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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.

AFP, BSP, BDO ink pact on financial literacy education

By Priam Nepomuceno (PNA)

MANILA -- To make military personnel financially literate, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the BDO Foundation, Inc. (BDOF), on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to provide AFP personnel with financial education and training.

The MOA, which was signed at the Commissioned Officers Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, will increase the AFP’s capability to educate its personnel in financial management, including planning, saving, budgeting, and debt servicing, among others.

“It will also increase awareness in scam prevention, arming each AFP personnel with practical knowledge they can use in protecting their assets and growing their investments,” said AFP Chief-of-Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr, who was represented by AFP Inspector General, Lt. Gen. Antonio Ramon Lim during the signing.

Lim was joined by BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno; and BDOF President Mario Deriquito and Treasurer/Trustee Lucy Co Dy in the ceremony.

"We commend the AFP leadership for committing to enhance the holistic well-being of our peacemakers with the inclusion of financial health in the personal scorecards or charters of AFP personnel alongside professional development and physical wellness," Diokno said, stressing that financial health is one of the cornerstones of an effective workforce.

The MOA mandates the launching of the Financial Education Program in partnership with the BSP and the BDOF.

The program calls for the creation of a Technical Working Group, composed of different representatives from the parties, which will conceptualize and agree on the specific activities and timelines of the joint endeavor that will increase the AFP personnel's financial independence and security.

It will also develop learning tools, discussion guides, and training kits that will be used as instructional materials in the training programs for the AFP Personnel.

These will be developed based on existing materials used by the BSP and the BDOF.

"The ultimate goal is for AFP personnel to acquire knowledge, skills, values, and tools to manage their personal finances and make sound financial decisions," Deriquito said.

The working group will also train future instructors from the AFP to ensure the continuity of the project and the widest delivery of training across all AFP units nationwide.

The BDOF will shoulder the cost of the project, amounting to PHP3 million pesos, for the production learning tools, instructional materials, and other operational costs.

“I would like to thank the BSP and the BDO Foundation for giving us this opportunity to further assist our personnel. We expect that this endeavor will manifest truly in the efficient and effective performance of our soldiers and civilian human resources given the tools that will be made available to secure their future," Madrigal said.

LTO collects P1.1-B in online payments

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz (PNA)

MANILA — The Land Transportation Office (LTO), less than 10 months after the launch of an online payment system for car dealers, collected more than PHP1.117 billion from online payments alone.

Lawyer Clarence V. Guinto, LTO-National Capital Region West regional director, said the amount was collected as part of their compliance with Republic Act (RA) 11032, known as the Ease of Doing Business Act or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007.

“We thought of putting technology in the system and we started October 1, 2018, and we found out that as of June 30, 2019, we already collected through that online payment system an amount of more than PHP1.117 billion. So, we eliminated human intervention—car dealers, liaisons, representatives need not go to the LTO office anymore to register the motor vehicle,” Guinto said in a phone interview.

The transportation official said the current web-based system which has reduced motor vehicle registration processing time from seven days to three days is just the start of a comprehensive online payment system that they hope would eventually take over the majority of the LTO’s annual PHP24 billion collection.

“LTO annually collects about PHP24 billion, and sabi ko nga (what I said before), PHP23 billion to go. Saan pa galing yung ibang collection (Where did other collections come from?) Number one, this is only implemented in NCR, hopefully in the very near future, this will be implemented nationwide,” Guinto said.

Aside from collecting payments from car dealers, the LTO hopes to accommodate the rest of the driving public through an online payment system that would not only cater to those who want to register a motor vehicle or renew their license but would also collect payments for traffic violations.

“When you register your motor vehicle every year or when you renew your license, every five years yung sa ngayon (for now), prior to going to LTO office, you may pay now through online. That’s in the pipeline now. Or even when you are issued citation tickets, and then you admit the citation, the traffic violation, you just pay your fines through an online payment. That’s still in the (future), forward-looking,” Guinto said.

To mark the PHP1.117 billion milestone, the LTO is set to award supporters and partners who have contributed to the success of the program in a ceremony on August 15, 2019, in Quezon City.

LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Edgar C. Galvante said the LTO wishes to recognize the contributions of their partners in the project since their modernization efforts would not only ease the process of doing business but would decrease corruption as well.

“This technology-driven innovation in the payment collection system for new motor vehicle registration significantly reduced human intervention in the cash management system. This translates to decreased opportunities for corrupt practices in payment, and more efficient payment collection,” Galvante said.

The online payment system currently used by the LTO is called the Landbank Electronic Payment Portal (LBP-ePP) which is being implemented in LTO NCR West and Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon).

The LTO NCR West complemented the LBP-ePP with an online assessment system called the LTO Electronic Payment Assessment Tool which automatically computes the exact amount due for a three-year registration of a motor vehicle.

The LBP-ePP online payment system was made possible through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Landbank and the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) signed last December 1, 2017.

Another MOA was signed last August 17, 2018 between Galvante, then Landbank president Alex V. Buenaventura, and BTr Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon for a nationwide implementation of an online payment system for transportation fees that would include all banks, payment centers, kiosks, among others.

Quezon City government, DTI boost business one-stop shop

By Louella Desiderio (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government is planning to further streamline business processes by including barangay clearance issuance in its business one-stop shop (BOSS), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

Mayor Joy Belmonte discussed the plan recently with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) director general Jeremiah Belgica.

During the meeting, Belmonte also revealed a city government initiative to make Fire Safety Inspection clearance a post-registration requirement.

Belmonte said the city government is committed to further streamlining business processes, particularly for obtaining occupancy permits. The city already features a one-stop shop for construction permits.

Lopez said there is a need to continuously improve the processes for permits and licenses to make it easier for entrepreneurs to do business in the country.

The move to accelerate and further streamline government transactions is in line with President Duterte’s directive.

Signed in May last year, Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act seeks to do away with bureaucratic red tape in government.

In particular, it prescribes the “3-7-20” rule wherein simple transactions would have to be completed within three days, those classified as complex within seven days, and highly technical ones within 20 days.

‘Systematic lines’ in Quezon City terminals, loading zones eyed

By Janvic Mateo (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has expressed support for a proposed policy that will institutionalize the “systematic” lining up of passengers at legitimate terminals and loading zones in the city.

Belmonte, in a statement this week, said she supports the plan of Quezon City traffic czar Ariel Inton to implement the “systematic lines” policy as part of efforts to reduce heavy traffic.

“We fully support the plan of the task force that aims to instill discipline in our commuters,” the mayor said in Filipino, noting that this may contribute in addressing the traffic problem in Metro Manila.

Inton, a former Quezon City councilor and board member of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, was appointed by Belmonte to head the newly created Task Force for Transport and Traffic Management.

He was charged to head the city’s clearing operations, dubbed as Bayanihan sa Lansangan, which is in line with President Duterte’s directive to clear roads and sidewalks in Metro Manila.

Aside from drivers, Inton said it is also necessary to instill discipline among passengers to complement other efforts by the local government.

He said the lack of a systematic process like lining up would lengthen the time needed for commuters to ride a public utility vehicle.

“We want Quezon City to be a commuter and passenger-friendly city. The earlier you fall in line, the earlier that you will be able to ride,” he said, adding that there will be priority lanes for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Inton said he will push for the passage of an ordinance penalizing passengers caught not lining up at loading zones and terminals with immediate community service.

He said implementing such a policy is not impossible, noting a system already in place in some areas in the city.

“If we cannot instill discipline among passengers, we cannot instill discipline to everyone,” Inton said.

The city’s traffic czar said he will meet with transport operators to encourage them to follow the system.

Aside from the policy, Inton said the task force is also focused on removing illegal tricycle and jeepney terminals occupying busy roads and sidewalks.

“We will meet barangay officials and transport officials to figure out the transfer of their terminals from those busy streets to a more appropriate space,” he said.

Belmonte earlier directed the task force to focus on the regulation of tricycles and pedicabs; the orderliness and safety of all forms of public utility vehicle terminals, including the identified loading and unloading points; and the management of vehicular traffic.

The task force will remain in place until a new body, the Quezon City Department of Traffic and Transport Management, is formally created by the city council and becomes fully operational. ­

Mayor Belmonte cites importance of capable DRRM

By Chito Chavez

Citing its importance, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has stressed that beefing up the capability of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Office is absolutely a prime priority in order for rescue groups to respond to emergency cases at the soonest time possible.

Belmonte specifically mentioned the importance of conducting routine earthquake drills citing the frequency of tremors recently.

To recall that on Thursday Belmonte led city hall personnel in the nationwide earthquake drill at the La Mesa Treatment Plant.

“It doesn’t hurt to always be prepared,” said Belmonte.

Belmonte has emphasized the importance of exploring different scenarios and contexts during earthquake drills to prepare stakeholders for any eventuality.

She noted that this should be a cause of concern since there seems to be an earthquake every two weeks.

“In every scenario, in every context, in every social class, everybody must be prepared,” Belmonte said.

DRRM chief Mike Marasigan, for his part, said Quezon City has been conducting earthquake drills five times a year, four as part of DRRM’s scheduled quarterly drills and the annual shake drill spearheaded by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

“There have been large improvements in the execution of the earthquake drill, the citizens take it more seriously by following ‘duck, cover, and hold, and abiding by the building’s evacuation plan. Drills also develop muscle memory on what to do during an earthquake,” Marasigan said.

During the recent drill, participants formulated different possible scenarios that could occur during an earthquake and outlined the ideal contingency plan and protocol for each and every situation.

It included clearing of road debris, setting up of medical teams, transportation of victims to hospitals, use of ladder trucks, execution of protocols to prevent looting and setting up of evacuation tents among others.

In another scenario, Maynilad has executed its contingency plan in case of a chlorine leak in La Mesa Dam that could contaminate the water supply of Quezon City residents.

“We also have protocols on how to disseminate information on both the regional and national level,” Marasigan concluded.

Artisanal bakeshop offers hybrid pan de sal and baguettes in Quezon City

By Joseph L. Garcia

SOMEONE ONCE told me that a good breakfast was a sign of a good life: someone has spent time, money, and care to make sure you’re properly nourished in the morning. Of these three options, Manu Mano, a small bakery in Banawe, Manila, chooses to occupy the space carved out by love.

BusinessWorld paid a visit to Manu Mano earlier this week, and CEO Samantha Gonzales said that since effort and time went into making their hybrid pan de sal and their baguettes, surely, that means love is behind it?

Manu Mano is made up of five people: Samantha Gonzales, Alexandra Versoza, Madeleine dela Torre, Cyril Cabotage, and Richie Manapat. Mr. Manapat is the baker at Panaderya Toyo, lending Manu Mano an urban pedigree. Meanwhile, Ms. Dela Torre, daughter of the owners of Banawe Bakery, lends some traditional and mass appeal to the story, although Ms. Dela Torre insists that she’s in charge of operations, and says that she isn’t a good baker). Ms. Versoza meanwhile, took an internship in Panaderya Toyo, and from here learned the techniques in making good bread, making it a mission to spread the word about good bread.

Manu Mano’s bread uses unbleached flour, so the flour takes weeks to whiten, age, and develop flavor, without the use of added chemicals. Ms. Gonzales said that it takes about six to eight hours to make their bread, baked upstairs in one of Banawe Bakery’s empty kitchens. Ms. Dela Torre meanwhile, says that their hybrid pan de sal (literally “salt bread,” small buns which make it to breakfast tables around the country) doesn’t take away from her family’s customers: Manu Mano’s artisanal breads cater to a different market, and are prepared another way — completely by hand.

See, that’s where Manu Mano’s name comes from. It used to mean a crude way of doing things, without the refinement of machinery. However, the team behind Manu Mano wants to honor the tradition of doing things by hand. In fact, the logo itself is a story of honoring hands: Manu Mano’s logo is taken from Albert Durer’s work, Praying Hands. Ms. Gonzales repeated the legend of the story behind the work: the famed German artist came from a large family, and they could only afford to send one child to study art, though two boys in the family wanted to do so. Through a coin toss, Albert went on to study art, while his brother went down to the mines, and funded his brother’s studies. Years later, when Durer had already achieved a measure of fame and fortune, Albert wanted to repay his brother’s sacrifice, but it was too late: Durer’s brother’s hands had been ruined through hard labor. The legend goes that Durer’s work was made to honor his brother’s hands.

In any case, BusinessWorld had a taste of what hands can really do with their artisanal hybrid pan de sal. Ms. Gonzales explains that it uses the word “hybrid” in the name for it is a weaving of two worlds: the Filipino pan de sal, and then the techniques and taste behind Western sourdough bread. She said that they adjusted the taste a bit so Filipinos won’t be alienated by the taste of sourdough. The result is — well, positively heavenly. It makes one immediately smile, when one tears apart the bread, of quite substantial weight and density, with just the right amount of airiness that lends to a good chew. The taste approaches something refined yet familiar, and the addition of Auro’s chocolate and cashew spread doesn’t hurt either. The baguette, meanwhile — well, remember that scene in Ratatouille where Colette teaches Alfredo that you can tell how good a bread is by its sound? BusinessWorld tried the same trick by cracking on the baguette’s crust and hearing a crunch like shoes on autumn leaves. It was true: the music in the bread predicted its taste, combining the crunch of a good baguette’s crust with the firm crumb.

In the near future, they plan to offer loaves and churros.

The bakery opens at 6 a.m., and while they originally said that it stays open until about 3 p.m., they’ve had to revise it to “until supplies last.” No matter, because one can choose to order from Grab Food and Lalamove’s Pabili service.

Ms. Gonzales said that they chose the location because most of the partners grew up around the neighborhood, and furthermore, the surrounding communities of Quezon City don’t really have many good bread choices, and the more expensive neighborhoods of BGC and Makati already have their own options. This was proven by people coming from as far as San Juan to get bread from Manu Mano.

The trip is sometimes for naught, however, as one customer proved. He arrived at about 10:30 in the morning only to find out that they’d ran out of bread.

Manu Mano is at Banawe corner Sct. Alcaraz, Quezon City. For details call 0996-642-2755 or check out their Facebook and Instagram pages at made.manumano and @made.manumano.

Joy's 'complete clean' washing in Quezon Circle

(ABS-CBN News)

Metro Manila residents have been seeing improvements in some public spaces as metro mayors undertake clearing operations in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

In a move to redevelop the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC), the city government of Quezon City led by Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered the eviction of vendors after their permits expired last June 30.

Stall owners vacated the area on August 5 in compliance with the order, while some restaurants and stores surrounding the QMC playground were given until August 18 to vacate their spaces, according to a release issued by the city.

The clearing and cleaning aims to make Quezon Memorial Circle more useful for rest and recreation.

QC mayor Belmonte appoints former City Administrator as QCU head

By Chito Chavez

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has appointed former City Administrator and City Treasurer Dr. Victor B. Endriga as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Quezon City University (QCU).

The QCU Board of Regents formally appointed Endriga through QCU Board Resolution No. 9 series of 2019.

A taxation expert, Endriga succeeds former Budget Secretary Salvador M. Enriquez Jr.

Endriga was City Administrator from 2010 to 2013 and the City Treasurer from 2001 to 2010.

The new QCU president was awarded by FAMAS in 2013 for his exemplary public service and by the Civil Service Commission as one of the Lingkod Bayan awardees of 2006.

Endriga is a graduate of Fiscal Decentralization and Financial Management of Regional and Local Government at the Harvard Institute for International Development.

He obtained his doctoral degree in Fiscal Studies, master in Public Administration, and bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the Lyceum of the Philippines University.

DA chief eyes 'new thinking' strategy to attain food security

By Lilybeth Ison (PNA)

MANILA -- To attain food security, the vision of President Rodrigo Duterte, newly appointed Agriculture Secretary Dr. William Dar has proposed a strategy of "new thinking" to advance the agriculture sector.

"The new thinking's vision is to have a food secure Philippines with prosperous farmers and fisherfolk. Its mission is to collectively empower farmers and fisherfolk and the private sector to increase agricultural productivity and profitability, taking into account sustainability and resilience," said Dar in a press briefing on Tuesday held at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) in Quezon City.

For starters, Dar said there is a need to modernize agriculture through the use of modern technology that would cover all crops, including those with export potential in processed or value-added form like coffee, cacao, cassava, tropical fruits, rubber, among others.

Relative to that, he said that "there is a need to diversify crop production in the Philippines as about 80 percent of the country’s farm lands are devoted to only three crops: rice, corn, and coconut."

"Agripreneurship should also form part of the paradigm to modernize Philippine agriculture, as farming and fisheries should be treated as business undertakings or industries," he added.

Agriculture must also be treated as an industry, "with the objective of industrializing the value chain of every agricultural commodity," Dar said.

"While productivity increase is a major objective, it is equally important to produce more income by value adding, processing, manufacturing, and developing markets for both raw and processed agricultural products," he said.

The DA chief said there is also a need to engage the private sector in investing and setting up of more agri-based industries in the countryside and developing markets for agriculture products.

"Relative to the industrialization of Philippine agriculture is creating the framework for the digitization of farming and agribusiness activities in the country where credit is made available, affordable and accessible," he noted.

There is also a need for the country to have a "systematic and long-term strategy" in developing and promoting exports of raw and processed agricultural products.

"This would require achieving economies of scale in on-farm production that would generate sustained quantity and quality of export products. The private sector’s role will be essential in developing and promoting agricultural products," he said.

At present, the Philippines only has two agricultural products that earn at least USD1 billion per year in export receipts -- bananas and coconut products (mostly in oil form). Thailand has 13 types of farm exports earning over USD1 billion each year, Indonesia has five, and Vietnam has seven.

Dar said there is also a need to promote and support farm consolidation arrangements to bring about economies of scale, particularly for crops that require mechanization and massive use of technology.

These schemes include block farming, trust farming, contract farming, and corporative farming that will make farming more efficient, where technology is used, where cost of production is reduced, and farm productivity and incomes are increased.

Another important aspect in attaining food security is the "roadmaps" in agriculture that should actively involve the private sector, which may have more access to the export markets and funding for research for development.

Infrastructure development and logistics to improve their linkages to the urban/domestic and export markets such as the “Build, Build, Build” program of the government is also a must for agriculture.

NIA, DENR sign MOA for watershed management

(PR)

MANILA -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the effective management and development of the 143 watersheds supporting the National Irrigation Systems (NISs) in the Philippines,

NIA administrator Ricardo Visaya and DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu inked the agreement at the DENR Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City.

By virtue of the DENR Memorandum Circular (DMC) No. 2008-05, the guidelines in the preparation of Integrated Watershed Management Plans (IWMP) and programs of all watersheds in the country, regardless of their classification, size, use, and administrative jurisdiction, was issued.

In this regard, there is a need to establish and delineate the respective responsibilities of the DENR and NIA over watersheds and reservations, for purposes of effective management and development of programs and projects toward the sustainable existence of irrigation systems within the said areas. Similarly, the concept of Watershed Ecosystem Management (WEM) from ridge to reef approach, including vulnerability assessment, must be harmonized and adopted.

The MOA provides that in coordination with DENR and Forest Management Bureau (FMB), NIA shall identify and recommend priority watersheds and reservations supporting irrigation projects which require immediate rehabilitation and development.

In collaboration with the DENR and other concerned agencies and instrumentalities, NIA shall also secure appropriate environment clearances and permits from the DENR/field offices as necessary for the protection of watersheds and reservations.

Moreover, the Agency shall recommend qualified NIA field personnel to be deputized by the DENR as Environment and Natural Resources Officers, in accordance with the existing forestry laws, rules, and regulations. In this regard, NIA shall assist the DENR in the preparation of IWMP and programs related to the management, protection, development, and rehabilitation of such watersheds and reservations.

The MOA also provides that the DENR and NIA shall have joint undertakings in enforcing forestry laws, conducting census management, controlling watershed communities, and sharing available watershed information that would enhance watershed capabilities of all parties.

In coordination with other concerned agencies and institutions, the information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns, studies, and Research and Development (R&D) on watershed technology generation and application must be conducted.

Correspondingly, the mechanism for sourcing of funds from international and local funding institutions for the development and rehabilitation, including maintenance of identified priority watersheds and reservations.

NIA, as the lead government agency primarily responsible for the development and management of irrigation throughout the country, remains committed in conserving the environment through efficient management of irrigation systems to where watersheds and reservations lie.

QC task force intends to put up passenger terminals, help ease traffic

By Chito Chavez

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has supported the plan of the Task Force for Transport and Traffic Management to institutionalize legitimate passenger terminals as a way to crack down on illegal terminals that contribute to road congestion.

“Buo ang suporta natin sa plano ng binuo nating Task Force ukol sa pagpapatupad ng disiplina sa mga commuter para makatulong maibsan ang problema sa trapiko (I am giving full support to the proposed plan of the Task Force of instilling discipline to the commuters to help ease traffic woes),’’ said Belmonte.

Belmonte appointed lawyer Ariel Inton as Task Force head through Executive Order 9-2019 dated July 29, 2019, to lead the clearing operations dubbed as “Bayanihan sa Lansangan.

With his vast experience as a transport advocate, Belmone expressed confidence that Inton’s program will instill discipline not only to the drivers but also to the commuters.

In an interview, Inton said the Task Force plans to implement the systematic lining up of passengers on loading and unloading areas and terminals to instill order and discipline among commuters.

“We want Quezon City to be a commuter/passenger-friendly city. Mas maaga ka sa pila, mas maaga ka makakasakay (The earlier you get in line the earlier you get your ride),” said Inton, adding that he will also provide priority lanes for PWDs and senior citizens.

Inton intends to recommend to the QC City Council that it passes an ordinance, penalizing passengers who will be caught not lining up in loading and unloading zones and in terminals with immediate community service.

Emphasizing the need for order, Inton cited that based on a recent study, it would take commuters more time to take a ride in the absence of a systematic process like lining up.

Inton said there is “already a lining up system in place in Kalayaan Avenue which the Task Force is closely monitoring to ensure that passengers are abiding by it’’.

“I personally see to it that they really fall in line,’’ Inton said.

“If we cannot instill discipline among passengers, we cannot instill discipline sa lahat,” Inton insisted, adding that he plans to meet with transport operators to encourage them to follow the system.

Also, Inton said the Task Force would focus on removing illegal tricycle and jeepney terminals occupying busy roads and sidewalks.

“We will meet barangay officials and transport officials to figure out the transfer of their terminals from those busy streets to a more appropriate space,” said Inton.

Inton noted the Task Force would also be relentless in its effort to apprehend colorum and overloaded tricycles and those overcharging passengers.

Belmonte has empowered the Task Force to focus on the regulation of tricycles and pedicabs; the orderliness and safety of all forms of public utility vehicle terminals including identified loading and unloading points and the management of vehicular traffic.

The task force will remain in place until a new body, the Quezon City Department of Traffic and Transport Management, is created and become fully operational.

PLDT-Smart expands with new lifestyle hub in Quezon City mall

By Denise A. Valdez

PLDT, Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. is expanding physical presence in the north with a new lifestyle hub in Quezon City.

The listed telecommunications firm opened a PLDT-Smart Converged Store at the Ayala Malls Vertis North yesterday, which it said is an upgraded version of its usual Smart stores with “customer-centric design and innovative digital installations that will raise the bar in in-store service experience.”

“We’ve received great feedback from our first PLDT-Smart store in BGC (Bonifacio Global City), and we would like to replicate that experience for our customers in the metro north area,” PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Alfredo S. Panlilio said in a statement.

The converged store in Quezon City is the company’s fourth of its kind in the Philippines, the rest being in Bonifacio Global City, at SM City BF in Parañaque City and at the Smart Tower in Makati City

“Quezon City has always been a key market for us, and we look forward to serving our customers better through our industry-leading digital solutions and support services,” Mr. Panlilio added.

The store offers services such as an InfoTouch Booth for accessing personal accounts and printing billing summaries and a “super kiosk” to process bills payments and SIM card changes.

“We want to ensure that our customers have access to the best of what we offer by bringing our services closer to them,” PLDT-Smart Senior Vice-President and Head of Consumer Business Customer Development Alex O. Caeg said.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls.

OCD-NCR, PSBA ink DRR partnership

By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan (PIA InfoComm)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- To cap off Metro Manila’s observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM), the Office of Civil Defense-National Capital Region (OCD-NCR) and the Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA) have made official their partnership agreement in order to beef up education courses to meet the challenges in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

During the NDRM culminating event held at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, OCD-NCR regional director Romulo Cabantac Jr. and PSBA president Dr. Jose Peralta signed a letter of intent for “future collaboration” between the two institutions. While, OCD-NCR DRRM Division head Shelby Ruiz and concurrent PSBA Graduate School of Business associate dean and DRM Unit director Tabassam Raza both signed as witnesses.

“The signing you have witnessed today is just to formalize what has been a fruitful partnership that we have with PSBA Manila,” Cabantac said following the deal.

“It also marks the beginning of our efforts to further engage in meaningful collaborative activities that will mutually benefit our institutions and which will ultimately redound to the betterment of DRRM program implementation in Metro Manila,” he added.

Included in the intentions are upcoming partnerships in knowledge acquisition and dissemination; mutual understanding in academic and practical practices exchanges; internship for post-graduate students; resource speakers and advisers as needed for workshops or seminars, and thesis respectively; and other exchange activities, among others.

“We have agreed on collaboration in the field of research, knowledge management and dissemination. We are also willing to accept internship from their post-graduate students who are concentrating on DRR,” Cabantac said.

"This experience will surely benefit all parties including the students, PSBA Manila and the Office of Civil Defence as we also endeavor to boost our human resources to deliver much needed DRRM services to the ground,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the education institution, Raza said, “After working together for many years, we come to the stage where we have decided that the PSBA, with its academic arm, and the OCD-NCR, with their skill and implementation arm can have a kind of partnership.”

“The local experience is paramount for the success of this [drrm] program, the knowledge, which is captured by OCD from many, many decades [of practice] to transfer it to the academia and play their roles of knowledge dissemination,” Raza added.

It can be recalled that the PSBA has been recognized a number of times as a Regional Gawad KALASAG Awardee for the Higher Education Institution category. The school, meanwhile, started its research arm for DRRM researches and projects in 2001.

Over 2,000 Listahanan beneficiaries in Quezon City receive UCT cash grants

By Lucia F. Broño (PIA Info Comm/DSWD)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted a pilot off-site over-the-counter (OTC) payout for the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) grants of 2,022 Listahanan beneficiaries from Quezon City on July 27, 2019, at the DSWD Central Office, Batasan Hills, Quezon City.

The payout was led by DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, together with DSWD Field Office (FO) National Capital Region (NCR) Director Vicente Gregorio B. Tomas.

UCT is the tax subsidy provided for under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law to help 10 million indigent Filipino families and individuals cushion the effect of the policy in terms of the adjustment in the excise tax of petroleum products.

Among the beneficiaries who received assistance was Virginia Horario, a solo parent and senior citizen beneficiary from Novaliches, Quezon City.

“Malaking tulong po sa akin itong naibigay ng DSWD kaya po nagpapasalamat po ako. Ang naibigay ng DSWD na pinansyal na tulong ay para sa pag-aaral ng aking mga apo” (I am grateful for the cash assistance provided by DSWD because it will help fund the schooling of my grandchildren), said Virginia.

Also present in the payout were DSWD Undersecretary Danilo Pamonag, Assistant Secretary Noel Macalalad, Assistant Secretary Rhea Peñaflor, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Assistant Secretary Rolando Toledo, Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Senior Vice President for North NCR Branches Group Leila Martin, and representatives from the Department of Finance (DOF).

As provided for in the TRAIN Law, UCT beneficiaries will receive P200 per month or P2,400 for 2018, and P300 per month or P3,600 for years 2019 and 2020.

On July 19, 2019, DSWD FO NCR also conducted payouts in the cities of Navotas, Malabon, and Las Piñas with 325 Listahanan beneficiaries receiving their UCT grant.

AFP receives e-trikes from DOE

By Jimmyley E. Guzman (PAO AFP)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) – Soon, e-trikes will be plying inside military camps as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) received donation of 50 e-trikes from the Department of Energy (DOE).

AFP Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., DOE Undersecretary Jesus Cristino Posadas and AFP Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics BGen. FernylBucasigned the Deed of Donation on Thursday, July 25 in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The AFP chief expressed his gratitude to the DOE.

“It is always for the benefit of everyone that we advance efforts geared on ecological balance. That is why with today’s launching, we are grateful to celebrate the greater impact that the e-trike project poses to our environment,” said Gen. Madrigal.

According to AFP, the e-trikes will also be distributed to Camp Aquino in Tarlac, Camp Nakar in Quezon Province, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, and inSangley Point, CaviteCity.

The donation of e-trikes is part of the energy department’s implementation of the market transformation through introduction of the Energy Efficient Electric Vehicles Project or the E-Trike Project.

In partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the Clean Technology Fund, the objective of the e-trike project is to promote energy efficiency and clean technologies in the transport sector.

The introduction of e-trikes with lithium-ion battery technology is envisioned to pave the way for increased safety standards and improved environmental compliance.

DICT bats for improvement of election transparency thru tech fair

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz (PNA)

MANILA -- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) showcased different ways of improving transparency and efficiency of the automated election systems (AES) in a technology fair at the DICT building in UP Diliman, Quezon City.

DICT Secretary Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II, in a speech, said President Rodrigo Duterte has instructed the DICT to help develop an alternative AES to be used in the 2022 elections.

He said the current automated AES operated by Smartmatic was intended to eliminate delays in manual counting and can be improved.

“The objectives are, of course, speed, transparency, and credibility. There is a need to improve transparency, for better accountability,” Honasan said.

DICT Undersecretary Eliseo Rio, Jr., in an ambush interview during the event, said the inclusion of a form of manual counting and increased transparency were the factors the department cited in an improved AES.

“The whole concept, manual counting, transparent yung pag-tally, yung pag-appreciate ng makina—more or less ma-check ng tao (transparent tallying of votes, and appreciation of vote counting machines—people should be able to check these),” Rio said.

However, Rio emphasized that the DICT will not recommend any of the featured AES technologies to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as the election body is constitutionally independent from the national government.

“Wala kaming ire-recommend. Ang amin lang, nakagawa kami ng sistema, pinakita namin kaya ng Pilipino na gawin in two months. (We won’t recommend anything. What we did was to create an AES and we showed that it can be done by Filipinos in two months),” Rio said.

He also said the Philippines’ next AES technology provider does not need to be an international company since Filipinos are fully capable of providing these services after developing their own AES.

“Gusto nga namin Pilipino kasi kaya naman ng Pilipino (We want Filipinos to do it because we can),” Rio said.

Locally-developed AES such as the Best Open Source Election System (BOSES) by father-son startup Avant-Garde Information And Communication Technology and the Precinct Automated Tallying System (PATaS) by the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) were featured during the program.

International AES tech companies such as Smartmatic Philippines, Inc., Indra Philippines, Inc., Voatz, Bapplware Technologies, Inc., and others also took part in the fair and showcased recent advancements in AES technologies outside the country.

Belmonte forms Quezon City solid waste task force to boost service

(Manila Standard)

To provide a more comprehensive and strategic Solid Waste Collection plan, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte recently ordered the creation of Task Force on Solid Waste Collection, Cleaning, and Disposal Services Management.

In her Executive Order No. 3 series of 2019, Belmonte stated the need to create a team that will ensure the implementation of solid waste collection, cleaning, and disposal.

“It is the policy of the City to promote the preservation, protection, and revival of the ecosystem through prevention, control, and abatement of air, water, and land pollution and the spread of hazardous wastes in the environment, hand-in-hand with the sustained development of the City,” EO 3 reads.

The task force will supervise and manage the collection and transport of solid wastes, as well as collection maintenance and continuity in the city.

Further, the group will also coordinate with the national agencies and barangays to implement solid waste collection and management and will recommend service providers for disposal services to the city mayor.

The Secretary to the Mayor will be the chairman of the Task Force on Solid Waste Collection and the head of the Environment Protection and Waste Management Department as the vice chairperson.

The heads of Barangay and Community Relations Department, Market Development and Administration Department, and Business Permits and Licensing Department will serve as the task force members.

The Secretary to the Mayor will also supervise an action team, which will serve as the implementing arm of the task group.

Bishops support OFW Department creation

By Ferdinand Patinio (PNA)

MANILA — An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) on Saturday said the group supports the plan of President Rodrigo Duterte to create an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Department.

CBCP-ECMI chairman Bishop Ruperto Santos believes that the establishment of an agency for Filipinos working abroad would specifically address their concerns.

“Yes, we at CBCP-ECMI, support and encourage the creation of OFW Dept. With this, the welfare and wellbeing of our OFWs will specifically be attended,” he said in a text message.

The Catholic prelate is hoping that the Department would be a “one-stop-shop”, where the OFWs would be able to transact for their employment.

“It could be as if 'one-stop-shop' where our OFWs will never be asked to go/travel from one place to another, to see different persons from different offices. So it will be less tiring for our OFWs, personally taken care and individually protected for illegal activities and fixers,” he said.

“With OFW Dept, we know who is personally responsible for them, no more finger pointing, anyone or those amiss of their duties will specifically be known and be prosecuted,” Santos added.

The CBCP-ECMI official said he will be praying that the Department will be established soon.

On Friday, Duterte said he is looking to establish the Department of OFW to handle matters concerning Filipino migrant workers before the end of the year.

The President made the promise before thousands of former and current OFWs at the event dubbed as “Pasasalamat sa OFW” in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The event was spearheaded by Gemma Sotto of the Global Police Community Relations International.

Aside from the new department, Duterte said he is would also build hospitals for Filipino migrant workers.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed the bill for the creation of the new department.

At present, there are several government agencies that handle the concerns of OFWs, among them are the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Foreign Affairs

To date, there are over 10 million Filipinos overseas.

PH ice hockey, tennis teams for 30th SEA Games get support from Kaspersky

By Jenny Red (With reports from Alehia Therese Abuan/Joedie Mae Boliver)

QUEZON CITY, July 12 (PIA)--The country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games get additional boost as pledges of support keep pouring in.

On Thursday (July 11), cybersecurity company Kaspersky signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the national teams in ice hockey and lawn tennis pledging a financial incentive project for the athletes’ participation in the SEA Games slated on November 19 to December 11 in various venues around the country.

Under the MoU, Kaspersky is committed to award to the Federation of Ice Hockey League and the Philippine Tennis Association the projected three million pesos worth of proceeds from the sale of Kaspersky Internet Security 2019 and Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2019 beginning from July to November this year.

It will be turned over to the two groups by the end of the project period, which falls on December 2019.

“We’re very delighted to support these teams which we believe are powerful contenders in their respective tournaments within the 2019 SEA Games,” said Yeo Siang Tiong, general manager for Kaspersky Southeast Asia.

“Kaspersky has always been an avid benefactor of achievers in the sports arena who exemplify the same values that we’re also dedicated to --- passion for elite performance and tenacity to attain success with speed and high level of strategic thinking,” Yeo Siang Tiong said.

Under the agreement, the fund will be granted to the national men’s ice hockey team led by team captain and MVP Steven Fuglister as well as to the Philippine tennis team top-billed by women’s singles players Marian Jade Capadocia and Anna Clarice Patrimonio.

It is mutually agreed by all parties that the fund will be earmarked for the athletes’ local and overseas trainings, improvement of facilities and purchase of needed equipment for their respective sport.

According to Chris Sy, president and CEO of iSecure Networks, the incentive is their contribution to help the athletes achieve even more for the country.

“We’re confident that our selected athletes will make us really proud as they play in the SEA Games in their home court. This is one of the biggest sporting events in the region and our chosen athletes have been working so hard to polish their skills,” Sy said.

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity company founded in 1997, providing innovative security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe.

This is the first time Kaspersky is supporting local sports teams in the Philippines by putting up a financial sponsorship. The project is spearheaded by iSecure Networks, one of Kaspersky’s distributors in the country.

The cybersecurity company has been an eager supporter of sport teams since 2011 and among its popular global sport sponsorships include the Scuderia Ferrari, FIDE and World Chess Championship, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles rugby team of Australia, and the Trans Antarctic Expedition led by Felicity Ashton, to name a few.

For their support to the national athletes, customers who will purchase Kaspersky consumer products during the period each stand a chance to win various limited edition Team Pilipinas premium items and cash prizes. Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Anti-Virus are available in leading IT stores nationwide.

Cleanfuel opens new service station in Kamias, Quezon City

(Manila Standard)

Cleanfuel has recently opened its new service station in Kamias Road to further strengthen its network in Metro Manila and reinforces its efforts to provide a high-quality and cost-efficient fuel to more Filipino motorists.

The new fuel station, which is located at Kamias Road in Barangay Sikatuna Village in Quezon City, is the fuel company’s 14th station in Quezon City and 56th network station of Cleanfuel nationwide. It provides a better convenience for the growing motoring population in the area and the fuel demands of the eastbound residents.

The Cleanfuel Kamias station is equipped with first-class facilities such as clean and spacious air-conditioned restrooms, commercial space for lease, credit card facility, air and water services, and customer rewards program, which customers can availed points and redeemed products 24/7.

“As we continue to grow as a company, we wanted to make sure that we provide nothing but high quality and affordable fuel to Filipino consumers. The opening of Cleanfuel Kamias is a testament of what the company has achieved over the last decade as a brand and the value that we put in our business,” said Bong Suntay, President of Cleanfuel.

“We are not only providing auto LPG for customers, but we are also committed to bring diversified product lines from our clean 91 (unleaded), premium 95 (octane gasoline), and diesel products—all are environment-friendly fuels that adhere to the emission standards set for Euro-4 vehicles,” Suntay said.

End of ad break in 59 s Further, the latest addition of Cleanfuel Kamias puts closer to realizing its target of completing up to 10 stations for 2019. Suntay expressed pride in the expansion program that the company has pushed aggressively.

“As we expand our business, we are sending a clear message that motorists can access quality fuel for less anytime. We are encouraging more private users to gas up at our stations and experience the same mileage, performance, and value for money they can get anywhere else,” adds Suntay.

At present, Cleanfuel has a total of 56 stations nationwide covering National Capital Region (NCR), Southern and Northern Luzon area. Their stations, as well as their onsite facilities, are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene to make sure every customer enjoys their experience every time they drive through.

“The important thing is our steady growth every year. There are challenges along the way but we wanted to make sure that we managed our business correctly and create work opportunities for the Filipino people, while continuously providing quality fuel for less,” explained Suntay.

NCR seen as world’s 3rd largest office market

By Leslie Gatpolintan (PNA)

MANILA -- Metro Manila can become the third-largest office market in the world with the online gaming industry forecasted to be the largest consumer of office spaces this year, overtaking the information technology-business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry, according to a global real services firm.

In a media briefing on Wednesday, Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) chief executive officer David Leechiu said the Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) industry is projected to take up 450,000 square meters (sqm) of office space by the end of 2019, which will be ”super very close” with that of the IT-BPO firms.

Leechiu said as of the first half of 2019, the IT-BPM industry still led demand in Metro Manila with 244,000 sqm as against the POGO take-up of 242,000 sqm.

“But we expect the POGO industry to be the biggest demand driver by year-end due to its faster site selection process and the effect of the recent moratorium on PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) applications in Metro Manila,” he said.

“For the first time in 19 years, the BPO (business process outsourcing) sector is going to be number two,” he added.

Leechiu said the POGO industry is still heavily centered in the Manila Bay Area, while some started penetrating Alabang, Makati and Quezon City.

He noted that more offshore gaming firms are expected to locate in Ortigas, Pasig and Mandaluyong areas due to low availability of office spaces in Alabang and Bay Area.

Leechiu said the presence of these POGOs has been growing as more firms prefer to locate in the country.

“Our openness to their industry. Just like the BPO sector, the Chinese, just like the Americans and the Europeans, have discovered that the work ethic of the Filipinos is very good so they are coming here for that. Second, the country, the city, has become so developed, they liked what they see in the Philippines,” he said.

Leechiu further noted the historically high in demand for office space in the Philippines.

“As early as 2018, with 1.2 square meters consumed, Metro Manila is the fourth largest market in the world after Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo. 1.2 million sqm is a very large number, very few countries, cities in the world even aspire for those numbers,” he added.

Leechiu said about 70 percent of the leasing activities usually happen in the last five months of the year.

“So, I’m very excited to see the next two quarters, the rest of the year, because there is a good chance, we could breach the 1.2 million sqm which will possibly can make Metro Manila the third largest office market in the world. We have a chance of doing that, there are no guarantees but the picture looks really good,” he said.

Quezon City mayor, DOTr officials meet on projects

By Romina Cabrera (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed “full support” for projects of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) as she met with top transport officials yesterday.

Belmonte and other local government officials discussed various transportation projects and programs in the city.

“The meeting is just the start of our continuous coordination and collaboration with Quezon City,” DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Libiran said.

During the meeting, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade presented big-ticket projects, including rail and road programs, in Quezon City.

Tugade was accompanied by heads of the DOTr’s various agencies, including Land Transportation Office chief Edgar Galvante and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Martin Delgra, whose headquarters are in Quezon City.

Some of the projects that will traverse points in the city include the Metro Manila Subway, Common Station, MRT-7, MRT-3 rehabilitation and the LRT-2 East Extension project.

Quezon City is also home to road projects that include the point-to-point premium bus service and the motor vehicle inspection system of the LTO. Stepping up projects

The DOTr and the Quezon City local government are stepping up their collaboration to speed up construction of major railway and road projects.

The construction of the Metro Manila subway started on Feb. 27. The 35-kilometer line subway will run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to NAIA in Pasay City.

Works are also ongoing for the Unified Grand Central Station, also known as the common station, located between SM North Edsa and Trinoma in Quezon City. It is designed to inter-link the four-railway lines: LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7 and the Metro Manila Subway.

Construction of the LRT-2 East Extension Project also began last April with the railway track laying and integration of the electromechanical system into the existing system. – With Richmond Mercurio

Belmonte creates socio-economic development council, gives importance to linkages

By Chito Chavez

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has issued executive order number 2 establishing a City Development Council (CDC) that aims to bolster the ties of the city government with the barangays and non-government organizations (NGOs) in formulating the city’s development programs.

The City Development Council is the city’s partner in the development efforts in the last fourteen years.

“There is a need to strengthen the CDC to make it a more effective institution in setting the direction for economic and social development and coordinating development efforts at the local level,” the executive order stated.

The CDC is primarily in-charge in formulating long term, medium term, and annual socio-economic development plans and policies; formulate medium term and annual investment program; and prioritize socio-economic development programs and projects.

Belmonte noted the CDC will formulate local investment incentives to promote the inflow and directions of private investment capital; and coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of development programs.

The CDC will be headed by the city mayor, whose members include all barangay leaders, the chairperson of the committee on appropriations of the City Council, congressmen of the city’s six districts; and over 36 representatives of non-governmental organizations in the city.

The council is mandated to meet at least twice a year or as often as deemed necessary.

In her first executive order, an executive committee will also be formed that will ensure the implementation of the CDC’s plans and programs.

The CDC Executive Committee will also be led by the city mayor as the chairman, and the chairperson of the committee on appropriations of the City Council, President of the Liga ng mga Barangay, and a representative of the NGOs as members.

The City Planning and Development Department will also serve as the secretariat of the CDC.

In her inaugural speech, Mayor Belmonte mentioned that her administration will undertake strategic planning and goal setting, such as sticking to the plans made by the CDC.

“We will serve with our heart; but to hit our goals, we have to plan with our heads,” Belmonte stressed.

On Friday, Belmonte through the City Social Services Development Department provided financial assistance to 57 families who were victims of a fire incident in Barangay Bahay Toro.

Belmonte had earlier vowed during her inaugural speech of a faster delivery of assistance to fire victims.

To facilitate the delivery of public service, Belmonte will form a system to expedite the distribution of financial assistance within three to five days after validation by social workers from the usual two to six months.

Belmonte had recognized the importance of faster delivery of services to the residents of Quezon City.

In addition, Belmonte had instructed the QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Red Cross to give extensive education to the barangays on fire prevention.

Joy Belmonte: 4th QC vice mayor to become mayor

By Severino Samonte (PNA)

MANILA -- Do you know that Quezon City Mayor Joy G. Belmonte, aside from being the city's second woman chief executive, is also the fourth vice mayor to eventually rule the erstwhile national capital city in 80 years?

Belmonte, who succeeded Mayor Herbert M. Bautista last July 1 after her election to her new post last May 13, was vice mayor from June 30, 2010, to June 30, 2019.

Bautista, who was popularly known by his moniker "Bistek" and was mayor from June 30, 2010, to June 30, 2019, was the third vice mayor to be elevated to the city's highest elective post. He was vice mayor for four three-year terms--first to former Mayor Ismael A. Mathay Jr. from 1995 to1998 and then to Mayor Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr. from 2001 to 2010.

The late mayor Mathay was the second vice mayor to assume the post of mayor from June 30, 1992, to June 30, 2001. He was vice mayor from Jan. 1, 1968 to Dec. 30, 1971, to the late Mayor Norberto S. Amoranto (Jan. 1, 1954-March 31, 1976).

The first vice mayor to become mayor himself was Ponciano Bernardo, who was vice mayor of Mayor Tomas B. Morato, the city's first city executive (1939-1942) appointed by Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon.

The present vice mayor of Quezon City is former Councilor Gian Carlo Sotto, son of Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III, who is himself a former QC vice mayor (1988-1992).

Meanwhile, the first woman mayor of the city was Adelina S. Rodriguez, wife of former Rizal Gov. Isidro Rodriguez. She ruled the city hall from 1976 to 1986.

According to the QC Council website, from Oct. 12, 1939, to June 30, 2019, there were 23 men and women who had served as vice mayor of the former capital city of the country, although some of them assumed the position only for a short term or in an acting capacity.

They were: Vicente Fragante (Oct. 12, 1939-Nov. 10, 1939); Ponciano Bernardo (Nov. 10, 1939-July 19, 1942); Matias Defensor (Dec. 24, 1946-Dec. 30, 1947); Gregorio Roxas (Jan. 1, 1948-April 28, 1949); Francisco Batacan (Sept. 9, 1949-Dec. 30, 1949); Luis Shianghio (Jan. 1, 1950-Dec. 30, 1953); Ysidro Guevarra (Jan. 1, 1954-Dec. 30, 1959); Vicente Novales (Jan. 1, 1960-Dec. 30, 1963); Mariano Sta. Romana (Jan. 1, 1964-Dec. 30, 1967; Ismael Mathay Jr. (Jan. 1, 1968-Dec. 30, 1971);

Carlos Albert (Jan. 1, 1972-Dec. 30, 1975); Ronald "Remy" Kookooritchin (Jan. 1., 1976-Jan. 30, 1980); Stephen Sarino (Jan. 30, 1980-April 14, 1986); Elmer Pormento (April 20, 1986-Dec. 7, 1987); Amado Zaballa (Dec. 8, 1987-Feb. 1, 1988); Vicente Sotto III (Feb. 2, 1988-Jan. 1, 1992); Alicia Herrera (Jan. 1, 1992-June 30, 1992); Charito Planas (Jan. 1, 1992-Jan. 23, 1995); Herbert Bautista (Jan. 24, 1995-April 6, 1998); Jorge Banal (April 7, 1998-June 30, 1998); Fe Consuelo "Connie" Angeles (June 30, 1998-June 30, 2001); Herbert Bautista (June 30, 2001-June 30, 2010); and Josefina Belmonte (June 30, 2010-June 30, 2019).

On the other hand, prior to Mayor Joy G. Belmonte, Quezon City had been ruled from 1939 to 2019 by 15 mayors, including five in an acting capacity. They were: Tomas B. Morato, Jorge Vargas, Leon Guinto, Ponciano Bernardo, Nicanor Roxas, Ignacio Santos Diaz, Norberto Amoranto, Adelina Rodriguez, Brigido Simon Jr. (two terms between 1986 and 1992), Reynaldo Bernardo, Elmer Pormento, Leoncio de Pedro, Ismael Mathay Jr., Feliciano Belmonte Jr., and Herbert Bautista.

A fair view of the city

By Marielle Medina (Inquirer Research, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

A city as large as Quezon City would feel overwhelming at first glance.

Among the 16 highly urbanized cities comprising Metro Manila, Quezon City had the biggest population at 2.94 million as of 2015, and has one of the biggest land areas in the country at 16,113 hectares.

City’s potential

Quezon City brims with many potential opportunities as it is home to many businesses, government offices and agencies, IT parks, and even media outfits.

According to its website, Quezon City declared itself as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capital of the Philippines with its large concentration of Information Technology parks and economic zones.

Data from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) showed that there are currently 33 ICT parks and buildings in the city. The Eastwood City Cyberpark in Libis was reportedly the first and biggest IT Park in the country. The Science and Technology Park, also known as the “Silicon Valley” of the Philippines, is located along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

This goes to show that in a way, Quezon City has contributed to the growth of the IT-business process outsourcing industry, which is among the major growth drivers of the Philippine economy. The BPO industry continues to generate billions worth of revenues and as well as quality jobs for many Filipinos.

As a thriving city, Quezon City is also home to many well-known universities, including the state run University of the Philippines and Jesuit-owned, Ateneo de Manila University.

Quezon City likewise houses many important government offices such as the Batasang Pambansa, the Sandiganbayan, Civil Service Commission, and the Office of the Ombudsman. Several executive offices like the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue are also located in Quezon City.

Dubbed as the “City of Stars,” the city takes pride of being home to the country’s biggest television and radio stations. Located here are nine major television networks including broadcast media giants—GMA and ABS-CBN.

New growth areas

Up in the northern part of Quezon City, one can find growing residential communities in the barangays of Fairview and North Fairview—both of which are attracting new residents and investors due to their potential for business expansion and proximity to universities, offices, and different institutions.

Despite the calmer ambiance of the northern part of Quezon City, it does not lose out in terms of accessibility and progress. All types of services are readily available as there are business parks, eco parks, shopping malls, wet and dry markets, and hospitals within the vicinity.

Infrastructure projects

Quezon City will soon become even more attractive as an investment hub as the national government has rolled out a number of key infrastructure projects that can further improve the city’s accessibility.

The ambitious MRT 7 project is among those being implemented under the government’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” initiative. This project will involve the construction of a 23-km rail transit from North Avenue in Edsa to San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan; and a joint station of LRT Line 1 and MRT Line 3 along North Edsa.

By 2020, the MRT 7 is estimated to move about 850,000 commuters per day.

Another transport program that will hopefully be implemented soon is the Metro Manila Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)-Line 1, a project that spans 12.3 km from Quezon Memorial Circle to Manila City Hall via the Elliptical Road in Quezon Avenue, and España Boulevard. The BRT-Line 1 is expected to serve 291,500 passengers daily in its first year of operations. The line mainly adopts a closed system with service lanes at the center, with convenient interchanges with MRT-3, PNR, LRT1, and the MRT-7 which is currently undergoing construction.

Construction for the Metro Manila Subway, the country’s first subway system, has also officially began. Targeted for completion in 2025, the 35-km railway system from Valenzuela to Parañaque City, will have 15 stations, seven of which are located in Quezon City. The subway can accommodate 370,000 passengers per day on opening year. It will have a connection to Ninoy Aquino International Airport and may reduce the travel time from Quezon City to NAIA to only 42 minutes.

This will hopefully translate to having fewer cars on the roads, less hassle for the commuting population, and reduced outdoor pollution in the city. Residents from Quezon City, Caloocan City, Bulacan, and other neighboring areas in the north can indeed look forward to a faster and even more convenient commute to other centers of the metropolis.

UP Diliman testing ground for 10 e-tricycles

By Krixia Subingsubing (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — E-tricycles will soon be joining “Ikot/Toki” jeepneys on the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman campus in Quezon City.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced on Wednesday that 10 of the six-seater vehicle would undergo a yearlong test run on the sprawling campus to find out how these could be used optimally.

A total of 20 units were recently turned over by the Department of Energy (DOE) to the DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) as part of a joint project for cleaner and greener transport options.

Engr. Arnel Garcia, DOE’s supervising science research specialist, said these were among the 300 units procured through the Asian Development Bank in May.

With a cost of P455,000 each, the e-trikes can run for 40 kilometers on a single full charge.

The test run is part of an ongoing study to determine its optimum use, according to Enrico Paringit, PCIEERD executive director.

Some tests will determine how far the e-trikes can go on one charging cycle; the routes that will pass through charging stations; and the terrain on which these can be driven, said Engr. Billy Joel Esquivel of UP’s National Center for Transportation Studies.

“We need to come up with observations on the e-trikes’ performance before the actual rollouts can be made,” he added.

Their commercial usage, however, will be determined later. For now, the e-trikes will be used mostly by engineering faculty to commute between buildings, Esquivel said.

Belmonte to focus on housing, social services in first 100 days

By Susan G. De Leon (PIA InfoComm/QC PAISD)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- Housing, social services, education, and health will be the focus of the new mayor of Quezon City in her first 100 days in office.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said her administration will prioritize the needs of indigent residents.

“Kung umangat o umarangkada ang lungsod natin, sisiguraduhin ko na walang maiiwan,” Belmonte said.

The mayor has ordered the restructuring of the Housing, Community Development, and Resettlement Department (HCDRD) to resolve issues and concerns in city housing program, provide free technical services and hasten the processes involved in the city government’s housing projects.

A new shelter plan will also be crafted to include guidelines in the selection of beneficiaries, housing program models, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Belmonte vows to increase burial assistance for indigent citizens from 10,000 pesos to 25,000 and medical assistance from 3,000 pesos to 5,000 pesos.

“Provisions for social protection under our city ordinances are assured to be complied and funded to support the city’s most vulnerable sector and expand the number of beneficiaries of the city educational assistance program,” the mayor said.

The Chief Executive also promised the establishment of a Solo Parents Welfare Office as well as a system in which financial assistance to fire victims will be distributed within three to five days after the validation of the social workers.

For the education sector, the mayor assured the construction of the Bagbag National Integrated High School in Novaliches.

She said Quezon City will also enter into public-private partnerships with hospitals per district to provide public school students with free eye, medical, and dental check-ups.

“Gagawin natin ang lahat para matulungan ang kabataan ng QC na matupad ang kanilang pangarap sa buhay,” Belmonte promised.

She also assured the city’s residents of hiring more doctors in the health cetners to ensure that there is one doctor per health center.

Belmonte pledged to fully operationalize the Rosario Maclang-Bautista General Hospital in her first three months.

The City Government will also ensure that the city-run hospitals, Quezon City General Hospital, Novaliches District Hospital, and Rosario Maclang-Bautista General Hospital, will be well-stocked with medicines for the residents.

According to Belmonte, her priorities will be implemented by executing four initiatives namely information and accurate data; internal governance and housekeeping; strategic planning and goal setting; and listening to citizens.

“Pagdating sa kapakanan ng QC, hindi tayo puwede manghula,” Belmonte said, stressing that accurate data should be identified to craft programs that will best address the needs of the residents.

Belmonte urged the City Council to pass an ordinance on Freedom of Information to keep the principle of transparency that will make QC a model of good governance.

She said, her administration will stick to the plans made by the City Development Council to ensure that all projects and programs are in line what the city truly needs.

She also mentioned that a feedback mechanism will be implemented for the residents to air their concerns and suggestions.

“Asahan niyo na papakinggan namin kayo para matugunan ang pangangailangan niyo. Tanggap ko po na malaki po ang responsibilidad na ibinigay sa akin ng mga taga Quezon City, at malaki ang hamon na iangat ang antas ng pamumuhay ng mga nakatira rito,” Belmonte said.

ATI offers seminars on landscaping, herb production

By Jimmyley E. Guzman (DA-ATI)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) – Agri enthusiasts here in the metro are up for exciting and free seminars. The Agricultural and Training Institute (ATI) is once again offering free seminars from July to December this year.

Starting July 12, ATI will offer free seminar on edible landscaping to be followed by herbs and prices production and processing on July 26.

On August 9, ATI will conduct seminar on moringa production and processing and cacao production and processing on August 23.

Participants will also be taught with the hydroponics method - a method of growing plants without soil by instead using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent on September 13. While fish production and processing will take place on September 27.

Herbs and spices production and processing will again take place on October 25. Also with edible landscaping on November 8, and mushroom production and processing on November 22.

Organic farming for newbies will cap this year’s free seminar which will take place on December 13, 2019.

Meanwhile, ATI will take product packaging and labeling at the FisherMall in Quezon City on October 16, 2019.

The seminars will be conducted at the ATI Central Office, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. Session starts at 8:00AM to 5:00PM. Interested participants are advised to come early for the registration and for better seats.

Likewise, attendees are encouraged to bring clean, empty 1.5-liter plastic bottles which will be donated to the ATIng Gulayan ng DA garden.

For more information and inquiries, please call ATI at (02) 982-2474; 180-10-98222474 (for provincial toll-free calls); 0920-9462474 (for all networks); e-mail at ati_director@ati.da.gov.ph, ati_extension@yahoo.com; or visit ATI’s official Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/ATIngGulayanngDA/.

ASEAN, NDRRMC open emergency satellite warehouse for reg'l response

By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan (PIA InfoComm)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- One ASEAN One response.

This was the collective message highlighted during Monday’s launch of the newest Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Emergency Satellite Warehouse at the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, which also coincided with the kickoff of the National Disaster Resilience Month this July.

“We are pleased that this DELSA (Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN) warehouse is now ready for operation today. This satellite warehouse is another enduring pillar that will support our declaration of ‘One ASEAN. One Response’ enabling us to heighten our emergency preparedness and increase our response capacity as a member state and together with the ASEAN members will respond to both large scale and medium scale disasters within and outside the ASEAN region,” concurrent National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMC) executive director, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator, and DELSA warehouse co-manager Ricardo Jalad said during the unveiling.

The strategically located satellite warehouse forms part of the DELSA network of warehouses across the region that will increase the speed and scale of disaster response and supplement the existing regional stockpile managed by the World Food Programme at the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot in Subang, Malaysia.

“This warehouse is the brainchild of one major ASEAN realization born from past calamities experienced in the region. This underscores the importance of stockpiling goods and equipment that would be needed in the response phase of emergencies. This entails that the venue where such goods will be stored must be strong to withstand nature’s wrath, is readily accessible for our disaster managers and responders, and allows the effective storage, as well as quick and easy pile transfer of these items to locations where they are most needed,” Jalad said.

“Today’s inauguration is a fitting start on the observance of the 2019 National Disaster Resilience Month, an annual observance, which promotes the countenance of efforts to transform the Philippines into a nation that is capable of withstanding and surmounting the challenges of hazards and disasters,” he added.

The event also marks the strengthening of cooperation and commitment between the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) and the Philippines to support the readiness of ASEAN in responding to disasters. The satellite warehouse is being co-managed by the AHA Centre and the NDRRMC, through the OCD and supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

“With generous funding support from the Government of Japan, through JAIF, we turned our desire into reality,” AHA Centre executive director Adelina Kamal, for her part said.

“In 2013, one year after the regional stockpile in Subang was established, Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hit the Philippines. It was one of the most significant disasters that ever occurred in the ASEAN region in the past two decades. Typhoon Haiyan generated loses for the country and the ASEAN region and gave birth to the vision known as ‘One ASEAN One Response’. One of the lessons learned from Typhhon Haiyan was the need for ASEAN to increase the speed, the scale, and the solidarity of ASEAN response. Based on these, we conceived the idea of separate warehouses, in addition to the regional stockpile in Subang, Malaysia, and started with the phase two of the DELSA project,” Kamal added.

It can be recalled that other satellite warehouse, which was recently launched during the 34th ASEAN Summit, is located in Chainat, Thailand, a three-hour drive up north from Bangkok.

PH hosts 7th Bioenergy week

By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan (PIA InfoComm)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The timing is perfect.

This is what local proponents were saying in describing the Philippines’ hosting of the 7th Bioenergy Week of the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP) in Manila from June 24-28, where different countries discussed their utilization of biofuels and biomass.

Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, said the event was “really timely” because, according to him, the Philippines embraced the use of bioenergy, particular biofuels, as well as renewable energy, even before its ASEAN peers.

“We came up with our renewable energy law ten years ago, we also have a biofuels law ten years ago, and the direction here is to embrace the use of renewable energy, as well as biofuels, and achieve two folds. Number one is to come up with a sustainable future for our next generation. Cleaner power, cleaner energy for the next generation. And the second is to help out our farmers increase their income, increase their productivity, and this will come in the form of expanded use of methanol and biodiesel in our country,” Gatchalian said.

For his part, Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Robert Uy said, “We would like to really thank the GBEP for considering the Philippines as a venue for the event. We have cooperation and the technologies here. We are going to learn all these experiences all over the world and hopefully we can have them adopted in the local content.”

“As far as the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is concerned we strongly support the Bioenergy program under our government and surely whatever it is there for the bioethanol energy, the SRA supports,” Administrator Hermenegildo Serafica said. SRA is one of the hosts of the major event that brought together public, private, and civil society stakeholders committed to promoting bioenergy for sustainable development.

Gatchalian admits however, that despite bioenergy remaining costly, he and other proponents still see its potential benefits to farmers and for the environment.

“One of the things we wanted to push in the country is R&D, meaning looking for alternative feedstock to supply biofuels. We need to conduct research and development as well as compare it with other countries’ best practices around the world and bring that know-how here to the Philippines,” he said.

“Unfortunately, even though we were one of the early adopters of bioenergy, biofuels, renewable energy, if you look at the statistics, its not growing at the phase that we want it to be. In fact, if you were going to ask our farmers, if they are benefiting from biofuels, our local farmers would probably have many qualms before they answer yes, but the farmers in the United States may probably answer a resounding ‘yes’ because half of our ethanol comes from abroad. And this is not the spirit of the Biofuels Act. The spirit of “biofuels” is really to propagate the use of ethanol and biodiesel in order to lift our farmers from poverty. But if you are importing half of our ethanol from the US, then we are not achieving what we want to achieve on our social aspect,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sergio Taam, GBEP co-chair, said better energy access creates opportunities for the development of social programs such as healthcare, safer water supplies, sanitation, and better education facilities, and helping in the irradication of poverty.

The previous Bioenergy Week was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

QC boasts ₱26B in cash, investments

By Rio N. Araja

The Quezon City government has at least P26 billion in cash and investments, according to outgoing Mayor Herbert Bautista.

Bautista said he was leaving the city with cash on hand and investments amounting to P26,274,036,108.

During his end of term report and valedictory address last Friday, he said he has doubled the city’s revenue collection.

“Our biggest revenue contributions come from business tax collections, which increased by 172 percent, from P3.83 billion in 2010, to P10.43 billion in 2018,” he said.

He crowed about the efforts of the city’s departments in addressing pressing issues on social development, fiscal management, peace and order, and disaster risk reduction and management.

One of the key projects of the mayor is Bistekville which was recognized by the United Nations for providing affordable housing for indigent residents and those who live in hazard-prone areas, thus, Bistekville was conferred the Sustainable Cities Human Settlements Award.

In the past three years since 2017, Quezon City excelled the regional validation for the Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

From being a Hall of Famer in the regional level, the city finally bagged the National Gawad Kalasag for the Best City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Bautista acknowledged the efforts of the 142 barangays for strengthening their management and operations through efficient and effective standards set by the Barangay Seal of Good Housekeeping.

He lauded the city’s departments and all its employees for a job well done during his three terms as the city’s local chief executive.

“I cherish the support of my Quezon City team who have helped our government and our city reap so many recognitions and awards for pioneering and the best practices in governance through the nine years of my administration,” he said.

QC receives 300 e-trikes from DOE

By Jimmyley E. Guzman (PIA InfoComm/QC PAISO)

QUEZON CITY, June 28 (PIA) – Mayor Herbert Bautista, in behalf of the city government, accepted 300 electric tricycles (e-trikes) from the Department of Energy (DOE).

The e-trikes received on Monday, June 24, are part of DOE’s program to promote energy efficiency and clean technologies in the transport sector.

DOE Director III Atty. Cesar G. Dela Fuente III and QC Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) head Ret. Gen. Elmo San Diego were also present during the turnover ceremony.

Thirty e-trikes will be distributed to barangays, while 270 will be given to Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA), according to the DPOS chief.

“Ang priority namin, mabigyan ‘yung barangays na may kulang o wala talagang bumibiyaheng tricycle,” San Diego said adding that the goal is to eventually replace the 25,000 tricycles in the city with e-trikes.

Each e-trike costs PhP450,000 , can fit five passengers and run up to 40 kilometers when charged for three to four hours.

QC DRRM tops 2019 Reg'l Gawad Kalasag

By Jimmyley E. Guzman (PIA InfoComm/QC PAISO)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) - The Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council is once again declared as the best DRRM council in Metro Manila in this year’s Regional Gawad Kalasag.

“DRRM is not just one person or one department. It is a directive, it is a mode of governance. DRRM is practiced all the way from the barangay level. Everyone is involved because that is what disaster risk reduction and management is all about,” Mayor Herbert Bautista said.

Aside from being named as the Best DRRM Council in Metro Manila for the fourth time, the QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office also bagged the Best Government Emergency Management Services or GEMS.

GEMS is a special award acknowledging the efforts of the QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in emergency response.

The GEMS award recognizes Quezon City as the region's best provider of emergency management services, which includes emergency medical treatment and first aid, search and rescue, urban search and rescue, water search and rescue, incident management, and other emergency response services.

Likewise, QC bagged six First Place awards this year, namely: Best DRRM Council, Best City DRRM Council, Best Local Hospital (Quezon City General Hospital), Best Specialty Hospital (Philippine Children’s Medical Center), Best Civil Society Organization (World Mission Society Church of God), and Best Private Corporate Institution (People 360).

QC also earned Finalist citations: Barangay Batasan, Rosa L. Susano Elementary School, and St Paul University Quezon City for Best Barangay DRRM, Best Public Elementary School, and Best Higher Education Institution, respectively.

Mayor Bautista acknowledged the efforts of the QCDRRM Council and commended the determination of the city to be resilient in disasters.

Through the years, Quezon City continues to improve its disaster risk reduction and management capabilities through the procurement of equipment and training of the members of the QCDRRM Council.

The regional winners from each category will be competing at the national level of the Gawad Kalasag which is the premier annual award for outstanding contributions in the field of disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian assistance.

DICT to develop teleconferencing system for Cabinet meetings

By Aerol John Pateña (PNA)

MANILA -- Virtual Cabinet meetings under the Duterte administration may happen soon once a teleconferencing system is established, an official of the Department of Information and Communication said on Tuesday.

DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. said the proposed system would help the Cabinet save time spent on heavy traffic and reduce vehicular volume along major roads in Metro Manila.

“We can have meetings virtually instead of meeting each other person to person. In fact, we can do more by avoiding heavy traffic. We can have productive meetings through teleconferencing,” Rio said in his keynote address at the 2019 National ICT Summit held on Tuesday at the Novotel Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

Online Cabinet meetings can be conducted through the regional offices of the departments, Rio added.

“Even if the Cabinet secretaries are in their offices, they can still talk to a number of people through the internet network. It seems like talking face-to-face with them. So this will solve travel time, gasoline consumption and time wasted in traffic,” he said in an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the event.

“So this is an idea of the President because he said that he does not want to attend meetings and events because it will only cause traffic,” he added.

He urged other government agencies and private companies to hold teleconferences, which refers to meetings among several persons in different places linked through communication devices such as telephones, computers, videos, audios, among others.

DICT Undersecretary Denis Villorente said Rio ordered the creation of a plan to set up the teleconferencing infrastructure and coordinate with government agencies.

“The Secretary is looking for funding within our budget to be able to implement this. His instruction is for us to create a plan and determine how much is needed. We still need to meet with agencies because some of them have already invested on their own facilities,” Villorente said.

"The secretary's instruction is to implement for the Cabinet and the sub-clusters as well," he added.

Villorente said once established, teleconferencing would be one of the available options to workers and firms who opt to hold meetings through video, which would eventually reduce vehicular traffic in the metropolis.

Last December, Duterte signed Republic Act 1165 or the Telecommuting Act which recognizes work-from-home arrangements in the private sector.

Under the law, employers in the private sector can offer their employees a telecommuting program on a voluntary basis.

BFAR to distribute 5,000 transponders by yearend

By Lilybeth Ison (PNA)

MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) will be distributing an initial 5,000 "transponders" or vessel monitoring measures (VMM) to commercial fishing vessels before the year ends.

DA Undersecretary and BFAR national director Eduardo Gongona bared this on the sidelines of the "Kapihan sa Talakayan Tungo sa Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan" held Monday at the Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City. Gongona added that commercial fishing vessels will also be outfitted with electronic reporting systems (ERS).

He noted that all Philippine-flagged commercial fishing vessels allowed to operate in the high seas and those with access rights to fish in other countries’ exclusive economic zones (EEZs) should be VMM- and ERS-compliant.

VMM logs the vessel’s position, course, and speed at any given time for the purpose of traceability and management of fisheries resources and fishing effort.

On the other hand, ERS is a device used to transmit and record catch data to the BFAR near real time or simultaneous to transitions of location data.

The ERS must be able to transmit the following information: species and volume of fish caught, position of the vessel where the fish was caught, date and time, vessel activity, and port of origin and arrival.

Vessel operators will have access to the information generated by VMM and each will be issued a unique username and password by the BFAR.

International advocacy group, Oceana, earlier said the sinking of F/B Gem-Ver 1 in the Recto Bank (Reed Bank) by a Chinese fishing boat last June 9 "should drive us to put in place mechanisms for the safety of our people and tracking behavior of fishing vessels within and even outside our territorial waters".

The group said VMS should be installed in all commercial fishing vessels, as required in the amended Fisheries Code.

"We need solutions, recommendations, and not analysis," Gongona said in reaction to the Recto Bank incident.

DENR-NCR eyes greening alliance with public schools

By Catherine Teves (PNA)

MANILA -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) plans to partner with public primary, secondary and tertiary schools on growing plants in their respective campuses around this megalopolis where green space for healthy urban living is already below the World Health Organization (WHO) standard.

Jacqueline Caancan, DENR-NCR executive regional director, said they may soon discuss the matter with Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the agencies having jurisdiction over such schools.

“Those schools still have considerable open space for growing plants,” she said Monday in Quezon City on the side of DENR-NCR’s briefing on the 2019 Philippine Arbor Day and Philippine Environment Month celebration this June.

She said DENR-NCR has seedlings which the schools can avail of for free, plant, and grow in their campuses.

Greening these campuses will help improve environmental quality, promote better health, enhance the academe's appreciation and understanding of plants’ importance and increase planted areas in NCR, Caancan noted.

According to DENR-NCR Production Forest Management Section chief, Arturo Calderon, WHO sets 9.5 square meters per capita as the standard size of green space for healthy urban living.

The 2014 land satellite images indicate NCR’s green spaces totaled 12,152.79 hectares, he said.

Citing 2015 National Statistics Office data, he said NCR’s population totaled 12,877,253 people.

“NCR lacks about 80.60 hectares of green space,” he said at the briefing.

Calderon said Caloocan, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Navotas, Pasay, Pasig, and San Juan cities, as well as Pateros municipality are the areas in the NCR that are now lacking green space.

As part of the celebration for this year’s Philippine Arbor Day, DENR-NCR and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) will spearhead on Tuesday (June 25) various planting activities in NCR.

DENR-NCR will partner with several civil society groups and public agencies like Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on planting mangrove species and other salt-tolerant plants in Baseco along Manila Bay.

Such planting is a phytoremediation measure for helping improve water quality there -- contributing to clean-up and rehabilitation of Manila Bay, noted the DENR-NCR official.

DENR-NCR also said students and faculty members of PUP will plant, in the school’s NCR-based campuses, some 6,000 seedlings mostly consisting of indigenous species.

“The planting in PUP is a pilot effort -- hopefully, more schools will join our greening bid,” said Caancan.

She thanked PUP for offering to grow trees and other plants in its campuses in Metro Manila.

Proclamation 643 series of 2004 declared June 25 of every year as Philippine Arbor Day wherein it must be "observed throughout the nation by planting trees and ornamental plants and other forms of relevant activities.

“Grow more trees and beat air pollution” is the theme of DENR-NCR's Philippine Arbor Day celebration to highlight importance of trees in helping address dirty air.

"This is in accord with UN's call to action to combat air pollution as it has become the single biggest environmental health risk people around the world are facing today, according to WHO," DENR-NCR said in a statement earlier.

Air pollution is also the focus of this year's Philippine Environment Month. DENR-NCR reiterated air pollution kills more people than either malaria or HIV/AIDS.

"By planting and growing trees, we improve air quality at the local level and contribute to greener and cleaner environment," it added.

Environmental group promotes saving tips as water in Angat Dam gets to critical level

(EcoWaste Coalition)

QUEZON CITY, June 23 -- As the water level in Angat Dam breaches the 160 meter critical level, the EcoWaste Coalition, an environmental protection group, renewed its call for all consumers to minimize the wastage of water and to practise water conservation .

“As the water level in Angat Dam continues to plummet, we appeal to all individual, household, institutional, commercial and industrial consumers to take further steps to avoid water waste,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

“We all need to curb our water waste and conserve this precious resource as many communities face water service interruptions,” she said.

“As we urge everyone to conserve water, we ask the National Water Resources Board and water concessionaires to ensure people’s access to water. We request them to initiate extra measures to lessen the hardship of consumers as taps run dry in the coming days,” she added.

To prevent and reduce water wastage, the EcoWaste Coalition urged water consumers to heed the following water saving tips:

1. Fix dripping tanks, pipes, faucets, showerheads and hoses to prevent water loss.

2. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, lathering with soap or shaving.

3. Take shorter showers with a pail and dipper and use just enough water.

4. Reuse towels a few times before putting them on the laundry basket.

5. Collect grey water from bathing and washing and reuse it to wash the car, clean the garage, maintain sidewalks or flush the toilet.

6. Place a brick or water-filled bottle inside the toilet tank to reduce water used in every flush and flush less.

7. Collect water dripping from air conditioners and use the collected water for washing mops and rugs, flushing the toilet or watering the plants.

8. Leave grass clippings on the lawn as this cools the ground and holds in moisture.

9. Spread a layer of mulch around plants and trees to retain water and reduce evaporation.

10. Water the plants early in the morning or in the evening when temperature is cooler to minimize water loss.

11. Refrain from using the washing machine if only washing a few clothes, do full loads of laundry, and use just the right amount of detergent to avoid extra rinsing.

12. Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin and not in running water; reuse the water for watering the plants.

13. Save the rice wash for washing the dishes or watering plants.

14. Steam vegetables instead of boiling to conserve water as well as preserve their nutrients.

15. Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator overnight, not on running water.

16. Use fewer cooking and dining utensils and dishes to reduce water use for washing.

17. Choose the proper pan and pot size for cooking as bigger ones may need more cooking water than required.

18. Do not let the water run when washing the dishes, fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.

19. Soak dirty pans and pots first instead of scraping them in running water.

20. Collect and store rainwater for daily chores.

Quezon City, PDEA open first ‘solvent kids’ reform center

By Romina Cabrera (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Quezon City local government yesterday formally opened the first reformation center that aims to save children hooked on solvent fumes.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino and mayor-elect Joy Belmonte inaugurated the Project Sagip Batang Solvent (PSBS) Reformation Center at Clemente Subdivision in Barangay San Agustin.

Aquino said this reformation center will serve as the model facility that will be established nationwide.

The facility currently has under its care 28 children identified as solvent users who will undergo a three to six-month reformation program.

The center can accommodate 60 children and has facilities such as study rooms, a multi-purpose hall and training rooms.

Belmonte thanked PDEA for “going beyond” its mandate by preventing children from being full-blown users of hard drugs.

She assured PDEA that the city government is ready to take over the facility and provide more support for the program.

The reformation center was established through a memorandum of understanding between the PDEA and the city government signed last March.

QCPD distributes brand-new motorbikes to 12 precincts

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan (PNA)

MANILA -- The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Thursday distributed the 75 brand new Yamaha NMAX motorcycles donated by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista to boost police patrol operations in the communities.

Brig. Gen. Joselito T Esquivel Jr., QCPD director, led the deployment caravan in a short program at Camp Karingal.

Designated drivers then boarded the NMAX motorcycles for the caravan and eventual distribution to 12 police stations.

Esquivel said the motorcycles will be deployed in 36 points which are identified as crime-prone areas based on the crime volume recorded.

He said each point will be manned by two personnel on board their respective motorcycles and conduct routine patrolling. These motorcycles will also be utilized in conducting immediate lockdown in the 110 identified ingress and egress areas of Quezon City whenever there is a hot pursuit for criminals.

“Motorcycles are manageable on narrow streets, thus can easily run after criminals especially those motorcycle riding criminals. These motorcycles will add to the millions of pesos worth of logistical equipment donated by Quezon City Government to QCPD and will definitely strengthen the QCPD’s anti-criminality capability towards the maintenance of peace and order in the city,” Esquivel said in a statement.

Esquivel expressed gratitude to Bautista for his continuous support to the local police.

He assured the public, particularly the city's residents that the QCPD will reciprocate the city government’s support by providing the best police service they deserve.

Earlier, Bautista said the city government has nothing to ask from the QC cops but to maintain peace and order at all times in the city.

“These additional law enforcement resources will further improve the logistical capabilities of the local police force in patrolling the communities and ensuring that the peace and order are maintained in their respective area of responsibility,” Bautista said.

“These will further boost the capabilities of police units to respond quickly to calls for law enforcement and police service,” he added.

He said more logistical equipment are ready for bidding, hoping these will further strengthen the QCPD’s capabilities in combating crimes, illegal drugs, and terrorism.

Last year, the city government turned over 1,250 Taurus .40-caliber Model PT840 semi-automatic pistols, three Montero SUVs, 25 brand new Toyota Vios patrol cars and 100 Galil assault rifles to the QCPD.

DOST-PAGASA launches new storm surge forecast, warning system

By Joedie Mae D. Boliver (PIA InfoComm)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) introduced a new system that translates Storm Surge Forecast and Warning into impact-relevant information.

Prior to this, the Agency issues warnings that are focused on the expected hazardous weather but in the new system, focus is more on the possible impact of the weather system to the community.

“The forecast services can give warning to the people on the possibility of the storm surge. This is a tool we use in gearing towards community-based preparedness.” Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Change Dr. Renato Solidum said during the press launch at PAGASA office in Quezon City, Monday (June 17).

Different ways of providing forecast was initiated due to the gaps seen in the current system.

PAGASA Storm Surge Forecasting and Warning services is designed to provide a new way of presenting easy-to-understand visuals which include impacts brought by the expected storm surge.

The services consists of two categories: Storm Surge Watch, given when a moderate to high risk that may occur within the next 48 hours, and Storm Surge Warning, when a high risk of storm surge that may occur within the next 24 hours at the identified low-lying coastal communities.

The system simplifies the technical data provided and turning it into more actionable information with direct relevance to those affected areas.

“Everyone’s safety depends on each person’s family and community, so it is essential to have a community-based preparedness measures.” Solidum said

He said, easily understood information can result to immediate and effective response which is vital in creating a resilient community.

Solidum reminded everyone to closely monitor updates from PAGASA since they are the mandated agency to provide knowledge and information on natural calamities and ensures safety and wellbeing of the Filipino people, thru weather advisories and warnings.

DOST-PAGASA celebrates National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) July 17 – 21 at World Trade Center Pasay City. Exhibit on innovative knowledge products and services addressing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that mobilize technologies for a safer and resilient community has been set up at the venue.

Bautista approves ordinance boosting Quezon City Children’s Code

By Rio N. Araja

To further ensure a child-friendly Quezon City, Mayor Herbert Bautista has approved a measure strengthening the city’s Children’s Code.

City Ordinance 2834 has amended Ordinance 2180-2012 adding more ordinances to the Children’s Code.

Enacted in 2012, the Quezon City Children’s Code recognizes and upholds children’s rights and establishes the local development plan for the protection and rights of children.

“In recognition of and building on the achievements of the Quezon City Children’s Code of 2012, and in light of the developments, current issues, persistent problems, and emerging concerns involving and affecting children, there is a need to strengthen the Code to ensure a child-friendly Quezon City,” the ordinance read.

At least 41 new ordinances have been added to the previous 24 ordinances covered by the code.

The amended Children’s Code added ordinances such as City Ordinance 2191-2012 creating QC Protection Center for Women, Children, and Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Trans genders who are victims/survivors of violence and abuse; City Ordinance 2450-2015 strengthening youth participation and representation in Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, and City Ordinance 2587-2017 prohibiting selling, giving or sharing any type of firecracker to children.

QC opens new 7-storey building in QCU

By Susan G. De Leon (PIA InfoComm/QC PAISO)

QUEZON CITY, June 18 (PIA) — The Quezon City government has opened an additional building at the Quezon City University (QCU) formerly known as the Quezon City Polytechnic University.

Mayor Herbert M. Bautista led the inauguration of a newly constructed seven-storey building that houses 33 laboratories and a 500-seater auditorium on the seventh floor which will cater to the 8,600 students of the university.

The ground floor of the structure will also serve as an ‘incubation facility’ of BS Entrepreneur students.

In his message, outgoing mayor Bautista thank QCU official and students for the support accorded him as local chief executive of QC.

“To the officers, the men, and women of QCPU, President Enriquez, the students, lahat ng graduates, alumni, pati 'yung guards, janitors, maraming maraming maraming salamat sa inyo. Pangalagaan ninyo ito at ingatan,” Bautista said.

The city-owned university has another seven-story academic building under construction and two other buildings undergoing renovation.

QCU offers five four-year degree programs including BS Entrepreneur, BS Information Technology, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Industrial Engineering, and BS Accountancy.

QC government grants P1M financial assistance to QCFBKF

By Chito Chavez

The Quezon City government has granted a P1-million financial assistance to the Quezon City Former Barangay Kagawad Foundation (QCFBKF) to support their various projects.

In Resolution 7787-2018, authored by Councilor Godofredo T. Liban II, the city council has authorized Mayor Herbert Bautista to grant the assistance.

With the donation, the QCFBKF are now more financially liquid to extend aid and assistance to the community especially to its members who are former barangay councilors of the city.

“City Mayor Herbert M. Bautista acceded to assist the QCFBKF in every reasonable means by granting the request of financial assistance amounting to P1,000,000.00 to carry out its mandate, projects, and activities,” the resolution reads.

Under the Local Government Code of 1991, the city government, through its chief executive and the city council, can provide assistance to people’s organizations and NGOs for economic, socially-oriented, environmental, or cultural projects to be implemented in their community.

Also, Bautista signed an ordinance that establishes a public mortuary in each of the city’s six districts.

The outgoing mayor noted the necessity of providing “indigent residents with decent and dignified funeral for their departed loved ones.”

City Ordinance 2753-2018—introduced by Councilors Estrella Valmocina, Franz Pumaren, and Hero Clarence Bautista—is the city government’s response to the requests by poor residents for funeral home services for their deceased family members.

Bautista noted that it is very often that poor families are forced to hold wakes outside their homes.

The City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) and Office of the City Engineer will create the necessary plans and cost estimates of the mortuaries.

Bautista said the planned public mortuaries will have 10 viewing rooms each.

Ayala Land Premier pioneers prestigious office development in Quezon City

(Philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines — Luxury developer Ayala Land Premier breaks new ground and blazes a new trail with One Vertis Plaza, its first ever office project.

One Vertis Plaza will rise as a centerpiece of Vertis North, Ayala Land’s 45-hectare, master-planned, mixed-use estate in Quezon City.

Anchoring Mega-Manila’s northern transport and commercial hubs, Vertis North is quickly becoming Quezon City’s prime central business district. It is a convergence point for major commercial areas, existing transport developments and Mega Manila’s upcoming infrastructure projects such as MRT 7 and the Unified Grand Central station, set to open by 2020 and 2022 respectively, as well as the Metro Manila Subway targeted for full completion by 2025.

Quezon City, the largest city in the metropolis, is reflective of the country’s rapid economic growth. As a result of this, the city has posted the highest increase in office spaces in Metro Manila at 22%, evidence of growing economic activity and demand.

However, most of these office spaces and developments are designed for the BPO/KPO office market, with few equipped for the requirements of corporate headquarters and premium grade office spaces. Tenants and investors also tend to move up to higher-grade office spaces over time, demonstrating a preference for quality over cost as their business operations thrive and expand. At this level, special or unique facilities and international certifications, such as LEED, are viewed as key differentiators in the competitive market.*

Already home to prestigious universities, creative hubs, and government offices, there is a demand and opportunity for a premium grade office development in Quezon City that can rival those in the gleaming business districts of Makati and BGC. Quezon City's distinct landmark

Located at the heart of Vertis North is the 2-hectare Vertis North Gardens. The estate’s "green heart" integrates Vertis North developments with parks and civic spaces and bike and pedestrian lanes transforming the area into an impressive and progressive, people-centric, urban centerpiece. Incidentally, Vertis North Gardens covers about the same land area as Ayala Triangle Gardens in the Makati CBD.

It is in this setting that Ayala Land Premier introduces its latest and first signature office development—One Vertis Plaza.

Best-in-class design and features

Located and directly adjacent to the expansive greens of Vertis North Gardens, the 43-story glass tower will be an icon of best in class design and amenities in Quezon City. Boasting expansive views as well as direct access to Vertis North Gardens, One Vertis Plaza provides a truly unique business environment.

Its grand entryway, dubbed The Concourse, will feature an almost 2,000-sqm motorcourt, providing for an impressive and efficient vehicular drop-off. The premium-grade tower will present a striking all-glass façade as well as The Gallery—a light filled and voluminous double height lobby.

The project will be utilizing low-e glass to ensure the highest comfort levels for tenants and reduce power consumption, enhancing the building’s sustainability features. Sixteen passenger elevators equipped with a Destination Control System will also be in place to increase efficiency and reduce waiting times.

On top of the requisite LEED-compliant features, the project will also provide its own rainwater management and recycling facilities. One Vertis Plaza will also feature The Square, a dedicated food hall which opens up to the 1,800-sqm Plaza offering a mix of retail spaces integrated with the Vertis North Gardens.

"We are truly happy and excited to introduce One Vertis Plaza, our pioneering office development in Vertis North, Quezon City," says Mike Jugo, managing director of Ayala Land Premier. "One Vertis Plaza will deliver the distinctive Ayala Land Premier experience, this time to the increasingly discerning premium office market."

In great company

The rest of Quezon City's vibrant leisure, lifestyle and cultural destinations are all practically a stroll away from One Vertis Plaza's doors. Ayala Land's expansive Trinoma Mall and the recently-opened Ayala Malls Vertis North offer more than 240,000 sqm of retail space with hundreds of brands and dining options.

One Vertis Plaza complements Ayala Land’s existing and upcoming projects in Vertis North. These include the three-tower Vertis North Corporate Center, strategically located on top of the Ayala Malls Vertis North.

Seda Hotel, which opened in late 2017, is already considered one of Quezon City’s best hotels, with 438 rooms satisfying the demand for deluxe accommodations in the area. Solaire Vertis North will soon be breaking ground for their integrated resort and entertainment development in Vertis North.

For those who would like to experience living within this dynamic estate, Ayala Land offers a selection of residential projects by Alveo and Avida. All these developments envisage a well-balanced, multi-faceted city within a city, seamlessly integrated into Mega Manila’s evolving and improving transport networks. One Vertis Plaza, Ayala Land Premier’s first office project is set to be completed in June 2024.

Outgoing QC Mayor Bautista leads inauguration of school buildings, roads, drainage projects

By Chito Chavez

Outgoing Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista said his administration had implemented projects to improve “home-to-school roads and drainages throughout the city.’’

Primarily focusing on the value of education, Bautista has led the recent inauguration of two new school buildings and several completed road and drainage projects in Barangays Greater Lagro, North Fairview, Sta. Monica, North Fairview, and Greater Fairview.

Lagro High School (LHS) principal Dr. Maria Noemi Moncada said one of the new four-story buildings will serve as the school’s Alternative Learning System center while the other shall be its Home Economics and Health Care Services facility for senior high school students.

Moncada said the latter enables LHS to be the first school in the National Capital Region to offer the Health Care Services track under the senior high school curriculum.

For his part, Bautista asked LHS teachers and parents to take care of the new facilities.

The mayor also had inaugurated 16 new road and drainage projects around Quezon City’s District 5.

“Hindi po natin magagawa ito kung hindi sa pagtutulungan natin lahat (This cannot be done without everybody’s help,” Bautista said.

1.7K cops to secure opening of classes in QC

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan (PNA)

MANILA -- The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) is all set to secure the opening of classes on June 3.

In a statement Wednesday, Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr., QCPD director, said 1,734 uniformed and plainclothes policemen will be deployed to do usual patrol duties, especially in identified crime-prone areas to prevent criminals from doing their evil intents.

He added that Police Assistance Desks or PADs will again be established near the schools and in other strategic areas to respond quickly to any crime, and to extend immediate police assistance when needed.

"There will be 1,710 personnel from the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), barangay officials and other “force multipliers” to help maintain peace and order and help ease traffic congestion," said Esquivel.

For the past days, the QCPD has been coordinating and working with school officials, the Quezon City Peace and Order Council and other concerned agencies to map out security and safety.

Among the concerns that were brought up and needed attention include visible traffic signage and markings, hiring of school security guards, ensure proper markings of school bus/transport vehicles, and provision of adequate lighting facilities.

Aside from security coverage, the QCPD also joined the Brigada Eskwela 2019 which started last May 20 along with parents and school teachers in cleaning the classrooms and surroundings in preparation for the upcoming school opening.

Esquivel said in case of emergencies or any suspicious activities, the public may report to the nearest police desks or by using the PNP hotlines such as Isumbong mo kay Oca: 0917-847-5757, I-send mo sa Team NCRPO: Globe 0915-888-8181, Smart 099-990-18181 and QCPD DD’S Tipline: 0917-861-1870.

PIA joins National Flag Day celebration

(PIA Info Comm)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) joined in the observance of the National Flag Days that started Tuesday, May 28, and will culminate on June 12, Philippine Independence Day.

Employees at the PIA Central Office in Quezon City led by Director General Harold E. Clavite and all of its 16 regional offices nationwide participated in the simultaneous flag raising ceremony.

Primer on the proper use and display of the national flag were also distributed during the occasion.

The declaration of the 15-day National Flag Days is contained in Republic Act 8491 or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines” and House Bill 5224 which were approved by Congress.

Section 26 of RA 8491 states: The period from May 28 to June 12 of each year is declared as Flag Days, during which period all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government, business establishments, institutions of learning, and private homes are enjoined to display the flag.

The 15-day Flag Day period is also declared in Executive Order 179 issued by President Fidel V. Ramos.

The EO had set the extension of the commemoration of the national flag from May 28 to the days leading to Freedom Day on June 12. It also called on officials and residents to display the Philippine flag distinctly during the period.

In 1941 to 1964, the country commemorated the Flag Day and Independence Day on June 12, but in 1965, President Diosdado Macapagal, by virtue of Proclamation No. 374 ordered the observance of Flag Day moved to May 28, the date when it was first unfurled.

QC gov’t turns over 75 new motorcycles to QCPD

By Alexandria San Juan

At least 75 brand new motorcycles donated by the Quezon City local government were turned over to the Quezon City Police District on Monday to further boost its capabilities in patrolling communities to maintain peace and order in the City.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista led the turnover of the new Yamaha NMAX motorcycles during the flag-raising ceremony at the QCPD Headquarters in Camp Karingal on Monday morning.

In his brief message, Bautista said that the city government asked the local police to maintain peace and order in the city and to always perform their jobs better with integrity and respect.

“These additional law enforcement resources will further improve the logistical capabilities of the local police force in patrolling the communities and ensuring that the peace and order are maintained in their respective area of responsibility. These will further boost the move capabilities of police units to respond quickly to calls for law enforcement and police service,” he explained.

The outgoing mayor also lauded the QCPD for its good performance for the past years and added that more equipment to strengthen the anti-crime capability is now ready for bidding to support the local police and the Philippine National Police as a whole.

According to QCPD director PBGen. Joselito Esquivel Jr., the new motorcycles will be distributed to different offices and units at the police headquarters especially to the District Traffic Enforcement Unit (DTEU) to the 12 police stations.

He also thanked the local government for the support and said that the newly acquired motorcycles add to the millions of pesos worth of logistical equipment donated to them.

In 2018, the city government turned over to the QCPD a total of 1,250 Taurus caliber .40 Model PT840 semi-automatic pistols, three Montero SUVs, 25 brand new Toyota Vios patrol cars and 100 Galil assault rifles.

QC launches children’s book on disaster preparedness

By Susan G. De Leon (PIA InfoComm/QC PAISD)

QUEZON CITY, May 27 (PIA)—The Quezon City Government thru its Public Affairs and Information Services Department (PAISD) launched on Monday (May 27), a children’s book on disaster preparedness.

The book, entitled “Handa Ako”, features basic and easy to understand information on disaster awareness and preparedness written by Liwliwa Malabed with illustrations by Mia Lagos. It was published by Adarna House.

Over 15,000 copies of “Handa Ako” will be turn over to the Social Services and Development Department (SSDD) for distribution to the City’s day care centers, public library, and public elementary and secondary schools.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista handed over copies of “Handa Ako” to Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones during an inauguration in Flora A. Ylagan High School last Tuesday, 21 May.

“Handa Ako” is a joint project of the PAISD together with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QC DRRMO).

New senior high school opens in Quezon City

By Susan G. De Leon (PIA InfoComm/QC PAISO)

QUEZON CITY (PIA)--Quezon City Mayor Herbert M. Bautista, together with Education Secretary Dr. Leonor Briones, led the inauguration of a new four-story senior high school in Flora Ylagan, Barangay Pinayahan on Tuesday, 21 May 2019.

The new Flora Ylagan Senior High School building houses 23 classrooms and laboratories for incoming senior high school students.

“Itong ginagawa natin ay bahagi ng pagtulong natin sa national government sa K to 12 at sana dahil dito, mas maibaba pa ‘yung kakulangan ng classrooms”, Bautista said.

According to the mayor, the classroom shortage has been reduced to less than 1000 from 3,000 during his term.

He said, from 2010 to present, city government has invested over 3 billion pesos for the construction of additional school buildings, and 743 million pesos for the renovation and maintenance of existing structures.

Secretary Briones expressed her gratitude for the city’s generosity in prioritizing education in its programs.

“Quezon City under Mayor Bautista has invested heavily in education. Although this is a national mandate, Quezon City really supported us, not only in academic programs but also in sports and technical-vocational programs,” Sec. Briones said.

A PWD-friendly fun run

By Nina Capulong

The UP Psychology Society recently hosted “Limitless: Stronger Together,” a PWD-friendly fun run at the College of Science Oval of the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City.

The run was organized with Kaisahan ng Magulang at Anak na May Kapansanan (Kaisaka), a community-based rehabilitation program of PWDs and their families, and Muscular Dystrophy Association of the Philippines. The event aimed to create awareness on the importance of physical and mental health for all kinds of people, and to show that a disability doesn’t make one less of a person.

Republic Act No. 7277 (An Act Providing for the Rehabilitation, Self-Development, and Self-Reliance of Disabled Persons and their Integration) defines a PWD (Person with Disability) as “those suffering from restriction of different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.”

There is nothing in that definition that says that they are lesser people.

When the stigma attached to PWDs blocks the door of inclusivity, empowerment is key. Initiatives like the fun run give PWDs a venue to prove the stigma wrong and go beyond what society expects of them.

Outgoing QC mayor Bautista cited for efforts on education sector

By Chito Chavez

The Quezon City Schools Division Office (QC-SDO) has cited Mayor Herbert M. Bautista for his unending support and assistance to the education sector as a chief executive.

At the recent Local School Board meeting, Schools Division Superintendent Natividad Bayubay awarded Bautista with a plaque, in recognition for his “exemplary effort, unrelenting support, and exceptional service” for the students and teachers in the city.

Among Bautista’s efforts to improve the education sector in Quezon City were the development of more scholarship programs, construction of more school buildings and rooms, and the installment of CCTV in schools. He also helped expand the Quezon City Polytechnic University.

The outgoing QC mayor also raised allowances for teachers, including their rice subsidy and longevity pay. The QC Public School Teachers Association received an annual P1.5 million assistance from the city government.

QCSDO also recognized Councilor Julienne Alyson Rae V. Medalla, chairperson of the QC Committee on Education, Science, and Technology, for her “advocacy and adherence to the principles of quality education.”

Since 2010, the city government has spent over P3 billion for the construction of additional buildings and P743 million for the maintenance of existing structures.

QC to install solar panels in 146 public schools to save electricity

By Chito Chavez

Quezon City Mayor Herbert M. Bautista expressed plans to install solar panels in all of the city’s 146 public schools to save on utility bills.

With the utility bills expected to soar due to the additional classrooms built by the city government, Bautista said expense saving measures should be in the offing.

He issued the statement during the Local School Board meeting where it was reported the city government had already constructed an adequate number of classrooms and buildings to cope with the increasing number of enrollees in public schools.

“Because of the number of school buildings and classrooms we’ve built and we’ll be building, tataas din yung electricity bills (our electric bills will rise). That’s why it is also a thrust to solarize the 146 schools in QC so that when the electricity bill is reduced, their savings can be used for other education programs,” Bautista said.

The plan is in line with the city’s initiative to be ‘greener’ by using alternative and renewable sources of energy such as solar power.

In 2017, the Quezon City government installed solar panels to three buildings in Commonwealth High School.

Last November, the C40 cities Finance Facility– a network of cities committed to taking action against climate change – pledged to help QC install solar panels in 50 public schools.

“Undeniably, that is the future of Quezon City. I hope that happens in the next administration,” he added.

The city has initiated various programs for climate change mitigation such as the creation of the Local Climate Change Action Plan that identified sectors that emit more greenhouse gases (GHG) and consume more energy.

The city also started to promote green transport by purchasing electronic tricycles and electronic jeepneys and is set to build its own waste-to-energy plant as part of its green waste management program.

QC, Shenyang renew sister-city ties

By Chito Chavez

Outgoing Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista asserted the city’s ties with its foreign counterparts will create new economic opportunities for the locality.

Bautista issued the statement after Quezon City and Shenyang Municipal People’s Government in China renewed their sister-city ties in a ceremony hosted by Bautista on Monday.

“Today, as we revisit and re-sign the fruitful relationship of our sister-cities, I’d like to believe this is a signal of elevating the sister cityhood of Quezon City and your city [Shenyang] from cultural exchanges to economic opportunities,” Bautista said.

Bautista’s Shenyang counterpart Pan Liguo and his delegation expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded to them.

The outgoing mayor emphasized his administration’s efforts in enhancing the structures and system of business that made Quezon City the benchmark local government unit in the country.

“We can not only cooperate in areas like the economy and trade, but we can also expand our future development potential in areas like education, technology, human resources, culture, and tourism,” Liguo for his part said.

Liguo also invited QC dignitaries to visit Shenyang and learn more about the city’s thriving heavy equipment, technology, and automotive industries.

Shenyang is known as a transportation and commercial hub in northeast China.

Quezon City and Shenyang City first signed the Memorandum of Understanding of Sister City Cooperation in 1993.

QC gov’t gets ‘child-friendly’ seal

By Chito Chavez

The Quezon City government announced the conferment of the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance from the Council for the Welfare of Children to the locality.

The city government will receive the accolade after getting a 100 percent rating in the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA) of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-National Capital Region.

Quezon City ranked first in the 2018 CFLGA for implementing exemplary and outstanding programs and policies for the welfare of children.

The CFLGA is an audit system measuring the local governance performance in the delivery of services addressing the four broad categories of a child’s right to survival, development, protection, and participation.

“Quezon City has been a consistent passer since the start of the CFLGA in 2014. But, this year we’ve seen its big improvement. Now, Quezon City is number one in Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit in NCR,” DILG-QC director Atty. Ana Lyn Baltazar-Cortez said.

Maribel Cayco, Acting Assistant Department Head of the Social Services Development Department (SSDD) credited the Quezon City Children’s Code of 2012, in which the establishment of the Quezon City Council for the Protection of Children (QCCPC) is included.

She explained the QCCPC is mandated to formulate the Local Development Plan for Children (LDPC).

“Dito sa Quezon City, (here in Quezon City) all offices are involved in the local council for the protection of children,” Cayco said.

The 17 cities and municipalities that passed the 2018 CFLGA will receive the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance certificate.

DENR, Singapore partner formally seal PHL Eagle conservation deal

By Catherine Teves (PNA)

MANILA – The government made history in its bid to prevent extinction of the Philippine Eagle while helping enhance diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Singapore through conservation of the country's endemic but critically endangered national bird.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday formalized the wildlife loan agreement on lending a pair of Philippine Eagles to its foreign foreign partner Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) for conservation-related purposes including breeding in Singapore.

DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said the signing of the deal marks "a new chapter in Philippine biodiversity conservation by reaching beyond our borders and cooperating with another sovereign State, the Republic of Singapore”.

He said lending the pair of Philippine eagles is a biosecurity measure that would ensure “there’ll be Philippine Eagles left in Singapore for breeding there in case catastrophe like avian disease outbreak hits the country and wipes out this species' population here”.

Cimatu reiterated that the DENR is open to the possibility of lending Philippine Eagles for breeding in other countries as well.

The Philippine Eagles (with scientific name 'Pithecophaga jefferyi') are top predators responsible for regulating populations of small animals that may pose danger to humans and crops.

With its dwindling population due to habitat loss and illegal hunting, experts estimate that there are less than 400 pairs left in the wild, according to the DENR.

WRS Deputy CEO and Chief Life Sciences Officer Dr. Cheng Wen-Haur signed the agreement and thanked the Filipinos for entrusting a pair of Philippine Eagles to the WRS.

"It's an honor and privilege to be the first recipient of Philippine Eagles," Cheng said after signing the conservation deal.

He said the agreement will promote long-term partnership on protecting and breeding the Philippine Eagle outside its native country.

"Loan of the eagles this year is especially symbolic as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of friendship between the Philippines and Singapore," he said.

The DENR and Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) Inc. will help WRS care for and breed the pair of Philippine Eagles by providing technical assistance.

The eagles will be on loan for an initial 10 years and there's possibility for renewal of the agreement, according to the DENR.

It clarified the pair and its offspring will still belong to the Philippine government.

The pair of the Philippine eagles will be brought to Singapore from Davao on June 4.

According to the PEF, the eagles will be quarantined for about a month before settling at Singapore's Jurong Bird Park, Asia's largest bird park which offers a 20.2-hectare hillside haven for nearly 3,500 birds of 400 species.

The WRS expects the pair of Philippine Eagles to be a crowd-drawer there.

The DENR said the pair consists of 15 year-old male eagle Geothermica and 17 year-old female eagle Sambisig.

Both are products of Davao City-based Philippine Eagle Center's conservation breeding program.

Proclamation 615 series of 1995 declared the Philippine Eagle as the country's national bird.

Such eagle's uniqueness, strength, power and love for freedom "exemplifies the Filipino people," according to Proclamation 615.

‘Tsuper Heroes Day’ launched

By Alexandria San Juan

At last 300 public utility drivers were given treats by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as it launched its first “Tsuper Heroes Day” on Saturday.

During the whole day program held at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City, a seminar on road safety and road courtesy was conducted by the agency for the attendees to improve their awareness on the overall safety and quality of service they can provide to the public.

“‘Tsuper Heroes Day’ is an event that the LTO-NCR East initiates in line with its road safety advocacy. Drivers being the most obvious group of our ‘unsung heroes’, work night and day to bring the commuting public to and from work safe and sound,” the agency said in a statement.

According to the LTO, the program also aims to improve the personal hygiene, grooming, and health of PUV drivers.

Apart from discussions on road safety, the PUV drivers were also pampered with free haircut, quick massage and free medical check-up with doctors from the Department of Health-Quezon City who also provided health tips for the attendees.

“Pampering our drivers will somehow relieve them of the daily stress brought by problems on the road especially traffic,” the LTO added.

TLDC creates perfect home for students

By Din M. Villafuerte (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Torre Lorenzo Development Corp. (TLDC), the pioneer in premium university residences, is expanding its portfolio once again, and this time it is heading north.

Soon to rise in Katipunan, Quezon City, is Torre Lorenzo Loyola, TLDC’s sixth student high-rise in the metro.

Student-centric residential developments have become a trend among local real estate developers. It may be a niche market but there is steady demand for such type of housing, according to Colliers International Philippines. TLDC, however, has been building condominiums designed especially for students for nearly two decades already, way before student condos became a trend.

Staying true to TLDC’s objective to afford its residents the convenience of proximity to their respective universities, Torre Lorenzo Loyola will be nestled along Rosa Alvero St. in Loyola Heights, just across Ateneo de Manila University and near Miriam College. University of the Philippines Diliman is nearby at merely 3 kilometers.

Review centers MSA Academic Advancement Institute and Ahead Tutorial Center are a few meters away as well.

Aside from being situated near the country’s top institutions of learning, TLDC’s latest offering is well within reach of neighborhood groceries, restaurants and shops. Rustan’s Supermarket, Robinsons Easymart Katipunan and UP Town Center are all within walking distance, too.

The 35-storey Torre Lorenzo Loyola will no doubt be just as meticulously planned as TLDC’s other premium student residents to cater to the needs of its residents. Homeowners and investors can choose from two unit types, studio and one-bedroom. Units range from 21 sqm to 40.75 sqm and come furnished with a kitchen, select bathroom fixtures, and wardrobe closet, among others.

As in other Torre Lorenzo student condominiums, safety is ensured given the property’s RFID access with “parent notification” feature. There is also a 24/7 security and emergency hotline, 24/7 resident assistance and CCTV cameras in circulation areas. Smoke detectors and fire sprinklers are installed in the units as well. Parents are therefore promised peace of mind and can sleep well at night knowing that their children are safe at Torre Lorenzo Loyola.

All study and no play makes even the brightest student a dull one, and Torre Lorenzo Loyola is equipped with well-thought-out amenities to give students the study-life balance they need and also aspire for. The property features a swimming pool, fitness center and sky deck garden. Residents can have friends over at the visitor’s lounge.

As with other TLDC university residences, WiFi-equipped study lounges are provided for the convenience of students. Residents can accommodate their schoolmates for group projects at the discussion rooms. Another WiFi-equipped study lounge will be available at the sky deck, though exclusively for residents—perfect for those times when the students get tired of studying within the confines of their units, and need a breath of fresh air and a change of scenery.

Currently, TLDC’s ever growing portfolio includes 1Torre Lorenzo, 2Torre Lorenzo and 3Torre Lorenzo, all a stone’s throw from De La Salle University, DLS-College of Saint Benilde and St. Scholastica’s College in Manila; Torre Lorenzo Malate, near University of the Philippines Manila and St. Paul University Manila; and Torre Lorenzo Central, located near University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University and University of the East.

Soon enough, Torre Lorenzo Loyola will add to this list of living spaces that students can call their home away from home—a premium residential development which does not only afford comfort and security but also promises to be the best investment.

QC maintains green city status

By Chito Chavez

Outgoing Quezon City Mayor Herbert M. Bautista stressed that the city’s ties with other Asian countries are key factors that made the locality maintain its status as a green city.

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Executive Order (EO) 75 last February 15, ordering DAR to acquire government-owned agricultural lands for eventual distribution to qualified beneficiaries.

Under EO 75, all agencies were also mandated to identify lands suitable for agriculture and submit a list of these lands to DAR, indicating the location and area of the said lands, actual use, and a legal basis of ownership.

“With this order from the President, more landless farmers will soon become landowners themselves,” Castriciones said.

To recall, Bautista warmly welcomed Osaka City Vice Mayor Seigo Tanaka and his delegation and discussed how Quezon City can establish further guidelines to attain low carbon growth.

Bautista said Osaka City has the best practices in terms of low carbon development and climate change mitigation that Quezon City can adapt to.

Low carbon growth involves using “green technologies” to lessen greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.

“A low carbon city avoids the use of fossil fuels. Instead, we look for an alternative and renewable source of energy such as the sun,” Environment Protection and Waste Management Department (QC-EPWMD) head Frederika Rentoy explained.

One of the projects discussed in the policy dialogue is the plan to build a solar farm at the previous landfill in Payatas.

Initial studies showed the proposed solar farm has the capacity to produce up to 3.4 megawatts of electricity that may be sold to power distributors.

Other low carbon initiatives brought up in the meeting included the possible technologies on the reducing emission of city’s garbage trucks, private industries that can reduce energy consumption, and wastewater treatment facilities that can be used toward a low carbon city.

Rentoy noted that QC proves that it can protect the environment while attaining economic growth.

“If we have a clean environment, we can encourage investments and investors that would mean employment to people and would increase revenue for the city,” Rentoy said.

The policy dialogue is part of the Memorandum of Understanding forged by Bautista and Osaka City Mayor Hirofumi Yoshimura last August 2018.

Quezon City has initiated various programs for climate change mitigation such as the creation of the Local Climate Change Action Plan.

Under the term of Bautista, the city government has started to promote green transport by purchasing electronic tricycles and electronic jeepneys that reduce GHG emissions.

Bautista noted the city will soon build its own waste-to-energy plant, as part of its green waste management program.

Quezon City is part of an international network of cities, such as the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives Southeast Asia, and C40 cities that are committed to taking action against climate change towards a sustainable future.

574 complete community drug rehab program in Quezon City

(THE MANILA TIMES)

THE Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council (QCADAAC) announced the graduation of 574 participants from the fourth batch of its community-based drug rehabilitation program.

In its commencement ceremony, QCADAAC Chairperson and Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte congratulated the graduates for completing the program, saying that a total of 2,800 have already completed the community rehabilitation modules and prescribed counseling since it started in 2016.

Meanwhile, she also vowed to further support the graduates in terms of their livelihood as she cited that lack of employment usually causes illegal drug abuse, according to their data from the QC Integrated Drug Abuse Profiling System (QC IDAPS).

Belmonte expressed confidence as the chairperson of QCADAAC that Quezon City has already improved in terms of alleviating the number of drug users and pushers with the intensified government intervention on rehabilitation and prevention among communities.

Quezon City Archived News

The older news reports are kept here.

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