Merck Set to Release Fertility Count Scorecard at ASPIRE Congress

Population has always been at an all time high in the Philippines, and what better place to launch this new initiative by Merck: a Fertility Count Scorecard. It's also the best time to happen because it was all laid out during the ASPIRE Congress.

The matter has affected everything socially and economically but this counts as something that would encourage policy makers to incentivize those who choose to pro create and build communities especially in emerging economies like ours.  

Albeit having a slight reduction in birth rates compared to the past decade, they attribute this dip to fertility preferences and the various programs in population control.

Merck has noted this (our country) as a key market compared to those that are in the Asia Pacific Region. We should realize that the key should be making it sustainable, one that would not inhibit growth and development. Our choices will greatly impact what we need as a society, because as much as we don't admit it, a lot of the developed countries are having problems in workforce and declining birth rates.  

For those who don't know, the ASPIRE congress is a place to exchange information especially for those who have a say in decisions that affect a population. This also includes how to provide healthcare and plans on having a manageable birth rate at the end of the day. They also plan to have discussions about it in the event especially for local attendees and regional ones. We are after all, family friendly, and creating a society would be enabling us to implement great policies, and not just lip service.

For Merck to release this Fertility Count Scorecard, it would be quite valuable in a global perspective especially for business leaders or those who plan ahead. The methodology is also a bit more scientific, backed by data, which hopefully would get implemented well. So if you want to know more, just check out the data they have at fertilitycounts.com.

Fighting Social Injustice "Abogado ng Bayan" Atty. Heyz Premieres on PTV4

The Philippines, when you hear about our country and the cases of injustice, do you still believe in the system? Most of you probably have given up, thrown in the towel, flipped the table and wouldn't want to even look if you still have rights in this country of ours. Much of us believe that justice is only for the rich, those who could afford it and just suffer not having what is right. Heartbreaking no?

She started doing this January this year on Facebook, and got traction and love from viewers from across the country. When folks from Velvet Media, Inc., Ms. Michelle Perez, Directors Mar Peralta, Ronald Ryan Litao, Producer Jayjay Maghirang of Velvet and Atty. Heyz got into talks about doing the show, things really felt mutual which made mounting this program quite fast on pubic station PTV4.

Atty.Heyz says "The objective is to help people, there's a higher penetration in broadcast so I could reach more. The PTV4 show will be every Saturday mornings, and will be for all ages. There will be someone who can answer law questions, litigation, because that is what I do on a normal day. I also do corporate contracts, and I am effective in explaining things with the masses. This is one of the things I am doing for public service because I've done much in private practice. You can see that in the episodes we have, some simple, some complicated,  which you can easily digest. If you could see our FB messages, it's a lot and I couldn't answer all of them sometimes, we need to help them all."

 

Actress, Host and Velvet Media Inc. Director of Marketing and Public Relations Ms. Bianca Lapus adds "The best thing about our team is when we have an idea, we share it and believe in it because of our core values. Regardless of our roles, we listen to each other. This is also our first time to venture into TV, it's easy to work with her because our brainstorming took a few minutes and now we are having our first program on Saturday. I hope we could feature more celebrities, like Claudine Barretto, Badjao Girl, so they get to know their rights, or even Vhong when the time is right. Atty. Heyz has that gift when she talks because even kids understand it. She can say things even better than layman's terms. She is really someone for the masses."

Here's our video coverage of the interview last Thursday.

Atty. Heyz definitely has the heart to fight social injustice, even if she's already successful in her private practice and law firm, she makes it a point to help those who need it. If you're someone who wants to understand the laws of the land, or need help to fight for your rights as a citizen of this country, go listen to the discussions and learn what you can do to protect yourself, your family and others. They will also be having guests like celebrities, influencers and personalities to also share their experience. They will also be guided by Atty. Heyz and explain in Tagalog what you need to know.

The show will premiere this Saturday at 10:30AM to 11:30AM. If you missed it, they are also on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and on PTV4's social channels. This is produced by Velvet Media Inc.

Congressman SAM VERZOSA Promises More Inspiring Stories on Season 3 of "Dear SV" at CNN Philippines

 

I've been looking forward to see Congressman Sam Verzosa who represents the indigents, of those residing in urban locations, the youth and the elderly through the party list "Tutok To Win". He's starting the third season of his public affairs show "Dear SV" shown on CNN Philippines during his birth month, and is quite excited about the plans they have for future episodes.

The show plans to put the young Congressman in immersions, to live with the actual people they plan to help. To give you an idea, they meet people from all walks of life. The goal is, to feature their inspiring stories on why they continue to make a living despite life's challenges. Cong SV says "If the old, the kids work hard doing these things, I'm sure the most able bodied ones would be inspired to do the same and help others."

Here's part of our little chat that afternoon

He treats all these as blessings and shares "My family keeps me grounded, they keep me focused on my goals, my advocacies and purpose. I have a lot on my plate, I am just lucky to have been able to do a lot of these because I believe God put me here. He gave me opportunities to be able to share these to the world, and help others,to also change lives. I am happy to see that people are also doing the same after seeing the show. From our company alone, I've seen them on the road, going out there and helping too. I want to do this for the rest of my life. I'm just maximizing what I can do for my community and also make changes in laws, I have a duty to make a movement because I know my purpose."

When asked about his stint at "Tutok To Win" a few years ago, he says "Kuya Wil actually trained me, he asked me to sit with him during one show, that's where I learned and practiced at home. Everyday is an experience, you can feel what they feel when you are there. I get to see their happiness, their sadness, hosting my own show had me ask people about their struggles and get to know them."

 

About his motivation, he adds "I am happy about what I'm doing, aside from doing business, I help people, I get to change lives, I've been given a platform to be able to be heard even with a wider audience. I'll try doing this to change not just communities, but bigger ones and the country. As for now, I'll do this because I found my purpose, in life you always ask that question, there are tons of people that have more work ethic and because I have the capacity to help, I'll do it."

If you want to learn more about the causes he supports and foundations he's helping, make sure to watch "Dear SV" startiing Saturday night of September, at 7:30PM. This will also be replayed on CNN Philippines the next day so make sure you catch it!

I'd like to take this bit to thank Congressman Sam Verzosa (who also Co-chairs Poverty Alleviation) for being so nice earlier. He gamely answered questions even after the presser, to say the least, it was refreshing to talk to someone albeit super successful but still remained so grounded. Again, thank you!