WEAVING HOPE AMID TRAGEDIES
It is both a privilege and humbling to be the 2021 president of JCI Makati
The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Makati celebrates its 57th Induction and Turnover Ceremony with philanthropist Lawrence “Lance” Li Tan inducted as the 2021 president of JCI Makati on 6 February in Intramuros. The ceremony was led by Rotary Club of Manila president and Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Latvia Robert “Bobby” Joseph.
Being an exemplary leader himself, Joseph believes that Tan will successfully lead JCI Makati in continuously implementing programs and projects that create positive changes in targeted communities across the country.
Tan’s passion is to create young leaders with his projects.
His biggest project thus far is the Positive Impact on Nation’s Change (PINC) Week last November, which was composed of 19 projects that were done in a span of one week. It culminated with a PINC Congress which was attended by more than 5,000 youths from different colleges and universities in Metro Manila that it has become an annual major event of JCI Makati to reach more youths and address their immediate issues in the society. At the height of the pandemic last year, Lance chaired the JCIdeas, where known established businessmen personalities were invited as speakers in encouraging the Filipino entrepreneurs and workers to pivot on the new normal brought by the pandemic.
Tan’s passion for helping the underprivileged sector includes not only out of school youths, but is now on a per barangay or community level. Lance’s major projects focuses on the 17 goals of United Nation’s Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). His life revolves around his love for the country and by doing his own initiative in promoting the Philippines he was also hailed as Tourism Business Innovator last year.
His main business Lakbay Museo is located at S Maison Mall in MOA Complex, Pasay City, one of the most frequented
attractions by both locals and foreign tourists. It showcases key destinations of the country, regional festivals, ethnic costumes, regional cuisines and culture, collection of Philippine fabrics, grains and beans in just 1,000 steps.
He ended 2020 with a three-peat Asia Leader Award last 20 November. He also brought home not only the major award, but also the Tourism Excellence Award, and Innovative Businessman of the Year.
Other officers inducted were Joey Moyaen (secretary), Herbert Joey Garcia (immediate past president), Francisco Cresencio (executive vice president), Sidney Cuesta (vice president — external), Ken Oliver Okuya (vice president — internal), Mark Dennis Uyaco (vice president — membership), Jose Karlo Hain (vice president — Community), Brycan Dayao (executive treasurer), Reynard Francisco (Local executive director), Elmar Nabisa (director for Community Development), Nicanor Satur JR. (Local Training director), Hosfelito Fines (director for Membership and Recruitment), Wenfred de Guzman (director for PR and Media Affairs), Joseph Orinion (director of Organizational Development), Erick John Sahagun (director for Corporate Partnership and Sponsorship), Mark Lester Lico (director for Environmental Protection and Impact Manager) and Errol dela Cruz (Ambassador for International Affairs). MADE with traditional Maranao weaves, the Kadasig reusable mask is an essential item for the pandemic that is rewriting the story of disaster-stricken areas, Tacloban and Marawi.
Instead of the tragedies that have come to define them, they can once again express their hopes and dreams, one thread and stitch at a time — Sebastian Quiniones Jr., PSFI executive director
Seeking to inspire hope for the future in their communities by rewriting the disaster-victim narrative, Maranao weavers and Tacloban seamstresses have banded together to create the Kadasig reusable masks to revive the local fabric and clothing industry.
Through a partnership between Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI) and ECHOsi Foundation Inc., each with their own community-driven livelihood development programs for the women of Tacloban and Marawi, respectively, these two women’s groups have been brought together to produce an essential item in these challenging times: The Kadasig reusable mask that helps reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission and infection.
“Kadasig, which means resilient in Waray-Waray, is not only about celebrating the heritage of our indigenous fabric but the tangible output of their fortitude,” said PSFI executive director Sebastian Quiniones Jr. “It has been years since the tragedies of typhoon “Haiyan” and the Marawi Siege, and many in the affected communities are still struggling with rehabilitation. This is why the Kadasig project is also about supporting these women as they change the narrative so often told about their communities.
“Instead of the tragedies that have come to define them, they can once again express their hopes and dreams, one thread and stitch at a time.”
Designed based on the guidelines released by the World Health Organization (WHO) for non-medical masks, the Kadasig mask is made of three layers using a combination of absorbent and non-absorbent materials to ensure full protection.
Maranao weavers and Tacloban seamstresses have banded together to create the Kadasig reusable masks.
The unique weave on the outer layer was made by the Maranao weavers using a traditional backstrap loom. More than generating needed income, the Maranao women also seek to revive the weaving tradition, which is an important part of their culture.
“Kabaya ame a makuwa a grupo ame na katukawan o kadakelan so kultura ame knaba bu sa Pilipinas ka sa intero a dunya (Our hope is that our culture will be known, not just in the Philippines, but all over the world),” said Rahma Abad, one of the Maranao weavers.
The Maranao weave, in turn, is used by the seamstresses of Tacloban, who cut, sew and structure the traditional fabric into the final Kadasig mask.
“Nineteen na ako ka tuig nga mananahi hin damu la nga mga klase hin tarahi-on sugad hin mga bistida, blouse, pantalon, uniforms, PPE, masks o bangot, ngan damu pa nga iba (I have been sewing for 19 years. I sew many different kinds of things, like dresses, blouses, pants, uniforms, PPE, masks and many others),” said Rosalia Ramirez, the head of the Tacloban seamstress group. “Dili masukol and amon kalipay nga mayda kami natahe nga tikang ha Marawi (Our happiness is beyond words, knowing that we are able to make masks from weaves of Marawi).”
Amid the challenge of rehabilitation and the obstacles due to the ongoing pandemic, these two women’s groups are helping their communities pick themselves up again. As part of its commitment to being the Philippines’ partner in nation-building, Pilipinas Shell continues to support these local communities as they recover today so that they can have a brighter future tomorrow.
The Kadasig reusable masks are now available for purchase on echostore.ph.
Many Filipinos are employed by the BPO and customer experience industry, but the work is blanketed by misconceptions and its contribution is not easily understood as an essential service
When the community quarantine was imposed in March 2020, some people asked why BPO and customer experience (CX) companies were still operating. What was considered a necessity in what they do even during a pandemic situation? How did these companies adjust to adapt new ways of working?
Many Filipinos are employed by the industry, but the work is blanketed by a lot of misconceptions and its contribution is not easily understood as an “essential service.” In the Philippines, BPO, CX and digital solutions companies provide services to both local and offshore customers. Being a customer experience and digital solutions company, TELUS International Philippines expertise provides seamless and convenient support whether via phone, email, social media or web chat — a crucial touchpoint for businesses as most transactions and customers moved online amid the pandemic.
In simpler terms, its main services became vital because to ensure that customers’ needs and problems are addressed through their chosen channels of communication, whether via phone, text, email or chat. It gives customers systematic and empathic solutions whenever the need arises.
As face-to-face interaction was minimized at all costs and many customers chose contactless and digital services, TELUS International Philippines adhered to the strict measures brought by the pandemic, and despite the setbacks, quickly adjusted to a new working model that kept its team members safe, employed and able to continue helping customers around the world. People and companies benefit from services by digital customer experience companies. Consider each time one must contact their internet or phone service provider, conduct mobile and online banking, make online retail purchases, check their medical and personal insurances, book airline and hotel arrangements, and other services they are subscribed to that require troubleshooting, customer support and other digital backend support or development. TELUS ensures these services and solutions remain seamless despite the challenges brought by the pandemic.
In a way, BPO and digital solutions professionals became an essential part in turning the country’s economy during the pandemic.
By adapting to the changing circumstances to continue operating and continuously exploring humancentric innovations to drive efficiency and value, collectively, the BPO and digital customer experience industry was able to ensure job security for millions of Filipinos. The flexibility it displayed enabled it to stay productive while most businesses had to pivot to stay afloat during these difficult times. In a way, BPO and digital solutions professionals became an essential part in turning the country’s economy during the pandemic. And guided by the recommendations of the government, it ensured the safety and security of its team members throughout this time, whether they are working from home or back onsite.
TELUS International Philippines operates through its culture value chain, where a caring culture and a focus of employee engagement is the foundation upon which our company was created. It believes that by focusing on the team members’ needs and interests, it is able to conduct its business successfully and can “give where we live,” enhancing the lives of team members and their communities, no matter what the situation is.
In the middle of a crisis like this, TELUS saw its team members extend this caring culture to help those in need, like creating learning modules for students and out-of-school youths and setting up donation drives for healthcare workers and recent typhoon victims. They are able to support and champion issues they strongly believe in like gender inclusiveness and mental health awareness. Finally, in a time of great uncertainty, the positive economic impact to team members and other workers maintaining their respective jobs during this crisis all the more stresses the value of the various customer experience companies that operate in the country. Beyond all this, it takes pride in the results of the efforts of BPO, CX and digital solutions professionals as it strives to deliver its best work to ensure services that are needed by many, remain uninterrupted and delivered when people need it most.