Quezon City News April 2018

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

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

Globe GCash now accepts PRN-based SSS payments from employers

(SSS)

QUEZON CITY -- All employers registered in the Social Security System (SSS) can now use GCash in paying contributions of their employees using the Payment Reference Number (PRN), which serves for real-time posting of contribution payments.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said that nearly one million employers, including household employers, will benefit from the mobile wallet service powered by Globe Telecom.

“This is part of the continuing improvements in the recently implemented new SSS collection system that makes use of PRNs to allow real-time posting of contributions. In partnership with Globe’s GCash, PRN-based contribution payment is now made faster and easier for business and household employers through their mobile phones,” Dooc said.

The GCash facility is a free mobile application exclusive to Globe or Touch Mobile prepaid users and postpaid subscribers. To pay through GCash, employers must use the system-generated PRNs, which they can obtain from the My.SSS portal in the SSS website.

To start using GCash, employers should register either by downloading the GCash app or dialing *143# to access the self-service menu using their Globe or TM mobile accounts.

Both business and household employers will be asked to assign a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to proceed with registration. The PIN must be keyed in together with the following information: for business employers, the first and last name of the company representative and complete company address; and for household employers, the employer’s first and last name, and address.

“It’s easy to get started paying SSS contributions with GCash. Once registered, just dial *137 and follow these steps: First, select 2 for 'National Government Agency' from the list of billers. Next, select 'SSS Employer/Household' then press 1 for contribution. In the next field that will appear, enter the PRN and click submit.” Dooc said.

For every successful transaction, GCash users will receive a text confirmation indicating the payment details, employer ID Number, applicable payment period and PRN.

“Globe GCash also offers a safe means for all our registered employers to pay contribution without any service fee,” Dooc explained.

Globe GCash lets users to purchase load credits, do online shopping, transfer funds, and pay bills. Users can put funds in their GCash mobile wallets by going to any authorized GCash partners, and through mobile phone banking and online bank transfers, among others.

For inquiries, employers may contact the GCash Customer Service Support Hotline at 739-2883, SSS Call Center at 920-6446 to 55, or email member_relations@sss.gov.ph.

SSS revises payment deadlines for contribution payments

(SSS)

QUEZON CITY -- In response to the widespread request from employers and individual members, the Social Security System (SSS) said it revised the payment deadlines for the payment of contributions for the applicable months starting January to June 2018.

Under Resolution No. 361-s.2018, the Social Security Commission revised the payment deadlines. For employers, the existing deadline of 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th and month-end following the applicable month depending on the 10th digit of the 13-digit Employer No. has been moved to month-end following the applicable month.

For example, if an employer’s deadline for the payment of contributions for the applicable month of March 2018 is April 10, 2018, such contributions can still be paid until April 30, 2018 without penalties.

Similarly, self-employed and voluntary members can pay up to the month-end following the applicable month or quarter of contribution payment regardless of the last digit of the individual member’s SS Number.

For example, if individual members failed to pay either their March 2018 or January to March 2018 contributions on their respective deadlines, they can still pay these contributions until April 30, 2018.

The revised payment schedule was implemented in view of the system infrastructure adjustments brought about by the Real-Time Posting of Contributions (RTPC) program.

Any penalties paid by employers based on the existing payment deadlines covering the applicable months of January to June 2018 shall be refunded.

As of end-December 2017, SSS has more than 960,000 registered employers and some combined 8.63 million registered voluntary and self-employed members.

PDEA now better equipped for war on drugs

By Susan G. De Leon (SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) presented on Wednesday, April 25, its newly delivered procured high-powered firearms and protective and Information Technology (IT) equipment that will be used by the operating units in different regional offices nationwide.

The equipment are expected to boost the Agency’s capability in facing head on the drug problem which continue to destroy precious lives and is the root cause of numerous criminality in the country.

“As the lead agency in the national anti-drug campaign, our operating units must be well equipped and protected in addressing the drug menace,” PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino said.

The protective equipment includes tactical modular type vest, mobile armor rifle protective/ballistic shield and high powered firearms.

Aquino said that one of the strategies that served as the benchmark of PDEA in accomplishing its mission is the enhancement of the Agency’s operational capability through output based logistical support for operation.

“Appropriate logistical provision is needed that includes mobility, firepower, protective equipment, and office equipment,” Aquino pointed out.

Last January 18, 2018, PDEA spent more than P90 million in the acquisition and funding of additional equipment and motor vehicles to better equip itself in waging an all-out war against illegal drugs.

QC seniors, youth join hands for environment protection

By Susan G. De Leon (SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Quezon City Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department, together with the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs and the Parks Development and Administration Department, conducted a tree planting activity as part of this year’s Earth Day celebration.

During the activity called “Pamanang Yaman,” 50 senior citizens together with their grandchildren planted tree saplings at the Pugad Lawin Shrine located in Project 8, Quezon City.

According to Frederika Rentoy, chief of the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department, the event aims to instil a sense of responsibility to the youth in taking care of the environment.

“For this year, the activity focused on the turnover of responsibility in taking care of the environment. Grandparents symbolically turnover the responsibility of environment protection to their grandchildren. We make change work for the environment,” Rentoy said.

Participants planted fruit-bearing trees such as sampaloc, santol, and duhat together with narra, ipil, and molave. It was said that fruit-bearing trees were abundant in Pugad Lawin during the time of the Philippine Revolution.

QC govt, group to stage Solo Parents Day on April 28

By Leilani Junio (PNA)

MANILA -- The Quezon City government and a group pushing for the welfare of solo parents will be holding a Solo Parents Day celebration at the Quezon Memorial City on Saturday, April 28.

Carina Javier, president of the Federation of Solo Parents Luzvimin Inc., said the activity will be highlighted by zumba exercises, information caravan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and free legal consultation courtesy of Public Attorney's Office.

Javier said the event is part of the campaign to amend some of the provisions in the Republic Act 8972 or the Solo Parent Welfare Act of 2000, which primarily grants discounts and benefits to solo parents.

"It's almost 18 years and hindi pa din (it's still not) fully implemented all over the Philippines. This is an antiquated, vague, toothless law," said Javier in an interview with Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday.

At present, she said the only concrete benefit that solo parents may avail of is the seven days parental leave if the solo parent is working, however in some private companies this privilege is still not fully enforced.

The group is also proposing amendments to the law including 20 percent discount when solo parents purchase of baby's milk and food supplements made within three years from the child's birth, medicines and vaccines for the child made within 18 years of the child's birth.

The 20 percent discount should also apply to hospital bill of the solo parent when his or her child is admitted to a public or private hospital and public and private recreational facilities where solo parents spend time with their children.

The following discounts are also being proposed: 12 percent for basic necessities; 15 percent for school supplies until the child reaches the age of 21; 10 percent for school tuition per child studying college in either a public or private school; and 10 percent for consultation and laboratory diagnostic fees, as well as purchase of medicines for solo parents and their dependents.

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and other city councilors who are strong advocates of Solo Parents are expected to grace the event this Saturday.

Other associations of solo parents in different cities will also hold their respective Solo Parents Day this month.

LTO inaugurates license plate-making facility

(PR)

MANILA -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has inaugurated Tuesday its own license plate making plant which will help facilitate the issuance of vehicle license plates to address its backlog.

The facility will enable the LTO to manufacture vehicle plates faster and more efficient, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Its launch has coincided with LTO's 106th founding anniversary.

“The LTO had a lot on its plate when we took over. There was a huge backlog in license cards, while the court stopped the distribution of plates. Isa-isa nating sinolusyunan ‘yan. Ngayon, may lisensya na at five years pa ang validity. Ngayon, hindi lang basta na-distribute ang mga plaka. Gagawa pa tayo ng sariling plaka (One by one, we are finding solutions. Now, we have driver's license with five years validity. Now we not only distribute vehicle plates, we would make our own),” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said as he conducted an inspection of the plant at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City.

DOTr and LTO rolled out seven manual embossing machines which can produce up to 22,000 plates daily. These machines are already calibrated and operational, with one automated embossing machine arriving in July, and set to be operational by August 2018.

The machines will enable LTO to manufacture its own plates rather than outsourcing the service.

Earlier this month, Tugade, along with LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Martin Delgra and other DOTr road sector officials, inspected the plate making machines, which were delivered last Feb. 26, 2018.

The plate-making machines were part of the contract of Trojan Computer Forms Manufacturing Corporation and JH. Tonnjes E.A.S.T. GmbH Joint Venture, who won the contract for the procurement of motor vehicle and motorcycle license plates to address the backlog from July 2016.

Tugade said the DOTr targets to release the plates of those who bought vehicles from July 2016 onwards in August or September this year.

'Earth Day Jam' set on April 28

By Ma. Alaine P. Allanigue (MAPA/PIA-NCR with reports from the Earth Day Jam Foundation)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Earth Day Jam Foundation, together with the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), and other partners will hold the “Earth Day Jam” on Saturday, April 28, 5pm at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

The longest running and biggest annual one-of-a-kind environmental musical event in the history of the Philippines and in the world will feature over 100 musicians.

This year's theme emphasizes on key elements: Water, Air and Trash (WAT). WAT is a running advocacy that has kept Earth Day Jam grounded with the youth, development organizations and government institutions working on environment welfare and protection.

According to Earth Day Jam founder, singer Lou Bonnevie, the Foundation believes that the annual live music event continues to influence Filipinos, through music and education, and teaches them to be responsible in caring more for planet Earth’s well-being. She said the organization aims to encourage the youth to be pro-active in saving the planet aside from giving online support and posting.

“Everybody has a key role when it comes to conserving the environment. We can protect Mother Earth through simple things like conserving water, keeping the air we breathe clean and managing an almost zero trash environment,” Bonnevie said.

Featured artists include Abra, Barbie Almalbis, Chicosi, Grace Note, Joey Ayala, Lou Bonnevie, Mayonnaise, Philia, Rouge, Sandwich, Sud, Tanya Markova, the Chongkeys and Wally Gonzalez joined by Wolfgang guitarist Manuel Legarda and introducing ace guitar protégé Gabriel Lazaro. Special guest artists shall include LA “grassroot” rapper Aw Day P, who will be flying in from LA for the said event.

The jam will be hosted by actors Alvin Anson and Phoebe Walker, TV personality Pam Nieva and the Earth Day Jam Foundation’s Corporate Secretary and youth spokesperson Midi Gentica.

A special citation will also be given to singer Joey Ayala, a known environmentalist. Resource speakers, experts and official from DENR and partner agencies will discuss current environmental issues.

Interactive exhibits that include art and drum sessions, electric vehicle display, biking demo, organic stalls and many more will also be put up at the event’s area, while a film showing featuring environmental documentaries will be shown before the concert.

“These exhibiting booths engage people to learn about Mother Earth through actual social participation with other guests,” Bonnevie said.

The Philippine Information Agency - National Capital Region (PIA-NCR) in partnership with the PRRC will launch "Ang River Warrior," a 20-minute puppet play especially produced for kids to show the ill effects of garbage on river and waterways, and to teach them how to help conserve the environment.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City local government unit will lead the Earth Day Jam Recyclable Trading, a campaign on recycling, starting at 3PM (April 28). Participants who will bring paper, pet bottles and aluminum cans will receive concert VIP passes and freebies.

Based on Proclamation No. 1481, s. 2008, designated Aprill 22 of every year as observance Earth Day, while Proclamation 1482 issued on April 10, 2008 declared the month of April as the Earth Month.

Other activities included in the event are Anti-trash Experiment, an experimental activity that involves the concert goers in weighing the accumulated garbage during the event to raise awareness on trash throwing; Gaia Awards will also be given to individuals and organizations who have successfully contributed to the welfare of the overall environmental campaign and advocacy efforts in the Philippines; and “Future Green”, an online initiative that engages Filipinos to submit their best ideas concerning renewable energy on Earth Day Jam’s official social media page.

CSC to conduct another career service exam on August 12

(CSC)

QUEZON CITY, April 23 -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) calls for applications for the August 12 Career Service Examination-Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT).

Those who weren’t able to take the March 18 conduct of the CSE-PPT Professional and Sub-professional levels may start submitting their application at the CSC Regional or Field Office where they intend to take the exam. Acceptance of applications is until June 22, 2018. However, the CSC advises interested applicants to file their applications as early as possible as this is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The CSE-PPT for Professional and SubProfessional examinations are open to Filipino citizens who are at least 18 years old at the time of filing of application regardless of their educational attainment, and who have not yet met the limitation on the frequency of taking the career service exams, which shall be once in three months for the same level of examination.

Interested applicants must complete the following requirements: (1) Properly accomplished Application Form (CS Form No. 100, Revised September 2016, available at any CSC Regional/Field Office, and downloadable from the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph); (2) Four pieces of recently taken (not more than three months ago) passport sized (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) I.D. pictures in white background, showing the applicant’s bare face (without eye glasses or any accessory that may cover facial features), and with hand-held and written name tag legibly showing the applicant’s signature over printed full name; (3) Original and photocopy of any valid I.D. cards (see fb.com/PhilippineCivilServiceCommission for reference); and (4) If the I.D. card has no indicated date of birth, original and photocopy of birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (formerly National Statistics Office), or the Local Civil registry printed on security paper. Examination fee for both levels of examination is P500.

Passers of the Career Service examinations will be conferred either the Professional Eligibility, or the SubProfessional Eligibility. The former is appropriate to clerical and technical positions in the government while the latter is appropriate only to clerical positions.

For more details and updates, please visit the CSC website (www.csc.gov.ph) or follow the CSC Facebook Page (fb.com/PhilippineCivilServiceCommission).

SSS maternity notification now available via Text-SSS

(SSS)

QUEZON CITY -- The Social Security System (SSS) has announced that voluntary and self-employed female members can now use the Text-SSS facility in submitting maternity notifications as part of its mandate to continuously provide better service.

SSS President and Chief Executive Emmanuel Dooc said that with the Text-SSS facility, individually-paying members have another way of notifying SSS about their pregnancy aside from the current practice of submitting maternity notifications directly to any SSS branch.

“With just one text away, expecting mothers can now inform SSS of their pregnancy. It is more convenient for them since they no longer need to go to SSS personally to comply with the notification requirement,” said Dooc.

Dooc added that members will not be required initially to submit a proof of pregnancy when notifying the SSS using the facility. However, the proof of pregnancy must be submitted to SSS once the member applies for reimbursement of her maternity benefit.

The agency chief also emphasized that maternity notification via Text-SSS is exclusive to individually paying members for now, and that employed members must still notify the SSS through their employers.

Submission of the maternity notification via text message should be in the following format: SSS MATERNITYNOTIF <SSNumber> <PIN> <Expected Delivery Date MM/DD/YYYY> <Total Number of Pregnancies (including this pregnancy)> to be sent to 2600.

Each text costs P2.50 for Globe /Touch Mobile and smart subscribers and P2.00 for Sun Cellular subscribers. The member will receive a confirmation once the maternity notification is successfully received by SSS.

Aside from the Text-SSS facility, maternity notifications can be done online thru the My.SSS portal in the SSS website. Members will be asked to provide information such as expected date of delivery, number of delivery, and date of last delivery or miscarriage. 

“Text-SSS and online facilities are our answer to the growing need of members for a more convenient and accessible means of transacting with SSS for their maternity claims. Rest assured that SSS will also devise more friendly means for other benefits,” said Dooc.

QCHD intensifies mental health public awareness campaign

By Susan G. De Leon (SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Quezon City Health Department recently launched a community-based mental health handbook as part of the intensified mental health program of the city government.

The handbook is part of the initiative to further capacitate the city’s health workers. It will also serve as a guide to help them identify mental disorders, how to address and care for mentally ill patients, and the right institutions where the patients can be referred to.

Mayor Herbert Bautista has directed the City Health Department to ramp up public awareness on mental health issues.

Bautista also directed the city’s health centers to coordinate with other private mental health institutions to further enhance their knowledge on mental health, and focus on the top three most common mental disorders namely: Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

He also emphasized on the importance of the city’s health and information education sectors to come up with information campaigns and other programs surround mental health and address mental health issues through the schools’ guidance counsellors.

“Through this program, hopefully we would be able to address ‘yung awareness ng mental dysfunction at the school level,” Bautista said.

A study on mental health among detainees and victims of substance abuse in rehabilitation centers is also being looked into.

“Let’s give ourselves three months to develop this program, by DepEd, Division of City Schools, and the City Jail. I-develop natin para on the third month, on July let’s present para ma-enhance natin,” the mayor added.


Hazards information at the tip of your fingers

(DOST-Phivolcs)

QUEZON CITY, April 20 -- The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) has provided our stakeholders a convenient, quick, and hassle-free online access to hazard maps. Local government units, government agencies, and other stakeholders can now access hazard maps using their computers and even through their smartphones free of charge.

Stakeholders can now go to https://gisweb.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/hazardmap and fill out the form to download the maps. Active faults, ground shaking, liquefaction, earthquake-induced landslide, tsunami, volcanic hazards, and lahar hazard maps can be downloaded through a link that will be sent via email. The hazard maps are in kmz, pdf or jpg formats. Specific hazards assessment and SHP file may be requested as well.

The hazard maps should be used as basis for disaster awareness, prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response plans of the local government. It can also be used as a tool for land-use planning, teaching aid, urban planning, and risk assessment.

Accessing the hazard maps online through this site in the comfort of their homes or offices will save the stakeholders the time and money. This is one of the efforts of DOST-PHIVOLCS to continually improve our services to serve the public better.

QC senior citizens get social pension

By Lucia F. Broño (LFB/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, April 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with the Quezon City Office of Senior Citizens Affairs, recently released the social pension to approximately 10,000 registered indigent seniors residing in the city.

According to Arwin Mancilla, project development officer of DSWD-NCR, the target number of beneficiaries in QC is 16,000. As of now, there are 10,000 beneficiaries who already claimed their social pension.

“Malaki pa ‘yung variance. Sana mas paigtingin pa ‘yung information dissemination ng mga barangay coordinator para mas marami pang makapag-claim ng stipend,” Mancilla said.

He said unclaimed stipend in the preceding quarter within the year can still be claimed in the succeeding months.

The cash pay-out in Quezon City Hall ended last March 27. However, the DSWD will continue giving the cash pay-out at the DSWD office at 389 San Rafael St., cor. Legarda St., Sampaloc, Manila.

To become a beneficiary, one must have an official OSCA ID that will show which local government unit he/she is registered. In the case of unavailability of the beneficiary, a representative is allowed to present an authorization letter, representative’s government issued ID, and a photo with the beneficiary while holding a recent published newspaper for proof that the beneficiary is still alive.

QC digital arts and animation contest winners awarded

By Susan G. De Leon (SDL/PIA-NCR with reports from QC PAISO)

QUEZON CITY, April 18 (PIA) -- Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista awarded students who topped the various competitions held during the recent QC Animation and Information Technology Fair 2018 organized by the QC Information Technology Development Office (QC ITDO) in partnership with the Korea-Philippines Information Technology Training Center.

Those who topped the various competitions include: EJ G. Tabilog, Debrafaye Z. Layaguen, and Mikee C. Frilles of Leandro Locsin Sr. High School (Experimental Short Animation); Adrianne May A. Sapalaran, Madel I. Andanar, and Joselle Joyce B. Garcia from CIIT College of Arts and Technology (Animation).

Augistine Donnell A. Mitra bagged the first prize in On-the-Spot Traditional Drawing, Marty N. Sy of CIIT College of Arts and Technology won first prize in On-the-Spot Digital Painting, and Team CSTA of Colegio de Sta. Teresa de Avila was adjudged as grand prize winner of the QC Inter-School DOTA 2 Invitational Tournament.

Certificates of recognition and cash prizes were given to the first prize winners in different categories, namely: Experimental Short Animation (P10, 000), Animathon (P15,000), On-the-Spot Traditional Drawing (P5,000), On-the-Spot Digital Painting (P10,000), and Juxtapose 1st QC Inter-School DOTA 2 Invitational Tournament (P50,000).

QC ITDO head Reynaldo Paul M. Imjada said, the event was conducted to equip the QC residents with the latest trends in information technology and improve the youth’s competitiveness in digital arts.

The animation contest showcased the emerging technologies in the field of animation, IT, and its key role to the city’s initiative towards a Smart Sustainable City.

The QC Animation and IT Fair 2018, with the theme, ‘Digital Tools for Developing Smart Citizens’ was held at the QCX Museum.

QC adopts updated disaster contingency plan

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor (PNA)

MANILA -- The Quezon City government has approved on Monday an updated disaster contingency plan (DCP).

The disaster contingency plan is updated annually to further develop and capacitate the previous year’s plan.

Quezon City Risk Reduction Management Council (QCDRRMC) head Michael Marasigan said one of the highlights of the updated DCP include checking and monitoring of buildings and other infrastructures to ensure their resiliency against tremors and possible collapse.

“Binigyan tayo ng (We were given) new formats at new mechanism and components kung papaano natin ito mas mapapaganda (on how we can make this more efficient),” Marasigan said in an interview.

Marasigan said everything must be “put into practice and not just planning.”

“Dapat pina-practice din natin ‘yung plano regularly. Makikita natin ‘yung effectivity nito sa mga drills at simulation exercises (We should practice the plan regularly as well. We will be able to see its effectivity in the drills and simulation exercises),” he added.

The plan also prepares the cooperation of local hospitals and health centers with the Philippine Blood Center and other blood banks to provide ample supply of blood for would-be victims and other health-related concerns.

It has been adopted as the main strategy to be employed by national government agencies to ensure earthquake resiliency.

More than 30,000 students to complete tertiary education

(DSWD)

QUEZON CITY -- Around 34,000 students from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are expected to graduate under the Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGPPA). The ESGPPA is implemented by the Commission on Higher Education together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

“We commend our graduates for making it this far. We also laud the unwavering support of their families that brought them to where they are right now. Despite the hardships and the difficulties, they did not falter”, shared DSWD Secretary Emmanuel Leyco.

In 2012, SGPPA was launched covering 4,000 students. This was later on expanded to cover additional 36,000 students in 2014.

The program provided opportunities to 4Ps households who have children who are determined to pursue college education and qualified for the scholarship. A college degree for the children-beneficiaries opens an opportunity for them to access better employment and help them improve their lives.

“We recognize that having a degree will not immediately translate to an improved quality of life, but it’s a stepping stone that will lead them to better opportunities. Through the program, we have given these poor children as well as their families a fighting chance to a better quality of life,” added Secretary Leyco.

Beneficiaries of the program are required to take up courses that are among those identified with the national development plans manpower demands. These include Information Technology (IT)-related courses in agriculture, education, science and math, engineering and health sciences-related courses.

The 4P’s or Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) is a program of the national government that invests in the health and education of poor households primarily of children aged 18 and below. It is implemented by the DSWD together with other government agencies to include the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DoH).

It provides cash grants to compliant household beneficiaries with health grant worth P500 and educational grants worth P300 and P500.00 each to the children studying in elementary and high school, respectively. As of 30 March 2018, there are 4.3 million households enrolled in the program.

DepED steps up public awareness on computerization program

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor (PNA)

MANILA -- The Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine National Police (PNP), intensified on Friday the public's awareness about the agency's computerization program.

In a press conference at Juan Sumulong High School, education officials inspected and launched the new set of computer packages that they will deploy to public schools starting this school year.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones said many people think that there is a big difference between public schools and private schools because of lack of technology in the former.

“Ngayon (Now) we are bridging that kind of thinking because right now many of our public schools are really excelling in the same manner that private schools are maintaining their standards," Briones said.

For his part, Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del Pascua said DepED Computerization Program (DCP) aims to provide public schools with appropriate information and communications technologies that would improve the teaching and learning of teachers and students.

Del Pascua said that around 14, 289, 301 public school learners and 451,118 public school teachers will benefit from DCP.

DepEd’s 2018 budget for DCP is PHP8,647,589,756.

“For 2019, we’re proposing a similar budget or around like that because we have a major process for computerization,” Del Pascua said.

He said all the DCP equipment are usual targets of theft so DepEd is appealing to the public to help them in securing the computers.

DepEd has come up with new theft and fencing countermeasures to deter pilferage of the computers.

Del Pascua explained that they changed the color of the computers and laptops to light blue on top of the DepEd logo for quick identification that they are government properties.

“For this year, we have IT officers and teachers who will take care of the monitoring process. Later on, next year, we’re looking into electronic monitoring meaning we can determine where the computers are. The moment they turn on the computer we can detect where it is which is part of the new specs…chips,” he said.

PNP Director for Community Relations Eduardo Serapio Garado said there are other measures which DepEd can implement to deter theft.

Garado said schools’ computer laboratories must have window railings and security guards to avoid break-ins.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Malaya, DILG Assistant Secretary for Communications and Capacity Development, said they will be encouraging the local government units (LGUs) to support DepEd in securing all the DCP equipment.

“In particular, we will be issuing a memorandum circular to all the local government officials to support the recipient elementary and high schools for them to provide security guards. The LGUs have authority, also the CCTV, we request the LGUs in the entire country to replicate the security here in Quezon City for schools,” Malaya said.

Over 170 QC students to receive public service award

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor (PNA)

MANILA -- The Quezon City government is set to recognize grade school and high school students for their selfless service to their respective schools and communities.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte said that she will give “Joy of Public Service” Award to 147 elementary students and 30 secondary students for School Year ‎2017-2018.

On top of the award, each of the student will receive a medal, a special certificate, and PHP2,000 cash gift.

"The point of the award is to recognize the most service-oriented students. So ito yung mga bata na (these are the kids who) nagpa-practice ng (the) volunteerism, ito yung mga bata na (these are the kids who are) active sa mga iba-ibang (in different) organizations na may (which have) relevance sa kabataan (to the youth), like socially relevant organizations or environmentally relevant organizations. Ito rin yung mga batang kusang loob na nagtatrabaho, naglilingkod at tumutulong na walang kapalit (These are also the kids who voluntarily work, serve and help others for nothing in return),” Belmonte said.

She said she goes around the city’s public schools to attend commencement exercises and personally hand out the award to selected students.

Belmonte said students, who are candidates for the award, must demonstrate the value of “service above self” and should “show exemplary commitment to the service of the school, its communities and its students.”

The local official said students must also show interest and genuine concern on social issues such as environmental protection and children’s rights and welfare.

"I believe that the basis for good leadership is not high grades, but the ability, capacity or willingness to serve the community. The award doesn't go to the student with the highest grade; it goes to the one who has the most selfless heart,” Belmonte said.

Donated rubber boats, amphibian truck to boost disaster relief efforts

By Priam Nepomuceno (PNA)

MANILA -- The five rubber boats and one amphibian truck donated by San Miguel Brewery Incorporated will be a big boost to the military's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities.

This was emphasized by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the turnover ceremonies held at the General Headquarters Canopy Area, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Wednesday afternoon.

"The DND is truly grateful to San Miguel Brewery for donating one amphibian truck and five sets of rubber boats. These equipment will be of great use to our Armed Forces in providing humanitarian assistance and conducting disaster response operations, which are among the core functions of the DND," Lorenzana said.

The defense chief stressed that amphibian trucks and rubber boats have proven to be critical HADR assets that can certainly make the DND response to crisis mitigation more rapid, coordinated, and appropriate.

"This is in terms of ensuring faster and more effective delivery of relief and aid, and having the capability to perform critical missions even in areas that are inaccessible," he pointed out.

Lorenzana also assured the donor that the equipment will be put to good use by upholding the people’s constitutional rights to life and property, addressing the root cause of vulnerabilities to disaster; and strengthening the country’s institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management; and building the resilience of local communities to disasters.

"We are grateful for all our stakeholders like San Miguel Brewery for helping us in attaining these goals. The concerted efforts of the public and private sector will certainly lead to a safer and more secure Philippines," Lorenzana concluded.

More women and child help desks in QC barangays sought

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor (PNA)

MANILA -- To provide adequate protection to women against all forms of crimes and abuses, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte has proposed the creation of additional women and children’s help desks in communities.

“There is an issue that maybe we can use the GAD budget for these things, or gamitin din tulad ng, halimbawa, pagbibigay ng puhunan para sa mga babaeng gustong magkaroon ng trabaho (use also like, providing capital for women who want to have a job),” Belmonte said in a statement.

Belmonte suggested using the city’s Gender and Development (GAD) budget for the creation of additional help desks.

She cited a recent study conducted by the Social Weather Stations which showed that women are most vulnerable to sexual harassment, especially in public places.

The study also stated that 3 out 5 women in Quezon City were sexually harassed at least once in their lifetime.

“With more women and children’s protection desks in every barangay, in addition to those at the police stations, we can address the vulnerabilities of women,” Belmonte said.

Belmonte said that all government offices, local government units, and state universities and colleges are enjoined to utilize at least five percent of their budget for programs that promote gender equality under the GAD Budget Policy.

Belmonte explained that Quezon City’s annual budget for 2018 is PHP19 billion, five percent of which translates to roughly PHP950 million. She said such amount can be used in providing more opportunities for women empowerment and reduction and eradication of all forms of violence against women.

PNP launches sports, music training program

By Benjamin Pulta (PNA)

MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday formally opened its summer sports training and recreation program with the theme: “Sports at Musika Handog ng Kapulisan Upang Droga ay Maiwasan”.

PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa graced the opening ceremony at the PNP Sports Center in Camp Crame, together with other PNP officials and police officers, non-uniformed personnel (NUP) and their dependents.

The program aims to promote the overall well-being, health, and fitness of uniformed and non-uniformed personnel based at the PNP headquarters and their dependents.

This year’s training program offers 15 different sports including Aikido, Arnis, Badminton, Dancesport, Basketball, Boxing, Chess, Judo, Karatedo, Muay Thai, Lawn Tennis, Swimming, Table Tennis, Swimming for Persons with Disability (PWD), and Taekwondo.

Lessons on band instruments such as: saxophone, guitar, keyboard, flute, clarinet, drums, trumpet, and trombone are also offered.

"I've been in the service for a long time, I know many children of police officers, especially those who are known in the field of law enforcement. They (police officers) are feared by criminals and admired by the victims. But at home, they are nothing. They failed to take care of their children because of their round-the-clock work. The children grow up without parental guidance and many of them have wasted lives. They turn to drugs, bad peers and alcohol. Because of lack of attention from parents, they became the neighborhood toughie. Some of them are women who got pregnant at an early age. This program aims to compensate the emptiness that they feel," Dela Rosa said in Filipino.

Chief Supt. Philip Gil Phillipps, PNP Headquarters Support Service (HSS) Director, said all PNP personnel, NUP, PNP dependents and other civilians who are duly sponsored or endorsed by PNP units could participate in the said program.

Registration is free and is still ongoing at the HSS office located at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

DSWD urges groups to reach out to indigents w/autism

By Leilani Junio (PNA)

MANILA --The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday urged support groups of persons with autism and other disabilities to reach out to poor communities who have family members that are suffering from the same conditions.

"Together let us take it upon ourselves to advocate so that those who are disadvantaged brothers and sisters who have family members suffering from intellectual disabilities and other disabilities can also receive intervention expertise which will help empower them to improve their lives," said DSWD Undersecretary Maria Lourdes Turalde-Jarabe.

Speaking at the 11th World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) held at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Jarabe cited how hard it is for parents to cope with and find solutions in handling their chldren with autism which could be doubly difficult to those who belong to underprivileged members of the community.

Jarabe said that she herself had to exhaust all efforts to find the proper intervention for her two-year-old child who has been diagnosed with speech disorder.

"We ourselves should work together to remove the barriers that is disabling us. We ourselves must reach out to them," she added.

Jarabe said she wants the advocates to share their expertise to poor families who have members with disabilities on the interventions that were made for their children so that they can be replicated in the community-based settings.

The annual WAAD celebration was highlighted by seminar on autism, awarding of autism advocates and lighting of the Big Dome's green gate with blue light as part of raising awareness on autism. The "Light It Up Blue" event is a worldwide initiative that coincides with the UN observance which is a symbolic way of standing up and understanding peoplen with autism.

Meanwhile, Carmen Zubiaga, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) executiver director, cited the importance of creating an enabling, protective and promoting the rights of persons with autism and other children suffering from different intellectual disabilities.

Zubiaga said that it is important that different sectors down to the barangay (village) levels of local government unit are active in making the rights of persons with disabilities real.

She added that the seminars are also way for different sectors of society to understand on how they will handle or deal with persons with autism and other intellectual disabilities to better serve them in a society that promotes inclusiveness.

"We really have to educate the community. Sometimes they mix autism to those with psychiatric conditions, psychosis. But this is different. Persons with autism are high achievers and they are capable of taking a future at their hand if given the right rehabilitation and proper raising by the whole family," she said.

NCDA is an attached agency of DSWD.

QC mayor okays creation of Amorsolo Senior High School

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor (PNA)

MANILA -- Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has signed an ordinance authorizing the creation of Fernando C. Amorsolo Senior High School.

City Ordinance ‎2656-2018 states that the Local School Board has recommended to name the Senior High School within M. H. del Pilar Elementary School compound in Barangay Kamuning after Fernando C. Amorsolo.

“In honor of his legacy, the senior high school to be established at Barangay Kamuning, shall be named as Fernando C. Amorsolo Senior High School,” the ordinance read.

The ordinance was introduced by City Councilor Julienne Alyson Rae V. Medalla.

Amorsolo, also known as the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art” and is famous for his craftsmanship and mastery in the use of natural light, is the first National Artist of the country.

Amorsolo is also popular for developing the backlighting technique that became his artistic trademark and greatest contribution to Philippine art.

The Fernando C. Amorsolo Senior High School will offer Academic and Technical-Vocational Livelihood tracks including General Academic and Animation and Computer Programming Strands.

How QC became biggest LGU in Metro Manila

By Severino Samonte (PNA)

MANILA -- If you are from the provinces but now live anywhere in Metro Manila, you may have been wondering why Quezon City has larger land area compared with other local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region or NCR.

Here’s why Quezon City has a territorial jurisdiction of 171.71 square kilometers or 17,171 hectares, which account for one-fourth of the entire region. NCR is composed of 16 cities and one municipality and has a total land area of 619.54 sq. km.

When Quezon City was created under Commonwealth Act No. 502, which was signed by President Manuel L. Quezon on Oct. 12, 1939, it only had an area of 73.35 sq. km. or 7,335 hectares taken from the then adjacent Rizal towns of Caloocan, San Juan, Pasig, Marikina, and Mandaluyong.

Caloocan was then the biggest town among these areas as it then included the neighboring 48-year-old municipality of Novaliches, which was abolished and reduced to a barrio in 1903 as part of the economic measures of the early American regime in the Philippines.

After Quezon’s death at Saranac Lake, New York on Aug. 1, 1944, the Philippine Congress passed Republic Act No. 333 on July 17, 1948 which made QC as the new capital of the country, replacing Manila.

This law required the relocation of the QC boundary further north, thereby slicing Novaliches almost through the middle. It also marked the inclusion in the new capital city of the summer residence of then President Elpidio Quirino, which was on a hill that overlooked the scenic vicinity of the La Mesa dam or Novaliches reservoir.

With the addition of half of Novaliches to QC, its area was increased to over 15,000 hectares. A series of amendments to the original QC charter since then resulted in the increase of the city’s area to 171.17 sq. km. or 17,171 hectares at present.

Meanwhile, the 16 other LGUs of NCR and their corresponding areas (in decreasing units of sq. km. based on Philippine Statistics Authority data) are: Caloocan City, 55.80; Pasig City, 48.46; Valenzuela City, 47.02; Paranaque City, 46.57; Taguig City, 45.21; Muntinlupa City, 39.75; Las Pinas City, 32.69; Manila, 24.98; Makati City, 21.57; Marikina City, 21.52; Malabon City, 15.71; Pasay City, 13.97; Pateros (the lone remaining municipality), 10.40; Mandaluyong City, 9.29; Navotas City, 8.94; and San Juan City, 5.95.

Since Quezon City has the largest area in the metropolis, it also accounts for the biggest population of 2,936,116 as of 2015, also based on PSA data.

It is followed by Manila with 1,780,148 people; Caloocan City, 1,583,978; Taguig City, 804,935; Pasig City, 755,300; Paranaque City, 665,822; Valenzuela City, 620,422; Las Pinas City, 588,894; Makati City, 582,602; Muntinlupa City, 504,509; Marikina City, 450,741; Pasay City, 416,522; Mandaluyong City, 386,276; Malabon City, 365,525; Navotas City, 249,463; San Juan City, 122,180; and Pateros, 63,840.

On May 29, 1976, then President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 940 restoring Manila as the national capital and reverting QC to its original status as a city created in honor of its late founder, former President Quezon.

The decree became effective on June 24 of that year, coinciding with the celebration of Manila’s 405th anniversary.

In P.D. 940, Marcos said “Manila has always been, to the Filipino people and in the eye of the world, the premier city of the Philippines, it being the center of trade, commerce, education and culture; and from time immemorial has been the seat of the national government of the Philippines.”

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