Quezon City News August 2014

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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.

QC-PESO to conduct job fair on Sept. 2

(PNA), SCS/LSJ

MANILA, Aug. 31 (PNA) -- The Quezon City Public Employment Service Office (QC-PESO) will conduct a one-day on-the-spot hiring job fair on Sept. 2 at the covered walk near the Legislative Wing of the QC Hall.

According to Mayor Herbert M. Bautista, the job fair is in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)–QC Field Office and Super Value Inc., operator of SM Supermarket.

“The one-day job fair will cater to applicants for jobs like accounting clerks, office staff, office/clerical positions and salesclerks,” the mayor said.

He encouraged new college graduates to take advantage of the employment opportunities being offered through the job fair.

Applicants are advised to bring such requirements as resume with recent identification-sized picture (with extra copies), school records/credentials and SSS number, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Barangay clearances and other valid IDs.

The job fair is open only for applicants who are below 26 years old.

QCHD targets half a million children in the MR-OPV mass immunization this September

(PNA), FPV/LSJ

MANILA, Aug. 30 (PNA)--The Quezon City Health Department said Saturday that it will participate in the nationwide event for Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine mass immunization campaign (MR-OPV MIC) in September.

Dr. Antonieta Inumerable, chief of QCHD said that QC is targeting half a million children within 22 days of the campaign when it starts Monday.

Dr. Inumerable said free measles vaccine and polio shots will be given to children 5 years old and below.

“Parents are encouraged to bring their children ages 5 years old and below to the nearest health center to be served by a vaccination team. Also, there will be door- to- door vaccination for those who are far from the health centers,” Inumerable explained.

The mass immunization campaign is a strategy of the Department of Health (DOH) supported by QC government under the leadership of QC mayor Herbert M. Bautista to ensure that children are protected from measles.

According to Mayor Bautista, if children will be vaccinated, an outbreak of measles will be prevented because being vaccinated is an effective step to make the said illnesses preventable and not be transferred from one person to another.

Aside from the measles vaccines, polio vaccines are also given despite its eradication in the country as a measure to prevent risk of being infected as recent studies showed a new strain of the polio virus has surfaced in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Women reminded on importance of keeping healthy teeth during pregnancy

(PNA), SCS/LSJ

MANILA, Aug. 29 (PNA) -- Dr. Antonietta Inumerable, chief of the Quezon City Health Department (QCHD), has reminded women on the importance of keeping clean and healthy gums and teeth always during their period of pregnancy.

“Every pregnant woman will most likely lose one tooth or develop tooth decay during her pregnancy period if she will not take care of her teeth properly and increase her intake of calcium,” she said in an interview with the Philippines News Agency on Friday.

According to her, since the nutrients inside the body of a pregnant woman are being lost or absorbed by the baby inside her womb, it is important for the mother to take the necessary amount of foods rich in calcium and do the proper brushing of teeth three times a day to remove the plaque building up in her teeth.

Dr. Inumerable said that health workers in the health centers of the city are also educating pregnant women on oral hygiene as they encourage the women to have regular pre-natal and post-natal checkups.

She noted that plaque buildup can result to tooth decay if pregnant women eat sugary foods as part of their cravings during pregnancy and then tend to skip brushing their teeth because of morning sickness suffered usually in the early months of pregnancy.

Anther reason for plaque buildup is when a pregnant mother suffers acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux) condition during her pregnancy.

Since the stomach contents are acidic, such can coat the teeth when a pregnant woman vomits.

The said acid which coats the teeth can cause dental erosion and thus increase the risk of tooth decay.

Aside from taking care of their teeth during pregnancy, the QCHD head also urged mothers to increase their intake of micro-nutrients such as ferrous sulphate, especially for those anemic (with iron deficiency), undergo vaccination of Tetanus Toxoid and Syphilis screening to ensure the health and safety of both the baby and mother.

Tetanus Toxoid is required in order to prevent the mother and her baby from tetanus infection which may enter the body once there is an open wound, bite and burn in the mother’s body that can threaten both her life and that of the baby.

Syphilis screening, on the other hand, is important to be undertaken by pregnant mothers during their visitation to health centers to ensure that an infected mother will be treated earlier so that she will not infect the baby during pregnancy and delivery.

Dr. Inumerable said that if left untreated, such can result in losing the baby through a miscarriage, or the baby may be born with severe neurological problems.

QC pouring P100M for ‘Boulevard of Stars’

By Jodee A. Agoncillo (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

The Quezon City government is pouring in P100 million to live up to its moniker “The City of Stars” and eventually to become the “Film Capital of the Philippines.”

At Wednesday’s press briefing on the upcoming Quezon City International Film Festival, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte said plans were underway to transform Sgt. Esguerra Avenue in Barangay South Triangle into a grand “Boulevard of Stars.”

City Hall had allotted some P100 million to develop the entertainment hub, which would include theaters and leisure spots where celebrities can meet up with fans and hold parties, she said.

A Walk of Fame resembling the popular Hollywood attraction is also being considered. “This is going to be the big thing in 2015,” Belmonte said. “It will be a public-private partnership.”

A technical group has already presented the project plan to GMA 7 and ABS-CBN, two giant networks whose main studios are located in the city.

In December, a museum will also be opened to highlight Quezon City’s contribution to the growth of the local film industry, the vice mayor added.

The QC International Film Festival will run from Nov. 5 to Nov. 11 at the Ayala Trinoma Mall, showcasing international and local films, including projects that earlier won grants from the QC Film Development Commission.

Role of youth in climate change adaptation and mitigation to be discussed in forum

(PNA), SCS/PR/EBP

MANILA, Aug. 27 (PNA) -- The critical role of youth in climate change adaptation and mitigation will be tackled in a forum on Friday at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.

Close to 100 students from various universities and colleges in Metro Manila, including youth leaders from various organizations, are expected to participate in the youth forum organized by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The forum, entitled “Responding to Climate Change: The Voice of the Filipino Youth,” is also being supported by the Philippine Association of Tertiary Level Educational Institutions in Environmental Protection and Management (PATLEPAM), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV).

“Our young people are especially capable to promote environmental awareness because they continue to live in era where environmental issues have loomed large,” EMB OIC Director Jonas Leones said.

“They can certainly introduce fresh ideas and outlooks to issues that affect the state of our environment,” Leones added.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda and Secretary Lucille Sering of the Climate Change Commission are expected to deliver messages to the participants.

The topics to be discussed during the forum include the 2013 Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC).

Dr. Rodel Lasco, a co-awardee of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 and scientific director of the OML Center, a private foundation committed to research in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, will present the IPCC report.

Also included for discussion are the integrated efforts that would enable the youth sector to plan coordinated actions to respond to climate change issues and concerns in the country, including the need to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance the resilience of communities.

A United Nations study has noted that the Filipino youth is actively engaged at local, national and global levels in raising awareness, running educational programs, nature conservation, promoting renewable energy, adopting eco-friendly practices and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation projects.

Wise Immigration bags 2014 Best Visa Assistance Company

(PR)

QUEZON CITY -- Wise Immigration bested other visa assistance and immigration consultancy companies in the Philippines, as it has been chosen by the National Consumer Affairs Foundation (NCAF) as the Best Visa Assistance Company for 2014.

The company was conferred with the Seal of Excellence, Global Brand and the Best Brand Award in the country's biggest midyear consumer tribute held at the AFP Grand Theater in Camp Aguinaldo, Edsa, Quezon City last August 10. Wise Immigration bags 2014 Best Visa Assistance Company

The recognition, which is synonymous to the prestigious Reader's Digest Most Trusted Brand Award and Super Brand Award, is presented to outstanding consumer products to motivate companies to excel and continuously provide products and services of world-class excellence.

NCAF, headed by educator and civic leader Dean Amelia S. Mapagu and prominent consumers welfare advocate and journalist Jonathan Navea, meticulously selected the winners through a set of criteria that include the product/services features or quality, contribution to consumers well being and public service, public opinion and survey and pricing.

Wise Immigration is a service-oriented company offering visa assistance services for all types of visa applications to Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and several other destinations.

The company's head office is located in Cebu but it also has branches in Bacolod and Makati and an international office in London, United Kingdom.

"Being recognized by a prestigious award giving body serves as a great motivation and inspiration for us to work harder," said Ben Ybanez, CEO of Wise Immigration.

Aside from the visa assistance services Wise Immigration offers, the company also established Wise Academy, which provides the ancillary services such as IELTS and French Review courses to their clients and the ESL (English as Second Language) Programs to international students.

The firm also opened Wise Box, which caters to the ticketing and courier service needs of their clients, as well as domestic and international travel and tours packages.

Ybanez said they will soon start the Wisearch Recruitment Solutions that will offer work placement overseas. It will operate in conjunction with Four Seasons Migration, a migration service company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates the company had started in a joint venture with Universal Immigration Canada.

Ybanez, meanwhile, urged applicants to be wary of dubious agencies and try to do some research about the company as all the information are free online.

"To ensure a positive result in your application you need to talk to the right people who has the track record and the real experience," he said.

For more information, visit www.wiservices-inc.com or www.facebook.com/WiseIncorporated.

(Feature) Heroism of the 'Katipuneros' perpetuated by two century-old duhat trees in Novaliches

By Leilani S. Junio [(PNA), SCS/LSJ]

MANILA, Aug. 25 (PNA) -- The heroic deeds and lives of most of the country's past and modern heroes are recorded and perpetuated in several history books.

In some instances, some of them are honored by erecting monuments and shrines to preserve their memories from oblivion or extinction, like in the cases of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Luneta or Rizal Park in Manila; Andres Bonifacio at his imposing monument in Grace Park, Caloocan City; President Manuel L. Quezon at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City; and the revolutionary heroine Melchora Aquino or "Tandang Sora" at the shrine built at her birthplace in the barangay named after her, also in Quezon City.

In Novaliches, a town of the then province of Manila during the 1896 Revolution against Spain, there is a different form of perpetuating the memories of Tandang Sora, Andres Bonifacio and all members of the revolutionary society called the "Katipunan."

They are honored with the renaming of two historical, century-old "duhat" (plum) trees to preserve their heroic deeds and memories. Both trees, estimated to be over 150 years old, continues to bear fruits during the fruit-bearing season.

At Kaligayahan Elementary School (KES) in Barangay Kaligayahan, Novaliches, the memory of the Grand Old Lady of the Revolution remains alive through an aging duhat tree which has been renamed "Tandang Sora Tree."

Old residents of the place attested that it was under that tree where the Grand Old Lady of the Revolution was seen on several occasions nursing and caring for the brave Katipuneros who were wounded in encounters with the Spanish forces in the early days of the revolution.

The site of the ancient tree is just about five kilometers away from the former house of the revolutionary in Sitio Banlat or Banilad in the present-day Barangay Tandang Sora, Novaliches.

According to the teachers and students of the Kaligayahan Elementary School, “Tandang Sora’s legacy as an old lady capable of doing great things for her countrymen is deeply inculcated in the said school."

“It is easier for us to teach historical facts about her (Tandang Sora) because of the existence of the said tree which also reminds the young children that age is not a hindrance for anyone to do good or be a hero for the country,” said Marilyn N. Acebes, Grade 1 teacher of the KES, in an interview with the Philippines News Agency.

History books narrate that Tandang Sora was alreay 84 years old when she supported and joined the revolutionary society organized by Andres Bonifacio to fight for Philippine independence from Spain.

At the compound of the 67-year-old Metro Manila College (MMC), also in Barangay Kaligayahan, another old duhat tree has been renamed “Katipunan Tree” to perpetuate the memory of Bonifacio and all of his fellow Katipuneros.

The marker renaming the historical tree was installed in 1980 by the then National Historical Institute (NHI), now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), to serve as a living reminder to students and visitors of the school about the bravery, patriotism and heroism of the “Katipuneros.”

“The marker states that the said tree was a mute witness to the series of meetings conducted by Bonifacio and his men during the early days of the revolution,” Mrs. Natividad Villano, MMC administrator, told the PNA.

Villano said the presence of the "Katipunan Tree" serves as an inspiration for the students of the school to also aspire to become modern heroes in their own ways, by doing something worthwhile for the country.

QC Diamond Jubilee celebration to highlight city's rich cultural, historical and artistic heritage --Bautista

By Leilani S. Junio [(PNA), SCS/LSJ]

MANILA, Aug. 24 (PNA) -- Quezon City Mayor Herbert M. Bautista has urged the city’s Tourism Department and the Division of City Schools to come up with a program designed to promote the city’s rich cultural, historical and artistic heritage in connection with the celebration of its Diamond Jubilee this year.

Bautista said the City Council has passed a resolution in line with the vision to educate the city’s young constituents or school children to be aware of the rich, well preserved history, culture and arts of the city so that they can be proud of the city’s past.

“The growth of a city cannot only be measured on account of its financial stability, with the high skyscrapers that fence the city’s territory and the standard of living that its constituents enjoy, but also by being aware of the rich, well-preserved historical treasures that characterize places in QC,” Bautista said.

Under Resolution No. SP-5997, S-2014, the Division of City Schools and the city’s Tourism Department have been directed to prepare programs on the teaching of the city’s rich history, culture and arts as part of the city’s 75th anniversary in October.

The same resolution also provides that the book entitled “The City With A Soul” written by Ma. Luisa T. Camagay shall serve as the main source of reference about the past and early traditions of QC.

Many events recorded in the country's history have transpired in the city such as the historic “Cry of Pugad Lawin” in August 1896 and the non-violent "EDSA People Power Revolution" in February 1986.

Quezon City once became the country’s capital (from 1948 to 1976). It was founded on Oct. 12, 1939 after a law was passed naming it in honor of the then Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel Luis Quezon.

Originally, the proposed name was “Balintawak City” but it was not approved as there were lawmakers who lobbied to name it after President Quezon.

Based on historical records, QC was carved out of the then adjacent former towns (now cities) like Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, Mandaluyong, and Caloocan, including San Francisco del Monte, Balintawak and Novaliches.

After the war, Republic Act No. 333, which redefined the Caloocan–QC boundary, was signed by President Elpidio Quirino on July 17, 1948, declaring QC to be the Republic's capital.

The said law specified the city's area to be 156.60 square kilometers that led to the annexing of Baesa, Sangandaan, Talipapa, Bagbag, San Bartolome, Gulod, Pasong Tamo, Novaliches Poblacion, Banlat, Kabuyao, Pugad Lawin, Capri, Pasong Putik, Santa Monica, Binugsok (now Kaligayahan) and San Agustin, among others which formerly belonged to Novaliches and had an area of about 8,100 hectares, from Caloocan to QC.

This populous and big city which is more than four times the size of Manila, nearly six times the expanse of Makati City, and more than 14 times bigger than Mandaluyong is home to large TV and media networks, seat of many government offices, the La Mesa Dam Eco Park in Novaliches, and noteworthy universities such as the University of the Philippines-Diliman and Ateneo de Manila.

It is almost one-fourth the expanse of Metro Manila and has a total of six districts composed of 142 big barangays.

UP Dean highlights legacies of heroes at 118th commemoration rites of Cry of Pugad Lawin

By Leilani S. Junio [(PNA), CTB/LSJ]

MANILA, Aug 23 (PNA)--University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City professor and dean of its History Department highlighted Saturday some of the good legacies of ancestor heroes who become part of the historical Cry of Pugad Lawin in Brgy. Bahay Toro, Quezon City.

Dr. Maria Bernadette L. Abrera who delivered a speech as guest of honor in the celebration of the 118th anniversary of Cry of Pugad Lawin cited some of the legacies and words of wisdom by those who played a role in the said historic cry as she traced back the historical cry that sparked the Philippine Revolution.

Dr. Abrera cited that Andres Bonifacio’s teaching to fellow “Katipuneros” such as reliance on their own minds and capabilities to regain freedom despite the obstacles must serve as an example to people nowadays to achieve the goal of prosperity and progress.

Abrera added that teachings on morality by Bonifacio such as keeping faith in God, being hardworking, and loving not only oneself or family but also fellow men is something that must always be alive in the hearts of every fellow Filipinos.

The speaker also mentioned some words shared by Apolinario Mabini, the sublime paralytic hero, who was not a member of Katipunan, as she reminded everyone about the significant role of freedom which she said must not be abused and should worked for the general interest of all Filipinos.

She emphasized that in relation to the sacrifices of ancestral heroes who faced lots of obstacles just to launched the historic cry that led eventually to the winning of Philippine Independence, such freedom should never be used for self-interest.

Dr. Abrera added that the Filipino people must remember always that the freedom we are enjoying now should not be abused and misinterpreted by doing what is not good for the general welfare of the public.

“As what Apolinario Mabini had said in his writings, it does not mean that while we have freedom, we will not follow any rule anymore and just follow what we desire for ourselves,” she explained.

She added that freedom also requires everyone to enjoy it in conformity with social responsibility and in promoting equal justice and protection for all and not for the interest of a few.

She cited that what the late ancestor heroes exemplified in the Cry of Pugad Lawin should inspire the QC leaders and constituents to promote the good welfare of all.

She urged all those who came to the event like students, professionals and government workers not to lose hope; keep on living upright and with dignity; and believe in their capabilities and strength in pursuing progress.

It was at Pugad Lawin where Bonifacio and some 1,000 Katipuneros tore their “cedula” (community tax certificate) on August 23, 1896 as they launched the Katipunan-led Revolution with the aim to fight Spanish oppression which ruled the Filipinos for more than 300 years.

QC to mark Cry of Pugad Lawin's 118th anniversary on Saturday

By Leilani S. Junio [(PNA), SCS/LSJ]

MANILA, Aug. 22 (PNA) -- The Quezon City government will spearhead the celebration of the 118th anniversary of the historic Cry of Pugad Lawin on Saturday at Dambana (Shrine) ng Pugad Lawin in Barangay Bahay Toro, Project 8, Quezon City.

For this year's commemoration, Dr. Maria Bernadette L. Abrera, Dean of History Department of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City, will be the guest of honor. She will share her views on the significance of the said "Cry" in Philippine history.

Mayor Herbert M. Bautista, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, city councilors and other local government officials will lead a wreath-laying ceremony at the shrine at 9 a.m.

The Cry of Pugad Lawin or “Sigaw ng Pugad Lawin” marked the beginning of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule in August 1896. It was originally referred to as the Cry of Balintawak or "Sigaw ng Balintawak."

The event was marked by the historical tearing of the "cedulas" of residence certificates by the Katipuneros led by Andres Bonifacio, the founder of the KKK (Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng̃ mg̃á Anak ng̃ Bayan (Supreme and Most Honorable Society of the Children of the Nation).

KKK was a secret revolutionary movement founded on July 7, 1892 with the primary aim of gaining freedom from Spanish rule in the Philippines. Its members were referred to as “Katipuneros."

Its discovery in August 1896 led to the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution.

Like in previous years since 1982, Saturday's celebration will be under the sponsorship of the national civic organization Pugad Lawin Philippines Inc. (PLPI).

Prominent historians believe there would have been no real Philippine independence today had it not been for the Cry of Pugad Lawin on Aug. 23, 1896.

BSP,QC launch Surety Fund

(BSP/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)

MANILA, 21 August (PIA)--The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Quezon City Government sealed Tuesday (August 19) a social covenant that will bring MSMEs to economic progress.

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) creating the Quezon City Credit Surety Fund (Quezon City CSF) was held at the BSP Assembly Hall, 3rd Floor, Cafetorium Building, BSP Complex, A. Mabini cor. P. Ocampo Streets, Malate, Manila.

The signing was led by the Chairman of the Monetary Board and Bangko Sentral Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Constantine M. Bautista, in collaboration with the participating cooperatives and partner institutions. It is the 31th CSF established nationwide and first in the National Capital Region.

Quezon City CSF aims to help cooperatives and micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Quezon City gain easier access to bank credit, even without collaterals. CSF is essentially a public-private partnership which links the key players of the economy into a unified purpose of empowering the MSME sector.

The Quezon City local government, through Mayor Bautista, pledged to contribute an initial amount of P5.0 million while 14 cooperatives in the city committed another P5.0 million to the fund.

The Industrial Guarantee and Loan Fund, Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines, the partner institutions of the CSF, have also expressed strong support through their respective contributions to augment the fund.

The MSMEs that obtain loans from banks through the CSF will benefit from lower interest rates compared to exorbitant interest rates charged by private lending investors or loan sharks.

The CSF Program also provides training to enhance capabilities of participating cooperatives and MSMEs in the areas of financial and risk management, entrepreneurship and business management and credit appraisal and monitoring.

Moreover, to ensure availability of funds in the banking system for CSF loan beneficiaries, the BSP allows banks to rediscount loans granted under the CSF program.


New ISAFP chief assumes office

(PNA), SCS/PFN/Jazon E. Roque (OJT)

MANILA, Aug. 20 (PNA) -- Brig. Gen. Arnold M. Quiapo formally assumed office as Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) commander during simple ceremonies Wednesday afternoon.

He replaced Major Gen. Eduardo Año, who was appointed to command the Compostela Valley-based 10th Infantry Division last July 25.

Turnover ceremonies took place at ISAFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Prior to his appointment as ISAFP chief, Quiapo commanded the 301st Infantry Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division which was based in Jamindan, Capiz.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade is based in Dingle, Iloilo.Quiapo headed the unit from 2011 until his appointment as ISAFP chief.

During his tenure at the 301st Infantry Brigade, the outfit conducted simultaneous signing of joint peace and security coordinating council implementing plan on security for all vital government and private projects, undertakings, facilities and equipment with the Iloilo Provincial Police Office, Guimaras Provincial Police Office and Iloilo City Police Office in July 2014.

Quiapo also spearheaded numerous "Bayanihan" and community development projects in the 301st Infantry Brigade area of responsibility.

He was also the chief-of-staff of the Training and Doctrine Command in Tarlac; group commander of K-9 Company of the Army’s Intelligence Service Group; and one of the battalion commanders of the 39th Infantry Division in Mindanano.

Quiapo is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983.

He took specialization courses and trainings both in military and civilian schools here and abroad.

Quiapo completed the Overseas Joint Warfare Course at the Australian Defense Force Warfare Center; Counter Terrorism Training at PMA; and Command and General Staff Course at the U.S. Army Training and domestic Command (TRADOC).

He also finished Master in Business Management at the University of the Philippines and Master of Arts in Security Studies at the Australian Defense College.

A decorated military officer, Quiapo received various military awards, noteworthy of which are five Bronze Cross Medals, Military Civic Action Medal, Silver Wing Medal and two Distinguished Service Stars.

(Feature) Quezon Heritage House: A learning attraction in Quezon Memorial Circle

By Leilani S. Junio & Angelica A. Abuan [(PNA) SCS/LSJ and AAA (OJT)]

MANILA, Aug. 19 (PNA) -- Learning how was life during the time of President Manuel Luis Quezon can be partially possible by taking a visit to the Quezon Heritage House inside the Quezon Memorial Circle in the city he founded five years before his death in 1944.

The Quezon Heritage House is a replica of the old vacation house of the Commonwealth President which was originally located along Gilmore St., New Manila, Quezon City.

“There are lot of things that the visitors can see inside and outside the heritage house. Most of the materials used in the reconstruction of the heritage house were taken from the original form of the house,” Enrique Q. Avanceňa, a grandson of the late President, told the Philippines News Agency (PNA) in an interview on Tuesday.

He said that going in and out of the heritage house will provide the visitors a glimpse of the past, particularly in the early years of the 19th century, as well as some of the things used by the former President and his family.

In the ground floor, the visitors can see the social justice hall of President Quezon where a classical pair of Caryatids (Greek statues of women) can be seen together near a rectangular swimming pool.

Near the two gates facing the Quezon City Hall area, one can see the original pagodas originally found in the old house location.

“The tiles, grills, doors, windows were all taken from the original house,” said John Paul Casiaňares, a tour guide in the heritage house.

In a tour on the second floor of the heritage house, Casiaňares showed to these writers some of the things personally used by President Quezon, like his big American shoes (boots), fishing rod, clothing, big narra bed, baggage and even the recipe of his favorite food -- Cocido Espaňol.

He said the visitors can also see some of the things that the former President’s family had used, like the bed and clothing of Doňa Aurora, along with some of the objects given to them by family friends like cabinets, mirrors, plant boxes, and others.

He also showed the bed used by Quezon while he was being taken care of by his nurse. It was located in the middle of the room of Quezon and his wife and was connected to a comfort room.

Casianares explained that the couple had to use separate beds because during that time (1920s), when they transferred to the vacation house, the President was already sick of tuberculosis and under treatment.

The house was chosen by the President to recuperate from his illness because the environment provided him with a way to breath fresh air.

Also inside the heritage house is a LED TV set where one can view how was life from 1901 to 1920s and some of the memories and photos of Quezon’s family, like his wife and four children, as part of the enrichment of the minds of the visiting tourists.

The tour guide said that anyone can feel free to visit the heritage house and there is no fee required. It is open to the public from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The heritage house was completed through a memorandum of agreement signed by the Quezon City government and the descendants of President Quezon.

QC MSMEs gets further lift through BSP's CSF program

By Joann Santiago [(PNA), FPV/JS (news feature) /UTB]

MANILA, Aug. 18 (PNA) -- With a total of 51,098 registered businesses, Quezon City boasts of a large number of businesses.

Bulk of these businesses are composed of corporation and single proprietorship, which total to 25,046 and 25,070, respectively, as of end-2013.

With a booming economy, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the city, which is located at the heart of the National Capital Region (NCR) with a land area of 161,126 sq.km. or 16,112.8 hectares, need further access to financing.

This need is what the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the local government addressed Monday after the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the establishment of the Quezon City Credit Surety Fund (Quezon City CSF).

This is in line with the central bank’s bid to ensure that small businesses’ financial requirements are met for the sector to continue to be a major contributor to the country’s economy.

The MSME sector accounts for about 99.6 percent of businesses in the country and employs around 3.9 million as of 2011.

Its value added contribution to domestic growth is only about 35.7 percent.

However, it contributes only about 35.7percent to gross domestic product (GDP) because of limited funding access.

This problem is traced to small businesses lack of acceptable collaterals, lack of knowledge on credit sources and processes, fear of dealing with banks and numerous documentation requirements.

On the part of the banks, lending to the micro enterprises remain low because of fear of unsecured loans, preference for big loans, high transaction cost and lack of credit information.

With the sector’s prospects to further increase its contribution to the economy, the central bank said enabling the sector to have access to funding would sustain the sector’s further expansion.

With this latest CSF, the 31st in the country since the first one was established in Cavite in 2008, the central bank believes that economic progress of the country will continue.

The QC government pledged to contribute an initial PHP5 million to the CSF while 14 cooperatives in the city vowed to pitch in another PHP4 million.

Relatively, the Industrial Guarantee and Loan Fund, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), and other partner-institutions also vowed to contributed some amount, which would be lent to MSME players in the city.

Under the CSF program, borrowers will be given a loan with low interest rates.

This is on top of the trainings that will be given to the small business owners on how they can further enhance their businesses through business plan preparation, credit appraisal, risk management and accounting.

BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) allows banks to rediscount loans extended under the CSF program to encourage banks to increase lending to the MSME sector.

The Magna Carta for MSMEs requires banks to allocate two percent of their funds to medium enterprises but compliance exceeded this after it reached six percent as of December 2013.

For microenterprises, the allocation is eight percent but compliance is only 5.6 percent.

The BSP targets to help put up seven CSFs this year and six more in 2015.

QC-BSP pact to help small business get loans

By Erika Sauler (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon City government has established a fund that will serve as surety cover for bank loans obtained by small businesses, the first local government in Metro Manila to adopt the credit support program developed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The Credit Surety Fund Program aims to provide loan security for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are having difficulty obtaining loans due to lack of collateral and credit track records.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista will lead city officials in the signing of a memorandum of agreement with BSP officials on Monday at the BSP main office in Manila, according to a press statement.

Participating cooperatives and nongovernment organizations contributed to the fund and the Quezon City government committed P5 million as counterpart contribution.

BSP’s partner institutions (Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines and Industrial Guarantee and Loan Fund) will also contribute to the Quezon City fund.

Initial total commitment is expected to reach P20 million.

The Quezon City Credit Surety Fund was established through a resolution introduced by Councilors Jose Visaya and Marivic Co-Pilar. The resolution said the program will generate higher income for cooperative members and facilitate creation of employment opportunities for city residents.

MSMEs must be a member of the contributing cooperatives or NGOs to apply for a loan under the credit surety fund.

QC boosts efforts to transform city into 'green garden'

(PNA), JBP/LSJ

MANILA, Aug. 16 (PNA) -- In line with the celebration of the Quezon City’s 75th founding anniversary, the city government announced on Saturday that it will boost its campaign to make all the corners of the city green.

This was announced over the weekend by the city government as it confirmed that it had collaborated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) to make the city a “green garden” or surrounded with green trees.

“With the help of the DENR-NCR, the city government’s vision to plant trees in all city barangays to color the city green will be realized,” QC’s Parks Development and Administration Department (PDAD) chief Zaldy Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa added that PDAD intends to plant varieties of trees on the streets that also bear the names of the trees, like Kamias trees at Kamias road, Kamuning at Kamuning Road, Ilang-ilang at Ilang-ilang Street and many more.

To initially start the greening program, the PDAD will distribute 75,000 indigenous trees in all the city’s 142 barangays.

“Each barangay will receive a total of 530 trees for the two-part initial planting activity,” he added.

The first 25,000 seedlings will be simultaneously planted on September 21 of this year on the occasion the city’s Barangay Day.

The other 50,000 seedlings will be planted for the celebration of Arbor Day on June 25, 2015 or next year.

City mayor Herbert M. Bautista underscored the significance of the greening program by emphasizing that the undertaking is very timely as the city aims to become a green community with beautifully landscaped streets and open spaces.

“The tree growing program of the PDAD will lead to a garden-like and eye-pleasing view everywhere we go in our city,” Bautista added.

“This will result to make the city not only known to be the “City of Stars” and “Business Friendly City”, but at the same time will also be dubbed as “The Garden City once the QC’s reforestation thrust is completed,” the mayor added.

QC gov't to celebrate Quezon Day on Aug. 19

(PNA), SCS/LSJ

MANILA, Aug. 15 (PNA) -- The Quezon City government will be celebrating Quezon Day or “Araw ng Lungsod Quezon” on Aug. 19 to commemorate the 136th birth anniversary of its founder, President Manuel L. Quezon.

According to Mayor Herbert M. Bautista, in accordance with Republic Act No. 6741, Aug. 19 is a working holiday nationwide but a non-working holiday in Quezon City, Quezon and Aurora provinces.

Quezon was the first president of the Philippine Commonwealth and held that position from 1935 until his death in 1944.

He is well remembered for advocating Filipino-language amendments to the 1935 Constitution.

He is also known in the country's history as the "Father of the National Language."

He was born in Tayabas, now Quezon province, on Aug. 19, 1878 and died in Saranac Lake, New York on Aug. 1, 1944.

As part of the celebration of the event, QC officials led by Mayor Herbert M. Bautista will spearhead a wreath-laying activity and a short program on Aug. 19 at 8 a.m. at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

President Aquino leads ceremonial turnover of assault rifles to Armed Forces

(PNA), FPV/PND/UTB

MANILA, Aug. 14 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino lII led the ceremonial distribution of newly acquired assault rifles to selected military personnel at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.

The acquisition of the rifles is part of the government’s efforts to modernize the Armed Forces by enhancing the firearms capability of its soldiers, especially those on the front line.

In his speech, President Aquino said the military could now depend on their guns -- and not just their guts – in serving and protecting the state.

Illustrating the military’s poor defense capability, he recalled a story shared to him by Marines guarding the Kalayaan Island Group.

He said there was an instance when the soldiers were forced to paint a coconut trunk black to deceive their enemies, who were pointing real cannons at them.

“Sa pagtitipon natin ngayon, pinapatunayan nating tapos na ang panahon kung saan dinadaan na lang sa tibay ng loob at diskarte ang pagtutupad sa tungkulin—tunay ngang kinakalinga ng estado ang mga kawal ng bayan,” he said.

The government has acquired a total of 50,629 assault rifles for the AFP.

The President said the first batch of 27,300 rifles was delivered last July, while the remaining 23,329 units will be delivered in December this year.

The acquisition of new firearms is part of the Joint Philippine Army–Philippine Marine Corps Assault Rifle Acquisition Project under the AFP Modernization Program.

Under the project, the AFP will receive a total of 50,629 units of M4 rifles, 44,186 of which will go to the Army and 6,443 to the Navy.

Due to a transparent bidding process, President Aquino said the government was able to generate an estimated PHP 1.2 billion savings from the project.

The approved budget for the contract was about PHP 3.19 billion but the government acquired the rifles for only PHP 1.94 billion.

The President said the savings will be used to procure another 12,657 assault rifles for the Philippine Army, to be delivered also in December.

The budget for the acquisition of rifles was sourced from the AFP Capability Upgrade Program, which was organized in 2012.

President Aquino was joined by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and AFP Chief Gregorio Pio Catapang during the event.

In his opening remarks, Catapang thanked the President for the acquisition of the rifles, saying that soldiers are still using early models of M16 and M16A1 rifles, which were used during the Vietnam war.

CHR, PCID launch training module on teaching human rights in Muslim communities

By Leilani S. Junio [(PNA), SCS/LSJ]

MANILA, Aug. 13 (PNA) -- The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) jointly led the launching on Wednesday of a book intended for use by Muslim women in Mindanao as their first set of standard modules in their advocacy for human rights.

According to CHR Chairperson Loretta Ann P. Rosales, the book, titled “The Aleemat Module: Human Rights-Based Approach to Community Empowerment,” will be an empowering tool for Muslim religious women teaching in Islamic schools (Madrash) in educating their communities on human rights.

“When used by religious leaders, this module will encourage fruitful community-based dialogues on peace and human rights,” Rosales said during the Islam and Democracy Forum 2014 on "Human Rights in Islam" held at the CHR Multipurpose Hall in Quezon City.

She said that the development of the training module in collaboration with PCID strengthens its role as Gender Ombudsman under Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women.

“One of our findings in a survey we did is that Muslim religious leaders are extremely influential in Muslim communities,” said Amina Rasul-Bernardo, president of PCID.

Bernardo said they realized that it is crucial to engage Muslim religious leaders since the survey revealed that 89 percent of 4,000 respondents in five provinces answered that they trust Muslim religious leaders compared to elected village barangay officials who only got 60 percent or lower by 29 percent.

The handbook is actually composed of eight modules.

The modules tackle Basic Values Clarification and Human Rights, Children's Rights as provided in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Women and Human Rights in Islam, Role of CHR as National Human Right Institution in promoting and protecting human rights, among others.

The launching was attended by Muslim women religious leaders who were trained by CHR on the modules, foreign diplomatic communities and other human rights advocates.

The modules were funded by Karapatan sa Malikhaing Paraan (KaSaMa), an inter-embassy and multi-stakeholder human rights initiative that provides assistance to human rights advocates, represented by its coordinator Tatine Faylona.

Traffic lights activated on Quezon Avenue to replace U-turns

With report by Maricar B. Brizuela

To ease the heavy traffic gridlock along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has reactivated traffic signals in three areas, replacing closed U-turn slots. The MMDA sees the traffic signals as a better alternative to the current U-turns.

MMDA Traffic Engineering Center Head Noemi Recio said during the agency’s weekly radio program that they have activated traffic lights at three opened intersections along Quezon Avenue.

“We have reactivated signal lights on Banawe, Roosevelt and Timog-West Avenue but these traffic lights will still be placed under evaluation,” Recio said, adding that the MMDA has observed that these signal lights have helped ease the traffic situation with proper enforcement.

Recio noted that motorists plying the busy thoroughfare have been complaining of the heavy traffic along Quezon Avenue but would sometimes blame it on the traffic signals in the area.

“Based on our monitoring, the traffic buildup in the area is not caused by the reactivated traffic lights but by illegally parked vehicles, jeepney and tricycle terminals, and sometimes vehicular accidents,” Recio explained.

Cris Saruca, officer-in-charge of the MMDA Traffic Discipline Office, also said during the MMDA radio program that they would preposition tow trucks and roving traffic personnel to apprehend illegally parked vehicles in the area.

Saruca, in an earlier interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, noted that the MMDA has been planning to reactivate traffic lights along Katipunan Avenue to also replace the U-turn slots which they would like to close.

A Quezon City traffic head earlier shared with the Philippine Daily Inquirer his observation that the U-turn slots along Katipunan added to the traffic jam in the area as trucks and other vehicles plying the road would have to take about two lanes to make a turn.

This was after MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said that the 80 percent increase in the number of trucks plying Katipunan was caused by the recent “no apprehension policy” implemented by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for trucks, which has not yet complied with their franchising requirements.

A scientific study has concluded that U-turns can effectively take the place of intersections regulated by traffic lights, if the roads are suitably modified. The roads have to be widened at the U-turn point so that the flow of traffic going straight on will not be hampered. And just as importantly in our city, vehicles such as buses and jeepneys should not be stopping near the U-turn slots.

PNP, Metrobank name 2014 PHL 10 outstanding cops

(PNA), LAM/CLTC

MANILA, Aug. 11 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police and Metrobank Foundation Inc. on Monday officially named the 2014 Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS) during simple ceremonies at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief, said that this year’s awardees were chosen for their accomplishment in various policing and initiated projects that had strengthened police-community cooperation. Perhaps, a living testimony for the high majority approval rating of 54 percent in fighting criminality based on the Pulse Asia June 2014 “Ulat ng Bayan” Survey.

The 10 outstanding awardees are:

PSSupt Cedrick G. Train, Deputy Regional Director for Administration (DRDA), Police regional Office (PRO) 8;

PSSupt Rodelio B. Jocson, Maguindanano Police Provincial Office (PPO), ARMM;

PCInsp Byron F. Allatog, La Trinidad Municipal Police Station (MPS), Benguet, PRO COR;

PCInsp Reynald E. Ariño, 5th SAB, PNP-SAF, Zamboanga City;

SPO1 Reynaldo G, Solante, PIB, Cebu PPO, Cebu City, PRO 7;

SPO1 Rey H. Sarcon, ORCD, PRO 3;

PO3 Comet D. Dumangeng, Sta. Rita MPS, Sta. Rita, Pampanga, PRO 3;

PO3 Alexander B. Fazon Jr., RIDMD, PRO 13;

PO3 Michael D. Pontoy, Aklan PPO, Kalibo, Aklan, PRO 6; and

PO2 Ashear U. Ismael, RPSB 9, Zamboanga City, PRO 9.

Sindac said that the yearly award was started by Metrobank Foundation Incorporated, together with the Rotary Club of New Manila East and PS Bank which seeks to identify heroic men and women in the police force who are able to gain the support of the community to prevent and solve crimes in their locality.

He said the PNP leadership, once again, takes pride in recognizing the 2014 COPS awardees and congratulates them for their meritorious service and outstanding contributions.

For his part, Ismael, who is assigned with Zamboanga City Police's Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) said that as he was among the combined military and police forces who rescued more than 1,000 residents held hostage in the MNLF-occupied villages of Sta. Catalina and Sta. Barbara.

"As a service to my countrymen, I was at the ground zero to provide intelligence information on the whereabouts of MNLF members threatening the safety of Zamboanga residents," Ismael explained.

"Sila po ay nalihis sa tamang landas. Our religion does not teach us to kidnap people and to ask for ransom money. Hindi po katuruan sa Islam na maghasik ka ng lagim. Kaya sa ngayon pilit nating tinutuwid ang mga kasamahan naming muslim sa Zamboanga. We are negotiating with them to avert any threat the MNLF might impose again," he said when asked to recall his ordeal during the Zamboanga standoff in September last year which killed at least 155 and displaced thousands.

Aniceto Sobrepena, president of Metrobank Foundation Inc., said the ability of the awarded policemen to "balance their time and care" for their family and work was a major consideration in selecting the outstanding cops.

"Tumatak sa akin among other (nominees) 'yung patuloy nilang pag-aalaga sa family nila, how they can balance work and family," he said.

"Other than their work in the precinct, what are their other involvements? Do they do volunteer work in their barangay (village) outside their duty as policeman?" Sobrepena added, noting that community involvement was an added point for the awarded policemen.

Police Director Leonardo Espina, PNP's Deputy Chief for Operations, said the recognition of the 10 policemen gave a positive reflection to the entire police organization.

"This is for each day a policeman does a good deed but doesn't get recognized in the newspapers," Espina said.

Meanwhile, the sole female awardee PO3 Comet Dumangeng thanked the Metrobank for recognizing their efforts amid the PNP's negative publicity.

She said a huge chunk of her prize money will go to her colleagues at Sta. Rita Municipal Police Station.

Dumangeng has been actively participating in their local community's programs for 300 indigent grade one pupils and 20 persons who are physically disabled.

Meanwhile, NCRPO Chief Police Director Carmelo Valmoria and PNP Chief Director General Alna Purisima also giving awards and recognition to the good performing units and individuals of the NCRPO who were among the contributory factors of the success of the NCRPO undertakings.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) under the supervision of Police Chief Supt. Richard A Albano was cited Best Operating Unit with Notable Accomplishment in the Campaign Against Illegal Drugs; and as the unit with Most Numbers of Firearm Accounted.

QCPD was also recognized in their Campaign Against Organized Crimes; Solution of Sensational Criminal Case. The QCPD Police Station 11 led PSUPT Victor P Pagulayan was recognized as the unit with Past and Continuing Notable Accomplishment beyond the rating period for Numbered Police Station Category.

The Southern Police District (SPD) led by Police Chief Supt.Jose Erwin T Villacorte was also cited as the Best Operating District with Notable Accomplishment in the Campaign Against Illegal Drugs for District Category; and unit with Notable Accomplishment on Disaster Rescue and Relief Operations

The Valenzuela City Police Station, NPD was cited also as the unit with Past and Continuing Notable Accomplishment Beyond the Rating Period for City Police Station Category.

Other Achievement Awardees – Police Commission and NUP Officers were:

PSSUPT Rhoderick C Armamento, NPD, in the Field of Police Administration

PSINSP Roberto A Razon, QCPD, in the field of Police Operations

PCINSP Marlon L Quimno, SPD, in the field of Criminal Investigation

PINSP Jerry V Sunga, SPD, in the field of Intelligence

PCINSP Olivia A Sagaysay, MPD, in the field of General Support

NUP Criselda M Pilor, RPRMD, in the field of General Support (Supervisory)

Achievement Awardees – Police Non-Commission Officers and NUP were:

SPO3 Amante D Jimenez, EPD, in the field of Police Administration

PO2 Eugene F Morales, MPD, in the field of Police Operations

SPO1 Edmundo G Fabela, EPD, in the field of Criminal Investigation

SPO2 Vicente Millano Macabre, QCPD, in the field of Intelligence

PO3 Armando C Garcia, NPD, in the field of General Support

NUP Ma. Fe R. Castillano, RIDMD, in the field of General Support (Non-Supervisory)

Special Awards were also given to PSINSP Dundee E Bayaban, SPO2 Allan G Lanado, SPO1 Carlo M Ambrocio, PO1 Juliet S Macababbad, PO1 Delia B Langpawen, PO1 Mercelina M Bantiyag, PO1 Maricel A Rueco of the Regional Safety Battalion (RPSB); PO1 Raul Ryan Dimayuga, PO1 Rizaldy B Garcia of QCPD, PO1 Christian O Santos, and PO1 Dennis M Maagda of NPD.

In the Civilian Award Category the following were given with a Plaque of Recognition for their untiring support to the NCRPO: Mr. James G. Dy, President, Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc and President of Chinese General Hospital Medical Center; Mr. Jose G. Go, President, Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.; and the Eagle Force Multiplier Organization, Inc

Purisima encourages all the NCRPO personnel to put their best practices in every undertaking to draw the police closer to the heart of the people.

QC council wants solar-powered air conditioners

By Janvic Mateo (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Amid reports of a possible energy crisis next year, the Quezon City council has approved a resolution asking Mayor Herbert Bautista to consider the use of solar-powered air conditioners at the city hall.

Authored by second district Councilor Ramon Medalla, the measure said that the use of solar-powered air conditioners will lower power consumption and lessen the city’s utility expenditures.

According to the councilor, price hikes and blackouts are the common problems when there is a shortage in power distribution, especially during dry season when the water level is low and could not support hydro-electric generating systems that supply the power needs of Luzon.

The council said it is optimistic that the use of solar-powered air conditioners will reduce the city’s greenhouse gas discharge and will save the city hall some 30 to 50 percent in its electrical bill.

The measure stated solar air conditioners involve the use of solar panels for energy.

The council cited Republic Act 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, which called for the development of renewable energy resources like solar power to trim down the country’s dependence on fossil fuel and to tap clean sources of energy.

SONA promises: Are our cops better off?

By Bea Cupin (Rappler.com)

MANILA, Philippines – During the 113th Police Service anniversary celebration at the PNP headquarters Camp Crame on Friday, August 8, President Benigno Aquino III trumpeted improvements in the PNP's capabilities and the well-being of its personnel.

Unhesitant to highlight the faults of leaders past, Aquino told police: "Sa mahabang panahon, ang naging siste: kayo na nga ang may mabigat na tungkulin, kayo pa ang bahalang dumiskarte para sa inyong kagamitan—na pagdating sa inyong kapakanan, parang tama ‘yong sinasabing, 'Bahala na si Batman.'"

(For the longest time this was what happened: you who already have a heavy burden were also left to fend for themselves especially when it came to equipment – when it came to your own well-being, the phrase, 'Whatever will be,'seemed to apply to you.)

A little over a year ago, Aquino made several key promises to the PNP and other uniformed personnel in his 2013 State of the Nation Address (SONA). Some of those promises were again mentioned at the police force's anniversary. What exactly happened between 2013's SONA and today?

Here's what Aquino had to say then and now:

•PNP/AFP Housing

SONA 2013: Phase 2 of the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) housing project should be completed by "next month" (August 2013). As of the 2013 SONA, Aquino said "26,050 homes out of our target 31,200" were already built.

August 2014: Almost a year after the targeted completion, the housing project is 98% done. On August 8, Aquino said of the 30,558 houses completed, 14,040 would be going to PNP personnel.

He said the government would be submitting to the National Housing Authority the list of personnel who would be awarded the houses.

Hiring Non-Uniformed Personnel

SONA 2013: "Beginning this 2013, 30,000 policemen will finally be able go back to doing police work because we will be hiring civilian personnel who will focus on administrative work."

August 2014: Halfway through 2014, Aquino said the PNP was "preparing to hire" the first 7,739 non-uniformed personnel (NUPs) from the targeted 30,000. This has been one of the PNP's core goals – to put more police personnel out into the field.

The 148,000-strong PNP's nominal police-to-population ratio stands at around 1:675, according to PNP spokesman Reuben Theodore Sindac. It's short of the 1:500 ideal.

•PNP pensions

SONA 2013: Aquino called on Congress to review Presidential Decree 1838 and Republic Act 8551 or the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998 to "create a fair, sustainable, and clear mechanism for the pensions of the PNP and the AFP."

August 2014: On August 8, Aquino again reiterated the need to fix the pension system for the country's uniformed personnel, adding that it will take over P4 trillion as "seed capital" to fix the pension system. The President promised that the government would "find a solution" to the persistent problem.

According to Rappler's research, no bills have been filed to specifically amend the PNP's pension system as stipulated in RA 8551.

A week before his 2014 SONA, the PNP expressed worry that it would not be able to access its August 2014 operational funds over a pension case filed by retired Integrated National Police (INP) personnel. More than 3,000 INP personnel have yet to receive pension differentials from 1991 to 2006, despite a ruling by the Supreme Court.

•Police to pistol ratio

SONA 2013: "We are slated to distribute a total of 74,879 firearms among our police force, in keeping with our goal of a one-is-to-one police-to-pistol ratio."

August 2014: This is one promise that has been 100% fulfilled under Aquino, a known gun-enthusiast.

In the past, Aquino said, new personnel had to "buy the rights" to inherit the firearms of retiring cops just to arm themselves. "Kabado ka pa dahil kapag nagkaengkuwentro, hindi naman puwedeng daanin mo na lang sa pleasing personality ang masasamang elemento," he added. (You're nervous because if you're in an encounter, you can't disarm lawless elements with just your pleasing personality.)

In an interview shortly after Aquino's 2014 SONA, Sindac told Rappler that enough firearms have already been purchased in order to meet the 1:1 cop-to-firearm ratio. He added, however, that it doesn't automatically mean all new cops would have guns right away because of firearms auditing procedures in their respective units.

QC gov’t gives P21M to Leyte town still rebuilding after ‘Yolanda’

By Erika Sauler (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines–The Quezon City government has extended a P21-million assistance to the town of Santa Fe, Leyte province, which sought financial aid for the reconstruction of its municipal hall complex after it was damaged last year by Super Typhoon “Yolanda.”

The grant was authorized recently through Council Resolution No. 5977 as part of the efforts of the city government to help Yolanda victims in the provinces of Leyte and Eastern Samar.

In Yolanda’s aftermath, Quezon City adopted and helped the municipalities of Palompon, Tolosa, and Santa Fe in Leyte in their rehabilitation efforts.

Santa Fe sought financial assistance from the city government to help restore its municipal hall complex, which includes the main building (old town hall), the Sangguniang Bayan Building, the Mayor’s Office building and the municipal public market.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista sent a seven-man team last year to assess the situation and ensure the effective delivery of services in the three municipalities, whose long-term recovery from the calamity was projected to take three years to complete.

Earlier this year, Quezon City joined other teams in a four-day humanitarian mission to construct houses for Gawad Kalinga beneficiaries in Barangay (village) Pago in Tanauan, Leyte. The city government also distributed relief goods, construction materials and medical supplies.

The mayor urged the 142 barangay chairs of Quezon City to sponsor a barangay from the three adopted municipalities to help people rebuild their communities.

Quezon City, Nueva Vizcaya market link formally launched

By Benjamin Moses M. Ebreo (BME/PIA NuevaVizcaya)

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, August 6 (PIA) – The proposed market link between Nueva Vizcaya and Quezon City, designed to help farmers of this province and consumers of Quezon City was recently launched over the weekend.

Governor Ruth Padilla said that with Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista, they have already signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the project called “Farmers 2 Consumers “ in Quezon City Hall last August 1.

The project also involves the assistance of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Inc.(PCCI)- Quezon City Chapter and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The MOA signing was highlighted with a Market Fair, showcasing agricultural and other livelihood products of Nueva Vizcaya.

“Our products was sold like hotcakes and we are very glad for it because of the huge demand and patronization of our agricultural products. Our farmers were even overwhelmed with the result,” Padilla said of their recent visit to Quezon City.

Engineer Ma. Jonem Gacad, rural development action officer said Nueva Vizcaya farmers brought in about 10, 000 kilograms of vegetables, roughly 12, 750 kilograms of assorted rice varieties and about 374 pieces of assorted handicrafts.

All the transported products were sold out to city hall employees and walk-in consumers, Gacad said.

Proponents said that the local government of Quezon City will also be designating the city’s Market Development and Administration Department (MDAD) in the inspection and monitoring of proper governing measures and the issuance of necessary permits in the implementation of the market link project.

The PCCI –QC Chapter will also be giving capability building trainings to Nueva Vizcaya farmers to further empower them as quality producers of agricultural products.

QC restos now required to offer half servings of rice at half the price

By Erika Sauler (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines—It’s official. Half-cup rice serving must also be available in restaurants.

A measure requiring restaurants and eateries in Quezon City to include a half order of rice with exactly half the price of a full serving on their menu has been signed into law recently.

A copy of the “Half-Cup Rice Ordinance,” signed by Mayor Herbert Bautista on July 9 and released last week, is to be posted in food establishments together with the message “Eat your rice right and save lives.”

Councilor Allan Butch Francisco introduced the measure to support the campaign of the International Rice Research Institute to reduce rice wastage at the consumer level.

The ordinance cited data from the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute that each Filipino wastes an average of three tablespoons of rice daily or 3.3 kilos per year.

The International Rice Research Institute said the losses translate to P8 billion a year, enough to feed 4.3 million people.

The ordinance covers all food establishments in Quezon City, including fast-food chains, food courts, caterers, and canteens in schools and hospitals.

A written warning will be issued by the city’s business permits and licensing office for the first offense. The second offense will be fined P1,000 and the third offense will be fined P2,000 and one-month suspension of license to operate.

Bautista approves curfew for minors in QC

By Janvic Mateo (philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has approved a measure that will prohibit minors from roaming around public places in the city from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

“Reports of barangay officials and law enforcement agencies reveal that minor children roaming around, loitering or wandering in the evening are the frequent personalities involved in various infractions of city ordinances and national laws,” the ordinance signed July 31 and released Tuesday said.

Based on the measure, no person under 18 shall be allowed to “roam around, loiter, wander, stay or meander in all public places during disciplinary hours – 10 p.m. every night up to 5 a.m. the next morning – whether singly or in groups without lawful purpose or justifiable reason.”

It also prohibits parents or guardians from allowing a minor to remain in public places in the city during the designated discipline hours.

The ordinance, which will take effect upon the release of its implementing rules and regulations, exempts minors who are in public places but are accompanied by their parents or guardians.

Guardians are defined as those who – under court order – appointed guardian of the minor, or someone at least 18 years old who are authorized by the parent to accompany the minor in a public place.

Also exempted from the measure are minor who are on their way to or from an activity of their school or organization wherein their attendance are required or otherwise indispensable. The measure also covers activities sponsored by the city, barangay, school or other civic or religious group.

Minors on board a vehicle with an adult are also exempted from the discipline hours. Also exempted are those who are engaged in authorized employment activity or are enrolled in evening classes.

The measure will use the enforcement procedure as prescribed by the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006 when taking in custody the minors who will be caught violating the disciplinary hours.

The procedure prescribes, among others, that the child be turned over to the social welfare development office, which shall explain to the child and his or her parents the consequences of the violation.

The ordinance sets penalties against the parents or guardian of the child who will violate the disciplinary hours. First offense merits counseling, and a fine of P2,000 or 48 hours of community service.

Parents and guardians of a child who will violate the measure twice will have to attend two counseling sessions, as well as be required to pay a fine of P3,000 or render 72 hours of community service.

A minor who will violate the measure thrice and every time after shall be turned over to the social services development department of the city, with his or her parents facing a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of six months.

The measure also covers minors who are not Quezon City residents, but are apprehended violating the discipline hours inside the city’s territorial jurisdiction.

The ordinance was authored by second district councilor Ranulfo Ludovica, who noted incidents of minors flocking together at night to drink on the streets or even use illegal drugs, engage in troubles and other criminal activities.

Improving students’ life skills

By Lito Cinco

It is a development that will benefit Filipino students, particularly those in the elementary level in Quezon City public schools.

Quezon City was chosen as the pilot area for the Coordinates for Life program, a series of training modules for children and young adults to develop and strengthen their decision-making skills, as well as decrease their vulnerability when faced with difficult situations. A joint program between Coca Cola FEMSA-Philippines, local distributor of CocaCola products, and Teach for the Philippines, a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to providing relevant and quality education in high-need public schools.

The program is sanctioned by the Department of Education, which pinpointed the third grade level as the initial student level for the program. It does not just involve students. In the case of the Philippine model adopted by Coca Cola FEMSA from the original Mexican model, parents, teachers, and mentors are also provided training support through lectures and workshops to enable them to participate more actively in a child’s holistic development.

The program is designed around 16 life skills such as assertiveness, empathy, understanding consequences, peer pressure, anger and even stress management, using various activities as experiential learning sessions for the students.

“Coordinates for Life is a program commissioned by FEMSA back in 2011 and since its launch has benefited close to 33,000 children and young adults, 3,820 educators, and around 22,500 participants have attended its various lectures. We are very excited to have this opportunity to expand the program in the Philippines,” said Anik Vares, FEMSA Social Sustainability manager who flew to Manila from Mexico together with program designer Dr. Jose Ruben Riojas and Cristina Arroyo from DEHYCO, a leading Human Development and Organizational Change company, also in Mexico.

Margarita Delgado, co-founder and chief executive of Teach for the Philippines, also expressed her group’s appreciation for the program. “We are delighted to partner with Coca Cola FEMSA-Philippines in implementing the Coordinates for Life Program, it will certainly help children and their parents develop the skills to enable them to make better decisions. We look forward to using the program’s tools and incorporate them into the schools’ curriculum.”

Delgado also emphasized the need to convince public school teachers to take pride in their profession and the impact they have on young students.

“What we have experienced is that a lot of public school teachers sort of look down on their profession saying they are mere public school teachers without realizing their true importance,” said Delgado.

For Coca Cola FEMSA Philippines, the program is the biggest CSR program it has launched, investing P13 million to help fund the program for the next two years in the country.

QC’s underprivileged children with cleft lip/palate get free treatment

(PNA), SCS/LSJ

MANILA, Aug. 3 (PNA) -- The Quezon City government said over the weekend that it is boosting its efforts in bringing back the smile to some 30 QC underprivileged children born with cleft lip or palate.

Mayor Herbert M. Bautista said that in line with this, the city hall has sealed a partnership agreement with the Philippine Band of Mercy (PBM) and the QC General Hospital (QCGH) in facilitating the treatment and rehabilitation of children born with such deformity.

The mayor explained that through “Operation Bingot,” free treatment was extended to qualified indigent city residents through surgical missions conducted at the QCGH on July 30-31 and Aug. 1.

Similar surgical missions will be held again on Aug. 6 and 7 at the same venue.

Bautista noted that the project is really beneficial to the indigent children whose parents cannot afford the cost of cleft lip and clip palate operations which usually range from P70,000 to P80,000.

Bautista said that under the agreement, the PBM, through its accredited plastic surgeons and anaesthesiologists, is tasked to oversee the surgical mission.

Aside from the medical team, the PBM is also providing medicines and surgical supplies needed before and after the operation.

QCGH, for its part, provides the equipment needed for the pre-screening and laboratory examination of the program beneficiaries.

All the laboratory examinations, which include complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, fecalysis and chest X-ray, are provided for free by the city government.

Bautista said he is looking to launch similar programs for the benefit of underprivileged QC residents.

“It shall include a medical program for the treatment of children with hydrocephalus, cataract operation for senior citizens and rectal examination for the screening of prostate-related diseases among tricycle drivers and operators and barangay tanods,” the mayor added.

In connection with this, the mayor directed Jesus Mari Marzan, city government Assistant Department Head III, to study if the QC government can establish a tie-up with other medical institutions in the city in the implementation of the proposed medical programs.

Quezon City village council seeks preservation of ‘The Tanks’

By Erika Sauler (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines—Towering over a section of Cubao in Quezon City are two concrete water tanks built during the American colonial era which officials of Barangay Socorro are seeking to be declared a historical landmark in a bid to preserve the structures.

“The water tanks have been part of the history and landscape of the area that instead of saying, ‘Let’s go to the barangay hall’ people say, ‘Let’s go to the tanks,’” Barangay Councilor Ronald Espulgar said in an interview Saturday.

The barangay council passed a resolution which it submitted to the city council in July requesting to convert the twin water tanks into a historical site under Quezon City’s Heritage Development Program.

The resolution said doing so “would instil awareness and appreciation of our historical roots.”

Espulgar said the water tanks were built by the Americans before the war, probably in the 1930s, and had withstood earthquakes and the bombings during the 1989 coup attempt against President Cory Aquino. The water tanks are located just outside the gate of Camp Aguinaldo on Boni Serrano Avenue.

When the Americans left, the tanks and surrounding property were turned over to the National Waterworks and Sewerage System (Nawasa) which is now MWSS or Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.

Barangay Councilor Jaime Quiambao said that when Barangay Socorro was created in 1961, then former First Lady Imelda Marcos facilitated the accommodation of the barangay hall on the MWSS property. The area was then called Imelda’s Park.

The water tanks, which used to be the tallest structure and source of potable water in the Cubao area, became nonoperational in the late 1950s, Quiambao said.

One of the tanks actually has smaller dimensions as they were built about a year apart, Espulgar said. Presumably, the second tank was added to accommodate the growing population. The officials estimated the tanks to be 12 to 15 stories tall.

Much of what residents know about the water tanks is based only on oral history. The barangay council hopes that declaring the water tanks a historical landmark would lead to documented research.

Barangay officials are hoping that the water tanks compound—about 1,000 square meters in a prime location—would eventually be donated to the barangay.

Declaring the tanks a historical landmark would not necessarily transfer ownership, Espulgar said, citing a similar undertaking in the Balara Filters Park, a property also owned by MWSS and revived in 2003 after decades of neglect.

The barangay officials have converted the lower part of the right tower into an office for the watchmen on the first floor and Gender and Development office on the second floor. While the right tower houses the barangay primary health care clinic. At the back is a covered basketball court and in between is a daycare and the main barangay hall.

“We can’t win an award for our daycare because it’s flanked by hazards,” Quiambao said.

Espulgar said the tanks have been deteriorating and the facade is flaking off. Roofs were built around the compound as protection from the chips of concrete falling from time to time.

He said one of the tanks sustained two holes during the coup attempt but it has since been fixed.

In pursing heritage development, the barangay council aims to have the structures strengthened and refurbished, “with logo and lights on top and a historical marker at the grounds.”

QC gov't supports Nueva Vizcaya farmers through 'Farmers to Consumers' project

(PNA), SCS/LSJ

MANILA, Aug. 1 (PNA) -- The Quezon City government has expressed its strong support to Nueva Vizcaya farmers by providing a space at the city hall grounds where members of the 15 farmers cooperatives in that province can sell their products to local residents at lower prices under the "Farmers to Consumers or F-to-C" project.

The initial phase of the F-to-C project was held Friday at the city hall compound, according to Bob Ferrer, QC Marketing Development and Admin Development Officer.

Ferrer said the F-to-C project was a result of a partnership between the QC government leaders headed by Mayor Herbert M. Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Ruth Padilla, the provincial board and 15 farmers cooperatives.

Ferrer explained that the partnership is formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) wherein the role of the QC government is to provide space where the Nueva Vizcaya farmers and cooperatives can sell their products to QC consumers at lower prices.

“The partnership aims to raise the income of the farmers through their cooperatives which will market their products in QC to enable the local residents to buy cheaper but quality products such as rice, vegetables and other native products,” Ferrer said.

According to Julie Alonzo, livelihood consultant under the office of Gov. Ruth Padilla, before the Nueva Vizcaya farmers cooperatives started selling at the QC hall grounds, they had an advance party that monitored the prices of vegetables and rice in QC’s public markets so that they could offer their products at lower prices to encourage more buyers.

“About 300 cavans of rice were transported here and we are happy to note that almost half of it were already sold as of 11:00 o’clock in the morning,” Alonzo said in an interview with the Philippines News Agency on Friday.

According to her, the farmers are selling Milagrosa rice at only P47 per kilo or P1,175 a sack of 25 kilos. She said the prevailing market price is P55 per kilo.

She added that ginger (luya) is being sold at only P165 per kilo or lower than the existing market price of P180.

Other vegetables for sale are tomatoes at P40/kg; papaya, P20/kg; Baguio beans, P60/kg; cucumber, P50/kg; Red Bellpepper, P50/kg, and other native products such as baskets, brooms.

Most of the initial buyers were QC hall employees, people having transactions at the city hall and residents near the city hall.

The QC government plans to initiate more F-to-C projects by finding a way to bring the products of the farmers to its 142 barangays and at the same time provide its constituents with affordable but quality agricultural products.

It is also eyeing to come out with more direct selling of farmers' products during special occasions at the city hall grounds and also during the celebration of the city's 75th anniversary this October.

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