Monthly Archives: September 2019

“A Night of Scholars” The 18th Founding Anniversary Celebration – July 27, 2019

The 18th Founding Anniversary Celebration was held at the Oak Ballroom of Sequoia Hotel, Mother Ignacia St. Quezon City on the 27th July 2019. The celebration began with the Breadcom Music Ministry singing praise and worship songs followed by an inspiring reading of the Scripture and invocation by Rev, Pastor Abet Almanza. With 90 members in attendance, this was participated by Philkofa members, guests and friends of Philkofans, and hosted by KOICA officer Ma. Regina Arquiza and UP Professor, Philkofan Jay-Ar Manuel Igno.

PhilKOFA President and a KOICA scholar in 1999 for TV documentary program, Ms. Gina Borinaga, opened the program with a message of thanksgiving and appreciation to the members, former Presidents, partners KOICA and KCCP. Founding President, Noel Sevilla narrated PhilKOFA’s early beginnings since its creation in 2001. KOICA Country Director, Mr. Sangback Lee expressed his admiration to PhilKOFA for being the leading KOICA Alumni Association among all the alumni associations all over the world, running independently and autonomously. Former CHED Director, Dr. Libertad Garcia, a PhilKOFAn herself, praised loyal PhilKOFAns who were very committed volunteers for 18 years.

Guest Speaker Atty. Jose Manuel Diokno, a Dean at the College of Saint Benilde and Chairperson of Free Legal Assistance Group, expressed his admiration to PhilKOFA, not only the leaders but the whole organization. “It takes a village to raise a child, I think it takes the entire support system to operate this for so long”. He also talked about his dream, that our country will have respect for each other, to live in harmony and live in peace and justice.

Plaques and Certificates of Appreciation were presented to former Presidents of PhilKOFA, the founding President Noel Sevilla, Ms. Judy Vermudo and Ms. Maria Aurora Quiray. Dr. Libertad Garcia and Atty. Jose Manuel Diokno were also awarded Plaques of Appreciation for their inspiring messages.

Likewise, Plaques of Appreciation were presented to the Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines for their major contribution in giving out scholarships and donations in Philkofa outreach activities, as well as to Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for being PhilKOFA’s loyal and generous partner for 18 years.

KOICA scholars who shared their learnings and expertise during the two-day Knowledge Sharing activities were also recognized through the awarding of Certificates of Appreciation. KCD Sangback Lee and PhilKOFA President Gina Borinaga handed the awards.

The celebration was filled with performances by guest performers Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild and stand-up comedian Joel Olivera. Towards the end of the Program, Philkofans danced the night away while being serenaded by the Singing Duo of Nueva Ecija. Trivia games about PhilKOFA and KOICA also added the fun and fellowship during the night.

Indeed! It was a memorable and fun-filled 18^th Founding Celebration!

Second Regular Board Meeting 2019- July 27, 2019

Before the 18^th Founding Anniversary Celebration, The Board of Trustees held its Second Regular Board Meeting at the 2^nd floor Board Room of Sequoia Hotel Quezon City.

*PhilKOFA Board of Trustee Rene Bagamasbad suggests ways to address the issue regarding the participants of the Knowledge Sharing activities.*

Ms. Ma. Regina Arquiza, KOICA representative, discusses the rationale about having government workers as participants of the Knowledge Sharing activities. — *Ms. Ma. Regina Arquiza, KOICA representative, discusses the rationale about having government workers as participants of the Knowledge Sharing activities*.

*PhilKOFA Board of Trustee Joey Benavidez takes note of the discussions.*

*PhilKOFA President Gina Borinaga jots down the suggestions and agreements during the meeting.*

Knowledge Sharing on Capacity Building on Higher Education – July 27, 2019

The second part of the Anniversary Celebration was devoted to Knowledge Sharing activity which was held at the Oak ballroom of Sequoia Hotel last July 27, 2019. Each scholar was given a maximum 30 minutes to present and share their learning in Korea. The topic was Capacity Building for Higher Education: Policy Making Course and Human Resource Development.

The KOICA Scholars who shared were:

CHRISTINE V. YAMBAO -Campus Administrator, Malangas Campus, Western Mindanao University
JOHN PAUL DELA CRUZ – Education Program Specialist II, CHED Office of Program and Standards Development
ALONA MATULAC BELARGA- Director for Instruction and Quality Assurance, Western Visayas State University

*Ms. Christine V. Yambao, Campus Administrator of Western Mindanao State University – Malangas Campus, talks about her learnings in the Capacity Building Training she underwent in South Korea.*

Ms. Christine Yambao, who hails from Western Mindanao State University, was one of the ten (10) participants in the Policy Making Course held from October 28 to November 10, 2018. Her training consists of understanding the current status of education competency in Universities in Korea and to increase capacities for planning and implementation of higher education competency development programs.

*Ms. Alona Belarga, Director for Instruction and Quality Assurance of the Western Visayas State University, reports on the concrete output in her University of the training program she attended.*

Ms. Belarga was happy to announced that one of the highlights of her training was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Silla University and West Visayas State University as approved by the Board of Regents. The two universities will endeavour to cooperate in education and research areas of mutual interest. To the extent feasible, both universities will encourage direct contact and cooperation between faculty members, departments, research institutions and students

*Mr. John Paul Dela Cruz, Education Program Specialist II of the Commission on Higher Education, shares about the action plan presented during the training.*

Mr. JP Dela Cruz’ training objective was to learn policy establishment through best practices of higher education policies in Korea and to strengthen cooperation between Korea and the Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines.

Knowledge Sharing on Solid Waste Management and Climate Change – July 26, 2019

The Knowledge Sharing activity on Solid Waste Management and Climate Change is a collaborative project between Philippine KOICA Fellows Association Inc. (Philkofa), Community Development and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Paranaque and Department of Natural Resources- Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB). The City of Paranaque’s vision is to have a Clean and Green, Eco-Friendly Environment and Sustain the rehabilitation, protection and preservation of Manila Bay to attain class SB Water quality complement with PHILKOFA’s mission and vision. With the establishment of this collaboration dubbed as “Trainor’s Training “, a shared responsibility on the Manila Bay Rehabilitation, all proponents including EMB-DENR ,actively participated and likewise confirm the involvement and commitment to environment preservation and protection.

With the cooperation of BERNARDO N. AMURAO, DEPT. HEAD-CENRO, ISABELO BOI MOJICA. ASST. HEAD OF CENRO , ELI ILDEFONSO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-DENR, GINA BORINAGA, PHILKOFA PRESIDENT, an agreement was made between the proponents to undertake the project at the Legislative Bldg. City Hall in Paranaque last July 26, 2019, participated by Three (3) representatives from sixteen (16) barangay in Paranaque, CENRO Staff and employees, Paranaque City Hall employees and members of Philkofa.

Ms. Rose Ann Tierra, Training Specialist at the Office of Civil Defense, talks about “South Korea Flood Management: Comprehensive River Plan” — *Ms. Rose Ann Tierra, Training Specialist at the Office of Civil Defense*

Rose Ann Tierra – Training Specialist, Capacity Building & Training Service from the Office of Civil Defense, reported on the South Korea Flood Management: Comprehensive River Plan.

Mr. Christian Kevin Latiza, Senior Science Research Specialist of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, discusses “Capacity Building of Mine Hazard Management for Sustainable Development” — *Mr. Christian Kevin Latiza, Senior Science Research Specialist of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources*

Christian Kevin Latiza – Senior Science Research Specialist, from DENR Mine Safety, Environment & Social Devt. Division delivered his report on Advanced Training Course of Capacity Building of Mine Hazard Management for Sustainable Development.

Ms. Rechale Ybañez, Senior Environmental Management Specialist of the Environmental Management Bureau, shares about ”Emerging Solid Waste Management Technologies” — *Ms. Rechale Ybañez, Senior Environmental Management Specialist of the Environmental Management Bureau*

RECHALE YBANEZ – Senior Environmental Management Specialist – EMB Region 7 shared her learning on the KOICA-COLOMBO Plan Joint Fellowship Program on Waste Management and Renewable Energy in Response to Climate Change- Input on Emerging Technologies and BEP of South Korea.

Mr. Eli Ildefonso, Chief Environmental Management Specialist and Head Executive Assistant of the Environmental Management Bureau, tackles the “Role of Local Government Units in Solid Waste Management” in his lecture — *Mr. Eli Ildefonso, Chief Environmental Management Specialist and Head Executive Assistant of the Environmental Management Bureau*

Eli Ildefonso, Chief EMS & Head Executive Assistant EMB-DENR, presented the “Role of LGU’s in Republic Act 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and in Manila Bay Rehabilitation”.

Mr. Mojica likewise reported the City MRF Equipment that they acquired and has been using to help the city’s practice of Solid Waste Management and Environment Protection.

*The participants take a pose with the PhilKOFAns and KOICA representatives headed by Mr. Jong Hee Park, Assistant Country Director.*

*The participants, consist of employees from the Local Government of Parañaque, participate in the Open Forum.*

*The Resource Persons welcome questions from the participants. Ms. Mhai Quiray acts as moderator.*

An open forum and discussion were facilitated by hosts’ BOT Genaro Tolentino and Mhai Quiray with the speakers answering queries from the barangay leaders and other participants.

A livelihood seminar on solid waste products was also held on the same venue organized by the CENRO-SWAESO Paranaque.

LingaPhilkofa sa Mindanao “Balik Aral 2019” – June 29, 2019

The “LingaPhilkofa sa Mindanao “Balik Aral 2019” Community Outreach activity was held on the 29^th of June in Brgy. Tampakan, South Cotabato. The beneficiaries were 318 school children (Kinder and Grades 1-6) from Datalbiao Integrated School Brgy. Daltan and 85 school children (Kinder and Grades 1-4) from Tukalmay Elementary School from the Municipality of Tampakan, South Cotabato. This was participated by Philkofa Board of Trustees, Philkofa members in Mindnao and friends of Philkofa, PNP, LGU, MENRO and MDRRMC.

*PhilKOFA Vice President for Mindanao Marizon S. Loreto gives an overview of the activity at Datal Biao Integrated Elementary School.*

The day’s activity started with a short program that gave way to short messages from the PHILKOFA, the local government unit and the school officials. Ms. Marizon S. Loreto, the PHIKOFA Vice-President for Mindanao introduced the officers and members together with the KCCP personnel in attendance. Ms. Gina A. Borinaga, President of PHILKOFA gave her message and assurance that PHILKOFA will continue to conduct projects such as Community Outreach in order to reach out to marginalized yet deserving beneficiaries such as the B’laan tribe children. Likewise, Ms. Eileen Estrada, PHILKOFA Regional Coordinator for South Cotabato Province conveyed her message to the children, citing among others, the need for the community to take care of their environment.

*Hon. Jabib V. Bides, Jr., Municipal Councilor and Chairperson of the Committee on Environment*

The School Head, Mr. Daniel A. Avergonzado expressed his thanks and appreciation to the PHILKOFA group for initiating said outreach activity in their school. Hon. Jabib V. Bides, Jr., SB Member, Committee on Environment expressed his thanks, in behalf of the Local Government of Tampakan. Hon. Judith Magbanua, Barangay Chairwoman conveyed her appreciation to the group for taking time and effort to reach out to the children of their barangay.

PhilKOFA President Gina P. Borinaga distributes school supplies to students of Datal Biao Integrated Elementary School. Regional Coordinator for Mindanao Eileen Estrada and PhilKOFAns from TESDA Davao assist her.

Philkofa members distributed school supplies to the identified school children in the Kinder, Grades 1-6 levels of Datalbiao Integrated School and Tukalmay Elementary School. Inside the schoolbags were pad paper, notebook, pencil, ballpen, scissors and eraser which were received by the school children with much delight. A simple snack was also provided to the children.

Ms. Chi Carreon turns over to the teachers of Datal Biao Integrated Elementary School and Tukaymal Integrated Elementary School the sets of computers donated by the Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines, an active partner of PhilKOFA.

*PhilKOFA Vice President for Mindanao Marizon S. Loreto turns over the books donated by Adarna House, a publisher of children’s books.*

The distribution of story books to the school authorities was also done, followed by the giving out of four (4) sets of Desktop Computer to Datalbiao Integrated School and one (1) set to Tukaymal Elementary School.

Two (2) boxes of vegetable seed packs were endorsed to the school authorities for them to facilitate the distribution to local families.

After the distribution of goodies, the children made a presentation of their cultural dances, much to the delight of the PHILKOFA members.

*PhilKOFAn Eileen Estrada and Hon. Jabib V. Bides, Jr. spearhead the tree planting activity within the Datal Biao Integrated Elementary School premises.*

Immediately thereafter, the PHILKOFA members started with the tree planting activity with the seeds provided by the Office of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources.

The activity was successfully undertaken with the support of the PHILKOFA officers and members who joined the event. The assistance extended by the PNP, MDRRDC and the Local Government Unit was also recognized as a vital component of the said activity.

The donations received by PHILKOFA from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Korea Chamber of Commerce Philippines (KCCP), the Adarna House, Inc., the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI, the Sagittarius Mines, Inc. and the individual donations extended by PHILKOFA members – medical supplies, school supplies, cash donations, etc. contributed much to the success of the outreach activity.

Project Cooperators were Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines (KCCP), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Local Government of Tampakan, South Cotabato, Federation of Cooperatives, Region X1..

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2019 Annual Planning – February 23, 2019

The 2019 Annual Planning was held at CEISSAFP Camp Aguinaldo to discuss the Work and Financial Plan for 2019 activities as well as operational concerns of the organization.

First Regular Board Meeting – 01 June 2019

The First Regular Board Meeting was held at PAGASA Conference Room. In attendance were nine (9) Board of Trustees, Regional Coordinators and KOICA Officer, Ma. Regina Arquiza.