Legacy July-December 2019

Vol. 13 Issue 2 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TAN YAN KEE FOUNDATION, INC. July-December 2019

TYKFI Chairman and President Lucio C. Tan delivers his inspirational message during the annual UE-TYKFI Scholars’ Recognition program. He also shares a light moment with the new UE-TYKFI scholars (Inset).

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

HOPING FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE AHEAD THROUGH THE UE-TYKFI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

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r. Lucio C. Tan, Chairman and President of Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. (TYKFI), had a simple but very inspiring message to the incoming UE-TYKFI scholars for SY 2019-2020: “Remember that education is the most important tool towards the improvement of anyone,” during the annual Scholars’ Recognition Day at the Grand Ballroom of Century Park Hotel on August 20, 2019.

Together with TYKFI Trustee Shirley T. Chua, Trustee Marixi R. Prieto, Trustee Tan Hui Bin, Trustee Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., Vice-President and Corporate

Secretary Juanita Tan Lee, UE President and Chief Academic Officer Ester A. Garcia, UE Manila Chancellor Linda P. Santiago, UE Caloocan Zosimo M. Battad, Dr.

Tan welcomed the 47 new UE-TYKFI scholars accompanied by their parents, including one from UERM, to the growing family of over 1,363 students, including 18 faculty members and 103 grantees who have benefitted from the scholarship program. Their respective college deans from various colleges and campuses presented the scholars and grantees: Dean Justina M. Evangelista, Arts and Sciences - Manila; Dean Crisol A. Bruza, Arts and Sciences - Caloocan; Dean Veronica N. Elizalde, Business Administration - Manila; Dean Louie A. Divinagracia, Business Administration - Caloocan; Dean Rodany A. Merida, Computer Studies and Systems; Dean Rhodora H. Luciano, Dentistry; Dean Evelina M. Vicen-

cio, Education; Dean Dominador S. Pagbilao, Engineering - Manila; Dean Victor R. Macam, Jr., Engineering - Caloocan; and Dean Norbert Lingling D. Uy, UERMMMC College of Medicine. Also present were the 76 continuing scholars and grantees.

For the past 21 school years, TYKFI has spent no less than PhP127.44 million for the program, covering book, uniform, and transportation allowances, and monthly stipend while UE has spent PhP209.5 million on tuition and other school fees.

The responses were given by Erick L. Reambillo, 5th year BSME, on behalf of the scholars; Roderick C. Banaag, parent; Rodman F. Manalang, an alumnus.

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“UE-TYKFI gave me an opportunity to fulfill not only my education, but also my dreams.”

our years ago, I was one of the students who passed the UETYKFI scholarship qualifying examination and interview. The day that I found out that I passed was four months after I took the examination and I almost lost hope for the scholarship slot because two days from that day will be the first day of classes.

ERICK L. REAMBILLO, 5TH YEAR BSME SCHOLAR

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor: Evelyn Doris A. Abao Writers: n Lara Grace A. Abaleta n Valerie Ann L. Tan

Correspondents: n Jonathan L. Anuma n Emelda C. Mateo

Board of Advisers: n Jaime J. Bautista n Ma. Cecilia L. Pesayco n Philip C. Sing n Juanita Tan Lee

7F Allied Bank Center, 6754 Ayala Ave., Makati City, Philippines www.tanyankee.org | tanyankee@asia.com | (632) 816-3311 loc. 522/520

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Since I did not anymore consider that I would qualify for the scholarship, my mother and I went to different institutions and the city government to ask for financial assistance for my tertiary education.

We were not entertained for the reason that I came from UE-Secondary Laboratory School, which is a private university, saying I did not need financial assistance. But little did they know that I survived my secondary education by an academic scholarship that was given to the first and second honors of our batch. So, for me to finish my high school, I strived and worked hard every school year to be one of the top two students.

If I did not maintain my ranking, maybe there would be a significant change for my family’s finances since my mother, a brain aneurysm survivor, does not go to work anymore and the only source of our finances is the income of my father, who is a tricycle driver.

Today, I am speaking in front of you, a 5th year Mechanical Engi-

Education neering student whom UE-TYKFI gave an opportunity to fulfill not only his education, but also his dreams. I would also take this chance to give my thanks to University of the East - Secondary Laboratory School for molding me into a brave red warrior who does not give up to the challenges of life and continue to live the banner of excellence.

To be honest, college life is not an easy ride. Sometimes, our expectations could not be met; Overthinking our projects, papers and examinations; Balancing our academics and extra-curriculars; Having an all-nighter; Conflict with our schedules; and many more struggles that most of us scholars are experiencing.

With self-discipline and optimism, these will just be the bumps to our adventure.

Let us also not forget to give time for ourselves; for us to vent out and enjoy every moment of our stay in the university. I am sure that we will all have the same finish line, which will make us feel the victory in going through those struggles, our success.

To the University of the East, Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc., and our benefactor Dr. Lucio C. Tan, for making it possible for us to have this quality education; To our administrators, especially the Admissions Office, for their continuous efforts in making sure that we get the best education; To our family, especially our parents, who always show their endless support and love for us; To our friends and colleagues, who have continuously inspired us to be the best version of ourselves; To everyone in this room who have taken part in each of these scholars’ dream to become reality, on behalf of the scholars and grantees, maraming maraming salamat! May we also not forget to give praise and gratitude to our Almighty God, who always gives light to our glorious journey.

To my co-scholars and grantees, let us all bear in our hearts and minds that in this journey, “I” is not the only word that we should consider. We will graduate and continue to reach for our dreams, strive to be the better version of ourselves and live the life we envisioned. May we not forget to give gratitude to everyone who helped us throughout our journey and inspire others. We are in this position so that we can take part in what’s bigger than ourselves. May we all use our capabilities and wisdom to contribute to the betterment of this society, be an instrument of change and continue to live the values we learned in the university.”

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“Having my daughter chosen as a UE-Tan Yan Kee scholar is both an honor and a privilege.”

RODERICK C. BANAAG, PARENT

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ducation is expensive.

Anyone who does not like education may try ignorance but it is more costly. Having my daughter chosen as a UE-Tan Yan Kee scholar is both an honor and a privilege. It is an honor because it is the school where I myself has been through and the education that I was able to acquire really paid off in the real world. I am already a licensed and practicing Doctor of Dental Medicine and the tools of the trade are working their charm. It is also a privilege because not everyone can be in a prestigious university much more being a UE-Tan Yan Kee scholar. It is a tough selection process, yet my daughter is one of them

by God’s grace.

The gesture of University of the East and Tan Yan Kee Foundation is like hitting a “relief button”. Parenting is not easy. It needs time and resources, a lot of resources.

Time with the family can be put in jeopardy by time in making money. Even in the bible, 3

money by itself is not evil though, but the love of money is. So that by having a scholarship served on a silver platter, it is a help from heaven as more quality time may be spent in nurturing the good character in children and creating long-lasting memories with them.

One may become a husband or a wife, but not everyone can be a parent.

By educating our children, it gives them fighting chance in the survival of life. Out there, it is unforgiving. There may be some who have been succesful in life with out proper education, but having no education at all is a very risky business because regret comes late. By that time, the damage has already been inflicted. Lost time can no longer be retrieved. That is why it is said: “train up a child the way he should go and when he is old, he won’t depart from it.”

To the students, meeting the requirement to sustain the UE-TYKFI Scholarship is essential, but at the end of the day, it is the learning and application that matters.”

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“With my ability and capacity as a teacher, I would inspire the scholars to be bearers of hope and assist them whenever I can.”

RODMAN F. MANALANG, ALUMNUS

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ixteen years ago, I found myself in the middle of the crossroads. Uncertain of which path I would take as I was skeptical if I could still pursue the future that I have envisioned for myself. All I had in mind then was an empty torch of dreams and a vision. The road was tough but not until I saw the light and felt the generosity of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc. and the University of the East. Together, they lit the torch in me and cleared the path towards the fulfilment of my dreams and living my vision. I was blessed to be given a generous scholarship twice—one for my bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and just a year ago, I completed my doctorate degree in Mathematics.

No words can explain how grateful I am to Dr. Lucio C. Tan and all the amazing people who are part of this Foundation. I wouldn’t be where I am now if not because of you.

So on behalf of everyone whose lives were touched and moved by this scholarship program, I would

like to express my deepest gratitude to the Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc. and the University of the East.

This opportunity made me realize the value of helping and supporting each other. I may not be able to support scholars financially yet for now, but with my ability and capacity as a teacher and an individual, I would inspire them to be bearers of hope and assist them whenever I can.

Now, to the new and continuing scholars and grantees, please don’t waste this opportunity that the Foundation has given you. The 4

road to your dreams may not be easy to take. But I am confident that with determination, perseverance and fervent prayers, one day, like me, and all the others who are proud recipients of this scholarship program, you will harvest the fruits of your hard work and get the chance of lighting many others’ torch. The Foundation is not asking anything in return, but to pass on the light so that together we can keep the fire burning and encourage many to do the same.” n

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Tan Yan Kee Elementary School

TYKFI Distributes School Supplies for Another Year of Learning

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he Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. made a total of 526 schoolchildren from three Nueva Vizcaya schools smile and express great joy upon receiving a new set of school supplies and assorted set of footwear and school wear on September 3, 2019.

Teresita’s Academy in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya.

The TYKFI team of Evelyn Abao and Emelda Mateo reached 232 pupils of Macdu ES while the group of Philip Sing, Jonathan Anuma, and Hoira Dominguez

Three groups of TYKFI personnel simultaneously distributed the school supplies to pupils attending Macdu Elementary School in Macdu, Kayapa and Tan Yan Kee Elementary School in Balete, Sta. Fe and TYKFI scholars in Saint 6

distributed school supplies to 134 pupils of Tan Yan Kee ES. Both teams converged at Saint Teresita’s Academy for the distribution of 160 sets of school supplies to the TYKFI-STA Scholars.

Pupils from Macdu Elementary School and Tan Yan Kee Elementary School each received a school bag, pad paper, pencils, pens, notebooks, slippers, raincoat, underwear and uniform T-shirts. Each of the TYKFI-STA scholars received a pair of school shoes, a pair of rubber shoes, notebooks, pens and pad paper.

The annual distribution of school supplies at each school was conducted in cooperation with the local Barangay Captain and

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Saint Teresita’s Academy

Sanggunian members and their respective Parents and Teachers Associations. On behalf of each community, the Barangay Captain and representative PTA officer welcomed and gave words of appreciation for the continued generosity of Dr. Lucio C. Tan and the Foundation’s board of trustees, officers and staff. The activity also included intermission numbers by the schoolchildren and partaking of light snacks among the school body, the barangay officials, parents and guests. n

Macdu Elementary School 7

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Ilocos Sur Schoolchildren Happily Accept School Supplies for SY 2019-2020

Nagtenga Elementary School

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hough education is an important aspect of culture amongst families and amongst Filipinos in general, lack of funds and school supplies could easily be disrupting and dispiriting causing absenteeism. Thus, on September 9, 2019 the Foundation continued to reach marginalized pupils in its adopted schools in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur. It brought much needed school supplies to a total 550 pupils in Babayoan, Nagtenga, and Sidaoen Elementary Schools.

For Kinder to Grade 6 pupils, each received a school bag, pad papers, pencil or pen, notebooks, slipper, raincoat, underwear, and t-shirt uniforms. Each barangay’s day care learner also received a school bag, writing notebooks, pad papers, pencil, a small raincoat, and undergarments.

In Babayoan Elementary School, barangay officials headed

by Brgy. Captain Virgilio Lupdag, 8

parents led by PTA President Jeny Garnace, and teachers headed by Head Teacher Violeta Javonillo aided TYKFI’s Evelyn Abao and Valerie Tan in distributing 175 sets of school supplies to daycare, kinder, and grade 1-6 pupils.

Meanwhile, the TYKFI team of Jonathan Anuma and Dareene Malinao distributed school supplies to 210 daycare and kinder to grade 6 pupils at the Multi-Purpose Hall

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Sidaoen Elementary School

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indi lang kaming magaaral ang natutuwa o nagagalak kundi pati na rin ang aming magulang dahil malaking tulong ito sa aming pang araw-araw na pamumuhay. Ang Tan Yan Kee Foundation Incorporated ay nagsisilbing isang biyaya sa aming mag-aaral taun-taon. Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang Tan Yan Kee Foundation Incorporated!”

– Keira Tumbad, Grade 6 student, Babayoan ES

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Babayoan Elementary School of Nagtenga Elementary School.

They were assisted by Nagtenga brgy. officials and Brgy. Captain Noli V. Afalla, District Supervisor Fi-an Siding, parents headed

by PTA President Gerald Javinar, and teachers led by Head Teacher Carlos Javines.

Lastly, 165 sets of school supplies were given to kinder to grade 6 pupils of Sidaoen Elementary School. TYKFI’s Philip Sing and Emelda Mateo, together with other brgy. offiials led by Brgy. Captain of Brgy. Sidaoen Emigdio Sales, parents headed by PTA President Joel Cortez, and teachers led by Head

ES, Grade 5) and Ziyarah Reginae Afalla (Nagtenga ES, Grade 5) both placed fifth in the District Science Quest 2019 Quiz competition; Donna Corre (Sidaoen ES, Grade 6) was Badminton Champion in Zone Meet 2019; Nagtenga ES also had 11 top five placers in the zone meet, in categories such as triple jump, discus throw, javelin, long jump, and badminton; and Nagtenga ES also had 2 medalists during Sports Fest 2019 in long jump, high jump, 100 meter dash and 200 meter dash, including April Ann Javinar, the gold medalist in the district wide long jump. n

Teacher Frisco Josue distributed the school supplies.

This year several students from these adopted schools received awards from district wide or inter school competitions as well.

To name a few, Angelaine Jannize Javinar (Nagtenga ES) placed first for news writing in Filipino in a district wide journalism contest; Abby Loreine Mare Perez (Nagtenga ES) placed second for writing in English on science and technology in the same journalism contest; Chris Ivan Cuello (Sidaoen ES, Grade 2) placed first in “Pagbigkas ng Tula”; Mark Jovie Polonio (Sidaoen 9

hank you Tan Yan Kee sa lahat ng mga gifts at blessings na binigay ninyo sa amin. Nawa ay pagpalain po kayo lagi ng Panginoon sa lahat ng bagay-bagay na tulong ninyo sa amin.

Maraming maraming salamat po.

Thank you very much, God will richly bless you!”

- Jeaness Alvarez, parent, Nagtenga ES

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hank you Tan Yan Kee Foundation. Your thoughtfulness is a great blessing to our children, for bringing joy and happiness in their hearts. We are so blessed with your generosity.

You have such a beautiful spirit. May our dear Lord bless you more.”

– Mr. Joel Cortez, Day Care parent and PTA President, Sidaoen ES

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Teams of artists from the different schools show their creative entries for the Golden Art Contest.

Season of Loving is Season of Giving

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he Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. (TYKFI) shared the time of love and giving with 565 students and teachers through its annual food distribution project on December 7, 2019 at the Geonature Inc. Multi-Purpose Hall, Brgy. Digdig, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.

The year-end get-together with the pupils from Tan Yan Kee and Macdu Elementary Schools and scholars from Saint Teresita’s Academy (STA) and Nueva Vizcaya State University started with a eucharistic celebration officiated by Rev. Fr. Andy Litigio and Rev. Fr. Orly Jimeno of the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish of Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya.

After the mass, the younger children participated in various games for kindergarten to grade 3 pupils such as Bring Me, Pares-Pares (two teams of five pairs had to race while one player’s foot is tied to the other’s foot), Sack Race (two teams of 10 10

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Tan Yan Kee Elementary School and Saint Teresita’s Academy

Macdu Elementary School

race with the player’s legs inside a sack they are holding, hopping around a mark then passing the sack on to the next player), and Sangkayaw (race between two teams of 10 using coconut shells tied to strings, one end being held by the player’s hands).

For grades 4 to highschool, the Foundation organized set of activities to highlight the various talents of the students. One of these is Golden “Kap” Talent Search, an activity which would enable

performance. In second place was a grade 6 student of Macdu ES with a striking performance of the declamation piece “Bad Girl”, while in third place were Filipino folk dance performers also from Macdu ES.

Another exciting part of the program was the Golden Art Contest, where each group of three created an artwork where they can use different medium on an illustration board. Of the total 12 entries from TYKES, Macdu ES, and STA, the group of grade 11 students from STA composed of Melody Agmallo, Novelyn Lacquias, and Carolyn Nginsayan bagged the first prize with their clear and creative take on the given theme Filipino Christmas Culture. Meanwhile, second and third prizes were both copped

the students to showcase their talents and boost their confidence by facing a larger audience. The contest drew 10 individual and group participants, with talents in singing, dancing, poetry, painting, and public speaking from elementary pupils and high school students. A nine-member group from TYKES won the hearts of the judges through their entertaining and adorable dance 11

by Macdu ES.

At the end of the event, each one received food packages consisting of spaghetti pack, macaroni, evaporated milk, coffee, powdered milk, sugar, oil, chocolate chip, cheese, sandwich spread, lollipop, Bifrutas juice drinks, Vitamilk Soya drinks, and Nestea bottled juice drinks.

Before boarding their ride home, the guest students, teachers, and parents expressed their gratitude to all TYKFI officers and staff as they received grocery items to share with their family especially during the holiday season. Truly, the act of giving is not only measured by the gifts we share, but also through unconditional love these gifts create among people. n

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TYKFI Shares Blessings in Season of Love

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Sidaoen Elementary School

nywhere in the world, Christmas is made more meaningful when shared with those in need. It is not just a season for a simple rejoicing with one’s own circle of friends but about the birth of our Lord and the sharing of this joy and love to those in need.

For the 614 schoolchildren and teachers in Ilocos Sur, the annual gift giving was held on December 10 and 11, 2019 at the three adopted schools namely Babayoan Elementary School, Nagtenga Elementary School, and Sidaoen Elementary School.

During the celebration, selected pupils showcased their talents for an entertaining set of performances. They also participated in parlor games like Bring Me, Marshmallow Relay, Newspaper Dance, and Car-

oling Contest.

They also received awards and consolation prizes for taking part in the Christmas art making contest.

The theme was entitled, “Kulturang Pinoy sa Kapaskuhan” with the use of mixed media and recycled materials. The students created scenes of simbang gabi, the nativity scene, of gifts around a Christmas tree, and of families gathered around a fiesta-type meal celebration. Some of the materials used were corn seeds, Monggo seeds, kidney beans, sea

shells, rolled Manila paper, scratch paper, cut-up sacks, broom sticks, used bottles, soft drink bottle caps, and empty vitamin cases. This year, the first prize went to Sidaoen Elementary School while the second and third prizes went to Nagtenga Elementary School. The rest received consolation prizes.

In Babayoan Elementary School, Brgy. Captain Virgilio Lupdag, PTA President Mrs. Jeny 12

Education Grace Garnace, Head Teacher Violeta Javonillo, Master Teacher Marilyn Pere, and other barangay officials, parents, and school staff assisted the TYKFI team of Leonora A. Dominguez and Lara A. Abaleta in distributing food packs to 174 pupils. Selected pupils from grades 5 and 6 also presented a ballroom dance number.

Meanwhile, 214 daycare to grade 6 pupils received their food packs from TYKFI’s Elizabeth T. Alba and Valerie L. Tan, with helping hands from Brgy. Captain Noli V. Afalla, PTA President Gerald Javinar, Head Teacher Carlos Javines, other barangay officials, parents, and teachers.

They too expressed their endless thanks as they could see that all the students were really happy with the blessings they received.

The 192 students of Sidaoen Elementary School were full of energy as soon as the Foundation’s team composed of Evelyn Abao and Dareene Malinao arrived at the venue. After the games, selected students presented an entertaining performance. Brgy. Captain Emigdio Sales, Jr., PTA President Joel Cortez, Head Teacher Frisco Josue, other barangay officials, parents, and school teachers were also

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“W

e are so lucky that our school is one of the beneficiaries of the Gift

Giving Program of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation Incorporated. As parents, we are very grateful for the love that you are extending to our children. We know that these gifts that our children receive keep them more motivated in going to school everyday, and make them more inspired in studying their lessons more. We hope and pray that the love of Tan Yan Kee Foundation for our children keep on burning. Thank you very much!”

– Mrs. Cherry Wandas, parent of Grade 6, Babayoan ES

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Entry of Team Sidaoen is awarded first place in the Golden Art Contest.

araming salamat po Tan Yan Kee Foundation sa mga pamaskong

natanggap namin mula sa inyo. Lubos po ang aming kagalakan. Malaking tulong po ito sa aming pamilya. Nawa ay patuloy po kayong maging Santa Claus namin tuwing Pasko at pagpalain po kayo ni Baby Jesus.”

- Caitlin Blanche Mendoza, Grade 3, Nagtenga ES

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n the food distribution occasion, the face of everyone was filled with overwhelming joy. God is

Nagtenga Elementary School

so good that he keeps on sending TYK every year. We do pray hard that God will always keep TYK family healthy, prosperous, and blessed. Nagtenga ES family wishes you a great and bright 2020.”

– Mrs. Joselina Javillonar, Grade 6 teacher, Nagtenga ES

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apakapalad po naming mga mag-aaral sa Sidaoen ES na isa sa

mga natutulungan po ninyo. Nawa po ay pagpalain kayo ng Diyos sa

Babayoan Elementary School

inyong kabutihan at dumami pa ang mga taong inyong masisilbihan

on hand to help put each gift item in the bag and help the little ones carry their Christmas gift packs.

Each gift pack came with two flavors of Bifrutas juice drink, two flavors of Vitamilk Soy milk, Nestea iced tea, cheese, sandwich spread, chocolate chip cookies, powdered milk, evaporated milk, cooking oil, spaghetti sauce and

pasta, sugar, coffee, and candy.

Being nurturing to these children’s education means a holistic approach for the Foundation. Thus, it is hoped that as each family has the chance to share the warmth of the season in their respective homes, that familial ties, mutual encouragement, and cooperation will be spurred along as well. n 13

at mabibigyan ng kasiyahan. Muli, salamat po sa mga biyayang inyong handog sa amin. Mabuhay Tan Yan Kee Foundation!”

– Laika Vicerra, Grade 6 student, Sidaoen ES

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Dr. Lucio C. Tan and Mrs. Carmen K. Tan (center, standing), together with Ms. Fe ChenUrdaneta (2nd from right, standing) and other Tan Yan Kee Library teachers and personnel, attend the closing ceremonies of the 2019 Tan Yan Kee Library Summer Class.

Summer of Learning at the Tan Yan Kee Library

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very Saturday and Sunday from May 11 to July 7, 2019, 52 young children from ages 3-12 actively participated and learned in the Tan Yan Kee Library Summer Class held at the 16th floor of San Fernando Tower, Binondo, Manila.

As they said, learning is a never-ending process. The Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. (TYKFI) recognizes the need to provide children with an avenue for continuous learning, even during summer. Chinese Literature is one unique class that teaches values and life’s lessons which are important for positive growth of every children.

Chinese Literature can be

learned in different forms and activities such as reading and appreciation of Chinese Idioms, Chinese Tang Poetries, and stories with moral lessons. Art activities such as coloring, origami, and creating Mother and Father’s Day greeting cards also ignited their interest in art.

Presentations in the form of short plays, story-telling, narration, 14

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and song interpretation were also done as part of the classes.

In addition, some self-care skills they learned may be used for their everyday living. Overall, they also learned and improved their Chinese Language, particularly Mandarin and Fookien.

Dr. Lucio C. Tan, Mrs. Carmen K. Tan, and Ms. Fe Chen-Urdaneta graced the culmination program and graduation rites on July 7, 2019 where all students presented short plays, story-telling, narration, singing, and song interpretation with all presentations done in Mandarin.

Parents were also present to witness their child’s performances.

Without the guidance of teachers Mr. Ulysses Yu, Ms. Yee Hoa Lee and library personnel Ms. Florentina Go and Ella Mae Valenzuela, the summer class would not be possible. They were also glad to have taken part in making the students’ summer vacation worthwhile.

The parents, on the other hand, observed that their children improved their Chinese Language proficiency and had a deeper understanding about Chinese history, culture, and values. They were also

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happy to see that the students had equal chances of performing on stage, may it be acting or singing, which they cannot experience during regular school.

Most importantly, the students were satisfied to have spent their time learning while at the same time met new friends coming from different schools. It is not only through books that they learn, but also in meeting other people. n 15

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Overflow of Art and Talents at the Chinese Ink Painting Class

Students of Chinese Ink Painting class proudly present their finished artworks together with their teacher, Dr. Ulysses Yu (center, seated).

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rt knows no age. Everyone can be an artist as long as one puts his heart into it. At the Tan Yan Kee Library, activities are developed to ignite love for arts and crafts for every individual, regardless of age.

Eleven students from ages 14 to 85 participated in the Chinese Ink Painting Class conducted by the Tan Yan Kee Library at the 19th floor of San Fernando Tower, Binondo, Manila on August 10 to October 26, 2019.

With the guidance of Mr. Ulysses Yu, the students learned step-by-step painting techniques and tips to hone and improve their painting skills. Their creativity, coupled with enthusiasm in learning Chinese ink painting and its techniques, could be seen on their final outputs.

Colorful subjects like vines,

sparrow, mandarin ducks, peony, horse, and tiger were illustrated on items like hand fans, scroll, boards, lanterns, etc. With their own individual artistic expressions, nature has come alive.

For 12 Saturdays from 2:15pm to 5:15pm, with a little break from painting session through some dice games during Mid-Autumn celebration on October 6, 2019, young and adult students alike devoted their time and effort in creating wonderful art. For the students, the hours they spent in the library was not only spent in learning, but also gave them time to find a new set of

friends. They were sincerely glad to have been part of such a beautiful class where they could learn together despite the age difference. 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. 317

Diabetes, Heart and Kidney: The Weakest Link Tommy S. Ty Willing, M.D. (Endocrinology / Diabetes) [Clinic: Metro – 8863-2500]

Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke: n High blood glucose from diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves that control heart and blood vessels. n The longer you have diabetes, the higher the chances that you will develop heart disease. n Heart disease and stroke are the most common causes of death. Diabetic patients tend to develop heart disease at a younger age.

Risk Factors: n Smoking n High Blood Pressure n High Cholesterol n Obesity and Belly Fat n Have Family History

Management: n Manage blood glucose, blood

pressure and cholesterol n Learn to manage stress n Develop or maintain healthy

lifestyle habits (stop smoking) Diabetes and Kidney Disease: n Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, most often develops slowly, will take over many years, so it is still preventable.

Risk Factors: n High blood glucose n High blood pressure n Smoking n Have family history n Overweight n Have heart disease n Physically inactive n Did not take medicines as prescribed Symptom: n None

Diagnostics: n Blood Test: to know how well kidneys are filtering the blood n Urine Test: to check for albumin Complication: poorly controlled hypertension might cause renal ischemia that will lead to kidney failure (kidney lost most of the function)

Medical Forum No. 318

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: What Everyone Should Know

n Non-Alcoholic Steato-Hepatitis

Treatment:

(NASH): associated with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, male gender

n Transplantation n Ablation Therapy n Systemic Therapy (Sorafenib)

Diagnosis: for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus and advanced liver fibrosis, successfully treated for chronic Hepatitis B viral infection, HBsAg seropositive and high Hepatits B viral DNA levels n Abdominal ultrasound 4 months interval: for lesions less than 1cm. and stable in size n Tri-Phasic CT-Scan or MRI: for lesion more than 1cm. n Biopsy: lesions that not characteristic in appearance but with high suspicion of malignancy n Alpha Feto Protein (AFP): typically used to monitor patients after treatment

Noruel Gerard A. Salvador, M.D. (Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreas / Liver Transplant Surgeon) [Clinic: CGH – 8711-4141] Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): primary cancer of the liver that develops in the setting of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis; is the 4th leading cause of cancer death in the world Risk Factors: n Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection n Hereditary Hemochromatosis n Advanced Liver Fibrosis or Cirrhosis n Family History n Tobacco and Alcohol abuse n Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) n Hepatitis B Viral (HBV) infection with high SGPT or high viral load n Asian Males (above 40 years old) and Females (above 50 years old)

Clinical Features: no symptoms specifically related to the tumor n Advanced lesions: mild to moderate upper abdominal pain, weight loss, early satiety, palpable mass in upper abdomen, signs and symptoms of worsening liver function

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n Resection n Trans-Arterial Embolization n Chemo and Radiation Therapy

Medical Forum No. 319

Common Emergencies – What to Do?

Alanna Wong-Paredes Dy, M.D. (Pediatrician, Pediatric Internist) [Clinic: CGH – 711-4141, Sta. Teresita – 7857155, Binondo Clinic – 425-8929] Medical Forum No. 320

Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis: The 2 Dreaded Os Among Postmenopausal Women

Julie Li-Yu, M.D. (Internist - Rheumatologist) [Clinic: UST – 8731-3001, CGH – 8711-4141] Osteoarthritis: most common form

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Health Services

of arthritis that affects weight bearing joints like hips, knees and hands Symptoms: pain and stiffness resulting to functional limitations Treatment: controlling the pain, maintaining functional independence and preventing structural deterioration n Nonpharmacological: Physical and occupational therapy Regular gentle exercise (swimming or walking) n Pharmacological: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Pain relievers Cortisone Injections Lubrication Injections n Surgical: Realigning bones Joint replacement Osteoporosis: age-related skeletal disorder of compromised bone strength, predisposing an individual to an increased risk of fragility fracture Risk Factor: n Menopause-related estrogen

deficiency: lead to micro-architectural deterioration and susceptibility to fracture Prevention: need to focus on having greatest peak bone mass during early skeletal growth n Healthy well-balanced diet: adequate in calcium, vitamin D and protein

n Watery eyes (excessive tearing)

Medical Forum No. 321

Functional Eyelids and Eyebrows: An Overview

n Eyelid crusting n Corneal epithelial defect

Dermatochalasis: excess of skin in the upper or lower eyelid, also known as “baggy eyes” Risk Factors: n Aging n Thyroid disease n Renal failure n Trauma n Genetics n Steatoblepharon (from the Greek steatos meaning “relating to fat”): prominence of eyelid fat pads on the upper and lower eyelids n

Andrei Paolo S. Angbue-Te, M.D. (Ophthalmologist / Plastic, Lacrimal, Orbital and Reconstructive Surgeon) [Clinic: FEU – 3427-0213, CGH – 8711-4141, Metro – 8863-2500] Eyelid and Eyebrows: convey emotion, aging of the upper one third of the face is more visible and of greater impact than lower face and neck Common Problems Encountered: n Brow Ptosis: eyebrow drops lower than normal, makes the eyelid appear droopy due to extra skin from the brow that pushes down on the eyelid n Eyelid Ptosis: when the upper eyelid droops over the eye (completely blocked vision) or covering the pupil (limit light in). n Ectropion: lower eyelid turns outwards, either congenital or due to any weakening of tissue n Entropion: eye lid folds inward, usually caused by genetic factors n Epiblepharon: eyelid margin is in correct position, but an extra fold of skin on the lower eyelid causes the lashes to turn in towards the eye Symptoms: n Foreign body sensation n Itching n Redness n Pain n Sensitive to light and wind

Treatment: Surgery – need to rule out other causes to avoid complications n Direct or Temporal Browpexy: lifts the eyebrow through an upper-eyelid incision. The brow is raised and sewn just above the level of the bone on the forehead. n Levator Resection: tighten the muscle that elevates the upper eyelid, most commonly used to cure mild to moderate ptosis n Posterior Ptosis Repair: shorten the elongated levator aponeurosis, restoring normal length relative without an external scar n Frontalis Suspension: the connection between the eyelid margin and eyebrow is enhanced using a ling-type material as a suspender allowing the frontalis muscle to more effectively elevate the eyelid and to correct moderate to severe drooping of the upper eyelid (blepharoptosis) in

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the presence of poor or absent levator muscle function. n Eyelid Retraction Repair: a surgery done for entropion. The weak eyelid muscle is tightened and manipulated to evert the lid margin outwards. n Lateral Tarsal Strip: to tighten the lower eyelid, to prevent the eyelid turning out (Ectropion) or rolling in on the eye (Entropion) and to treat watering symptoms. n Medial Conjuctival Spindle: a diamond-shaped incision of conjunctiva and lower eyelid retractors is done and reinserted to promote inversion of medial lid margin/tear drainage system. n Upper or Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty: eye lift that reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and removes excess skin from the upper eyelids. This surgery is usually done for cosmetic reasons. It’s also an effective way to improve sight in older people whose sagging upper eyelids get in the way of their vision. n Epiblepharon Repair: a fold of skin which causes the epiblepharon is excised. Lashes are then redirected internally to avoid corneal-lash touch.

Prognosis Depends On: n Patient selection n Careful preoperative planning n Good post-operative care n Correct diagnosis n Attention to detail

The Future B

Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. LUCIO C. TAN

Chairman and President

HARRY C. TAN

Vice Chairman and Executive Director

Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J. Frank WK Chan Tan Eng Chan Lawrence Chew Shirley T. Chua Emil Q. Javier Artemio V. Panganiban Marixi R. Prieto Carmen K. Tan Tan Hui Bin Mariano C. Tanenglian Amando M. Tetangco Jr. Cesar E.A. Virata

The Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Dr. Lucio C. Tan in honor of the Tan family patriarch, the late Tan Yan Kee. Committed to the corporate social responsibility of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, the Foundation’s principal projects are in support of education, environmental protection, health and social welfare.

As a young man, Dr. Tan was greatly inspired by his father, who instilled in him the value of education and the virtues of hard work, humility, perseverance, filial duty, and love of God and country. It was out of a deep respect for his father and foremost mentor that led Dr. Tan and his siblings to organize their most cherished foundation in his memory.

A full-fledged non-government organization, the TYKFI receives its income primarily from donations of Dr. Lucio C. Tan and his group of companies. The Foundation is governed by a 15-person Board of Trustees; its day-to-day affairs are managed by an Executive Director and a team of professional staffers.

The Foundation is a member of the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF), Association of Foundations (AF), and Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC). It currently enjoys the status of being a certified donee institution, registered under the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The Foundation is also registered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The UE-TYKF The Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc. and the University of the East established the UE-TYKFI scholarship program in 1998 to provide free, quality education to deserving UE undergraduate students and faculty members.

Over 1,410 students, including 18 faculty members and 103 grantees, have benefited from the program.

For the past 21 school years, TYKFI has spent no less than PhP127.44 million for the program, covering book allowance, uniform subsidy, transportation allowance and monthly stipend. On the other hand, UE has spent PhP209.5 million for tuition and other school fees. The scholarship is renewable every semester provided that the scholar meets the grade requirement and finishes his/her course within the prescribed period.

The scholarship program for regular faculty members covers a book allowance

Begins Today.

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arm greetings to our 123 new and continuing scholars and grantees under the UE-TYKFI Scholarship Program for SY 2019-2020.

Please allow me to recognize you today as our outstanding students, along with your dedicated parents and teachers, as you pursue your respective academic fields and areas of expertise to become the future leaders of our nation.

Since the scholarship program started, we have witnessed how our scholars before you have reached great heights in their careers and displayed their amazing works in the arts and sciences, even topping board examinations and carrying the tradition of excellence of our beloved University.

Like most of you, I was once a poor student with meager means. But with a strong faith and determination, I was able to face the challenges of life that also brought the corresponding rewards and successes of hard work, dedication and perseverance.

Therefore, let this recognition serve as an inspiration for your continued academic excellence and intellectual pursuits. Continue to aim high and reap your laurels not only for yourself but also for your Alma Mater, the Foundation, your family, mentors and fellow Filipinos.

As you move forward through life, remember that education is the most important tool towards the improvement of anyone. The scholarship program cannot provide for all your needs, but it can equip you with the capability to achieve and make a difference and the heart to share. Share your knowledge and always have compassion for your fellowmen.

Congratulations!

Dr. LUCIO C. TAN

Chairman and President, Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. Chairman and CEO, University of the East

University of the East

Y OF TH SIT

AS EE T

and monthly stipends (including study leave pay, tuition and other school fees) for two consecutive years for a master’s degree or four years for a doctorate degree. Both types of degrees may be pursued at the UE Graduate School or in another university if the field of specialization is not offered in UE. The undergraduate scholarships are in selected fields considered relevant to the needs of the Philippines for high-level manpower, namely Engineering and Computer Science/Information Technology, Mathematics and the Sciences, Accountancy, Dentistry, English, Communication Arts, Education, and Nutrition and Dietetics.

To qualify for a student scholarship, applicants must meet a set of criteria. For further details, please call 735-5471 local 398 or 399 or 735-8577 (UE Manila), 367-4787 or 367-4572 (UE Caloocan) or 816-5520 and -22 (TYKFI).

UNIVER

FI Scholarship

Through the University of the East, Dr. Lucio C. Tan is fulfilling his promise to provide quality education to the masses. UE is and will always be a leading educational force in the fields of Accountancy, Business Administration, Dentistry and Medicine.

The University’s competency covers the fields of Information Technology, Engineering, Education, Fine Arts and Architecture.

To fulfill its vision of delivering quality education, the University laid the groundwork for expansion by investing in stateof-the-art facilities in its various Campuses. The University of the East holds the distinction of being among the top institutions in the country in terms of IT infrastructure. It is, in fact, recognized as one of the most wired universities in the Philippines.

UE is not only run by a competent academe of trained educators and qualified teachers but also by a professional management team responsible for what is perhaps the most remarkable corporate turnaround in Philippine history. It is backed by an independent Board of Trustees composed of businessmen and professionals with strong links to the University, who are elected to committees that monitor and evaluate all UE programs.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. LUCIO C. TAN

Chairman of the Board and CEO

Dr. JAIME J. BAUTISTA Vice Chairman

David O. Chua Corazon S. Dela Paz-Bernardo Ester A. Garcia Ramon B. Magsaysay Jr. Carmelita G. Mateo Cornelio T. Peralta Juanita Tan Lee Vivienne K. Tan Dante O. Tinga Wilson T. Young

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Health Services

TYKFI-ABI Medical Specialty Scholarship Program

Dr. Rosemarylin L. Or, M.D.

Dr. Giselle L. Gotamco, M.D.

eing a doctor would not make you rich, it is about bringing care [to become] more accessible to people, and giving more comfortable and convenient care to them.” - Dr. Rosemarylin Lim Or

Dr. Or once found her inspiration to take up medicine through an uncle who was a physician, a general practitioner. She used to desire a profession as an entrepreneur or as a lawyer. However, visits to her uncle’s clinic fascinated her on being a doctor. Because “it’s like a puzzle,” she said, “try to see the whole picture with a few pieces of it.”

This fascination continued to bring her to new heights. She took up medicine at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc (UERMMMCI) where she in the top 10 of her graduating class. She took up her residency in Neurology at the Medical City in Pasig where she has won several awards for her published papers, a case report and a meta-analysis.

In 2017, she decided to pursue her two-year clinical fellowship in Neuro-Oncology at the University of Toronto-Princess Margaret Cancer Center, where the Foundation sponsored her second year of training. She is happy to be working away from home in such a “safe and wonderful” city, and she soon became exposed as a clinician to different patients with brain tumors.

She was trained in the medical side of the treatment and management of patients with brain tumors that it involved giving chemotherapy and management of complications. Through these, she not only learned the latest treatment methods, but also how to build relationships with her colleagues and patients, and how to care for her patients whilst seeing things from their perspectives.

As one of the biggest clinical centers in Canada, UT is also a prolific cancer research center, being one of the top five cancer research centers in the world. “I got to see how they hold clinical trials,” she said, “I learned how to handle and support the patients. I was mainly learning new things.”

While her desire to solve puzzles brought her to one of the top five cancer research centers in the world, she also desires to share such advancements in medical knowledge and practices to her fellow Filipinos. “I learned how they set up the clinic [there], and so we can bring home their practices here.” With much enthusiasm, she shared, “When you go abroad, you may not learn things that are applicable here, a third world country. But [as a doctor], you do not want to just learn what is applicable here and now, because things are moving fast.”

While she cares to be progressive all the time as a physician, she is most interested in the patients’ access to care, care that is of high quality and patient-centered as well. In the future, Dr. Or plans to help build a brain tumor center in the Philippines. n

r. Giselle L. Gotamco always knew that she wanted to be a physician. There is no lack of inspiration from her family.

Her father is a general surgeon, while her mother is an obstetrician, and all of her siblings are doctors as well.

Her career as a budding physician is marked by different awards; for instance, among them, she graduated Cum Laude Merritisimus as doctor of medicine from the University of Santo Tomas; she was most outstanding intern (surgery rotation) at the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center; and she was also a second placer at the Philippine Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Diplomate Examination.

In 2018, the Foundation sponsored her one-year fellowship at the Taichung Tzu Chi General Hospital on Otology, Neuro-Otology, and Audiology. Audiology is a science that studies hearing or sensitivity to sounds, balance, and treats those with hearing loss while preventing related damages and disorders. Otology, on the other hand, refers to the study of the anatomy of the ear and general diseases of the ear.

Throughout her training, Dr. Gotamco watched, assisted, and eventually performed supervised cochlear implant surgery, a surgery done for people with profound hearing loss. These usually were done in congenital cases, and sometimes in adult cases as well. She was exposed to more than 50 cochlear implants that year, and assisted in most of the other middle ear surgeries as well. After each surgery, she would also take part in the therapy programs of the patients, after which the patients would then be able to hear.

During her fellowship training, she was also lead author in two papers - one has been accepted for publication, while another is in the process of being published. Her papers were on comparative studies that dealt with techniques and medication regimens for improving the outcomes in surgery. She also co-authored several papers. Some of these research papers have been presented by her in Taiwan and Korea.

Her day-to-day work at her clinic tend to be general ENT (ear, nose, throat) cases. She eventually wants to focus more on otology and also to help establish a cochlear implant center with high hopes of becoming one of the leading centers in cochlear implant surgery in our country. n

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Environment

Dr. Lucio C. Tan Legacy Forest Project Update

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019 has marked the fifth year of the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Legacy Forest Project. Over the last four years, the project has covered 787 hectares of the 930-hectare area for reforestation and protection in Barangay R.A. Padilla, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.

Aside from the planting and reforestation efforts of the project, it has provided livelihood opportunities to the community not only in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija but also in other planting and reforestation sites in Laguna and Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya, Ilocos Sur, and Boracay.

For this year, the Legacy Forest Project workers in Carranglan have grown and maintained 198,040 seedlings of timber, fuelwood, and fruit trees, all of which are ready for planting on the onset of rainy season the next crop year.

Protection of existing patches

of natural forests through continuous monitoring done by roving guards and foot patrollers with jet shooter and power sprayer also helped prevent unwanted incidences such as forest fires and illegal entry around the area.

Meanwhile, in the 56-hectare planting site in Brgy. Joson, Carranglan called Friendship Park, various developmental activities such as intercropping or growing of two or more crops to maximize the land area with a greater yield 23

were carried out. Other activities included ring weeding, fertilizer application, hedgerow establishment, and road gravelling.

The Foundation makes constant efforts and improvements to achieve the long-term goals of the Legacy Forest Project, with the aid of Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local government units. The Foundation is also thankful to the farmers and workers for helping nurture the environment. n

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IMMERSION PROGRAM FOR DON BOSCO FARMING TRAINEES

Father Rolo Alcasid (center, standing) of Don Bosco Training Center brings NC-II farming students to the Geonature Compound in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija for the immersion part of their course.

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wo batches of NC-II farming students from Don Bosco Training Center in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija underwent a 10-day immersion program as part of their Supervised In-Plant training at the LCT Legacy Forest Project site in Barangay Digdig, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija from September 16 to October 5, 2019.

Each batch was grouped into two to learn the whole cycle of planting from determining the type of soil suitable for each seedling up to the process of harvesting of the crops. The LCT Legacy Forest experts who served as lecturers and trainers were: Bob Achilles Roque (agriculturist), Richard B. Chavez (agriculturist), Daniel Galoyo (landscapist), and Albert Luntayao (forester). They taught not only their expertise but also shared their life lessons and career experiences to the students.

Lessons ranged from crop production, to soil analysis, seed selection, site selection, nursery, land preparation, crop establish-

the same time. They also experienced first-hand the challenges and the processes involved in the reforestation and forest preservation efforts at the 930 and 56-hectare land grants.

For these former out-of-school youths, the project compound served as an outdoor laboratory where they were also made to feel at home by the Foundation, staff, and the farmers alike. In addition, TYKFI’s Human Resources Department led by Ms. Emelda Mateo facilitated a much-appreciated fourhour values formation session with them as well.

This culminated in a graduation ceremony replete with celebration, awards, food prepa-

ment, agroforestry, landscaping, harvesting, post harvesting handling, and marketing. They picked up on different skills such as observing, assessing, preparing, machine handling (such as tractor and other farm machineries and tools), computing, analyzing, harvesting, handling at different stages, drawing, landscaping, and conceptualizing related marketing notions such as costs, processes, and return on investment. The Fortune farm as well as the 930-hectare forest and 56-hectare agroforest served as the outdoor laboratory wherein the students learned a comprehensive set of knowledge that is both multifaceted and holistic as well as practical at 26

rations and positive testimonials.

Present during the culmination were Fr. Rolo Alcasid and Fr. Romeo de Castro of Don Bosco Training Center and TYKFI officers and staff.

For 10 days of immersion, these students saw what works, what does not, and what it takes to till the land, to bring about food security, and to coexist with the environment. Besides these, it is hoped that they each bring home lifelong lessons that no hardworking Filipino farmers should be poor or unable to pursue their dreams.

They should not get tired of caring about the environment, especially for our generation and the succeeding ones. n

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Legacy Forest Project workers gather in a fun-filled yearend activity and exchange of gifts and cheers.

A Bountiful Year with the Legacy Forest Project

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n December 7, 2019, TYKFI hosted the annual get-together of farm workers and staff at the Geonature Inc. Multi-Purpose Hall, Brgy. Digdig, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija to recognize their hardwork for another bountiful year of the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Legacy Forest Project.

A eucharistic celebration officiated by Rev. Fr. Andy Litigio of the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish of Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya was held to have a peaceful, safe program and most importantly to offer thanks and prayers for the year that has passed. A simple salu-salo was shared among the officers, staff, and workers after the Mass.

With Luau as the theme of the program, everyone enthusiastically participated in the set of friendly games: Pass the Coconut (10 players form a circle and pass on the coconut; whoever is holding the fruit when the music stops would be eliminated. Last player remaining wins.), Hawaiian Limbo Rock (10 players go around bending their

bodies avoiding any part of their body from touching the string held by two people on both ends), and Going to Hawaii (two groups of five race to wear all the clothing and accessories; first team to finish wins).

Performances from male and female workers drew cheers and applause from their fellow employees, showing their appreciation for taking the time to prepare dance numbers for additional entertainment. Some of their children were

also invited to per for m for the audience and show their talent, especially to their proud parents.

In the true spirit of giftgiving, they were all smiles as they received their gifts in a simple exchange-gift. A band to liven up the vibe of the celebration also made the workers enjoy as the night deepened, with everyone dancing to the ethnic song Sissiwit.

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TYKFI also gave small tokens to everyone for being with the Legacy Forest Project for the year 2019. The Foundation also acknowledged and thanked them sincerely for helping the Chairman achieve the project’s goal of caring for the environment through reforestation and sustainable community development for future generations.

This once a year gathering hoped to strengthen the relationship between the Foundation and the workers, as the Legacy Forest Project would not be possible without their cooperation. n

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During one of the Values Formation Training and Workshop sessions, Legacy Forest Project workers learn values and traits essential for their personal development at work and in life.

Holistic Development Continues in the Workplace

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YKFI Administrative and Human Resources Department has continued to conduct values formation workshops for the LCT Legacy Forest Project farmers and workers in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.

The workshops are done to promote positive values such as cooperation, discipline, perseverance, and goal setting.

In the recent session held on October 10, 2019, the farmers exhibited remarkable cooperation in joining the exercises. In the Marshmallow Game, the participants formed two groups of 10 where each one should transfer a marshmallow from one bowl to another using chopsticks. First group to fill the empty bowl with more marshmallows in 60 seconds won and got to eat all the marshmallows as treat for their accomplishment.

Dolores, one of the participants

stated, “Ngayon lang ako humawak ng chopsticks, mahirap pala pero tiniyaga ko (It is my first time to use chopsticks; I had a hard time but I was persistent).” The objective of the game is for them to evaluate how perseverance contributed in the achievement of their life’s goals.

The success loop by Diane Fraley was illustrated to the farmers for them to understand that one of the keys to success is perseverance. In the workshop, four important values were learned:

teamwork, cooperation, goal setting and perseverance.

Meanwhile, eucharistic celebrations are also conducted twice a month at the Geonature Compound for holistic development of the TYKFI staff and workers. The Foundation recognizes that not only through character workshops can the farmers grow as persons, but it is also equally significant to promote spiritual growth through attendance in Holy Mass. n 30

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Environment

STA. CRUZ MANGROVES SHOW NEW LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR FISHERMEN

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arangay Las-Ud in Sta Cruz, locos Sur has discovered a new source of food as well as livelihood opportunity for its marginalized community. Thanks to its healthy mangroves, the local fishermen have found not only fish but also crabs along the banks of their river that has been protected by the mangroves.

The fishermen wake up early at dawn to start catching fish and crabs that they later bring to the town market to sell. There are days that they catch crabs until late in the afternoon. Some of them also bring their catch home for consumption of their families.

Las-Ud has been a partner community of the Foundation since 2014 when it sponsored a mangrove planting activity in this barangay in cooperation with the Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur headed by Mayor Teresita Valle. For more than five years, the Foundation has helped 31

monitor, manage and maintain the mangrove project in cooperation with the Sangguniang Barangay of Las-Ud. Barangay Captain Antonio Lozano said that the Sta. Cruz municipal government plans to develop the mangrove project further to become part of a local tourism destination.

Aside from the mangrove project, the Foundation also supports the community with various projects in support of education, environmental protection and social welfare through calamity assistance, livelihood training, and childhood development and care. n

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Social Welfare

Las-Ud Longanisa Making Livelihood Project

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eedful to the call of its vision and mission, the Foundation continued to invest in the community of Las-Ud, in Sta Cruz Ilocos Sur, strengthening this community further by bringing a livelihood project for its unemployed women.

On November 21, 2019, a livelihood training on longanisamaking was conducted for 30 participants at the Sta. Cruz Training Center in Ilocos Sur. Longanisa or Spanish sausage is not only a staple dish in the communities in Ilocos, it is also a frequent pasalubong or gift bought amongst travelling visitors.

The convergence of partnerships helped bring the training together for this community. The LGU of Sta. Cruz, led by Mayor Teresita C. Valle, requested the said training, and provided the fully furnished teaching venue. The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, which is frequently involved in livelihood training for minorities and the unemployed provided

the trainer and the module. The Foundation coordinated the training and provided the kitchen tools, utensils, and ingredients needed to make the product.

The training was conducted by Ms. Leonida F. Bides, who shared not only her techniques in taste creation, but also proper measuring, forming by hand of the sausage links, and costing. In addition, Mayor Teresita C. Valle visited the training session and spoke encouragingly to the participants on working hard to be financially better off for themselves and their families. Moreover, she expressed her support to the participants by encouraging them to establish a cooperative, and they can borrow start-up funds from the LGU so they could have additional

source of income.

The following are some words of appreciation from the participants: “Maraming salamat po. Balang araw po, ito po sana ang mag-simulang negosyo sa aming pamilya. Laking tulong ito para sa amin. Salamat po sa ibinigay na pagkakataon na ito. Salamat kay ma’am Leonida Bides. Salamat din sa Tan Yan Kee Foundation.”

– Crisaliz Pataray “Ang programang longanisa making ay isang napakahalagang gawain para sa negosyo. Ito ay napakadaling gawin bilang negosyo. Napakalaking tulong 32

ito sa amin para sa kinabukasan ng aming mga anak.” – Renalyn Balero “Salamat sa Tan Yan Kee Foundation kasi binigyan niya kami ng pagkakataon kaming ina ng tahanan na magkaroon ng kaalaman para matulungan ang aming mga sarili at pamilya. [It’s] very valuable, learnable, and enjoyable.”

– Grace Ramos

The Foundation hopes that by nurturing the spirit of entrepreneurship and dedication amongst these women, quality of lives will improve and community development will become more sustainable. n

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Social Welfare

Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur Mayor Teresita C. Valle (3rd from right) expresses her support for women of Sta. Cruz during her visit at the longanisa livelihood training program.

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Social Welfare

Masaganang Palayan: Eton and TYKFI’s Joint Special Livelihood Project

Eighteen farmers receive their free hybrid rice seeds at the launch of Masaganang Palayan livelihood project.

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or Eton Properties Philippines, Inc. through its Residential LeasingDwellings Unit, and Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc., Christmas 2019 became a true season of giving when as sister companies, they launched the Masaganang Palayan Project where they gave away free palay seeds and fertilizers to 18 farmers of Comon and Tabueng, Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya on December 5, 2019.

Each of the farmers received an average of three to five sacks of hybrid seeds that can yield up to 100 to 110 cavans of high quality palay courtesy of Eton. Meanwhile, TYKFI matched Eton’s donation and gave them free fertilizers.

Philip Sing, head of the Foundation, told the farmers that they belong to the first batch of this special project. “The continuation of the project would depend on the result of the monitoring and evaluation of the group’s performance and first harvest,” he said.

The project was borne out of the wish of Eton Dwellings group to partner with the TYKFI on a joint project that would benefit lowly farmers who plant rice for liveli34

hood. Ms. Noellie Dela Rosa of Eton Dwellings said they thought of donating a small amount of money this Christmas to the TYKFI in honor of their clients who have patronized the products and services of the company. They gave away Christmas cards where they dedicated this Gift of Love to the farmers.

The Foundation, on the other hand, took the opportunity of finding recipients of the donation in the Nueva Vizcaya area for easier and closer monitoring due to proximity to current TYKFI projects.

The Masaganang Palayan project was conceptualized in line with the Foundation’s thrust of boosting food security through good crop production practices. n

LEGACY

Social Welfare

Eton Properties Philippines, Inc. Partners with TYKFI to Provide Permanent Housing

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Joey R. Dayawon | Grade 10 14 years old | Sitio Kalipkip, Brgy. Beti, Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya

Sherma Kay D. Algaba | Grade 10 15 years old | Purok 6, Beti, Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya

Anielyn O. Domingo | Grade 10 14 years old | Purok 7, Beti, Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya

Krislyn May P. Alap | Grade 10 13 years old | Purok 1, Beti, Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya

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hrough the T YKFI - Eton Joint Housing Assistance Project, the dream of four families from Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya, whose old dilapidated houses have become fresh and brand new homes, has finally been fulfilled. On July 29, 2019, the local government officials of Aritao as well as the officers and staff of the Foundation, graced the blessing of the new houses, now occupied by the families of four scholars under the TYKFI-Saint Teresita’s Academy (STA) Scholarship Program for Farmers’ Children.

The construction of four houses was sponsored under Eton’s corporate social responsibility initiative. The TYKFI, as Eton’s partner in the project, has been responsible for the careful selection and screening of recipients and monitoring of the construction of the houses.

The blessing of the new houses was officiated by Rev. Fr. Restituto Valdez and witnessed

by Aritao Mayor Remelina M. Peros, Vice Mayor Ruben M. Sayo, the Sangguniang Bayan council members, Foundation Head Philip Sing, and STA Principal Marcelina Dalay. n

LEGACY

Social Welfare

2nd International Conference on Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management

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he Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. (TYKFI) sponsored and participated in the 2nd International Conference on Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (INREM) held on November 20-22, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

With the theme “Strengthening local governance for sustainable integrated natural resources and environment management”, various environmental agencies, researchers, and practitioners presented their thrusts on managing the natural resources sustainably and responsibly while pursuing economic development and ensuring human well-being.

Organized by the Interdisciplinary Study Center for Integrated Natural Resources and

Professor Marlo Mendoza presents the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Legacy Project at the INREM Conference at the PICC. periences on INREM.

Parallel sessions were also held with topics on landscapes and seascapes, lakes and river basins, small islands, and rural-urban areas and their interrelationships. Meanwhile, special sessions were also facilitated by partner agencies. First was by LaForeT (Landscape and Forest in the Tropics) which focused on governance, forest, and people. Second was about lessons and experiences from the operations of the River Basin Central Office and its Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Project as facilitated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Environment Management (ISDCINREM) of the University of the Philippines – Los Baños, the first two days saw almost 120 papers that were presented in three sessions – plenary, parallel, and poster.

Plenary sessions featured notable figures and experts from government institutions, local government units, forestry and conservation agencies, and foundations both locally and internationally who presented their efforts, practices, and ex36

Meanwhile, TYKFI Consultant Marlo Mendoza presented the TYKFI’s Dr. Lucio C. Tan Legacy Forest Project and its goals, efforts, and progress for the past four years.

The conference also gave importance to undergraduate researches of UPLB students. With fresher approach on INREM, nine completed and on-going research and field works of undergraduate students were also presented at INREM 2019.

Around 300 participants came from different provinces in the Philippines, Bangladesh, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, USA, and Vietnam. n

LEGACY

Social Welfare

TYKFI Sells Fresh Vegetables at PNB Sustainable Lifestyle Fair

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he Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc. officers and staff attended Philippine National Bank’s (PNB) first Sustainable Lifestyle Fair on November 25, 2019 at the 2nd floor Long Gallery of PNB Financial Centre in Pasay City. The Fair ran for three days and featured an eco-bazaar and learning sessions for employees.

At the opening of the PNB Sustainable Lifestyle Fair (from left): Fair exhibitor Chit Juan, PNB Chairman Flor Tarriela, PNB President Wick Veloso and TYKFI Foundation Head Philip Sing.

The Foundation participated in the Fair’s eco-bazaar where social entrepreneurs (Non-Government Organizations, Foundations, individuals) put up booths to promote and sell their eco-friendly and sustainable products and organic produce to Bank employees and guests. The Foundation staff sold fresh “pakbet” vegetables like eggplant, okra, tomatoes and bottled atchara, chili sauce, and pesto spread which were made from the TYKFI produce like papaya, chili, basil, and herbs.

The Fair was also a three-day event that featured learning sessions for the PNB employees during lunch time on topics such as climate change and sustainable living, energy and water efficiency and conservation, and on proper waste management and 3Rs of recycling. n 37

LEGACY

Social Welfare

TYKFI HOPE Caravan Disaster Relief Mission Reaches Mindanao with the Heart of the Filipino

Employees from PAL, PNB, TDI and TYKFI prepare to unload the five-truck fleet carrying the Chairman’s Gift boxes for Mindanao earthquake victims.

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r. Lucio C. Tan, Chairman and President of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. (TYKFI) sent a team of volunteers from Philippine Airlines (PAL), Philippine National Bank (PNB), Tanduay Distillers, Inc. (TDI), and TYKFI to distribute the “Chairman’s Gift Boxes” full of food and drinks to earthquake-displaced families in five evacuation camps in Makilala, Cotabato and Kidapawan City on December 19, 2019.

The PAL team with the biggest volunteer contingent led by Delfin Tubera, Jr. was joined by partner travel agencies from various Cotabato towns and cities.

Meanwhile, PNB Mindanao-3 Area Head Ernest Uy came with fellow PNB officers and managers from Kidapawan, Marbel, General Santos, and Saranggani.

Philip Sing of TYKFI who

coordinated the Mindanao relief mission disclosed that in view of the calamities that struck Mindanao since October 2019, the LT Group of Companies decided to reach out to the most remote communities that were hardly reached by relief assistance and do-

nated the gift boxes originally intended for LTG company executives. Mr. Sing 38

supervised the HOPE Caravan mission with the help of the local government units and Sonny Fontanilla of the Makilala Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

Over 2,000 beneficiaries and their families from the evacuation camps were very grateful for the Chairman’s gift boxes that were filled with messages of love and hope from the “Heart of the Filipino” in this season of giving. n

LEGACY

Social Welfare

39

LT Group News

LEGACY

FINANCIAL LITERACY SEMINAR FOR BARANGAY TREASURERS

With the trainees at the opening of the seminar are TYKFI’s Chairman and President and PNB Director Lucio C. Tan (7th from left), PNB President and CEO Wick A. Veloso (8th from left), TYKFI Trustee Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. (6th from left), TYKFI Vice President and Corporate Secretary Juanita Tan Lee (5th from left), and other TYKFI and PNB Officers and Staff.

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r. Lucio C. Tan, Chairman and President of Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. (TYKFI) and Director of Philippine National Bank, graced the Financial Literacy Seminar for the Aritao Municipal Association of Barangay Treasurers (MBAT) conducted by the Philippine National Bank (PNB) on October 23, 2019 at the Penthouse of Allied Bank Center-Makati, in coordination with TYKFI and the local government unit of Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya.

PNB President and CEO Wick A. Veloso and Former Governor of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and TYKFI Trustee Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. opened the ceremony and welcomed the 20 participants of the seminar, which was part of the two-day training program on Fiscal Administration and Good Governance of the

ment, mainly on the methods and importance of budgeting, spending, and saving money. In her talk, she stressed, “Establish your goals and action plans to have better control of your money.”

The participants are the elected treasurers of all barangays in Aritao, with some of them having almost 30 years of service to their community. Newly elected members were also grateful to have been a part of the seminar as they can

LGU of Aritao. TYKFI Vice President and Corporate Secretary Juanita Tan Lee, other TYKFI and PNB officers and staff were also present during the program.

Resource speaker Elise Rue Alegre Ramos of PNB International Banking and Remittance Group focused on the topics of financial wellness and financial manage40

learn new things which would help in the financial progress not only of their barangay, but also of their own households. Priscilla G. Paringit, president of Aritao MBAT, said “their training program will help us barangay treasurers in our fund management and livelihood activities.”

At the end of the program, each received a certificate of participation from the officers of TYKFI and PNB Sustainability Unit. n