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Smart holds online workshop for Digital Farmers Program trainors

DFP links technology-savvy youths with small-holder farmers so that the latter could tap the digital space, and consequently, establish a channel for exchanging ideas—from using modern agricultural technologies, to discovering time-tested farming traditions.

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Photo by bongkarn thanyakij from Unsplash.com

The pandemic has stopped general farming in its tracks, with 15% of crop-raising and fishing activities in the countryside suspended in March. The movement of produce from the provinces was thus affected, curtailing food supply in Metro Manila.

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Information officers and media production specialists from the Information Services Section of 15 Regional DA-ATI Training Centers nationwide joined the web event. 

While the government granted subsidies to farmers, the private sector teamed up with farmers’ groups to alleviate the problem by bringing produce to the cities during the enhanced community quarantine. Facebook and Instagram served as the marketplace.

The farmers’ knowledge of technology and digital tools served them in good stead. To help boost productivity and marketability, the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) last year launched the Digital Farmers Program (DFP) in partnership with Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

The program teaches small-scale farmers to use digital tools through courses like the use of smartphones, e-commerce and online payment systems.

While the Department of Agriculture already developed many online resources, including mobile apps, farmers weren’t using the new technology. Now, more than ever, farmers can benefit from learning how to be more tech-savvy. The average age of a farmer in the Philippines is 57 years.

“With uncertainties brought on by COVID-19, we all have to adapt. The Digital Farmers Program is a training ground for the new style of doing things. It is digital and inclusive and geared toward the growth of the agriculture sector,” said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto.

DFP links technology-savvy youths with small-holder farmers so that the latter could tap the digital space, and consequently, establish a channel for exchanging ideas—from using modern agricultural technologies, to discovering time-tested farming traditions.

To continue the roll-out of DFP lessons, the DA-ATI and Smart recently completed the DFP 101 Master Trainers’ Bootcamp, the first virtual interactive “Training for Trainors” workshop for DFP. Information officers and media production specialists from the Information Services Section of 15 Regional ATI Training Centers nationwide joined the web event. 

The program teaches small-scale farmers to use digital tools through courses like the use of smartphones, e-commerce and online payment systems.

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Bethel John Sinon, a media production specialist from DA-ATI Regional Training Center VIII, said the virtual workshop made him ready to conduct his own web trainings to help farmers.

Advance phases will include lessons on mobile agriculture and financial services such as third-party farming apps, mobile e-money, and microcredit, entrepreneurship, smart farming, and financial literacy. 

“We are expanding our training capabilities as we do things online more and more,” said DA-ATI Director Alfredo Aton. He thanked Smart for its continued support. Also present at the workshop were DA-ATI Information Services Division Chief Antonieta Arceo and Smart VP for Community Partnerships Darwin Flores.

The workshop was facilitated by trainers from Limitless Lab, a strategic design and innovation company. StartupPH Training also gave pointers on effective online training to sustain participants’ interest. 

The DFP is an advocacy of Smart Communities, which taps Technology for Development to narrow down the digital divide. The program is also aligned with the commitment of Smart’s parent company, PLDT, to support the 17 Sustainable Goals of the United Nations.

For the second half 2020, 28 batches of the DFP 101 trainings will be rolled out starting on August.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SmartCommunities.

Ethical Biz

Maxim Cebu drivers extend help to communities affected by natural disaster

Driver-partners of Maxim Cebu extended humanitarian aid to communities affected by the recent natural disaster, delivering water and rice to the damaged area and donating blood at the local hospital.

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In the first days of October, driver-partners of Maxim Cebu extended humanitarian aid to communities affected by the recent natural disaster, delivering water and rice to the damaged area and donating blood at the local hospital.

The assistance reached about a hundred families in Bogo City, who had taken refuge in temporary shelters set up at Cebu Provincial Hospital Bogo City and Bogo Gymnasium. The supplies were transported in Maxim’s trucks, but since the road leading to the shelters had been destroyed, the task of delivering the goods was taken on by driver-partners using more mobile vehicles – motos.

A total of 62 Maxim driver-partners took part in distributing relief goods to those in need. Together, they delivered more than 500 kilograms of rice, 200 packs of biscuits, and around 100 bottles of water. The campaign was jointly sponsored by the company and its partners, who were eager to help the affected residents during this difficult time.

The following day, a group of driver-partners visited Vicente Sotto Hospital to donate blood. More than 60 victims of the earthquake had been admitted to the hospital, which, subsequently, left the medical facility with critically low blood supplies. Seventy-two driver-partners donated approximately 35 liters of blood, while their colleagues in Lapu-Lapu City followed with 30 more donors, contributing nearly 15 liters. All donations will be used to treat the patients injured by the earthquake.

To further support recovery efforts, Maxim Cebu also organized a street cleanup to help mitigate the disaster’s aftermath. From 5 to 8 a.m., the company’s team cleared debris and helped restore order in the affected zone. This initiative not only improved the local environment but also reinforced Maxim’s commitment to supporting local communities in times of crisis.

Building on these humanitarian efforts, Maxim–Angeles Pampanga will also hold a blood donation activity at the Mabalacat LGU this coming October 30, continuing the company’s advocacy of helping communities in need and promoting volunteerism among its driver-partners.

“This earthquake has become a grave challenge for our communities, and it is at a time like this when we must stand together,“ said Poliran Christopher Landong, Head of Maxim Cebu. “Maxim and our driver-partners are doing everything we can to support the people, be it street cleanups, blood donations, or whatever else that is needed. We are a team, and only by staying united can we overcome major difficulties.”

This effort is one of the many social initiatives launched by Maxim Rides & Food Delivery and its driver-partners. It marks another important step in community support, showing that Maxim’s partners are always ready to come together when lives are at stake.

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Ethical Biz

Canon champions lifesaving advocacy with blood donation drive in partnership with NKTI

As part of Canon’s Health and Wellness initiatives, the event united employees in a shared mission to save lives and promote the spirit of giving. A total of 30 Canon employees participated as donors, contributing to NKTI’s blood bank and providing vital support for patients in need of blood transfusions.

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Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. (CMPI) reinforced its commitment to corporate social responsibility and community health through a successful Blood Donation Drive in collaboration with the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI).

As part of Canon’s Health and Wellness initiatives, the event united employees in a shared mission to save lives and promote the spirit of giving. A total of 30 Canon employees participated as donors, contributing to NKTI’s blood bank and providing vital support for patients in need of blood transfusions.

“Every drop of blood is a symbol of compassion and hope,” said Anuj Aggarwal, President & CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. “We are proud of our employees for coming forward to make a real difference. This initiative truly reflects Canon’s philosophy of kyosei—living and working together for the common good.”

Dr. Jose Dante Dator, Executive Director of NKTI, commended Canon’s initiative:

“Partnerships like this highlight the power of collaboration between the private sector and healthcare institutions. Canon’s support directly contributes to saving countless lives, and we hope more organizations will follow their example.”

Through this initiative, Canon Philippines continues to advocate for health, wellness, and community service, embodying its vision to create a positive impact beyond business. The Blood Donation Drive also underscores Canon’s dedication to nurturing a culture of care, empathy, and social responsibility among its employees.

Canon is a global multibillion-dollar company with one of the world’s most extensive digital imaging product lines. In 2020, it marked its 35th consecutive year among the top five U.S. patent holders and its 16th straight year as the leading Japanese company for U.S. patents granted—a testament to its culture of innovation.

Guided by its Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon delivers total imaging solutions that enhance both personal and professional lives. Recognized as one of the Top 20 brands in Asia-Pacific (Campaign Asia-Pacific & Nielsen, 2018), the brand is known for performance, reliability, and corporate citizenship.

In the Philippines, Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. operates nationwide with a strong network of offices and authorized service centers. It has earned multiple honors, including the Corporate Award and Gold Bagwis Seal of Excellence for outstanding customer service.

Canon Philippines is committed to sustainability, embedding eco-friendly practices across its operations and product lifecycle to help build a greener future.

For press materials, visit the Canon Press Center. For product and service inquiries, contact our Customer Care Hotline at +63-2-884-9000.

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Ethical Biz

Chevron leads coastal cleanup in Batangas with 250 volunteers

By joining forces, employees, contractors, and community partners were able to collect 232 sacks of trash from the shoreline near the Chevron Batangas terminal, a coastal stretch that also serves as a nesting ground for Olive-Ridley sea turtles.

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The annual Coastal Cleanup hosted by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of Caltex fuels and lubricants, brought together 250 volunteers in San Pascual, Batangas. By joining forces, employees, contractors, and community partners were able to collect 232 sacks of trash from the shoreline near the Chevron Batangas terminal, a coastal stretch that also serves as a nesting ground for Olive-Ridley sea turtles.

The initiative, held in line with the International Coastal Cleanup, was made possible through the collaboration of multiple organizations, including SRDC, CJI General Services Inc., 5G Security Inc. (5GS), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and Barangay Danglayan.

Partnerships that Matter

Mae Belle Albay, Head Operator at Chevron Philippines Inc., highlighted the importance of collective action in ensuring the success of this year’s cleanup.

“This cleanup demonstrates what’s possible when everyone—local government, community members, our employees, and contractors—comes together with a shared purpose. Although this area is within Chevron’s operational control, it remains a shared space that we all rely on and have a responsibility to protect. Collaborative efforts like this show the power of collective action in preserving the environment as part of our environmental stewardship,” Albay said.The largest group of volunteers came from the Manila Shared Services Center (MSSC) with 118 members collecting 84 sacks of waste, followed by 5GS with 30 volunteers gathering 28 sacks, while Chevron employees and contractors contributed 25 volunteers and 59 sacks. The PCGA sent 7 volunteers who collected 14 sacks.

Beyond One-Day Cleanups

hevron has been organizing the San Pascual coastal cleanup since 2009, but Albay emphasized that sustainability goes beyond one-day efforts.

“It used to be just one big cleanup each year. But since 2015, we’ve shifted to more regular efforts to prevent waste from piling up. By organizing smaller, more frequent cleanups, we’ve found that we can make a bigger, more lasting impact on our environment,” she explained

Environmental Stewardship at the Core

For Chevron, environmental protection is integral to its operations, especially with its terminal located along Batangas’ shoreline.

“It’s always been the company’s social responsibility to share our part in cleaning the environment, especially with our operations dealing with the coastline and vessels from overseas,” said Raymund Año, Batangas Terminal Manager.

He added that the company also implements sustainable practices within the workplace. “Even here in the terminal, we’re eliminating the use of bottled water; we just use glasses and dispensers. Small efforts will mean a lot in protecting the environment, especially now when plastics are still widely used but remain non-biodegradable.”

Spreading Awareness and Volunteerism

The annual cleanup is more than a corporate social responsibility project; it is a call for environmental awareness and volunteerism.

“I hope every year we can do this and that more will join. This is sustainable volunteerism —and with more volunteers, the more waste we are able to collect. Each sack matters in keeping our coastline clean,” Año added.

Looking forward, Chevron plans to continue working with local government units, community organizations, and private partners to expand its environmental initiatives.

“As we spread awareness, we hope other companies and individuals are encouraged to do their part. Hindi lang naman ito tungkulin ng Chevron Philippines, kundi responsibilidad ng lahat,” Año emphasized. (“As we spread awareness, we hope other companies and individuals are encouraged to do their part. This is not just Chevron Philippines’ duty, but everyone’s responsibility,”)

A Lasting Commitment

Through initiatives like the San Pascual coastal cleanup, Chevron and its partners continue to show that collective efforts can create long-term impact in preserving marine ecosystems. The 232 sacks of waste collected this year serve as a reminder of both the challenges and the possibilities in maintaining cleaner, safer coastlines for future generations.

Protecting Olive-Ridley Sea Turtles

The San Pascual coastline is not only a community resource but also a vital ecological site. It serves as a nesting ground for Olive-Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), one of the world’s most widely distributed but still vulnerable marine turtle species. These turtles come ashore to lay their eggs between August and October, making coastal cleanliness critical to ensuring hatchlings have a safe path back to the sea.

By keeping the shoreline free from plastics and other debris, volunteers help improve the chances of survival for these turtles—whose global populations are threatened by pollution, habitat loss, and poaching. Protecting their nesting sites in Batangas is a step toward preserving marine biodiversity for generations to come.

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