SMART Mentors culminates

A total of 25 SMART mentors "graduated" in simple ceremonies held on May 4, 2007 in Tagaytay City. The 25 participants finished an exciting, challenging, and grueling 10-day 10-module training held at the De La Salle Lipa in Batangas. The training included sessions on telecollaboration, digital storytelling, and internet mining. The SMART mentors will now begin the implementation and evaluation of their 11-month action research course in their teaching contexts.

SMART Mentors is a specialized training and development program for faculty members of SMART schools program partners. It includes a full scholarship for an 11-month action research course that can earn teachers a master of arts degree in instructional design and technology.

PBSP and OMC organized plant visit for member companies

The Foundation, together with Oriental and Motolite Corporation (OMC) invited several member companies (MCs) for a plant visit to the Philippine Recyclers, Inc. (PRI) in Marilao, Bulacan as part of its awareness campaign for the Balik Baterya Program on May 3, 2007.

The participants were welcomed by OMC President Ramon Agustines in the Executive board room of the Ramcar Group in Quezon City. The entire morning was spent in group orientation and discussion as OMC Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility Noly Cayabyab and PBSP Project Officer Kristine Rivadelo introduced the Balik Baterya Program while PRI General Manager Irving Guerrero gave an orientation about the plant's operations.

The visitors proceeded to the Marilao plant in the afternoon where company staff explained and demonstrated the safety protocols being observed inside the plant. At the culmination of the activity, several of the plant visitors expressed their support to the program.

Balik Baterya Program involves collection of used-lead acid batteries (ULABs) for proper recycling and production of new automotive and industrial batteries. It aims to clear the environment of hazardous wastes. The funds generated from this project help fight TB incidence foremost among public utility vehicle drivers in the country.

For more information about the Balik Baterya program, you may email Kristine Jimeno-Rivadelo or call call her at (632) 527-3740.

Citi Sponsors Kythe's Annual Summer Camp

Citi Philippines (Citi) turned over a check donation to Kythe, Inc. on April 13, 2007 at the Forest Club, Bay Laguna. Citibank has been supporting the Child Life Program of Kythe since 2002, specifically activities such as the Annual Summer Camp held for the children afflicted with cancer and their families. The Child Life Program provides a multidisciplinary approach in treating pediatric cancer patients, which includes medical assistance, psychosocial needs and other appropriate interventions such as therapeutic play and anticipatory grief management. This year, there were a total of 45 children coming from the National Children's Hospital, UST Hospital, Tarlac Provincial Hospital, AFP Medical Center and National Kidney Institute.

Citi Country Corporate Affairs Director Lillibeth Fajardo and PBSP Luzon Regional Operations Manager Raffi Domingo attended the event. On hand to receive the check was Kythe, Inc. Executive Director and Founder Ma. Fatima Garcia.