MANILA, 16 September 2020 — In observance of the 35th International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) urged better measures that would prevent the depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer and encouraged everyone to work together to preserving the life on our planet.
Celebrated on September 16th of every year, the international observance commemorates the signing of the 1987 Montreal Protocol on ‘Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer’ (Resolution 49/114), which aims to spread awareness on the depletion of the ozone layer and solutions to preserve it, by reducing the production of substances that are supposed to be responsible for the ozone layer depletion.
The CCC noted that the ‘ozone layer’ is the common term for the high concentration of ozone that is found in the stratosphere above the Earth’s surface which covers and protects the entire planet by absorbing harmful Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation from the sun.
It was discovered in the 1970’s that humanity was creating a hole in the ozone layer–caused by ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) used in aerosols and cooling, such as refrigerators and air-conditioners–which increases cases of skin cancer and cataracts, as well as damage plants, crops, and ecosystems. Since then, swift global action from among governments and industries has resulted in measures to control total global production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, in consideration of recent developments in scientific knowledge and technological solutions.
With this year’s theme “Ozone for life: 35 years of ozone layer protection,” the observance reminds everyone of the crucial role of the ozone in sustaining all forms of life on Earth and of everyone’s responsibility to maintain and preserve its current state for the present and future generations.
As the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis have brought social and economic setbacks for many countries around the world, the CCC expressed that the message of working together in harmony and for the collective good is as crucial now more than ever. ###
Gender diversity is good for business says new ILO survey in the Philippines
A country survey jointly conducted in the Philippines by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Australian initiative “Investing in Women” recognizes the benefits of gender diversity on business and provides recommendations to better integrate and leverage the female talent pipeline.
MANILA, (ILO News)– More than eight out of ten enterprises in the Philippines recognize the positive impacts of gender diversity on business according to a new ILO report entitled: “Leading to Success: the business case for women in business and management in the Philippines”.
According to the study published for the first UN International Equal Pay Day, 84 per cent of the 389 Filipino companies polled say gender diversity has brought several benefits to their businesses.
Among enterprises in the Philippines reporting better business outcomes, 73 per cent reported increased profitability and productivity as well as greater creativity innovation and openness, 69 per cent reported increased ability to attract and retain talent, 61 per cent said their company’s reputation had been improved and more than half reported better ability to gauge consumer interest and demand.
The country survey was part of a global report from the Bureau of Employers Activities of ILO, which surveyed 13,000 enterprises across 70 countries.
“Considering the demographic challenges and skills shortages faced by many countries in the region, this research shows there is a clear business case for companies in the Philippines to implement initiatives on gender diversity in terms of being able to attract and retain the best possible talent. So action in this area is not only the right thing to do but the smart thing to do,” said Deborah France-Massin, Director of the Bureau for Employers’ Activities, ILO.
COVID-19 impact
The brief also calls attention to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the service sector where women workers are over-represented in the Philippines.
While the crisis has highlighted the importance of flexible work arrangements and telework, it has also exacerbated women’s double burden in balancing family and work responsibilities, the report notes.
The results of the survey will be discussed during an online webinar on 23 September 2020, jointly organized by the ILO, Investing in Women, the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), and funded by the Australian Aid, J.P. Morgan and the ILO’s Bureau of Employers Activities.
Preparing a better future of work
“We need to work together with government, workers, employers, women organizations and international organizations to ensure that girls and women are not left behind. By working together towards reaching our sustainable development goals on gender equality and decent work, and harnessing women’s full potential, countries are assured of a more inclusive and innovative environment that can achieve higher levels of development,” said Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines.
In 2017, the ILO, in cooperation with J.P. Morgan launched a new programme to help girls and women access quality employment in STEM-related sectors (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand.
“J.P. Morgan believes that enhancing gender diversity increases creativity, productivity, and innovation in businesses and ultimately contributes to a stronger local economy. As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to equipping women with STEM skills to help them gain meaningful employment across ‘industries of the future’,” said Carlos Ma. G. Mendoza, Senior Country Officer, J.P. Morgan Philippines.
57th FISH CONSERVATION WEEK: CONSERVE AND PROTECT FISHERY RESOURCES EVEN DURING THE PANDEMIC
14 SEPTEMBER 2020
57th FISH CONSERVATION WEEK: CONSERVE AND PROTECT FISHERY RESOURCES EVEN DURING THE PANDEMIC
The 57th Fish Conservation Week opens on Monday, September 14, 2020, despite the Covid-19 pandemic that still continues to impede “normal” day-to-day activities.
This year’s theme: “Karagatan ay Pangalagaan upang Ani at Kita ay Makamtan maging sa Gitna ng Pandemyang Hamon sa Bayan,” reminds Filipinos of the significance of safeguarding and conserving our marine and aquatic resources even in the most challenging situations like this pandemic. The week-long celebration is mostly set up in the virtual setting in order to observe health and safety protocols.
In a message delivered by Agriculture Secretary William Dar, the Malacañan Palace said that “the fishery sector continues to offer reasons to remain positive in advancing food security despite these difficult times.” Adding that the country’s fisheries production even grew by 0.9 percent in the 2nd Quarter of this year.
This achievement is a product of a multi-sector cooperation and partnerships, especially founded on the efforts and hardwork of Filipino fisherfolk, the national government, private sector, and the strong commitment of local government units. Befittingly, the Awarding Ceremony for the winners of the 2019 Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan: The Search for Outstanding Coastal Community or MMK program coincides with the opening celebration of the Fish Con Week.
In the same message, Malacañang congratulated the winning municipalities of Bacolod, Lanao del Norte; Dingalan, Aurora; and Lobo, Batangas and extended its recognition of other coastal towns and cities that are implementing innovative programs towards sustainable fisheries resource management while encouraging all local chief executives in the Philippines to practice and normalize effective coastal resource management in their areas.
DA-BFAR national director Eduardo Gongona also hopes that through the MMK program, more coastal communities will be able to reach their full potential—with teeming marine resources and prosperous fisherfolk.
Aside from MMK Awarding Ceremony, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) is also giving recognition to exceptional fisheries stakeholders and individuals who have devoted their life’s work and contributed greatly to the advancement and protection of the fisheries sector. Next is the awarding of the winners of the Bibong Kabataang Tagapakinig at Manunulat, a contest for Filipino youth nationwide in which the goal is to educate and start them early in a cause to protect the country’s marine and inland resources. The Fish Con Week will culminate on September 18 with the soft launching of the National Sardine Management Plan.
Other activities, which will run during the course of the week, can be found online at DA-BFAR’s official Facebook page.
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