VIA Times – February 2016 Issue Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
LOS ANGELES, CA – President Benigno S. Aquino III, in his address to the Los Angeles World Affairs Council (LAWAC) on Tuesday, 16 February, highlighted the Philippines’ transformation into a nation that is able and willing to be more involved in international affairs.
In the forum entitled, “The Philippines and Security in East Asia,” the President asserted that the Administration’s reforms, such as the introduction of the zero-budgeting system, expansion of health insurance coverage, strengthening of technical and vocational education, and the conditional cash transfer program, are beginning to bear fruit and promising a better quality of life for Filipinos in the long-term.
He also cited the Government’s anti-corruption drive, which comes with a “guarantee of justice,” ensuring “that public servants who place their own interests above that of the people will be held accountable.”
These initiatives have created the conditions for the Philippines to play a more active role on the world stage.
“Our progress, naturally, has afforded us greater capacity to look outward and to take a closer look at our role in the global community. More and more, the Philippines sees itself in a better position to make a contribution,” said the President.
He emphasized the need for solidarity and concerted action in order to effectively address the risks posed by climate change, the threats of pandemics and extremism, and the massive displacement of people caused by violent conflicts in Syria and Iraq.
The President also talked about the maritime dispute in the South China Sea, stressing that the Philippines will abide by the decision of the Arbitral Tribunal and expressing the hope that China will do the same.
President Aquino told the group that despite the difficulties of coming together on specific issues, he remains optimistic that forging harmonious and synergetic international relations is possible, especially when it is geared towards achieving a common purpose.
LAWAC President and CEO Terry McCarthy said, “It’s quite clear that the Philippines is spreading its wings more and I think we welcome that.”
He added that “the United States welcomes all countries that are friendly to the US to help in resolving the various issues around the world.”
After his speech, the President fielded questions on the South China Sea, the local jobs situation, gender equality, K-12 program, and the outcomes of the special ASEAN-US Summit in Sunnylands, California.
More than 220 people, including high school and college students, attended the forum. Mr. McCarthy said that the event was a unique opportunity for the students to hear from President Aquino whose steadfast commitment to good governance reforms continues to generate international public interest.
Composed of diverse and prominent members, the Los Angeles World Affairs Council hosts authoritative and influential figures in world affairs and provides them a venue to air their views. ###
GAWAD KALINGA USA HOPE SUMMIT
Los Angeles, CA – This Spring, GK 1 World Foundation (dba Gawad Kalinga USA), in cooperation with Seafood City, will host the Hope Summit 2016, a three-day event on March 4-6 at Radisson Hotel Los Angeles at USC. A team from the GK global network that includes GK founding father Tony Meloto and GK Executive Director Jose Luis Oquinena, along with social entrepreneurs, will lead discussions on inspiring social innovations toward sustainable transformation. Leaders and advocates of GK in the United States will share collaborative solutions to attaining their mission. Gawad Kalinga, headquartered in Manila, aims to end poverty for five million families by 2024. In the United States, GK is officially represented by GK USA, a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization registered in California.
The event aims to bring together 200 of GK’s existing strategic supporters and welcome new partners. Rod and Tess Castro, Summit leads, say the event will be a celebration of the strides made employing GK’s model of Social Transformation in ending poverty in the Philippines. Partners and GK friends will re-connect as they revisit GK’s history and propel plans in delivering results-oriented programs and projects.##
CALLINGALL CHAMPIONS OF TREES! RUN FOR A GREENER WORLD DURING ARBORETUM 10K
LISLE, Illinois -– On Sunday, April 24, run for a greener, healthier, more beautiful world during The Morton Arboretum’s sixth-annual 10K race. With a new name, The Champion of Trees 10K is the Arboretum’s first nod to the start of spring, taking participants on a challenging and scenic run through the Arboretum’s beautiful grounds in support of the institution’s programs and research initiatives.
On the scenic USATF-certified course, race participants will pass by the tall maples and majestic oaks of the East Woods and alongside the ginkgo trees that grow in the Arboretum’s collection of trees from China and Japan. The race will be followed by a post-party featuring a photo booth, food specials, and live music from Run Forrest Run, along with a complimentary beer for each participant. Participants are invited to spend the day at the Arboretum following the run.
“The Champion of Trees 10K is a unique opportunity to run through one of the suburbs’ most scenic courses while supporting The Morton Arboretum’s treefocused conservation and research programs,” said Diana Fischer- Woods, special events coordinator. “We invite everyone to run for a greener world, stay and enjoy the post-race festivities, then explore the Arboretum.”
Registration and packet pickup begins at 6:30 a.m. The race begins at 8 a.m. with the awards ceremony at 9:15 a.m. Runners receive a short-sleeve T-shirt, recovery food and admission to the Arboretum. Runners will wear the latest in race-timing technology, the Chronotrack B-Tag system. The top male and female overall finishers will receive a gift certificate for a pair of shoes from Dick Pond Athletics. The top three men and women in the designated age groups will receive medals.
Register in person, at mortonarb. org or via mail postmarked by Wednesday, April 10. The cost, including admission, is $35 for members or $40 for nonmembers, which includes admission to the Arboretum following the race. The cost for race-day registration is $45 and spots may be limited. The registration fee is nonrefundable and any cancellation will be considered a donation to The Morton Arboretum.
A special new member offer includes race registration, plus a discounted one-year individual membership to the Arboretum, for $83.
The Morton Arboretum thanks the 2016 Champion of Trees 10K sponsors Dick Pond Athletics, Athletico and Chicago Athlete.
The 10K is the first of many Arboretum events leading up to its annual Arbor Day celebration, April 29-30, 2016. Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton, the father of Arboretum founder Joy Morton, to encourage the planting and protection of trees. In 1885, Nebraska declared J. Sterling Morton’s birthday, April 22, as Arbor Day and made it a legal holiday. Today, all 50 states, as well as many countries around the world, recognize Arbor Day in some manner. The day on which it is observed varies by region, depending on the best time of year to plant trees. In Illinois, Arbor Day falls on the last Friday in April.
Trees need champions today. Their survival depends on people— people taking action to protect and preserve them. Trees filter our air and water, reduce energy use, furnish wildlife habitats, and create beauty, and they need human help to continue. That’s why The Morton Arboretum is committed to scientifically informed action, both locally and globally. It’s why we champion trees through scientific study, conservation, education, and outreach. It’s why we protect and plant trees in a 1,700-acre outdoor living museum, in Chicago-area communities, and around the world.
About The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum and tree research center located in Lisle, Illinois. As the champion of trees, the Arboretum is committed to scientifically-informed action, both locally and globally, and encouraging the planting and conservation of trees for a greener, healthier, more beautiful world. On 1,700 acres are 220,000 plant specimens representing 4,100 different kinds of plants, along with specialty gardens, educational exhibits, the award-winning Children’s Garden, 16 miles of hiking trails and the Visitor Center, featuring The Arboretum Store and the Gingko Restaurant and Café. The Morton Arboretum is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, welcoming more than 1 million visitors and serving 42,890 member households in 2015. Learn more at mortonarb. org.
FUN AND SELF-DISCOVERY AWAIT NEXT-GEN FILIPINOAMERICANS ON NOWTOUR 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Filipino-Americans aged 18 to 44 have the chance to rediscover their roots while taking on an exciting adventure in the Philippines by joining the “Now Philippines Tour” or simply, NOW Tour 2016, to be held on 7-14 April 2016 in the key destinations of Manila, Dumaguete and Cebu.
“Wherever I go in the United States, I meet young Filipino-Americans who are excited to learn more about the Philippines. Theirs is the generation that is very conscious of its uniqueness, and how that uniqueness can be a powerful driver of self-actualization, achievement and the desire to make a difference in the world. It is our hope that the next generation of Filipino-Americans who will participate in this inaugural tour will not only discover an important component of their identity while in the Philippines, but also develop a life-long desire to give back to their country of heritage,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said.
The one-week tour program comprises activities that allow for exploration, adventure and reflection. It includes dialogues with government and business leaders, a visit around the secluded island of Sumilon, whale sharkwatching in Oslob, Cebu, and interaction with the local communities.
The NOW Tour 2016 is organized by The Travel Outlet, which is based in Virginia Beach, VA., with the support and cooperation of the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the United States, the Department of Tourism, US-Philippines Society, and Philippines-based Resort 4 U.
The Travel Outlet’s proprietor and lead tour organizer Naomi Estaris tells prospective participants, “This is your time – we are here to give you the time of your life. Our mission is your mission to discover your roots. They say you can’t really move forward unless you know your past and know where you came from. Take the time and take the trip – a journey that you wished you had done a long time ago. More than ever, NOW is the time.”
Interested parties may visit the NOW Tour 2016 website http://www.justgoph.com/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JustGoNowtour. ###
