was  held which was  attended by different groups of media, educators, service providers, parents and  individuals to raise awareness on hearing impairment.  In November 8, 1991, the late president Corazon Aquino signed Proclamation No. 829 declaring second week of November of every year as Deaf Awareness Week (DAW) recognizing the need to focus on public awareness on hearing impairment, its prevention and rehabilitation. The celebration of  the said advocacy will center on the vision of transforming the hearing impaired community as immutable force in the society.

This year, Better Hearing Philippines, St. Luke's Medical Center, Qc, UST McAudio Department, in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline held a Medical Mission in Brgy Dona Imelda Quezon City.

Part of the advocacy in promoting preventive and treatment measures means addressing the problem of ear and hearing. At the event, Dr. Gretchen Navarro-Locsin, a Pediatric Otorhinolaryngologist said, "Protecting children through breastfeeding, adequate nutrition, frequent hand washing, avoidance of tobacco smoke and vaccination can go a long way towards ensuring that your child hears the world through clear ears."

A mother with her child who is suffering from hearing loss and speech difficulty gave an inspirational message to all. 

Bloggers, individuals signed up for commitment of the advocacy

Preparing to release the balloons as a symbol of  commitment

The balloons were released into the sunny sky, a symbol of commitment for public awareness on this year's Deaf Awareness Week. 

Pinoy Kids Activate New Movement for Kid Empowerment

Filipino kids are on the move to change the world as Tang Philippines intensifies its advocacy for kid empowerment through the launch of Tang Galing Club Virtual World, which will be holding its first-ever clubhouse meeting for the growing number of active children who have pledged to take part in making a difference through recycling.



The Tang Galing Club Virtual World provides a real-life “gamified” experience of how kids can go and contribute change to the world. With the use of fun and interactive activities online, it allows them to envision and realize that inside everyone of them is a hero waiting to be unleashed.

“We believe that by tapping the ideals of the Filipino children, we can start pushing for greater changes in society. That is why Tang, the Philippines most consumed flavored beverage in the household, decided to invest in an advocacy program which aims to empower kids and tap their heroism through Tang Galing Club,” said Alex Tacderas, Kraft Foods Philippines’ category marketing manager for Beverages.

The Club’s first real-life mission is the recycling drive called, Project RecyClass. This project aims to empower children to collect used foil packs, which will be recycled to make flood-proof plastic school chairs via a technology that is available in the Philippines. These chairs will soon be donated to selected public schools in Metro Manila, aiming to supplement the need for them in classrooms.

The mission was brought about by the recent findings of the online survey conducted by the Tang Galing Club (www.TangGalingClub.com), which revealed that 50 percent of its young members consider “caring for the environment” as the issue closest to their hearts.

Of this, Alex said, “Recycling is a good thing to do, especially for kids. It makes them feel good to do it. By instilling that kind of mentality at a very young age, the more they become serious and feel empowered to do great things.”

In the Philippines, it is reported that around 4.6 million kilos of plastic waste are generated every day, with a significant portion of it coming from packaging materials, such as plastic foils and containers.

Through Project RecyClass, Tang and the Tang Galing Kids aim to help address this environmental concern by reducing waste foil packs and by saving trees, since it takes three full-grown trees to create a single school chair.

“Our dedication to the country goes beyond the products and brands that we offer. We want to make a difference. And with this recycling drive, we will be able to reuse our foil packs, instead of cutting trees, to make thousands of plastic classroom chairs,” Tacderas explained.

“But the real change happens with our empowered kids. Through this advocacy, we will be able to awaken the real heroes in them and soon show the world just how great they can be,” he added.

For more information about the Tang Galing Club and Project RecyClass, please visit www.TangGalingClub.com and its Facebook account, www.facebook.com/TangPhilippines

The World We Want Project

Please help the United Nations as they set goals and draft their plans for 2015 and onwards by voting in the poll of The World We Want Project.

All you need to do is click the following pages  and   vote on what you think are the six most pressing issues that the world is facing.

Vote here: http://www.myworld2015.org/index.html
Like this page: https://www.facebook.com/worldwewantph