Immerse in an extraordinary family bonding experience as SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan celebrate an exciting Easter filled with bright and colorful kiddie activities. Let your creativity shine with Easter Artventures, where boys and girls can showcase their artistic talents through delightful pastel artworks on March 31 at SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag and on March 30-31 at SM Center Pulilan.

Don’t miss out on the adorable Easter Costume Contest and Parade at SM Bulacan malls on March 31, where kids age 12 and below can flaunt their cute or fierce costumes and bunny clips. To register, simply scan the QR code and upload a photo of your receipt with a minimum of P1,000 in single or accumulated purchases until March 31, 2024, from any SM tenants where you’ll be competing.

Furthermore, kids and their families may hop on to fun-filled memories with photo spots at SM Bulacan malls. Seize the day with life-size Easter eggs, bunnies, and treats as perfect backdrop for cherished moments of togetherness.

It’s also a time of egg-citement for kids, as Toy Kingdom and SM Snack Exchange have fun surprises to make Easter egg-stra special.

Toy Kingdom has amazing stuff that highlights the Easter spirit. There are adorable bunny headbands, colorful and delightful eggs, and wonderfully designed pails, baskets, and buckets with bunnies for Easter egg hunting.

Snack Exchange has chocolates, candies, and other sweet treats to celebrate Easter! An egg-citing surprise awaits kids in Kinder Joy and Zaini Egg Chocolates, which come with a toy inside. There are also colorful toy eggs and baskets from Dutche Chocolates, as well as lollipops in festive spring colors, swirls, and Easter shapes like bunny ears and colored eggs. 

Check out these amazing Easter items at the Toy Kingdom store in SM City Marilao and the Toy Kingdom Express outlet at the SM Store in SM City Baliwag.

Explore the aweSM Easter celebrations at SM Bulacan malls and discover a world of enjoyable happenings and displays. For more information about the egg-citing Easter, visit the official social media pages of SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan.

MANILA, Philippines, 22 March 2024 – In celebration of World Water Day, Coca-Cola Philippines and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) convened stakeholders to discuss the critical challenges surrounding water resource management in the Philippines.

Held on March 7th, the Sip & Sustain: Water Security for the Philippines event brought together industry leaders, experts, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) represented by Undersecretary Carlos Primo C. David to discuss strategies aimed at ensuring water security for all Filipinos.

Participants shared their thoughts on the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for collaborative efforts to tackle water-related challenges effectively. Topics ranging from data collection and planning to governance and accountability were explored, emphasizing the significance of transparent and accountable water management systems.

In addition to fostering dialogue among stakeholders, the event underscored the role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and investment in water management initiatives, such as The Coca-Cola Company’s 2030 Global Water Security Strategy, where the company aims to:

·     Achieve 100% regenerative water use across 175 facilities in different countries identified as facing high levels of water stress by 2030;

·     Work with partners to help improve the health of 60 watersheds identified as most critical for the system’s operations and agricultural supply chains by 2030; and

·     Return a cumulative total of 2 trillion liters of water to nature and communities globally, between 2021–2030.

For more information on Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability efforts, please visit www.coca-cola.com.ph or follow @CocaColaPhilippines on Facebook and @cocacolaph on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Stay true to your Lenten commitment and still satisfy your discerning palate. Most restaurants and chains nowadays have prepared hearty food selections that you must try without feeling too deprived. Try these superb seafood and meat-free eats at SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan to keep you full and delighted.

BOTEJYU Prawn Tempura Rice Bowl. Enjoy the Lenten season with Botejyu’s wide selection of seafood specials, from Prawn Tempura Rice Bowl to Salmon Teriyaki Steak and Assorted Sashimi. Botejyu’s variety of vibrant seafood dishes will satisfy your appetite during the Lenten season and beyond. Visit Boteyju branches at SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag.

Kenny Rogers’ Grilled Fish. Trade in your roasted chicken meal for guilt-free KRR’s Grilled Fish, made with fresh and quality fish fillet dipped in a mixture of lemon-basil, garlic, and carefully selected herbs and spices to give you a mildly sweet and smoky taste. It is available in plated combinations with your choice of one or two sides and a corn muffin. Discover Kenny Rogers branches in SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag.

Kuya J’S Sizzling Tofu. Enjoy the bold flavors of Filipino favorite sisig in a vegetarian way with Kuya J’s Sizzling Tofu, available at their branches in SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag. This sautéed cheesy tofu dish with assorted vegetables topped with chopped spring onion and fried garlic will surely satisfy your taste buds!

Wendy’s Fish Sandwich. Experience the wonders of the sea with Wendy’s Fish Sandwich. With its delightful blend of classic fish fillet all smothered with tartar sauce, it makes up a perfect harmony of crunch and flavor. Head on to Wendy’s at the ground level of SM City Marilao.

Jollibee’s Tuna Pie. Dive into the delicious combination of crispy crust and creamy tuna filling with Jollibee Tuna Pie. It is also available in a trio pack to let you share the best of both the savory and sweet worlds with your family and friends. ‘Pie all you want’ at Jollibee branches in SM Center Pulilan, SM City Baliwag, and SM City Marilao. Meanwhile, you may also opt to make your meals more personalized with delightful home recipes. Make use of frozen and fresh catch fish and seafood, or go all out with more nutritious dishes from freshly harvested vegetables and fruits from the local farmers available at SM Hypermarket. Head on over to SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan and enjoy these delicious meat alternatives.

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS – Bilang tugon sa paglitaw ng nakababahalang sakit na nakaaapekto sa mga sanggol at bata sa kalapit na lugar ng lalawigan, agad na tumugon ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan sa pangunguna ni Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando makaraang makumpirma ang dalawang kaso ng Pertussis na kilala rin bilang ‘whooping cough’ sa Bulacan – isa sa Lungsod ng San Jose Del Monte at isa naman sa Lungsod ng Meycauayan.

Ang Pertussis ay isang nakahahawang respiratory tract infection na madaling kumalat sa pamamagitan ng bacteria mula sa paghinga, pag-ubo, at pagbahing. Kadalasan, ang sintomas ay nagsisimula sa sipon, ubo, at lagnat ngunit ang ubo ay maaaring lumala sa loob ng 1-2 linggo at partikular na mapanganib para sa mga sanggol at bata lalo na sa mga bagong silang na hindi pa rin kwalipikado para sa mga bakuna kung saan maaaring makaranas ng apnea, hirap sa paghinga, at pagsusuka kapag nahawahan.

Nang makumpirma ang mga kaso, agad na inatasan ni Fernando ang Provincial Health Office – Public Health na aktibong maghanap ng mga kaso at tukuyin ang mga batang hindi pa kumpleto ang bakuna o iyong mga hindi pa nababakunahan; magsagawa ng active case finding, specimen collection, at patuloy na pagbabakuna sa hangganan ng Lungsod ng Meycauayan at Lungsod ng San Jose Del Monte at mga kalapit na lugar tulad ng Quezon City.

Sa ngayon, prayoridad ang pagbabakuna laban sa Pertussis lalo na sa mga lugar na may kumpirmadong kaso, na may suporta mula sa Department of Health at mga City/Municipal Health Offices.

“Mayroon na pong bakuna laban sa Pertussis at ito po ay binibigay nang tatlong (3) dosis para sa mga batang nasa 1 ½ month, 2 ½ month, 3 ½ month old. Ang bakunang ito ay pandaigdigan nang ginagamit, subok na ligtas at epektibo. Ito po ay libre kung kaya’t agad na pong pumunta sa pinakamalapit na health center para pabakunahan ang inyong mga anak,” anang gobernador.

Upang higit na maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit, iminumungkahi ni Fernando ang pagpapasuso sa mga bagong silang, panatilihin ang mga ito sa loob ng bahay at iwasang dalhin sa mga lugar na hindi maayos ang bentilasyon upang mapalakas pa ang kanilang resistensiya at maiwasan ang pagkakahawa sa iba pang mga sakit.

Inirekomenda rin niyang iwasang mapalapit sa mga sanggol o bata kung may nararamdamang sakit at nakararanas ng mga sintomas gaya ng ubo at lagnat, regular na paghuhugas ng kamay gamit ang sabon at tubig kapag nasa bahay, at pagtatakip ng ilong at bibig gamit ang tisyu o tela kapag umuubo o bumabahing.

Hinihimok din niya ang mga Bulakenyo na manatiling mapagbantay at agad na humingi ng medikal na atensiyon kung nakararanas ng mga sintomas ng Pertussis at sumunod sa mga preventive measures na inirerekomenda ng mga awtoridad sa kalusugan.

Carmela Reyes-Estrope, Philippine Daily Inquirer Correspondent and NEWS CORE publisher and editor-in-chief, (sixth from left) and fellow winners in the 16th Brightleaf Journalism Award, including the judges in the competition and officials of Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. (PMPMI) led by Dideth Santiago upon their arrival at Tao Yuan International Airport on Wednesday, March 20 for the Asian trip prize.

The winners also received P30-60,000 cash prizes, Mac Books, tablets and trophiesa and one night stay at Astoria Hotel in Makati. City.

The awarding was held at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City on Nov. 13, 2023.

The delegation will return home to the Philippines on Saturday.

Through Brightleaf Agriculture Journalism Award, PMPMI honors and recognize the works and writings of journalists about agriculture and farming in the country as a major component in community and nation building.

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS – Bunsod nang ipinamalas na kahanga-hangang pagpapakita ng dedikasyon sa serbisyo publiko, pinarangalan ng prestihiyosong titulo na “Pinaka Natatanging Babaeng Lingkod Bayan sa Panahon ng Pandemya” si dating Punong Bayan Eleanor ‘Joni’ Villanueva-Tugna sa ginanap na Gawad Medalyang Ginto 2024 sa The Pavilion sa Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center dito noong Martes, kung saan ipinagdiwang ang legasiya ni Tugna ay ipinagdiwang nang may karingalan at pagpapahalaga.

Ipinagkaloob ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan ang parangal na ito kay Tugna bilang pagkilala sa kanyang namumukod-tanging serbisyo na nakasaad sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan Kapasiyahan Blg. 213-T’2024 – Kapasiyahang Nagbibigay ng Pinakamataas na Pagkilala at Parangal bilang Pinakanatatanging Babaeng Lingkod Bayan Ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan Ng Bulacan Sa Pangunguna ng Punong Lalawigan, Igg. Daniel R. Fernando at Pangalawang Punong Lalawigan Igg. Alexis C. Castro at lahat ng bumubuo ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan Kay Igg. Eleanor “Joni” Villanueva-Tugna, Dating Punong Bayan ng Bocaue, Bulacan, resolusyon na kumikilala sa kanyang kahusayan bilang natatanging babaeng lingkod bayan sa lalawigan, isang titulong karapat-dapat para sa kanyang walang kapagurang paglilingkod sa panahon ng pandemya ng COVID-19.

Isa sa maraming kapansin-pansing nagawa ni Tugna sa mapanghamong panahong ito ay ang matagumpay na pagpapatupad ng mass testing program para sa mga frontliner at person under investigation (PUI). Ang inisyatibang ito ay naging mahalaga sa pagsugpo sa pagkalat ng COVID-19 at pagprotekta sa komunidad.

Pinuri ni Gob. Daniel R. Fernando ang masidhing dedikasyon ni Tugna sa serbisyo publiko na kahit na sa harap ng mga personal na hamon sa kanyang kalusugan, patuloy niyang pinaglingkuran ang kanyang mga nasasakupan nang may dedikasyon. Ang kanyang pamana bilang hindi makasarili at tapat na lingkod bayan ay mananatili sa puso ng mga Bulakenyo.

Samantala, kinilala rin ang iba pang natatanging kababaihan sa iba’t ibang larangan kabilang  sina Jonnah L. Garcia ng Lungsod ng Malolos bilang “Natatanging Babae”; Meysulao Lady Warriors (MEYDYWA) na pinamumunuan ng pangulo nitong si  Jenneelyn Grace Flores ng Calumpit  para sa “Natatanging Samahang Pangkababaihan”; KPK-Malolos sa pamumuno ni Pangulong  Maria Cristina S. Dionisio ng Lungsod ng Malolos bilang “Matagumpay na KPK”; Maria Lourdes C. Marquez ng Obando bilang “Matagumpay na Babaeng Mangangalakal”; Palmarina B. Tejuco ng Lungsod ng Malolos bilang “Matagumpay na Babaeng Makakalikasan”; at Jasmin P. Lucas ng Norzagaray bilang “Matagumpay na Babae sa Makabagong Pagnenegosyo”.

“Malugod na pagbati rin ang nais kong ipaabot sa mga natatanging kababaihang Bulakenyo na bibigyang pagkilala at parangal sa ating taunang Gawad Medalyang Ginto sa pangunguna ng minamahal nating yumaong Mayor Joni Villanueva-Tugna ng bayan ng Bocaue. Makakaasa po kayong patuloy ninyong makakatuwang ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan at patuloy tayong mangunguna sa implementasyon ng mga programang mangangalaga at maghahatid ng mas marami pang oportunidad para sa bawat Bulakenya”, ani Fernando.

Inanunsyo din ng gobernador na lahat ng 21 nominado ay tatanggap ng tig-P10,000 habang dodoblehin niya ang perang insentibo ng anim na awardees.

Dumalo rin sa paggagawad ng parangal sina Bise Gob. Alexis C. Castro, Bocaue Mayor Eduardo J. Villanueva, Jr. at Pangalawang Punong Bayan Abgd. Sherwin N. Tugna na tumanggap ng parangal sa ngalan ng kanyang asawa na si dating Mayor Joni, Matagumpay na Babaeng Mangangalakal 2020 Cristina C. Tuzon, panauhing pandangal at isa sa mga PKKB Commissioners, at Dr. Eva M. Fajardo, Tagapangulo ng PKKB.

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues:

As a true-blooded Bulaceño, we wholeheartedly support the approval on Third Reading of Senate Bill No. 2572 or the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act. We thank and congratulate the Sponsor, Senator Grace Poe, for her diligence and hard work in pushing for this game-changing measure. We also thank our colleagues for their expertise and valuable inputs to make this bill even more responsive to the needs of our constituents.

The creation of the Bulacan EcoZone or BuZ is groundbreaking as it could generate up to 1.2 million jobs for our people and bring in P37.84 billion to P130.9 billion of investments.

The Sponsor also placed on record a number of times that concerned local government units were consulted and that they indeed support the creation of the BuZ. This is in addition to the expression of support already given by the Region 3 Regional Development Council. 

In the measure that this august chamber just approved, the Province of Bulacan and concerned LGUs will be properly consulted, as emphasized by the Sponsor during our deliberations. We especially thank Senator Poe for agreeing with our proposal to increase the LGU representation in the Board of Directors of the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority or BEZA, and for accepting our amendments to promote the protection of environment and improved management of natural resources in the BuZ, as well as to ensure the transfer of technology and skills to Filipino workers through the implementation of an understudy and skills development program. Furthermore, we thank our Sponsor for agreeing with this Representation that there should be enough safeguards in the measure to guarantee that the creation and operations of the BuZ will be within the framework of the Constitution, the Local Government Code, and national development plans, policies, and goals.

Ginoong Pangulo, sa atin pong co-sponsorship speech para sa panukalang ito, atin pong ibinahagi ang ating paniniwala na marami pang maihahandog at napakalaki pa ang potensyal ng lalawigan ng Bulacan upang higit pang makapag-ambag sa ating pambansang kaunlaran. The passage of this measure is a step towards achieving this hope and vision.

Again, we vote YES to the creation of more economic investment “buzz” in the country – the Bulacan EcoZone “BuZ” Act!

Thank you and may God bless us all.

External Affairs Division PPAO

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS – Inilunsad ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan sa pakikipagtulungan sa Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) ang Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (KonSulTa) Caravan sa Bulacan na ginanap kamakailan sa The Pavilion sa Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center dito kung saan layunin nitong magbigay ng dekalidad na pangunahing serbisyong pangkalusugan sa mga Bulakenyo sa ilalim ng Universal Health Care law.

Ang KonSulTa Program ay isang game changer na nag-aalok ng iba’t ibang libreng serbisyong pangkalusugan sa primary care level kabilang ang libreng konsultasyong medikal, piling pagsusuri sa laboratoryo at diagnostiko, pagsusuri at pagtataya ng panganib sa kalusugan, at piling gamot mula sa isang akreditadong PhilHealth KonSulTa provider.

Sinabi ni PhilHealth Luzon Vice President Walter R. Bacareza na magbibigay din ang PhilHealth ng tulong pinansyal upang tiyakin na makakakuha ang mga indibidwal ng kumprehensibong serbisyong pangkalusugan na tutugon sa mga pangangailangang medikal at pinansyal na higit na nagpapakita ng kanilang pangako na mapabuti ang pangkalahatang kalusugan at kapakanan ng komunidad.

“We are investing in primary care so that we don’t have to spend high expenditures in the curative care. Ito ang gusto nating i-promote ngayon. And of course, PhilHealth will provide the financial support para po sa layunin na ito,” ani Bacareza.

Upang mapakinabangan ang mga serbisyo, dapat rehistrado ang isang miyembro ng PhilHealth sa isang PhilHealth KonSulTa provider.

Samantala, binigyang diin ni Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando ang mahalagang papel ng mga Barangay Health Worker sa pagtuturo sa mga Bulakenyo sa mga komunidad dahil sila ang tagapamagitan at direktang nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga miyembro ng komunidad na humihingi ng tulong.

“Kayo ang katuwang ng mga RHU sa ating mga pasilidad ng pangunahing pangangalaga. Kayo ang humaharap sa ating mga kababayan na nangangailangan ng tulong upang ipamahagi ang Philhealth KonSulTa, marami pa kasi ang hindi nakakaalam ng programang ito. Kaya kayo naririto dahil kayo ang magpapalaganap at magiging ehemplo ng programang ito. Let us spread the good news,” anang gobernador.

Dinaluhan ang paglulunsad ng Bulacan KonSulTa Caravan nina Bise Gob. Alexis C. Castro,  Central Luzon Center for Health Development Regional Director Dr. Corazon I. Flores, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Region 3 Acting Branch Manager Arlan M. Granali, PhilHealth Luzon Vice President Walter R. Bacareza at 726 na BHW mula sa mga bayan ng Bulakan, Calumpit, Hagonoy, at Pulilan.

MANILA, Philippines, 19 March 2024 — Two programs supported by Coca-Cola Philippines focused on women’s economic empowerment were showcased at the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW) taking place from March 11 to 22 at the UN Headquarters in New York. These initiatives highlight Coca-Cola’s commitment to supporting women and providing access to important business skills and capital, and building collaborative networks.

The digital Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (iSTAR) program, in the Philippines, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and six reputable civil society organizations; and the Tindahan Extra Mile program (TEM): Balik PET Bottle Program, in collaboration with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST) and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), exemplify successful partnerships leveraging technology to drive women economic empowerment.

CSW is the UN’s largest annual gathering exclusively dedicated to the promotion of women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives around the world, and shaping global commitments on gender equality and the empowerment of women.

This year’s session tackles how the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women can be advanced by addressing poverty, and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective. The two-week event will be attended by UN member states, specialized agencies that work with the UN, and accredited non-governmental organizations across the globe.

iSTAR: Helping women entrepreneurs thrive through digital

For over a decade, the STAR program, a joint effort between Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA, focused on providing entrepreneurship training for micro-retailers. In 2020, this initiative transitioned into the iSTAR program, a fully digital learning platform.

iSTAR aims to address key barriers that hinder the development of women entrepreneurs, such as limited access to training, resources, and mentorship. Through its expanded digital platform, iSTAR has empowered over 150,000 micro-entrepreneurs, surpassing its 2025 target of 100,000 graduates. The program is available and can be accessed for free nationwide.

Implemented in collaboration with six civil society organizations nationwide, the multi-awarded program equips micro-entrepreneurs with essential digital skills to leverage online platforms for business growth and sustainability.

In 2022, a group of entrepreneurs from individual businesses completed the iSTAR program. Using the skills and knowledge they gained, they formed the PASCO Producers Cooperative the following year. Their collaborative effort led to the opening of the Eco-Grocer Store in Muntinlupa City Local Government and their catering business. Since then, each member has been earning at least Php5,000 monthly from their cooperative business, in addition to their income from their own micro-retail stores.

TEM: Enabling micro-retailers for a World Without Waste

Building on the foundation of digitally skilled micro-entrepreneurs, Coca-Cola Philippines extends support through the TEM program by helping increase their income while helping promote environmental stewardship.

iSTAR beneficiaries are encouraged to join TEM. Through the program, micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners transform their stores into collection points for empty plastic bottles, which supports efforts to help reduce plastic waste and prevent pollution. With increased visibility and proximity to these drop-off bins, consumers are encouraged to dispose of their plastic bottles responsibly. Micro-retailers earn environmental points for collecting bottles, redeemable for cashback and products, strengthening their business. As of March, there are over 2,900 TEM members in the country. Earlier this month, Coca-Cola Philippines, BEST, PASCO, and the City Government of Bacolod launched the TEM program in Bacolod City.

TEM is a part of Coca-Cola Philippines’ consumer engagement program, “May Ikabobote Pa”, designed to educate, inspire, and engage consumers to return their empty bottles and cans for recycling. Through the Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability Hub, consumers can locate the nearest collection points and discover more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ recycling initiatives.

This local effort aims to support The Coca-Cola Company’s global sustainable packaging goals. Globally, the company aims to collect and recycle the equivalent of each bottle and can it sells by 2030, make its primary consumer packaging recyclable by 2025, and use an average of 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030.

By Harvey Sapigao

Pamela Louise Tolentino of UP Diliman College of Science National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS) and CS Dean Giovanni Tapang are among the Filipino scientists highlighted by the UK in their decadal recap of joint scientific achievements with the Philippines.

Since 2014, Filipino scientists have been collaborating with UK scientists through the scientific partnership between the two countries. In 2016, the Newton Agham Fund was launched, aimed at providing £3 million (about ₱180 million) of funds for key research projects in health and life sciences, environmental resilience, and energy security.

Tolentino is one of the lead investigators in their project examining where rivers flow and how they change landscapes. By understanding the geomorphological processes behind river systems, their work provides evidence-based solutions for a more effective flood risk assessment and planning. Tolentino and colleagues’ work is under the “Understanding the Impacts of Hydrometeorological Hazards in Southeast Asia Programme” and is funded through the Newton Agham Fund.

In 2016, Dean Tapang was a Leaders in Innovation Fellow, a program that trains and mentors scientists in bringing their inventions to the market. Last year, he spearheaded the commercialization of the Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research (VISSER), a portable learning device that allows students to conduct 120 experiments in chemistry, biology, environmental science, and physics. At the end of the year, the company distributed 43 VISSER units and generated ₱3.4 million in total revenue. Read the VISSER press release here.

“Every project should have collaboration and inclusion at its core to have impacts that last way beyond its lifetime,” said Tolentino in UK’s Science Snapshot. “I honestly believe that more than the outputs such as methods and data developed from the project, it is truly the conversations where the common goal of providing a better future for everyone that will drive the changes.”

To express interest in continuing the partnership, the UK and the Philippines held the first Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) at The Manila Peninsula Makati City on February 22, 2024. The JCM would now be held every two years to bolster cooperation between both parties.