MANNY PACQUIAO RENEWS COMMITMENT WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

To start the new year on a positive note, Sarangani representative and ‘People’s Champ’ Manny Pacquiao renewed his commitment to be an Ambassador and spokesperson for Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

Pacquiao signed a new memorandum of agreement on January 5, 2015 indicating his commitment to support Habitat for Humanity’s “WeBuild Campaign”, which is kicking off early this year. The agreement also outlines the congressman’s P5-million donation, which will be used to partially fund 195 houses for families in Glan, Sarangani.

The families — mostly composed of fisherfolk and sari-sari store vendors — will be living in “Pacman-Tata Yap Ville” in Barangay Tango in Glan, a housing project of the congressman.

Each duplex unit is 32 square metres on an 80-square metre lot area. The 2.8-hectare site includes a multipurpose centre, a community park and a concrete stage that can be used for community’s special events.

Pacquiao also announced plans to purchase more land for permanent houses, much to the delight of his constituents.

ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PHILIPPINES

Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) is a non-profit organization that serves Filipino families in need of decent homes. We bring together partners who share the same vision of transforming lives through building responsible and sustainable communities. Established in 1988, HFHP is a country affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International based in Georgia, USA. For 26 years, HFHP has served over 100,000 families throughout the country. HFHP envisions that every Filipino family has a decent place to live. Visit www.habitat.org.ph or www.facebook.com/habitatphilippines for more details.

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Habitat for Humanity Philippines and Minka Collaborate for a Common Purpose

(from left to right) Anthony Fernandez, Habitat’s Online Fundraising Officer; Jonah Marie Chipeco, Habitat’s Mass Marketing Manager; Mark Rivera, Minka’s Managing Director; Xrell Nikki Mallonga, Minka’s Director of Operations; Charlie Ayco, Habitat’s CEO and Managing Director; Yvonne Lih, Habitat’s Chief Marketing Officer; and Luisito Baclagon, Mass Market Development Head.

“Minka” a South American term meaning “collaborating together for a common purpose” is now starting to be the trendy byword amongst the health-conscious market with its advocacy of being known not just as an ordinary toothbrush, but spearheading a so-called “toothbrush movement” .
In a groundbreaking partnership, Minka Toothbrushes, which are available at all Healthy Options stores nationwide, have partnered with Habitat for Humanity Philippines in its ongoing social advocacy campaign.

For every sale of a Minka Toothbrush at Healthy Options, 10% of its sales will go towards ongoing projects by Habitat, particularly its water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program. The Minka Toothbrush packaging will also include Habitat’s logo, to further promote its advocacy and awareness to socially conscious customers.

Minka Toothbrushes, incidentally, are biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes, that are environmentally-friendly.

“At Habitat, we believe sanitation and health are improved when you provide a family with decent housing, tying hand-in-hand with Minka’s vision to raise worldwide awareness on sustainability and health,” said Charlie Ayco, CEO and Managing Director of Habitat.

Minka also plans to produce a biodegradable soap in line the WASH program and the Toothbrush Movement.

“Partnering with an organization which aims to improve livelihood across the world, strengthens both Minka’s and Habitat’s collaborated work towards a global, unified goal,” said Ayco.

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TakBohol: Boholanos Run to Build a School on August 24, 2014

Doing Habitat Philippines re-build pose are (L-R) Aris Jim Jimboy Sarmiento, Event Coordinator; Ret. Lt. Gen. Calos Holganza, Deputy COO for Disaster Response, Habitat; Charlito S. Ayco, CEO & Managing Director, Habitat; Ret. Gen. Leo Olegario, AFP, President, Tapok-Tapok Bol-Anon, Inc.; Manuel Omictin, Board of Director, Tapok-Tapok Bol-Anon, Inc.; and Mayor Manuel Molina, Vice President, Tapok-Tapok Bol-Anon, Inc.

Hundreds of Boholanos will unite for a fun run to support the construction of a school building in the earthquake-hit province of Bohol. On Sunday, August 24, 2014, Tapok- Tapok Bol- Anon, Inc., an organization of Boholanos based in Manila, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines will gear up towards the race for a brighter future of the youth of Bohol. The fundraising marathon is expected to be one of the biggest gatherings of the Boholano community in Manila this year.

Habitat is a non- profit organization which envisions a world where everybody has a decent place to live,. Habitat is committed to addressing the housing backlog in the Philippines, where millions remain in substandard housing.

In October last year, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake rocked parts of Bohol and the Central Visayas, destroying infrastructures and leaving hundreds of people dead. Just 3 weeks from the quake, the region was not spared from the path of the super Typhoon Yolanda (international name “Haiyan”) which sent some 40,000 Boholanos homeless. With these figures in mind, the Tapok- Tapok Bol- Anon Inc. saw the great need to partner with an organization to help their fellow Boholanos rise from the tragedy.

Today, more than six months after the earthquake, many families in Bohol remain homeless. In response to this need, Habitat targets to rebuild over 8,083 homes in 17 badly affected municipalities across the province providing decent, earthquake-resilient shelters to families still living in tents and make-shift houses.

Habitat Ambassador Tonipet Gaba hosting the press launch of TakBohol Run for a School 2014.

All funds raised from the fun run will help fund the construction a school building in one of the worst hit barangays in Bohol. Tapok- Tapok Bol- Anon, Inc. hopes to help school children still holding their classes in tents and makeshift learning facilities. Registration fee is P300, the run categories are 3k and 4.5k. Participants will run around the Veteran’s Memorial Hospital grounds.

Tapok- Tapok Bol- Anon, Inc. was formed to further enhance the camaraderie and leadership of mid-level Boholanos based in Manila and contribute to Bohol’s well-being. Over the years, Tapok- Tapok Bol- Anon, Inc., has partnered with various government agencies and private organizations for programs to help support the needs of the Boholanos.

Today, Habitat for Humanity Philippines aims to rebuild the hard-hit areas in the various Visayan islands. It has continued to raise funds and gather volunteers in its goal to build 8,083 homes in 1,059 barangays of the 17 municipalities of Bohol. Habitat continues to seek the support of groups and individuals in building a better future for the Filipinos. To know more about Habitat and its programs, or to volunteer log on to www.habitat.org.ph.

To know more about “TakBohol, Run for a School”, please contact Mr. Aries Sarmiento at 0915-4079217.

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Coca-Cola, TAYO Foundation Open New Season of Outstanding Youth Organization Awards

Members of Team BUNDOL Mountaineers, the Coke Barkada Awardee last year, with officers of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. smile after planting trees by the balding side of the mountain. The Coke Barkada award is given to the TAYO Finalist that shares happiness, and embodies the passion in changing communities through projects that mirrors what Coca-Cola has been doing in the fields of water stewardship, women empowerment, and promoting well-being.

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines with its longstanding partner, Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards Foundation, is once again calling student and youth organizations across the Philippines to take on the 12th TAYO Awards challenge. The TAYO Awards recognizes the outstanding contributions of Filipino youth groups to their respective communities throughprojects that address relevant needs or opportunities such as poverty reduction, education, disaster risk reduction, financial literacy, environmental conservation, and tourism.

In its most recent run, TAYO received a total of 286 entries, of which the following winners were chosen: Gualandi Volunteer Service Program, Association of Locally Empowered Youth-NM, Hayag Youth Organization, Kawil Tours, Tanay Mountaineers Incorporated, Reduction Advocacy Program, TC Youth Laboratory Cooperative, United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary - Foundation University Chapter, Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid, Volunteer Service Provider, and University of San Carlos-Pathways.

Special recognition was also given to a high-energy team of Sarangani mountaineers dubbed Team BUNDOL, this year’s Coke Barkada awardee. The Coke Barkada Award is given to one of the TAYO finalists that best demonstrates the qualities of a Coke Barkada – a group that shares happiness and embodies the passion to change communities through projects that mirror the Coca-Cola sustainability pillars ofwater stewardship, women empowerment, and promotion of well-being.

A Lasting Partnership

The partnership between TAYO Foundation and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines – the social investment arm of Coca-Cola Philippines and Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines - began in 2005 upon the institution of the Coke Barkada Award as a special category in the annual TAYO Awards.

“At Coca-Cola, we believe that you can never be too young to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. People may be calling this generation the ‘selfie’ generation but, as one TAYO Finalist put it, it’s a we-generation or a TAYO-generation, not a me-generation, as I’ve come to know them. I feel like a proud mom to them, hearing their stories and getting to know all the wonderful work that they do,” said Cecile Alcantara, President of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.

In 2006, Coca-Cola Foundation scaled up its partnership to be the TAYO Award’s sole co-presenter.

“Last year, I remember being brought to tears when one of the TAYO Finalists went to the audience to hug her friend during the awarding ceremony. Moments like these are the result of the golden triangle at work: where business, civil society and government pool together to help towards the growth of the country and its people. As a Company, we believe that our business is only as strong and sustainable as the communities we serve and through partnerships like these, we take the opportunity to contribute all we can to make a positive impact,” said Atty. Adel Tamano, Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications of Coca-Cola Philippines, who also serves a judge in the panel for TAYO.

“You don’t forget groups like the Team BUNDOL Mountaineers, Tulong Sa Kapwa Kapatid, or even the Cebu Youth Ambassadors from the year before. These aren’t just groups, these are real people with real stories and I look forward to being part of the panel again this year to hear all of them,” he added.

The TAYO Awards 2014 is presented by the TAYO Awards Foundation, together with the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, in partnership with the National Youth Commission and the Office of Senator Bam Aquino.

Joining the search

To join the TAYO Awards, organizations must accomplish a TAYO 12 Entry Form and TAYO 12 Project briefer that can be accessed through in the Tayo Awards Website (http://www.tayoawards.net/tayo12/). Documents proving the existence and veracity of information, list of officers, leaders and founders and three-page project documentation must also be e-mailed to Tayo secretariat.

The TAYO Awards accepts entries from interested youth groups, organizations, clubs, and societies that are composed of at least 15 members, more than half of which must be between 15 to 30 years old. The submitted projects must have either been recently concluded or are still ongoing.

Entries are judged on the following criteria: Impact of project entry on stakeholders; harnessing the spirit of volunteerism and citizenship; creativity and innovation; and sustainability and effective use of resources. The winning organizations will receive a special trophy created by Philippine sculptor Tyom De Leon Imao, and a Php50,000 grant from Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines.

Deadline for entries is on September 30, 2014. Interested organizations may submit their entries through the official website of TAYO Awards, www.tayoawards.net.

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The Henry Hotel Partners with Life Project 4 Youth Foundation

The Henry Hotel partners with Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y) Foundation in providing all natural hand made soaps for its guests.

A boutique hotel that is unique, full of personality and charm, The Henry Hotel in Cebu is known for its out-of-the-box interior setting and intimate service to its guests. Adding to its visual appeal is its commitment to promote use of eco-friendly materials and supporting social enterprises. The hotel currently uses all-natural and organic Leyende toiletries which supports women from disadvantaged backgrounds and recycled tissue and trash bins from Rise Above Foundation Cebu. This year, an additional tieup is with LP4Y Foundation’s Natural H Care Program on providing natural soaps as part of The Henry’s bathroom amenities.

Life Project 4 Youth Foundation’s mission is to help Young Adults to achieve their dreams and be professionals. There, they make a commitment to participate as a team member within the Life Project Center (LPC), where they attend trainings, learn to build their Life Project Plan, and manage an economic activity.

"In our program, Natural H Care, we participate as a team in the production and sale of healthy, herbal and hand made soaps and ointments. The partnership with The Henry will contribute to the sustainability of our activity, enabling LP4Y Foundation to help more Young Adults in the future in the Philippines and abroad", Jessica Aviles of Natural H Care team on their partnership with The Henry Hotel.

ABOUT THE HENRY HOTEL

The Henry Hotel is located at One Paseo Compound, Paseo Saturnino, Ma. Luisa Entrance Road, Banilad, Cebu City. To know more about the hotel, visit their website at www.thehenryhotel.com.

If you would like to know more about the Natural H Care program, and discover their other programs in Manila and Cebu, feel free to visit their website www.lp4y.org or email them at beinvolved@lp4y.com.

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Habitat for Humanity Philippines and BPI gives thanks with Zalora

Habitat for Humanity Philippines (Habitat), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and Zalora Philippines (Zalora) today launched a promo that encourages BPI Cardholders to help Typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) survivors by shopping online.

"People have the heart to help, but sometimes don’t know how," says Habitat CEO & Managing Director Charlie Ayco. "This partnership with BPI and Zalora is a good and easy way of doing so as we now move towards rebuilding the lives of those affected by Haiyan. We have a long way to go and every amount helps in giving these families back their homes." ends Ayco.

Habitat aims to distribute 30,000 Shelter Repair Kits and build 30,000 core shelters for those affected by Haiyan depending on availability of funding.

Moreover, BPI VP for Marketing Strategy and Development Angie Florentino says "With BPI's more than 1 million credit cardholders, and Zalora being the leading online fashion store in the country, we hope to generate a lot of donations while they shop," "Thank you, Habitat and Zalora for undertaking this role with us as we continue to help those who survived Haiyan."

"Thank you for letting us be a part of this initiative," says Zalora Philippines Co-Founder and Managing Director Paulo L. Campos III. "We are very excited in launching the promo with BPI. I’m sure our online shoppers will be thrilled with the 15% discount voucher they will receive when they donate to Habitat." ends Campos.

The BPI-Zalora promo is open to all qualified BPI credit card holders. BPI cardholders may donate a minimum of P1,000.00 using any BPI Card variant via www.give2habitat.org/philippines/ReBuildPhilippines. They will then receive a 15% ZALORA discount voucher code via e-mail which may be used upon checkout when they shop at ZALORA.COM.PH. Discount is not valid for sale items and brand exclusions apply. Terms and conditions apply. Promo is from March 15 – June 15, 2014.

ABOUT HFHP

Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) is a non-profit organization that serves Filipino families in need of decent homes. We bring together partners who share the same vision of transforming lives through building responsible and sustainable communities. Established in 1988, HFHP is a country affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International based in Georgia, USA. For 25 years, HFHP has served over 60,000 families throughout the country. HFHP envisions that every Filipino family has a decent place to live. Visit www.habitat.org.ph or www.facebook.com/habitatphilippines for more details.

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Coca-Cola, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity enjoin the entire nation and global community to #RebuildPH for Yolanda survivors

Last January 30, 2014, Coca-Cola Philippines, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and Habitat for Humanity have teamed-up to campaign for a volunteer round-up and donation drive towards Yolanda-recovery, dubbed RebuildPH.

The tripartite movement takes inspiration from the kindness of the Filipino people. Motivated by the idea that no action is too small to make a difference, Coca-Cola has been helping raise awareness and public participation in the rebuild efforts, while Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity serve as recipients of monetary and in-kind donations culled in the process.

Guillermo Aponte, General Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines, says “If there is one lesson learnt from Typhoon Yolanda - is that no act is too small. Rebuilding rests in the hands of every one of us, not merely a few. This is what our campaign RebuildPH is all about, and we hope that through this campaign by Coca-Cola, Habitat for Humanity Philippines and the Philippines Red Cross, the Filipino people and the global community will continue to be inspired to volunteer and donate. We have a long way to go and a lot still needs to be done,”.

Right after Typhoon Yolanda struck the country, Coca-Cola immediately brought relief and aid to over 200,000 families through its partnership with the Philippines Red Cross, Department of Social Welfare and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Moreover, the Coca-Cola System has also diverted its advertising resources, including Php10-M worth of cell phone load, to aid survivors of the super typhoon. As part of its rebuilding efforts, Coca-Cola commits to implement its key sustainability programs on education, nutrition, livelihood and water access to Typhoon hit areas.

Its social development arm, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, also obtained donations amounting to more than Php 4-million from the company's employees, later used in various humanitarian efforts. Coca-Cola also donated more than $2.5 million to aid in the relief operations for Typhoon Yolanda last November.

Among other Coca-Cola assets that have been used for relief are trucks lent to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Red Cross and the Tacloban bottling plant, which was used by UN World Food Program as a warehouse.

Red Cross Chairman Dick Gordon said, “Our partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines has enabled both parties to act fast and send relief after the typhoon struck. With water and other goods ready since September, all we had to act on was logistics,”.

To date, after a full transition from relief to the rebuild stage, there are seven priority sectors identified by the government, namely: Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Negros, Capiz, Aklan, and Palawan that need both humanitarian and resettlement aid.

Earlier in December, Coca-Cola Philippines launched the RebuildPH donation and volunteer portal to gather additional support subsequent to the rechanneling of its committed advertising space to support relief and rebuilding efforts. Those who wish to help may go to www.cokeurl.com/rebuildph.

Prior to the recent partnership with Coca-Cola, Habitat for Humanity has already been acting since November by distributing shelter repair kits and building homes for those affected by the typhoon.

“At present, Habitat for Humanity is targeting to build 30,000 core houses and distribute 30,000 shelter repair kits for Yolanda victims. We want to achieve this in the next three years but it would take an estimated P6-billion for the construction of the core houses alone. We thank Coca-Cola Philippines for taking this endeavour with us, because we certainly won’t be able to do it alone,” says Charlie Ayco, CEO and Managing Director of Habitat for Humanity.

“Yolanda came last November but everyone still remembers it so vividly. Picking up from one of the worst natural disasters in history, it’s going to take a lot of effort from both individuals and big businesses. While our partners have done much already, we’re positive that our teaming together can make an even bigger difference,” adds Dick Gordon, Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross.

Coca-Cola is helping in the rebuild and recovery process of the Philippines, brought about by the typhoon Yolanda. It has embarked on a landmark partnership with Philippine Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and its other partner organizations to rally volunteers, raise money for sustainable rebuild program and community rehabilitation such as rebuilding schools, water systems and infrastructure, and assist small independent customers with reconstruction of their businesses throughout the year.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Habitat for Humanity welcome volunteers, cash, and in-kind donations.

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