Welcome to the Philippines, German Ambassador!

» Philippine national hero José Rizal was a mediator between our nations, who built bridges that are a solid base for our cooperation today. It is among my prime tasks as Ambassador to further strengthen these ties, and meet the people of this country. «

(Born on 7 October 1968 in Halle, married, 3 children)

Ambassador at the German Embassy in Manila since August 2019.

From 2016 – 2019 she was the Head of the Division of Humanitarian Assistance and Humanitarian Demining (Operations) at the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin. The Division is part of the Directorate General for Humanitarian Assistance, Crisis Prevention, Stabilization and Post-Conflict reconstruction. She has dealt with humanitarian assistance since 2012, when she became Deputy Head of this division (2012-2016).

Anke Reiffenstuel has worked in the diplomatic service since 1993; her postings included the German embassies in London, New Delhi, Cairo and Manila.

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» Der philippinische Nationalheld José Rizal war ein Mittler zwischen unseren Ländern, hat Brücken gebaut, die auch heute eine gute Basis für unsere Kooperation sind. Ich möchte diese Beziehungen stärken und die Menschen dieses Landes kennenlernen. «

Botschafterin Anke Reiffenstuel

Verheiratet, 3 Kinder

Botschafterin an der Botschaft Manila seit August 2019.

Bis Sommer 2019 war Frau Reiffenstuel Leiterin des Referats für Humanitäre Hilfe und Humanitäres Minenräumen im Auswärtigen Amt in Berlin.

Sie arbeitet seit 1993 im diplomatischen Dienst, unter anderem auf Posten in London, Delhi und Kairo. Bevor sie in die Abteilung Krisenprävention, Stabilisierung, Konfliktnachsorge und Humanitäre Hilfe wechselte, war sie in der Abteilung für Vereinte Nationen und Globale Fragen sowie in der Politischen Abteilung des Auswärtigen Amts tätig.

Philippine Travel Mart Exhibition

The provincial government through the Tourism Office joins the Philippine Travel Mart together with the other provinces in the Region sponsored by the Department of Tourism at SMX Convention Center from August 30-Sept.1, 2019.  This is the longest-running travel trade exhibition in the Philippines and Comval is part of the highlighted pavilion being next year's dive and climb caravan feature on the 2020 Visit Davao Summer Fun. (Tourism, PLGU COMVAL )

Development Academy of the Philippines

The provincial government in Comval in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines conducts Training Course on ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Requirements and Documentation, on September 3-5, 2019 in Davao City. The training course is for the Core team to develop in depth understanding of the QMS concepts, principles and requirements. (Credits: VGO)

Bulawan Queen 2019

Compostela Valley Province--- This year's Bulawan Queen 2019 Angelica Cajes will ramp the Eat Bulaga Stage for the Grand Launching of Miss Millennial Philippines 2019.

Angelica Millan Cajes was crowned as Bulawan Queen 2019 during the 12th Bulawan Festival last March 2019. She proved to all Comvaleños that her wit, elegance and beauty won over other candidates and will romp the prestigious crown of Comval.

A proud Mawab resident, Angelica is a Teacher 1 at La Filipina National High School, Tagum City. The 23 year old Beauty Queen got her degree at the University of Mindanao, Tagum Campus and currently studying for her Master's degree.

A quick glimpse in her social media account, Angelica is just like any other young woman in her early 20's-- aside from being a passionate teacher, she enjoys travelling, hanging out with friends and  spending time with her adorable siberian husky "Heide."

"This is a new experience for me, and I am humbly asking for your full support as I embark on this journey. Daghang Salamat!" said Angelica M. Cajes. (Jasteen P. Abella, ID Comval)

Photocaption Miss Millenial 1 & 2-  With her wit, elegance and beauty, Bulawan Queen 2019, Angelica M. Cajes will represent Compostela Valley Province in the Grand Launching of Miss Millenial 2019 at the afternoon TV Show "Eat Bulaga." Angelica will ace the EB stage bringing Comval's full support.

Comval celebrates 119th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary

Compostela Valley Province---The provincial government of Compostela Valley joined the celebration of the Philippine Civil Service Anniversary with the theme: “Civil Service at 119: Upholding Integrity and a High Trust Society,” on September 2, 2019 at the capitol lobby, Cabidianan, NabunturanComval.

Attending the program were Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy together withComvalProvincial Director of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Nancy Alex Tuason, Regional Director of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Ma. Teresa Tuburan-Pacudan, Vice Governor Maricar S. Zamora, Provincial Officials, Provincial Government (PG) Heads and Assistant PG Heads, Heads of the National Agencies, officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the provincial capitol employees.

Director Tuason, congratulates all the members of the CSC for their dedication, sacrifices and loyalty to the Philippine Government.

 “Those who have been in the Civil Service for more than 20 or 30 years and those who are new to the civil service especially the millennial who prepared toward in the government instead of the private sector or going into business or going abroad you all deserve to be congratulated,” said Tuason

“You have won my admiration because the government needs young blood with fresh and proactive mind and strong conviction na kayanatinitoparasapagbabago,” she added.

 Tuason also explains about the importance of integrity in the government service. “Upholding integrity in our work is not a walk in the park, hindiganunkadali. It is emotionally challenging when we become friends with our clients and associate. The pakikisamais so important.

Meanwhile, the provincial government also celebrates the National Crime Prevention Week for the bureaucracy achievements and contributions of the men and women in uniform in government who uphold the country’s societal goals and overall mission.

 On the other hand Governor Uy, expressed his gratitude to the Comval CSC Director and the NAPOLCOM Regional Director for gracing the convocation program as jump-starting the Civil Service Month and the National Crime Prevention Week.

 “We have to observe those qualities of a good public servant isipkitaangmgafrontlinersnamgdeliver in terms of government services in our province,” said Governor Uy.

“We have to work with passion, we have to work that our clients and our constituents ngasilaangatoangbidapermi,” the governor added.

The anniversary celebration is also anchored on one of the “Ambition Natin 2040” key areas for development planning which is building a high trust society.

#YEStoDavaoDeOro (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)

Success Myths

My column in BusinessWeek Mindanao, Mindanao Daily and Cagayan Times

OPINION

 September 3, 2019

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WHAT is a perfectionist? A perfectionist is one who believes that moral perfection is attainable, or that he or she is attained in.

One of my students told me this morning, that she always wants to be 100% perfect in everything she is doing. Well, my reaction was, " Nobody is perfect!" Take the student who works hard and maybe gets a poor mark. If she tells herself: “I’m disappointed, but it’s okay; I’m still a good person overall,” that’s healthy. If the message is: “I’m a failure. I’m not good enough,” that’s perfectionism.

Many think that perfectionism is a good trait, but it researchers have found it can have a dangerous affect on mental health – and it’s on the rise.

You sit in a job interview, nervously sweating through every question thrown at you, and then comes the hardest one of all: “What is your worst quality?” Being a perfectionist is regularly thought of as a good answer – you might hope your fastidiousness will help you secure the role. But is perfectionism actually a good trait?

To be a healthy and successful human, you have to learn from your mistakes; and to be able to learn from your mistakes, you have to be comfortable with making them. But in general, perfectionists are not. They tend to avoid making mistakes by sticking to tasks they feel most comfortable with or overreacting to obstacles, feeling more guilt, shame and anger when they do make mistakes.

I told my students, that I always wanted to be perfect. When I was not, I could easily could get mad on myself. Culturally, we often see perfectionism as a positive. Even saying you have perfectionistic tendencies can come off as a coy compliment to yourself; it’s practically a stock answer to the “What’s your worst trait?” question in job interviews. (Past employers, now you know! I wasn’t just being cute).

Perfectionism nowadays, is on the rise and has been linked by to a whole host of mental health problems including depression, anxiety and self-harm. Perfectionists feel every bump in the road. They’re quite stress-sensitive. Tennis star Serena Williams, just to mention one example, is a self-described perfectionist who destroys racquets and casts blame when things go wrong – outbursts which have cost her the game.

And while conscientious people tend to live longer, perfectionists die earlier. Worth to think about it.

2-day Orientation on Budget Process for Local Legislators

Municipality of Nabunturan-The Office of the Vice-Governor under the leadership of Vice-Governor Maria Carmen S. Zamora, MNSA in coordination with ComVal League of Budget Officers, Inc. conducted a 2-day Orientation on Budget Process for Local Legislators at Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Lanang, Davao City last August 14-15, 2019.

Vice-Governor Zamora said, “I am proud to see the number of local legislators who expressed their enthusiasm to learn more about the process of budgeting. We are here to help you.”

Participated by Vice Mayors, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, Sangguniang Bayan Members- Committee on Budget, Sangguniang Bayan Secretaries, Budget Officers, Planning and Development Coordinators of the Province of Compostela Valley.

According to Vice-Governor Zamora, the orientation aimed to suggest additional guidelines on local budget operations, particularly in the preparation of Annual Investment Plan, plan-budget linkage and planning & budgeting process.

Speakers of the said orientation were Mr. Mario V. Baldos, the Local Government Operations Officer of DILG, Davao City, Dr. Bernard E. Al-ag the former Vice Mayor of Davao City, Ma’am Carolina C. Armada, CPA, the Chief Budget & Mgt. Specialist- Division B of Department of Budget & Management RO XI, and Ma’am Annbelle M. Atillo, CESO III, the Regional Director of DBM Regional Office XI. (Elizabeth D. Gacula-VGO ComVal)

Comval SP Nena Atamosa is Interim National President of Lady Local Legislator’s League of the Philippines

Compostela Valley Province---  Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Nena “Ate Nenz” G. Atamosa is the Interim National President of 4L (Lady Local Legislator’s League) of the Philippines. BM Atamosa took her oath together with the National Executive Board of 4L Philippines, Inc. last August 16, 2019  facilitated by the Executive Secretary to the President Atty. Salvador Campo Medialdea as the Inducting Officer in behalf of Senator  Bong Go at the Malacañang Place, Manila.

Board Member Nena G. Atamosa or “Ate Nenz”  is a radio DJ in a radio station in Comval known as “YK FM”. She is a municipal Councilor for two terms (2007-2010, 2010-2013) in the Municipality of Compostela, Comval Province and was an active member of Lady Local Legislator’s League of the Philippines. Having an embodied spirit to serve the public, BM Atamosa was elected as Board of Director for Mindanao of FOUR-L Philippines Inc. in her last term (2013-2016) as Municipal Councilor of Compostela, Compostela Valley.

In her first term as Board Member of the 1st District of Comval, she was selected as Vice-President for Mindanao of FOUR-L Philippines and with the recently conducted 2019 National and Local Election, some of the National Executive Board Position were available and so by law of succession, she was appointed as the Interim National President of 4L (Lady Local Legislator’s League) of the Philippines during the Board Meeting on June 26, 2019 at Diamond Hotel, Manila Philippines.

Through the Resolution No. 002-2019 “A Resolution Appointing the Interim National Executive Board Officers of Lady Local Legislator’s League of the Philippines for July 2019-January 2020” BM  Atamosa and her colleagues were appointed with their positions in the FOUR-L.

Together with BM Atamosa, City Councilor of Muntinlupa, Stephanie Teves took oath as the Executive Vice President, City Councilor of Butuan, City Atty. Rema E. B urdeos as Interim Secretary General, Municipal Councilor of Impasugong, Bukidnon Jetaime O. Gumban as Interim Treasurer, Councilor of Mabini Bohol, Myra Colis as Interim Auditor, Board Member of Quezon Province, Yna Liwanag-Asistio as Vice President for Luzon.

The Municipal Councilor of Taytay, Rizal, Pia Cabral and Cavite City Councilor Dr. Tagumpay Tapawan were the Board of Directors for Luzon, Board Member of Eastern Samar, Karen Alvarez as Vice President for Visayas, Vice Governor of Siquijor Province Mei Ling Quezon and Vice-Governor of Iloilo Province, Christine Garin were the Board of Directors for Visayas and Board Member of Zamboanga del Norte, Patri Chan as Vice President for Mindanao.

“It is such an overwhelming honor that a group of esteemed ladies of this country will unanimously rise their trusting hands for me to continue to uphold the tenets of FOUR-L Philippines. I am also grateful for having company with same heart, passion and with the same goal in public service-that is to empower the Filipino people particularly the women and children in climate of equality through effective and responsive local legislations, programs and activities. I would be very happy to hold-hands with FOUR-L Philippines and together face the future and continue to be confidently beautiful with a dedicated heart of service.” said BM Atamosa. (Jasteen P. Abella, ID COMVAL)

Photocaption 1- Comval SP Nena G. Atamosa took her oath as Interim National President of 4L (Lady Local Legislator’s League) of the Philippines together with the National Executive Board of 4L Philippines, Inc. last August 16, 2019  facilitated by the Executive Secretary to the President Atty. Salvador Campo Medialdea as the Inducting Officer in behalf of Senator  Bong Go at the Malacañang Place, Manila Philippines.

Photocaption 2-  Comval SP  Nena G. Atamosa with other appointed officers of the 4L (Lady Local Legislator’s League) of the Philippines.  FOUR-L Philippines  aims to empower the Filipino people particularly women and children with their goals in public service through effective and responsive local legislations, programs and services.

Comval holds another “Bayanihan sa Paaralan” Stakeholders’ Forum

Compostela Valley Province---- “If we are serious in solving our country’s problems, we must begin in investing in our youth. There is no better way to do that than to build better schools, schools that teach them that their knowledge belongs to their families and communities, schools that will not take away their innocence, schools that will teach them the ways of peace, schools that will build, not destroy and will allow them to dream and reach new horizons.”

Speaking before different private and government sectors, Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy shared this message during the conduct of the “Bayanihan Stakeholders’ Forum” dubbed as  “Ako ay isang Bayani sa Paaralan, Bayani sa Karunungan” on August 27, 2019 at Big 8, Corporate Hotel, Tagum City.

Attending the forum were Gov. Uy, Vice Governor Maricar S. Zamora, Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members led by Hon. Arturo T. Uy, Municipal Mayors led by Hon. Roberto M. Yugo, Provincial Government (PG) Heads and Assistant PG Heads led by Provincial Administrator Virgilia S. Allones, Barangay Officials of the school beneficiaries, Heads of the National Offices, high ranking officials of the Armed forces of the Philippines (AFP) led by MGEN Jose Faustino and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

 The Bayanihan para sa Paaralan is a program of the provincial government of Comval to address the shortage of classrooms in the different public schools of the province where they accumulated funds from the different private partners and stakeholders of the provincial government to build school classrooms.

 The program answers the issue of classroom shortage even without undergoing the usual lengthy government process of constructing classrooms.

 Dr. Reynante A. Solitario – Schools Division Superintendent of Department of Education (DepEd) Compostela Valley Division said that everyone is responsible for the personal growth and education of the learners. As they say, “it takes a village to raise a child.”

“Indeed, we never fail, as one community, one village, one province with one vision, and we are working together to raise responsible members of the community,” Solitario added.

Solitario also expressed his gratitude to the active and very supportive Comval officials led by Gov. Uy as the champion partners in all education programs.

Meanwhile, the program becomes successful were the stakeholders do their pledge of commitments to help the financial needs to build another five (5) better school classrooms in far-flung areas as they were also long-affected by conflicts, oftentimes used by some groups who wish to take advantage of the innocence of children.

 The areas identified to build five schools are in Sitio Side 4 Mangayon, Compostela  to further accommodate more students. Another is in Panansalan, Compostela, in Pagsabangan and Manurigao in New Bataan and in Sitio Sapanglubog, Tibagon Pantukan, Comval.

It can be recalled that the provincial government has turned over a 1-unit 2 classroom building each in Sitio Side 4 and Sito Putting Bato, both in Compostela on May and June this year.

Among the stakeholders who pledged their support to the program were the Ulticon Builders, Inc. who committed P3M Pesos; P1.5 M for Hexat Mining Corporation; P1.5 M for Udenna Foundation, Inc;  P1.5M for A-CUP Foundation; and P1.5M from the Apex Mining Company for the construction of school classrooms. 

Also gracing the occasion were the stakeholders of the different corporation namely; Carlos S. Gonzalez-President of Ulticon Builders, Inc., Noe B. Tajo-Chairman Hexat Mining Corporation, Inc., Paul Cuyegkeng-President and CEO of Sumifru Philippines, Dennis A. Uy-Chief Executive Officer Udenna Foundation, Inc., Louie R. Sarmiento-President and CEO of Apex Mining Company, Hon. Arturo T. Uy-Chairman A-CUP Foundation, Inc., MGEN Jose C Faustino- Division Commander, 10th Infantry Division, and Dr. Reynante A. Solitario of DepEd Comval.

 On the other hand, the governor said that the building of schools is part of the greater effort to secure a better future to all the children most especially those living in the highlands.

“We will commit ourselves to this greater purpose. I, too, will do the same. As what I’ve promised, I will dedicate each day as governor in ensuring that our children enjoy a future they deserve-one that is brighter, better and golden,’’ the governor added.

Furthermore, a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the private partners together with the provincial officials and the Commitment Setting and Awarding of Certificates was also done during the forum. #YEStoDavaoDeOro (Rey Antibo, ID Comval, Photos by: Maryel Lasaca)

A 'difficult test of unity'

My column in Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro Times

While our globe is burning -in every respect- G7 Summit: EU's Tusk says meeting will be 'difficult test of unity'. Nothing new for us!

Of course, the list of issues for this year's G7 summit is long, with escalating trade tensions with the US, the UK's pending exit from the EU and fires in the Amazon looming over leaders as they gather in southern France. What concerns me more or at the most? Everything.

    

Fact is: anxieties over trade war and climate change hung heavy as world leaders gathered in southern France for the start of this year's G7 summit on this Saturday (August 24, 2019) — with low hopes of leaders reaching a consensus by the end of the three-day meeting. Yes, very sad to say - very low hopes.

European Council President Donald Tusk warned that this may be one of the last chances "to restore our political community." 

Speaking at a press conference, Tusk said this year's meeting will be "a difficult test of the unity and solidarity of the free world and its leaders." In my opinion - a lot of people are not realizing this. Unfortunately... .

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is hosting the summit in the resort town of Biarritz, said one of his main objectives is to "convince all our partners that tensions, especially trade tensions, are bad for everyone."

Thousands of people gathered in the nearby town of Hendaye to protest against economic and environmental policies, urging world leaders to take action on climate change and other issues. Will it help?

US President Donald Trump, one of the main players at the center of global tensions, arrived with his wife, Melania, in the afternoon. He and other leaders were due to be officially greeted by Macron later on in the evening.

Shortly before leaving, Trump again threatened to levy new taxes on French wine over Paris's digital tax on big tech companies. Tusk responded by saying that the European Union is prepared to "respond in kind" should the US president make good on this threat.

The ongoing trade war between the US and China escalated shortly before the summit, after Trump raised tariffs. The US-China trade dispute is believed to be a major factor in the current global slowdown, raising concerns about a possible recession. And who is the one paying the bill?

The massive, ongoing fires in the Amazon rain forest are also topping the agenda this year, with Macron threatening to withhold an EU trade agreement if Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro does not take action.

The G7 will launch "not just an appeal, but a mobilization of all the powers there, but in partnership with the countries of Amazonia," to fight fires and invest in reforestation," Macron said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she supports discussing the fires during the summit, but disagrees that blocking the Mercosur trade deal with South American countries would reduce the destruction of the rain forest in Brazil.

Our and our next generation's future? Open end!