Quezon City News July 2013

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

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

QC gov’t calls for accreditation of NGO, POs, PSOs

(PNA), LGI/QC-PR/LSJ

MANILA, July 31 (PNA) -– The Quezon City government is urging all non-governmental organizations (NGOs), people’s organization (POs), Private Sector Organizations (PSOs), Business Professionals and other similar aggrupations operating in the city to apply for accreditation for 2013-2016.

The call for application of accreditation is in compliance with the Local Government Code of 1991 under R.A. 1760 which provides that all national agencies and offices to conduct consultations with appropriate LGUs, NGOs, POs and other concerned sectors of the community before any project or program is implemented in their respective jurisdictions.

From among the accredited organizations, representatives of NGOs/POs/PSOs shall be selected/elected to sit in various Local Special Bodies (LSBs), City Development Council, City Health Board, City School Board, Peace and Order Council.

The applications forms can be secured at the QC’s Office of the Secretary of the Sangguniang Panglunsod ground floor, Legislative Bldg., Quezon City Hall.

The applicants can also make inquiry through tel. no. 9884242 locals: 8522, 8527, and 8528.

The following requirements are to be prepared in 2 copies: one copy to be submitted to the Community Relations Office (CRO) and the second copy to be retained by the applicant organization.

-duly accomplished form;

-board resolution signifying intention for accreditation for the purpose of membership in the local special bodies and the name of authorized principal and alternate representative and their respective addresses signed by the majority of the members of the board of directors and duly certified by the secretary of the organization;

-duly certified copies of registration;

-duly certified copies of certificate of registration;

duly certified copies of constitution/articles of incorporation and by-laws, minutes of the adoption or ratification the ratification thereof, as well as the list of members who have participated therein as evidenced by their signatures;

-list of current officers and member of the organization/association indicating their names, residence/address, citizenship, contact number and other related information, duly certified by the secretary of the organization;

-annual accomplishment report and list of projects and activities for the immediately preceeding year.

-financial statement of the immediate preceeding year;

-minutes of the annual/organization meeting and the attendance therein of the majority of the officers and members with their affixed signatures, duly certified by the board secretary of the organization;

-certification from the barangay chairman attesting to the existence of the organization in the barangay.

Deadline of submission is set on September 15, 2013.

Acceptance of application for accreditations is on-going since previous accreditation by the 18th Quezon City Council has expired last June 30, 2013.

QC to start construction of new hospital this year

(PNA), JBP/LSJ

MANILA, July 30 (PNA) -- Rushing the sick or wounded to hospitals during emergency cases will no longer be a big problem in Quezon City’s second district after 2014.

Mayor Herbert M. Bautista has assured residents of District 2, and those who are in nearby barangays that the construction of a three-storey hospital building fully equipped with modern medical facilities will push through this year.

Bautista cited that the construction of the Batasan hospital will be his administration’s top priority for his second term as chief executive of QC.

Bautista admitted that a hospital is one of the foremost needs of residents in the second district, a densely populated district of the city.

“Having a hospital in the area will provide better health services to our constituents there. No need to rush to far hospital such as East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in case of emergency,” Bautista explained.

He noted that most of the hospitals and medical establishments like EAMC, Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney Hospital, Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Philippine Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center are located kilometers away from the barangays in the city’s second district.

QC’s District 2 includes barangays Payatas, Batasan Hills, Bagong Silangan, Holy Spirit and Commonwealth.

Meanwhile the mayor stressed that aside from this project, he also assured QC residents of an expanded access to affordable health care thru the modernization of the two city-owned hospitals.

“I want to make health and medical services more accessible to as many families as possible,” he said.

According to him, the city is currently on focus for rehabilitation and renovation of the Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH) and the Novaliches District Hospital (NDH).

The mayor disclosed that he informed QCGH Director Antonio Cabigas that preparations are underway for the renovation and rehabilitation the old QCGH building in order to expand the bed capacity of the hospital.

He cited that he also asked Cabigas to immediately report hospital facilities that need budget allocation such as repair, rehabilitation and face-lifting to better serve its clientele.

NDH is found in Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches in District 5, a former part of QC’s District 2.

The said hospital is currently undergoing renovation and expansion to accommodate greater number of the city’s population in District 5 that needs affordable healthcare facilities.

District 5 was created when the old District 2 was divided into 3 major parts by virtue of a law passed by Congress last year.

Under the said law, the 31 barangays were divided into three to enable the creation of two other separate districts, which are District 5 and 6.

The 5 barangays mentioned earlier where the one’s left and were retained as District 2.

Maynilad service connections increase by 62 percent

By Emver Cortez (MAYNILAD/EPC/RJB/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, July 29 (PIA) -- The West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) has announced that its service connections have grown by 62 percent since 2007.

Maynilad President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ricky P. Vargas said as of June 2013, its number of customers increased to 1,101,463 accounts from 677,985 accounts.

”Of its current customers, 95 percent are now enjoying 24-hour uninterrupted water supply, a dramatic increase from the 32 percent in 2006,” Vargas said.

Meanwhile, 99.6 percent of Maynilad customers have water pressure of at least seven pounds per square inch (psi). This allows water to reach the second floor of a structure.

“Maynilad has come a long way in transforming water services in the West Zone. In the past six years, we have invested more than 41 billion pesos to modernize and expand our operations, and we are committed to spending more for the sake of the environment and our customers,” Vargas added.

Maynilad is a concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Severage System (MWSS) for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area, which is composed of the cities in Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon and several cities in Cavite.

QC to ask congress to enact city housing law

(PNA), DSP/QC-PAISO-PR/LSJ

MANILA, July 28 (PNA) --The Quezon City government will push for the institutionalization of the Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (HURA) to be the city’s partner in addressing problem on housing for the underprivileged.

This was announced by QC mayor Herbert M. Bautista, during his 1st Regular Executive Meeting for his second term, as he stated that the city government will urge Congress to sponsor the QC HURA law.

“I will urge Congress – the House of Representatives through Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and the Senate through Senator Vicente Sotto, a former QC vice mayor – to sponsor the law,” said mayor Bautista.

“Once signed into law, HURA will govern resource potential and viable housing projects of the city, and it will become a partner of the city government in building housing units for the city’s informal settler families (ISFs),” he explained.

“With the law, the QC government will be having a partner in its thrust of reducing blight areas in the city by creating mass housing projects for the poor especially for informal settlers living in danger zones,” he also added.

He further added that while the city government is doing its part in building housing projects the HURA will be like a city-owned agency/office that will do the same.

Bautista said that the housing needs of a big number of ISFs that the city government would like to address the soonest possible time is good reason to push for the immediate passage of QC HURA law.

To date, the Bautista administration, in partnership with private and other government agencies such as Phinma, Gawad Kalinga, and Pag-Ibig, has started the Bistekville mass housing projects which have already eight sites in different areas in QC.

These are in Payatas, Culiat, Escopa, Kaligayahan, North Fairview, Sauyo and Nagkaisang Nayon.

HURA, an office in QC hall, also built housing projects such as condo-type housing projects in Barangays Vasra in Visayas Avenue and Escopa in Project 4.

AFP inaugurates world's longest peace mural

(PNA), HBC/PFN

MANILA, July 27 (PNA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines Saturday formally inaugurated what could be the world’s longest peace mural along EDSA Saturday morning.

The activity kicked off with the "Bayanihan" Peace Mural Tour composed of bikers, runners, and a motorcade parade around the 3.7 kilometer stretch of the walls of Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

This was followed by a ceremonial painting ceremony of the word Kapayapaan by representatives of the different stakeholders for peace along the camp’s wall on White Plains Avenue symbolizing the completion of the mural.

Soon after, the mural was officially inaugurated by the unveiling of a marker where the painting of the walls began last May 26.

Dubbed “Lakbay Para sa Kapayapaan sa EDSA,” the mural project spans 3,770 meters along EDSA, White Plains Avenue, and Col. Bonny Serrano Avenue in Quezon City.

It is a joint project between the AFP, Metro Manila Development Authority, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Asia America Initiative and Dolphins Love Freedom Network.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista was joined by Assistant Secretary Jennifer Oreta of OPAPP, AG Sano of DLF, and Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman of AAI, among others.

Speaking on the four decade long insurgency and the increasing clamor for internal peace and security, Bautista said that the solution on the armed conflict lies in the Filipino practice of :Bayanihan".

“This project is about breaking barriers that prevent us from moving forward. I was convinced of this when I saw soldiers painting alongside children of rebels,” AG Sano said during the inauguration.

“We saw art as a good venue to create better understanding and mainstreaming of the promotion of peace. This is a portrait of the Filipino’s aspiration for peace,” Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman added.

QC offering tax breaks to investors hiring locals

By Jeannette I. Andrade (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

In a bid to boost revenues and generate more jobs for residents, the Quezon City government will be offering incentives to big businesses, including three- to four-year tax holidays and other special perks.

These and other benefits are part of the “Quezon City Economic Development Incentives Code of 2013” approved on July 18 by Mayor Herbert Bautista who wants to see more foreign and domestic medium and large enterprises (MLEs) do business in the city.

To qualify, investors should comply with local business requirements. In addition, 15 percent of the rank-and-file workers of medium enterprises (businesses with total assets of P15 million to P100 million) should be residents of the city. For large enterprises (businesses with assets of over P100 million), city residents should comprise 20 percent of their workforce.

Among the fiscal incentives being offered to MLEs are tax holidays on real property; special deductions on gross income in computing the base of business taxes (P5 million for medium enterprises and P10 million for large enterprises); and exemptions from amusement taxes and fees for the transfer of real property ownership.

Nonfiscal benefits, on the other hand, include the assignment by the city’s economic investment promotions office of an account officer for the investor’s business operation requirements; transparency in the process of registering and qualifying for the incentives as well as an assurance from the city government that it will not interfere in the company’s internal operations; facilitating business registration and the hiring of qualified foreign workers for the company’s operations provided there is no Filipino qualified or available for the job.

The incentives will be good for three to four years provided all the land, buildings and equipment taxed are “actually, directly and exclusively” used by the MLEs.

In addition, the exemption of medium enterprises from the tax holiday on real property and business taxes will be extended by one more year if at least 30 percent of their rank-and-file employees are city residents.

If the figure goes up to 60 percent, the extension covers two more years but if their workers are all Quezon City residents, they will be given an additional three years.

For large enterprises, the tax holiday on real property and business taxes will be extended by one year if at least 40 percent of their employees are city residents. To raise the coverage to two years, Quezon City residents should comprise 70 percent of their regular workers. Should the figure go up to 100 percent, they will get an additional three years.

The ordinance also provides tax credits for the purchase of raw materials “actually, directly and exclusively used in production or operation” where the total amount paid will be deducted from the MLEs’ business taxes.

75th QC founding anniv celebration to start in October

(PNA), HBC/QC-PAISO-PR/LSJ

MANILA, July 25 (PNA) -- Preparations are on high gear for the diamond jubilee celebration of Quezon City or its 75th founding anniversary by next year (2014).

In a statement, QC Mayor Herbert Bautista ordered the creation of the Diamond Jubilee Commission of QC to oversee the planning of programs and activities for the celebration, which will kick-off in October this year.

The commission, created through an executive order, will be chaired by Bautista and co-chaired by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte.

“Hopefully, we can launch a road show presentation during that time where foreign guests can also celebrate with us the transformation of QC into one of the Philippines’ most vibrant and progressive urban metropolis today,” Bautista said.

A two-year budget, covering 2013-2015, is being prepared to cover the expenditures for the various programs and activities that will be undertaken during the city’s 75th founding anniversary celebration.

The commission will be working with an initial budget of P5 million for 2013.

Commission’s membership also include a representative from the academe, to sit as the first vice chairperson; the president of the Philippine – Quezon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as second vice chairperson; and as members, the chairman of the city council committee on trade, commerce and industry; the chairman of the council committee on culture and tourism; secretary to the mayor; Liga ng mga Barangay president; a former QC mayor and representatives from the private sector.

The city’s department of tourism has been designated as commission secretary.

Meanwhile, Tadeo Palma, the city’s secretary to the mayor, will also be designated as executive director of the commission secretariat while Aldrin C. Cuña, the Mayor’s chief of staff, shall serve as deputy executive director of the commission secretariat.

The executive order also covers the creation of various committees necessary to ensure the success of the celebration.

President Manuel Luis Quezon founded the city of his dreams, now known as Quezon City, by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 502, passed by the National Assembly on October 12, 1939.

DMCI Homes volunteers paint several houses

(A Web design Company)

Officials and employees of DMCI Homes have painted several houses at Bistekville I, a social housing project of Quezon City and Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP), as part of the company’s Kaakbay sa Pamayanan community outreach program.

60 DMCI Homes volunteers braved the morning summer heat on May 4 to paint a few houses at the Payatas community, a beneficiary of the property developer’s P4 million cash donation in March 2012 that helped the Quezon City government, Department of Education and HFHP construct 20.5 of 145 sponsored Bistekville I homes for poor families and teachers from the Payatas dumpsite. The volunteer work is also part of DMCI Homes’ agreement with HFHP to support the latter’s I Build campaign, which aims to establish a citywide and nationwide shelter program for informal settlers, government workers and other disadvantaged groups or poor families.

Residents of the painted homes were very thankful to the painstaking efforts of the DMCI Homes volunteers in giving color to their shelter.

DMCI Homes is intensifying its volunteerism under its corporate social responsibility program dubbed Kaakbay launched last year. The program addresses four fronts--social welfare and community development, health, environment and education—in line with the company’s vision of becoming a partner in community-building and nation-building.

DMCI Homes also campaigns for the protection and preservation of the environment under its Kaakbay sa Kalikasan program. The first project under this program is the adoption and cleanup of a creek in Quezon City last year. DMCI Homes partnered with Rotary Club of Diliman-Silangan the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to rehabilitate the Pasong Tamo River.

Under Kaakbay sa Kalusugan, DMCI Homes volunteers conducted dental and medical missions in Sto. Niño, Parañaque last year that benefitted poor residents, mostly children and mothers. The Kaakbay sa Edukasyon provided financial assistance for the salary augmentation program of the UP College of Engineering, an institutional partner of DMCI Homes.

Health experts clarify misconception only sugar causes diabetes

By Azer Parrocha [(PNA), HBC/ANP]

MANILA, July 23 (PNA) -- Mind your waistline.

A person who avoids eating sugary food does not exempt him or her from acquiring diabetes, according to health experts Tuesday.

Diabetes Philippines treasurer Dr. Grace de los Santos told a health forum at the Annabel’s restaurant in Quezon City said this was a mistaken belief.

“It is a misconception that only high sugar levels can make a person diabetic,” De los Santos said.

“Aside from regulating sugar intake, it is as important to make sure that a person does not gain excess weight.”

Sodas or soft drinks, she said, possess high levels of sugar, that is why an average person is only allowed to have a maximum of three cans of soda a day—much better the drinks were ‘diet’ or had less sugar.

Aside from the sugar misconception, it was also mistaken that only overweight people are at risk for diabetes when in truth, even underweight or average people are also at risk.

De los Santos said if a person has excess fat stored in the belly, it could immediately contribute to pre-diabetic symptoms.

“The ideal weight of a person is the weight he or she has when he or she has already reached puberty,” she said.

“If a person gains more than five pounds after puberty, he or she has a chance of being diabetic.”

Aside from keeping track of body mass index, De los Santos said that it was easy enough to remember that a female who measures five feet in height should have an ideal weight of 100 pounds.

For a female who measures more than five feet, one can simply add five pounds for every inch.

For a male who measures five feet in height, he should have an ideal weight of 160 pounds.

For a male who measures more than five feet, one can simply add six pounds for every inch.

St. Luke's offers Online Room Reservation

(PNA), FFC/PR/UTB

MANILA, July 22 (PNA) -- St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) makes the hospital admission process easier and more efficient by introducing “eHealth Room Reservation,” an online service that lets patients book their rooms of choice in advance through St. Luke’s website.

“Through eHealth Room Reservation, St. Luke’s patients will be able to explore their room and price options online and reserve their preferred rooms in advance. This makes the admission process more convenient for our patients,” said Luis P. Sayo, St. Luke’s VP for Information Management.

The service is available for both Quezon City and Global City facilities. All one has to do is visit the St. Luke’s website at www.stlukesmedicalcenter.com.ph, click the Room Reservation link under the eHealth tab and select the preferred hospital site and room. Choices can range anywhere from the 4-Bed Ward, to a Regular Private, even the Presidential Suite.

To further facilitate the decision-making process, patients can also view each room’s list of amenities and their corresponding prices. A patient information form is then filled out. After completion of the online reservation process, an email acknowledgement will be sent. A confirmation call will also be made by Admissions Department personnel within 24 hours prior to the actual admission date.

“Currently, St. Luke’s online services include eHealth Order and Pay, where patients can order and pay for their selected medical tests and procedures; and eHealthPatient’s Results which helps them track and retrieve their medical test results. The addition of eHealth Room Reservation further adds to the experience of ease of transaction, resulting in greater customer satisfaction,” Sayo said.

To learn more about eHealth Room Reservation, visit the St. Luke’s website at www.stlukesmedicalcnter.com.ph.

Security, traffic preparations all set for SONA

(PNA), PDS/CLTC/PFN

MANILA, July 21 (PNA)-- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Sunday announced that all traffic and security preparations for President Benigno S. Aquino's fourth State-of-the-Nation-Address (SONA) on Monday are already in place.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said that they would deploy 1,200 personnel to deal with vehicular traffic and rallyists sure to troop to Commonwealth and Batasang Pambansa area in Quezon City during the SONA.

Up for deployment are traffic personnel, anti-riot teams, rescue personnel, and even sidewalk clearing operatives.

“We have enough traffic constables on duty to manage the traffic flow on Monday’s SONA. We will do our best to implement our traffic management plan to ensure that motorists will have unimpeded travel," Tolentino stressed.

Aside from these 1,200 personnel, the MMDA would also field fire trucks, tow trucks and ambulances.

Tolentino said the MMDA would work with the Quezon City Police Department (QCPD) in ensuring smooth traffic flow along Commonwealth Avenue and Batasan Road leading to the House of Representatives.

As part of the traffic management plan, the entire stretch of Commonwealth Avenue (both north and southbound) from Quezon Memorial Circle/Philcoa to Fairview will be cleared and illegally parked vehicles towed starting midnight.

Only the two leftmost lanes of the Commonwealth Avenue (northbound) will be opened as container vans and concrete barriers will be put up in front of the St. Peter Parish and Convergy’s building.

Tolentino said they expect traffic flow along Commonwealth Avenue and IBP/Batasan Road to normalize by 6:00 p.m. Monday.

The MMDA chief also said the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), commonly known as the “number-coding” will remain in effect.

“The UVVRP will remain in effect so as not to add to the expected traffic congestion in areas where vehicular traffic is to be rerouted,” he added.

For his part, NCRPO commander Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr. said roughly 8,000 police officers, both from NCRPO and QCPD, are set to be deployed along the vicinity of Batasan to maintain peace and order in the area.

All police units in the Metro Manila have been placed under full alert status since Friday.

Earlier this week, Garbo led the “Dialogue with Community Leaders and other Stakeholders” in a bid to establish coordination, cooperation and understanding between the police, stakeholders, community leaders, and cause-oriented groups on issues such as self-policing, no permit–no rally policy, traffic rerouting and other public services.

“I request for your cooperation. I expect that everything we have talked about will be followed during SONA day,” Garbo said.

He added protest rallies are banned within the two-kilometer zone of the House of Representatives when the President delivers his speech.

This means that demonstrators can’t go beyond Ever-Gotesco Mall on Commonwealth Avenue, which is a few meters from the St. Peter Parish Church.

Garbo said around 15,000 to 18,000 militants are expected to join SONA-related protest actions.

While several untoward incidents have been recorded in previous SONA rallies, the NCRPO chief said police officers would continue to enforce maximum tolerance in dealing with rallyists.

“All our actions will be within the police operational procedures and human rights policies,” Garbo said.

The NCRPO chief earlier mentioned that intelligence reports showed possible threats on SONA day, but was quick to assure the public that they have nothing to worry about.

Garbo also added that the possible security risk he was talking about refers to the number of demonstrators expected on the day.

It does not have anything do with specific terrorist groups and crime groups, the NCRPO chief noted.

“We always assume when we plan [that] there is always a threat. What matter is how we assess the kind of threat, and how we respond to it,” he pointed out.

Nonetheless, Garbo directed all his district directors to account all police officers and to strengthen police’s anti-criminality and police visibility operations all over Metro Manila, while everyone is busy for SONA.

“We will not give the would-be perpetrators to take advantage of the situation,” Garbo added.

The NCRPO Chief will also field "human rights affairs officers" with camera equipped to document the proceedings as to ensure that things will not go out of hand between police officers and militant groups during President Aquino's SONA.

Garbo said around 65 "human rights affairs officers" will be deployed all over Commonwealth, Quezon City, the focal point for rallyists during the SONA.

He added that these officers will be on hand to document possible tussle between the police and the militants.

Garbo said that it will the job of these men to determine who instigated the conflict with the aid of their video cameras.

The NCRPO chief added that video clips taken by these officers will help determine possible human rights violations by both sides.


QC urges MMDA to help trike drivers earn enough

(PNA), HBC/QC-PAISO-PR/LSJ

MANILA, July 20 (PNA) -- The Quezon City Council has passed a resolution requesting the Metro Manila Development Authority to study the possible options available to the city’s tricycle operators and drivers associations members.

The resolution was passed Friday to address the welfare of the trike sectors affected by the MMDA’s ordinance banning tricycles from operating on the national roads in QC.

Under MMDA Ordinance No. 6 Series of 1990 and a joint memorandum issued in 2008 by the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government and the Dept. of Transportation and Communication, operation of all tricycles shall be confined only to non-congested city and municipal streets to avoid accidents.

According to the resolution’s proponent, 2nd District Councilor and Minority Leader Eufemio Lagumbay, the ban on tricycles along the national roads of Quezon City negatively affects the income of the TODA members as it decreases the number of commuters who avail themselves of their services due to limited destinations they can offer.

CHR launches “ML Kapihan sa CHR”

By Leilani Junio [(PNA), HBC/LSJ]

MANILA, July 19 (PNA) –- The Commission on Human Rights launched Friday its monthly “ML Kapihan sa CHR” at the CHR conference room in Quezon City.

ML Kapihan sa CHR is a forum venue launched by the CHR to discuss and address issues pertaining human rights concerns and victims of human rights abuses during the martial law from 1971 to 1981.

Then President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in Sept. 1972 to check what he said was a state of rebellion in the country and to enable him to institute urgent national reforms.

He lifted the emergency in Jan. 1981, three months before the presidential elections which pitted Marcos and former Defense Secretary Alejo Santos.

In its initial launching, former Rep. Erin Tanada was invited to discuss the relevance of Republic Act 10368 along with Renato J. Medua, deputy executive director of the Philippine National Archives.

Human rights violation victims were also invited so that they can help in ensuring that only legitimate claimants that they know to be “real” victims can benefit from the law.

R.A. 10368 was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III last February which pertains to Reparation and Recognition of Victims of Human Rights Violations during the Marcos martial law era.

The law was pushed through the advocacy of Tanada, one of the authors of the law.

During the launching, Tanada warned the group of claimants against bogus individuals or groups that may pose as claimants in the event a Board of Compensation Committee will be formed to determine the real claimants who are entitled to receive compensation and recognition from the law based on the point system.

Under the point system, the claimants compensation will be based from the classification of the kinds of human rights violations they suffered.

“There is a need to protect the legitimate claimants from the tendency that fake claimants will surface to take advantage of the funding allocated for the victims of human rights violations during the martial law,” said Tanada.

He urged the claimants and their groups who struggled during martial law to present their documented evidence and other proofs to preserve and be documented through the Philippine National Archives for future reference while waiting for the Board of Compensation Committee that will be appointed by the President.

“There is a need to put in papers all the struggles of other victims that you know (he said referring to claimants) who suffered not only for the compensation purposes , but for recognition also that certain human rights violations existed during the Marcos regime and there were really thousands of individuals that suffered and became victims,” he added.

He added it is important that such sufferings will be documented to preserve them so that the youth and future generations can have an insight into the struggles and sufferings they had under martial law.

“We should not be chained (by) the past but learn from it to move fast forward,” said Tanada.

Though some claimants merely await recognition, there are some claimants who express desire for the compensation which they wish to receive not for themselves but as a legacy to their grandchildren.

“Aside from the result of recognition that we are one among those who struggled and fought oppression during Marcos regime, I am one among those who are happy that there will be some compensation benefits for us, though we never expected it. I believe that could somehow help a lot in the education of my grandchildren now that I am old already ,” said 62 year-old Conchita dela Cruz, a former labor leader during Marcos regime who was arrested on Sept. 1, 1982 and released in March 1983.

De la Cruz said as one of those imprisoned and tortured during the Marcos regime, she suffered discrimination whenever she tried applying for a job before as many employers refused to accept her whenever she disclosed that she was once put into prison under the Marcos administration.

“We are hoping that President Aquino will appoint the board of compensation in his state of the nation address on Monday," CHR chairperson Loreta Ann Rosales said.

QC to hold accessibility forum for PWDs on Friday

(PNA), DSP/LSJ

MANILA, July 18 (PNA) – Accessibility Forum for Persons with Disability (PWDs) in Quezon City will be held tomorrow, Friday, July 19 at the 14th floor of Quezon City Hall Bldg.

The forum was initiated by the Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (QC-PDAO) in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) representatives.

According to Arnold L de Guzman, QC-PDAO focal person, they also invited some building engineers and architects aside from PWDs in line with the celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week from July 17-23.

“We believe that the forum will be a venue for designers and builders of buildings and roads to understand and be sensitive the problems and concerns of PWDs so that they will take in consideration to provide PWDs with accessible lane in their projects and designs,” said de Guzman.

“While it is true that there are some buildings and roads in QC that are PWD-friendly, there are still some buildings and roads not accessible to PWDs which we wish to be address in line with the vision of building an inclusive society for all,” de Guzman explained.

QC’s waste-to-energy biogas plant undergoes expansion to produce more green energy

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

QUEZON CITY, July 17 (PIA) -- The Quezon City Integrated Disposal Facility, Waste to Energy Biogas Plant located in Payatas has been expanded to produce more Green Energy.

Two additional 320 kW engines have been installed to supplement the existing 236 kW engine, and the biogas extraction plant has been modified to supply the additional requirements of the new enginees.

With the capacity expansion, the plant now produces an average of 750 kW of power from methane gas extracted from the landfill.

Generated power is being delivered and sold to the Manila Electric Company at time-of-use rates approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

The plant also provides employment to local residents and remit to the city government a portion of its electricity sales.

Streetlights in the periphery of the intergated landfill facility are also powered by the green energy produced by the plant as well as the “Plantsahan ng Bayan,” a special project of the local government where local residents use free electricity for their ironing needs.

In 2011, a total of 37,716 kilowatt-hour of electricity was generated by the plant, resulting in a power cost savings of P544,241 in the Payatas disposal area.

Since 2009, an average of 34,646 kilowatt-hours of electricity have been used, amounting to P2 million of city government savings in its power cost needs.

The Renewable Energy Management Bureau of the Department of Energy has recognized the project partner Pangea as the first biomass company in operation to receive a Certificate of Confirmation of Commerciability and thus first in line to avail of the Feed in Tariff when the rules are already in place.

The plant is Quezon City's contribution to the global efforts in the abatement of climate change.

The conversion of waste into clean energy improves the ecological conditions of the integrated landfill and the air quality of the adjacent areas.

Since its inception in 2008, the project's carbon mitigation effects have been able to help reduce the equivalent of more than 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.

This is equivalent to offsetting the carbon emissions of more than 80,000 cars.

These efforts are in line with the Bautista Administration's commitment to a clean and green city and the country's goal to mitigate and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.

Activities all set for Disability Prevention & Rehabilition Week

(RJB/MAPA/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, July 16 (PIA) -- The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has lined up activities for the annual celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week set from July 17 to July 23 with the theme: “Building an Inclusive and Non-Handicapping Environment for Persons with Disabilities.”

The observance of the NDPR week aims to stimulate public awareness on the issues and problems of disability and encourage Filipinos to participate in the upliftment of the economic and social conditions of persons with disabilities (PWDs) of our society.

According to NCDA director Carmen Reyes-Zubiaga, the NDPR week shall be celebrated nationwide by partner agencies and other stakeholders including self-help organizations of persons with disabilities from the national down to the local levels.

"On the 17th of July, there will be Walk for Justice and Holy Mass Celebration at the Quezon City Memorial Circle from 6 to 8 AM; Provision of Priority Lane for PWDs in the Hall of Justice (7AM to 5PM) and Launching of the Sensitivity Training for Prosecutors (8AM to 12NN) at the Quezon City Hall. While, there will also be a Legal Clinic by the Quezon City Public Attorney’s Office at the Quezon City Hall PAO’s office, 8 AM to 5 PM and Launching of the Run for Pinoy Glory 2013 at SM Aura, 6 PM to 9 PM," Zubiaga said.

"On the 18th of July, a Medical, Dental and Mobility Clinic Mission will be held at Barangay Commonwealth from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM; PWD Product Conference at the Quezon City Memorial Circle from 9 AM to 5:00 PM; Ten Goals to Make the Right Real Seminar (1st Day) at the DBM Multi-Purpose Hall from 9 AM to 5 PM; and Awarding of the First Mabini Batangan Awards in Batangas City from 9 AM to 5 PM," Zubiaga added.

The NCDA director also bared the following activities for the NDPR week: for July 19, Paligsahan ng May “K” sa Kasaysayan at Kultura ng Pilipinas will be held at the National Historical Commission of the Philippines Multi-Purpose Hall, Manila from 8 AM to 2 PM while, Ten Goals to Make the Right Real Seminar (2nd Day) will continue at the DBM Multi-Purpose Hall from 9 AM to 5 PM.

On the 20th of July, there will be a Wheelchair Art Parade in Bonifacio Global City at 3 PM; Sculpture/Poster-Making Contest for Children at the Council for the Welfare of Children Office from 8 AM to 12 NN; and Forum on Access to Justice for Parents of Children with Disabilities at the Nationa Children’s Hospital (NHC) Auditorium, Quezon City from 1 PM to 5 PM.

July 21, the Fun Day for Children with Disabilities will happen at the Atrium, SM Fairview from 1 PM to 5 PM while, the M.O.V.E. Manila Run 2013 will happen at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, 6 AM.

On the 22nd of July, activities are Forum on Training and Employment Programs/Projects of DOLE, TESDA, ECC and DTI (Occupational Safety and Health Center from 8 AM to 5 PM); Showcase of Artworks of Persons with Autism (College of St. Benilde, 9 AM to 5 PM); Wreathlaying Ceremony on Birthdate of Apolinario Mabini (PUP, Manila and Tanauan, Batangas) and Closing Ceremony and Launching of Advocacy Video and Songs Composed by Youth with Disability (SM Mall of Asia, 4 PM to 5 PM).

On the last day of NPDR week celebration, July 23, activities will be held at SM Mall of Asia. Activities are Thanksgiving and Holy Mass Celebration (7 AM to 8 AM); Media Sensitivity Training for Persons with Disabilities (8 AM to 9 AM); and Press Conference on May 2013 Election (9 AM to 11 AM).

Moreover, week-long activities are also lined up such as Diagnosis of Children who are Suspected with Developmental Disability (NCH Auditorium, Quezon City from 8 AM to 5 PM); Regional Activities of Regional Offices of DPWH (Nationwide); Workshop Training for Advance Wheelchair Assessment (La Salle Cavite, 8AM to 5 PM); and 3rd APC Para Tenpin Bowling Open Championship (Robinson’s Place, Manila, July 14 to 20, 1:30 PM to 5 PM).

The NDPR week also ends on the birthdate (July 23) of the hero Apolinario Mabini, the Sublime Paralytic, who has shown bravery and heroic acts in fighting against the Spanish colonization.

For information and other queries, please contact the NCDA at 951-5013 or email at council@ncda.gov.ph.

QCPD to deploy 4,000 cops on SONA day

(PNA), JMC/CLTC

MANILA, July 15 (PNA) – At least 3,000 cops are set to be deployed in the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City for the 4th State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III on July 22.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) District Director Chief Supt. Richard Albano said this is to ensure orderliness in the area where an estimated 15,000 to 18,000 militants are expected to hold protest actions.

"Kailangan na nating gumawa ng magandang hakbang kasi kung sasama ang lahat ng mga naapektuhang informal settlers, mas malaki ang kailangan nating idagdag na hanay para sa seguridad. Alam naman natin sa ginagawa nilang protesta, minsan ay nauuwi sa karahasan. Ito ang kailangan nating iwasan kaya kailangan ang additional force para dito," Albano said.

He added that they will meet with the leaders of the groups planning SONA-related protests and inform them on the limitation of their protests.

Chief Supt. Christopher Laxa, deputy for operations of the National Capital Region Police Office meanwhile said aside from the House of Representatives, police will also be deployed in Mendiola, the United States Embassy and the EDSA Shrine.

He added that the NCRPO will also secure malls and churches as well as vital installations like oil depots.

QC to build Bistekville 4 in Culiat

(PNA), PDS/QC-PAISO-PR/LSJ

MANILA, July 14 (PNA) -- Plans are under way for the development of Quezon City’s 4th in-city socialized housing project in Barangay Culiat.

The new housing project, to be known as Bistekville 4, will sit on a 9,200 square meter property in Barangay Culiat, which has been acquired by the city government through expropriation.

Under a resolution 5750, approved on second reading on June 17 this year by the Quezon City council, Mayor Herbert Bautista was given the authority to enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Habitat for Humanity Philippines Foundation, Inc., for the development of Bistekville 4, especially with the project’s housing component.

The Resolution 5750 was confirmed last June 24, and was principally authored by Councilor Godofredo Liban II.

To date, QC has already partnered with Habitat for Humanity for the development of the Bistekville 1 housing project in Barangay Payatas.

The Bistekville expansion program in Barangay Culiat is expected to benefit long-time residents of the area as well as other qualified informal settler families in QC.

Aside from the Culiat development, the city government is also planning to further expand the Bistekville housing projects by building new sites in Barangays Escopa (Bistekville 3), Payatas (Bistekville 5), Fairview (Bistekville 6), Sauyo (Bistekville 7) and Nagkaisang Nayon (Bistekville 8).

To date, the city government has two Bistekville housing projects that are nearing completion.

These are are Bistekville 1 in Barangay Payatas, with 353 housing units and Bistekville 2 in Barangay Kaligayahan, with 894 housing units.

According to QC Housing, Community Development and Resettlement Department (formerly urban poor affairs office) chief Ramon Asprer, Bistekville projects offer affordable homes with a very low monthly amortization of P2,600.00 a month.

Each dwelling unit has a 28-square meter lot area, including a loft structure. Program beneficiaries may avail of the P400,000 housing loan package offered by Pag-ibig Fund, which they will pay in a maximum period of 30 years depending on the age of the borrower.

Earlier, Tadeo Palma, secretary to the mayor and chair of the city’s task force on socialized housing and development, has bared plans for construction of 738 socialized housing units for informal settler families (ISFs) living along QC waterways.

Under the city’s plan, 154 units will be constructed at the QC government’s Bistekville 1 housing project in Barangay Payatas; 375 units at Bistekville 2 in Barangay Kaligayahan in Novaliches and 209 additional housing units at Bistekville 6 in Barangay Fairview.

QC to buy water tanker for evacuation centers

(PNA), HBC/LSJ

MANILA, July 13 (PNA) -- The Quezon City Council has passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Herbert Bautista to purchase a 20,000-liter water tanker for the use of the local disaster risk reduction and management program of the city.

According to 3rd District Councilor Eufemio Lagumbay, the aim of the resolution is to address the shortage of clean and potable water in the city’s evacuation centers.

As the principal sponsor of the resolution, Lagumbay hopes that providing a water tanker will somehow lessen the discomfort of disaster victims who take refuge in evacuation centers.

“It has been the city’s experience during safekeeping of our distressed residents that clean water, most especially potable water, run out of supply in the evacuation centers, making it hard for evacuees to keep themselves comfortable,” Lagumbay said.

“As we try to save lives, lessen health impact, ensure safety and provide the urgent needs for our disaster-casted constituents to make them feel that they are in good hands, we sometimes take for granted the most relieving supply they need, the clean and potable water – so precious that no one can live without it,” Lagumbay added.

At present, the city has two water tankers assigned to the QC parks development and administration department for its cleaning, landscaping and plant watering activities.

The water tanker to be purchased can also serve as an additional support to fire fighting and other activities of the QC Fire Department.

QC is more than four times the size of Manila, nearly six times the expanse of Makati, more than 14 times bigger than Mandaluyong and has 142 barangays.

In 2012, the total estimated QC’s population was 3,179,536 people with a 2.92% annual growth rate. It is the most populated city of the Philippines.

DOH-NCR, MMDA conducts second round of anti-dengue spraying in MM bus terminals

(DOH/RJB/JGR/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, July 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Health- National Capital Region (DOH-NCR) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conducted Friday another round of anti-dengue spraying, disinfection, and clean-up at the bus terminals located along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA).

According to DOH-NCR Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo , they are targeting bus terminals to prevent the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes that may be carried on the buses while plying from one place to another.

Janairo also explained that they do the anti-dengue spraying at 6 a.m. and target to finish their operations before 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. because the peak biting time of mosquitoes is two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset .

The spraying was done simultaneously with a clean-up operation by the MMDA. Health workers also distributed flyers & posters on how to prevent dengue to passengers in the terminal. Janairo stressed that three cycles of anti-dengue spraying should be done in order to effectively eliminate all mosquitoes in an area and should be repeated after three months.

The Health official also stressed that the chemicals used for spraying are certified environment friendly by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority and that one droplet is enough to kill mosquitoes and other insects such as cockroaches and even flies. Janairo said that the anti-dengue campaign is being done in coordination with the MMDA , Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Science & Technology (DOST), and barangay officials.

Meanwhile, MMDA General Manager Corazon Jimenez said they encourage residents in every barangay to clean their surrounding on a regular basis to prevent the occurence of diseases that maybe brought by unsanitary environment

The spraying, disinfection and cleaning activities have been conducted in the following bus stations located along EDSA from Caloocan City to Pasay City: RJ Express Inc., Victory Liner Inc., First North Luzon Transit, JAM Liner, Ceres Tours, JAC Liner Inc., Florida Bus, DLTB Bus Co., ALPS Bus Co., AB Liner, Lucena Lines, Dominion Bus Lines, Dalin Bus, Viron Transit, Super Lines Trans, Co. Inc., Raymund Transportation, Five Star Bus Co., Santrans Inc., ES Transport, Genesis Transport Service Inc., HM Transport Inc., Partas Bus Co., N. Dela Rosa Transit, Ferminas Bus Co., Philtranco, and Isarog Lines.

NCDA urges government agencies to come-out with a communication plan for PWDs

(PNA), FPV/LSJ

MANILA, July 11 (PNA) -- The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) urges on Thursday all government agencies to come-out with a communication plan for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“We really need to have more sensitivity orientation on disability with all government agencies especially to program developers, service implementors and frontliners,” said Carmen R. Zubiaga, acting executive director of NCDA.

Zubiaga stressed that government agencies need to understand more what disability is so they will be oriented more how to serve PWDs and come-out with responsive program based on the need of PWDs in the midst of a sub-committee advocacy meeting led by NCDA and other focal government agencies at the NCDA Board room in Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City.

Representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), National Youth Commission (NYC), Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP).

“Disability is becoming a world-wide concern now. The Philippines, as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) should be key implementors of “Incheon Strategy” and 10 Goals to Make the Rights Real for Persons with Disability in Asia and the Pacific to help ensure the inclusion and/or full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of human endeavours,” Zubiaga explained.

Some government agencies present during the meeting cited their respective agencies communication strategies that they are currently conducting and planning to implement for the promotion or making the rights of PWDs real through inclusion of PWDs in their planning.

Suggestions were also made that some government agencies like Department of Tourism (DOT) should encourage to employ at least 5% of qualified PWDs and collaborate with all concerned organizations in marketing of livelihood program for world-class souvenirs suitable for tourists.

There were also suggestions that the skills of some PWDs will be highlighted so that tourists visiting the country will see the beauty of employing PWDs and seeing them as productive members of society like the able-bodied.

A Commission on Human Rights (CHR) representative cited that CHR will enhance the upholding of the rights and welfare of PWDs through more legal aid, counselling and will finalize a communication plan popularizing the rights of PWDs.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its information officer cited that they will strengthen the campaign through the conduct of more forum, information materials and inclusion of PWDs in its Modified Conditional Cash Transfer Program (MCCT) to enable them to avail assistance and aid them towards empowerment and prove that disability is not a hindrance.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) representatives cited that they had drafted memo on the guidelines for admission policy PWD’s in Special Education (SPED) Program, scholarship, grants and loans.

The Department of Health (DOH) representative cited that the agency are also conducting workshops and finalizing their communication plan. As a strategy towards the promotion of rights of PWDs the agency is ensuring that government hospitals and other clinics providing health care are equipped with PWD friendly staffs and facilities.

The National Youth Commission (NYC) representative on the other cited that they recently hired PWDs under their government-internship program with PWDs.

Other government agencies and organizations present during the meeting are Alyansa ng may Kapansanang Pinoy (AKAP-PINOY), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Information and Communication Technology Office of Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP), and others.

Zubiaga is hopeful that more fruitful communication plan among other different government agencies will come-out for the welfare and promotion of rights of PWDs.

“The concept of inclusive development should be implemented first at the national level and bring it down to the regions and local levels thereafter. We should ensure that government agencies could be disability champions in their own mandates by including PWDs in their agency’s programs/mandates.

PDEA intensifies campaign vs high-value target drug groups

By Jimmyley I. Guzman (PDEA-PIO/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, July 10 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has intensified its campaign to pursue high-value targets (HVTs) through high impact operations nationwide.

In a statement, PDEA chief Arutro G. Cacdac said that all resources of the agency are directed towards the neutralization of high- value targets.

He added that the campaign also include dismantling of clandestine laboratories and chemical warehouses, eradication operations, dismantling of drug dens and shabu tiangges, interdiction operations, controlled delivery operations and high volume seizures.

According to PDEA, a high-value target drug personality is involved in illegal drug activities to include priority targets and drug groups; government officials, either elected, government employee or law enforcers; foreign nationals; members of African Drug Syndicates (ADS); target-listed personalities; wanted listed personalities; celebrities and other well-known personalities; and members of armed groups.

In the first half of 2013, PDEA and other law enforcement units conducted a total of 7,789 intelligence and positive negation operations, which resulted to the arrest of 4,476 drug personalities, 333 of these were classified as high value targets.

Likewise, law enforcers conducted 144 high impact operations that led to the dismantling of 46 drug dens and 2 shabu tiangges catering to an average of 44,000 customers in a month. In addition, 164 marijuana plantation sites were destroyed in 35 eradication operations resulting in the destruction of P333 million of illegal hemp.

Meanwhile, illegal drug smuggling activities in the airports were effectively addressed through interdiction operations that led to the confiscation of illegal drugs worth P56 million. Sixty-one (61) operations were also conducted from January to June of this year that led to the bulk seizure of illegal drugs in a single operation worth P466 million.

Stakeholders gather for clean air forum

(DENR)

QUEZON CITY, July 9 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will once again gather influential stakeholders from government, pro-environment groups and the private sector to explore new ways to further improve the country’s air quality.

The DENR, together with the Partnership for Clean Air, is organizing the 5th Annual Clean Air Forum slated for July 11-12 at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Quezon City. The forum is supported by Pilipinas Shell Corp. and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

This year’s forum, which falls under the theme, “Clean Air Act: Looking Back, Moving Forward,” focuses on the accomplishments, challenges and future strategies in implementing the 14-year-old Philippine Clean Air Act.

DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said the campaign for clean air through the yearly forum is paying off as shown by the downtrend in pollution levels in the country, particularly in Metro Manila.

He attributed the diminished level of air pollutants in the metropolis to the “successful collaboration” of the DENR with other government agencies, pro-environment groups and the private sector.

“The DENR recognizes the importance of sustaining efforts to further improve air quality,” Paje said. “We believe that with continued collaboration and cooperation between both government and non-government organizations, clean air can be achieved.”

Based on the annual trend, both the amount of total suspended particulates (TSP) and the level of particulate matter 10 microns in diameter or smaller (PM10) in Metro Manila had decreased.

Records showed that the TSP levels in the National Capital Region declined by almost 30 per cent from as high as 166ug/Ncm (micrograms per normal cubic meter) in the first semester of 2010 to 117ug/Ncm by the end of 2011. This rose again, however, to 134ug/Ncm at the end of 2012 until March 2013.

TSP refers to the amount of solid pollutants such as dust and soot in the air, with the annual guideline level at 90ug/Ncm.


On the other hand, monitoring results for PM10 in 2012 also registered values below the guideline value of 60ug/Ncm for long-term monitoring. PM10 is considered more harmful to human health as its finer particles when inhaled can penetrate the lungs, leading to more severe pulmonary or respiratory illnesses.

Enacted in 1999, Republic Act No. 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act establishes a comprehensive approach to reduce air pollution and integrate environmental protection into plans for sustainable development. The goal is to mitigate the causes and impacts of air pollution while simultaneously building development practices that do not contribute further to air pollution.

The government has already set several plans in motion to help meet the standards and regulations set by the Clean Air Act.

As part of the initiative to regulate carbon emissions of motor vehicles, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has deployed motor vehicle inspection centers to assess large transportation groups and authorized the needed registration where it is applicable.

Private emissions testing centers (PETCs) have been put in place in various locations across the country to provide the same service for privately owned and public transportation vehicles.

Aside from regulation, several government officials are supporting operations to reduce smoke belching caused by vehicle emissions, particularly along EDSA.

President Benigno Aquino III himself supports a reporting system where the public can notify the LTO about smoke belching buses through text messaging.

Support for alternative modes of transportation was also critical to reducing vehicle emissions. Electric-powered jeepneys and tricycles have become more popular, while many motorcycles are being converted to four-stroke engines, which pollute far less than their two-stroke models.

Likewise, the Department of Energy has been pushing for cleaner fuels and cutting down pollutants previously present in diesel.

QC’s Gawad Parangal 2013 now open for nominations

(PNA), HBC/LSJ/JNC

MANILA, July 8 (PNA) -- The Quezon City government has announced the search for QC’s Outstanding Individuals and Organization is now open.

The annual event will be on Oct 12, the city’s 74th founding anniversary, will give honor and recognition to the outstanding individuals and organizations who are noted for their exemplary conduct and selfless dedication to their work.

According to the QC’s Cultural and Tourism Affairs Office, awardees will be selected based on their activities that are not only beneficial to the community where they reside but also contributing a lot to the common good and improvement of the city.

Past awardees include former President Corazon Aquino (Government Service), former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. (Judiciary), Prof. Randolf David (Journalism), Dr. Raquel del Rosario-Fortun (Forensic Medicine), Bienvenido Lumbera (Literature), Antonio Meloto (Humanitarian andSocialized Housing Development), and Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon (media celebrity).

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the following links or at the CTAO, 8th floor, Civic Center Bldg. A, Quezon City Hall compound, Diliman, QC.

The deadline of submission is on July 31, 2013

For other information, the public may contact Gawad Parangal Secretariat at telephone number 988-4242 locals 8843, 8844 and 8845.

QC gov't eyes more tourism projects

(PNA), PDS/LSJ

MANILA, July 7 (PNA) -- In line with the preparation for the celebration of the 75th Quezon City founding anniversary this October 12, the city government is setting-up efforts to boost tourism in the city.

“As we move forward to reach the ideal tourism-looks and features of QC to make it marketable worldwide, re-assessment, inventory and possible face-lift of the city’s bannered destinations should be considered”, said Mayor Herbert M. Bautista over the weekend.

Bautista, who has vowed to make QC known globally as a tourist destination in the country, said at this early, the city will be moving its efforts towards the boosting of tourism programs and strategies to attract more foreign visitors.

Among the major plans that the city will continue to boost are reconstruction, modernization and restoration of must see venues and scenic locations in QC to make it appealing to the eyes of foreign and local visitors.

The city government is also planning to seek sisterhood domestically and have economic partnership with them to boost the tourism programs of the city - a partnership that will focus not on political aspect of affiliation but entrepreneurial in nature most beneficial to both parties.

He expressed hope that with the boosting of tourism, the city will help create more jobs and livelihood opportunities for the low-income residents of the city.

Autism society sets family support group session on July 20

(PNA), LAM/LSJ

MANILA, July 6 (PNA) -- The Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) will conduct its monthly Family Support Group Session on July 20 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the ASP office at 47 Kamias Road, Quezon City.

Evelyn O. Go, multiple terms treasurer of ASP, who has a son diagnosed with autism, will be the facilitator and will speak on how their family cope up with the disability.

“This disability (autism) will be a life-long challenge our family has to face. I accepted this and learned to cope,” said Go.

ASP’s monthly family support group session brings together parents, siblings and other family members to talk about their journey in living with autism.

The session enables the participants to share their experiences and draw enlightenment and strength from others who are going through the same challenges.

Members and non-members are invited to attend the gathering to know and understand more about autism, how to properly deal with them and accept them in the society like any other persons with abilities.

For more information, one may call the ASP at 9266941 or 9298447.


Weekend road repairs on Edsa, Commonwealth set

By Jaymee T. Gamil (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority advised motorists to expect a buildup of traffic at six points along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue where road recblocking and other repair works are scheduled to be carried out during the weekend.

Starting Friday evening (July 5), the Department of Public Works and Highways will be reblocking five sections on Edsa in Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Caloocan, and on a portion of Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

The repairs will continue until the early Monday (July 8), the MMDA said in an advisory.

The repairs will be conducted on the northbound lane of Edsa, from the corner of Fema Road to the Kaingin Footbridge in Quezon City, and the stretch from the corner of G. De Jesus Street and Malvar Street in Caloocan City.

On the southbound lane of Edsa, the DPWH will be reblocking the stretch from Kaingin Road to Dario Bridge in Quezon city, from the corner of Boni Avenue to the corner of Mayon Street in Mandaluyong City, and from the A. De Jesus U-turn slot before J. Mariano Street in Caloocan City.

The reblocking on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City will be on the southbound lane, from the corner of North Susana up to Luzon Avenue.

DSWD holds logo contest for its new program

(PNA), FPV/DSWD-PR/LSJ

MANILA, July 4 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will hold a logo-making contest for the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP).

NCDDP is one of DSWD’s poverty alleviation programs which was approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board early this year.

The contest will run from July 12-26 and opens to students of colleges and universities who are taking Fine Arts or its equivalent all over the country.

The design that will win will be used as the official logo of a national program of the DSWD,

Aside from being used as official logo, the winning designer will also receive PhP 10,000.00 as prize.

The logo should reflect the essence of NCDDP and should have the name in the design.

It should also be designed to match the image of DSWD.

It can be initially designed in the medium of choice of the contestant such as digital, acrylic paint, watercolor, among others, but the final copy has to be submitted in digital format.

Each participant can submit a maximum of three designs.

Interested students can attend an orientation on July 12 at the Kalahi-CIDSS building in the DSWD Central Office in Batasan Complex, Quezon City at 1:00 p.m.

The orientation will not only provide more details about the contest, it will also provide information on the program to give participants the opportunity to find out more about the NCDDP.

The NCDDP is the scale-up of the operations of the community-driven development (CDD) approach used and proven effective by Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS).

CDD empowers ordinary citizens to actively and directly participate in local governance by identifying their own community needs, planning, implementing, and monitoring projects to address local poverty issues collectively.

From the current Kalahi-CIDSS coverage of 364 municipalities in 12 regions, the NCDDP will be covering 900 municipalities in 15 regions nationwide. It will be officially launched in late 2013.

For more information about the contest, contestants may e-mail at kc_sm_central@yahoo.com, visithttp://ncddp.dswd.gov.ph, or call (02) 952 0697.

MMDA to launch “Adopt-A-Foot bridge” Program Thursday

(PNA), HBC/CLTC

MANILA, July 3 (PNA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will launch its “Adopt-A-Foot bridge” program Thursday, the agency’s latest Public-Private Partnership initiative.

This involves the private sector in the rehabilitation and beautification of existing footbridges in the metropolis.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the program will be greatly beneficial to pedestrians and most importantly, at no cost to the government.

“The beauty in this Adopt-A-Footbridge program is that we will now be able to repair and rehabilitate our pedestrian footbridges at no expense, since this is a government-private sector partnership. And more than the savings, pedestrians using the footbridges will now be safer and more comfortable,” Tolentino said.

The MMDA chief will lead the program’s inauguration on Thursday at C-5 Libis, Eastwood, Quezon City together with Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and representatives of AMSI Builders and Illuminate Dynamic Media, Inc..

Under the program, AMSI Builders and IDMI will finance the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of footbridges in Metro Manila.

Part of the improvement of the footbridges is the construction of Trellis and Polycarbonate covered walkway to protect pedestrians from extreme heat and rain. Ornamental plants will also be placed along the bridge span to reduce air pollution.

Proper lightings will also be installed, along with CCTVs and 24-hour roving security personnel.

There will also be restrooms with water closet, lavatories and urinals, to be properly maintained at all times, and provisions for persons with disabilities, Tolentino said.

“With all these amenities, using the pedestrian footbridges will be a more pleasant commuter experience,” Tolentino said.

Maynilad completes ₱360M Sewage Treatment Plant in QC

(MAYNILAD/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, July 2 (PIA) -- Maynilad Water Services, Inc. recently completed the construction of its Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Bagbag along Tandang Sora Avenue in Quezon City.

According to Maynilad, the P360-M worth facility has the capacity to collect and treat over 10,000 cubic meters per day (CMD) of wastewater.

“Our long-term goal is to fully develop the wastewater system in the West Zone. We want all our customers to be connected to our sewer network so we can improve sanitation and protect the environment,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ricky Vargas.

The STP will provide sewerage services to some 80,000 people and help clear the San Juan River Basin that empties into major water systems like the Pasig River and Manila Bay.

A Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) technology will be used to ensure that the discharged wastewater passes high-quality treatment and adheres to the environmental standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The SBR technology also allows Maynilad to build an STP in small land areas that are densely populated.

The Bagbag STP is the 12th wastewater facility built by Maynilad since 2010. The other STPs include Congressional, Baesa, Legal, Grant, San Antonio, Paltok, Tandang Sora, Bahay Toro, A. Samson, and Del Monte, all in in Quezon City. Maynilad has also constructed the Paco STP in Manila.

QC hall, PCOO launch partnership for gender rights

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

MANILA, July 1 (PNA) -- The Quezon City government has partnered on Monday with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) to boost the efforts to uphold gender rights and equality within the city.

“One of my advocacy when I was still a vice mayor of the city is to give focus on gender-rights in the media, which I believe, needs to be given emphasis in order to give women protection against discrimination in media and film,” said QC mayor Herbert M. Bautista at the Bulwagang Amoranto of QC Hall main building.

PCOO Sec. Herminio Coloma, head of the PCOO who was represented by Cathryne Jonne Licudine gave assurance to Bautista about PCOO’s commitment in promoting gender equality.

“The PCOO remains committed to be of help to local government unit of QC in increasing awareness to gender sensitivity. Be rest assured that PCOO will be doing its function as the leading communication arm of the government towards this goal,” Licudine said.

In a simple ceremony, Licudine hands over to Bautista three guide books consisting of code of ethics for media, guidelines for women in media and film and gender equality type in a bid to address the inequitable portrayal of women and men.

Bautista expressed gratitude to the helping hand of PCOO in strengthening the city’s thrust of developing positive images of the QC constituents, especially women in media.

In his speech, the mayor said that in preparation for the 75th anniversary of QC next year, the city will promote gender-related activities where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people and their contributions to society will be highlighted as part of the effort against discrimination.

He then, however, stressed-out that in looking after gender equality, while the city will work to push for gender sensitivity, some vulnerable abuse of men should also be given attention.

As part of the efforts in promoting gender rights, the Optical Media Board (OMB) headed by its chairman, Ronnie Ricketts donated films that won the gender sensitive film awards conferred by the city government during the Metro Manila Film festival (MMFF).

The films are then distributed as reference materials in teaching the students the importance of gender sensitivity to all QC public high school represented by principals and teachers.

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