Quezon City News December 2015

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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 dad cites strict sanctions on restos over elderly discounts

By Chito A. Chavez

A Quezon City (QC) councilor wants strict sanction imposed on business establishments who refused to prominently display signs detailing the privileges that should be accorded to senior citizens.

Recognizing the needs of the elderly who are in their twilight years, First District Councilor Victor Ferrer warned that firms covered by Republic Act (RA) number 9257 should grant the rights of the elderly especially during in these in dire times.

He issued the caution following the increased number of complaints that some stores, restaurants and similar firms in Quezon City have deliberately avoided placing stickers, posters and other notices in the hope of evading the benefits of the elderly.

RA 9257 also known as the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2003 requires establishments like restaurants to display signs stating the rights of individuals aged 60 years old and above.

To protect the elderly rights, Ferrer urged the public to report such violations saying that under ordinance SP 1858 S-O violators are to be punished by a fine of not more than P2,000 or an imprisonment of not exceeding 30 days or both upon the discretion of the courts.

“The ordinance makes the senior citizens feels secure. They will no longer feel that they are being neglected because they are already unproductive as compared to the younger residents. Through this, the privileges and benefits that are due to the senior citizens will be posted so as to generate awareness to their rights which has been somehow disregarded by some commercial establishments,” Ferrer said.

However, a restaurant owner complained that hard times have forced them to be little bit shrewd as they were left with minimal options due to the increasing prices of prime commodities.

He said that they continue to give the rights of the elderly who show their senior citizens cards but admitted declining to accord the same privileges to people who have no elderly proof to show.

Eastwood QC New Year Countdown presents star-studded party

(Manila Bulletin)

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and Eastwood City welcomes the New Year with a spectacular and star-studded party that will have revelers partying from sunset until the early hours of 2016.

This year’s Eastwood Quezon City (QC) New Year Countdown to 2016 is taking the festivities to a new level as it lines up dazzling spectacles, spectacular performances from the today’s brightest music stars and party music from the hottest DJs in town in what can easily be one of the grandest and longest New Year parties in the Metro.

International singing sensation Dawin will be leading the star-studded musical performances today, Dec. 31 at the Eastwood Mall Open Park.

Dawin, the American singer behind the smash hit “Dessert,” top bills a stellar lineup of performers, which include popular bands Techy Romantics and Imago, and award-wining OPM recording stars such as Kyla, Christian Bautista, singer-songwriter Rico Blanco and world-class Filipina talent, X-Factor Australia 2014 Grand Winner Marlisa Punzalan.

Hosting the revelry, which starts at 6 p.m. are radio jock Joyce Pring and TV host and news anchor Andrei Felix.

At 12 midnight, guests can look forward to more glittering spectacles – the grand fireworks display that will follow the Dazzling Star Drop. Now on its fifth year, the Dazzling Star Drop is Eastwood City’s version of the world-famous Ball Drop in New York City’s Time Square and one of the most-awaited parts of its New Year Countdown.

Adding more color to the annual traditions is this year’s 10,000 balloon wishes that Eastwood City is giving away for free to revelers. The balloons, which contains a piece of paper where people can write their own wishes for the coming year, will be set free a minute before midnight, creating another must-see spectacle.

The revelry continues and picks up a notch at the Eastwood Quezon City New Year Countdown to 2016 After Party happening from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. at the Fuente Circle in Eastwood Citywalk 2.

All set to rev up and electrify the revelers are some of the recognized names in the party scene – DJs Ron Poe, Travis Monsod, Martin Pulgar, Cam Abecina, Cammy and Jess Miller. Joining them at the after-party are hosts MC Victor Pring and MC Ace.

“The New Year always brings renewed hope and excitement to everyone and this is the reason why we continue to make our annual countdown memorable. Through our world-class performances and spectacles that go up until the early hours of 2016, we want everyone to welcome the New Year with a smile on their faces and with renewed vigor, enthusiasm and optimism,” said Megaworld Corporation First Vice President and Commercial Division Head Kevin Tan.

Eastwood Quezon City New Year Countdown is co-presented by the Quezon City Government, Standard Chartered, Smirnoff Mule, RTL-CBS Asia and Ivory Music and Video. Official media partners: Myx and 97.9 Home Radio.

JJWC allots P40M for Bahay Pag-Asa for 2016

(DSWD)

QUEZON CITY, Dec. 28 -- Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman shared that at least eight local ​government u​nits (LGUs) nationwide will get support from the national government for the establishment of Bahay Pag-Asa for children in conflict with the law (CICL).

The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), an attached agency of the DSWD, allotted P40M of its 2016 budget for the establishment of Bahay Pag-Asa.

A Bahay Pag-Asa is a 24-hour child caring institution that provides short term residential care for CICL who are ​:​ ​1) above 12 to 15 years of age who committed serious crime with commitment order issued by the court; 2) above 12 to 15 years of age who are repeat offenders and previously subjected to a community-based intervention; 3) above 15 to below 18 years of age, and awaiting court disposition; and 4) above 12 to below 18 years of age who are considered to be neglected, abandoned, or abused.

The facility shall be managed by a multi-disciplinary team composed of a social worker, a psychologist/mental health professional, a medical doctor, an educational guidance counsellor, and a member of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC).

Under RA 9344 as amended, the government shall appropriate P400M for the construction of Bahay Pag-Asa, P40M of which will be released in 2016.

The budget will be coursed through the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) for implementation.

“The operation of Bahay Pag-Asa will strengthen implementation of intervention programs for CICL, especially their rehabilitation.

We want to help these children become productive citizens and prevent them from committing offenses again,” Secretary Soliman added.

Secretary Soliman also reiterated that children 15 years old and below who commit offenses do not go scot-free.

“It is clarified and emphasized in the law, children below the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) who commit offenses, though exempt from criminal liabilities, are not free from civil liability.

Further, they are also provided with appropriate intervention programs (i.e. peer​ counseling, life skills training,​ and education) that allow them to become accountable and responsible for the alleged offenses they have committed without turning to punitive justice,” Secretary Soliman stressed.

A set of criteria will be used for the selection of priority LGUs for the establishment of Bahay Pag-Asa. To date, there are 36 Bahay Pag-Asa nationwide.

Alabang, Bay City, Pasig, QC also good investment hubs

By CATHERINE TALAVERA (REPORTER)

The country’s central business districts may seem to be good venues for parking money for both property end-users and investors, but other locations may just be as promising, according to online agent MyProperty.ph.

The local property website listed down several neighborhoods in Metro Manila aside from the top business districts such as Makati and Bonifacio Global City that investors and house hunters should keep an eye on in 2016.

On the list is the Bay City in Pasay, a previously unnoticed part of the city, but which came to life when SM Mall of Asia began operating in 2006.

The country’s biggest retail firm has driven the rise of numerous condominiums in the area, followed by the establishment of gaming place Entertainment City.

“With all this activity, another recreational center soon rose to cater to visitors with a more grown-up idea of fun: the Entertainment City, which houses the City of Dreams Manila and Solaire Resort and Casino [and two more integrated resorts will open until 2018],” said MyProperty.ph.

It also noted that the Bay City’s proximity to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport makes it a frequent and favorite stop of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and first-timers in the country.

Also on the list is Alabang in Muntinlupa City, also at the south of Metro Manila. Aside from being known as a business district, Alabang is also becoming one of the most thriving commercial centers in Metro Manila, especially with the construction of Filinvest City and the Alabang Commercial Center.

“An ideal place for young professionals, Alabang is close to the offices located at Madrigal Business Park and Filinvest City, while up-and-coming townships, such as Alabang West and South Park District, will establish the area as a legitimate real estate hotspot,” said MyProperty.ph.

Peppered with eating establishments, gastronomical hubs BF Homes in Parañaque City and Kapitolyo in Pasig City also made it on the list of MyProperty’s good investment locations for 2016.

Aside from the restaurants BF Homes has to offer, it is also a residential area that caters to mostly upper middle class Filipino families. It also has a large population of South Korean expatriates.

Meanwhile, MyProperty noted that Kapitolyo is seen growing in terms of real estate, with upcoming developments like Alveo’s Portico and Ortigas & Co.’s Capitol Commons.

Also on the list is Poblacion in Makati City, which MyProperty dubbed as Makati’s most significant neighborhood next to the Makati CBD.

“After the Makati Business District, Poblacion would be the city’s most significant neighborhood, housing several commercial centers, various businesses, government offices, and even a historical area,” said MyProperty.ph.

It noted that Poblacion is also home to the Rockwell Center and Century City, which both have residential, retail and commercial elements.

Quezon City’s New Manila and Sikatuna area were also mentioned as good investment locations. Both are good areas for families to live in because of nearby schools and hospitals.

MyProperty noted that Sikatuna is also close to some of the country’s established hospitals, such as the Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Heart Center, and National Kidney and Transplant Institute. So is New Manila, with the private hospital St. Luke’s Medical Center.

MyProperty said townhouses could go as low as P5 million each unit in New Manila and P8.9 million in Sikatuna.

EcoWaste Coalition: Cut Christmas trash

(InterAksyon.com)

Quezon City - On Christmas Day, the waste and pollution watchdog EcoWaste Coalition urged kids and adults alike to mark the joyous occasion by repurposing, reusing and recycling the usual Christmas discards instead of simply tossing them to the bins, sidewalks or street corners.

Ecowaste appealed: Don't let garbage spoil the festive celebration.

"Let us honor the child Jesus by spreading love, not garbage, on this special day. We can do simple steps to stop useful materials from reaching the dumps and getting wasted," said Sonia Mendoza, Ecowaste President, said.

"Making Christmas less wasteful does not have to involve rocket science. Everyone regardless of age, gender and socioeconomic status can prevent and reduce the holiday trash with some creativity and common sense," she said.

"We hope that everyone will do their part to keep our communities glistening with safe Christmas lights and eco-friendly decorations, and not stinking due to abandoned mixed rubbish," she added.

To reduce the volume of residual Christmas garbage, EcoWaste recommends the following waste prevention and reduction tips:

•Get creative with edible food leftovers, which can be recycled into amazing meals. To spread the Christmas cheer and avoid food wastage, consider sharing spare food with the poor, jobless and homeless, as well as with people servicing your neighborhood such a. the village guards, garbage collectors, waste recyclers, etc.
•Carefully unwrap Christmas gifts and save the bags, boxes. bows and ribbons and wrappers for the next gift-sharing occasion. Christmas wrappers can be repurposed as book and notebook covers, Origami crane, paper garland or as materials for school art and craft projects.
•Save holiday greeting cards, gift labels, "ang pao" envelopes or red packets, which can be used as bookmarkers, or as decorations for Christmas tree, wreath and lantern decorations for next year's celebration. Christmas cards can be made into new cards or gift tags.
•Transform empty spent cans of juice and evaporated milk into improvised noisemakers to welcome the New Year. Fill the can with some bottle crowns, coins, keys or seeds and attach a wooden handle to make an instant maracas. Tin cans can also be used as garden pots or hanging planters, or as containers for school and office supplies.
•Reuse empty glass jars of cheese spread, fruit preserves and mayonnaise as containers for home-made achara (pickled green papaya), halayang ube (purple yam jam) and other holiday delicacies.
•Save recyclable discards, such as soda cans, plastic bottles, corrugated cardboard boxes, etc. to sell to junk shops or to give to itinerant waste pickers.

EcoWaste Coalition also encouraged families and businesses not to dump their garbage outside their houses or establishments or in street corners and vacant lots, but wait instead for the waste collection service to come pick them up.

Citizens who go to parks and recreational spots on Christmas day should drop litter from candy, chip or food wrappers at appropriate trash containers and leftovers at cigarette butt bins.

QC solon proposes 120-day maternity leave

By Ben R. Rosario

An administration congressman is batting for the enactment of a bill that would double the period of maternity leave from 60 days to 120 days.

In House Bill 6294, Quezon City Rep. Alfredo Vargas stressed the need to increase the paid leave of absence for women who have given birth, saying that this would protect the right of the mothers and their infant to proper health care.

Vargas, vice chairman of the House Committee on Health, said the bill also backs the country’s bid to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of drastically reducing child mortality and cause the improvement of maternal health.

“According to the 5th Philippine Progress Report on the MDGs, the Philippines has a high probability of achieving the 2015 target of reducing the mortality rate of children in 2011,” Vargas said.

He said such probability may rise further if the newborn and the mother are given ample time to be with each other. Citing the report, Vargas said that in 2011 the Philippines recorded a child mortality rate of 30 out of 1,000 live births, which is not far from the 2015 target of 26.7.

The report also noted that infant mortality rate also decreased from 57 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 22 per 1,000 live births in 2011. The 2015 target is 19.

“However, it is feared that the Philippines will not meet its MDG target on maternal health as the maternal mortality ratio increased from 209 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 221 deaths in 2011, a far cry from the 2015 target of 52,” Vargas said.

ATM card safety tips

(PNP/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, 22 December (PIA) – This Holiday season, cardholders are given some ATM card safety tips.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reminds cardholders to always guard their PIN or personal identification number.

It is also important to handle transactions personally and to protect their ATM card as if its cash.

Authorities also advise cardholders to be always on alert and always think of their safety when using an ATM. It’s a must to check first the safety of the surroundings when using the machine and for any fraudulent devices attached.

Last but not the least, cardholders must keep, at all times, records of their transactions. This will help them check of any suspicious transactions in their account.

Be alert, be safe at all times.

DILG, BFP award 253 outstanding firemen

(PNA), RMA/CLTC

MANILA, Dec 22 (PNA) -- Some 253 officials and personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) were recognized as Outstanding Firemen of the Year during the bureau’s 42nd Fire Service Recognition Day held at PNP Multi-Purpose Hall in Quezon City.

The Fire Service Recognition Day, a yearly undertaking to deserving firefighters which started almost four decades ago, paying tribute to the courageous efforts of 10 firefighters who perished in the infamous Rockwell Power Plant fire incident on Dec. 14, 1973. The tragedy was considered as one of the worst fire incidents in the history of the fire bureau.

“Kayo po ang mga bayaning minsan ay hindi napapansin sa gitna ng mga panganib na inyong sinusuong. Kahit na malagay sa alanganin, iniligtas ninyo ang buhay at ari-arian ng mga taong inyong pinagsisilbihan. The reason why you are called the unsung heroes,” Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento of the Department of the Interior and Local Government said.

Joining the Secretary to personally hand in the awards included DILG Undersecretary Atty. Peter Irving Corvera and BFP Director Chief Supt. Ariel Barayuga.

Among this year’s awardees are Sr. Insp. GIiezie A. Dauz and FO3 Richard Andrew A. Roces who demonstrated their courage when they assisted Mrs. Colyn Alcala in giving birth inside a taxi last Dec. 10, 2015 along Kalayaan Avenue, Quezon City. Despite the unavailability of proper equipment and a conducive place for child delivery, Dauz and Roces were instrumental in the successful normal delivery of Mrs. Alcala’s child. Each of them received the Medalya ng Kadakilaan Award.

Taguig City Fire Marshal Chief Insp. Junito F. Maslang and 22 of his personnel each received the Medalya ng Kadakilaan for their timely response to a structural collapse incident at Suites Construction Site, BGC, Taguig on Feb. 4, 2015.

Maslang and his team successfully aided 11 seriously injured employees, retrieved two bodies and rescued two severely injured trapped victims.

On the other hand, the Medalya ng Katapatan was awarded to the Inter-Agency Anti-Arson Task Force (IATF) Head Chief Supt. Samuel C. Tadeo and seven of his personnel for their honesty in returning the retrieved valuables amounting to Php 400,000 to the relatives of the owner of JD Calibration Shop who died due to a fire incident at Brgy. Tagbac, Jaro District, Iloilo City on July 15, 2015.

Other major awardees include Quezon City District Fire Marshal Sr. Supt. Jesus Fernandez, Sr. Supt. Roel Jeremy G. Diaz and District 3 Fire Marshal Supt. Ricardo Perdigon.

QC launches Safe Cities Advocacy Expo

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

QUEZON CITY, 21 Dec. (PIA)--The Quezon City government is firming up efforts to promote women safety and security against street harassment and sexual violence in public spaces.

Together with the United Nations Equity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development, the city government recently launched Safe Cities Advocacy Expo, where they agreed to cooperate for the accelerated implementation of programs that will ensure women safety, especially in Quezon City.

The partnership also served as a fitting gesture to celebrate the culmination of the 18-day global campaign to end violence against women.

During the occasion, UN Resident Coordinator to the Philippines Ola Almgren and Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development head Juan Pita recognized Quezon City as one of the most progressive cities in the country which passed laws against violence and discrimination.

Quezon City also commits to amend the QC Gender and Development Code to increase penalties for street sexual harassment or violence.

During the occasion Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista reiterated his administration’s continuing effort to promote advocacies aimed at protecting the rights of women in the city.

“Quezon City has done its part and is now making sure that programs pursued by the city government for this particular advocacy are institutionalized,” Bautista said.

Bautista has requested the country representatives of UN agencies present during the occasion to provide QC with more relevant programs that can be implemented by the city government for the next five to ten years.

“What we need are more tangible programs for this advocacy and not just create focal persons,” Bautista said.

Aside from the installation of additional streetlights and more well-lighted streets, Bautista is also pushing for the setting up of more women cubicles in the city’s public schools and make it more proportionate with the increasing number of student population.

The launching of the Safe Cities Advocacy Expo, which has as theme: “Women #FreeFrom Fear!,” was also highlighted by a photo exhibit, mini bazaar, cultural performances and an awarding ceremony for featured short films. The activity also served as venue for the soft launching of the QC Safe Cities video.

Quezon City had been chosen as the Philippine partner of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, or UN Women, to pilot-host the implementation of the agency’s flagship program which calls for stronger actions on the prevention of sexual harassment and other forms of sexual violence against women and children in public spaces.

Quezon City is the 25th city in the world to have joined the growing list of global partners supporting the UN Women’s Safe Cities Global Initiative “Free from Violence Against Women and Children,” which was launched in 2010 in an effort to improve women safety across different settings.

Timeline of the Safe Cities Programme for QC began with a baseline research to understand the issue of sexual harassment and sexual violence against women and girls in the streets and other public spaces such as in public transport and terminals, markets, outside schools and in shopping areas.

Barangays Bagong Silangan and Payatas have been chosen as pilot areas for the program.

LTFRB to inspect MM bus terminals starting Monday to ensure safety of holiday travellers to the provinces

By Azer N. Parrocha [(PNA), SCS/ANP]

MANILA, Dec. 20 (PNA) -- Transport authorities are set to inspect bus terminals in Metro Manila starting on Monday in connection with the preparation for the surge in the number of passengers travelling to their provinces to celebrate the coming Christmas holidays.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory (LTFRB) said that a team will be inspecting the bus terminals from Dec. 21 to 24 and Dec. 28 to 30.

All public utility provincial buses (PUBs) with terminals in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City; Pasay City, and Sampaloc, Manila will be inspected, the LTFRB said.

LTFRB said that units found with violations will be grounded and assessed for penalty under the rules and regulations stipulated in their franchises.

To date, the Board has approved the application of 301 provincial buses out of the 372 units that applied for special bus permits.

The Board said that an additional 655 units with these permits will be allowed to operate during the Christmas break, with another 178 units waiting approval.

There will also be help desks deployed in bus terminals in EDSA-Cubao, Araneta Center in Quezon City, Pasay City, EDSA Buendia in Makati, and Sampaloc Manila, to monitor the dispatch of buses, render assistance to passengers and receive and act on complaints/suggestions against erring bus operators and terminals.

“These ocular checks are part of our regular routine inspection of provincial bus companies’ terminals and their fleet to ensure that their units are roadworthy before they ply their authorized routes,” LTFRB chairman Atty. Winston Ginez said.

“We want to provide a safe, reliable and convenient travel for the riding public as they celebrate the Christmas holiday. Any bus unit with even the slight defect will not be allowed to operate and will be penalized accordingly,” he added.

Aside from PUBs, the Board is also sending a team in taxi bays of shopping malls in Quezon City, Makati and Mandaluyong to randomly check on taxi drivers turning down passengers a ride to their desired destination.

LTFRB said that this is to address the increasing number of complaints against taxi drivers refusing to convey passengers.

Taxi drivers found refusing to convey passengers will also be penalized accordingly, the LTFRB said.

EAMC inaugurates expanded and modernized auditorium

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

MANILA, Dec. 18 (PNA) -- East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), a government hospital in Quezon City, inaugurated on Friday its new and modernized auditorium as part of the efforts in bringing the universal health care program of the Aquino administration a reality for the Filipino people.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by House of Representatives Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr. and EAMC Medical Director Dr. Roland L. Cortez. They were joined by DOH Assistant Secretary for Technical Services Gerardo Bayugo, who represented Health Secretary Janette L. Garin.

The inauguration was held at the 7th Floor of the building wherein the newly renovated and expanded hospital auditorium was put up with a wellness garden conducive for the patients and relatives of patient coming to the hospital.

The auditorium will serve not only as a place for big gatherings but for the continuous training and capacity building of hospital personnel so that they can serve the patients better.

The wellness garden, on the other hand, is a good place also for contemplation among the hospital clients.

Dr. Cortez said they have chosen to name the renovated and expanded auditorium as “Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr. Auditorium" in recognition of Belmonte's vast contribution to the enhancement and improvement of the services and facilities of the hospital.

In the marker of the auditorium, the House Speaker has been cited as the one who backed up the passage of Republic Act No. 8345 that led to the increase in the bed capacity of the hospital from 350 to 600 beds.

Aside from that, Dr. Cortez said that Belmonte had been active also in implementing the Sagip Buhay (SB) Program that provided quality patient care to indigents when he was still a mayor of Quezon City.

The Speaker's support in the congressional budget for the upgrade and improvement of the various facilities and medical equipment of the hospital was also recognized by the medical center chief.

For his part, Belmonte humbly accepted the naming of the auditorium after him.

The House Speaker also lauded Dr. Cortez's efforts in the gradual improvement of the hospital.

“Roland (Dr. Cortez) was the first to look for aggressive financing from every source and have that imagination to think that EAMC can be the showcase of the health services of the government,” Belmonte said.

He noted that the efforts exerted by Cortez were reflective of the philosophy and vision of President Benigno S. Aquino III to bring universal health care nationwide so that the people will have access to the health services they truly deserve.

DOH Assistant Secretary Gerardo Bayugo, on the other hand, said that they at the DOH are proud of what EAMC has achieved in comparison with its condition before.

“It’s a day to be proud… Natutuwa ako dahil ang EAMC ay hindi nagpahuli at napatunayan na sila ay magandang haligi ng paggagamot at comparable with other internationally recognized health facilities,” Bayugo said.

Bayugo noted that EAMC has attained international caliber with its ISO Certification Standard 9001.

He said that the DOH is really proud that the EAMC can serve as a model to other hospitals nationwide to emulate in terms of the facilities and services that it is now currently offering.

“Ito po ay di mangyayari kung di sinuportahan ng ating mahal na Speaker,” the Health official said in his speech.

He also cited the dedication and leadership of Cortez in the growth and improvement of the hospital as he managed to bring the hospital into a level where it belongs right now.

With the improvement now seen, he said the EAMC can be a tool to erase the old image of a government hospital without adequate facilities and could not meet local and international standards.

At present, the hospital is equipped with modernized eye center facility, skin derma clinic, snoring center, new laboratories, dental health center, trauma, oxygen production plant, new wards and birthing rooms, among others, with well-paid health care professionals.

There are no long lines anymore when paying to the cashiers because of its modernized system in the presence of electronic numbering of clients to be served in different payment windows.

Inquiries about PhilHealth services are also facilitated via putting of PhilHealth inquiry facilities within the lobby of the hospital to ease up the burden of seeking information.

The EAMC was formerly known as GSIS General Hospital established in 1969. In 1978, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1411, it was transformed to Hospital ng Bagong Lipunan (HBL) and transferred to the then Ministry of Health.

During the time of President Corazon C. Aquino, the HBL was renamed as East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in 1986.

For a long time, the hospital could be considered neglected and lacking in modernized infrastructures. The morale of its staff was also considered low due to lack of incentives and there was no other way then but to go out because of poor pay or even lack of it.

Things began to change in time of Dr. Cortez as they came out with development plans which were later supported by various partners and backed up with laws through the initiative of Speaker Belmonte that led to where the EAMC is right now.

QC promotes sustainable public procurement

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

QUEZON CITY (PIA)—The local government of Quezon City reiterates its commitment to promote sustainable public procurement (SPP) in the country as a show of support to the Global Lead City Network’s 1st Summit, held at COP21 in Paris (France) on December 5.

The city’s Green Public Procurement (GPP) initiative was launched in 2012 with the creation of the Quezon City Green Public Procurement Team (QC-GPP Team) through Office Order No. 57, Series of 2012, signed by Mayor Herbert M. Bautista.

The move was in line with the Environment Policy Management Council Resolution No. 2012-05 – A Resolution Creating the Green Public Procurement Team to Monitor and Supervise the Implementation of the Green Public Procurement Program (GPP Program) of Quezon City.

The QC-GPP Team is composed of representatives from the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC Secretariat, BAC Goods and Services, BAC Infrastructure), City Legal Department and Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD).

Bautista also approved the Action Plan for the QC-GPP Program (2012-2014) created by QC-GPP Team which is not limited to the purchase of eco-labelled products but also promotes the production and use of environment-friendly products by developing standard environmental guidelines/criteria to be incorporated in the required technical specifications of the product in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for goods and services.

At the launching of Kalikasan GP3 Expo in April 2015, Bautista also signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) with representatives from various government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs) and the European Union delegation to the Philippines, a commitment pact aimed to increase collaboration in advancing the Green Economy Initiative to address climate change.

As part of the pre-event activities for the Kalikasan GP3 Conference, the city government, in cooperation with the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI) also sponsored a seminar on Green Construction at the Quezon City Hall on June 26 and July 3, 2015.

The event was attended by the city’s contractors and suppliers as well as representatives from the City Legal Department, Procurement Office, Department of Engineering, Parks Development and Administration Department and Department of Building Official.

The city also participated in the National Ecolabelling Programme- Green Choice Philippines’ biennial event, “Kalikasan GP3 Expo Conference 2015” held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig in July 2015.

The 3-day eco-products trade show featured conference tracks on Green Construction & Green Business, Green Tourism, and Green Building & Sustainable Construction gathering around 600 participants and 100 green business exhibitors.

Quezon City is also one of the cities that joined the Global Lead City Network on Sustainable Procurement, a joint initiative of Seoul Metropolitan Government and ICLEI to promote sustainable public procurement (SPP) and related environmental, societal and financial benefits.

The other participating cities include Auckland (New Zealand), Denver (USA), Oslo (Norway), and Warsaw (Poland).

The Network was launched in April 2015 with Seoul (Republic of Korea), Cape Town (South Africa), Helsinki (Finland), Ghent (Belgium) and Rotterdam (The Netherlands) as founding participants.

President Aquino approves measure renaming Batasan Hills High School after Cory Aquino

(PNA), RMA/PND/EDS

MANILA, Dec 17 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into law an Act renaming Batasan Hills National High School in Quezon City after his mother, the late President Cory Aquino.

President Aquino signed last Dec. 10 Republic Act No. 10716, which changes the name of Batasan Hills National High School in Barangay Batasan Hills to Corazon C. Aquino National High School in honor of the country’s first female president.

“The main campus of the Corazon C. Aquino National High School shall continue to remain in its present location in Barangay Batasan Hills, City of Quezon, Metro Manila,” the law states.

The measure, which originated in the House of Representatives, was passed by the House and the Senate on Feb. 24, 2014 and Oct. 5, 2015, respectively.

President Aquino leads Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR gift-giving event

(PNA), RMA/PND/EDS

MANILA (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday led the distribution of gift packs to the less privileged during the gift-giving event of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), held at the Quezon Memorial Circle Multi-Purpose Covered Court.

The President has been attending the Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR since it was launched in 2010.

"Talaga nga naman po: Ang paskong Pilipino ay tungkol sa pamilya. Narito muli tayo, isang pamilyang nagsasalo at nag-aambagan para tanglawan at bigyang-kulay ang Pasko ng mga kababayan nating higit na nangangailangan," said President Aquino, who cheerfully distributed the gift packs to 50 of the 3,100 beneficiaries composed of street sweepers, senior citizens, members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), people with disabilities and support staff from Quezon City.

The Noche Buena gift packs each contained ham, cheese, pasta noodles, cookies and other grocery items.

The PAGCOR allocated P25.35 billion for the Pamaskong Handog program, which started on November 27 and will culminate on Dec. 22. The program will benefit close to 10,000 less fortunate Filipinos under the care of 33 charitable institutions nationwide.

The President noted how PAGCOR has helped thousands of less fortunate Filipinos through various projects.

"Mula 2010 hanggang 2012, umabot po sa P42.25 milyon ang nailaan ng PAGCOR para maghandog ng gift packs sa ating mga kababayan. Mahigit 14,000 na indibidwal po ang nakinabang dito, kabilang na ang mga batang naulila, out-of-school youths, street children, at mga kapuspalad nating kababayang may karamdaman," he said.

"Taong 2013 at 2014 naman, minabuti nating ipagpaliban ang pagdaos ng Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR, upang bigyang-daan ang pagkakaloob ng gift packs sa mga kapatid nating nasalanta ng bagyong Yolanda. P12 milyon naman ang suma-total na halaga nito, dagdag pa sa P2 billion na inilaan para sa pagpapatayo ng classrooms sa mga apektadong lugar," he added.

During the gift-giving ceremony, President Aquino also witnessed the turnover of P2 billion additional funding for the construction of more classrooms in public schools nationwide.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro and Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson received the mock check from PAGCOR Chairman Cristino Naguiat, Jr.

The additional P2 billion brings PAGCOR's total funding for the Matuwid na Daan sa Silid-Aralan school-building program to P12 billion.

"Ngayon naman, kapiling natin ang mga minamahal nating senior citizens na sasamahan ko sa loob ng limang taon, mga kayod-kabayong miyembro ng Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations, at ang masisipag nating street sweepers dito sa Quezon City. Nauna na ring handugan ng gift packs ang ilang kabataan at kanilang pamilya mula sa National Children’s Hospital. Ngayong linggo din, bilang bahagi pa rin ng Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR, magkakaroon ng salusalo kasama ang magigiting na barangay health workers mula sa Pasay, Parañaque, at Maynila. Suma-total po, humigit-kumulang 9,500 ang benepisyaryo ng programa natin ngayong taon, na napaglaanan naman ng P25.35 milyon. Kanina, inihandog na rin natin ang tsekeng nagkakahalagang P2 bilyon, para sa ‘Matuwid na Daan sa Silid-aralan’ School Building Project," President Aquino said.

"Isang patunay lang po ang pagtitipong ito na sa Daang Matuwid, tunay na walang maiiwan. Kinikilala at binibigyang-halaga natin ang pagkayod at kontribusyon ng bawat isa—health worker ka mang nag-aaruga at nagpapasigla sa kalusugan ng iyong kapwa, tricycle driver na umaga-gabing naghahatid sa mga kababayan natin sa kanilang tutunguhan, o street sweeper na sinisigurong malinis ang ating mga lansangan at daluyan ng tubig, para panatilihing ligtas sa polusyon at baha ang ating mga komunidad," he said.

President Aquino expressed his gratitude to the Filipino people whom he said is the source of his strength.

"Panahon nga rin po ito ng pasasalamat. Kaya naman, sa bawat Boss nating kumakayod para sa kani-kanilang pamilya, at kabalikat din natin sa pagsusulong ng kaunlaran sa kalakhang bansa: Maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Kayo pa rin ang aking lakas, at kayo pa rin ang gumagawa ng pagbabago. Sana po, kahit papaano, ay masuklian ng munting handog ng inyong gobyerno ang wagas na sakripisyo at dedikasyon ninyo sa inyong kani-kanyang trabaho," he said.

The Chief Executive likewise thanked PAGCOR for spreading happiness to the marginalized sectors of the society during the Yuletide season.

"Nais ko rin pong magpasalamat sa mga bumubuo ng Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, sa pangunguna ni Chairman Bong Naguiat. Sa loob lamang ng mahigit limang taon, nagawa ninyong ikabig ang PAGCOR mula sa dating ahensiyang pugad ng katiwalian, patungo sa isang ahensiyang bukal ng serbisyo sa sambayanang Pilipino. Taos-puso rin po akong nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat," he said.

President Aquino also reminded the Filipino people that the future of the next generation is in their hands.

"Sa susunod na taon, nasa kamay muli ng bawat Pilipino kung maitutuloy natin ang pagkukumpuni at pagpapatibay sa ating bahay, o matitibag ito pabalik sa dating mahinang pundasyon at nabubulok na kondisyon. Ididiin ko po: Kayo pong mga Boss, nasa mga kamay ninyo ang kapalaran ng ating minamahal na bayan; nasa kamay ninyo ang kinabukasan ng inyong mga anak, ng inyong mga mahal sa buhay, at ng inyong kapwa. Tiwala naman ako, sa gabay at tanglaw ng Panginoon ay talagang maitutuloy natin ang maganda nating nasimulan," said the President.

Also present during the event were Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Vice Mayor Ma. Josefina Belmonte-Alimurung, and House of Representatives Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr.

PDEA boosts K9-unit

(PDEA/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, 15 December (PIA) – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) further boosted its K9-unit.

This after PDEA recently held a one month K9-unit basic handler’s course with 16 participants from the members of the PDEA Class ‘SangKalasag.’

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac Jr. encouraged the graduates to continue enhancing their skills to become experts in their field of specialization as drug busters.

Cacdac explained that the Canine Handler’s Course will guide the narcotic dog handlers to properly perform their duties and responsibilities, adding that this one way of fulfilling the agency’s mandate as the lead agency in the campaign against illegal drugs.

The course enabled the participants to appreciate and understand how a K9-unit team work effectively and efficiently as front liners during anti-drug operations and enhance handlers’ connection with their respective working narcotic dogs as future K-9 team supervisors.

At present, the PDEA K9-unit has 71 strong narcotic dog handlers in 17 regions, handling narcotic dog breeds like Belgian Malinois, Jack Russell Terrier, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd and Golden Retriever.

MTRCB, CHR sign MOA for human rights protection and promotion

(PNA), FPV/LOR

MANILA, Dec. 14 (PNA)--Culture and arts, particularly in the movies and electronic media can effectively work together for the artistic creativity of of human rights.

Movie and Television Review and Classification Board Chairman Atty. Eugenio “Toto” Villareal on Monday affirmed that his agency and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) have agreed to strongly protect and promote human rights in the country.

”We have recently signed up a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for better coverage and provide all help to the CHR headed by chairperson Jose Luis Martin “Chito” Gascon at their headquarters in Diliman, Quezon City,” said Villareal.

Witnesses during the signing ceremony were MTRCB board member Atty. Noel del Prado and CHR Commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit.

”This can only mean a confirmation of cooperation between the two government agencies which have vital roles in the field of society and development of community values,”said Villareal.

”The MTRCB, of course, is the institution of government that ensures that whatever is produced that impacts our future, builds on, draws from and strengthens humane, democratic and peaceful society.

“The same also with CHR which is a Constitutional body that promotes and protects human rights, and we are excited about the prospect of cooperation that we might be able to develop between the MTRCB and CHR as we continue to promote the values of humane society,” he explained.

Microsoft Philippines invites public to get a copy of ICT manifesto

By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata

MANILA, Dec. 12 (PNA) -- During the ceremony of the "Public-Private Partnership (P3) Award" held at the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) Building in Quezon City on Friday, Microsoft Philippines invited the public to get a copy of the ICT manifesto.

The manifesto, which aims to push for economic progress in the Philippines, is a call-to-action to various industries and government bodies who can help mobilize this.

Entitled "Shared Prosperity: An ICT Manifesto for the Philippines for 2016 and Beyond," the manifesto that was launched in the country last month revolves around five key recommendations for the country's advancement.

Moreover, it has identified national challenges and issues that need to be addressed.

Microsoft Philippines believes that technology has become an integral part of people's lives these days. The company has partnered with Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, the Asian Institute of Management, and different sectors in crafting the manifesto.

The five key recommendations underscored in the manifesto were:

1. Preparing people for the future through 21st century education.

2. Building a more equitable society through ensuring connectivity for all.

3. Leveraging ICT to enhance competitiveness in a "mobile-first cloud-first world."

4. Moving towards a 21st century government that uses technology to be more efficient and responsive.

5. Providing a safe and secure online environment for citizens.

Meanwhile, the ICT manifesto is pushing for economic progress for the three economic drivers in the country that rely mainly on technology: the business process outsourcing (BPO), the online Filipino workers or freelancers, and the small and medium enterprises (SMES).

Microsoft Philippines said BPO is currently a USD20- billion industry in the country; and the online freelancers are estimated to be over a million. It also cited that SMEs contributes 35 percent to the national gross domestic product (GDP).

Those who attended the P3 Award local ceremony were encouraged to get hard copies of the manifesto from Microsoft Philippines' representative.

For more details about the ICT manifesto, one may visit www.news.microsoft.ph. A copy of the manifesto can also be downloaded online. (PNA) SCS/MCCA

Quezon City brings history, culture and food in “Maginhawa” festival

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

QUEZON CITY, 12 December (PIA)—The Quezon City government opens today (Saturday), the “Maginhawang Pasko Food & Art Hub Festival,” a gathering of foodies, artists, musicians, fashion and design aficionados.

Over 100 restaurants along Maginhawa and nearby streets will once again offer their best and delectably diverse menu to customers, guests and spectators expected to dine and celebrate with their family and friends.

On December 12, 2015 from 9 am to 12 MN, Maginhawa Street will be closed to traffic to allow visitors to enjoy the great food, vibrant music, exciting games and unique Christmas shopping experience.

A Christmas Decoration Contest will also be conducted among the establishments in Maginhawa Street that is expected light up the entire area.

There will be 320 participating exhibitors who pledged to offer special Christmas packages and promos at very affordable prices.

During the opening, there will be two sets of program along Maginhawa: one at the UP Village area and another at Malingap Street, which is a rising food strip itself. The length of Maginhawa Street, from Masaya St. to V. Luna Avenue, will be closed during the event. In the afternoon, there will be musical performances, Bingo games and karaoke contests and cosplay.

New and improved Project NOAH website launched

By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata [(PNA), FPV/MCCA]

MANILA, Dec. 11 (PNA) -- A new and improved version of Project NOAH (Nationwide Assessment of Hazards) website was launched Friday at the University of the Philippines-Diliman in Quezon City.

Project NOAH is the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) flagship program in disaster preparedness and mitigation.

In a press conference, Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, Project NOAH executive director, shared the website was made faster, and more users can access it all at the same time.

He explained that some websites are not capable of accommodating many users who are trying to access these simultaneously. The relaunched Project NOAH website can be accessed by more people at any point in time, he noted.

Furthermore, the website has a new look for easy navigation. “We try to make it as simple as possible,” said Lagmay.

”More importantly, the website now includes warning tools and forecast tools, and hazard maps,” Lagmay emphasized.

The hazard maps indicate areas that are prone to flood, landslide and storm surge. Thus, hazard maps also indicate where to go, as the maps have indicated safe areas suitable for evacuation, rehabilitation and development.

Lagmay has earlier cited the importance of mapping out the entire country since every barangay has a different landscape/structure. It is also important for communities to familiarize themselves with hazard maps. According to Lagmay, barangay officials must be able to relay warnings to the communities.

Project NOAH was first launched in 2012. It was created as President Benigno Aquino III instructed the DOST to make a responsive program for disaster risk reduction which will provide lead time warning against all possible floods and landslides.

The government had allotted Php 2 billion to map out the entire Philippines.

Now, what if there’s no internet connectivity?

Lagmay said maps will be available in print. Currently, however, they are still coordinating with agencies for funding.

”We want 1000 copies published for each province,” he said. He added that there are about 700 barangays in a province, so there would be spare copies to distribute to schools, for instance.

Meanwhile, he also admitted that they have a long way to go, and they need to conduct information campaigns at barangay level. He mentioned that out of 32,000 barangays in the country, they have only accomplished the information campaign in 700 barangays.

Project NOAH team also conducts workshops where anyone who wishes to learn more about it may join.

DSWD-NCR recognizes partners in MCCT-HSF and OBBSB programs

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

MANILA, Dec. 10 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) recognized on Wednesday evening its various partners for their contributions in the implementation of the agency's programs and projects for homeless street families (HSF) in Metro Manila.

DSWD-NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan led the distribution of certificates and plaques of recognition to the awardees at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

Director Bonoan thanked them profusely for their unity and cooperation in line with the goal of addressing the problems on street-dwelling and helping the homeless families to rise with dignity by giving them the opportunity to change their lives.

The awardees consisted of task forces from different barangays in Manila and Quezon City for their active participation in the successful implementation of "Oplan Balik Bahay Sagip Buhay" (OBBSB) and Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Homeless Street Families (MCCT-HSF).

Non-government organizations and civil society organizations, academic communities and cities that implemented different programs ensuring that street dwellers were given the necessary intervention to inspire them to aspire for a better living condition also received ven plaques of recognition.

Most of the awardees were recognized for assisting the DSWD in providing support services for supplementary feeding programs (SFP), education, livelihood programs, housing, medical missions and other related activities.

Director Bonoan was joined and assisted by DSWC-NCR OIC- Assistant Regional Director Jacel J. Paguio and Miss Universe 2010 Fourth Runner-up and DSWD Ambassadress to Children Ma. Venus Raj in the awarding ceremony.

A total of 33 task forces from Manila and Quezon City and three academic communities received certificates.

Among the task forces in Manila that were recognized were Task Force Tondo, Task Force Juan Luna, Task Force Bambang, Task Force Tayuman, and Task Force Abad Santos/R. Papa.

The task forces in QC that received awards were Task Force Lingap sa Mamamayan, Task Force Sulu, Task Force Kalayaan, Task Force Amihan, Task Force Amor, Task Force Kalinga, Task Force Kaagapay, Task Force Melchora, Task Force Balintawak, Task Force Pitong Kamay, Task Force Magnificent 7, Task Force Paang Bundok, Task Force Sagip Bata, Task Force Katipunan, Task Force C-5 and Task Force Aurora.

Among the NGOs/CSOs that were cited were Bukas Palad Foundation, Ideals Foundation, Center for Community Transformation, Virlanie Foundation, Tzu Chi Foundation, IHELP, and Ermita-Malate Business Owners Association (EMBOA).

Other cities in the NCR and barangays assisting in the project were also given recognition plaques.

Also present in the recognition night were some beneficiaries of OBBSB and MCCT-HSF who gave their testimonies on how the DSWD programs had helped them in changing their lives. In their respective speeches, they thanked DSWD and its partners.

MCCT-HSF is a DSWD program that provides cash grants to beneficiaries who dwell on the risky streets or in carts.

The DSWD rents a room for them for a period of six months to one year so that they can eventually embrace the importance of living in a protective place for their family instead of continuing to live in risky streets.

The program aims to enable the families to eventually continue the rental through their own capacity.

MCCT-HSF was started in 2012 while OBBSB was launched before the middle of this year to ensure that all sectors are joining forces in ensuring that problems on street-dwelling can be addressed effectively.

OBBSB is a joint project of DSWD and local government units (LGUs) together with the barangays and different government agencies and NGOs/CSOs.

Its initial project was the provision of Kabuhayan Food Carts (KFCs) to beneficiaries who have entrepreneurial skills so that they can have a dignified source of income that they can use in exiting from poverty as the government helps them in the education and health promotion of their children.

PHA backs passage into law of the 'Samboy Lim Bill' on CPR Training

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

MANILA, Dec. 9 (PNA) -- The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) has expressed its full support for the passage into law of the "Samboy Lim Bill" or House Bill No. 5891 seeking to require students in both private and public schools to undergo Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training at least once prior to graduation.

According to Dr. Alex T. Junia, PHA president, there is really a need for mandatory teaching of CPR in the basic curriculum among high school students so that they can become bystander CPR providers that can help in saving lives in their homes and communities.

The proposed law wants every high school graduate to have knowledge on how and when to administer CPR as a way to save the lives of those who are suddenly collapsing due to heart problems, Dr. Junia said during the health forum conducted jointly by the PHA and the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) on Tuesday at Annabel's Restaurant in Quezon City.

He noted that once the measure is approved into law, more people’s lives can be saved because of the presence of big number of people with knowledge on CPR when the situation calls for it.

He said that through also the law, access or availability of automated electronic defibrillator (AED) that will aid for easier reviving of patients who collapse due to heart diseases or other related circumstances can be possible.

The bill's author is Pampanga 1st District Rep. Joseller “Yeng” M. Guiao. He filed the bill last June 22 and said the issue is about saving lives.

His inspiration for the bill was former PBA star Samboy Lim who suffered a cardiac arrest during an exhibition basketball game and was not administered CPR before admission into the emergency section of the Medical City last November.

Lim was out of oxygen for about 23 minutes and entered the hospital dead on arrival. He was revived and has miraculously stayed alive although in a state of somewhat suspended animation. The hope is someday, sooner or later, Lim will regain full consciousness and mobility.

Based on observation, upon the heart attack of the PBA star, there was no one around him who knew what to do or had training with CPR.

Lacking of immediate intervention such as providing of CPR can lead to more serious neurological problems because brain cells can begin to die within four to six minutes without oxygen.

According to Dr. Francis N. Lavapie, chairman of the PHA Council on CPR, only four to six percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims survive because majority of those who witness the arrest do not know how to perform CPR.

PNVSCA awards 2015's Outstanding Volunteers

(PNA), RMA/PR/PNVSCA/EDS

MANILA, Dec. 8 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency will once again recognize the country’s modern-day heroes in the 2015 Search for Outstanding Volunteers Awarding Ceremony on Dec. 10, 2015 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas Center, Quezon City.

PNVSCA will confer the awards to ten outstanding volunteers and volunteer service organizations rigorously selected out of the 78 nominations received nationwide.

Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Arsenio M. Balisacan, National Economic and Development Authority Deputy-Director General Margarita R. Songco, National Volunteer Month Honorary Chair Sr. Eva Fidela Maamo, and PNVSCA Executive Director Joselito C. De Vera will lead the conferment of awards to the outstanding volunteers.

John Oliver Tablazon, a registered nurse and a member of the Hearts and Brains Youth Volunteers (HABI), is the sole awardee in the Individual-Youth Category.

Tablazon extended assistance on healthcare, education, and social services to B’laan families in the Saranggani Province. Through his leadership in HABI and in collaboration with the parents from the B’laan families, he facilitated the establishment of make-shift dormitories for the B’laan kids who used to walk long distances and cross rivers for several hours just to attend their classes.

Virgilio Bautista and Benfred Tacuyan, from Baguio City and Iloilo City, respectively, are the awardees for the Individual-Adult category.

An accomplished leader in several academic and socio-civic organizations, Bautista has consistently led the mobilization of volunteers during relief and rehabilitation operations for victims of calamities in Benguet. He also initiated the Concentrated Learning English Program (CLEP), a capacity-building program where volunteer educators train their colleagues in English Language teaching.

An actual victim of ejectment, Tacuyan fully understands the plight of an urban poor informal settler. His experience motivated him to facilitate and sustain social preparation activities for informal dwellers in Iloilo City. His volunteer work in the community has been instrumental in maintaining a peaceful transfer of illegal dwellers to their designated relocation sites.

Benfred’s efforts were also significant in the transformation of the 16.2 hectares USWAG village in Iloilo City into a sustainable community.

Three not-for-profit organizations were hailed as awardees in this year’s Search.

Working to address the problems experienced by the Indigenous Peoples, Pampamayanang Mangyan Ugnayan, Inc. empowered Mangyan volunteers, through capacity building activities, which enabled them to drive their own change process and serve as intermediaries between Indigenous cultural communities and government agencies.

The organization also implements projects on education, livelihood, health, and disaster risk reduction and management for the IPs in Oriental and Occidental Mindoro.

The second not-for profit organization awardee is the first and only professionalized and systematized Muslim volunteer-sending organization in the Philippines --the Kapamagogopa Inc.

The organization deploys Muslim youth to provide technical assistance in the conduct of capacity-building activities, development programs, and dialogues on the peace process in conflict-stricken and undeserved communities in the country.

Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc. is the third recipient of the Organization, Not-for-Profit award this year. True to its advocacy in battling cancer, CWFI has mobilized volunteers to support children with cancer and their families through the provision of medical services, psychosocial support, and education.

It also campaigned for cancer education, sustainable access to cancer treatment, and free medications in hospitals across the country.

In the Organization, Corporate category, Telus International Philippines was selected as this year’s awardee.

Telus implements an employee volunteering program as part of its corporate social responsibility through the conduct of development projects on health, education, and arts and culture. Through its initiative, community work and volunteerism have become an important part of the company’s culture.

Rev. Fr. Florentino S. Concepcion and BPI Foundation will receive the Special Citation in Volunteerism.

Focusing on the marginalized sector, Father Concepcion established institutions to provide homes for abandoned elderly and disadvantaged children and youth He also collaborated with local and foreign organizations to implement social services programs for the poor.

Through its systematic volunteer management system, BPI Foundation successfully transformed its volunteer program from being company-driven to employee-driven which is now called “BPI Bayanihan Para sa Inang Bayan.”

It has mobilized BPI bank employees to implement development programs in education, entrepreneurship arts and culture, and environment in different communities nationwide.

The life-long commitment and impact of the volunteerism initiatives of Richard J. Gordon as the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Awardee (VLAA), will be one of the highlights of the ceremony.

Gordon learned the values of volunteering from his family of public servants and civic leaders. His mother, the late Amelia Juico-Gordon, was an SOV VLAA in 2005. She is remembered both for her service as mayor of Olongapo City and for her programs for children, most notable are the Boys Town and the Girls Home for abandoned children.

Gordon made volunteerism a platform in his various development efforts and engagements whether as a legislator, a local government executive, a national government official or as a private citizen.

He conceptualized and continuously implements innovative programs that provide opportunities for volunteering, the most notable among these are the Olongapo City Volunteers, the Department of Tourism Volunteer 12, and the Red Cross 143. He is also a prime mover of legislation and policies on volunteerism, including the landmark National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.

Popularly known as “Mr. Volunteer”, Gordon is a familiar figure not only because he has been a public official, but because people see him join ranks with other volunteers, as they launch efforts to save lives and properties and help communities build their lives anew.

The Search for Outstanding Volunteers is an annual activity that aims to recognize the exemplary performance and dedication to services of Filipino volunteers across the nation in building strong communities and empowering lives. It also serves as a platform for promoting and nurturing volunteerism as a time-enduring tradition and a significant component of the Filipino way of life.

The SOV is conducted by the PNVSCA and the National Volunteer Month-Steering Committee, in cooperation with the SOV National Selection Committee and the Regional Search Committees chaired by the NEDA Regional Offices, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the NCR and the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Mabuhay ang ating 2015 SOV awardees!

For further information and participation, please call PNVSCA at (02) 225 32 67; email at info.@pnvsca.gov.ph; or visit the official facebook page at facebook.com/innovatecooperateinspire

LTFRB reduces Christmas bus service fares starting Tuesday

(PNA), SCS/ANP/EDS

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- Fares for the Christmas Express buses of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will drop slightly starting Tuesday to allow more passengers to avail of the service.

LTFRB said that passengers taking the non-stop bus service from SM North Edsa in Quezon City to Glorietta 5 in Makati City will only pay PhP64 instead of PhP80 while those from Trinoma to Park Square, Ayala Center will only pay PhP60 instead of PhP80.

Passengers taking the route from Ayala Center and SM Megamall to Park Square, Ayala Center will only pay PhP40 instead of PhP50, the Board added.

The Christmas Express bus service, which carries passengers from three point-to-point destinations in Metro Manila, kicked off Saturday morning.

At least 20 high quality buses are used for this program which is meant to provide commuters with a more reliable and comfortable commuting experience.

LTFRB chairman Atty. Winston Ginez earlier said that the program is also meant to alleviate holiday traffic congestion by encouraging private car users to take public transport.

PCSO releases P28-M aid to QC hospital

By Edd K. Usman

Fulfilling its mandate, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has released a total of P28 million to the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City.

The PCSO said the amount was for EAMC’s purchase of equipment, including an ultrasound machine, a Surgical C-Arm, and a complete set for laparoscopy use.

PCSO Chairman Erineo Maliksi led agency officials in the turnover of the check to the EAMC recently.

This developed as the charity agency announced the opening of its 49th branch in Mati, Davao Oriental tomorrow.

PCSO General Manager Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II said opening branches in every province of the country was part of the agency’s long-term goals.

He averred that the PCSO only had 25 branches nationwide at the start of the Aquino administration in July 2010.

“Thus, the Board decided to adopt a network expansion strategy to provide Filipinos in remote and under-served areas with easier and more convenient access to PCSO’s products and services,” said Rojas.

Meanwhile, the PCSO yielded two “instant millionaires” on Saturday, with the bettors sharing the P6.8-million jackpot of Lotto 6/42.

The winners bought their winning tickets at the same Lotto outlet in Barangay (Village) Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, guessing correctly the 6/42 jackpot combination of 42-40-22-28-05-30.

QC Food Festival 2015 at Maginhawa Street: 7 things to expect

(Rappler.com)

This year's festival, titled 'Maginhawang Pasko,' is bringing in food stalls, musical guests, and more to the famous Maginhawa Street

MANILA, Philippines – If you missed last year's Quezon City Food Festival along Maginhawa Street, you have another chance to eat to your heart's content at this year's event.

After the success of last year's festival, establishments at Maginhawa, a popular street in Quezon City filled with many small and thriving restaurants, are opening their doors to the public once again for the whole-day festival.

Titled "Maginhawang Pasko," this year's festival is much bigger than last year's, as there's more planned for guests beyond the amazing food.

And after the problems they encountered last year – a shortage of food and very heavy traffic – the organizers have also taken what they've learned and applied it to this year's plans.

On December 4, Jay Adlao Block, president of the event organizer Outbound Asia, told media what we can expect at "Maginhawang Pasko."

1. The festival will be held on December 12 from 9 am to 12 mn along Maginhawa Street, Quezon City.

Over 100 restaurants along Maginhawa and its adjacent streets will be open to serve guests, plus 200 other food concessionaires will also be at the event.

2. You can do some Christmas shopping at Maginhawang Pasko, too.

Because it's a Christmas event, there will be 120 art, fashion, and music stalls selling their wares at Maginhawang Pasko. You won't be breaking the bank either – these participating concessionaires pledged to offer special Christmas promos and affordable prices, according to the event's press release.

3. The Itchyworms will perform at the Malingap Street stage at night.

Other musical guests are lined up too, with band True Faith performing at the Marilag Street Stage at 9:30 pm. The content of the other stage, located at Makadiyos Street, will be provided by The Sweet Spot owner Eric Calderon.

Meanwhile, musicians will entertain festivalgoers throughout the day at busker stages scattered throughout the eating areas.

According to Jay on December 4, the other musical acts haven't been finalized yet, but they are expecting musicians from the Elements Music Camp to be part of the lineup.

4. Aside from food, shopping, and music, this year's QC Food Festival also has a host of contests for guests to participate in.

One of them is the "Singing Birit" competition, which anyone can sign up for in the morning. Auditions will be held throughout the day, culminating in a final show in the evening.

Maginhawa's food establishments themselves will have a Christmas Decoration Contest, so the restaurants will look festive and colorful during the day, and beautifully lit up at night.

Bingo games, karaoke contests, and a cosplay competition will be held throughout the day.

5. Even though Maginhawang Pasko is a one-day event, Maginhawa Street will be closed from December 11 at 11 pm to December 13 at 1 am.

This is so that the organizers have time to set up before, and clean up afterwards. Jay mentioned though that the street will probably be closed for longer, depending on the time that everyone leaves.

If their cars are parked along the street, the residents of Maginhawa Street will be asked to move these cars to designated parking areas. The event organizers will be disseminating more information to the residents soon.

6. To avoid the traffic problems that were encountered during last year's event, the organizers this year have provided a map of the area.

The map identifies drop-off points for guests and concessionaires, barricaded streets, guest parking areas, and which streets are one- or two-way. You can also find command posts for information, first-aid, police, and emergency response teams.

The drop-off points for concessionaires are also an answer to last year's shortage of food. Establishments and food stalls now have areas where they can pick up supplies and restock their pantries.

A more detailed version of the map will be up on their Facebook page soon.

7. The Quezon City Food Festival is being turned into an annual event.

Last year's festival was held in celebration of Quezon City's 75th anniversary. As such, Maginhawang Pasko is just the second year that the festival is being held, but Jay said that they're hoping to hold the event every year from now on.

Will you be hitting up Maginhawang Pasko, the Quezon City Food Festival on December 12? Tell us in the comments!

Quezon City RTC stops Uber, Grab Car operations

By Perfecto T. Raymundo [(PNA), RMA/BNB/PTR]

MANILA, Dec. 4 (PNA) -- The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Friday issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the operation of Uber and Grab Car, which are both classified as online-based transport service.

In the order issued by the Quezon City RTC Branch 217, Uber and Grab Car were temporarily stopped from operating within a period of 20 days from Friday.

The TRO was granted as prayed for in the petition filed by transport group Stop and Go Coalition.

The petitioners claimed that their income were affected by the transport utilities who have secured franchise because of the proliferation of online-based transport service, which do not have their own franchises.

They added that the transportation network vehicle service violates the law, but still managed to acquire the approval of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Holiday non-stop bus service along EDSA starts Saturday

By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan [(PNA), LGI/BNB/CLTC]

MANILA, Dec. 3 (PNA) –- The government is set to implement the "holiday non-stop bus service" to provide relief to commuters who are facing a daily grind of traffic congestion along the stretch of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA).

The bus system is a joint project of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to help ease traffic along major thoroughfares particularly during rush hours along the stretch of EDSA in line with the Christmas season.

During a press briefing at the MMDA office in Makati City, Cabinet Secretary and traffic czar Jose Rene Almendras said the express bus scheme is one of the medium-term solutions to improve the traffic situation along EDSA especially during the Holiday season.

Almendras said the Holiday non-stop bus service will be back starting Saturday up to Jan. 6, 2016 to encourage motorists to leave their vehicles at home in an effort to decongest the major road during the Yuletide Season.

Almendras said the scheme is a “way of increasing efficiency of the use of the streets.”

He reiterated that with the 120,000 new private vehicles in Metro Manila this year, it would be necessary to lessen the travel time of commuters.

“We want to see a shift the culture from car-riding to bus-riding public ,” Almendras said after a technical working group (TWG) meeting with officials of the MMDA, led by Chairman Emerson Carlos, DOTC, LTFRB and local traffic bureaus.

According to Carlos, the MMDA and the PNP Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) will escort the holiday non-stop buses to ensure that these vehicles will make it to their destination on time.

”Holiday non-stop bus escorted by HPG and MMDA to assure commuters they will arrive on time. We need to assure that they will arrive on time. We are trying to start up the bus riding culture. We want to provide an alternative to people on how to move faster,” he explained.

Holiday non-stop buses are exempted from number coding and will be allowed to use flyovers, underpasses and mixed traffic lanes, which will help decongest the “yellow” bus lanes and reduce competition at bus stops for passengers, Almendras said.

Robert Siy, DOTC Planning Adviser said that the holiday non-stop buses will be picking up passengers from Trinoma, SM North Edsa in Quezon City and SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City and bring them to Park Square Ayala Center, Glorietta 5 and Park Square Terminal all in Makati.

Holiday non-stop bus fares range from PhP50 to PhP80.

The system will have three routes:

Route A1: Trinoma (North EDSA) -- Park Square Terminal, Ayala Center (fare = PhP80) (6 units with 45-49 passengers capacity — Genesis Transport)

Route A2: SM North EDSA -- Glorietta 5, Ayala Center (fare = PhP80) (10 units—37-41 passengers capacity- Froehlich Tours)

Route B: SM Megamall -- Park Square Terminal, Ayala Center (fare = PhP50) (4 units—45-49 passengers capacity -- Genesis Transport)

He said the buses can load or unload passengers along Ayala Avenue once these reach the Makati City Central Business District.

Siy also said the operation of the express buses starts around 6 a.m. with trips every 30 minutes. The last trip will be around 10 p.m. on both directions.

To ensure the unhampered daily operations, Siy said the LTFRB will be issuing special permits to 20 express buses.

The buses will be dispatched on time from the terminal whether the units are already full of its seating capacity or not. Fare tickets will only be sold depending on the seating capacity of the buses.

Siy said that the buses are air-conditioned with maximum of four seats per row and not more than two years of age. Also, the buses should display identifying sign/sticker at all times.

He noted the mall operators to provide clear signage at the dispatch site and around the mall to identify where passengers can board the buses, adding that dispatching schedule should be displayed at loading areas.

Meanwhile, Almendras also noted that plastic barriers will be put from Shaw Boulevard to Buendia in Makati southbound EDSA on Friday midnight which would serve as separators for bus lanes and private vehicles.

”On Friday midnight, we are going to put barriers on the bus lanes from Shaw Blvd to Buendia these are the barriers we used during the APEC (Leaders' Meeting). Instead of it being in the middle of the road it will be moved on the right side on the yellow lanes for the buses. This will delineate buses from the private vehicles,” he explained.

”When we do these we expect the buses to move better and faster. EDSA has five lanes: two lanes will be for buses three lanes for private vehicles. Whatever improvement we achieved on EDSA after few months, I’m sorry to say it will be difficult to sustain this Christmas. Therefore we are providing an alternative. It is really better to take premium buses for your convenience,” Almendras added.

Almendras said the groups of businessmen that actually wanted separators.

”They (groups of businessmen) kept on insisting that it was the buses that were causing the problem so if you remember they made a public announcement seeking to separate public utility buses from the cars. So, I think this is going to answer that question. We will do it, and well see what happens. We actually think it will improve the flow of the buses more than the cars," he added.

The separators will provide two lanes for buses and three lanes for the private vehicles.

”But that’s the whole point. We want to encourage the high occupancy vehicles to move faster. So that’s why we are going to do it. And were doing it with the plastic barriers before we put the cement separators, then we can adjust accordingly,” he said.

DMCI Homes buys Delta building in QC

Ray S. Eñano

Quezon City’s landscape is slowly evolving. Familiar landmarks on the capital city have been demolished or are about to be torn down to give way to modern structures of aggressive real estate companies.

The latest object of redevelopment is the old Delta Theater, also known as Dela Merced Building, at the corner of Quezon Avenue and West Avenue. Dacon Corp., a private company owned by the Consunji family, has acquired the lot where the Delta building stands.

DMCI Homes president Alfredo Austria confirmed to this writer Wednesday that Dacon had bought the piece of property for possible redevelopment by the Consunji-owned property company. The Dela Merced Group informed tenants of the Delta building that they had until the end of 2015 to vacate the premises after the sale of the property to the DMCI Group.

The Delta lot, covering over 6,000 square meters, will likely host condominium towers for mixed-use development. Austria said DMCI Homes would likely develop the property into a residential and commercial building, with offices for rent, a deviation from its traditional condo residential projects.

Dacon, a major shareholder of parent DMCI Holdings Inc., will contribute the Delta lot as equity, with DMCI Homes through DMCI Project Developers Inc. acting as the developer of the property.

Austria said the Consunji Group would start offering mixed-use property projects, presumably to cash in on the burgeoning business process outsourcing industry in the Philippines.

The acquisition of the Delta building followed the move of the SM Group a few years ago when SM Development Corp., the property arm of retail tycoon Henry Sy, bought the former 86-room Danarra Hotel and Resort from the family of hotel president and general manager Mario Sarmiento for about P350 million.

SM Development tore down and built a high-rise office condominium on the area to take advantage of its strategic location. Danarra Hotel, once a favorite hangout in the 70’s and 80’s, had sat on a one-hectare property in Quezon City’s South Triangle, also called Timog Triangle.

The Danarra Hotel purchase also followed the acquisition of three other properties worth close to P2 billion several years ago. SMDC bought a one-hectare property near Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City, where it built two residential condominiums under the Sun Residences brand. The Welcome Rotonda property was the site of a popular girlie bar in the 70’s.

Bullish on property

The DMCI Group is upbeat on the property sector, lining up P50 billion worth of projects in 2016. Austria said the company, through DMCI Project Developers Inc., would offer 14,000 residential units in the market, including the mass housing sector.

The mass housing thrust is another first for DMCI. Dacon has served as the group’s land bank holder for future project development. Dacon, for one, owns a huge property in Bataan province that could be transformed into a house and lot development. Another landholding is a 2.9-hectare lot in Davao City.

DMCI Homes earlier projected net income reaching P3.6 billion in 2015, up 11 percent from P3.2 billion in 2014, with the launching of five new residential projects offering more than 3,000 units..

The company expects the launching of more housing units next year to boost the reservation sales to P23 billion in 2016 from the P20-billion target this year.

Institutionalization of the Youth Legislators Program sought

(PNA), FPV/PR/EBP

MANILA, Dec. 1 (PNA) -- A lawmaker has called for the institutionalization of a Youth Legislators Program to ensure that the voices of young Filipinos are heard in the national legislative process.

“Including the youth in the highest policy-making body of the country will give them the opportunity to participate in decision-making on policies involving them and their responsibility to represent their sector in policy-making bodies,” said Rep. Alfredo D. Vargas III (5th District, Quezon City) in filing House Bill 6278.

Vargas said the participation and representation of the youth is of utmost importance in the Philippine bureaucracy.

In filing the measure, Vargas cited the declared policy of the State which recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. It shall include in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.

Aside from the Constitution, Vargas cited the 1991 Local Government Code which provides for the youth participation in local development and the establishment of the Sangguniang Kabataan.

Vargas also cited the 1995 Youth Development in Nation-Building Act which provided a national comprehensive program on youth development and the creation of the National Youth Commission. Furthermore, the Medium-Term Youth Development Plan of the Philippines identified the youth’s right to participate in decision-making on policies involving them.

Under the bill to be known as the “Youth Legislators Program Act,” a body comprised of the youth shall convene regularly for a period immediately following the assumption of office of senators and district representatives, to propose bills and resolutions to the House of Representatives and the Senate. The body shall be called the Youth Legislature.

It shall approve proposals for bills and resolutions in the same manner the House of Representatives and the Senate adopt bills and resolutions. The approved proposals shall be submitted to the House of Representatives and the Senate who may adopt the same.

There shall be one youth legislator for every legislative district who shall report to the House of Representatives and 24 youth legislators to report to the Senate. They shall be elected from a pool of applicant through written or oral examinations to be conducted by the National Youth Commission (NYC).

In order to qualify, the youth legislator shall be at least 15 but not more than 24 years old, a resident of the legislative district he/she is representing if reporting to the House of Representatives or a resident of the Philippines if reporting to the Senate.

Also, he/she shall not have previously been a youth legislator, not a relative within the fourth civil degree of the incumbent elected officials and have other qualifications set by the NYC.

Under the measure, a youth legislator shall propose bills and resolutions to be presented to the Youth Legislature for approval, and participate in the deliberations of the body on the proposals, observe sessions, public hearings and other hearings of the House of Representatives or the Senate and attend trainings, seminars, orientations organized by the NYC.

A youth legislator shall be entitled to a daily honorarium for a period of two weeks equivalent to 75% of the minimum wage in Metro Manila.

The NYC is mandated to implement and supervise the program and is directed to formulate the necessary rules and regulations.

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