People's Digest Newsweekly

05/07/2025

Blessed birthday to our Publisher-Editor Marilou Lee Ocsan today.

Wishing you the best that life could offer.

Cheers to more years!

From your People's Digest Newsweekly family

02/07/2025

SM Prime’s Hans Sy champions private sector leadership in disaster resilience
at UNDRR Global Platform 2025

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy reaffirmed the vital role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) during the 2025 Global Platform of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), held in Geneva, Switzerland.

Representing the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Accelerating Financing and Resilience,” Sy underscored how businesses can help drive scalable, science-based resilience solutions.

Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR

“Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities,” Sy stated. “We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more.”

He cited SM Prime’s integrated approach to DRR, which includes allocating a significant portion of project costs to disaster-resilient infrastructure and applying science-driven planning frameworks.

Sy also pointed to cross-sector initiatives such as the Adopt-a-City Program with the National Resilience Council and joint capacity-building programs with ARISE Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry as examples of effective public-private partnerships.

Embedding resilience into core business strategy

In a High-Level Dialogue on scaling DRR financing, Sy outlined SM Prime’s approach to mainstreaming resilience across its developments. He highlighted features such as elevated mall structures, built-in rainwater catchment systems, and earthquake-resistant designs—solutions that have minimized disruption and enabled rapid recovery in the face of disaster.

“Disasters may be unpredictable, but their impacts don’t have to be,” he said. “We can—and must—prepare, mitigate, and adapt.”

Call to scale resilience investment

To expand DRR financing, Sy called for enabling mechanisms that combine policy support, institutional cooperation, and targeted incentives. “From the standpoint of the private sector, financial, non-financial and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience,” he noted.

His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking in building resilient communities. SM Prime’s leadership in DRR continues to set a benchmark for sustainable development in disaster-prone regions.

“Together, we can embed resilience to build a sustainable and secure future for all,” he concluded.

02/07/2025

70-Year-Old Student Becomes Beacon of Hope in Grade 7 Classroom

At 70 years old, Jose P. Rallos—fondly known as “Tatay Jose”—has proven that learning knows no age. Enrolled in Grade 7 at Mahaplag National High School in the Philippines, he arrives each morning, notebook in hand, carrying not just school supplies, but a dream long deferred: to finish high school.

Tatay Jose’s presence has brought a quiet yet powerful shift in the classroom. His persistence has inspired his teenage classmates to become more attentive and respectful, while his teacher, John Renz Montiman, admits that he, too, is learning valuable lessons from this determined elder.

A regular attendee who participates with the same eagerness as any young student, Tatay Jose embodies the truth that aspirations don’t have an expiration date. His journey has touched not only his schoolmates and community but also countless people online.

Teacher Montiman shared his thoughts publicly, saying that Tatay Jose stands as living proof that it’s never too late to pursue one’s goals. He reminded everyone that education is not bound by age, but by the courage to keep going.

In classrooms like theirs, sometimes the most inspiring lessons come not from the front, but from a seat quietly filled by someone who never gave up.

📸: John Renz Mendipol Montiman

01/07/2025

Rain or Shine? These Finds Got You Covered at SM

Whether it’s scorching at noon or drizzling by 3 PM, the weather in Pangasinan keeps us guessing. Good thing SM City Rosales, SM City Urdaneta Central, and SM Center Dagupan have all-weather essentials from your favorite brands that work umaaraw, umuulan:

Miniso’s BT21 Baby Umbrella

This compact and adorable umbrella is not just for rainy days. It doubles as sun protection during those extra-bright afternoons. Plus, the BT21 Baby design adds a touch of fun to any outfit.

BOCU’s Men’s Light Overshirt with Triangle Pocket

This versatile jacket is light enough to wear on warm days and handy when sudden rain shows up. It’s an easy piece to throw on when you need that mix of comfort and street-style cool.

The Face Shop's Dr. Belmeur UV Derma Mineral Sun Stick SPF50+ PA+++

Sunscreen is a must, no matter the weather. This sun stick offers strong protection and glides on smoothly, with zero mess. It fits perfectly in your pocket or bag for quick touch-ups anytime.

Havaianas x FARM Rio Collection

Bright prints, bold colors, and the comfort you know and love. These flip-flops are designed to keep up with your day, whether you’re walking under the sun or stepping through a light drizzle. They dry fast and feel great.

EO Sunwear Finn Wide with Clip-On

Switch easily between clear vision and sun protection with this eyewear essential. The clip-on polarized lenses protect your eyes from UV rays when it’s bright, and come off easily when the clouds roll in. Two looks in one, with maximum functionality.

Whatever the forecast says, you’re good to go with these everyday essentials available at SM Pangasinan Malls. Rain or shine, your day stays smooth, stylish, and stress-free.

23/06/2025

Mula Kalye Hanggang Karangalan: Dating Batang Kalye, Nagtapos na Cum Laude sa Ateneo

Labindalawang taong gulang pa lamang si Eugene Dela Cruz nang siya ay tuluyang nawala—hindi sa buhay, kundi sa paningin ng lipunan. Habang ang ibang bata ay nasa loob ng mga silid-aralan, si Eugene ay gumagala sa malulupit na lansangan ng Metro Manila. Walang tahanan, walang pagkain, walang boses. Apat na taon siyang nabuhay sa gilid ng mundo—nanghihingi ng barya, naliligo sa pampublikong palikuran, at natutulog sa kung saan lang may lilim o dingding. Sa kanyang mga salita, siya ay naging “multo sa lungsod.”

Pero ang mga multo, minsan, muling nabubuhay.

Ngayong taon, nagtapos si Eugene sa Ateneo de Manila University, sa kursong Bachelor of Arts in Economics (Honors Program), may Specialization sa Financial Economics at Minor in Decision Science. Isa siya sa mga piling estudyante na binigyan ng Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association - Fr. William H. Kreutz, SJ Endowment Scholarship, at ginawaran ng Third Best Undergraduate Thesis in Economics kasama ang isang Honorable Mention.

“I wasn’t supposed to make it here. Not to Ateneo. Not to any graduation. Not even to this very day,” ani Eugene sa isang viral na post na umani ng libo-libong reaksyon at pagbati mula sa publiko.

Ang kanyang pagbabalik-loob sa edukasyon ay hindi naging madali. Noong inalok siya ng pagkakataong muling pumasok sa paaralan, muntik na niyang tanggihan ito. Mabigat ang kahihiyan, mahaba ang pagkakabawas sa kaalaman, at masakit ang mga alaala ng pagkakalimutan. Ngunit isang institusyong nagpakita ng tiwala ang naging simula ng pagbabago.

“Ateneo saw beyond my tattered story and took a chance on someone like me,” ani Eugene. “They didn’t ask for polished essays or connections. They offered me something far more precious: belief.”

Ang paniniwalang ito ang kanyang sandigan habang ginagapang niya ang bawat taon ng kolehiyo. Nagtrabaho siya habang nag-aaral—nagsasayaw sa mga pista para may makain, nagtuturo ng ibang estudyante para may pambayad sa renta, at araw-araw na hinaharap ang paniniwalang baka hindi siya sapat para sa mundong ginagalawan niya. Ngunit sa Ateneo, natagpuan niya ang komunidad—mga taong hindi lang naniwala sa kanya kundi nanindigan para sa kanya.

Pinangalanan niya ang Office of Admission and Aid, Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association, Scholars United, ang kanyang mga kaibigan, propesor, at kaklase bilang mga taong naging tahanan niya sa panahong wala siyang maibigay kundi determinasyon. Higit sa lahat, pinasalamatan niya ang Diyos—hindi lamang ang Diyos ng simbahan, kundi ang Diyos na kasama niya sa baha, sa malamig na palikuran, at sa katahimikan ng gabi.

⸻

Isang Liwanag sa Madilim na Daan

Ang kwento ni Eugene ay paalala: hindi palaging una, mabilis, o maswerte ang tunay na tagumpay. Minsan, ito ay tungkol sa kakayahang manatiling buhay, lumaban, at tanggapin ang pagkakataon kapag ito’y dumating.

“You might not have a roaring stadium behind you,” ani Eugene. “But you are seen. You are carried. You are strong.”

Ngayong siya ay nagtapos bilang bahagi ng Ateneo de Manila University Class of 2025, hindi lang siya isang iskolar. Siya ay isang survivor, isang simbolo, isang liwanag.

Hindi siya inaasahang makakarating—pero narito siya.
At sa kanyang tagumpay, nag-iiwan siya ng pag-asa para sa lahat ng patuloy pa ring lumalaban sa dilim:

“If you are still fighting, still breathing, still daring to hope… then perhaps, so will you.”

23/06/2025

Sip to Support: SM Joins Generation Hope to Build Classrooms

SM Supermalls is proud to partner with HOPE and the Department of Education for Generation Hope—a collaborative campaign that transforms everyday consumer purchases into tangible support for Filipino students by helping build classrooms across the country.

Launched on May 26, 2025, at Samsung Hall in SM Aura, the initiative brings together a coalition of brands, including SM Supermalls, BDO, Aivee, Carmen’s Best, Grab, Penshoppe, and Sunnies, united in a shared goal: to bridge the country’s classroom gap.

In addition to SM Foundation’s long-standing efforts—having built 110 school buildings with 374 classrooms—SM Supermalls is further extending its commitment to education by supporting Generation HOPE’s Build a Classroom Project, which aims to construct 10 new public school classrooms, funded in part through the sale of specially branded SM Bottled Water. Every purchase directly contributes to the classroom fund—empowering customers to be part of a nationwide solution.

“At SM, we believe that investing in education is investing in the future,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Through this partnership, we hope to empower the next generation of Filipino students by creating safe, inclusive spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive.”

“We are grateful to our partners for joining us in turning everyday actions—like buying bottled water—into lasting change,” said Nanette Medved-Po, Founder of HOPE.

“Generation Hope is a reflection of our commitment to make quality education accessible to all,” said Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

This partnership aligns with SM Cares’ advocacy for children and youth empowerment, and invites every Filipino to make a difference, one bottle at a time.

Every bottle makes a difference—by choosing SM Bottled Water, customers directly contribute to building much-needed classrooms for Filipino students across the country. Start making an impact today by picking up a bottle at any SM mall and be part of the movement to empower education, one sip at a time.

23/06/2025

23/06/2025

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23/06/2025

23/06/2025

23/06/2025