On 23 May 2015, STC was invited as Guest and Resource Person for the teleradyo program of Dr. Carl Balita called Telenegosyo. The Episode for the evening was aptly called “Isda ng PAGASA.” Topic revolved aroung Pag-asa Island>1 of the 9 islands inhabited by Filipinos in the Spratley’s. This is the only island inhabited by civilians; the others just by military personnel. Livelihood on this island is primarily fishing and drying of fish. Idea of Carl is to match supply with demand; thus, the role of PAGASA Member-stores to sell the dried fish out of Pag-asa Island. Col. Marlo Patria/Deputy Spokesperson for the AFP and PRA/PFA’s Ms.  Bing Limjoco completes the cast for the evening’s discussion on how to make life on Pag-asa Island more sustainable and easier for its inhabitants. Selling of multi-colored sand from Pag-asa in little bottles and labeled as selling “Bottles of Hope” was discussed in detail and elicited much response from viewers/listeners.

At the Bayview Park Hotel on 12 May 2015, the Department of Health (DOH) presented the benefits of Iodized Salt and why all salt sold in the market should be iodized at the recommended levels (same with processed food using salt). The audience was educated by DOH Asec. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell Ubial coat) and the Chief and Nutrition Officer of the National Nutrition Council Ms. Maria Lourdes A. Vega (with printed shawl). PAGASA’s founding Director Johnny Lim actively questions the misconceptions about Iodized Salt.

PAGASA Pres. Steven Cua was invited as Resource Person at the last session of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Amended Consumer Act of the Philippines in Congress on  11 May 2015. In the picture you find DTI Usec. Dimagiba championing the cause of the consumer (head facing screen with both elbows on table) beside National Consumer Affairs Council (NCAC) member Walter Co and NCAC Officer-in-Charge Velma Lim (leftmost). Addressing them (right) is FDA’s Atty. Emilio Polig stressing a point regarding his recommended amendments.

In response to Pres. Aquino’s state visit to Canada on 7-9 May (and his invitation for Canadian businessmen to check out the Philippines as an investment alternative), the Canadian Government immediately organized a Trade Mission which visited just two weeks after the President’s visit. This Mission made up of Canadian Corporations interested in the Phil. market was  to look into the areas of agriculture and agri-food, defense and security, information and communication technology, infrastructure and sustainable technology industries.  On their first day here on 25 May 2015, PAGASA’s STC was invited to lead a Focused Group Discussion with those interested in the Agriculture and Agri-foods industry together with Jesse Cham/Pres.- Meat Importers and Traders Association. STC was assisted on his power point presentation by his daughter, Ana Sharmila Cua.