Author: The Metropolista

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Erceflora Strengthens Its Commitment to Gut Health Education This Batang Matatag Day 2026

For many Filipino students, school is not only a place for learning—it is also where habits that shape lifelong health begin. Yet across the Philippines, gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities continue to put children at risk of preventable illnesses. Among these, diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of sickness and hospitalization nationwide.

Health studies reveal that nearly 80% of diarrhea-related deaths are linked to poor access to safe water and sanitation, highlighting a persistent challenge faced by many communities. Unsafe water sources and limited hygiene facilities in schools can easily expose children to infections that could otherwise be prevented through proper hygiene and improved sanitation systems.

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Erceflora launched Batang Matatag, a flagship advocacy program that aims to address child mortality from diarrhea—not only through treatment but through prevention. The initiative focuses on strengthening awareness about gut health, promoting hygiene education, and supporting better sanitation practices in schools and communities.

From Treatment to Prevention

Since its launch in 2022, Batang Matatag has reached over 200,000 children across various regions in the Philippines, providing education and resources that empower students and families to adopt healthier habits.

“Batang Matatag reflects our commitment to protecting children not just through treatment, but through prevention—empowering communities with the knowledge, habits, and support to build strong foundations for lifelong health and resilience,” said Rica Mateo, Brand Lead for Erceflora in the ASEA Zone.

She emphasized that meaningful change begins with everyday choices—whether at home, in schools, or within the broader community.

Building Healthier School Environments

Beyond awareness campaigns, the initiative has also focused on improving school environments where children spend most of their day.

Through the program, WASH facilities have been constructed and refrigerated drinking fountains have been donated to more than 104 schools across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Luzon, and Rizal. These upgrades provide students with safer access to drinking water and sanitation, helping reinforce healthy daily habits.

The impact is already measurable. Partner schools in Rizal have reported a 20% decline in diarrhea cases, while schools in BARMM have seen reductions of up to 50% during the School Year 2024–2025.

Looking ahead, Erceflora aims to reach 150,000 students and healthcare providers in 2026, expanding the program further across Rizal and Metro Manila to strengthen its mission of building resilient children through improved gut health and hygiene practices.

A Shared Responsibility 

For Erceflora and its partners, the vision behind Batang Matatag extends far beyond any single organization.

“Being Batang Matatag starts with taking care of one’s body, but this mission goes far beyond any single product or organization,” said Emma Valette, Country Head of Opella Healthcare Philippines. “We call on parents, educators, and partners to work with us—because building stronger, healthier children is a shared responsibility we cannot achieve alone.”

Batang Matatag Day 2026: Expanding the Mission

Five years into the initiative, Batang Matatag continues to grow. Batang Matatag Day 2026 marks a renewed push to expand the program’s reach and deepen its impact across more communities.

The celebration was highlighted by a visit from Opella Healthcare’s global leadership, including Julie Van-Ongevalle, Alberto Hernandez, and Matthieu Brucker. The initiative also welcomed partnerships with seven new schools, including Maharlika Integrated School.

During the event, around 200 Grade 2 and Grade 3 students participated in interactive activities such as the Batang Matatag Bus sessions, where they learned proper handwashing and other hygiene practices designed to build healthy habits early in life.

“For the past five years, in partnership with the Manila Water Foundation, schools, and communities across BARMM and Luzon, we’ve been helping children look after their health—especially their gut health, which supports 70% of immunity,” said Carol‑Ann Stewart. “We want more kids across the Philippines to know this and be truly Batang Matatag.”

Real Impact in the Community

For schools that have benefited from the program, the improvements have already made a meaningful difference.

“Batang Matatag’s services and contributions came at a crucial time, enabling us to provide improved drinking and washing facilities that will have a lasting impact on our school community,” shared Dr. Romeo O. Olalo. “More than the resources, the commitment has brought joy to our learners and strengthened an environment where they can thrive, grow, and build healthier habits for the future.”

As the program continues to expand, the vision remains clear: to create a generation of Batang Matatag—strong, resilient children equipped with the knowledge and habits needed for lifelong health.

MAHALAGANG PAALALA: Ang Erceflora Gut Defense at Erceflora Gut Restore ay hindi gamot at hindi dapat gamiting panggamot sa anumang uri ng sakit.

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Building Resilient Campuses: How Data is Helping Schools Understand the Filipino Student Experience

As climate-related disruptions continue to shape everyday life in the Philippines, universities and colleges are finding new ways to better understand how these realities affect students. At the forefront of this effort is the FEU Public Policy Center (FEU PPC), which highlights the growing importance of the College Experience Survey (CES) in helping institutions gain deeper insights into the lived experiences of Filipino students.

FEU Public Policy Center (FPPC) Chairperson Edilberto C. de Jesus

Conducted annually, the CES is a nationwide cross-sectional survey designed to assess students’ academic, social, and personal development. More than just a research initiative, it serves as a vital decision-making tool for higher education leaders. Through credible student-level data, the survey helps guide policy reviews, inform program design, and support long-term institutional planning.

Addressing Climate Realities in Higher Education

The 2025 edition of the CES places a strong spotlight on climate change, disaster preparedness, and student resilience—issues that are becoming increasingly relevant in a country frequently affected by natural disasters.

From typhoons and flooding to other environmental disruptions, many Filipino students face challenges that go beyond the classroom. These events can affect learning continuity, mental well-being, and overall campus engagement. Recognizing this, the survey aims to capture how these environmental factors influence students’ academic journeys.

FPPC Research Coordinator Kier Jesse Ballar gives an introduction about the College Experience Survey.

Through CES 2025, participating institutions will gain data-driven insights into several critical areas. These include students’ attitudes toward climate change and sustainability, their views on how academic curricula address real-world environmental risks, and their personal experiences with disasters and the resulting academic impact. The survey also examines how effective existing institutional support systems are in helping students navigate these challenges.

These insights allow schools to shift from reactive responses to more proactive, evidence-based strategies. By doing so, institutions can strengthen resilience not only in their infrastructure but also in how they support and form their students.

Turning Student Voices into Actionable Data

Participating schools will receive access to national and cross-institutional trends through the CES General Report. Institutions that achieve at least a 20 percent response rate may also qualify for a customized school-level report that provides more detailed insights specific to their campus.

FPPC Program Manager Arjay Mercado explains the implementation of CES 2025.

In addition, institutions will receive their own raw data, along with technical guidance from the FEU PPC to help interpret the findings and use them strategically. Participation also opens doors to forums, workshops, and data analysis training sessions. Schools also become part of the CES Network, a collaborative community that encourages the sharing of best practices among higher education institutions.

Listening to Students in a Climate-Vulnerable Nation

In a country highly vulnerable to climate-related risks, understanding the student perspective is becoming more critical than ever. By systematically listening to student voices, institutions can refine policies, strengthen student services, and align academic programs with the realities students face today.

Higher education institutions interested in joining CES 2025 may confirm their participation by March 15, ahead of the survey’s rollout scheduled between February and April.

As universities continue to navigate an increasingly complex world, initiatives like the College Experience Survey show how meaningful data—and the voices behind it—can help shape more resilient campuses for the future.

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ORAS NG HIMALA Celebrates 33rd Living Like Jesus Anniversary with “Christ’s Power in Action”

This March 2026, Jesus Is Our Shield Worldwide Ministries (JIOSWM) marks a historic milestone as its flagship mass media program and global crusade, ORAS NG HIMALA, celebrates its 33rd Living Like Jesus Anniversary under the inspiring theme, “Christ’s Power in Action.”

For over three decades, ORAS NG HIMALA has served as a beacon of faith, hope, and transformation—reaching lives across the Philippines and around the world through dynamic preaching, healing ministry, and compassion-driven outreach. What began as a broadcast of hope has grown into a global movement, now connecting more than 500 chapters nationwide and reaching audiences in over 70 countries through television, digital platforms, and live crusades.

Anniversary Celebration Schedule

The celebration will unfold across two major venues:

March 11 & 12, 2026 (Wednesday & Thursday) | 1:00 PM
JIOSWM Worship Center
#1069 EDSA, Brgy. Katipunan, Quezon City
(Behind Shell Station–Muñoz, in front of DMCI Homes–Zinnia Towers)

March 15, 2026 (Sunday) | 4:00 PM
(Gates open at 1:00 PM)
Marikina Sports Center
24 Sumulong Highway, Marikina City

Thousands of attendees — including church leaders, pastors, bishops, distinguished guests, and believers from various fellowships and denominations — are expected to gather on-site. Millions more will participate via global live streaming, creating a unified celebration of faith across nations

Christ’s Power in Action

Centered on the theme “Christ’s Power in Action,” the anniversary will highlight powerful testimonies of:

    • Physical healing
    • Emotional restoration
    • Spiritual renewal
    • Supernatural breakthroughs
    • Life-changing transformation

Organizers describe the celebration as more than a commemorative event—it is a divine encounter where faith is renewed, hope is restored, and lives are transformed. Attendees can expect a Spirit-filled atmosphere affirming that Christ’s power remains active and relevant today.

Mission of Love—Love in Action

A key highlight of this milestone celebration is Mission of Love – Love in Action, the ministry’s compassion outreach initiative. Through this program, JIOSWM extends practical support to communities by providing:

    • Food and clothing assistance
    • Medical support
    • Financial aid
    • Educational assistance
    • Spiritual care

This outreach reflects the ministry’s commitment to putting faith into action—demonstrating that Christ’s power is expressed not only through miracles, but also through mercy, generosity, and service.

33 Years of Living Like Jesus

For 33 years, ORAS NG HIMALA has remained steadfast in proclaiming a message centered on living like Christ—loving boldly, serving selflessly, and believing without wavering. This anniversary celebrates a legacy of miracles and ministry while reaffirming its expanding global mission for the years ahead.

Free Admission.
All are invited to come and experience faith in action.

For more information and live stream access:
www.jioswm.org
Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube: @JIOSWMofficial

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GlutaMAX Launches ‘Body PUTItivity’ to Redefine Skin Confidence

After 18 years in the Philippine market, GlutaMAX is stepping into a new chapter.

With the launch of its latest campaign, Body PUTItivity, the brand signals more than just a refresh — it marks a thoughtful repositioning shaped by how today’s consumers define beauty, empowerment, and self-expression.

At its heart, Body PUTItivity reframes skin brightening as an act of personal agency rather than a response to imposed beauty standards. In a landscape where conversations about skin tone and representation continue to evolve, GlutaMAX is choosing to meet the dialogue head-on — not defensively, but deliberately

A Strategic Evolution, Not Just a Relaunch

During the campaign unveiling in Manila, Aiza Diuco-Sun, Executive Director for Strategy and Marketing of HealthWellnessLifestyle, Inc., described the moment as one of clarity.

“This event marks the official relaunch of GlutaMAX. It is about clarifying who we are today and what we stand for moving forward,” she shared. “For 18 years, GlutaMAX has been a trusted name in skin brightening in the Philippines. Today, we are strengthening our voice. We are refining our message.”

That refinement centres on a key idea: choosing brighter or more even-looking skin can be a valid form of self-care—and that choice need not be at odds with inclusivity.

Rather than positioning brightening as an obligation or comparative benchmark, Body PUTItivity affirms that skincare decisions are deeply personal. They reflect comfort, confidence, and autonomy—not compliance.

An Ambassador Who Embodies the Message

A defining moment of the relaunch was the introduction of Vanessa Tse Wing as the brand’s newest ambassador.

A decade-long GlutaMAX user, Tse Wing brings credibility beyond endorsement. With a background as a former national titleholder, scholar, and now public servant, she represents layered achievement and growth.

In her testimonial, she emphasized ownership over expectation.

“As a titleholder, as a student, and now as a public servant, I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about meeting expectations. It’s about owning your decisions.”

Her words echo the campaign’s core philosophy: self-care, when intentional, becomes an expression of self-respect.

Notably, the brand steered away from traditional “before and after” narratives. Instead, it focused on evolving self-assurance—a subtle but meaningful shift in storytelling that aligns with current beauty discourse.

Reinforcing the System Behind the Message

Beyond messaging, the event spotlighted GlutaMAX’s product innovations, particularly its NanoWhite Technology formulation—designed for whitening and skin protection as part of a daily self-care routine.

Campaign visuals and an official jingle were also unveiled, reinforcing themes of inclusivity, individuality, and self-determination.

Attendees noted the campaign’s measured tone, especially given how sensitive discussions around skin tone can be. Rather than dismissing criticism or avoiding nuance, the brand leaned into dialogue—acknowledging that skincare preferences vary and that respect for those differences is essential.

A Timely Position in a Changing Market

Body PUTItivity enters the market at a time when empowerment is increasingly self-defined. Consumers are no longer responding to singular beauty narratives; they are shaping their own.

By emphasizing coexistence—that embracing one’s natural tone and choosing to brighten can both stem from confidence—GlutaMAX demonstrates strategic awareness of shifting expectations.

In an environment where conversations can easily polarize, the campaign’s insistence on personal choice over prescription feels both balanced and forward-looking.

If early reactions are any indication, Body PUTItivity may extend beyond a seasonal initiative. It presents a framework for how legacy beauty brands can remain culturally responsive without abandoning their core category strength.

At its core, the message is simple yet resonant: confidence is personal—and the freedom to choose is part of that confidence.

 

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AMA School of Medicine Brings Compassionate Care to La Union Through “Lab for All” Program

In a powerful display of service and solidarity, the AMA School of Medicine (ASM/AMASOM) took part in the third leg of the nationwide “Lab for All” program held in San Juan, La Union. The initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady under the leadership of Liza Araneta-Marcos, continues to expand access to essential health and social services for underserved Filipino communities.

Bringing Government Services Closer to the People

The “Lab for All” program reflects a vision of inclusive, people-centered governance—one that ensures no community is left behind. Designed to deliver integrated services directly to grassroots areas, the initiative offers medical care, social protection, livelihood support, and digital assistance, particularly benefiting families in remote and marginalized sectors.

For residents of 41 barangays in San Juan, the outreach was more than just an event—it was an opportunity to receive quality healthcare without the usual barriers of distance and cost.

1,476 Lives Touched Through Free Medical Services

As part of its mission to develop socially responsive and globally competitive medical professionals, ASM deployed a dedicated medical team to provide:

    • Free medical consultations
    • Basic health screenings
    • Risk assessment services

The effort successfully served 1,476 patients and community members, underscoring ASM’s commitment to real-world, community-based healthcare delivery.

A Strong Network of Collaboration

The success of the program was made possible through close coordination among several government agencies and local partners, including:

    • Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
    • Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
    • Department of Health (DOH)
    • PhilHealth
    • Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
    • Department of Agriculture (DA)
    • Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)
    • Public Attorney’s Office (PAO)
    • The Local Government Unit of San Juan, La Union

This inter-agency collaboration highlighted how coordinated public service can create meaningful and measurable impact at the community level.

Leadership in Action

Leading the medical mission was Dean Michael Maniwa, alongside faculty physicians Dr. John Rey Gonzales, Dr. Jonathan Iledan, and Dr. Eric De Leon. Their presence exemplified ASM’s standards of clinical excellence, professionalism, and compassionate care.

Supporting them were four foreign medical clerks enrolled at ASM—an inspiring reflection of the institution’s growing international community. Assigned to the Risk Assessment Station, the clerks conducted preliminary screenings, patient triage, and coordinated with partner agencies. Their involvement not only strengthened service delivery but also provided invaluable hands-on experience in community health work.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

ASM’s participation reinforced its strong emphasis on experiential learning. By engaging both local and international students in national public health initiatives, the school fosters cultural sensitivity, teamwork, and patient-centered competencies—essential qualities for modern physicians.

More than just a medical outreach, the “Lab for All” program served as a living classroom—where academic knowledge met community realities, and where future doctors learned the true meaning of service.

A Continuing Commitment to Public Health

Through its active involvement, the AMA School of Medicine reaffirms its role as a vital partner in advancing accessible, responsive, and integrated public services. As part of the AMA Education System, ASM continues to strengthen its position as a leading medical institution that integrates academic excellence, global perspective, and social responsibility.

Looking ahead, ASM remains committed to supporting future legs of the “Lab for All” program—contributing to preventive care, population health, and collaborative public service while shaping competent, compassionate, and community-oriented physicians for the Philippines and beyond.

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MIAS 2026 Expands to PTTC, Adds 3,000 sqm Exhibition Space

The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) will expand its footprint in 2026 with the return of the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) as an additional exhibition venue, organizers announced.

Scheduled from April 9 to 12, 2026, the country’s premier motoring event will continue to hold its main exhibition at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) while simultaneously utilizing the PTTC for the first time in eight years.

The PTTC last served as a secondary venue during MIAS 2018. After undergoing redevelopment into a design hub, its inclusion in the 2026 edition marks a significant milestone for the show and signals a return to a familiar space for long-time attendees.

With the addition of PTTC, MIAS 2026 will gain over 3,000 square meters of exhibition space, accommodating nearly 100 additional vehicle display slots. The expanded area will also feature a dedicated food court and special exhibits aimed at enhancing the overall visitor experience.

To ensure seamless access between venues, organizers will install a custom-built, fully air-conditioned linkway connecting the East Wing Annex tent of the World Trade Center directly to the PTTC building. Located at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, PTTC will also serve as an alternative access point for visitors. A free shuttle service will transport guests either back to the World Trade Center entrance driveway or to designated nearby parking areas.

The expansion brings the total MIAS 2026 exhibition footprint to approximately 22,500 square meters of combined indoor and outdoor display space, further solidifying its position as the largest automotive event in the Philippines.

Organizers said the expanded capacity will allow more automotive brands, technology showcases, aftermarket exhibitors, and interactive displays to participate. The event continues to position itself as a comprehensive platform for the industry, highlighting advancements in electrified mobility, automotive technology, and lifestyle segments.

Additional details on exhibitors, feature attractions, and ticketing are expected to be announced in the coming months.