Quezon City News August 2016

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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.

16 disaster management professionals formally graduate Wednesday

(Philippine News Agency)

MANILA, Aug. 31 — Sixteen disaster management professionals, trained by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) through its Executive Programme (ACE) formally graduated Wednesday.

The event took place at the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Office of Civil Defense administrator Ricardo Jalad said the OCD assisted the AHA Centre organizing team during the Philippine Leg of the ACE Programme’s course activities which included a leaders’ talk in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center and participation in the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team exercises in Subic Bay, Zambales.

Present during the graduation ceremonies were Jalad, AHA Centre executive director Said Saisal, Indonesia National Disaster Authority chief inspector Bintang Susmanto Noortjahjo, representing the chair of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management as well as the heads and representatives of the ASEAN diplomatic missions in Manila.

Jalad said the ACE Programme is a six-month training course which aims to provide on-the-job-training for disaster management professionals from national disaster management agencies (NDMOs) of ASEAN member states.

Included in the comprehensive courses of the program are special activities that facilitate the building of technical knowledge, master of procedures for coordinated and timely response and the planning and management of logistics for emergency response.

“The successful completion of the third batch of the ACE Programme is realized due to the joint and collaborative efforts of our partners and stakeholders,” Faisal stressed.

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management and its Preparedness and Response Working Group, the Government of Japan, ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Dialogue Partners as well as other partners that supported the ACE Programme,” he added.

“Following the footstep of the graduates, we hope that the sixteen officers of the third bath will also make good use of the knowledge and experience acquired through the programme to play a leading role in their NDMOs and to act as foundation for building a regional network for disaster management,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Kazuo Sunaga, said.

ACE Programme Batch 2016 is composed of 16 disaster management professionals, with two coming from each of the eight ASEAN member states which include Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myannar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

The ACE Programme is supported by the Governments of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the United States of American and various United Nations and international humanitarian agencies.

Supreme Court 'case decongestion' program now working in QC, other local courts

(PNA), CVL/CLTC

MANILA (PNA) -- The Supreme Court (SC) has announced that one of its programs to hasten the resolution of cases has greatly helped courts in Quezon City, where it was tested in 2013, and in Metro Manila.

“This one-time case decongestion program launched in 2013 has so far recorded a 30 percent reduction rate of caseload for Quezon City,” Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said in her annual Judiciary report, referring to the Hustisyeah! project.

The project was tested in 33 courts in Quezon City that were handling more than 500 cases. Five lawyers, 24 law graduates and 53 law students volunteered to assist in the implementation of the program.

Sereno said data from the Office of the Court Administrator as of last February showed that the number of pending cases in 119 courts in the cities of Makati, Angeles, Davao, Manila, Pasig, San Juan and Taguig dropped by 17.21 percent from 95,025 to 78,670.

“Since its inception in 2013, the Hustisyeah! case decongestion program of the Supreme Court has significantly reduced the dockets of the 175 heavily congested courts participating in the program,” the SC’s annual report stated.

The program involves three activity phases, namely the inventory of court dockets to weed out dormant cases, formulation of plans to fast-track the processing of the remaining cases, and implementation of these plans.

Another project that Sereno said is helping courts speed up the resolution of cases is the continuous trial system, currently carried out in 52 pilot regional trial courts in Quezon City, Manila and Makati.

Under this system, courts handling criminal cases, such as those involving bouncing checks, minors, drugs, estafa, and illegal recruitment, and select commercial cases, will try them continuously until resolved.

The SC said it is confident that with the system, trial time will be reduced to 90 days from the three to five years.

Sereno said the continuous trial system has shown that roughly 70 percent of the pilot courts were able to conduct arraignment or pre-trial within 30 days under the Rules of Criminal Procedure, effectively shortening trial time.

Performance data on the length of the trial itself will be submitted in October.

”The continuous trial system has gained international recognition when the US State Department commended and considered it as a factor for elevating the status of the Philippines on the matter of fighting human trafficking," Sereno said.

The International Justice Mission also announced in its website that “sweeping change is happening in the Philippines” when a human trafficking conviction was promulgated by a Makati City judge five months from the filing of the information, she added.

PDEA supports bill on affordable drug rehab treatment for PhilHealth beneficiaries

(PDEA/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) supports a proposed bill that would extend affordable treatment and rehabilitation services to drug dependents that are entitled to health care benefits of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

According to PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeňa, the Agency supports Senate Bill No. 8, or “An Act Providing for Affordable Drug Rehabilitation Treatment for PHIC Beneficiaries, Further Amending Republic Act 7875, as Amended.”

The proposed measure which is filed by Senator Vicente Sotto III on July 30, 2016, aims to make treatment and rehabilitation more affordable to drug dependents. The bill is proposed to amend the PhilHealth law and include supplemental health benefit coverage to its members or their dependents as medically necessary for drug rehabilitation treatment purposes and its appropriate services.

Lapeña added that the bill will help resolve the common predicament of those who want to bring their children to treatment and rehabilitation centers but do not have enough money to pay for it. If we fail to treat the drug dependents, a good number of them will only resort to street crimes, or engage in drug-pushing in the interest of supporting their addiction.

The PDEA chief thanked Senator Sotto for sponsoring the bill.

“PDEA is looking forward when the bill is finally enacted into law to help address the incidence of drug abuse in the country, particularly in the recent upsurge of voluntary surrender of thousands of self-confessed drug users nationwide,” he said.

The agency is pushing for the construction of treatment and rehabilitation centers in Regions 2, 4B, 12, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Negros Island Regional Office (NIRO) - areas where not a single treatment center is established.

QC to host Third Global Mayoral Forum on September

(QC PAISO/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA)—The Quezon City government is set to host the Third Global Mayoral Forum on Humanity Mobility, Migration and Development which will take place from September 29-30, 2016.

About 60 mayors, other officials of local governments and experts from international organizations are expected to attend the conference. Mayoral representation has been confirmed from cities in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia.

The conference will follow through on the commitments and action plans made during the previous Mayoral Forums in Quito (2015) and Barcelona (2014).

Under the Quito Local Agenda Action 6 – Promoting Economic Development and Human Prosperity, it is acknowledged that migrants contribute positively to the development of cities and major metropolitan areas worldwide. The diversity created by human mobility is an asset in making cities richer and more competitive spaces with greater prosperity (Mayoral Forum 2014, Barcelona Declaration). Migrants are agents of development and social transformation both in origin and destination countries.

Expected speakers at the sessions are Dr. Joan Clos, Executive Director of UN Habitat III; Surabaya Deputy Mayor Mr. Wishnu Sakti Buana; Dr. Sonia Plaza, Senior Economist of the World Bank and Chair KNOMAD Working Group on Diaspora; Mr. Magdy Martínez-Solimán, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Assistant Administrator and Director of the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP; and Dr. Colleen Thouez, Senior Advisor, UNITAR and Advisor to the UN SRSG (Special Representative of the Secretary General).

The conference will also work towards strengthening the role of local administrators in building data bases on migrants, as well as in mapping and creating lists of diaspora with specific skills and expertise (such as legal skills, contractual negotiations, cross-cultural communication, etc.)

Partners in the initiative are the Commission on Overseas Filipinos, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Bank, the Joint Migration and Development Initiative (JMDI), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG).

MLQU is home in Quezon City

By Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines – Following exponential growth in its law enrollment rate in school year 2015-2016, Manuel L. Quezon University made another significant move to Quezon City last Aug. 19, coinciding with the 138th birth anniversary of the city’s visionary and former Philippine Commonwealth president, Manuel Luis Quezon.

Dubbed “Quezon is Home,” the event featured MLQU’s symbolic move to continue its legacy from Quiapo, Manila to Quezon City with the unveiling of the late president’s portrait done by the late National Artist Fernando Amorsolo.

Just like the school, the city was named after the former president and it celebrates Quezon Day every Aug. 19.

The event was held at the MLQU School for Professional Advancement and Continuing Education (MLQU SPACE) located on EDSA near the MRT-Kamuning station.

Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr., former senator Wigberto Tañada and former trade secretary Peter Favila joined in the celebration led by MLQU and New San Jose Builders’ chairman Jose Rizalino Acuzar and MLQU president and NSJBI co-chairman Isagani Germar. Commission on Higher Education executive director Julito Vitriolo and Philippine Regulatory Commission chairman Eduardo Ong were also present during the occasion. Pioneering programs to mark QC expansion

MLQU has also commenced its partnership with distinguished groups to introduce pioneering programs, signaling its entry to QC’s roster of esteemed academic institutions.

University officials forged a deal with the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations (CREBA), the largest real estate umbrella organization in the country, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

Under the MOU, CREBA will provide students to MLQU who wish to attain a career in real estate management.

Moreover, CREBA and MLQU will create training modules that aim to acquaint students with real estate law in relation to commercial, rental and private property.

Bloomberg and East West Educational Specialists are collaborating on several initiatives such as the Bloomberg EWES Certified Financial Markets Professional Program, Faculty Development Programs and Bloomberg Professional Service Practicum Program, which include international exposure to integrate the Bloomberg terminal application into EWES course curriculum.

In collaboration with MLQU, East West shall conduct certification programs and review classes for different courses and programs for all students and graduates of MLQU in accordance with the requirement and standards of the CHED, Bloomberg LP and Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and Securities and Exchange Commission.

In its plan to beef up its architecture and engineering programs, MLQU partnered with American Concrete Institute-Philippine Chapter and Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines for programs aiming to develop both the students’ and professionals’ knowledge and practice in structural engineering.

ACI has been in the Philippines since 1995 and advocates concrete quality and upliftment of the concrete industry.

Meanwhile, ASEP is respected as an authoritative leader in the practice of structural engineering.

In October 2014, property developer New San Jose Builders acquired ownership of the 69-year-old MLQU. Since then, NSJBI has joined MLQU’s dream of helping Filipino students achieve a better life through education by upgrading the school’s facilities as well as expanding its students’ opportunities.

In 2015, MLQU opened SPACE in the Victoria Sports Tower along EDSA. Developed by NSJBI, Victoria Sports Tower boasts of five floors with sports and social club features replete with the most advanced indoor sports complex, business amenities, wellness and fitness centers and luxurious lobby tailor-fit for sophisticated business meetings. The site also offers MLQU students an accessible and conducive learning environment.

MLQU continues to expand as another campus will soon rise in Timog Avenue to open up more college courses in the coming years.

Visit MLQU SPACE for more information about the latest programs and certification offerings or contact 683-2327 local 122 or 129. Visit the website at www.mlqu.edu.ph or its official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mlquofficial.

Lopez eyes UP Arboretum development with informal settlers as partners

(PNA), FPV/PR-DENR/EDS

MANILA, Aug. 26 (PNA) -- Environment Secretary Gina Lopez plans to turn the man-made forest area along Central Avenue, a property of the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City, into an "ecological paradise" with the help of stakeholders, including its informal settlers.

Lopez said the 17-hectare UP Arboretum has the potential to become an ecological model for development and its informal settlers can be tapped as partners and benefit directly from livelihood projects

"I want an ecological paradise here where there is renewable energy, good septage, medicinal plants; where people from all over the country, the world even, can converge. You can make some money, the community makes money. That's the way they get out of poverty," Lopez said during the launch of the nationwide tree-planting project of the Far Eastern University Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation Beta Sigma Fraternity Alumni Association Inc. (FEU-NRMFBSFAAI) held in the arboretum.

Lopez, an advocate of entrepreneurship, strongly believes that economic development should benefit all the people, especially the underprivileged. She wants a holistic plan where people are part of the development.

For the UP Arboretum, Lopez is looking at agroforestry and the use of environment-friendly technology as business opportunities, particularly those that can be used for production of fertilizers and medicines.

"We include the people and if the people's lives here do not improve, consider the model a failure," Lopez pointed out. "Let them live here and show how people can live in paradise."

Lopez also discussed with UP Vice-Chancellor for Community Affairs Prof. Nestor T. Castro her intention to meet the heads of the UP Colleges of Architecture, Sociology, Psychology, Community Development, Forestry and Medicine to explore how the academe can be part of the plan for the area.

She​ said the UP Arboretum can also be a learning ground for the community, the students and even the DENR.

Castro, whose office attends to the university's community concerns, welcomed Lopez's move to include the informal settlers in the plan for what has been dubbed as the "only remaining forest in the metropolis."

The tree-planting program targets to transform the arboretums of UP and the La Mesa Dam into world-class botanical gardens in five years. It is the centerpiece of the medium-term carbon-sequestration project for Metro Manila of Beta Sigma Fraternity and the Coalition of Clean Air Advocates of the Philippines (CCAAP).

A medical mission and a feeding program for the residents were also held after the tree planting.

Also present in the event were running priest and environmentalist Fr. Robert Reyes, Dr. Mike Aragon of FEU-NRMFBSFAAI, Project Chair Butch Madarang, CCAAP President Herminio Buerano, Forester Rolly Acosta of DENR NCR, and Barangay UP Campus Chair Isabelita Gravidez.

Healthworkers call for a 'just peace'

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

MANILA, Aug. 25 (PNA) -- Doctors and nurses from public and private hospitals, community health workers, and other hospital personnel converged at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City on Thursday to form an alliance they called "Prescription for Peace."

The group highlighted that the "Prescription for Peace" was their supporting efforts to have peace in the country because the health care system in the country would also be tackled therein.

"Prescription for Peace" is a coalition that aims to promote peace talks.

They cited that they believed that the peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Philippines (GPH) was long overdue.

"We support the efforts of the Duterte administration and the NDFP in resuming peace talks," they said in a statement.

They also said that they were expecting that the peace talks would include GPH and NDFP discussion on health issues and concerns that somehow would give improvements that they wanted to be achieved.

Veritas Chapel to display 2 relics of Blessed Mother Teresa

(PNA), FPV/FGP/EDS

MANILA, Aug. 24 (PNA) -- The public is invited to venerate the “ex capillis” (from the hair) and second class relic “ex indumentis” (from the clothing) of Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata (Calcutta) at the Radio Veritas chapel in Quezon City starting this week.

In a statement, the Church-run radio station said the public veneration will be open from August 26 until September 4, 2016, the day of her canonization.

Devotees may pray before the relics from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Our Lady of Veritas Chapel.

An advocate for the poor and soon to be saint, Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata was born in Skopje, then part of the Kosovo Vilayet in the Ottoman Empire (Macedonia).

After having lived in Macedonia for 18 years, she moved to Ireland and then to India, where she lived for the most of her life.

Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation, which in 2012, consisted of over 4,500 sisters and was active in 133 countries.

The group run hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis; soup kitchens; dispensaries and mobile clinics; children's and family counselling programs; orphanages; and schools.

Mother Teresa was a recipient of numerous donors, including the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize for building homes for orphans and a hospice for the terminally ill in India. On October 9, 2003 she was beatified as "Blessed Teresa of Calcutta."

A second miracle was credited to her intercession by Pope Francis, in December 2015, paving the way for her to be recognized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. Blessed Mother Teresa will be canonized as Saint on September 4, 2016.

Radio Veritas 846, a faith-based am radio in the Philippines, is owned and operated by the Archdiocese of Manila.

Established in 1969, the Ramon Magsaysay recipient Catholic radio station continues to be the leading social communications ministry for truth and evangelization in the country today.

Olympian Hidilyn Diaz receives another medal from DND, AFP

(AFP/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA) – Fresh from her victory in the recently-concluded Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Filipino Olympic silver-medalist, Hidilyn F. Diaz received another medal.

Airwoman First Class Hidilyn F Diaz of the Philippine Air Force was bestowed the Outstanding Achievement Medal by Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Ricardo Visaya in a ceremony held in Camp Aguinaldo on Monday.

Diaz competed in the Women’s 53kg Division Weightlifting Event and brought home the country’s first Olympic medal since 1996.

Last week, Diaz was also promoted from Airwoman Second Class to Airwoman First Class.

9 Reasons why you should visit the QCX Museum

By Samantha Isabel Coronado

In celebration of Quezon City Day, make a pitstop at QCX Museum, a newly-opened interactive museum and the first of its kind in Quezon City.

If you’re expecting a gallery filled with endless paragraphs and long footnotes, you’re in for a delightful surprise. The QCX Museum likes to tell a story not with words, but with audience interaction.

The Quezon City Experience, also called the QCX Museum, has galleries designed to help you familiarize yourself with the city on an interactive level. You can soak up history at Manuel L. Quezon’s office, pull out cyber postcards, hear Pinoy jeepney tunes, play trivia games, and pose for a virtual photobooth.

Here’s more of what the Quezon City Experience has to offer:

You’ll imagine the 360 degree view of the city

The most notable landmark of Quezon City is the Quezon Memorial Shrine, the three-pronged structure with angels perched on top of each side. It’s that majestic structure viewable from the Elliptical Road where highways from Commonwealth, North Avenue, Visayas Avenue, East Avenue, and Quezon Avenue converge.

Drawn on the walls around the first gallery are landmarks seen at vantage point. Seen here are Iglesia ni Cristo’s Templo Central, the Big Dome, the oblation sculpture of University of the Philippines, the Mabuhay Rotonda, and more!

…and find what’s up with the tripod-looking design

The Quezon Memorial Shrine stands 66-meters high, the age when President Manuel L. Quezon died of tuberculosis. No two angels are also the same, as each represents the three main islands of the Philippines. How do you tell them apart?

Luzon wears a Balintawak dress characterized by bell-shaped sleeves. Visayas wears a cross-pendant to symbolize the birthplace of Catholicism. Meanwhile, Mindanao is clad in malong, typically worn in the region and by Muslims.

You’ll theorize about the Babae sa Balete Drive

The “Babae sa Balete Drive” is a horror story that gained popularity in the 1950s about a white lady lurking at Balete Drive in New Manila. Our QCX Museum tour guide relates us two stories as we passed by the War Gallery—one more interesting than the other:

The first theory is that it was about a hit-and-run victim who died beneath the tree. This white lady is now held responsible for car accidents by nightfall and ghastly apparitions inside taxi cabs. The second story was that “Babae sa Balete Drive” was merely a made-up tale by a journalist looking for a headline. Which tale do you believe?

…and sing Mike Hanopol’s song, ‘Laki Sa Layaw’ to a new tune

In Mike Hanopol’s song entitled “Laki Sa Layaw,” “jeproks” is actually a slang term for “projects!” Those refer to the housing programs developed in Quezon City we now know as Projects 1-8.

Laki Sa Layaw narrates an easygoing and vice-ridden lifestyle, as it was common among middle-class hippies living within the housing projects. In this gallery, QCX Museum recreates a stereotypical Filipino home. It’s complete with large beaded rosaries, a Last Supper painting, and giant wooden spoon and forks!

You’ll discover your barangay’s origin stories at the QCX Museum

Quezon City is bordered by the riverbanks of Marikina, the cityscapes of Pasig, and the markets of Manila. Each barangay in this city also holds an interesting back story.

Brgy. Teachers Village, now known for the Maginhawa eat street, was a housing project for Manila public school teachers. Brgy. Paligsahan was named so because of the tournaments held in the Amoranto Sports Complex. Krus na Ligas’ name came from a poison ivy tree (ligas) that’s shaped like a cross. The latter is actually the oldest barangay in the city!

…and stroll along a typical QC street

Did you know the origin of the word jeepney? According to the QCX Museum, the Jeep was the military vehicle from the World War. The -ney literally stands for “knee.” Since jeeps are heavily packed, you’ll be rubbing knees with the other passengers! This unique public transportation is ubiquitous not just in QC, but in the entire country!

Another gallery depicts a typical street scene in QC. The hallway is livened up with ice cream carts, sari-sari stores, newsstands, wayside barber shops, and karinderias. You’d think you’re in a Home along da Riles set. Don’t forget to check out what’s cooking in the fish ball stand!

Time-travel to the glory days of Philippine Cinema

Why is Quezon City called the City of the Stars? One thing’s for sure, it’s not about astrological mysteries!

The country’s major networks are stationed in the city. This makes it very common to encounter A-list “stars” inside studios, malls, and restaurants in the area. As such, an entertainment gallery in the QCX Museum is dedicated to a throwback to the glory days of Philippine Cinema.

Together with old-school weather forecasting, black and white films, and showbiz posters are items donated by celebrities. The Comedy King Dolphy’s Famas Awards trophies and the Master Showman Kuya Germs’ suits are displayed here.

…and you’ll watch a President’s dreams come true

From a nameless rock to a seat of power, the museum portrayed Quezon’s own “I Had a Dream” reverie.

In the Quezon on a Hill gallery, you can sit on a rock overlooking the imagined terrains of QC. This is where the young President once sat to rest, as he imagined urban developments in the vast and empty area. Quezon had actually dreamt for the city to be the Philippines’ capital. No wonder lots of government buildings and public schools and hospitals were built here! The adjacent gallery, Malacañan, is a dramatic representation of how he made things happen as President. You can now sit at his throne, a replica of his office in Malacañan, and find the map of roads now built in the city. You’ll also get to know what being the first President to stay in the Palace feels like!

It’s #RealTalk with the non-Utopian approach

Even though the 15-gallery museum glorifies the unique heritage of Quezon City, it also reveals the real struggles that the city faces. With art, no less.

Education is symbolized as a can of sardines, primarily because of the overcapacity of classrooms. Healthcare is rendered as a burnt seat because of the long waiting times to get a doctor’s appointment. Poverty alleviation is as a haphazard wooden ladder, as many would fall on the wayside before making it to the top. Housing was a cluster of boxes containing individual tools, as substandard materials are often used for construction. Lastly, environment is represented by a rotting tree, as humans pollute the air, land, and the sea.

The QCX is at the Quezon Memorial Circle, and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Sundays. Regular rates are at P100 for QC residents with valid IDs and P150 for non-QC residents.

VP Robredo cites QC’s socialized housing projects

(PAISO QC/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA)--Vice President Leni Robredo, who is the Chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), Bistekville II, a housing project in Quezon City, primarily to see a model socialized housing development that is a product of a public-private partnership.

BISTEKVILLE II is one of QC’s almost 30 socialized housing development projects it is located in a 8.8 hectare property in Barangay Kaligayahan, where 1,078 dwelling units have been completed, each of which has a. 27 sq. meter floor area. It is practically a new township, with a community market, a multipurpose hall which can be used for livelihood training, and a covered court.

Robredo praised the socialized housing project initiatives saying that Quezon City residents are very lucky for having an administration that is prioritizing the problem for residents housing needs.

The QC LGU implements on-site and in-city socialized housing projects that also provides opportunities for informal settlers to have their own decent homes.

Robredo said that resettlement projects should not end with housing. She said fulfilling other basic needs like having a decent job, is another thing that should be considered for them to live on their own.

“Mayroon na nga silang bahay ngunit hindi naman sila makahanap ng pagkakakitaan upang kahit papano ay umangat sa buhay. Kung ganun, hindi pa rin matatawag ang proyekto na matagumpay,” Robredo added.

These factors are the future goals for continuing their dreams on building not just homes, but building model communities.

Bistekville II is the product of a joint venture of the Quezon City Government with the land owner, Ofelia Arce and developer, Phinma Property Holdings. The Pag-ibig Fund provides the loan take out mechanism.

DENR all hands on deck for first weekly 'People's Day'

(DENR)

QUEZON CITY - It was all hands on deck at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as its top officials met with representatives of various people's organizations and civic groups to listen to all their concerns during the agency's first ever "People's Day" under the leadership of Secretary Gina Lopez.

Lopez, who had earlier designated every Wednesday as People's Day in the DENR, made sure that key officials of the department, including its attached agencies, were present so they could immediately respond to issues and concerns raised during the meeting.

The environment chief said she wanted all DENR officials to become more results-oriented and responsive to the people's needs.

"Everyone who comes here should return home armed with the spirit that something will be done in their areas so that they have a plan," Lopez said, addressing those who came to the DENR central office in Quezon City to bring forward their concerns about matters that are within the agency's mandate.

"I don't want [the DENR] to be just a regulatory arm, I want something done in your respective areas," she added.

During their meeting, the DENR executives and civil society members talked about issues like public land titling, reclamation, mining and reforestation, among others.

They also discussed possible livelihood opportunities the DENR could provide the public under its existing projects, notably the National Greening Program.

"We want this People's Day to become a people's arm so you have access to DENR. It is important that whatever your concerns are, we can find a solution," Lopez told members of people's organizations and the civil society.

Lopez, meanwhile, directed all DENR officials present to make sure that they took note of all the issues and concerns brought before them and that appropriate action will be taken.

Aside from top officials like undersecretaries and assistant secretaries, officers of different bureaus under the DENR were also present during the meeting.

Lopez said the holding of People's Day is one way of bringing the DENR and its programs closer to people. It likewise serves as a tool to improve transparency, efficiency and effectiveness in the DENR as the agency also get the public's input on matters affecting them, she added.

Quezon City celebrates 138th birth anniversary of former president Quezon

(PNA), CVL/JLD

MANILA, Aug. 19 (PNA) -- Quezon City celebrated Friday the 138th birth anniversary of former president Manuel L. Quezon at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

The celebration began with a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the life of the statesman.

The event was attended by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Congressman Sonny Belmonte, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chair Maria Serena Diokno, members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, students and employees of the Quezon City Hall.

Born on Aug. 19, 1878, Quezon served as president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944. He was instrumental in the country's struggle to gain freedom from the United States, playing a major role in framing the Jones Law that pledged independence for the Philippines upon proving its capacity for self-government.

'Pancit' Festival launched in Quezon City

(PNA), RMA/CJT/PJN

MANILA, Aug. 18 (PNA) -- Two private companies joined forces to showcase the versatility of noodles or 'pancit,' one of the country's all-time favorite food items.

Noodle producer Fly Ace Corp. and 77 year-old food shop Kamuning Bakery Cafe launched Thursday their first 'Pancit' Festival to highlight various noodle dishes across the country.

"Noodles are part of our country's culinary history and who we are," Fly Ace General Manager Ramon Daez said at the event, explaining the launch at Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City.

He's looking forward to more 'pancit' festivals in the future.

According to chef Gigi Angkaw, noodles originated in China where this food item is a culinary staple.

She said around 1200, the Chinese began migrating to Asian countries like the Philippines and introduced noodles to people in these areas.

Noodles proved versatile so this food item's popularity soared over the years, she noted.

Several noodle varieties could be found in the Philippines already, she said.

Among noodle goodies nationwide are Ilocos Norte's 'miki,' Marikina City's 'pinagulong,' Negros' 'efuven,' Malabon City's 'malabon,' Quezon's 'habhab' and Iloilo's 'batchoy.'

At the launch, Kamuning Bakery introduced its 'Pancit Kamuning,' which mixes canton and bihon noodles with traditional and modern ingredients.

The side dish of 'Pancit Kamuning' is 'pan de sal' bread which the bakery makes.

"We'll add 'Pancit Kamuning' to our cafe's menu," said this food shop's owner Wilson Lee Flores.

The food shop named its latest offering after Kamuning, the Quezon City area where this establishment is located.

QC hosts Palawan, Tagbilaran officials on a study tour

(QC PAISO/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA)--Quezon City government recently hosted officials from Palawan and Tagbilaran City who are on study tour.

Accompanied by USAID Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) officers, Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron and Vice Mayor Luis Marcaida III, and Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II led their respective city officials in a study tour of Quezon City last August 9, 2016.

Mayor Herbert Bautista advised the officials not to be afraid to take risks when instituting reforms, but also to be sure to have legal basis for their actions, be it a national law or a local ordinance.

He encouraged exchange of learnings among LGUs, a practice he promoted when he was president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, because no single LGU has a monopoly of successful programs.

The visiting local government officials said they wanted to jump-start their learning and implementation of governance innovations by studying strategies in Quezon City that have been proven to be effective.

Subject of the two cities’ study has been the following:

Development of Quezon City’s information technology backbone for revenue generation and business registration. The technology infrastructure also connects the city’s health services under the Community Health Information Tracking System (CHITS), the LGU’s inter-department GIS systems, the efinancial systems, as well as the internal communication system within the LGU.

The process for registering businesses in Quezon City, which also involves the link and co-location of zoning and the Bureau of Fire representative in the Business One Stop Shop.

The electronic payment systems for business and real property taxes, which is backed by ordinances and Commission on Audit circulars to assure it as an acceptable system for local governments.

The processing of building permits in Quezon City, which has been cited by a World Bank study has having instituted the most significant reforms among the 10 indicators of doing business;

The city’s real property tax mapping system, which required the installation of Php 18 million in geographic information system software and technologies to resolve discrepancies and discover unrecorded property data, which eventually resulted in an increased real property tax take for the QC-LGU of Php 700 million.

The officials rounded up their learning through a view of the actual operations of the Business One Stop Shop, the Building Department’s processing and evaluation systems and the QC-LGU’s new command center.

DFA observes non-working holiday on Aug. 19, birth anniversary of former President Manuel Quezon

(PNA), RMA/SFM

MANILA, Aug. 16 (PNA) -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said it will observe a non-working holiday on Friday (Aug. 19) to commemorate the birth anniversary of former President Manuel L. Quezon.

Republic Act 6471 declared August 19 a special non-working holiday in the provinces of Quezon and Aurora as well as in Quezon City.

In an advisory, the DFA said its offices in Robinson’s Galleria and in Ali Mall in Cubao, both in Quezon City, would be closed to respect the said law.

Applicants with appointment scheduled on the said date are advised to come back between Aug. 20 and 27, 2016, the date they can be accommodated and entertained .

DFA reminded applicants that there would be no extension after the said date.

Police foundation donates PHP2.8-M to enhance PNP's crime-fighting capability

By Angelo S. Samonte

MANILA, Aug. 15 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police Foundation Inc. (PNPFI) donated PHP2.8 million worth of equipment to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to enhance its capability to combat crime and illegal drugs.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, the chairman of the PNPFI, was the guest of honor during the turnover rites held at Camp Crame’s Multi-purpose Center on Monday.

The donation includes two units of Acer laptops, 10 LCD projectors, three sets of public address system, nine Canon cameras, two scanners, two megaphones, one generator set, and 20 mountain bikes.

The recipients of the new equipment will be the Regional Health Service 11, Guian Municipal Police Station, Maritime group, Police Regional Office 12, Pangasinan Police Provincial Office, Engineering Service, Quezon City Police District, Cavite Police Provincial Office, Mapanas Police Station, Bataan Police Highway Patrol Group, Zambales Police Highway Patrol Group, Famy Municipal Police Station, Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office, Romblon Police Provincial Office, Occidental Mindoro Police Provincial Office, and Laloma Police Station of QCPD.

The PNP Foundation was established in 2002 when Senator Lacson was the chief of PNP during the Estrada administration.

It was created through the support of proactive and civic minded individuals with a seed money reaching PHP165 million.

Lacson said in an interview that the total pledges reached PHP500 million, adding most of the pledges did not arrive when he left the PNP after the Estrada presidency collapsed.

The PNP Foundation’s seed money is held in perpetuity and the accrued earnings go to the members of the PNP as donations as stated in its charter.

To date, the foundation has so far donated more than PHP50 million worth of equipment to the police force, Lacson said.

During the Mamasapano incident, the foundation received PHP15 million in pledges and were given to the families of the SAF commandos who died in Maguindanao.

The families of the police commandos, who were considered killed in action, got PHP250,000 while the injured received PHP150,000, Lacson said.

“It [PNP Foundation] will continue to donate to the PNP as long as... conservative naman yung aming investment so di malulugi yun,” he said.

The senator added that the foundation’s recent donation is on top of the PHP50 million it already released.

Good life starts for QCPU’s young entrepreneurs

(PNA), FPV/SFM

MANILA (PNA) -- For the 810 senior entrepreneurship students of the Quezon City government-owned QC Polytechnic University (QCPU), the good life does not necessarily begins right after graduation.

During the recent annual business implementation launch of QCPU at the school’s main campus in Barangay San Bartolome, the students were given the opportunity to showcase their creativity and innovativeness by way of setting start-up businesses of their choice, ranging from selling organic home and beauty products to crafting multi-purpose bags and waterproof shoe covers.

While promoting the level of competitiveness of students in the business environment, the activity also teaches the students to earn in the most realistic way.

Christian Ace Panim and his 11 classmates had to shell out Php3,500 each for their hand sanitizer manufacturing business which is enriched by jute or “saluyot” extract. Panim’s group is exploring the possibility of joining trade fairs for product development

To date, the QC government provides start-up capital for QCPU students who may want to set up their own businesses under the Happy Booster Program.

Aside from lending start-up capital, the Happy Booster financial assistance program will also provide seminars and entrepreneurial trainings to target beneficiaries

This year’s annual business implementation launch, which has as theme, “Entrepreneurship: An Engine for Economic Development and Conveyor of Good Life,” underscored QCPU’s continuing effort to empower its students to become competitive and equipped with the necessary skills that are most relevant in the technology-driven age.

QCPU President Salvador Enriquez led school officials during the celebration.

In his speech, Enriquez underscored the importance of entrepreneurship as key to good life.

Meanwhile, Dr. Glenda Rebucas, of the Entrepreneurship Directorate said that the department has forged partnership with the QC Sikap Buhay Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Office (SBECO), for promotional and product development of students business concepts.

Rebucas said the directorate is also keen on participating in more trade fairs to assist QCPU students market their products.

Veteran journalist to launch new book on Aug. 16

(PNA), SCS/RBC/RSM

MANILA, Aug. 12 (PNA) –- Veteran journalist Ben Cal will launch his newest book -- “Warriors for Peace” -- at the AFP Museum/Theater in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday (Aug. 16) with former President Fidel V. Ramos as the guest of honor and speaker.

The book is about the experiences of the Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) and the Philippine Contingent (PHILCON) during the Vietnam War.

This is the first time that a book on the Philippine participation during the Vietnam War not as combatant forces but engaged in civic action work is written.

Cal conducted extensive research and interviews during the writing of the book through the help of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) headed by Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina, AFP (Ret.), who facilitated in contacting PHILCAG and PHILCON officers and men, who have long retired.

It was during the Vietnam War that the Filipinos demonstrated their humanitarian effort to alleviate the suffering of the Vietnamese, particularly the civilians caught in the crossfire.

At the height of the war, the South Vietnamese government requested the Philippines to send combat troops to Vietnam to stave off the offensive launched by North Vietnamese forces and Viet Cong guerrillas, but the Philippine government opted to send a civic action group instead composed of medical doctors, dentists, nurses, laboratory technicians, and engineers to help rebuild the war-torn country at that time.

It was this kind of assistance that won the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese.

The author put a human face on the Filipino troopers, who had to face the ever present imminent dangers during their mission in Vietnam “not to destroy, but to build.”

Cal interviewed a host of PHILCAG and PHILCON troopers, who related their experience, particularly when they were caught in the fighting between the combined forces of American and South Vietnamese and allied forces, on the one hand, and the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong guerrillas on the other.

PHILCAG and PHILCON veterans are invited to the book launching.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has also been invited to grace the occasion.

Cal has been a journalist since 1963 and is the author of five books and co-author of two coffee table books.

Cal was formerly the managing editor of the state-run Philippines News Agency before he retired in 2010. He had covered the defense and police beats and was also the PNA presidential reporter during the administration of former President Ramos.

QC partners with LTO for “No Contact Apprehension Policy”

(PAISO QC/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, Aug. 11 PIA)—The Quezon City government has partnered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for the strict enforcement of the “No Contact Apprehension Program.”

Mayor Herbert Bautista and LTO Chief Gen. Edgar Galvante, recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for closer coordination and implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Program.

Bautista said there was an emerging need to interconnect the QC Government’s traffic apprehension database with the LTO’s Information System (LTO IT system) on Motor Vehicle Registration System and/or Driver’s Licensing System to ensure effective traffic apprehension enforcement.

Under the terms of the MOA, the QC Government commits to support the LTO by providing local traffic violation information, assist in improving traffic systems, assist in implementing road safety rules and regulations, and support the drive against the illegal use of motor vehicles (MV), including colorum vehicles, car theft, illegal importation and other unlawful use of MVs.

The LTO in turn shall allow the QC Government access and make queries in the LTO IT System as part of the data sharing efforts.

Bautista also presented the facilities of the QC Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office’s Emergency Command and Control Center, which houses the state of the art monitoring facility for QC’s 360 high definition CCTV cameras which are deployed in the major thoroughfares and important government offices and public schools.

The CCTV network assists in improving emergency response time of the QC DRRM Office via the Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD), which also coordinates with the QC Police District (QCPD) and QC Fire District (QCFD) for appropriate assistance.

Also present in the MOA signing was Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Emerson Carlos, who praised the efforts of the QC Government’s Public Safety Modernization Program.

Carlos said that efforts of Mayor Bautista will be a great help in alleviating traffic congesting in Metro Manila. He added that the use of modern technology will assist in instilling motorist discipline through the NCA program.

QC inaugurates Emergency Command Control Center

(PNA), RMA/SFM

MANILA (PNA) -- Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista on Tuesday formally opened the city's emergency command and control center at the Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office building along Kalayaan Avenue.

The facility was initially opened for media preview last June.

The Bautista administration poured in nearly Php300 million for the acquisition and installation of state-of-the art equipment and technologies for the new emergency response system.

The city’s emergency operations center, housed at the newly constructed QC Disaster Risk Reduction Management building at QC Hall compound, is equipped with high-end servers, networking and communication equipment and an integrated video wall.

The command center also boasts of an advanced automatic telephone switching system.For emergency response, the system features a back up wireless communication network, high-definition surveillance cameras and a computer-aided dispatch application system.

The surveillance camera system has a total of 243 high definition cameras capable of face recognition, vehicle and crowd counting, license plate recognition, flood monitoring, and image enhancement.

Cameras have already been installed along QC’s major thoroughfares, including Quezon Avenue, Timog Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue and the QC Hall complex. LED display boards set up on the city’s major roads will display traffic updates and emergency instructions from the command center.

The command center will also be powered by a 36 kw solar hybrid system, which acts as an emergency power supply for the city’s emergency operations center in cases of prolonged power outage during calamities.

QC govt, LTO ink information sharing deal

By Sammy F. Martin [(PNA), RMA/SFM]

MANILA, Aug. 9 (PNA) -- The Quezon City government and the Land Transportation Office on Tuesday signed a memorandum of agreement interconnecting the city’s traffic apprehension database and the agency’s motor vehicle and driver’s license database.

The pact signed by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and LTO chief Edgar Galvante also paves the way for the creation of an alarm in the LTO’s motor vehicle registration and driver’s licensing systems.

The agreement was signed as the Quezon City government formally launched its state-of-the-art command, control and monitoring system at its Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office building along Kalayaan Avenue.

“We hope that this information sharing would help improve our traffic systems as well as help strengthen our drive to combat illegal motor vehicle use such as the use of colorum and smuggled vehicles, car theft, among others,” Bautista said.

Under the scheme, traffic constables from the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety may make a query using a mobile app or via text messaging into the LTO motor vehicle and driver’s license database and check the violation record of a registered vehicle and/or a driver’s license holder.

QC DPOS constables will then be able to access vehicle and/or driver’s information and check for any unsettled violations.

The LTO will also allow the QC DPOS to upload data of its recorded offenses or violations and settlement thereof.

DSWD, sole authority in determining Protective Services Program beneficiaries – Taguiwalo

(DSWD/RJB/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, August 8, (PIA) -- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo clarified through a letter of memorandum circulated to the entire DSWD personnel that the department is the sole authority in determining beneficiaries of the Protective Services Program (PSP).

This was stated in clarification no. 3 of the recently released Memorandum Circular No. 9 (MC 9) titled ‘Supplemental Guidelines on the Implementation of Protective Services Program” (PSP) dated August 1, 2016.

Clarifications also include that referral letters from anybody is NOT integral to the implementation of the PSP.

The memorandum was issued due to various informal complaints and requests for clarifications on new policies and directives received on the implementation of the DSWD’s PSP in relation to the Supreme Court (SC) decision declaring the unconstitutionality of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

MC9 is being issued to: Guide the DSWD Field Offices (FOs) nationwide in the implementation of the PSP, particularly their treatment of referral letters; to ensure adherence to the decision of the Supreme Court which declared the unconstitutionality of the PDAF; to enhance the DSWD’s performance of its mandate as the government’s frontline agency in social protection; to uphold the dignity of DSWD social workers and personnel involved in the implementation of the PSP, as well as ensure their physical safety; and to promote the fair and equitable implementation of the PSP.

Sec. Taguiwalo explained that MC9 covers the implementation of PSP by all FOs and offices, bureaus, services, and units (OBSUs) that are, or in the future may be tasked to implement the PSP.

Meanwhile, on payments outside the DSWD premises, the Secretary said that special guidelines will be issued. She also instructed DSWD staff involved in implementing the PSP to report to the Office of the Secretary any threat or attempt to pressure or circumvent the provisions of MC9 for necessary action and provision of support to the DSWD social worker or personnel under threat.

DSWD through its Protective Services Program, offers various types of assistance to those in need which include the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

Under AICS, the DSWD provides medical, educational, burial and transportation assistance to persons/families in crisis situations, specifically those belonging to the informal sector and other poor, marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged individuals.

SSS accredits CARD Inc. as partner agent, generates nearly P9-M in collections

(SSS)

QUEZON CITY - The Social Security System (SSS) has accredited the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Inc. (CARD Inc.) as one of its collecting partner agents (CPA) as part of its serious efforts to create new channels for SSS payments and to promote active SSS membership in the informal sector.

SSS Assistant Vice President for Cooperatives and Informal Sector Department Ma. Nympha M. Ragel said that the organization’s nationwide operations and rapid network expansion are among the distinct advantages of CARD Inc. as CPA.

“CARD Inc. has over 900 branches nationwide where Luzon has the largest number with 446, followed by Mindanao and Visayas with 296 and 239 branches, respectively. We select organized groups that are trustworthy and capable to handle SSS transactions and have shown their dedication to assist the SSS in bringing much-needed social security protection to informal sector workers,” Ragel said.

As part of their memorandum of agreement (MOA), SSS and CARD Inc. collaborated in conducting pre-implementation trainings for both parties from May to September 2015. Over the five-month period, more than 1,500 SSS and CARD Inc. employees attended trainings in 19 CARD Inc. branches nationwide.

“The pre-implementation trainings aimed to familiarize all of the concerned parties with the specific provisions of the MOA and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, including the scope of services, target clients and collection process. We want them to know all the program aspects by heart to better fulfill their obligations as new partner of SSS,” Ragel explained.

It only took two months after the final leg of the pre-implementation trainings for CARD Inc. to start with its collection and remittance of SSS contributions, besting the usual three-month period needed by newly-accredited CPAs.

“CARD Inc. recorded the highest monthly remittance during the second half of the 2015 with P1.04 million, which is one of the significant outcomes of the 19 pre-implementation trainings held last year. So far, CARD Inc. has successfully collected a total of P8.82 million in over 2,200 transactions,” Ragel shared.

Based in San Pablo City, Laguna, CARD Inc. also earned SSS accreditation as a servicing partner agent (SPA) in 2013. The microfinance institution recorded over 14,000 SSS non-collection transactions last year, which was higher by 43 percent from the 10,024 transactions posted in 2014.

Under the SSS Partner Agent Program, CPAs are authorized to receive and collect SSS contributions, loan amortizations and other miscellaneous payments from their members and clients. Meanwhile, SPAs are allowed to receive and screen applications for SSS registration and benefit claims.

“Accredited partner agents also receive P4 for every processed transaction and P6 for each collected payment as service fee from SSS, enabling them to generate additional income that they can use to further strengthen their operations and programs for members and clients,” Ragel said.

Established in December 1986, CARD Inc. is a social development and microfinance institution which conducts community-based activities and offers various loan programs that uplift the quality of life of its members and their families. To date, CARD Inc. has 1.15 million members all over the Philippines.

“Interested organizations may call the nearest SSS branch or the SSS Cooperatives and Informal Sector Department (CISD) at telephone numbers 920-6401 local 5755 and 5756 to get the complete list of qualifications and requirements. Any SSS branch office can receive and screen applications and they shall endorse it to CISD for further evaluation and approval,” she said.

CSC adopts IT-based system, transitions to paperless HR

(CSC)

QUEZON CITY, Aug. 6 - Paper-based management of employee records from recruitment to retirement may be a thing of the past as the Civil Service Commission (CSC) is set to pilot-run the Human Resource Information System (HRIS).

CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, Philippines-Australia Human Resource and Organisational Development Facility Director Milalin S. Javellana and Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward G. Plaza will sign on August 08 a Memorandum of Agreement for the adoption of the HRIS in the CSC.

The HRIS is a system designed to support human resource management (HRM) functions. It is a software or online solution for managing data entry, data tracking, and data information needs. Its goal is to merge the different human resource processes to increase efficiency in recruitment, placement and selection, performance management, and rewards and recognition.

The HRIS intends to put up a Biometric Information System which establishes records of employee work hours and prevents punching in for someone out of work. Its Attendance Monitoring System determines whether an employee was actually present in the workplace at any given time.

The HRIS also has a 201 File Manager, Appointment Information System and Payroll Management System to improve efficiency and minimize errors common with manual data entry. Through its online file management system, information can be generated on a particular person, payroll information can be streamlined, and data can be aggregated for specific purposes such create a report about the office’s demographics.

CSC hopes to integrate learning and development to improve competency assessment and career planning, mentoring and coaching at all levels.

DSWD launches Virtual Operations Center for disaster management

(DSWD/RJJB/lfb/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, August 5, (PIA) -- Information on government’s disaster management and response is now made readily available to the public through the Virtual Operations Center (VOC), launched this morning by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Disaster Response and Management Bureau (DReAMB).

The development of the operations center is in line with Section V, Rule III of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act 10121—otherwise known as the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.″

This is in support to Executive Order No. 2, series of 2016 of President Rodrigo R. Duterte entitled: “Operationalizing in the Executive Branch the People’s Constitutional Right to Information and the State Policies to Full Public Disclosure and Transparency in the Public Service and Providing Guidelines Therefore”.

“We want the public to have more access to government information and services that they can use to secure and promote their welfare and safety during disasters. Information is power, and we want this power to be used by Filipinos so they themselves can find means to prepare for calamities and help themselves immediately when calamities strike,” DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo earlier statement.

On his part, Director Felino O. Castro, OIC Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center and the Virtual OpCen who presented the project said, “It is our goal to continually improve the mechanisms for disaster response. The sharing of information through this facility is a very important step towards attaining our shared vision for disaster response.”

Castro added, “Information is power, and we want this power to be used by Filipinos so they themselves can find means to prepare for calamities and help themselves immediately when calamities strike. The VirtualOpCen is one of our efforts to bring information closer to the people.”

The public can view and download information through the site on: Hazards, through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and partner-agencies of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); exposure datasets from the Philippine Statistics Authority and the DSWD Listahanan; datasets of evacuation centers; situational reports on DSWD response to disasters; status of relief resources and standby funds available for disaster response; and, predictive analytics and maps for situational awareness and visualization.

The lifeblood of the Virtual OpCen is the committed, vibrant, pro-active “nagmamalasakit” DSWD disaster response community from the municipal and provincial links, Social Welfare and Development Teams (SWADT), Regional and Central Office staff committed to the vision for disaster response to

become the world’s standard in the promotion of a safe and resilient Filipino Society. It is the DSWD’s vision to provide timely, inclusive, apolitical, accountable, efficient, and effective services in the management of disaster response.

The Virtual OpCen may be accessed through the DSWD website at http://www.dswd.gov.ph or directly at http://dromic.dswd.gov.ph

20 QC Library and Information Centers launch Tech4ed ICT network

(PNA), RMA/SFM

MANILA, Aug. 4 (PNA) -- The Quezon City government on Thursday announced that its Library and Information Center as well as its 19 branches citywide will be opened to the public starting Friday.

The libraries will serve as research hubs for the Technology for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurial, and Economic Development (Tech4ED) project of the Department of Science and Technology – Information and Communication Technology Office (DOST-ICT).

The QCLIC and its 19 branch libraries will serve as review centers for the youth taking secondary education through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education.

The ALS is a home study-like procedure that comes in different modules, providing students with instructional materials most relevant for their personal and economic growth. The participants of the ALS program are former out-of-school youth.

Modules and manuals containing ALS, TESDA and other livelihood programs most helpful to youth, persons with disabilities, overseas Filipino workers and entrepreneurs can be accessed in the city’s 20 public libraries.

The Tech4ED offers not just basic ICT training, internet-based research, and email services, but also more expansive help and solutions for the underprivileged and marginalized sectors to enhance their skills and increase their worth in the employment sector.

Aside from NBI clearance online application currently offered by the QCLIC to library goers, thru the Tech4ED program, the public can now secure licenses and membership application with the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC), Social Security System (SSS) and other government services available online.

The Tech4ED project of the DOST-ICT seeks to establish ICT centers in key places in the country that would provide free internet access to people, most especially those in the countryside using the eFilipino program.

The Tech4ED aims to create linkages between the public and government agencies through its projects, program and services that can be viewed in all ICT cites.

Quezon City is the first local government unit in the National Capital Region (NCR) to adopt the eFilipino program, by opening the first 20 centers aiming to cater 4,000 ICT centers nationwide.

Lopez eyes enterprise development program for IPs

(PNA), JFM/PR/EBP

MANILA, Aug 3 (PNA) -- Environment Secretary Gina Lopez is eyeing the prospect of providing financial support for indigenous peoples (IPs) who wish to set up their own businesses.

Lopez said she plans to establish an enterprise development program for IPs using the resources of the state-owned Natural Resources Development Corp. (NRDC), the corporate arm of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The new DENR chief said she wants to instill entrepreneurship among IPs and help them improve their lives.

“To my delight, I have found out that one of the GOCCs (government-owned and -controlled corporations) of the DENR is the NRDC,” Lopez said.

She has directed the corporation to draw up the mechanics of a program to provide financial and other forms of assistance to IPs and to set aside the needed funds.

“When I went to Palawan, I found out that the IPs there have abaca, rattan and almaciga. They have so much in their lands, but they do not have the money [to start their own business],” she pointed out.

According to Lopez, the IPs normally seek the help of Chinese traders for business capital. As a result, she said, these traders “use the ancestral rights of the IPs to get their natural resources and money.”

“What if the IPs conduct a joint venture with the NRDC? This means that if they lack the capital or the financial resources, we can give it to them,” Lopez said.

Established in 1982 by virtue of Executive Order No. 786, the NRDC aims to promote investment in natural resources-based industries by providing financial, technical or management support.

“All I need is an approval from the President that the net income there flows back to the community,” Lopez said.

She added: “If that is allowed, which I am almost sure because he is for the people, then the DENR can be great tool for poverty alleviation in areas where there are environmental concerns.”

Lopez cited the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City as an example of an ecological area which earns Php40 million a year.

She said there are around 17,000 couples holding their prenuptial photo-shoots in the ecopark. “If we convert all those photo-shoots into income, that’s how much money the community gets.”

“I want to replicate that kind of entrepreneurial venture in all our National Greening Program areas, which means that after we do agroforestry, we go to business, and the money goes to the community,” Lopez said.

“We need to put a spirit of enterprise in all the areas so that the people would benefit,” she added.

QC jail detainees now included in alternative learning program

(PNA), SCS/CVL/SFM

MANILA, Aug. 2 (PNA) -- Quezon City Mayor Herbert M. Bautista directed on Tuesday the QC Division of City Schools to include Quezon City Jail detainees in its Alternative Learning System (ALS) program.

Bautista said it is necessary to expand the ALS to meet the educational needs of city residents, including those detained in the QC Jail, who have not undergone any formal schooling.

He said many of these detainees did not even attend elementary school due to low family income or extreme poverty.

Bautista asked the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to verify the number of detainees who recently graduated from the ALS so the city government could help them pursue college courses or vocational studies in the Quezon City Polytechnic University (QCPU) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Let us give them a chance to be productive individuals. Let us make them role models to the citizenry. This move will not only help them as individuals but will also minimize crimes by keeping them busy,” the mayor said.

The ALS is a program of the Department of Education (DepEd) aimed at eradicating illiteracy among out-of-school youths and adults.

Bautista said all ALS initiatives in QC must be integrated and harmonized, including barangay-based training programs, by the city’s social services development department (SSDD) and the scholarship program granted by the QCPU to underprivileged students.

The mayor said he wants to produce more Victor Principe, a former inmate of the QC Jail who graduated from the ALS program, garnering 99 percent in the recent ALS equivalency examination.

To date, 9,760 are enrolled in the city's ALS program.

QC to strengthen greening program in schools

(PNA), BNB/SFM

MANILA, August 1 (PNA) -- Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista on Monday asked the Division of City Schools to immediately identify schools where trees can be planted in order to beef up the city government’s urban reforestation and greening program.

Bautista, who is among the country’s leading pro-environment urban transformation advocate, directed city schools superintendent Elizabeth Quesada to prepare a master development plan for each public school to include reforestation efforts.

“Submit the list with photographs of schools where more trees can be planted to be part of the city’s comprehensive urban reforestation and greening program,” the Mayor said.

For this program, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will be turning over to the QC government 20,000 saplings and 12,000 saplings for city’s public schools, according to the Mayor.

He said the reforestation of public schools will also encourage students to care for Mother Earth as support for Republic Act No. 10176 or Arbor Day Act of 2012, which underscores the need for a collaborated effort between the State and its citizenry to combat the loss of our natural resources and rejuvenate our environment by undertaking a nationwide tree planting activities and providing effective measures for their maintenance and sustainability.

To date, there are 96 public elementary schools and 46 public high schools in Quezon City.

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