Legacy July-December 2018

Vol. 12 Issue 2 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TAN YAN KEE FOUNDATION, INC. July-December 2018

UE-TYKFI SCHOLARS AND GRANTEES

RECOGNITION DAY

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R. Lucio C. Tan, Chairman and President of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc., and Trustee Carmen K. Tan warmly welcomed the UE-TYKFI scholars for school year 2018-2019 during the Scholars’ Recognition Day held on September 11, 2018 at the Century Park Hotel.

The program was opened by fifth year BS Accountancy scholar Angel Charmaine Torres who led the invocation and welcome remarks delivered by Dr. Ester A. Garcia, President and Chief Academic Officer of University of the East.

Present at the program were all the 58 new scholars and four grantees together with their parents and guardians, 62 continuing scholars and grantees. Their respective college deans from various colleges and campuses presented the scholars and grantees: Jus-

tina M. Evangelista, College of Arts and Sciences - Manila; Crisol A. Bruza, Arts and Sciences - Caloocan; Veronica N. Elizalde, Business Administration - Manila; Louie A. Divinagracia, Business Administration - Caloocan; Rodany A. Merida, Computer Studies and Systems; Rhodora H. Luciano, Dentistry; Evelina M. Vicencio, Education; Dominador S. Pagbilao, Engineering - Manila; and Victor R. Macam, Jr., Engineering Caloocan. Dean Norbert Lingling D. Uy of College of Medicine of UERMMMCI also recognized the two UERMMMCI scholars.

After the presentation, the UE Silanganan Dance Troupe performed a lively set of cultural dances during intermission.

Dr. Lucio C. Tan congratulated all the scholars for their achievements so far and welcomed the new scholars and grantees to the growing UE-TYKFI family. In his speech, he reflected on his journey as a young working student, sharing his belief that obtaining good education will make the difference in the world we live in. Dr. Tan encouraged everyone to maximize the capacity and potentials to lead in faith, courage, wisdom, and compassion.

The responses were given by Christian Mark N. Macapagao, 5th year BSCE, on behalf of the scholars and grantees; Josenoel O. Agra, parent; and Mr. Richardson E. Navor, an alumnus.

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Christian Mark N. Macapagao

Mr. Josenoel O. Agra

“Walang mga scholars dito kung wala ang UE-TYKFI.”

“Saying thank you is not overrated and it will never be.”

Excerpts from message of Mr. Josenoel O. Agra, father of Gyra Marie Agra

Excerpts from the message of Christian Mark N. Macapagao, 5th year, BSCE

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HROUGH the partnership of the University of the East and the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, walang mga scholars dito sa Century Park Hotel kung wala sila (UE-TYKFI).

I cannot deny the fact that quality education is quite a burden even if both parents are working very hard in this country where the necessities’ prices are continuously increasing. The UE-TYKFI scholarship is already a luxury for a simple family. Even before, the University of the East has been continuously producing excellent professionals in different fields of study. They have been very considerate in terms of tuition fees, because this is also where my eldest child is currently studying. I must say we have never been burdened about meeting the deadlines for payments. It is not expensive but rather very reasonable, ’yung masasabi mong tama lang para sa anak mo at tama lang din para sa budget ng isang simpleng pamilya. That is why we also let my youngest to finish her senior high school in UE and later on pursue a degree there.

Ang alam pa nga lang namin noon ay nakapasa siya sa Entrance Test for College Admission and bonus pa pala na naipasa niya ang UE-TYKFI Scholarship. Halo-halong emosyon ‘yung naramdaman namin pero syempre mas nangingibabaw yung saya. Kasi sa dinami-dami ng qualifiers, isa siya sa mga napiling bagong scholar ng UE-TYKFI. Isang big opportunity ito hindi lang para sa kanya, kundi sa aming pamilya rin. Nababawasan ng bahagya ‘yung gastusin namin dahil sa scholarship benefits na natatamasa niya ngayon. Muli, ako ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat bilang magulang ng isang University of the East-Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. scholar.

O the UE-Tan Yan Kee Foundation, thank you for giving students like me an opportunity to receive quality education. You helped me evolve my perspective as a young student and have inspired me to work harder in all my endeavors. I hope one day I will help students to achieve their goals just as the Foundation has helped me.

To our professors and mentors, thank you for your patience and helpful advices. You groomed us to be thorough professionals and have always been tremendous guides leading us to the right path.

To my fellow students, scholars, and classmates, thank you for the companionship and diverse viewpoints regarding academic issues or typical campus topics.

And lastly to my parents, all I have is endless gratitude for your ceaseless support and dedication. For being considerate when I get home from school way past my curfew; for your hardwork so we could have a better and brighter future. Thank you.

Saying thank you is not overrated, and it will never be.

As Gladys B. Stern said, “Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.”

Hearing thank you gives the same feeling of pleasure given by music; given by books; given by art.

Hearing thank you is music.

It is like when you are anxious with home works and with the finals fast approaching. It is like when you are stressed in the middle of the week because you feel like you do not have the strength to continue but then you hear your favorite song, and suddenly, you can go on.

Go on until the end of the week.

Until the end of the month, and until the end of the year.

Hearing thank you is much like books.

With its serenity and genuineness that brings peace to troubled minds, to EDITORIAL BOARD Editor: Evelyn Doris A. Abao aching hearts, and to sleepless eyes.

Hearing thank you is art.

Board of Advisers: Staff Writer: Correspondents: With how it always takes you n Jaime J. Bautista n Lara Grace A. Abaleta n Jonathan L. Anuma by surprise because you rarely hear n Valerie Ann L. Tan n Ma. Cecilia L. Pesayco “Thank you” now. n Juanita Tan Lee Stop thinking if it is over the top or not. It will never be like that anyway.

7F Allied Bank Center, 6754 Ayala Ave., Makati City, Philippines

Say the words; make someone’s www.tanyankee.org | tanyankee@asia.com | (632) 816-3311 loc. 522/520 day and be a happier person.

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Dreams for me were always just that, dreams. My mother was only able to finish high school, and my father was a college undergraduate. Their dreams would stay just that: dreams. Uncles and aunts, cousins and grandparents were dreamers, but reality had a way of pushing dreams by the wayside. As I was about to finish high school, it was slowly setting in that I was about to join the bandwagon of dreamers… that college is just another dream… unless I am able to get a scholarship.

Lo and behold, UE-Tan Yan Kee Foundation turned my dreams into reality.

Fourteen years ago, I was sitting at the same spot where you are right now.

I can still remember like it was just yesterday. I was a naïve young man, full of dreams and excited to enter a lavish hotel for the first time. I am eager to meet our benefactor, Dr. Lucio Tan, and other school officials. I was delighted at the taste of carbonara which was served on that day. I smiled from ear to ear as photographers took pictures of all scholars and grantees. I was on cloud nine.

The scholarship promises free tuition and other school fees, book allowance, uniform subsidy, transportation allowance and monthly stipend. The kind of financial help that any college student wishes for. However, the true value of the scholarship lies beyond the monetary assistance it provides its recipient. As for me, the true value of the scholarship lies in the way it changed my life forever.

It gave me confidence that I can achieve my dreams. For a person with disability, confidence is a rare quality. With the biases and stereotypes of society staring us at the face each day, getting this boost of confidence from a group of people who believes in my capacity and banks on my future, turned my disabilities to the greatest of abilities.

It gave me motivation during the toughest parts of my college life. During those sleepless nights and crunch times when I feel like the only option is

Prof. Richardson E. Navor

“A blessing that did not end on me” From the message of Prof. Richardson E. Navor, an alumnus

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IRST of all, congratulations to all the scholarship recipients! It is always gratifying to be a part of a ceremony of this type. We are constantly bombarded with information about kids in trouble, but it is young men and women such as those I see here today who give all of us lasting hope for the future. UE-Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc. scholarship program was established in 1998 and, over the past 20 years, has awarded over millions of pesos in scholarships to students all around the country. Helping these deserving young men and women may be one of the most important things that the Foundation does.

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to give up, remembering that I am among the few chosen recipients of the TYK scholarship gave me that inspiration to get back to work and be thankful that at least I can continue my studies unlike others who are not as blessed as I am.

It opened my doors to numerous opportunities as a college student.

Aside from being able to pursue accountancy, I was also active in various student organizations which allowed me to hone my interpersonal and leadership skills. These opportunities, though a real challenge to juggle with maintaining scholarship academic standing, led the way for me to finish my studies with flying colors.

I was able to finish as a Magna Cum Laude, the Leadership Awardee for Men and the Outstanding Graduate of Batch 2008. Eventually, I was also chosen as one of the Awardees of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines in the same year.

All of these, thanks to UE-Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc.

Tan Yan Kee scholarship is far more than just the monetary assis-

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In my second year, I initiated the Ate-Kuya Program in our local student organization of accountancy students. This program aims to allow upperclassmen students to tutor lowerclassmen during their free time. Knowing how hard accountancy is, this program continues to this day as a means of making college life a bit easier.

In my penultimate college years, when my mom was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer, I gave almost all my allowance to my father to help in covering family needs.

In the year 2013, five years after college, my friends and I decided to start a non-profit organization named People Uplifting the Students and the Handicapped (PUSH). The organization aims to provide aid materials and livelihood programs for persons with disability; as well as, financial aid to underprivilege but deserving students. Currently, our organization is supporting 10 Senior High School, 10 Junior High School and 10 Elementary students.

tance, and surely more than just one day of recognition such as this one.

Speaking of recognition day, let me go back to what I was sharing earlier – my first scholarship recognition day. So, the younger version of me was dressed in the best uniform and excited to personally meet and listen to Dr. Lucio Tan. I was not disappointed. As he delivered his speech that day, he shared his struggles and sacrifices as a young man. He shared how his perseverance and unwavering faith paved the way to his success.

But you know what, there is one part in his speech that really struck me. It became an anchor statement of my life throughout these years.

Dr. Lucio Tan said, “Do not let the blessing end on you.”

Silence. Goosebumps. It kept on resonating in my ears and in my heart, “Do not let the blessing end on you.”

I took it by heart and made it a personal mission to share myself to others.

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All of these because I was inspired by the words, “Do not let the blessing end on you.”

To the men and women behind UE-Tan Yan Kee Foundation, words are not enough to express our gratitude towards this life-changing scholarship. Please allow the stories of our successes serve as proof that you are doing something great and that we are truly grateful for what you have given us. We may not be able to pay you back; however, we are surely paying it forward.

To the new and continuing scholars and grantees, may this scholarship prove to be the start of your journey towards achieving your dreams. May it open countless of opportunities for you. May it serve as your inspiration during the tough times.

And at that moment when you realized how #BLESSED you are that you were able to achieve your #LIFEGOALS, may you never forget the words of Dr. Lucio C. Tan, “Do not let the blessing end on you.” n

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Scholarship for Farmers Children: Growing Number in SY 2018-2019

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50 scholars from Grade 7 to 12 were selected to become the scholars under the TYKFI-STA Scholarship Program for Farmers Children for school year 2018-2019, the largest batch of scholars since its launch in 2016.

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Scholarship for Farmers Children: Growing Number in SY 2018-2019

The Foundation welcomed 53 Grade 7 scholars and 97 continuing scholars as they spent an academic year at the Saint Teresita’s Academy, a Catholic private school in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya.

Apart from the free tuition and miscellaneous fees, the scholars also received books, uniforms and shoes, and school supplies as part of the scholarship program.

In exchange, the scholars have to maintain an average of 85% with no grade lower than 80, and grow as God-fearing and responsible members of the community.

Few days after the opening of classes, the scholars received notebooks, ballpens, pad papers, and a case of Camay Beauty Bar Soap on August 10, 2018. On November 14, they received their school shoes and rubber shoes.

The Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. sees the need for the younger generation to be equipped with knowledge through quality education. Beyond this, the Foundation believes that continuing education as well as supporting strategic education projects helps mold young people to be competent individuals with good character.

The previous school year 2017-2018 saw 110 scholars, who are children of industrious farmers belonging to indigenous groups in Aritao, Kayapa, and Sta. Fe in Nueva Vizcaya, finish a year under the scholarship program.

These hardworking scholars saw the fruit of their labor and sacrifices with some of them receiving recognition for their exemplary performance during the commencement exercises. Among them were Rommel Pilde, who recently finished Grade 12 with high honors and is now in college; and Novelyn Lacquias, who is now in Grade 9.

Both see the value of education to better the life of their families. n

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NOVELYN LACQUIAS Grade 10, TYKFI-STA Scholar

broken family.

When asked why she does not smile often, teary eyed, she shared, “Hindi po ako makangiti kasi palagi ko naiisip mga kapatid ko. Nasa iba-ibang lugar po kasi kami. ‘Yong pinaka-bunso namin, eight years old, nasa Cavite siya sa tita ko. Pangarap ko po na ma-buo kami kaya nagsisikap po ako na makapagtapos para magkasama-sama kami.”

She believes that education is the key to having a happy family again. She considers the scholarship grant as the start of a better tomorrow through the quality education.

Novelyn had to become independent and reliable to pay back the goodwill of her aunt who stood as her second parent. She tries to pay it off through excelling in academics, and on her first year as a TYK-STA scholar, she received third honors during the commencement exercises for the year 2016-2017.

She also joined a poster making contest organized by the Foundation for the students of its partner schools in Nueva Vizcaya. Amazed by her talent, she was awarded third place in the high school category.

With the cash prize in hand,

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anggang ngayon ma’am nasa akin pa ‘yong dalawang lapis na binigay niyo [Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc.] sa akin. Itinabi ko talaga ‘yon, kahit na hinihingi ng kapatid ko, hindi ko binibigay. Parang remembrance ko po na minsan natulungan po ako ng Tan Yan Kee.”

As young as eight years old, Novelyn has lived with her aunt and has dreamed of having a complete family. She has practically raised herself since she was young – helping her aunt in their household, taking care of others instead of receiving care from parents, and supporting herself in her studies with the help from her aunt.

Hailing from the mountain community of Mapayao in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, she expressed how blessed she was to be selected as one of the beneficiaries of the TYK-STA Scholarship for Farmers’ Children.

Along the way, Novelyn encountered discouragements. People have mocked her for having a 6

one would expect that she lavished on personal desires, but she shared it with her aunt and used some for the payment of her boarding house and their electricity.

On her second year as a scholar, she finished her ninth grade with high honors.

Novelyn is willing to sacrifice a lot just to finish her studies – being away from family, helping her aunt in different jobs, juggling time at school, and finding part-time jobs.

Her gratefulness to the Foundation is profound as it has given her the inspiration that she can become the hope for their family.

That is why up to this day, she keeps the two Tan Yan Kee pencils she received during the Foundation’s school supplies distribution project when she was studying at the Macdu Elementary School. Her siblings tried to get it from her, but she did not budge. To her, it symbolized the start of the outpouring of blessings from the Foundation that will help her shape her future as long as she sets her heart to her goal and believes that her determination, motivation, and perseverance will help her achieve her dreams. n

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SCHOLARS’ CORNER

ROMMEL PILDE Grade 12, TYKFI-STA Scholar Graduate

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T a young age, Rommel Pilde recognized the ideals of the Foundation and has decided to become an extension of these purpose-driven advocacies through his involvements in several projects and deeds, however big or small.

At 18 years old, he strives to maintain his scholarship and finish his education. Grateful for the TYK-STA Scholarship Program, he finished Grade 12 with a Technical-Vocational course with specialization in Commercial Cooking.

Surprisingly, he shared that he was able to experience the support of the Foundation to local mountain communities through a project which helped his elementary school and its students profoundly.

In 2010, TYKFI reached Macdu Elementary School in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, which is about a three-hour hike from the roadside. In partnership with the ABS-CBN Foundation and some

pal of Nansiakan NHS covered the other school expenses and he only had to pay for the boarding house and his food expenses.

However, he encountered daunting challenges in school and at home. There was a time that they had to get through the day only eating kamote (sweet potatoes), which they planted in their backyard. He also heard “rumormongers” bad-mouthing him.

Rommel, however, persevered and proved to the naysayers that he was deserving of all his awards.

He and his classmates joined a national competition on film-making organized by the Commission on Population, and their entry about teenage pregnancy was awarded as one of the Top 5 films.

After graduating in Junior High School with high honors, he received the information that he was qualified to be an STA Scholar.

Rommel was thankful to have studied in private school and received quality education. For him, knowledge is not limited to what the learning providers know. The school lets them learn on their own but with proper guidance. They en-

partner institutions from the LT Group of Companies, the school benefited from the E-TV Distribution project by the Foundation.

Educational Television Infrastructure Program or E-TV was developed as an entertaining education method geared towards teaching and learning Mathematics, Science, English, History, and Values, complementing traditional and structured methods.

Recalling the years he studied in Macdu ES, a few minutes hike away from their home in Mapayao, he shared that they enjoyed and at the same time acquired knowledge during classroom discussions where they use the E-TV. It was a diversion from the traditional classroom teaching methods with incorporation of values in the lessons essential for their personal development.

During high school, he studied at Nansiakan National High School, another three-hour hike from the mountain community of Mapayao. As the second eldest among his five siblings, he was really determined to study and find scholarship programs to sustain his education. Thankfully, the princi7

courage using resources such as the library and the internet to accomplish their scholarly duties.

He realized that he has become a better student and individual through the holistic development reinforced by the school. Rommel even became more active in participating in different projects inside and outside the campus.

He is the head of Namnama Kayapa, a municipal and regional organization which aims to protect the environment and promote the local ethnic culture through projects in different Kayapa communities.

Recent projects they have delivered for and with the local youths included outreach programs like school supplies and food distribution and tree-planting activities.

When asked how has the Foundation’s ideals affected him as an individual, he shared that he has become the type of person who gives help in whatever way he can.

Whenever teachers in his primary and secondary school ask for his help in preparation of lesson plans and presentations, he is always willing to help if he is free from his school responsibilities. He is also serving people by serving God through his active participation in the Music Ministry of the St. Joseph Parish Church. In the classroom and school dormitory, he was also willing to assist his fellow students in their academic struggles.

Rommel does not want to stop learning. He applied to several organizations and schools seeking scholarship grants. His dream is to become a doctor someday. However, his thirst for knowledge was his reason to grab every opportunity presented to him.

When he received the news that he landed in the top 6 in Region II for the scholarship with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), he was beyond ecstatic. He also passed the examination for priesthood.

Determination is what kept him going despite the lack of funds due to the meager income earned by his family in farming. Although deficient in financial resources, he was not short of support from his loved ones for the realization of his dreams and goals. n

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CONTINUING THE SCHOOL SUPPLIES DISTRIBUTION SPIRIT

Macdu Elementary School Since 2010, the Foundation has been a frequent visitor to the mountainous school of Macdu Elementary School in Barangay Pinayag, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya to extend various forms of assistance to its tightly-knit community of vegetable farmers. For many years, it has also helped the youth of the local barangay through the building of school classrooms, a gym, teacher training programs, school children grooming, and school supplies provision.

On September 13, 2018, the Foundation once again gave each of the 245 school children new school bags complete with three notebooks, pad papers, two pencils or ballpens, pair of slippers, cap, t-shirt uniform, as well as a box of Camay Beauty Bath Soap per student from kinder to grade six.

The activity was attended by teachers and parents, as well as Punong Barangay Hon. Longcoy Martes, PTA president Jane Mano, and local church pastor, Ptr. Maricar Ngadanan.

The teachers and parents as well as the guests expressed their gratitude not only for the school

supplies, but also for the ingraining of proper hygiene habits for the school children. Just as it was once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest,� the Foundation continues to invest time, 8

mileage and support to Macdu Elementary School in the hope of raising a young generation of knowledge-eager school children dreaming of a brighter future for themselves and their families.

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Tan Yan Kee Elementary School

Formerly called Balete Primary School, the Tan Yan Kee Elementary School has been a constant partner of the Foundation in caring for the schoolchildren of Balete, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya since its adoption of the Foundation’s name, which was in honor of Dr. Lucio C. Tan’s father, in 2011.

TYKES used to cater to grades one to two only, and prior to the Foundation’s intervention some seven years ago, the only teaching staff left was already preparing to

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transfer to another school.. After undergoing some improvements in its academic curriculum and school facilities, it was named Tan Yan Kee Elementary School and had its first batch of graduates in 2012.

Since then, TYKES has been a beneficiary of various forms of school assistance, one of which is the annual school supplies distribution by the Foundation where the students receive various school supplies they use for the whole school year.

This year, 137 students received on September 26, 2018, a set of school supplies that included notebooks, pad papers, pencils and

pens, slippers, t-shirt uniform, cap, slippers, and bath soaps.

The program started with a fellowship through a Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Jerome Ponce of the Divine Mercy Chapel in Sta. Fe. It was attended by former Sta. Fe Mayor Teodorico Padilla and the grateful local barangay officials headed by Barangay Captain Romeo Bugtong, 9

parents, and teachers.

The season of giving knows no time. A heart so pure could give so much to those in need only expecting the recipients to become better persons. The Foundation’s efforts in taking care of the school children in Nueva Vizcaya are all worth it once we see the changes these gifts have brought in their lives. n

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Fostering Passion for Learning through School Supplies Provision “Develop a passion for learning.

If you do, you will never cease to grow.”

per student from kinder to grade 6.

In Babayoan Elementary School, the turnover program was fully attended by the Barangay Captain Mr. Virgilio Lupdag and other Barangay officials, PTA president Ms. Lolita Arzadon, Babayoan Methodist Church Administrative Pastor Rev. Benilda Gonzalo, the parents, and teachers.

The school’s head teacher Ms. Violeta Javonillo also gave a similar statement expressing much thankfulness and a reassurance that the gifts are also to be translated into a desire for the academics as well as for achievements amongst the school children.

According to Ms. Javonillo, on behalf of the parents and school children, “We are very happy and thankful to our Almighty Lord that despite of the inclement weather and Typhoon Ompong, our Divine Lord saved us from danger, and al-

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T was another year of sowing for TYKFI - that is, we continued sowing the seeds of passion and commitment to learning amongst our Sta. Cruz school children, as we invested once again in the provision of school supplies for the three adopted schools of Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur. On October 4, 2018, three school supplies distribution programs under the Adopt-a-School Program were held in Babayoan Elementary School, Nagtenga Elementary School, and Sidaoen Elementary School for 586 pupils.

Pupils in these adopted schools

are mostly farmers’ children. With much cheer and thankfulness, they all fell in line as each one received a school bag complete with three notebooks, pad papers, two pencils or ballpens, one pair of slippers, cap, and t-shirt uniform, as well as a box of Camay Beauty Bath Soap 10

lowed us to continue our desire to continue with our mission and vision of our educational system.

The gift-giving of supplies to our school children is a great manifestation of an infinite love of God to us and channeled to us with happy hearts through the Foundation.

The school children are abundantly supplied with educational resources, and their thoughts are those of the steadily diligent, which lead only to achievement.”

In Nagtenga Elementary School, the ceremony was attended by the Barangay Captain Mr. Noli Afalla and other barangay officials, PTA president Ms. Melodylyn Jallorina, parents and teachers.

According to Nagtenga Elementary School’s Head Teacher III, Mr. Carlos Javines, “Punong-puno po ng kagalakan ang aming puso, kami pong lahat na miyembro ng teaching staff, mga PTA, lalong-lalo na sa mga

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mag-aaral po dito, dahil po sa walang sawang pagbabahagi ng inyong pagmamahal sa aming paaralan, asahan po ninyo na hindi mawawalan ng saysay dahil gagamitin po lahat ito sa tama at wastong pagkakagamitan nito.”

In Sidaoen Elementary School, the ceremony was also well attended by the Barangay Captain Engr. Emigdio Sales, Jr. and other officials, PTA president Mr. Felegrino Pacleb, parents, and teachers.

Meanwhile, the program at Sidaoen Elementary School was highlighted by a special recitation number from 6th grade student, Vince Raphael Tejada. Vince was then a recent second place winner in “Wika Ng Saliksik”, a Sta. Cruz district-wide search for top composers and orators in poetry”.

According to Sidaoen Elementary School’s head teacher Mr. Frisco Josue, “Dito namin maipapakita ang pasasalamat namin sa mga tumutulong sa aming paaralan upang mahikayat ang mga bata na mag-aral mabuti at hindi lumiliban sa klase.”

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Other thankful echoes from Sidaoen Elementary School are the following: “Dahil po sa mga tulong na ibinibigay ninyo sa mga bata ay lalo pa po silang naeengganyong pumasok sa paaralan. Muli, marami pong salamat!”

—Felegrino Pacleb, PTA president “Patuloy po sana ninyong tulungan at suportahan ang aming paaralan.

Dahil po sa mga tulong ninyo ay lalo pang lumaki ang populasyon ng mga batang nag-aaral dito sa paaralang ito. Muli, maraming salamat Tan Yan Kee Foundation.”

—Love Shella Javonitalla, Barangay Kagawad, Education “Isa kayo sa mga inspirasyon ng mga batang Ito upang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang mithiin at hangarin sa buhay. Isa kayo sa mga inspirasyon kung bakit sila ginaganahang pumasok araw-araw. Nawa’y ang Panginoon ang magbalik ng inyong kabutihan.”

—Engr. Emigdio Sales, Jr., Brgy.

Captain, Sidaoen

As with each quote above, the Foundation hopes that as it continues to sow the seeds of education in these young school children, together we will reap and kindle the flame and vigor for life-long learning in each one. n 11

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Meaningful Christmas Celebration with Sta. Cruz School Children

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HRISTMAS is a time to pause and remember the ones we love and care about, as well as to think upon the things that are most meaningful in life.

At TYKFI, it is once again a time of sharing the season’s cheer and blessedness with marginalized school children from farming communities. The Foundation held Christmas programs as part of the annual food distribution project for 519 pupils in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, namely Babayoan, Nagtenga, and Sidaoen Elementary Schools.

In Babayoan Elementary School, the Christmas program was fully attended by Barangay Captain Hon. Virgilio Lupdag, other Barangay officials, PTA president and Day Care teacher Lolita Arzadon, Babayoan Methodist Church Administra-

tive Pastor Rev. Benilda Gonzalo, teachers headed by Mrs. Violeta Javonillo, and parents. The drum and lyre band of the school played an OPM song as a special presentation for the visitors.

In Nagtenga Elementary School, the ceremony was attended by the barangay officials headed

by Barangay Captain Noli Afalla, PTA president Melodylyn Jallorina, Day Care teacher Mary Lozano, teachers headed by Mr. Carlos Javines, and parents. The school prepared a zumba dance number with their fellow students leading the presentation.

In Sidaoen Elementary School, the ceremony was also well attended 12

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by the barangay officials led by Barangay Captain OIC, First Kagawad Ricardo Polonio, PTA president Felegrino Pacleb, Day Care teacher Catherine Hermosura, teachers headed by Mr. Frisco Josue, and parents. The different grade levels came together to perform in unison their marching band number for the town fiesta, equipped with xylophones wands, and drums.

Challenging and competitive games were also facilitated for all the grade levels, with the Foundation providing the ecstatic school children with their prizes. Lastly was the gift-giving occasion. The

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• Instant coffee • Brown sugar • Toothpaste and toothbrush In addition, exciting prizes were awarded to the top three teams of the parol-making competition for which TYKFI involved grades four to six students in each school to make the said Christmas decor with recycled and indigenous materials, thus fostering not only their creativity and competitiveness, but also their social and environmental consciousness.

The first prize was garnered

by Sidaoen ES, the second prize to Nagtenga ES, and third prize went to Babayoan ES. Their parols incorporated plastic drink bottles, bottle caps, packaging paper materials, sea shells, wood shavings, rice chaff, and broom bristles.

In 2018, the school heads re-

Foundation prepared for each student and teacher a TYKFI gift bag containing: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Bihon noodles Fruit cocktail Condensed milk All-purpose cream Chocolate chip cookies Vitamilk Soy drink Nestea juice drink Lollipop Canned sardines Cooking oil Vinegar Soy sauce Chocolate powder drink 13

ported that some of the students also won several competitions outside of school.

In Sidaoen, sixth-grader Vince Raphael Tejada won second place in a district-wide poetry composition and oratory contest. In Nagtenga, select students have received medals and awards in at least ten District or Division level competitions on gymnastics, writing, and journalism among other honors.

Overflowing with elation, “Mabuhay and God bless TYKFI!” was the resounding response from the schools. It is hoped that this occasion will give each student a chance to experience the warmth and meaning of Christmas with their families, and that the Foundation would have the privilege of filling their memories with a joyful overflow over the season. n

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ISANG BAYAN NA NAGTUTULUNGAN SA KAPASKUHAN

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n December 8, 2018, the Foundation saw 545 happy school children of our partner schools in Nueva Vizcaya as they received gifts from the Foundation as part of the annual food distribution project held at the GeoNature Inc. Compound in Brgy. Digdig, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.

Joined by their teachers, pupils from Tan Yan Kee Elementary School in Sta. Fe and Macdu Elementary School in Kayapa and scholars from Saint Teresita’s Academy in Aritao, Nueva Viz-

caya arrived early in the compound to join the Holy Mass co-celebrated by Fr. Rene Caligue of STA and Fr. Jerome Ponce of Divine Mercy Chapel. STA Scholars Choir led the singing of the hymns during 14

Education

Eucharistic Celebration. Scholars of Nueva Vizcaya State University were also present to join the wholeday program.

With games for each level, entertainment from a clown and magician team, the excitement could be felt from each of the students, even parents and teachers.

The program was made more special by the performance from Manoeuvres Ignite dancers as they gave an energetic set of dances which drew loud cheers from the crowd. Also, performances from selected students from each school showcased their talents in singing and dancing.

This year also marked the first time for the program to have a parol-making contest participated in by grades four to six of TYKES and Macdu ES and grades seven to 12 of STA. Each grade level made a parol out of recyclable and indig-

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enous materials. The parol created

by Macdu ES grade four pupils stood out among the entries and was awarded the first prize.

As the program drew to a close, the students received the food packs with each TYK ecobag containing bihon noodles, fruit cocktail, condensed milk, all-purpose cream, chocolate chip cookies, Vitamilk soy drink, bottled Nestea, sardines, cooking oil, vinegar, soy sauce, chocolate powder drink, instant coffee, sugar, toothpaste, toothbrush, and candies.

Endless thank yous were heard and smiles were seen before they went back to their respective homes. Another memorable day was on their “books” and the Foundation could not be happier for the smiles it brought to students who surely promised to make their academic commitments better. n

“I

just want to say thank you to the Tan Yan Kee Foundation for all the help they have given us. Thank you for always making us feel confident in our school. Thank you for making us feel proud to be Tan Yan Kee scholars. I just want to share when we received our shoes last time, almost all of our classmates said, “I wish I’m also a Tan Yan Kee scholar.” It was just so inspiring that I said to myself, “We, Tan Yan Kee scholars should not only be envied because of our shoes, but also because of our grades.” Thank you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”—Francis Lacquias, Grade 10, Saint Teresita’s Academy 15

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Fun and Learning at Tan Yan Kee Library Summer Classes

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T the Tan Yan Kee Library, summer is just another time and chance to learn the Chinese language, and giving such an opportunity to the next generation is indeed close to Dr. Lucio C. Tan’s heart. Summer Cultural Classes for kids of ages three to 12 ran from May 6 to July 8, 2018 at the Tan Yan Kee Library in San Fernando Tower, Binondo, Manila. On Saturdays and Sundays, a total of 60 students participated in Chinese Literature classes.

Different activities like reading and storytelling were conducted to help facilitate their understanding and appreciation of Chinese idioms, traditional Chinese festivals, and Chinese Tang poetries.

Presentations in the form of short plays, poetry narrations, and song interpretations were also done as part of the classes. Fun-filled art activities included origami folding, coloring, designing of greeting cards

and crafts about traditional Chinese festivities. Because of all these engaging activities, the students learned and improved their Mandarin and Fookien with ease.

To further let the students 16

enjoy their summer, and also spend time learning and enhancing their talents, a Thanksgiving program with song and dance presentations and narration was dedicated to their parents. The greeting cards

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the kids made during their classes were highly cherished by their parents as it reflected of their children’s sincere efforts and love.

To wrap up a summer filled with knowledge, talents, and amity, a closing program was held on July 8, 2018 at the penthouse of the San Fernando Tower where the students did storytelling, reporting, singing, and short play presentations, narrations, and song interpretations.

Dr. Lucio C. Tan and Mrs. Carmen K. Tan graced the ceremony as special guests. Ms. Fe Chen-Urdaneta, head of the library personnel, was also present to witness the graduation of the participating students.

Another fruitful summer for these young children would not be possible if not for the teamwork of library personnel Ms. Florentina Go, Ms. Ellamae Valenzuela, and Ms. Lan Chen Chu with the teachers Mr. Ulysses Yu, Ms. Yee Hoa Lee, and Mr. Lance Pineda.

Above the fun the students experienced, what the parents valued the most in conclusion of the summer classes are the improvement of the kids’ Chinese language proficiency, understanding of the Chinese values and history, and the cultivation of a positive attitude through the help of lessons they will bring with them as they become responsible citizens of the country. n 17

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Tan Yan Kee Library Activities Bring Out Creative Artists of Different Ages

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reativity in every individual is innate but to unleash and fully maximize each of our potential could lead to better growth and opportunities. At Tan Yan Kee Library, young and adult students alike participated in two activities that aimed to unlock and improve creativity and imagination.

Bulletin Board Design Class

On July 21 and 28, 2018, 20 students spent their two Saturdays for the Bulletin Board Design Class at the Tan Yan Kee Library in Bi-

nondo, Manila.

The students aged 8-70 years old were brought together by their passion and interest in art even though some of them are students and teachers coming from various schools in Manila and Quezon City.

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Their schools are: St. Jude Catholic School, Chiang Kai Shek College, Hope Christian School, St. Stephen’s High School, Uno High School, San Lorenzo Academy, and Philippine Institute of Quezon City.

Cut-out colored papers were shaped and pasted together to come up with various images of animals like owls, elephants, lions, bears, birds, penguins, spiders; trees and fruits such as strawberries, oranges, pineapples, watermelons, and cherries.

It may seem like an easy thing to do but one needs an imaginative mind and patience to come up with designs that will form an image and incorporate their unique character. Through the guidance of Dr. Ulysses Yu, colorful illustrations flooded on both days they learned arts and crafts.

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The students enjoyed learning new things and at the same time earning new friends from different schools. In turn, the teacher felt that the students left an impression of excitement and anticipation.

Chinese Ink Painting Class

of their brushes illustrate various painting subjects such as mountains, bodies of water, pine tree, crane, eagle, chicken, sparrow bird, peacock, and ancient Chinese woman.

As a quick break from every painting session, the class had a Mid-Autumn Celebration where they played dice games on October 6, 2018 at the 16th floor of the San Fernando tower. This simple activity fostered stronger camaraderie as they become friends and not just mere participants of the activity.

Fifteen Saturdays saw emerging and blooming talents in the hands of 15 students from August 18 to November 24, 2018 when they participated in Chinese Ink Painting Classes held at the Tan Yan Kee Library.

The students learned step-bystep painting methods on various media. Aged 13-84 years old, they collectively explored their artistic talents and limitations as the tips 19

Dr. Ulysses Yu, the art teacher, commended the students as they displayed enthusiasm in learning Chinese Ink Painting techniques.

The age of the participants did not hinder them from producing colorful and graphic images in various applications like hand fans, lamp shades, kites, and lanterns.

The Foundation believes that activities such as this does not only keep one busy. Talent and skills can always be improved as long as one puts one’s heart and dedication in learning it. n

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Bhutan Group Visits TYKFI for Best Practices Programs

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nine-member delegation from Bhutan’s Ministry of Education visited the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. (TYKFI) farm compound in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija on September 4, 2018 for an interchange on best practices and experiences taken from the Foundation’s programs particularly on early childhood care and development.

The delegates previously came from a dialogue held in Metro Manila with their counterparts in the Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCD).

The nine delegates were headed by Sherab Phuntshok, chief program officer of the Ministry of Education, together with his pro-

bilities as education officers in their country. They also shared some facts on their country and culture, i.e., Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy and is located in the Eastern Himalayas. TYKFI officers, led by Foundation Head Philip Sing, were able to share some of the Foundation’s best practices concerning environmental, social, and governance issues.

TYKFI officers shared about the Foundation’s quality education advocacy which includes scholarship projects with partner universities and schools, medical specialty training, and law scholarships. Its collaboration with the ECCD Council involves child development worker training as well as a concerted effort with the ECCD and local government units to bring quality education into reality for marginalized children aged

gram officers from the districts of Mongar, Jongkhar, Pemagatshel, Trongsa, Lhuentse, and Wangdue.

They were joined by Ms. Andrea See, representative of the Asia Pacific Regional Network on Early Childhood (ARNEC) in Singapore.

All the guests shared on the nature of their work and responsi22

0-4 years old. Together, TYKFI and the stakeholders are motivated by the belief that the marginalized children are not a case of social welfare but are a magnificent promise and each a miraculous phenomenon. It is the aim of the Foundation and the stakeholders to see this come to fruition in the young ones’ lives as they grow up to become accomplished lifelong learners.

In addition, the two pronged goals of environmental and social sustainability can be seen in TYKFI’s community focus in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, where a challenging reforestation and biodiversity preservation project has been underway since its inception in 2014.

The Bhutanese delegation commended the Foundation on having a “holistic” approach to its projects. On September 5, 2018,

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TYKFI officers joined the delegation on a courtesy call at the Office of Aritao Mayor Lucita Tan in Nueva Vizcaya to share experiences in implementing the ECCD program at the local government level.

The delegates also visited a National Child Development Center more commonly known as Bulilit Center, which is a joint project of the ECCD Council and the LGUs to provide a ground level or convergence center for the implementation of ECCD activities, in Barangay Beti, Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya, where the center’s day care worker was previously trained through TYKFI’s collaboration with the ECCD council. n

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Foundation for Upgrading the Standards of Education (FUSE) NEWS CORNER

TYKFI Chairman and President and FUSE Vice Chairman Dr. Lucio C. Tan attends FUSE’s Monthly General Assembly together with other FUSE Board of Trustees and Trainers

Teacher training participant presents during one of the English classes in St. Anthony’s Academy, Inc. in Eastern Samar on May 7-11, 2018.

Teacher participants focus on their Physics class activities during their training in St. Anthony’s Academy, Inc. on May 7-11, 2018.

The Philippine Team brings home Gold, Silver, two Bronze, and two Honorable Mention awards during the 59th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) held in Romania on July 2018. The top 6 participants sent to IMO were chosen after rigorous stages of competitions in the Philippine Mathematical Olympiad (PMO) supported by Mathematical Society of Philippines (MSP) and FUSE.

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Culture&Arts

TYKFI Supports Philippine Ballet Talents

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ALLET Philippines, the country’s premier professional dance company, recently held a successful cultural tour of China from August 17 to 27, 2018.

On August 19, 2018, the group performed at the new Shanghai International Dance Center as part of the Department of Foreign Affairs. In Beijing, Ballet Philippines performed at the Tianqiao Theater, home of the National Ballet of China (NBC), on August 25 and 26 in fulfillment of the Executive Program of the Philippines-China Cultural Exchange Agreement under National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the China Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Ballet Philippines performed a collection of Masterpieces, including “Amada” and “Bingkod Suite”

by National Artist for Dance and BP artistic director Alice Reyes, which won wild applause from the audience and praise from the dancers and staff of National Ballet of China. The theater was filled with a highly appreciative Chinese audience including Chinese gov-

This tour is part of the people-to-people exchange between the Philippines and China and was made possible by generous support from Philippine Airlines, the official carrier of Ballet Philippines, Tan Yan Kee Foundation, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Tourism Promotions Board, and Ito Curata couture.

For two nights at Beijing’s Tianqiao Performing Arts Theater, warm applauses resounded from this set of audiences as they commended the dancers of Ballet Philippines.

Ballet Philippines, which was founded in 1969 by Ms. Alice Reyes (a National Artist of the Philippines), is the resident dance company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, recognized as the country’s flagship company in ballet and contemporary dance.

For many years, former Miss Universe Ms Margarita (Margie) Moran-Floirendo was at the helm of the ballet company.

Culture and the arts have always formed part of TYKFI’s program in education, culture, and sports.

TYKFI has had several projects promoting dialogue, as well as, cultural and language exchanges between the

ernment officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business executives, media and art representatives, officials of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, officials from friendship and cultural associations, officials of Chinese universities and students, and members of the Filipino community. The Filipino diplomats were led by Philippine Ambassador Chito Sta. Romana.

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Chinese and the Filipinos, especially amongst young students. Ties built through cultural exchanges also help promote mutual respect and understanding over each country’s culture and history. As a Philippine arts ambassador, Ballet Philippines is a fitting partner for TYKFI as it also supports and nurtures this advocacy of the Foundation through its occupation.

The dancers wore brilliant costumes some of which were perhaps a modern take to traditional Filipino ensembles. They gave a flawless and versatile performance while also showcasing indigenous themes with lavish elegance.

Touched and inspired, the little Chinese ballerina fans amongst the audience took to the stage with bouquets on hand at curtain call.

Dressed in bright red tutus, these bouquets of friendship, admiration, and honor, shows that cultural exchanges are a tool for mutual understanding between two different countries. For who knows, as more countries increase in cooperation and mutual appreciation, what humanitarian innovations may result, what further enrichment may amalgamate for any given culture, and what modern breakthroughs can be achieved together. n

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Health Services

TYKF-AABMSS Monthly Medical Forum

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VERY month, the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. and the Association of Asia Brewery Medical Specialty Scholars (AABMSS) hold a medical forum designed for laymen. The forum provides people with a venue to learn about the latest medical issues, trends, and available treatment options. Asia Brewery medical scholars render free consultations and discuss pertinent matters in layman’s language. The forum is held at the Grand Ballroom of Century Park Hotel.

Medical Forum No. 306

musculo-tendinous structures inside the shoulder n Supraspinatus: lifting of the arms n Subscapularis: reach the back pocket or scratch the back n Infraspinatus and Teres Minor: open refrigerator doors or rotating the arm externally

Common Vascular Diseases

Jeffrey L. Chua, M.D. (Clinics: Makati Med. – 888-8999, De Los Santos – 893-5762, Cardinal – 727-0001) Varicose Veins: veins that have become enlarged and twisted Symptoms: n Leg heaviness n Cramping n Easy tiredness n Uneasy feeling of the leg Complication: Venous stasis ulcers (wounds due to improper functioning of leg venous valves) Diagnostic: Doppler Ultrasound (check for non-functional valves within the veins affecting the circulation of blood in the lower legs) Treatment: n Medical Therapy: help alleviate symptoms n Surgical: depends on the severity of non-functional valves within the veins n Sclerotherapy: medicine injection to the vein to irritate the vein to close it n Microphlebectomy : for larger veins when sclerotherapy will not work

Medical Forum No. 307

Making Work and Workplaces Safe and Healthy Louie James L. Tan, M.D. (Clinic: Perpetual Succor Hospital – 731-1631) Occupational Safety and Health: allows one to see oneself as a “worker”; be conscious of worker’s work definitions, tasks, activities, work conditions and environment, work processes, habits, systems, and organization so one can relate how these will affect worker’s health

Work-related and Occupational Illnesses or Injuries: event or exposure in the work environment that either caused or contributed to the resulting condition or aggravated a pre-existing condition. It will result to significant economic burden to various industry sectors in the form of direct and indirect costs, productivity losses, compensation, and disability costs.

Common Illnesses and injuries: n Occupational eye diseases: cataract n Occupational lung diseases: asthma,

pneumoconiosis, tuberculosis n Work related musculoskeletal disorders: low back, neck and shoulder pain, shoulder tendinitis, nerve entrapments, carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive overuse disorders) n Occupational dermatoses: allergic contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, irritant contact dermatitis n Cardiovascular diseases: hypertension n Reproductive health issues n Heat stress or exhaustion n Chemical injuries n Noise induced hearing loss n Cold induced injuries

ate measures will often lead to injury or disease n Elimination of the hazard source n Use policies or instructions to limit exposures n Physical barrier alterations or change in provisions to improve accessibility and safety n Substitution with similar but safer product n Wear protective equipment (like gloves, masks, etc.)

Medical Forum No. 308

Common Degenerative Shoulder Problems: A Basic Guide in Diagnosis and Treatment

Prevention: n Annual and periodic medical examinations n Medical surveillance n Diet counselling n Exercise programs n Immunization n Workplace environment monitoring n Compliance to health and safety policies and regulations n Health promotion or education n Targeted approaches n Availability of medical services

Jeremy James C. Munji, M.D. (Clinics: UST Hospital – 731-3001, Delos Santos – 8935762, Health Cube [Promenade] - 650-1111, Providence – 558-6999) Degenerative Shoulder Problems: not athletic and above 40 years old Symptoms: n Non-traumatic pain n Muscle weakness n Clicking or “creaking” between bones and cartilage

Hazard Identification / Risk Assessment/ Control (HIRAC) Plan: n Hazard: refers to something in the workplace that has the potential to cause harm n Physical (illumination, noise, heat, vibration) n Chemical (dust, fumes, mist) n Biologic (bacterial, viral, parasites) n Ergonomic n Psychosocial

Causes: Impingement Syndrome or “Rotator Cuff Tendon Tears”: due to a tilted acromion or a swollen rotator cuff tendon with subacromial bursitis, rubbing of the supraspinatus on the bone of the shoulder blade as one lifts the arm over the head occurs. This promotes pain, clicking and eventual tearing of the Supraspinatus Rotator Cuff Tendon n Rotator Cuff Tendon: a group of four

Risk: likelihood of the hazard causing the harmful effect.

Control: failure to establish appropri-

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Adhesive Capsulitis or “Frozen Shoulder” : a condition where the capsule surrounding the shoulder becomes inflamed and fibrotic. The capsule stiffens and disables patient from doing full motion of the shoulder. Rather than a disease entity by itself – it is a symptom of an internal derangement in the shoulder such as chronic and neglected rotator cuff tears.

Glenohumeral Joint Arthritis: not very common for Filipinos and Asians but may occur due to cartilage degeneration or degradation of the “bony lining” of the shoulder joint leading to pain and stiffness. This problem if felt more in the morning with limitation of range of motion of the shoulder joint and may improve with motion.

Treatment: n Rehabilitation: multiple exercises

involving stretching, scapular stabilizing and rotator cuff strengthening for reducing pain and improving function, benefit only not big, complete and retracted Rotator Cuff tears or anatomic impingement from a tilted acromion n Lasers and Deep Heat Ultrasound: for small partial tears with biceps synovitis or subacromial bursitis n Platelet Rich Plasma Injection: relies on multi-potential cells that enhance healing, is an additive in surgery that will benefit small to medium tears n Corticosteriods: anti-inflammatory which ends pain but is best coupled with rehab regimen n Arthroscopy Surgery: done minimally invasively, through putting small windows in the shoulder and fixing large and complete tear, non-improvement with 2-3 months or patients who have a higher functional demand or want more than just pain relief but also return of power and strength of rehabilitation through a camera

Medical Forum No. 309

Obesity is a Disease that Needs Treatment

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Michelle Bernadette C. Lim-Loo, M.D. (Clinics: CGH –711-4141, Medical City – 9881000, Cardinal – 727-0001, Providence –558-6999, Infant Jesus – 731-2771, Rizal – 865-8400)

n Age

Being obese means having excessive body fat which can lead to diseases to the body including diabetes, heart disease, hypertensions, arthritis, sleep apnea, stroke, infertility, cancer and others.

Most common method for weight loss is by healthy eating and exercise. However, this is very difficult for the obese due hormonal imbalances brought about by the excessive body fat. The body adapts to the weight loss by reducing their metabolism. This results in weight regain when the diet and exercise is stopped.

Bariatric surgery is a weight loss treatment that resets the hormonal imbalance in the body. The surgery results in reduced hunger sensation, increased satiety, changes in taste, smell and eating behavior, and increased body metabolism. Bariatric surgery results in long term sustainable weight with improvement of obesity related diseases like diabetes.

Causes: n Fractures n Infection n Tumors n Cauda Equina Syndrome n Muscle pain and strain

n Female n Physically and psychologically

strenuous work n Sedentary

Common Spine Disorders: n Low Back Pain: common problem as people ages Risk Factors: n Smoking n Obesity

possibly increase bone mass drugs n Calcitonin: slow the breakdown of the minerals in bone n Calcium and vitamin D n Brace: control pain and may thwart a deformity from worsening, support the spine and may decrease secondary muscle spasm, but can’t correct bone wedging.

Operative: to control pain, improve the deformity and decompress the nerve roots or spinal cord n Vertebroplasty: involves an injection of bone cement into vertebrae n Kyphoplasty: similar to vertebroplasty, except that a balloon is inflated in the vertebra to create a space before the filling with bone cement

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: a condition in which the vertebral canal is narrowed

Austin Samuel L. Lim, M.D. (Clinics: CGH. – 711-4141, Metropolitan – 863-2500)

a collar, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy n Operative: anterior cervical discectomy and fusion; posterior decompression and stabilization

n Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

Spondylolisthesis: one of the vertebrae of the spine slips forward in relation to another

Treatment: will improve after 4 to 6 weeks n Non-operative: exercise, anti-inflammatory medications, brace to minimize muscle spasm, one or two days bed rest n Operative: Discectomy, Spinal Fusion, Posterior Lumbar Laminectomy or Decompression

How Is Your Back?: Low Back Pain and Other Spine Problems in the Elderly

Treatment: medication addressing osteoporosis Non-operative:

Facet Joint Arthropathy: arthritis of the joints that connect the vertebrae to one another, bone spurs can be formed around the joint due to bone rubbing

Herniated Disc: outer covering is weakened or torn and the soft inner tissue extrudes

n CT scan: detect fractures, congenital

n Bisphosphonates: maintain and

Degenerative Disc Disease: wear and tear or breakdown of the intervertebral discs, normally begins with loss of fluids

Medical Forum No. 310

Symptom: back pain Diagnosis: n X-ray n MRI or CT scans: evaluate fractures n Bone Mineral Density: confirms osteoporosis

Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: arthritic changes in the aging spine and joints Symptoms: n Pain n Numbness n weakness of the neck, shoulder, arm or hand; n leg weakness n body imbalance

Osteoporosis and Compression Fractures: decrease in bone mass, can cause fractures with no trauma Risk Factor: post-menopausal women

Diagnosis: n X-ray

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anomalies and tumors n MRI: assess alignment and detect

soft tissue problems Treatment: n Non-operative: immobilization with

Care: n Quit smoking n Choose body conforming mattress n Walking, jogging, biking, swimming,

balancing, yoga, tai chi and exercise to strengthen abdominal muscles n Maintain a healthy weight: overweight increased risk of low back pain n Use safe posture: body’s position can raise your risk of experiencing low back pain Signs of Developing Serious Spinal Disorders: n Neurological impairment n Bladder or bowel dysfunction n Inability to ambulate n Pain in patients below 20 and above 55 years old n Severe morning stiffness n High fracture risk (e.g. osteoporosis) n Immunosuppressed status n History of malignancy n Fever, malaise, weight loss n Pain unchanged on rest, posture modification or after 4 weeks of treatment Medical Forum No. 311

Common ENT Problems

Ryan Uy Chua, M.D. (Clinics: UST Hospital – 731-3001, Medical City – 988-1000, Centuria Medical Makati – 793-8606)

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ABI Medical Specialty Scholarship Program diagnosis, as well as in giving appropriate management.

While in Vancouver, the cases she encountered were mostly rare, compared to the cases seen in the Philippines where few institutions provide Neuro-ophthalmology.

This fulfills her long-time dream of wanting to become a doctor just like her parents. However, out of the drive to achieve and the heart to meet patient needs in our country, she knew she wanted to pursue a sub-specialty that few have put their interest and dedication to.

She thanked the Foundation and the Asia Brewery Medical Specialty Program for providing support on this knowledge and skill-deepen-

ing training. She was also grateful for the ceaseless support of her parents which helped her finish the program.

She is looking forward to teaching residents on what she has gained abroad. She also hopes to be part of the Association of the Asia Brewery Medical Specialty Scholars, an organization composed by the alumni of the scholarship program, so that she could share her acquired knowledge to the ordinary people.

In the true spirit of giving back, she wholeheartedly expressed her willingness to be part of giving back to the Filipino community through the activities initiated by Dr. Lucio Tan and the Foundation. n

Dr. Clarissa Marie S. Tady

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R. CLARISSA MARIE S. TADY recently completed her Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship at the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, Canada.

During her one-year fellowship training, she was under the mentorship of eight esteemed Neuro-opthalmologists. She had trained in three hospitals and two sub-speciality clinics, with Vancouver General Hospital as her main hospital. There, she saw and handled cases that included Optic Neuritis with Multiple Sclerosis, Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, Optic Neuropathies from other causes, Diplopia from Cranial Nerve Palsies, Visual Field defects from stroke, headache, dizziness, and post concussion syndrome. She was also given the chance to attend case conferences in both Neurology and Opthalmology wherein residents would present interesting cases.

Neuro-ophthalmology is a medical sub-specialty where the

field of neurology, or the branch of medicine that is concerned with the study and treatment of conditions and disorders of the nervous system, and ophthalmology, a medical field that deals with the study and treatment of the diseases of the eye and visual center, is merged.

Neuro-ophthalmology, therefore, deals with the relationship between the complex activities of the brain and its manifestations in the visual system.

It was also her first time away from family and living on her own. Thus, adjusting to a new environment and understanding different cultural customs were difficulties that she was able to endure. These challenges, therefore, made her more self-reliant and resilient. She gained a unique skill set from navigating and communicating in a foreign country to appreciating their culture. Thus, as a clinician, she was able to sharpen her skills in history taking, neurologic examination, and arriving at a

Dr. Janys Joy O. Lim

D

R. JANYS JOY O. LIM completed her Clinical Fellowship training in Developmental Pediatrics at the McMaster University in Ontario, Canada under the TYKFI-ABI Scholarship Program.

Formerly with the Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics

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Section of the UP-Philippine General Hospital, she also received additional training in Genetics and Metabolics, which are two important facets of Developmental Pediatrics.

Throughout her training in McMaster University, Dr. Lim found that her exposure to a di-

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Health Services verse set of socio-cultural background in Canada helped sharpen her patient management skills as she aimed to treat each patient in an individualized manner taking into account the needed understanding of one’s unique family and social backgrounds.

The experience also helped her become more independent, understand her own value as a clinician, and find her own unique voice and set of gifts that she brings to the team. Dr. Lim said, “Being able to work in a new professional environment and finding respect and trust validated my value as a person and as a clinician.”

Dr. Lim found her training in Canada as game changing because it exposed her to more diverse cases and more comprehensive workups giving her a deeper appreciation of the different conditions in Developmental Pediatrics. It also gave her a better idea of how to handle cases in the Philippines that may not necessarily afford such comprehensive workups.

Dr. Janys Lim always knew she wanted to be there for children with special needs and exceptionalities. She decided to become a clinician to be of help to the children and their families.

She once experienced a cousin’s child being diagnosed with autism, and the family had to travel to the US just to understand what her nephew has.

She always wanted to help parents like her cousin to get the support they need without having to travel abroad. “I also wanted to understand children who had their own set of gifts that no one else seemed to understand, and help them to find their gifts,” shared Dr. Lim.

As she traveled to different areas with diverse challenges during her training, she was able to be a part of finding solutions for the different communities. The experience now allows her to see which of these systems might work in the Philippines thinking, “What can we implement (here)? How do we solve the problems where they exist?”

Believing that education is one of the most effective ways of improving health care, she wants to teach both in Manila and areas where the spectrum of care is more vulnerable. She also wants to be involved in providing allied services in the management of children with special needs and networking with international practitioners who can help provide special training in the country.

Dr. Lim would like to thank her parents for the way they raised her to have faith in her dreams. She also thanks the Lord, the Foundation, as well as her mentors, teachers, staff, and all the families that she met at the Clinic. She sees that there is a huge room for growth in the Philippine health care setting.

Asked about her training experience, she said: “It was eye-opening, enriching, and meaningful. The challenge of being far away from my family was well worth the sacrifice.” n

Dr. Edmund Cedric A. Orlina

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R. EDMUND CEDRIC A. ORLINA finished his one-year training in Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Yonsei Cancer Center, a global and high-volume center for cancer patients located in South Korea under the TYKFI-ABI Medical Specialty Scholarship Program.

He trained under Professor Woo Jin Hyung, a world-respected and renowned gastric surgeon, one with a most prolific experience globally and with a focus on robotic gastrectomy.

Dr. Orlina’s training included observation and scrubbing in on Professor Hyung’s operating room procedures in robotic laparoscopic and opengastrectomy cases. His professor does over 400 gastrectomy every year, with over 6,000 throughout his career. Since South Korea has a National Screening Program for the early detection of gastric cancer, Dr. Orlina was able to observe and scrub in on minimally invasive approaches. He was able to assist in a phase II clinical trial setting, which involved an open abdominal gastric surgery approach, and included the performance of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in select cases of patients with peritoneal metastasis.

As part of his fellowship training, he attended four workshops where he performed in various basic and advanced robotic surgery procedures on pigs, from port placement to docking of robotic arms to lymph node dissections, and gastric resection and reconstruction.

His fellowship training included three-hour free-use sessions of the Da Vinci Simulator robot, which is housed on the campus where he trained.

Through these three-hour sessions, he was able to 29

practice surgical skills and become familiar with the Da Vinci surgical system.

His training also included weekly mentorship sessions with Professor Hyung to work on research projects and produce studies to be presented in local and international conferences. He was able to participate at the Korean International Gastric Cancer Week 2018, where he presented an operation video for which he won the Best Presentation.

In one word, his experience was invaluable.

According to him, he was “fortunate enough to be able to train in the latest surgical techniques, to utilize the latest technological tools, and to see firsthand the good that a strong national healthcare program can do for the population.” It was eye-opening as well since he was able to perform and learn techniques that hehad only previously read about in books.

His exposure to socialized medicine allowed him to learn from advanced and high-tech procedures that will enhance his ability to excellently perform other surgical procedures.

Like his surgeon father, Dr. Orlina has developed his passion to treat patients with cancer, especially stomach cancer being one of the most complex and aggressive types. Throughout his training, he kept thoughts of his patients and practice in the Philippines, along with his vision of what our country’s healthcare program should be in the future.

He hopes to be able to share his knowledge and skills to Filipinos at home, and he is thankful to the ABI-TYKFI scholarship program for helping and inspiring him in this endeavor and vision. n

LEGACY

Health Services

Bayombong Residents Avail of Free Medical Services and Medicines

T

HE Tan Yan Kee Foundation, in partnership with Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya and the Saint Francis Mission Community in Magsaysay, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya led by Father Jerome A. Ponce and Sr. Theresina G. Estalilla, respectively, conducted a medical mission for the rural communities of Bayombong on September 23, 2018.

The Medical Mission project was initiated by Sr. Estalilla and Fr. Ponce with the help of Kabalikat Civicom Association, Nueva Vizcaya Chapter through Dr. Rowena T. Billedo who eventually sought the assistance of various Non-Government and Public groups, namely: the volunteers from the Kabalikat Civicom Association, Nueva Vizcaya Chapter; the Ashvins Alternative Medicine and Wellness Center, Inc.; and the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya.

The activity organizers set up the mission booth at the SFIC compound in Barangay Magsay30

say, Bayombong with volunteer medical and dental doctors who provided their free consultation services to local residents with medical needs.

The Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Health Office provided free medicines to early attendees.

The Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. distributed medicines and vitamins to beneficiaries who completed their check-ups and given medical prescriptions. More than 700 individuals attended the medical mission and availed of free medical and dental check-ups and free medicines. n

LEGACY

Health Services

Medical Mission and Fellowship at the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Jail

I

nmates of the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Jail celebrated Christmas in advance when the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. visited them to distribute medicines and bath soaps on September 26, 2018 and hosted a fellowship and gift giving activity at the provincial jail in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

The activity was conducted right inside the facility. A short program was prepared by the inmates and the personnel of the NV Provincial Jail which started with a solemn mass officiated by Fr. Jerome A. Ponce, OFM, the Parish Priest of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya.

The program included welcome remarks by Col. Fernando J. Pasion, NV Jail acting warden, and a meaningful message from Philip Sing, the Foundation head. After the messages, the Foundation distributed merienda and 158 gift bags containing assorted medicines and 158 boxes of Camay Beauty Bar

Soap to the inmates while the Jail Band and some female inmates rendered song numbers to entertain the group.

The recipients, including the jail staff, were all thankful for the very early Christmas gifts they re31

ceived from the Foundation. The Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Jail inmates were thankful for the assistance and so were the administration. They wished that same activity will be conducted again next year. n

LEGACY

Social Welfare

TYKFI Shares Dr. Lucio C. Tan Legacy Forest Project Features With University of Tokyo Grad Students

T

HE Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. cordially received the faculty and 15 graduate students from University of Tokyo Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture on August 27, 2018 at the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Legacy Forest Project site in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija where they observed the Foundation’s program on sustainable agroecosystems, environment rehabilitation practices, and agricultural services management which follow international ESG (environment, social, and governance) standards.

The graduate students who came from Japan, China, and Nepal were accompanied by their University of Tokyo professors - Professor Satoshi Tsuyuki, Associate Professors Tetsuya Araki and Yoichiro Kato, and Mr. Kohei Masuyama, to the TYKFI project site as part of their eight-day study tour.

In coordination with the University of the Philippines - Los Baños Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (IDSC-INREM) headed

by Dr. Juan Pulhin along with Dr. Rose Jane Peras and Dr. Catherine de Luna of UPLB College of Forestry, the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. (TYKFI) led by Foundation 32

Head Philip Sing and Prof. Marlo Mendoza, introduced the students to the environmental programs and reforestation efforts of the Foundation as a non-government organization.

The Foundation provided the delegates a profile of the LCT Legacy Forest Project and introduced them to both workers and beneficiaries of the project at the TYKFI field office.

Dr. Lucio C. Tan, TYKFI’s chairman and president, launched the Legacy Forest Project in 2014 with the goal of mitigating the effects of the environment’s alarming situation due to forest degradation. Dr. Tan continues to look for what the Foundation could do for the future

LEGACY

Social Welfare

generations, especially by protecting the environment, enriching the natural resources and its biodiversity and providing sustainable livelihood agroforestry projects for the marginalized members of the society.

The TYKFI hosts allowed the delegates to view and experience the LCT Legacy Forest through a tour of the vast 930-hectare planting site in Barangay R. A. Padilla, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija where thousands of fuel wood and timber trees like mangium, batino, ipil-ipil and narra and fruit trees like guyabano and tamarind now populate the area.

From the mountain top, they were also able to view part of more than 200 hectares of the biodiverse area which the Foundation helps protect. The visitors learned that the Foundation has constantly sought the help of experts from institutions like the University of the Philippines and the Nueva Vizcaya State University in determining the Biodiversity Index of the reforestation areas under the program. As part of the Foundation’s commitment to reinforce the protection and management of the ecosystem, TYKFI continues to document various life forms in both the plantation and protected areas where biodiversity levels have improved at higher levels since the forest project began four years ago.

During an open forum with the TYKFI technical group of foresters and agriculturists, the visiting students were engrossed in the ex-

global agriculture outside of their home country.

As their delegation head, Prof.

Satoshi Tsuyuki, said, “We are so thankful for all your effort, even

change of information, ideas, and practices about forest restoration, biodiversity preservation, and food security education and sustainable livelihood programs for the farmers. They also had the chance to interview and interact with several farmers who have worked either in the forest plantation or the agroforestry farms where they earn a livelihood by planting crops like cassava and chili.

The students expressed their appreciation for the fruitful exchange of ideas and learning experience which could help them accomplish their goal of learning

33

working during a holiday, just to accommodate us; for the hospitality, and the very informative presentation and discussion about your noble projects. Thank you so much!� n

LEGACY

Social Welfare

Legacy Forest Workers Get-Together for a Meaningful Holiday Celebration

G

et-togethers are a time of building and rebuilding relationships to reinforce the strong points of the group and community. It is also a time to celebrate and be merry especially during holiday season.

The Dr. Lucio C. Tan Legacy Forest Project in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija employs a diverse set of people coming from various barangays in the area to work in rebuilding the community and the environment. Mostly they work during the day planting and farming and some during the wee hours of the night constantly guarding the plantation and the protected areas of the project. The only times they get to meet are only during

seminars and meetings.

On December 7, 2019, they had the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the spirit of giving as the Foundation hosted a night of thanksgiving to everyone who dedicated their time and hard work in making the proj34

ect progressive.

To start the program, the TYKFI officers and staff joined the workers on a Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Jerome Ponce from the Divine Mercy Chapel of Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya. His Christmas message centered on being thankful for

LEGACY

Social Welfare

the blessings we received throughout the year and focusing on not letting the blessing stop on them but continually loving others physically or spiritually.

After a special Christmas dinner and a set of fun games and raffle, every worker and staff introduced themselves, their area of work, and contribution. Each group led by TYKFI forest specialist explained their nature of work and

environmental status and the livelihood it may provide to the local community.

On behalf of the Foundation, Philip Sing shared that everyone should not only view the project as source of livelihood, but more importantly as a source of hope for their family and the world they live in.

With this celebration being an annual event for the workers,

how their job matters to make the project more significant in its efforts to leave a lasting legacy for the future generations and the environment.

Legacy Forest Project Consultant Prof. Marlo D. Mendoza recalled the first time they set foot in the town and how the Foundation through its head Philip Sing chose to establish the project in the area, carefully considering the 35

TYKFI presented awards to exceptional workers in recognition of their tireless dedication: Efrina Lamsis – Best in Attendance and Punctuality; Adrian Wansi – Most Industrious Employee; Joel Sanz – Most Reliable Employee; Jacob Bolislis – Most Productive Employee; Larry Yubos – Loyalty Awardee; and Ferdinand Mercado – Most Outstanding Employee. n

LEGACY

Social Welfare

REBUILDING HOPE

THROUGH HOPE CARAVAN:

Shelter Assistance in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur

T

YPHOON Ompong was an extremely powerful tropical cyclone that hit northern Luzon and damaging millions-worth of properties in several regions..

With sustained winds of up to 285 km per hour, it was the strongest storm to hit Northern Luzon since 2010, and the strongest nationwide since typhoon Haiyan in 2013. It brought along swaying high-rises, broken windows, flash floods, and catastrophic landslides. Despite the fact that the devastation of typhoon Haiyan occurred only in recent memory, this typhoon brought over 100 heart-wrenching fatalities mainly due to landslides in Itogon, Benguet.

With millions more affected, TYKFI quickly took to its adopted

are poor senior citizens or persons with disability without stable livelihood. Since their incomes are barely sufficient for their day to day needs, they are in dire need of outside assistance, and could hardly conceive of having their leaky, disarrayed, and damaged homes repaired into bare decency. The following are some of the few surveyed circumstances of the recipients:

Felix Abaya is an 84-year old retired farmer and resident of Barangay Camanggaan, whose modest home is on a tight space at the edge of the cliff. He lives alone beside his children, whose home was also affected. His children supports him while working as a factory laborer, neither could afford the repairs needed.

Antonio Dugay is a 60-year old contractual farmer of Fortune Tobacco and lives in the forest fringes of Barangay Camanggaan. His sea-

schools’ community of Sta. Cruz Ilocos Sur to give assistance to homes that were either partially or totally damaged by typhoon Ompong. The staff made an initial verification survey of the damaged houses based on the list of affected victims submitted by the municipal DSWD office. TYKFI was able to screen 25 households with totally damaged houses and 54 partially damaged.

Majority of the recipient families belong to the marginalized 4Ps whose breadwinners are either contractual farmers or laborers. Some 36

sonal income means that he has to wait a long time to have his damaged home repaired. He lives with three other members of the family and plants palay as well in a 1.78 hectare property.

Alican Langcay Pinto is a resident of Barangay Poblacion Este, having moved there from Marawi, Lanao Del Sur. His income comes from small business trading activities, and the Foundation helped fast track the repairs of his totally damaged home. He is delighted and thankful on behalf of his family since their home had most of the Yero walls blown away.

Tirzo Cortez is a farmer and tenant of nearby rice fields. A resident of Barangay Paratong, he and his family of six at the moment lived in the house of relatives as their modest home was left in shambles by the typhoon. His seasonal income made it difficult enough to feed his

LEGACY

Social Welfare

large family, so that his home was in complete disarray during the visit.

Anita Lacaden, an 82-year old Cebuana widow, lives in Barangay Turod who barely has a guardian in life. She lives on someone else’s lot on a small makeshift-nipa and Yero hut. Her support is derived from gathering firewood in the forest.

Her home being located in the forest fringe is susceptible to being wiped out from flash floods. Her home was totally wrecked by the typhoon.

Jessie Ragandap is an Ilocano resident of Barangay Turod, and his children are the Foundation’s occasional beneficiaries from Sidaoen Elementary School. After the ty-

at the foundations and be set adrift onto the beach and sea waters.

Ernesto Vergara Manzano is an 80-year old ailing resident of Barangay Pilar. His home barely had any walls and roof left on the second floor after the typhoon.

Living alone, bedridden and being supported by his children, they can barely make ends meet as their income mostly goes into buying food and medicines. The current state of his home makes him even more susceptible to heavy rains, and extreme weather and typhoons that climate change may bring about.

Melchor Barnedo is a 40 year old farmer and resident of Barangay Poblacion Norte whose home was completely flattened by flash floods from a nearby river during the typhoon. He lives with his four children, and he and his wife were busy picking up the pieces from the wreckage during the survey. Disheveled and discouraged, they tried to muster up the courage to begin to put a roof over their heads again.

They already put up new pillars which they salvaged from the old house. What was left of his farming

phoon, there was nothing left of their house as it was completely brought down to the mud. They were able to salvage a few things from the wreckage, but according to neighbors, the family was completely devastated and could not possibly think of a way to rebuild their home.

Norma Antolin, a resident of Barangay Pilar has lived in her home for 40 years. She is supported by her children who are fishermen.

Norma at age 68 shared her deep sorrow as she could barely conceive how she can start her life over again.

Sea-level rise and torrential waters caused a large portion of her home, which is near the sea, to fall apart 37

efforts as well were just a few cassava plants which they planted on some borrowed land.

This disaster response project did not only rehabilitate the windswept residents of this community, but also quickened their healing and recovery, providing them with decent shelter from drastic weather challenges which time and waiting may not necessarily bring about. The Foundation provided secure building materials such as sturdier GI sheets, plywood, lumber, and construction nails. It also nurtured community resilience through the “bayanihan” spirit. Since the Foundation asked the residents to be responsible for their individual labor needs, many neighbors whose homes were unaffected and who had carpentry skills came together to help their neighbors especially those who are ailing senior citizens as well as those who are mentally-ill beneficiaries, involving even at times their Barangay captain to mobilize the rebuilding help.

During a gathering with the recipients, residents called this “Gamal”, or their own local version of the bayanihan spirit. n

LEGACY

Social Welfare

HOPE Caravan Reaches Out To Buguias, Benguet

B

ENGUET is a landlocked province situated at the southern tip most of the Cordillera Region. Buguias is considered as the heart of Benguet, a third class municipality consisting of 14 barangays and is also considered as the vegetable producing capital of Benguet.

Based on the report provided by the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), the recent typhoon Ompong that struck the mountain region on September 14 and 15, 2018 affected about 2,874 farmers out of the 14,407 farmers in the municipality. There are 676 farm-

(EIL), Rain Induced Landslide (RIL), and flooding. On the other hand, the municipality is also highly susceptible to climate disturbance such as typhoon, extremely low temperature resulting to frost, and extreme high temperature which may result to severe drought.

There were five barangays that were greatly affected by the typhoon. Barangay Amlimay being the highest with 138 affected farmers, followed by Poblacion – 137 farmers, third is Natubleng – 119,

ers with totally affected agricultural areas while 2,198 are farmers with partially affected farms.

The geography of Buguias being rugged and mountainous and high elevation makes it more susceptible to physical hazards such as Earthquake Induced Landslide 38

ranked fourth is Catlubong with 92 farmers affected and fifth is Buyacaoan with 90 farmers affected. The rest of the barangays have low or minimal number of farmers affected ranging from three to 29 cases. The extent of damages were due to massive landslide, erosion brought by heavy rains, heavily scoured farmlands, flooded crops, damaged greenhouses, and wind damaged crops.

There are 25 types of crops damaged by the typhoon with the

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Social Welfare

setback, he said, was finding new capital to fund the rehabilitation of their farms and resorting to heavy borrowings at exorbitant rates.

The TYKFI’s direct assistance to totally affected farmers is a huge help to these farming families. They may have recovered so easily for now, but the next planting season may be another problem to most of the farmers since they have to pay back the loaned capital with high interest rates. The provision of assistance would prevent them to access again new capital through loans.

On December 22, 2018, two teams of the Foundation drove to three cluster point areas in Buguias, Benguet, particularly in Barangays Poblacion, Loo, and Natubling to conduct HOPE Caravan for Ben-

ber 23, 2018. Buguias Mayor Ruben L. Tinda-an told the TYKFI team that one of the positive traits of their farmers is resiliency. The day after the typhoon, farmers had already returned to their farms to fix whatever damage of their farms and crops were. It is normal among the townspeople to simply rely on their own in cases like this.

He added that very rarely that they would wait for assistance from either the government or private agencies before they would return to their farming activities. The only

corresponding number of farmers by type of crops: carrots (201), cabbage (111), Potato (76), Chinese cabbage (49), radish (42), Lettuce (39), Broccoli (38). Other crops damaged were beans, bell pepper, cactus, cauliflower, celery, garden pea, onion leeks, parsley, pechay, strawberry, sugar beets, tomato, wansoy, and zucchini.

To assess the damages, TYKFI conducted an ocular inspection in six barangays namely: Amliway, Poblacion, Catlubong, Buyacaoan, Bacalong Sur, and Loo on Octo-

Summary of Affected Farmers by Typhoon Ompong in Buguias, Benguet

Barangay

Number of Farmers

Number of Affected Farmers Totally affected

Partially affected

Total

% of Total

Cluster No.

Barangays

ABATAN

619

15

246

261

42.16

AMGALEYGUEY

1,388

8

389

397

28.6

AMLIMAY

1,073

138

210

348

32.43

BACULONGAN NORTE

940

29

103

132

14.04

BACULONGAN SUR

1,175

11

102

113

9.62

BANGAO

1,648

3

277

280

16.99

BUYACAOAN

778

90

170

260

33.42

CALAMAGAN

393

3

55

58

14.76

CATLUBONG

843

92

5

97

11.51

LENGAOAN

681

8

287

295

43.32

LOO

1,656

21

79

100

5.8

LENGAOAN

NATUBLENG

1,380

119

16

135

9.78

CALAMAGAN

POBLACION

1,067

137

200

337

31.58

SEBANG

766

6

59

65

8.49

TOTAL

14,407

676

2198

2,874

19.95

guet. With the donation of 374 various sets of farm inputs for those who were present during the actual day of distribution, the project aimed to benefit more than 2,000 family members due to the livelihood opportunities and hundreds of thousands of Filipino consumers of the vegetable produce of the recipient famers.

The remaining affected farmers may be assisted by the Provincial and Municipal LGU of Buguias and other private partner agencies of the local government unit. On the other hand, TYKFI’s farm inputs assistance would certainly help the farmer-beneficiaries to hopefully generate much need income and capital for future planting seasons. n No. of Recipients

POBLACION Cluster 1

AMLIMAY CATLUBONG

226

SEBANG LOO BUYACAOAN BACULONG NORTE Cluster 2

BACULONG SUR ABATAN

76

BANGAO

Cluster 3 TOTAL

39

NATUBLING AMGALEYGUEY

72 374

Education

LEGACY

TYKFI Welcomes 13 TYKFI-NVSU Scholars for SY 2018-2019

D

R. Lucio C. Tan, Chairman and President of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc., Trustees Carmen K. Tan and Shirley T. Chua, and other TYKFI officers welcomed nine freshmen and four continuing scholars of the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) during a Scholars Recognition Program at the Century Park Hotel in Manila on September 11, 2018.

During the recognition program, nine first year scholars and the four continuing scholars, who are now in their fourth year, were present together with Dean Jessie Pascual Bitog of the College of Engineering.

These students who are enrolled in Forestry, Agriculture, and Agricultural Engineering were selected to be scholars under the TYKFI-NVSU Scholarship Program which was inspired by the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Legacy Forest Project in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija and its

NVSU Scholarship has sponsored deserving students who are enrolled in the said courses. Meanwhile, Clariza Anuma, the first TYKFINVSU scholar to finish BS Forestry at NVSU, recently passed the licensure examination for foresters given by the Professional Regulatory Commission. n

goals of planting the seeds of food security, social sustainability, and environmental protection guided by the international environment, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

They were expected to become a part of the lasting legacy the Foundation is trying to achieve, that is to become good stewards of the environment who will pursue the “battle” against the continued environmental degradation brought by global warming.

Launched in 2014, the TYKFI40

Clariza Anuma BS Forestry Licensure Examination for Foresters 2018 Passer

NAME

YEAR

COURSE

Jiver Dhaiynz Aubrelle Aquino

1 year

Agricultural Engineering

Maria Incarnacion Aquino

1st year

Agricultural Engineering

Jayve Cabacungan

1st year

Forestry

Jonabelle Carganilla

1st year

Agriculture

Moen Dinamling

1 year

Agriculture

Lery Lee Jane Lacamento

1 year

Agriculture

Joemelle Licodini

1 year

Agriculture

Christian Joy Mangasita

1 year

Agricultural Engineering

Menchi Pugong

1 year

Agricultural Engineering

Paul Thed Ashi Butay

4 year

Agricultural Engineering

Ruth Angelica Mendoñez

4 year

Forestry

Joel Padilla

4 year

Agricultural Engineering

Diana Tomas

4th year

Forestry

st

st st st st st

th th th