Engineering Innovation - German-Engineered Covid-19 Killing Pipes for your Homes Now in the Philippines

We live in a time where it is of the utmost importance that we prioritize health above all. With all the viral scares that have recently plagued the world, we need to make sure that our homes and workspaces are built to be safe from viruses and bacteria down from its very foundation. Having a clean and safe waterline system in our homes and offices already helps reduce instances of people getting sick. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that safe and sufficient water facilitates the practice of hygiene, which is a key measure to prevent not only diarrhoeal diseases, but acute respiratory infections and numerous neglected tropical diseases. 

But, as with most often the case, the clean and safe water from the source could get contaminated via the delivery system – in our pipes. If the piping isn’t up to standard, there’s a very high chance that we can all still get very sick.  

With that in mind, we are proud to announce that Vesbo PP-R BioCote Antimicrobial Pipes has become the only state-of-the-art German waterline pipe that has been proven and certified to destroy microbes such as viruses and bacteria – making it the pipe of choice of architects, developers, and medical institutions. This is another pioneering innovation of the firm and the first in the world. With a waterline system as sophisticated and “future-proof” as this one, Vesbo is helping raise the overall global health standard. 

At the beginning of the Pandemic, people have been scrambling to make sense of things. Now that we are finally through the worst of it, we have the opportunity to learn from this and start future-proofing our projects. This is what Vesbo BioCote Pipes can do for you and how it plays an integral part with building for the future. By integrating safety measures like this, your future space is ready should another viral emergency comparable to COVID arises once again. 

Making our spaces secure against viral and bacterial health risks starts with something as basic and structural as our pipelines. With our pipes delivering such an essential need as water, having a health safeguard allows us to rest easier in our homes and offices. Vesbo Pipes does this by warding off microbes and not just bacteria. Anti-bacterial simply deals with bacteria. Vesbo Pipes takes this a step further by being Anti-microbial which means that it is effective against a wide spectrum of microbes – such as Bacteria, Mold, Fungi, Protozoan, Algae, and Virus (Covid-19 and its many variants included). 

This feat was achieved by Vesbo in a $10 Million joint-Engineering project with Biocote to develop pipes that have been formulated with anti-microbial additives. With an R&D of over 5 years, these pipes were then tested according to the ISO 22196 standard and were shown to have a remarkable effectiveness level for its antimicrobial effect on a wide range of microbes without degrading in time. Vesbo PP-R BioCote Antimicrobial Pipes have shown to eradicate and reduce the presence of viruses, bacteria, and mold by up to 99.99% while also minimizing staining and bad odors. This is in effect whether the pipes are in storage or are already in-use. The partnership with Biocote also means that these pipes are certified by the HACCP International’s Food Safety Certification. 

With that kind of protection at such a structural level, not only does this give you the peace of mind you need when coming in contact with your water but it also reassures you that your water is safe for drinking which does save you time and/or effort in the long run. Plus, Vebso assures that these pipes will last more than a lifetime compared to standard piping systems in the market to date making it the most ideal choice for your homes and building projects. 

Get longer-lasting pipes, and safe water for you and your loved ones. Be sure to have your water protected with Vesbo PP-R BioCote Antimicrobial Pipes. To know more and to see what pipes are available, please check out our website at https://vesbo.com/vesbo-anti-microbial/ and https://www.techglobal.com.ph/products/vesbo/ . Vesbo PP-R BioCote Antimicrobial Pipes is officially and exclusively distributed by Techglobal Incorporated.

Cancer Advocates Gather to call for “Kalayaan ng Kababaihan mula sa Kanser”

Filipino women have a long history of fighting for freedom. From the colonial era to contemporary times, they have demonstrated the strength associated with this pursuit. They strive for freedom of speech, freedom to suffrage, and equal rights.

However, as long as diseases like cancer can take hold of their lives, hostage, they are at its mercy, and therefore not completely free. In fact, breast and cervical cancers are among the most common and most fatal cancers in women. In 2020 alone, more than 10,000 Filipinas died of breast cancer and more than 4,000 lost their battle with cervical cancer.

 

That is why, in line with the Independence Day celebration this June, Hope from Within (HFW) a multi-stakeholder cancer advocacy, spearheaded by MSD in the Philippines is organizing the “Kalayaan ng Kababaihan mula sa Kanser” Women’s Cancers Summit which aims to bring attention to the plight of women afflicted with cancer, empower them, and amplify their voices as they battle the disease head-on.

 

Hosting the event is Ayn Bernos, a Tiktok content creator and one of the influential voices in women empowerment on social media. Following a breast cancer scare last year, Ayn underwent surgery to remove a lump on her breast. She will give voice to the concerns, fears, and hopes of Filipina women who sought liberation from these illnesses.

 

Understanding triple negative breast cancer

 

There are many types of breast cancer, one of which is the Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It is considered aggressive cancer because it grows quickly, is more likely to have spread at the time it’s found and is more likely to come back after treatment than other types of breast cancer. This cancer tends to be more common in women younger than age 40.

Medical oncologist Dr. Josephine Tolentino will discuss the signs and symptoms of TNBC, preventive tips as well as diagnostics tests that will help patients identify TNBC. Dr. Tolentino will also highlight the role of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) in providing holistic treatment and care for patients.

The MDT can include a medical, surgical, and radiation oncologist, a pathologist, a radiologist, a breast surgeon, a psychiatrist, and more depending on the cancer condition. In multidisciplinary care, instead of benefitting from only one expert’s medical judgment, a team of specialists will convene to discuss the most optimal treatment approach for the patient depending on their prognosis. Based on a study, patients with an organized MDT even saw increased 5-year survival rates.

Patients will also learn about several treatment options available for breast cancer which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

In addition to the medical expert, breast cancer survivors Dr. Gia Sison and Jaymee Joaquin will share their personal stories and give hope to cancer patients, while cancer advocate and celebrity Dianne Medina will narrate the journey of her mom who succumbed to breast cancer.  Guest artists including R&B singer/composer Quest, and indie-pop duo Leanne and Naara, will provide inspiration through their music.

Committed to eliminating cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.

 

Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women.

 

In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed its global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. WHO targets: 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15, 70% of women screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45, and 90% of women with pre-cancer treated and with invasive cancer managed.

Dr. Efren Domingo, Vice President of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society will inform attendees of the importance of screening, vaccination, and available treatment options for cervical cancer patients.

Providing healthcare access to Filipinas

Equitable access to quality cancer care has been the dream of cancer patients, survivors, and their families. With the passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) in 2019, the government can strengthen cancer control in the country, increase cancer survivorship and reduce the burden on families and cancer patients^. This landmark health legislation was designed to provide cancer patients with quality health care services, increase access to innovative treatment options, and provide their families with financial risk protection, among other cancer-relevant items.

Dr. Clarito Cairo, Program Manager for Cancer of the Department of Health (DOH) will share updates on the current and upcoming programs of the DOH that provide cancer care assistance and support to patients. Joining Cairo in this segment is Dr. Cecilia Llave, technical adviser of SUCCESS Jhpiego who will provide insights from the ground regarding cancer care at the community level.

Cancer patients and care groups continue to advocate for the swift and complete implementation of healthcare laws in the Philippines. HFW is committed to renewing hope and reinforcing the fight for Filipino cancer patients through timely and medical-professional-backed information on navigating the cancer patient journey. Content can be accessed through HFW’s  website and Facebook page: https://hopefromwithin.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/Hopefromwithinph.

 

Cancer can affect anyone. Each one has a role to support cancer patients and survivors by signing the petition on the urgent implementation of the NICCA, which provides benefits that are needed for their treatment and recovery while allowing them a better quality of life. Make your signature matter. Sign the petition by visiting https://www.change.org/p/department-of-health-sign-the-petition-to-fully-implement-the-national-integrated-cancer-control-act-nicca-now.

AIA LAUNCHES AIA ONE BILLION TO ENGAGE A BILLION PEOPLE TO LIVE HEALTHIER, LONGER, BETTER LIVES BY 2030

Manila, Philippines – AIA Group Limited (“AIA” or the “Company”; stock code: 1299) today announced the launch of AIA One Billion, a bold ambition to engage a billion people to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives by 2030. As the largest pan-Asian life and health insurer, AIA is starting a movement to improve the health and wellness of individuals and help create a more sustainable future in Asia.

Stuart A. Spencer, AIA Group Chief Marketing Officer, said, “For more than a century, AIA has strived to make a significant, positive impact for our customers and communities. Launching AIA One Billion extends our Purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives far beyond our immediate customer base. AIA One Billion underscores AIA’s commitment to engage, educate and inspire communities across Asia to improve physical, mental and environmental wellness while championing financial inclusion. 

The pandemic has increased people’s awareness of the importance of health and wellness. Yet populations in Asia are seeing an increase in lifestyle-related diseases, accounting for more than 70 per cent of all deaths1. The World Health Organisation has warned that climate change will increase morbidity and mortality, especially in Asia2. It is critically important for AIA to play a positive role and be at the forefront of helping our communities address these issues.” 

Kelvin Ang, AIA Philippines CEO, said, “AIA Philippines is proud to commit to AIA One Billion. Our Save Lives initiative tracks the number of lives saved through our protection products. In addition, our Healthy Outcomes initiative monitors the health improvements of our Vitality members, and our ESG program is leading our transition to sustainable operations. AIA Philippines is joining the journey!”

Through partnerships, events, community programs and campaigns AIA One Billion will encompass all our interactions across our communities to engage and encourage everyone from all walks of life to lead healthier lifestyles and help secure a healthier planet. As a first step to kick-start AIA One Billion, a regional social media campaign has been launched to invite people to ‘Join the Journey’. AIA ambassadors across the region will also support the initiative and rally communities to take action and drive broad positive behavioral change.

AIA has the ambition to become a global leader in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). AIA One Billion builds on our long-term strategy to make a difference to the sustainable development of our communities, and setting clear goals in line with our ambition to be a global leader in ESG. As part of its ESG reporting, AIA will track, measure, and report on progress towards the goal to engage one billion people by 2030 to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

Find out more about AIA One Billion: aia.com/aiaonebillion

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About AIA 

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR6, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR7, and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. 

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$330 billion as of 30 June 2021. 

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 39 million individual policies and over 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock code “1299” with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: “AAGIY”).

Local Mental Health Non-Profit Strongly Recommends Opening the Conversation on Mental Health in the Workplace to Achieve Better Productivity

World Mental Health Day is recognized across many countries, including the Philippines, on an annual basis to raise awareness of the growing concern over Mental Health issues that continue to rise amidst changing times. In the Philippines, the entire Mental Health Workforce is only composed of 2 people per 100,000 people in the Philippines. The latest report from Department of Health stated that 1 in 5 Filipinos suffer from a form of mental illness.  More than 300 million employees according to the study by World Health Organization (WHO) suffer from it.

According to WHO, the workplace is one of the key environments that affect our well-being and health.  Globally, only 9% of mental health promotion and prevention programs are focused in the Workplace.

“We spend at least 9 hours a day at our workplaces. If it’s not a healthy environment for your mind, body, and soul, your output and morale will definitely suffer,” states Philippa Keys, ex-officio of InTouch Philippines. This non-stock, non-profit organization has been providing Mental Health Services in the Philippines since the 80’s.

“A recent study conducted by the World Health Organization revealed that the global economy loses up to 1 trillion US dollars annually due to lost productivity caused by Mental Health Issues such as depression and anxiety,” Keys shares. “There’s still a stigma that prevents people from talking about their Mental Health issues. The ever-increasing demand to deliver more in the workplace in shorter timeframes is still prevalent across different industries. And it’s time for companies to play their part by providing an environment that opens the conversation on Mental Health.”

In Touch Philippines has extended help to hundreds of struggling employees along the way through its Employee Well-being Program or EWP.

Among those who have availed of EWP from In Touch Philippines is Havas Ortega. As an organization that belongs to the highly competitive and evolving marketing and communications industry, achieving work-life balance is a difficult task to contend with. Havas Ortega partnered with In Touch Philippines to help its employee address the day-to-day challenges that affect employees’ Mental Health as they do agency work. Through its partnership with In Touch, the organization was able to create its TALK program which provides every employee a dedicated 24/7 Employee Hotline as well as subsidized private counseling sessions. Adding to these benefits, resource speakers from In Touch Philippine’s pool of professional experts has enabled Havas Ortega to conduct monthly In-house Skill Builder Sessions to educate and empower the workforce on a range of topics such as “Mental Health Awareness and First Aid”, “Stress Management” and “Finding Grit”.

Jos Ortega, CEO of Havas Ortega enthusiastically shares why upper management has given its full support behind this initiative, “Employees are the most important asset in the company. Here at Havas Ortega, we want to make sure that we look after their health with a holistic approach - and that includes putting a premium on mental well-being. At the end of the day, we want to keep them inspired and motivated. We want to ensure them that there is a solid support system to help them keep going.” The first of its kind in the local advertising industry, Havas Ortega’s internal mental health program became possible based on its cohesive partnership with In Touch Philippines.

For more information on In Touch Philippines’ Employee Well-being program, you can call  893 1893 or email intouch@in-touch.org.  In Touch Philippines also hosts a 24/7 crisis line, offers face to face counselling, and leads training sessions to build skills for healthier mental and emotional well-being for individuals and their loved ones.

Libreng Bakuna kontra Tigdas ng DOH Buong Setyembre 2014

Dalhin ang lahat ng batang may edad limang taon pababa(nabakunahan na o hindi pa) sa pinakamalapit na health center o vaccination post para sa Libreng bakuna kontra tigdas mula Setyembre 1-30, 2014. Bukod duon ay may libreng bakuna din laban sa polio.

Ito ay kampanya ng DOH(Department of Health) ngayong buwan ng Setyembre sa buong bansa, Alam natin na may kampanya ang gobyerno para sa bakuna ngunit may mga bata pa rin na hindi nababakunahan, simula noong 2011 ang bansa ay nagkaroon ng malaking kabawasan ng tigdas ngunit nung nakaraang taon nagkaroon ng pagtaas ng nagkaroon ng sakit hanggang sa ito'y naging 'outbreak' kung kaya't ito ay nais ng gobyernong puksain.

Nagkaroon din ng talumpati ang ating Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa paglulunsad ng “Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio” Kampanya para sa Mass Immunization na inihayag sa DOH Convention Hall, San Lazaro Compound, Maynila, noong ika-1 ng Setyembre 2014

Kung gusto po niyong tignan ang mga relo niyo, palagay ko po ito isa sa pinakamagiging maikling talumpati ko simula nang tayo’y naging pulitiko.

Pakiusap po sa lahat, itong “Ligtas sa Tigdas” na programa po natin ay ating suportahan. Doon sa mga hindi pa ho nakakarinig nitong programang ito, makidamay na po tayong ipaalala sa kanilang obligasyon natin sa kabataan ito.

--Parts from the speech of President PNoy

Kuha ang buong talumpati sa Official Gazette