Quezon City News January 2018

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Quezon City - Archived News
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Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

DPWH schedules road repairs in QC, Caloocan this weekend

By Ferdinand Patinio (PNA)

MANILA -- Motorists should brace for heavy traffic this weekend, as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will undertake road reblocking and repairs in Quezon and Caloocan cities.

In a statement, DPWH National Capital Region Director Melvin Navarro said the road works will be carried out from 11 p.m. on Friday (January 26) until 5 a.m. on Monday (January 29).

In Quezon City, the northbound direction of the following roads would be affected for road reblocking and construction activities: Visayas Avenue in front of Jollibee, outer lane; EDSA between Howmart to Oliveros, fifth lane; Congressional Avenue Extension near Tierra Pura Subdivision, third lane; Congressional Avenue between EDSA to Cagayan Street, first lane; and Quirino Highway near Sacred Heart of Jesus, outer lane.

Also included in the repair schedule is the middle and inner lanes of A. Bonifacio Avenue southbound between Dr. Alejo Street to Calavite Street.

The DPWH official added that the Bonifacio Monumento Circle in Caloocan City will undergo repair works with General Tinio and B. Serrano Road as alternate route.

Navarro added that they will be using one day concrete mix so that the affected road lanes will be fully passable by next week.

Motorists are advised to use alternate routes since traffic is expected to slowdown in the affected areas.

Marcial becomes full-time PBA commissioner

By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno (PNA)

MANILA -- The PBA board of governors did not look elsewhere to find the league's new commissioner.


The league board officially named Willie Marcial as the league’s new full-time commissioner after the board's first meeting for 2018 on Thursday.


With Marcial named OIC following the resignation of Chito Narvasa, Marcial essentially got a promotion.
"He's given a term of three years," PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas said during a quick press conference right after the meeting at the league office in Quezon City. "We are happy for Willie. We wish him well. We're happy for the PBA."



He also said that Marcial would retain his spot as the PBA's media bureau chief.
Vargas then disclosed that all members of the PBA board unanimously voted for Marcial.


“It was an appointment without any objection. The board gave the go-signal," Vargas said.

While many names surfaced as the potential next commissioner, the 10th overall since the top tier league's inception in 1975, the PBA board decided to stick with a very familiar name in the league in Marcial.



“We're looking for somebody that can put it together and help us heal the process as there will be a lot of changes as we move along," Vargas said.

"At this time, it's important to give it to somebody who grew up in the PBA, understands the PBA and its by-laws, and has been mentored by many PBA commissioners in the past."



In the end, Vargas gave Marcial a suitable moniker: "He's now the healing commissioner."

CHED considering peace education in SUC curriculum

By Ma. Cristina Arayata (PNA)

MANILA -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is planning to integrate peace education in the curriculum of state universities and colleges (SUCs).

"At this point, there are only a few universities which have included peace education in their curriculum. Most of these universities are in Mindanao, understandably because most of the war issues are in Mindanao," CHED Commissioner Ronald Adamat said during the signing of a memorandum of agreement with non-government organization Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL).

Adamat added that he has been advocating peace education among SUC presidents, and emphasized that a CHED memorandum needs to be crafted and approved so that all SUCs would integrate peace education in the curriculum.

Adamat told the Philippine News Agency that HWPL has approached CHED for partnership in the program. HWPL described itself as an NGO that "aims to transcend differences in culture, belief and religion by engaging leaders and youth in sustainable and comprehensive solutions for peace".

CHED and HWPL signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) Tuesday afternoon in Quezon City, to further promote peace education in the country. Adamat said that as a partner, HWPL could suggest activities and strategies to CHED.

After the MOA signing at the CHED office, the two held a peace lecture at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa Manila.

Meanwhile, Adamat said he could not give a timeline for peace education integration, as this would need to be done "in a very calculative way".

He also pointed out that peace education may not be compulsory but an elective subject.

CSC announces school assignments for the January 28 Foreign Service Officer Exam

(CSC)

QUEZON CITY, Jan. 23 -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) released the list of testing centers and school assignments per region for the January 28, 2018 Foreign Service Officer Examination (CSE-FSO): Region 2 (Tuguegarao City Science High School); Region 3 (CSC Regional Office III, Diosdado Macapagal Government Center, Maimpis, San Fernando, Pampanga); Region 4 (Sen. Maria Kalaw Katigbak Memorial School, Lipa City); Region 5 (CSC Regional Office V, Training Hall, Rawis, Legazpi City); Region 6 (CSC Regional Office VI, Learning and Development Hall, 7 Oñate St., Mandurriao, Iloilo City); Region 7 (University of Cebu - Banilad Campus, Governor Cuenco Ave., Banilad, Cebu City); Region 8 (Saint Paul School of Professional Studies, Campetic, Palo, Leyte); Region 9 (Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School, Governor Ramos Avenue, Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City); Region 10 (Liceo de Cagayan University - College Campus, RN Pelaez St., Carmen, Cagayan de Oro); Region 11 (CSC Regional Office XI, Ecoland Drive cor. Beechnut St., Ecoland Subdivision, Matina, Davao City); NCR (Angelicum College of Quezon City, 112 Sen. Mariano Cuenco St., Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Quezon City); and CAR (Saint Louis University, Bonifacio St., Baguio City).

The CSC reminds all examinees to be at their respective school assignments not later than 7:30 am. The “No ID, No Exam” rule will also be strictly implemented. Only the following ID’s will be accepted by the CSC: driver’s license, passport, PRC license, SSS ID, GSIS ID (UMID), Voter’s ID, BIR ID (ATM type/TIN card type with picture), PhilHealth I.D. (must at least contain the holder’s name, clear picture, signature, and PhilHealth number), company/office ID, school ID (validated for the current school year/semester/trimester), Police Clearance/Police Clearance Certificate, Postal ID, Barangay ID, or NBI Clearance.

Examinees must use black ball pen/s in the answer sheets. Use of any aid in answering the test, such calculators, dictionary, cellular phones, tablets, etc., is strictly prohibited.

Examinees are also advised to wear proper attire during the examination day (i.e. not in sleeveless shirt/blouse, or in short pants, or in slippers).

The FSO Examination is a five-part examination administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to recruit candidates for the Foreign Service Officer, Class IV position. The CSC conducts the first part, which is the Qualifying Test. DFA conducts the succeeding parts which constitute Preliminary Interview, Written Test, Psychological Test, and Oral Test.

Those who will pass the 28 January 2018 FSOE Qualifying Test will simultaneously qualify to proceed to the succeeding stages of the DFA’s FSOE, and be conferred the Career Foreign Service Officer Eligibility by the CSC. This eligibility is appropriate to first level (clerical) and second level (technical) positions in the government that do not involve practice of profession and are not covered by special laws.

For further details, access Examination Advisory No. 2, s. 2018 thru CSC’s website (csc.gov.ph), or follow the CSC Facebook page, fb.com/PhilippineCivilServiceCommission.

36k farmers to receive livelihood projects from DAR, DSWD

(DAR)

QUEZON CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) signed a livelihood program partnership agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to increase the household income of farmers by developing and improving their agri-business enterprises.

DAR Secretary John Castriciones said the program called “Convergence on Livelihood Assistance for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Project” (CLAAP) will benefit 36,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and non-ARBs in 749 agrarian reform communities (ARCs) and agrarian reform areas throughout the country.

“The partnership is geared towards a common goal of improving the lives of farmers by helping them develop their agricultural enterprises. This will be conducted by helping them establish livelihood businesses like vegetable/fruit farming, food processing, vermicomposting, livestock raising, just to name a few,” Castriciones said.

DSWD Secretary Emmanuel Leyco said CLAAP is a development partnership between DAR and DSWD which supports DAR’s thrust of expanding and increasing farmers’ access to economic opportunities.

“The farmers, who belong to the poorest sector, are the majority of our constituents. This is an expected partnership [with DAR] because both agencies share the same beneficiaries, the poor farmers,” said Leyco.

Under the memorandum of agreement, the DSWD will allocate and transfer to DAR P1 billion for the implementation of CLAAP.

DAR, for its part, will provide P186 million worth of its manpower, technical and management skills and the cost of series of capacity building training for the farmers.

DAR Undersecretary for support services Rosalina Bistoyong said the DAR will be responsible for the implementation activities including planning, supervision, and procurement of materials for the establishment/assistance of farmers’ agri-businesses.

“To ensure its success, we will continuously monitor and evaluate the establishment and development of each agri-business of the farmers,” said Bistoyong.

The implementation of CLAAP will start on May 2018 and will end on December 2019.

The signing of the livelihood program partnership agreement was held at the DSWD central office in Quezon City.

DTI hails QC government efforts in streamlining biz registration

By Susan De Leon (DTI/EPC/SDL/PIA-NCR)

MAKATI (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) lauds the efforts and strong commitment of the Quezon City Government in streamlining its operations to speed up the processing of business registration and construction-related permits.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, chair of the government’s Inter-agency Task Force on Ease of Doing Business, explained that the drastic process re-engineering in Quezon City, the LGU with the most number of businesses, is critical.

Quezon City is the sample city included in the Doing Business Survey, conducted yearly by the World Bank, to gauge the overall competitiveness of the Philippines as a nation, using the cost and ease of doing business as a criterion.

In 2017, QC Mayor Herbert Bautista issued Executive Order 11 mandating the creation of one-stop shops, where new businesses can file and pay their application for business permits, including Fire Safety Inspection Certificates, following a 2-step procedure where applicants can get their permit in less than two hours. Applicants need not to go to different offices to obtain business permit and other clearances and but instead transact in a single location.

“The EO signed by the Local Chief Executive provides for reduction in the steps and requirements, and the use of automation,” Lopez said.

“To further develop the process, the effort of the QC shall be complemented by efforts in the national level. Together with the DICT, we are looking at developing a fully electronic registration process using Smartphone App. This is an excellent opportunity for the Philippines to become one of the first countries to adopt a business registration process that can be completed (end to end) on a smart phone,” Lopez added.

Similar with business permits, a one-stop shop dedicated for construction-related permits is also being established, which will co-locate the different city/municipal offices that process building permits and certificates of occupancy, headed by the Office of the Building Official, and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in one place. This is expected to be operational by end of February 2018.

These reforms are seen to significantly improve Philippines’ ranking in Doing Business (DB) Report, where the country dropped 14 notches to No. 113 last year.

For Starting a Business indicator, Philippines recorded a dismal No. 173. Quezon City, with an estimated 74,000 registered establishments, represents the country in the survey.

DA offers free seminars on farming, animal raising

By Jimmyley E. Guzman (da/epc/jeg/pia-nc)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), is offering free farming and animal raising seminars this year.

The DA invites the public to learn for free, from the different seminars that will be offered starting February.

The seminars include: Organic Farming for Newbies (February 09); Urban Agriculture I: Making Your Own Concoctions (February 23); Herbs and Spices: Production and Processing (March 09); Urban Agriculture 2: Composting and Vermiculture (April 13); Mango Production and Processing (May 11); and Vegetable Production and Processing (June 08).

Other seminars include: Coffee Production and Processing (July 13); Swine Production and Meat Processing (August 10); Poultry Production and Processing (September 14); Cutflower Production and Flower Arrangement (October 12); Mushroom Production (October 19); and Cacao Production and Processing on 09 November 2018.

Interested parties may call DA’s Partnerships and Accreditation Division at (02) 929-8541 to 49 or visit the DA website at www.da.gov.ph or Facebook page (ATIng Gulayan ng DA) for more information.

DAR, DSWD sign agreement to provide livelihood assistance for agrarian reform beneficiaries

By Susan De Leon (DAR/EPC/SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, Jan. 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) signed a livelihood program partnership agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to increase the household income of farmers by developing and improving their agri-business enterprises.

DAR Secretary John Castriciones said the program called “Convergence on Livelihood Assistance for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Project” (CLAAP) will benefit 36,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and non-ARBs in 749 agrarian reform communities (ARCs) and agrarian reform areas throughout the country.

“The partnership is geared towards a common goal of improving the lives of farmers by helping them develop their agricultural enterprises. This will be conducted by helping them establish livelihood businesses like vegetable/fruit farming, food processing, vermicomposting, livestock raising, just to name a few,” Castriciones said.

DSWD Secretary Emmanuel Leyco said CLAAP is a development partnership between DAR and DSWD which supports DAR’s thrust of expanding and increasing farmers’ access to economic opportunities.

“The farmers, who belong to the poorest sector, are the majority of our constituents. This is an expected partnership [with DAR] because both agencies share the same beneficiaries, the poor farmers,” said Leyco.

Under the memorandum of agreement, the DSWD will allocate and transfer to DAR P1 billion for the implementation of CLAAP.

DAR, for its part, will provide P186 million worth of its manpower, technical and management skills and the cost of series of capacity building training for the farmers.

DAR Undersecretary for support services Rosalina Bistoyong said the DAR will be responsible for the implementation activities including planning, supervision, and procurement of materials for the establishment/assistance of farmers’ agri-businesses.

“To ensure its success, we will continuously monitor and evaluate the establishment and development of each agri-business of the farmers,” said Bistoyong.

The implementation of CLAAP will start on May 2018 and will end on December 2019.

The signing of the livelihood program partnership agreement was held at the DSWD central office in Quezon City.

Ayala Land, Eton tie up to build P53-B mixed-use estate

By Leslie Gatpolintan (PNA)

MANILA -- Property developers Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and Eton Properties Philippines Inc. (EPPI) will jointly invest PHP53 billion to initially develop a 35-hectare mixed-use estate that spans portions of Pasig and Quezon City over the next 10 years.

Ma. Carmela Ignacio, assistant vice president of ALI’s Strategic Landbank Management Group, in a press launch Thursday, said bulk, or 75 percent of total spending, would be earmarked for the construction of 10 residential towers in the estate, Parklinks.

Ignacio said the residential developments would be introduced by its subsidiaries Ayala Land Premier and Alveo Land Corp.

She added 17 percent of investments would be channeled into commercial leasing projects, including malls and business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings, while the remaining 8 percent for estate development, including the construction of an iconic bridge.

Ignacio said such 16-hectare development would comprise phase one of the mixed-use estate.

ALI and EPPI deem this development as their greenest urban development to date. The plan includes a three-hectare central park located at the heart of the business district.

Designed to link Quezon City and Pasig over the Marikina River, the 110-meter long iconic bridge will create a new route that will help ease vehicular traffic in the northeast and east of Metro Manila.

“Parklinks, an exemplary urban design expression, is a living testament to Eton LT Group and ALI’s shared vision and commitment in providing sustainable excellent communities in urban centers to its valuable customers.” said EPPI chief operating officer Jess Lucas.

Meanwhile, Ignacio said the joint venture of ALI and EPPI would infuse over PHP60 billion for Parklinks’ second phase.

“There will be more residential, there will be other retail centers in the Pasig side, and then more offices,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the project launch.

She added the estate’s last phase would be developed in another 10 years starting 2028 after the completion of the phase one.

Phivolcs to launch PH Earthquake Model Atlas

By Ma. Cristina Arayata (PNA)

MANILA -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will launch the Philippine Earthquake Model (PEM) Atlas on January 17 that aims to help engineers in designing earthquake-resilient structures and buildings and enhance the existing National Structural Code of the Philippines.

This will also be the engineers' guide in designing dams, bridges, as well as nuclear, biological and chemical facilities, the agency said.

The PEM Atlas will also serve as a guide for land use and urban planning and disaster risk management planning of various government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders, it added.

According to Phivolcs, the Atlas contains the Peak Ground Acceleration Maps and Spectral Acceleration Maps, which were both generated from the Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis.

These maps were also generated through the collaborative expertise of seismologists, geologists, engineers, and researchers from Phivolcs, in consultation with various concerned agencies, such as the Metro Manila Development Authority, the Office of Civil Defense, Local Government Units, and the Department of Public Works and Highways, among others.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña earlier told PNA that for this year, he wants to help people to be more prepared for disasters.

Among the strategies he has been planning is the disaster preparation information dissemination, to be done by all DOST-attached agencies and not just by Phivolcs and the state weather agency, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration.

The launching of the PEM Atlas will be held at the Phivolcs Building in Quezon City. Copies will be distributed to partners, while stakeholders can also request a digital copy.

Aboitiz donates 2,300 safety glasses to DND

By Priam Nepomuceno (PNA)

MANILA -- The Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. formally turned over to the Department of National Defense (DND) 2,300 units of Delta Plus safety glasses for use of combat personnel Monday.

The items were formally received by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana from Aboitiz Group head Sabin Aboitiz during the ceremonial handover at the DND Social Hall in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"On behalf of our One Defense Team, I thank the Aboitiz Group for giving protective eyewear for our frontline troops… It should be noted that this donation demonstrates the strong cooperation and collaboration that has always existed between the private sector and the government. Aside from being a tangible and visible indicator of our joint efforts, it demonstrates our concern and love for our valiant soldiers who continue to sacrifice their lives for our freedom and who continuously face threats at sea and on land,” he added.

The DND chief also said that in modern combat operations, the risk of soldiers getting eye injury was very high, leading to either partial or total blindness or a lifetime of disability and suffering, not just for the soldiers but for the families as well.

This was evident in places like Marawi and in other areas where soldiers operate. The Aboitiz Group’s donation was not only timely but significant as well because it would augment the current efforts to boost the Armed Forces of the Philippines' capability to conduct focused, surgical, and sustained military operations.

The Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. earlier turned 700 units of Delta Plus safety glasses to troops during the height of the Marawi Siege last year.

The glasses aim to protect frontline troops from eye injury resulting from IED explosions, debris, and shrapnel.

With this, the number of safety glasses handed by the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. to the military now totalled to 3,000.

“We in the Aboitiz Group appreciate very much the sacrifices made by our soldiers. We can never thank them enough for their service and sacrifice that they have done for the country," Aboitiz said.

Quezon City sending reconstruction team to Marawi

By Alladin S. Diega

Members of Quezon City’s Disaster and Needs Assessment (Dana) team is due to visit Marawi City and assess how the city government can assist in rebuilding the war-torn city in the south.

Mayor Herbert M. Bautista has ordered the Dana team, which is composed of the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Engineering Department, General Services Department, City Planning Department, Social Services and Development Department and the City Health Department.

“We are responding to the instructions of Mayor Herbert Bautista based on the appeal of the national government to help in the reconstruction and redevelopment of Marawi after the siege. We are sending a disaster and needs-assessment team to Marawi on the second week of January,” according to City Administrator Aldrin Cuna.

Bautista has mentioned the city’s intention to provide aid during his State of the City Address.

According to Bautista, “our actual contribution is to construct one elementary school, high school and a health center to help our compatriots in Marawi.”

“We call on other local government units [LGUs] to continue helping one another, and I am hoping that this efforts of the Quezon City government in helping other LGUs become a tradition,”he added.

The Dana team will also gather insights and learn from what happened in Marawi.

The Association of Volunteer Fire Brigade of the Philippines will also be joining the team. AVFBI will bring with them halal-certified relief goods and clothing.

PDEA intensifies campaign against public transport used for delivering illegal drugs

By Susan De Leon (PDEA/EPC/SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA)—The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has intensified its campaign against public utility vehicles being used in illegal drug operations.

Last Wednesday (January 10), PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino, LTFRB Chairman Atty. Martin Delgra III, and key officials of country-based TNCs, Mr. Laurence Cua, General Manager of Uber Systems, Incorporated; Mr. Brian Matthew Cu, Country Head of My Taxi.PH and Mr. Nicolas Jose Laude III of U-Hop, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to prevent the use of drivers of transportation network vehicles from being exploited as unknowing drug couriers and finally put a stop to this emerging drug trend.

“Realizing that drug syndicates have exploited the use of transport network vehicle services (TNVS), we bonded together to stop this new trend of drug trafficking,” Aquino said.

Aquino said drug syndicates now use TNVS or mobile-based application of TNCs to deliver their illicit goods concealed inside packages right at the doorsteps of their intended receivers.

Under the MOU, the parties have committed themselves to prevent the transportation of packages containing illegal drugs using drivers/operators of TNVS, identify and report timely intelligence information for the purpose of anti-drug operations; and implement applicable policies on drug-free workplace in the TNCs premises to ensure that operators with existing contracts with Uber, My Taxi.PH and U-Hop are not involved in any illegal drug activities.

PDEA shall take the lead role in the conduct of overall investigation, arrest and subsequent filing of drug cases in cooperation with LTRFB and TNCs and shall map out plans in the prevention of the drug delivery and conduct trainings/seminars to contracting parties relevant to the anti-drug law.

On the other hand, LTFRB pledged to facilitate any programs and activities for the effective implementation of the MOU; encourage TNVS operators/drivers to undergo PDEA trainings to be integrated into the LTFRB Drivers’ Academy Training; provide sanctions and penalties to TNVS operators or drivers who shall violate any policies issued by LTFRB; and provide legible decals and/or stickers with PDEA and LTFRB Hotlines to all TNVS operators/drivers.

Aquino said that under the MOU, “the TNCs shall communicate with partners and drivers on the dissemination of the detailed PDEA contact information for the speedy relay of criminal and other suspicious activities to authorities”.

The TNCs agreed to exercise due diligence in the selection and hiring of their drivers by requiring the submission of additional identity requirements such as NBI, Police and Barangay Clearances.

TNCs shall also design a mechanism by which all items for delivery are properly marked with the name and complete address of the sender and the consignee to be recorded by the drivers, maintain a record of parties’ transactions under Uber, My Taxi.PH and U-Hop subject to the provisions of the Data Privacy Act, among others.

Aquino said, the signed agreement among PDEA, LTFRB and TNCs is a step forward in achieving a new partnership that would suppress the use of TNCs drivers from being exploited as unknowing drug couriers and finally put a stop to this emerging drug trend.

DSWD amends guidelines on CSOs accreditation

By Lucia F. Broño (DSWD/EPC/LFB/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently amended the “Guidelines on the Accreditation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as beneficiaries of DSWD projects and programs.”

The move was made to simplify the accreditation process and address various policy issues raised during the implementation of the old guidelines, Memorandum Circular No. 13 series of 2017.

DSWD officer-in-charge Emmanuel Leyco said, “We have expedited the process of accreditation to make it more responsive to the conditions of our CSO partners.”

Leyco stressed that the simplified process still calls for the stringent scrutiny of submitted documents to ensure the legitimacy, proven track record and good standing in undertaking civil society works of the applicant CSOs.

Under the amended guidelines, the applying beneficiary CSO must duly accomplish the accreditation application form. The applicant is also required to submit documentary requirements proving their existence and organization such as barangay certification, certification of endorsement from at least two publicly known individuals in the community, organizational chart or governance structure, and information on organizational profile.

If the CSO has previously received public funds, a certificate of good standing from the government agency from which the funds came from must be provided.

The CSO must also provide proof that it has undergone social preparation from the DSWD by the designated regional program/project officer of the DSWD program or project where the CSO seeks to engage partnership.

For associations or groups organized by DSWD, the head of the DSWD program or project will issue a certificate of compliance attesting that the applicant CSO has met the requirements specified in Section 65 of the 2017 General Appropriations Act.

Upon receipt of the completed application form and attachments, the concerned DSWD Field Office, through its Standards Unit, will undertake the necessary steps to review, validate, and respond to the application.

The entire process of accreditation if all documents are in order will take 21 days. The process includes the validation of submitted documents and establishment of proof of existence of the organization.

However, once the DSWD Field Office Accreditation Committee finds irregularities in the submitted documents, the CSO applicant will be duly notified and will be given three working days from the receipt of the notice to explain.

Once approved, the certificate of accreditation is valid for three years from the date of issuance unless sooner revoked by the Department. After which, the Beneficiary CSO may apply for the renewal of its certificate of accreditation within 60 working days prior to the expiration of its certificate.

Beneficiary CSOs are groups made up of organized individuals who need government support through projects or programs which they can access.

It also include DSWD-organized CSOs, which are group or association composed of beneficiaries identified by the Department for its projects or programs, such as the associations under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and the Emergency Shelter Assistance Program (ESAP), among others.

Wildlife center in Quezon City nearing full capacity

By Jonathan L. Mayuga

THE National Wildlife Rescue and Research Center (NWRRC) will push for the establishment of more wildlife rescue centers, as the facility inside the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAPWC) may soon run out of space for rescued wildlife.

Glenn Maguad, officer in charge of the NWRRC, said around 1,400 rescued, confiscated and voluntarily turned over animals are now housed in the facility. It is manned by three veterinarians, including Maguad, and 20 animal keepers, who feed them every day.

The NWRRC is not a typical government facility where employees report for work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., as those assigned as veterinarians or keepers are on-call 24/7.

“We also have no holidays. We usually have extra shirts in our cabinets because you will never know when authorities will bring in rescued or confiscated animals. Sometimes, we are only informed one hour before they turn over some animals,” he said.

Without adequate facility to serve as temporary shelter of rescued or confiscated animals, treatment of injured animals, quarantine and rehabilitation will be big challenge.

The facility at the NAPWC used to be a mini zoo and depository of rescued animals until it was converted into a quarantine, rehabilitation and research facility in 2011.

Most of the cages at the NWRRC came from donors, he said.

“Under the Wildlife Resources Protection and Conservation Act, there should be at least one center for every region,” he added. The provision of the law requiring the establishment of such facility did not materialized until today.

Under such provision, it means that there should be at least 16 similar facility in every region to accommodate rescued, confiscated or voluntarily turned-over wildlife.

Each wildlife rescue center, he said, should have at least one veterinarian and several animal keepers to ensure that those housed in the facility are well taken cared of. It requires at least P100,000 a year to feed the animals sheltered at the NWRRC.

Director Theresa Mundita S. Lim of the Biodiversity Management Bureau in earlier interviews said she is open to the idea of a public-private partnership to establish wildlife rescue centers in partnership with local government units and non-governmental organizations.

Quezon City to host Smart Sustainable Cities Summit

By Susan De Leon (QC PAISO/EPC/SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- Quezon City is set to host the Smart Sustainable Cities Summit scheduled 17-19 October 2018.

Mayor Herbert Bautista said, Quezon City was chosen to host the annual executive meeting for being an active member of the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization, an international organization of cities and local governments that pursues sustainable urban development based on e-Government and ICT.

Bautista said Smart Sustainable Cities Summit will be participated in by highly urbanized, independent, component cities and is expected to give member-cities and stakeholders the opportunity to explore its global network and gain exposure to a diverse array of e-government facilities and policies.

In preparation for the event, Bautista issued Office Order 3-2018 creating a steering committee and a technical working committee tasked to plan, administer, implement, monitor and evaluate all activities for an efficient, effective and secure conduct of the Summit.

City Administrator Aldrin C. Cuna will chair the steering committee with Reynald Paul Imjada, head of the Quezon City Information Technology Development Office, as co-chairperson.

Named members of the steering committee are: Chief Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar, director of the Quezon City Police District; Regina Samson, head of the QC Investments Promotions Office; Ares P. Gutierrez, head of the QC Public Affairs and Information Services Office; Elmo DG San Diego, head of the QC Department of Public Order and Safety; Karl Michael Marasigan, head of the QC Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, and Divina Gracia Pascua, officer-in-charge of the QC Tourism Department.

PCOO, Japan cooperate to modernize state-run PTV4

By Susan De Leon

QUEZON CITY, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- Japanese Minister of Information and Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) officials today led the ceremonial switch on of the state-run People’s Television Network (PTV4) PTV Digital Terrestrial TV Broadcast.

Minister for Internal Affairs and Comm. of Japan Seiko Noda and Comm. Sec. Martin Andanar together with other PCOO officials led the event that signal the transition of PTV 4 from analog to digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcast.

Andanar said the project is a testament of a strong cooperation between PH-Japan in the field of communications adding that it is also one the most meaningful modernization program under the Duterte administration.

“This means really ushering a new era of television viewing in the country. So we are leading the way in changing broadcasting in the country,” Andanar said.

PTV’s General Manager Dino Apolonio said that the network must keep pace with its counterparts, both locally and abroad. “As the state network, we have to take it upon ourselves to lead the charge towards the digital transition. It will be very beneficial for the people first of all, and we have to keep up with the rest of the world.”

He added that while PTV is already doing digital test broadcasts as of now, the new equipment once installed, will significantly improve the public’s viewing experience.

DOTr breaks ground for South East MM Expressway Project

By Aerol John Pateña (PNA)

MANILA -- Travel time from Taguig to Batasan Complex in Quezon City will reduce to at least half an hour once the South East Metro Manila Expressway Project (SEMME) project is completed.

This, as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), led the groundbreaking Monday of the expressway project at the C-5 Service Road in Taguig.

SEMME is a 34-kilometer expressway linking the existing Skyway Stage 1 in FTI, Taguig City to Batasan Complex in Quezon City. It will eventually connect to the North Luzon Expressway via Balagtas, Bulacan.

“When completed, travel time of motorists from Bicutan, Taguig to Batasan, Quezon City will be reduced to only 35 minutes,” the DOTr said in a statement Monday.

SEMME, which is part of the Metro Manila C-6 Expressway Project, will have six lanes for combined elevated and at-grade expressway with two directional traffic flow.

“Aside from decongesting roads in Manila and Quezon City, particularly major road networks such as EDSA, C-5, Ortigas Avenue and its extension, SEMME shall likewise provide commuters and motorists fast and direct access by South and Southeast as well as Metro Manila inter-city travelers to major international and domestic airports,” the DOTr said.

SEMME which is the first phase of the Metro Manila C-6 Expressway Project will cost around PHP45 billion and will start its construction this year. It is expected to be completed by 2020.

The project is being operated by Citra Intercity Tollways Inc. (CITI) of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) as concessionaire with its concession period lasting for 30 years from issuance of the toll operation certificate.

The C-6 expressway project will have its second phase involving a 24.28-kilometer expressway from San Mateo, Rizal to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and third phase which entails a 22-kilometer tollway from San Jose del Monte to Meycauyan and Marilao, Bulacan.

San Miguel, DOTr break ground for expressway linking Taguig to Batasan

(AutoIndustriya.com)

SEMME will connect Skyway, Ortigas Extension, and Commonwealth

There will be a new expressway serving Metro Manila in the future and will be particularly interesting for those living east of the metropolis. And the work starts today.

Earlier this morning the Department of Transportation (DOTr) led by Secretary Arthur Tugade, together with executives from the San Miguel Corporation (SMC), held a groundbreaking ceremony for the South East Metro Manila Expressway (SEMME, the Circumferential Road 6 Expressway), a new toll road that will link Taguig, Rizal, Marikina, and Quezon City.

The project, spearheaded by SMC and its subsidiaries, will be comprised of elevated and at-grade carriageways with up to three lanes in each direction. The southern terminus of the project will link up directly with the Skyway Stage 1 to FTI in Taguig and follow a path that passes through Taytay, Cainta, Marikina, and eventually at a main toll plaza near the Batasan Complex in Quezon City.

The DOTr say that this long term infrastructure project will be accomplished in two segments split up into 6 sections. Segment 1 - Section 1 (both 1A and 1B, 4.049 kilometers total) will be completed by 2020 and cost PhP 45 billion. The succeeding two sections of Segment 1, Section 2 and 3, will build a direct link from Skyway to Ortigas Avenue Extension.

Segment 2 (comprised of Sections 4 to 6) will span from Ortigas Avenue Extension to Batasan. When fully completed, the DOTr says travel time between Taguig and Quezon City using the 34.024 kilometer SEMME/C-6 Expressway will be reduced to just over 30 minutes.

Eventually the new expressway will be connected directly to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) as well.

Quezon City submits list of priority programs to DBM

By Alladin S. Diega

The Quezon City Council has endorsed to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) its list of priority programs as part of the city’s development investment program and annual investment program.

Under Resolution 7034-2017 authored by Councilor Franz Pumaren, the priority programs were classified into three major areas: disaster risk reduction and climate-change adaptation, social services and health.

The DBM has allocated Local Government Support Funds-Financial Assistance to local government units amounting to P65 million.

The local government proposed to distribute this mainly for assistance to indigent individuals and families, including medical, burial, transportation, food, cash for work and educational assistance, amounting to P41.102 million.

This is followed by disaster response and mitigation budget, specifically for the purchase of rescue and special purpose vehicles amounting to P22.898 million.

Health assistance to indigent patients of the Quezon City General Hospital and Novaliches District Hospital secured P1 million in funding.

The priority projects will be implemented by the city through the office of Mayor Herbert Bautista. A copy of the resolution has been forwarded to the DBM.

Quezon City gets tough on fixers

By Chito Chavez

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista warned city hall employees they will be jailed if they are found to connive with fixers especially during the tax payment season.

Annoyed by mounting complaints, Bautista said city hall employees will be prosecuted even if the money of the complainants is returned.

“No one is above the law. “We should not tolerate this wrongdoing by our workers. Cases against those employees who act as fixers should push through,” he said.

Councilor Victor Ferrer Jr., former chairman of the city council ways and means committee, said fixers usually abound from January to March, the time for paying business and real property taxes.

Ferrer said the city government not only wants to boost the city’s infrastructure and economy but also to uphold the moral and ethical standards of public servants.

To fight corruption and avoid confusion, the city government has implemented a modified set-up where the rebilling of tax assessments will now be handled by the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO).

Bautista noted that the city administrator and the Quezon City Information Technology Development Office (QCITDO) regularly conduct a random audit of transactions in the initial evaluation, assessment and billing and approval of payment and signatures to sniff out discrepancies, malfeasance or misfeasance in the evaluation, assessment or billing process.

Once irregularities are uncovered, the city administrator and the QCITDO may recommend the relief of the assigned Treasury Department employees and their investigation.

BPLO chief Garry Domingo said unauthorized individuals are barred from loitering inside the Revenue Generation Offices, saying they will be presumed to be fixers and dealt with accordingly.

In the past, chaos and confusion attended business tax payments because the taxpayers do not know who to consult regarding what they consider as excessive tax assessments.

Under the new set-up, rebilling of business tax payments may be entertained only upon the written authorization of the mayor or his authorized representative who is Domingo.

Bautista said the move ensures the “ease in doing business,” efficiency, transparency and accountability in all official transactions with the city’s clients and taxpayers.

Registered business establishments found to have underdeclared their gross sales or receipts may be blocked or unblocked by the mayor or BPLO head, depending on the recommendation of the Review and Audit team.

Upon payment, Domingo may issue business permits provided the applicant of the registered businesses submit the locational clearance from the City Planning and Development Office within 10 days.

Checks, mobile money and credit card payments under existing laws, ordinance, rules and regulations may be accepted in the payment of taxes.

QC to Offer Concierge Services to New Business Applicants

(Quezon City Government Official Website)

The Quezon City Government is opening up a concierge service for business startups. Starting 2018, for the convenience of those applying for a mayor's permit to do business, the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) shall offer the services of a concierge to attend to the needs of the applicant and help him/her process his/her application.

Just be sure to bring three (3) copies (including original) of the following documents so that your application can be processed simultaneously by the evaluators of the BPLO, the Zoning Official and the Bureau of Fire Protection:

1. Barangay clearance

2. Business registration documents –

a. Business name registration with the Department of Trade and Industry (if single proprietorship)

b. Articles of incorporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (if corporation, partnership or foundation)

c. Registration with the Cooperative Development Authority (if cooperative)

3. Right to own the property:

a. Property title (TCT) or tax declaration (if property is owned by the business applicant)

b. Lease contract and the lessor's business permit (if business area is leased)

4. Copy of business owner's valid ID (must be a government-issued identification card); if the filer is a representative of the business owner, an authorization letter or special power of attorney, with the representative's valid ID must be attached); Corporate Secretary's Affidavit (if the applicant is a corporation)

5. Sketch of property location or Google map, with photo of frontage and interior of business area

6. Occupancy permit to use the property for the business applied for

If the location is within a subdivision or is in a predominantly residential area, an additional requirement is necessary: signed certificate of 'no objection' from the Homeowners' Association or Neighbors' consent, or Barangay Council resolution (this is a requirement of a national law, Republic Act No. 9904, "An Act Providing for Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners' Associations" and of the Quezon City Ordinance No. 2200, series of 2013).

Incomplete documents will not be processed.

The concierge service is available at the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS), ground floor, Civic Center Building A, Quezon City Hall compound.

Movenpick Hotel soon to rise in Quezon City

(Manila Bulletin)

Bangkok – Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed a new property development in Metro Manila, expanding its portfolio in the Philippines to three properties strong, and marking another milestone in the company’s Asian expansion strategy.

Due to open in Q4 2021, Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Quezon City will feature a combination of 350 contemporary hotel rooms and suites and 250 stylish residences. All 600 units will offer state-of-the-art technology and upscale amenities, making the hotel ideal for both short and extended stays in Quezon City.

Located in Metro Manila, and featuring a business center and extensive meeting space, the modern hotel is expected to appeal to leisure and corporate guests, as well as groups.

“The Philippines, which is emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, is a target development market as we continue our expansion drive across Asia,” said Andrew Langdon, Global Chief Development Officer, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.

“Manila has been on our radar for some time and Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Quezon City, located in one of the country’s more important commercial centers, affords us the perfect opportunity to leverage the capital’s growing prosperity while showcasing our Swiss hospitality style and exceptional facilities.”

Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Quezon City will feature two upscale restaurants serving Chinese and international cuisine respectively, plus a chic rooftop restaurant and bar boasting panoramic views, which is tipped to become one of Quezon City’s most popular nightspots.

Property highlights also include a swimming pool and fitness center, plus four function rooms and a large pillar-free ballroom, all fitted with the latest audio-visual technology and designed to host sucessful conferences, conventions, product launches or social events.

The hotel is just 17 km from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Philippines’ main international gateway, offering direct connections to and from major cities including London, New York, Los Angeles and Sydney.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts currently operates two upscale hotels in the Philippines: Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu and the recently opened Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, an international upscale hotel management company with over 16,000 staff members, is represented in 24 countries with 83 hotels, resorts and Nile cruisers currently in operation. Around 40 properties are planned or under construction, including those in Kuredhivaru (Maldives), The Hague (The Netherlands) and Basel (Switzerland). Focusing on expanding within its core markets of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts specializes in business and conference hotels, as well as holiday resorts, all reflecting a sense of place and respect for their local communities. Of Swiss heritage and with headquarters in central Switzerland (Baar), Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is passionate about delivering premium service and culinary enjoyment – all with a personal touch. Committed to supporting sustainable environments, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has become the most Green Globe-certified hotel company in the world.

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