NEREUS ACOSTA or NERIC ACOSTA “was the principal author of the groundbreaking Clean Air Act that has become a model of environmental legislation in Asia” when he was in Congress. He also sponsored other major environmental legislations on “clean water, solid waste management and bio-diversity.”

He taught at Xavier University, UP, Bukidnon State College, and De La Salle University, and currently teaches at the Asian Institute of Management and Ateneo de Manila University.

“He continues to be active in microfinance, rural development and environmental protection projects in Bukidnon and is convenor of the Philippine Imperative on Climate Change.”

Neric was included in the 2002 NewsBizAsia’s 100 Most Influential Filipinos, and was cited by Asiaweek as representing the “youthful, hopeful change for the country.”

Please take a look at his robust bio in this wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nereus_Acosta. Also, browse his official web site at http://nericacosta2010.com and his twitter at http://twitter.com/nericacosta2010

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Steve Jobs takes a leave of absence and COO Tim Cook takes over day to day operations of Apple:

Team,

I am sure all of you saw my letter last week sharing something very personal with the Apple community. Unfortunately, the curiosity over my personal health continues to be a distraction not only for me and my family, but everyone else at Apple as well. In addition, during the past week I have learned that my health-related issues are more complex than I originally thought.

In order to take myself out of the limelight and focus on my health, and to allow everyone at Apple to focus on delivering extraordinary products, I have decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June.

I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for Apple’s day to day operations, and I know he and the rest of the executive management team will do a great job. As CEO, I plan to remain involved in major strategic decisions while I am out. Our board of directors fully supports this plan.

I look forward to seeing all of you this summer.

Steve