Quezon City News July 2018

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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.

Empowering people with disabilities in Quezon City

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor, Leslie Gatpolintan and Joyce Ann L. Rocamora (PNA)

MANILA -- The local government of Quezon City, the largest in Metro Manila, has undertaken initiatives to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs), as it continuously looks for ways to make the city more PWD-friendly.

Arnold de Guzman, focal person of Quezon City’s PWD Affairs Office (PDAO), said the city is now 60 percent PWD-friendly since it has implemented various laws and ordinances that promote the welfare of differently-abled people.

“More companies in the private sector hire PWDs through the endorsement of our office. Since 2015, we endorsed more than 314 PWDs for employment and around 21 percent of them got hired,” de Guzman told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

De Guzman said they have at least 20 partner companies, including fastfood chain Mang Inasal Philippines Inc., pharmaceutical firm Unilab, Hapee toothpaste manufacturer Lamoiyan Corp. and business process outsourcing services provider Accenture.

Acknowledging that the average number of PWDs they are able to help find jobs is only a hundred per year, de Guzman said he is confident that it will increase in the succeeding years because of the continuous training programs PDAO and its partner companies provide.

“There’s a possibility for increase, for example, our PWDs have three months training with a Japanese company about animation plus another month. It’s like an incubation period before they get hired,” he said.

“Even government office LTO (Land Transportation Office) approached us for endorsement of four deaf males and four deaf females that it would like to hire,” he added.

Likewise, de Guzman said in the Quezon City Hall, one percent of its workforce is comprised of PWDs.

“Since 2012 when PDAO was created, PWD employees in the city hall rose from 60 to more than 80,” he added.

However, de Guzman pointed out that not all PWDs endorsed by his office get employment because some lack the skills required by partner companies.

“That is why we make the effort to train them at the National Vocational Training Center. We also embark on two capacity-building projects yearly. We hope that these projects can enable them and increase the possibility of being hired,” he added.

Policies implementation on PWDs

Richie Palanog, a PWD who was recently elected as barangay kagawad in Loyola Heights, echoed de Guzman's assessment that the country in the past few years has strived to integrate the sector into mainstream society.

Palanog cited as an example the creation of a PDAO office in the city.

He said having PWDs as focal persons, instead of social workers who are non-PWDs in the barangays, makes a great impact on them.

“PWDs, as representatives in barangays, are more effective because they know the emotions, the challenges faced by PWDs. They know how to best help their co-PWDs, they share the same pains,” he said.

But Palanog pointed out that even though there are improvements made by the city government to make its environment PWD-friendly, it still lacks efforts in the actualization or strict implementation of policies.

"While we can say that the country has been improving in terms of providing PWDs the privilege they deserve, there is still a barrier. There is still some discrimination against us. Other private establishments are not complying with employment laws concerning PWDs,” he said.

Palanog also shared his personal struggles earlier in finding a job due to his disability.

"After graduation ko noon wala akong mahanap na trabaho, napakahirap kung walang kaibigan, walang magre-recommend sa akin bilang empleyado (I wasn’t able to find a job, it’s difficult if there is no one who would recommend me to get employed)," he said.

Palanog said there have been changes in the employment of some companies, as they become aware of PWDs’ capabilities to perform in the fields dominated by non-PWDs.

"Dati kailangan talaga na may taong mag-e-endorse sa mga PWD, ngayon may mga kumpanya na sila na mismo ang naghahanap ng PWD na mai-e-employ (Before, endorsements from other people are really important for PWDs, now there are already companies looking for PWDs to employ," he said.

Palanog added there are certain benefits, discounts and other privileges stated in the law and ordinances, which are not fully enjoyed by differently-abled members of the society.

“For example, we also have a city ordinance kung saan libre ang mga PWD sa sinehan kapag Lunes at Martes, pero dalawang sinehan lang ang alam ko ang nagbibigay noon sa amin (where movies are free for PWDs on Mondays and Tuesdays, but only a couple of malls I know offer that privilege to us),” he cited.

Republic Act 10754, or the Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs, prescribes at least 20-percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services that can be availed of by PWDs.

Meanwhile, de Guzman said his office already released more than 39,000 identification cards (IDs) for PWDs since 2012 to 2018.

These IDs entitle differently-abled people to discounts and exemptions from VAT on goods and services, as well as free medicines and therapies.

“There have been many improvements on promoting the welfare of PWDs in the past years, but there are still a lot of initiatives to be done,” he added.

Quezon City, Davao City renew sisterhood ties

By Perfecto Raymundo, Jr. (PNA)

MANILA -- Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio have renewed their sister-cities agreements on Monday at the Quezon City Hall.

The cooperation between the two cities aims to further promote mutual development on environment, human resources and community development, advancement in science and technology, education, sports, tourism, trade and disaster risk reduction.

Duterte-Carpio said she is looking forward to the exchange of best leadership practices with Quezon City.

“We are happy to be here to strengthen our cities’ sisterhood agreement that started 24 years ago in our pursuit for progress and development as this partnership opens a lot of opportunities to learn from each other,” she said.

“We must collaborate our initiatives to help uplift the lives of our constituents towards great peace and prosperity,” she added.

Bautista, for his part, said he looked back at the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of Sister Cities Cooperation between Quezon City and Davao City that was forged in 1994, with the late Mayor Ismael Mathay, Jr. and then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte representing their respective cities.

“We are firming up and strengthening even more the sisterhood ties between Davao City and Quezon City which was formed through the signing 24 years ago of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City and Mayor Ismael Mathay, Jr. of Quezon City of the MOU, which we are now renewing to strengthen even more the relationship between Davao City and Quezon City, which is also being pushed by our guest of honor Mayor Sara Duterte,” Bautista said in Filipino.

The renewal of the twinning agreement has also been witnessed and signed by Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and her counterpart, Davao City Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag on June 27, 2018.

“We are truly happy that Quezon City accepted the renewal of sisterhood cities agreement with Davao City. We look up to Quezon City because of us in Davao City, we look at the best practices in other cities that we can emulate to improve our public service,” Duterte-Carpio said.

Quezon City to provide free anti-rabies immunization

By Perfecto Raymundo, Jr. (PNA)

MANILA -- Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista on Monday signed an ordinance providing free and complete doses of anti-rabies immunization to city residents.

Authored by Councilor Diorella Maria Sotto, City Ordinance 2682-2018 is in compliance with the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program (NRPCP) under Section 7 of Republic Act 9482, or the “Anti-Rabies Act of 2007”.

“It is the objective of the QC government to ensure uninterrupted supply of human rabies vaccine for effective management and reduction, if not elimination, of human rabies deaths in Quezon City,” the ordinance said.

The Quezon City local government will provide free anti-rabies immunization and tetanus toxoid immunization as well as medicines and complete rabies exposure management such as wound care and counseling to residents who are already infected with the virus.

It shall also adopt the provision of the NRPCP for pre-exposure prophylaxis to high risk patients and post-exposure prophylaxis to animal bite victims and to persons exposed to rabies.

The Quezon City Health Department will formulate the implementing rules and regulations of the ordinance.

City residents who wish to avail of the free anti-rabies immunization must present to the Quezon City Animal Bite Center at least two valid proofs of their residency such as voter’s ID/certification, postal ID and latest billing of Meralco, Maynilad and Manila Water.

Currently, Quezon City has a population of more than 3 million.

Gov't provides access to free, quality college education

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor [With reports from Lyda Gail Suyu (OJT), PNA]

MANILA -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) reported on Friday that it has focused on the creation of quality and equal access to tertiary education and training programs for the past year.

In a press briefing in Quezon City, CHED Officer-in-Charge J. Prospero de Vera III said the Commission used President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2017 as their framework in crafting initiatives from which life-long learners could benefit.

“Access, quality and equity are our key concepts with regards to the many programs that are being undertaken and the biggest development since last year was the signing of RA 10931 by the President,” de Vera said.

Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act was signed into law by President Duterte last year.

De Vera said parents of almost 900,000 students have saved money because they no longer paid for the tuition of their children enrolled in 112 state colleges and universities and 78 CHED-recognized local universities and colleges.

He added that this figure will increase to 1.3 million as parents need not pay for the miscellaneous fees as well in 2018.

To ensure that all indigent learners are given access to higher education, de Vera said RA 10931 has expanded the Tertiary Education Subsidy.

“There’s another PHP16 billion allocated for 300,000 slots for poor students. The first priority are the children of the 4Ps. The second priority are students who can enroll in private universities because they live in municipalities and cities where there are no public universities. Third priority is all other poor students as manifested by other documents,” he said.

De Vera added that CHED offers other programs through which every Filipino could access quality education.

These include the Ladderized Education Program, Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program, Free Medical Education, Tulong-Dunong Program, Payapa at Maganang Pamayanan and Education Assistance Programs.

Since students in state universities and colleges no longer need to pay for their tuition and fees, de Vera said there is no need for them to be Tulong-Dunong scholars anymore.

Nonetheless, CHED continues to provide them with the PHP12,000 cash assistance every year.

“We’ve converted into direct cash assistance... so they can pay for their books, transportation,” he said.

QC adopts updated disaster contingency plan for ‘Big One’

By Perfecto Raymundo, Jr. (PNA)

MANILA -- The Quezon City Council on Friday passed a resolution adopting the updated “Quezon City Contingency Plan for Earthquake” in preparation for the so-called “Big One”.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has confirmed that a magnitude 7.2 earthquake might strike anytime due to irregular movements of the West Valley fault.

City Resolution SP 7460-2018, authored by Councilor Ramon Medalla, “aims to strengthen the city’s resiliency against human induced or natural disasters by recognizing the vision, policy framework and strategies capitalized on disaster risk reduction and management in Quezon City.”

The Quezon City local government intends to comply with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte for national agencies and National Capital Region local government units to implement the “two-pronged strategy” towards a “disaster-resilient greater Metro Manila area” and to align the existing contingency plans for earthquake by the national resilience team.

The revised “Quezon City Contingency Plan” details the standard response operations during a worst-case scenario during an earthquake following the prescribed “Revised Guidelines of the Office of the Civil Defense”.

Previously, the Phivolcs said there is an upcoming "Big One" that could hit Metro Manila and nearby provinces covered by the West Valley fault. Metro Manila is composed of 16 cities and a municipality.

The disastrous earthquake is expected to strike three to four years from 2017, however, the Phivolcs confirmed the quake could strike anytime. The Philvocs has been observing the two major faults or trenches in the Philippines.

When these faults start to move, a large area of Luzon would be affected by the expected 7.2-magnitude earthquake.

Meanwhile, the expected movement of the Manila trench in the West Philippine Sea might cause a devastating tsunami in the 14 coastal towns of Pangasinan.

Some studies show that a 32-feet tsunami could be generated by the disastrous earthquake.

PRC urges youth to become lifesavers

By Susan G. De Leon

QUEZON CITY (PIA)--The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) urged youth to get involved in becoming lifesavers.

Relative to this, the PRC has formally signed agreements with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to have teachers and the youth involved in becoming lifesavers and leaders.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said the partnerships will help more individuals to prepare for and respond to disaster.

“This is a strong partnership between PRC and the education sector. Aside from educating the youth on the techniques of how to respond during disasters, we are also passing onto them the values of humanitarianism and volunteerism,” Gordon said during the ceremonial signing of the Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) with DepEd and CHED.

Under the MOA, PRC trains Red Cross Youth (RCY) advisers from DepEd and CHED schools to form a pool of trainers who will eventually educate students on first aid and disaster resilience, as well as raise awareness on PRC’s activities through RCY councils and Red Cross 143, the arm of community-based volunteers.

Prior to the formal signing, PRC has already trained 1,094 Deped advisers from Camarines Norte, Cebu, La Union, Pasay, Quezon City, and North Cotabato, as well as 295 advisers from universities and colleges in various provinces.

The partnership will be integrated in the implementing rules and regulation of the Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017.

“The involvement of PRC will enhance the act’s Return Service System, which encourages student to give back to the community through volunteerism,” CHED Officer-in-Charge Chairman Prospero De Vera said (PIA-NCR).

Quezon City urges hiring of PWDs in gov’t offices

By Perfecto Raymundo, Jr. (PNA)

MANILA -- The Quezon City Council on Thursday passed a resolution urging the city government to implement Republic Act (RA) No. 10524, the law that expands positions reserved for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Currently, the Quezon City government has about 14,000 employees, 100 of whom are PWDs.

City Resolution 7380-2018, which was authored by Councilor Lena Marie Juico, is in compliance with RA 10524, which requires an allotment of at least 1 percent of all regular and non-regular positions in all government agencies, offices, or corporations to PWDs.

The same law also urges private companies with more than 100 employees to reserve at least 1 percent of all work positions for PWDs.

“Masayang-masaya ako na makapagtrabaho dito sa City Hall. Bilang isang PWD, hindi natin maitatago na napakahirap maghanap ng trabaho (I’m very happy that I’m working here at City Hall. As a PWD, we couldn’t hide the fact that it is difficult for us to look for a job),” Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) staff member, Jeffrey Alipio, said in an interview on Thursday.

“Iniisip din ng ibang kompanya na baka maging hindrance ‘yun para maging productive, pero sa pamamagitan ng Quezon City Hall, napapakita ko na kahit isa akong PWD, pwede rin akong magtrabaho at pwede rin akong mamuhay gaya ng ibang tao (Other companies are also thinking that it may be a hindrance to become productive, but through the Quezon City Hall, I’m able to show that even if I’m a PWD, I could also work and I can also live a normal life like the other people),” Alipio added.

The Philippine government as a state-party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is required to promote, protect and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by PWDs and ensure that PWDs experience full equality under laws.

“Republic Act No. 7277 has been adopted to ensure rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance of Persons with Disabilities. Toward this end, the State endeavors to develop their skills and potentials to enable them to compete favorably for available opportunities,” the city resolution said.

DSWD supports efforts to streamline public access to gov’t medical funds

(DSWD)

QUEZON CITY -- In support of President Rodrigo R. Duterte's directive to efficiently and effectively deliver government services for indigent citizens, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) signed over the weekend a Joint Administrative Order on Streamlining Access to Medical Assistance Fund of the Government at the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Manila.

The joint administrative order features the establishment of ‘one-stop shops’ or “Malasakit Centers” in all PhilHealth-accredited hospitals and health care providers to assist indigent Filipinos to finance their medical needs or the needs of their ill relatives by lessening the queues, waiting hours, and paper works needed by patients in order to apply for medical assistance.

“This is truly a welcoming breakthrough that will pave the way to a more efficient, more effective system of health care service delivery for the Filipino people in dire need of care,” stated DSWD Secretary Virginia N. Orogo during the ceremonial signing.

Based on the joint administrative order, all medical needs of the patient will be covered by the DOH-Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients Program (MAIP), PhilHealth, and the PCSO, while non-medical expenses incurred by the patient such as transportation costs, meals, accommodation, etc. will be covered by the DSWD through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Health care providers will be responsible for the assessment of the patient’s PhilHealth membership and “no balance billing” eligibility, as well as, the recording of all services provided to the client and settlement of medical bills, while the medical social workers will be in-charge of tapping government funds for the financial assistance that will be given to the indigent patient.

“I thank the Department of Health through Secretary Duque and the entire team who contributed to this enlightening and innovative effort. I know that this is just the beginning. The DSWD is one with you in this commitment,” concluded Sec. Orogo.

PBEd, QC gov't to link up for early childhood care, development

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor [With reports from Lyda Gail Suyu (OJT), PNA]

MANILA -- The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) is working on a partnership with the Quezon City local government to provide quality early childhood care and development (ECCD) services in the city.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday, PBEd executive director Love Basillote said their group will be partnering with the local government to pilot an ECCD program that would encourage more parents to be involved in the early learning stages of their children.

"This is not just feeding programs but stimulation initiatives to make sure kids are exposed to different pedagogies and parents are taught to play with their children, with greater alignment also with DSWD (Department of Social Work and Development) and DOH (Department of Health)", she said.

Basillote said they have already discussed the initiative with Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and that they are still designing the modules, which the teachers can use to facilitate learning in day care centers.

She said these modules would bridge the gap between the learning children acquire in day care centers and the learning they acquire from kindergarten.

"Out of all the education intervention and all the studies, ECCD is the undisputed intervention as in effective in providing learning outcomes in children particularly for those who are stunted when it comes to learning. They can no longer catch up because they're quite behind," she added.

Basillote stressed that investing on the learning of children, from 0 to 4 years old, is important because it cultivates persistence in children during the process -- a trait that would help them beat challenges when they become older students and focus on studying and finishing school.

"It also promotes enrolment in schools that means participation in education and higher incomes when they become adults," she added.

Basillote said they are also partnering with the city government in the creation of a program that would help senior high school graduates and out-of-school youths become employment-ready.

"We have this Skills to Succeed Academy in partnership with Accenture. We have 800 youths in Quezon City providing them with job readiness platform. We're also thinking of partnering with them to help the out-of-school youth. It will be an ongoing thing on July 23 until the second week of August at KorPhil which is a TVET (technical and vocational education and training) school," she said.

Online application for frontline services cuts transaction time – DSWD Sec. Orogo

(DSWD)

QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced today that online application for travel clearance for minors travelling abroad (MTA) and registration, licensing, and accreditation of Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) is now open to the public in Regions VII, XI, and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Earlier this week, the DSWD launched its E-Services for MTA and SWDAs as part of easing government-public transactions following the instruction of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to streamline government processes. The President signed last May the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act” or Republic Act No. 11032 to mandate government agencies to reduce the processing time for permits, transactions, and applications.

DSWD Secretary Virgina Orogo said that the utilization of the online technology to expedite the Department’s public service delivery is in compliance to the said law.

Sec. Orogo said, “We are really trying to bring the Department’s programs and services closer to the people in adherence to the ease of doing business act signed by our President. The issuance of travel clearance for minors traveling abroad is an important program of the Department, which ensures that children are protected from abuse and trafficking.”

In a year, the Department processes an average of 41,780 travel clearances nationwide. By utilizing the e-Services, the public will no longer need to file their applications in person, but can just access the online program via the official website of the Department,www.dswd.gov.ph/eservices.

During the program launch, Seychelle Villanueva, a walk-in applicant used the online application terminal and was able to get the travel clearance for her child within 40 minutes since her documentary requirements were complete.

Seychelle said, “Madali namang gamitin ang online application. Eto nakuha ko na yung clearance para sa anak ko. Maganda ito lalo na sa mga working na katulad ko (It is easy to use the online application. Here, I already got my child’s clearance. This is useful especially for working mothers like me).”

Registration, Licensing, and Accreditation

Meanwhile, SWDA-applicants for registration, licensing, and accreditation may just file their applications in their offices with their scanned documentary requirements. After sending their applications, they will wait for the notification of the assessment results to be done by a DSWD social worker.

Registration, licensing, and accreditation of SWDAs is a core function of the Department which standardizes the implementation of social welfare and development programs by local service providers and social welfare and development agencies.

As stressed by DSWD Undersecretary Mae Fe Templa, the DSWD e-Services aims to cut down the processing time, without compromising the quality of work of the social workers.

“The current DSWD e-Services is just one of the Department’s initiatives to contribute to the President’s goal of ensuring ease of doing business to the public,” she said.

Moreover, the e-Services provides clear accountability measures as the public can keep track of their applications. Notifications will also be sent to the applicants regarding the status of their transactions.

Single-use plastic phaseout in Quezon City

By Rio N. Araja

Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte is batting for the gradual implementation of the ban on single-use plastics, citing reports the Philippines is the world’s third-biggest contributor of plastic wastes to the ocean.

“I think we can push for the ban, pero we also need to have a grace period [for the use of plastic utensils],” she said.

“Of course, industries will be affected. Habits of people will change. Some restaurants will have stock for years. So, you can’t just implement right away. You have to give a grace period din,” Belmonte added.

However, the vice mayor said the implementation of the measures, if passed, should not be “drastic.”

She cited the city of Seattle’s policy prohibiting restaurants to give customers plastic straws and utensils, saying they were given a deadline to use up all existing single-use plastic utensils before the date of implementation.

“I think if that would be the case, they [establishments] could be able to adjust and find suppliers for paper straws and other alternative to plastic utensils,” she said.

In 2017, Mayor Herbert Bautista approved Ordinance No. SP-2127 banning the use of plastics and Styrofoam packaging within city hall premises.

Ordinance No. SP-2140 and SP-2103 mandated the reduction of the use of plastic bags and collection of environmental fees for each plastic bag used within the city.

Meanwhile, Mayor Herbert Bautista approved an ordinance establishing a senior high school named after Jose V. Palma, a poet and soldier during the American occupation.

The Jose V. Palma Senior High School will be located at Barangay Pinyahan, according to City Ordinance 2659-2018.

The Local School Board of Quezon City, through Resolution No. 3, Series of 2017 recommended to the City Council to name the senior high school after the patriot.

Proposed names of public schools “must have historical and cultural significance and must contribute to the positive development of national pride through the good example exhibited by the name being used,” the revised guidelines of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines states.

Palma became a writer for the La Independencia, a revolutionary newspaper where his poems and song lyrics were also published.

The Jose V. Palma Senior High School aims to initially offer accountancy, business and management strand and humanities and social sciences strands.

SSS provides easier access thru Self Service Information Terminals

(SSS)

QUEZON CITY -- For faster access to their accounts, members of the Social Security System (SSS) can inquire on their contributions, loans, benefits, and ID information using the Self-Service Information Terminal (SSIT) located in SSS branches nationwide.

Members can also use the SSIT for the following services: UMID card activation, salary loan application, maternity notifications (for self-employed/voluntary members), SSS Web registration, technical retirement application, Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP), change of contact information (for retiree-pensioners), and submission of feedback and concerns. In addition, the terminal provides access to the SSS Website and the agency's Citizen's Charter.

To access their SSS account using the SSIT, scanning of the SSS ID or UMID card and fingerprint matching are required. Members can print acknowledgement receipts of their transactions.

First QC Youth Dev't Council convened

By Susan G. De Leon (PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Quezon City government on Monday (July 9) convened its first Youth Development Council (QCYDC).

QCYDC is composed of 21 members including the City SK Federation President and Vice President as well as 19 representatives of youth organizations whose advocacy includes active citizenship, economic empowerment, education, environment, governance, health, peace building and security, and social inclusion and equality.

Mayor Herbert Bautista led more than 50 youth leaders during the organizational meeting held at Barangay Ugong Norte.

During the event, nineteen (19) youth leaders of the QCYDC have also taken their oath before Mayor Bautista as new members of the council.

Bautista explained to the newly-elected youth representatives the importance of realistic and time-bound plans.

“Lahat ng advocacy, make it ideal pero realistic. Time-bound din, madaling gawin para mayroon tayong nakikitang accomplishment,” Bautista said.

Bautista said the QCYDC is the first local youth development council convened and activated in Metro Manila.

“Kayo ang pioneer sa Metro Manila, kauna-unahan sa history under the SK Reform Law. Kayo rin ang magsisimula ng programang pang-kabataan dito sa Quezon City,” he said.

“The QCYDC will assist in the planning and execution of projects and programs of the Sangguniang Kabataan,” the mayor added.

Under Republic Act 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, the Local Youth Development Council will serve as the core of the advocacy on youth participation in nation-building and youth empowerment.

The youth council will finalize the three-year Local Youth Development Plan that was initially drafted by the Sangguniang Kabataan. It will also monitor and evaluate the plan’s implementation.

Quezon City to establish eye care program

By Perfecto Raymundo, Jr. (PNA)

MANILA -- Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista on Thursday ordered the establishment of a comprehensive eye care program that includes primary eye care for city residents.

Currently, Quezon City has an estimated population of more than three million.

“Nararapat na maghandog ang pamahalaan ng de-kalidad na serbisyong medikal sa lahat ng residente ng Quezon City na may problema sa mata (It is but proper that the government offers quality medical service to all Quezon City residents who have eye problems),” Bautista said in a chance interview.

Bautista issued the order pursuant to City Ordinance 2689-2018, authored by Councilors Julienne Alyson Rae Medalla and Diorella Maria Sotto.

The ordinance seeks to have a wide inter-sectoral collaboration - through community participation - to provide an efficient system on the prevention, identification and treatment of visual impairment and blindness.

The program shall contribute in promoting the “right to sight” of Filipinos in line with Vision 2020 Philippines that will strengthen the partnership with stakeholders in eliminating avoidable blindness, empowering communities to take proactive roles in the promotion of eye health and prevention of blindness.

The Quezon City Health Department (QCHD), together with the Quezon City General Hospital and the Department of Health, shall provide training courses on eye care, vision screening, and other relevant services to community health workers, doctors, nurses, public school and day care teachers.

Section 7 of the ordinance provides that “an annual vision screening in Quezon City shall be spearheaded by the QCHD in barangays, public schools and day care centers.”

OVP continues to help indigents via Angat Buhay program

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor [With reports from Lyda Gail Suyu (OJT), PNA]

MANILA -- Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday said the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has sourced more than PHP250 million to benefit the poor through the Angat Buhay program.

In a press briefing in Quezon City, Robredo said the program was launched almost two years ago with the aim of "making the OVP a more relevant part of the government and a tool in helping the marginalized".

"We're able to gather...and provide help of almost PHP252 million, this covers six advocacy areas - public education, universal health care, world development, women empowerment, housing and resettlement...we also help in the relief and rehabilitation during disasters," she said in Filipino.

Robredo said through the program, the OVP was able to help 105,000 families nationwide in various ways.

"We started with 50 very poor communities, expanded to 176 poor communities but we thought of going nationwide...in June 2017, we started in Caloocan, circled nine areas in Manila and other places in Rizal," she said.

To provide inspiration for every Filipino nationwide, Robredo said her office launched "Istorya ng Pag-asa" in November 2016.

"This program gathers stories of ordinary Filipinos who have faced trials and they were able to overcome these trials, giving inspiration and hope to all of us," she said.

Robredo stressed that through the help of her staff and supporters, the OVP was able to reach out to many poor communities.

"Now, our aim in our last four years of service, we'll be able to reach more communities, help more families and coordinate with more organizations so more help could be provided through us," she said.

QC grants developer ‘exception’ to build 40-story building

By Perfecto Raymundo, Jr. (PNA)

MANILA -- The Quezon City local government has authorized a real estate developer to construct its own office building in Barangay Bagong Pag-asa.

The Quezon City Council on Tuesday passed a resolution authorizing the issuance of a certificate of exception to Ayala Land, Inc. for the construction of a 40-story office building with six basement parking levels in North Triangle, Barangay Bagong Pag-asa.

City Resolution 7386-2018, which was authored by Councilor Marvin Rillo, permits the issuance of a certificate of exception to the giant real estate developer.

Rillo, a third-term city councilor of the sixth district and chairman of the Committee on City Planning, Building and Zoning, was unavailable for an interview as of this posting.

The applicant is required to allot 5 percent of the project’s total parking area for the exclusive use of visitors, clients or customers, as mandated by Ordinance 2582-2017.

Based on the notice/advice of action issued by the City Planning and Development Office, the developer’s original proposal did not conform to the city’s existing zoning ordinance, hence, the need for a certificate of exception.

Paragraph 2, Section 55, Article VIII of Ordinance 2502-2016, or the “Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of 2016”, states that “an exception is required for the aforesaid project only upon authorization by the City Council.”

“The proposed project must not adversely affect public health, safety, and welfare and is in keeping with the general pattern of development in the community,” the city ordinance said.

“The applicant has complied with other necessary requirements prescribed by law, ordinance or administrative issuances,” the city resolution said.

NYC pushes for the nationwide implementation of GIP for the youth

(NYC)

QUEZON CITY, July 9 -- The Government Internship Program (GIP) that began during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos has evolved and is now a rich resource for future civil servant potentials.

Since the GIP was implemented by the National Youth Commission (NYC), the program which was originally conceptualized as a poverty alleviation strategy has blossomed into a training ground for young people who become job ready after their three months training.

However, the GIP implementation needs to upscale into a nationwide implementation with more government agencies adopting the program.

Given this scenario and to strengthen the NYC's policy advocacy on the GIP, the Commission proper urged President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to certify as urgent the draft bill that ensures wider implementation of this poverty alleviation strategy.

The NYC recently endorsed a copy of its resolution titled, "A Resolution Approving the National Youth Commission's Official Position Relative to the Government Internship Act of 2017 and Urging President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Certify Its Urgency to the Office of the President.

At present, GIP trainees recruited by NYC, who are between 18-25 years of age, undergo training in government work for three months. They receive a monthly stipend of not more than 75% of the applicable minimum wage. Apart from their hands on training, the GIP trainees also participate in various NYC activities, programs and projects including workshops on Personality Development, Labor Rights and Welfare, Good Citizenship, Computer Literacy, among others.

FitFil Youth Against Drugs Fitness Party Set on July 14

(NYC)

QUEZON CITY -- FitFil Youth Against Drugs Fitness Party, a grand launching of the National Youth Commission’s “FitFil Youth Against Drugs” program is set on July 14, 2018 at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Balintawak, Quezon City from 2:00 PM onwards.

“The National Youth Commission is inviting all our youth who are 15-30 years old to join our national campaign to get high on fitness and not on drugs through the FitFil Youth Against Drugs. We likewise call on our newly-elected SK officials to adopt this national program in your respective barangays. NYC is thankful to the Philippine Medical Association, Philippine Heart Association, Philippine National Police and private companies for supporting FitFil Youth Against Drugs,” ASec. Rhea Peñaflor, Chairperson on Committee on Health said.

The National Youth Commission partnered with FitFil celebrity fitness coaches Jim and Toni Saret and other relevant stakeholders to develop a coordinated nationwide program to increase active and healthy lifestyle amongst the youth, which shall also prevent substance abuse including but not limited to drug use and make fitness and healthy lifestyle part of the recovery program for youth suffering from drug and alcohol dependence.

A 2011 analysis of research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry revealed how exercise is a powerful tool for reducing self-administered use of a host of other mind-altering substances, including cocaine, meth, nicotine and alcohol. Hence, the FitFil Youth Against Drugs program will help address the risks faced by the youth not only the four fatal non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease but as well as substance abuse and drug use.

QC to establish early childhood dev't intervention package

By Susan G. De Leon (PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Quezon City government will institutionalize an Early Childhood Development Intervention Package for the first 1,000 days of a child.

Under City Ordinance 2703-2018, the law defined the first 1,000 days –starting from the first day of conception until a child’s second birthday - is the most critical period for growth and development of a child.

The ordinance introduced by Councilors Julienne Alyson Rae Medalla and Diorella Maria Sotto seeks to establish a sustainable early childhood health care program in Quezon City, as strongly recommended by the World Health Organization for a child to grow, learn, and lead a long-term healthy and stable life.

The program also aims to provide prenatal and postnatal maternity care services to pregnant women in order to protect their health as well as to ensure the nutritional diet of her new born child.

Awareness on the significance of good maternal nutrition and proper infant and young child feeding practices such as breastfeeding, high-quality food, and appropriate micronutrient interventions are also provided in the program.

PIA-NCR holds interactive 'Energy Expo'

By Susan G. De Leon (PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, July 6 (PIA)—The Philippine Information Agency-National Capital Region (PIA-NCR) opens today an interactive Energy Expo at the Activity Center of SM City Fairview.

The two-day event (July 6-7) is part of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) E-Power Mo! Campaign that aims to empower and educate consumers on the wiser and more intelligent utilization of energy resources.

PIA-NCR Officer-in-Charge Emver Cortez said, the Energy Expo particularly promotes public awareness in energy consumption especially among average household consumers.

“The public can participate in various interactive games that will teach them different ways to utilize energy efficiently. We invite everyone to come and visit the Expo, we assure the public that they will have fun way of learning how to utilize energy efficiently, at the same time how we can help the government in energy conservation,” Cortez said during the formal opening of the exhibit Friday.

The exhibit include ‘sketch to life’, an interactive mural that show participants commitment towards the energy conservation efforts of the government.

Another interactive wall show how much can be saved based on the participants efficiency in using energy.

E-trike and hybrid car was also displayed at the Energy Expo to show the public samples of environment-friendly and sustainable public utility vehicles.

The event was also attended by officials of the Department of Energy such as Assistant Secretary Robert Uy, Director Jess Tamang, Mr. Art Habitan of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau as well as PIA Staff Director Emely Libunao.

The E-Power Mo! Campaign is part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s energy roadmap and policies designed to empower the consumers specifically to: Develop and utilize the energy resources available to Filipinos for wealth creation and global competition (E-POWER MO!); Undertake safety and savings measures through energy efficiency (E-SAFETY MO!); Secure the delivery of quality, reliable and affordable energy services (E-SECURE MO!); and Empower consumers through a wide range of options in utilizing conventional, renewable and alternative energy sources. (E-DISKARTE MO!).

QC to prescribe standards for LPG business operation

By Perfecto Raymundo, Jr.(PNA)

MANILA -- The Quezon City government will soon issue a prescribed minimum standard of business operation of sellers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) once an ordinance for such purpose is enacted.

The ordinance, SP 2677-2018, authored by 2nd District councilor Precious Hipolito-Castelo was approved by the Quezon City Council on the 3rd and final reading last week.

The ordinance is anchored on Republic Act 8479, or the “Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998”, which covers "any person or entity, whether natural or juridical, engaged in exporting, refilling, transporting, marketing, and/or selling of LPG to end users and other consumers."

“The continued operation of unsafe and sub-standard LPG retail outlets may expose the public to fire, health and environmental risks, deprive the public the proper quality and quantity of the LPG as purchased, legitimate retailers may not be able to avail of additional sales volume, the city government will not be able to garner additional revenues from licensing fees, local business taxes, and, in effect, will encourage the marketing of LPG from illegal activities,” the ordinance reads.

The ordinance prescribes a minimum standard of operation for the LPG industry to eliminate nefarious practices in transporting and selling of LPG to protect consumers and legitimate LPG retailers from danger and fraud.

Under Section 7, the ordinance states that “there shall be a requirement to put up prescribed signage, which shall be displayed by the operators of the LPG establishments in strategic locations within the premises of the said establishments.”

A price display board shall contain the updated prices for each LPG brand and shall have numeric entries at least six inches in height.

There shall be “No Smoking” signs, “Special Use Permit” issued by the city shall be displayed, and other safety signs must be present.

The operators shall suffer penalties for failure to comply with the necessary requirements.

For the first offense of wholesalers, a PHP3,000 fine shall be imposed and for the second offense, a PHP5,000 and revocation of business and special use permit.

For the first offense of retailers, violators shall suffer a PHP1,500 fine while PHP3,000 is the penalty for the second offense plus revocation of business permit.

The local measure has been forwarded to the Office of the City Mayor for signature to be enacted.

New QC school named after revolutionary general

By Perfecto Raymundo, Jr. (PNA)

MANILA -- The Quezon City local government has named a public secondary school in honor of a fallen revolutionary general.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has signed the ordinance establishing a senior high school named after Gen. Vito L. Belarmino, a general in the Philippine revolutionary army during the Spanish and American occupation.

The enacted city Ordinance 2652-2018 states that the “Vito L. Belarmino Senior High School will be located at Barangay Milagrosa, Project 4.”

The local measure stemmed from a resolution of the Quezon City Local School Board, recommending to name the senior high school after Belarmino.

According to the revised guidelines of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the proposed names of public schools “must have historical and cultural significance and must contribute to the positive development of national pride through the good example exhibited by the name being used.”

Belarmino, who was born in Silang, Cavite, was one of the most brilliant major generals and was involved in a number of attacks against the Spaniards.

At age 19, he served in the government and held various positions such as Teniente Mayor, Cabeza de Barangay, Secretary of the local tribunal and Gobernadorcillo. He was also appointed as Justice of the Peace.

Belarmino also fought in the Filipino-American war in Albay and built his own guerrilla unit to fight the American colonizers in the Bicol Region.

He later lost his eyesight and was called “The Blind Veteran.”

Under the Senior High School Program, Vito L. Belarmino Senior High School aims to initially offer the Sports Track.

QC eyes alternate routes for trike groups

By Perfecto Raymundo, Jr. (PNA)

MANILA -- The Quezon City local government is now looking for alternate routes for the various tricycle groups to decongest Katipunan Avenue.

This as the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) is set to form a technical working group (TWG) that will be tasked to plan an alternate route for 660 tricycles plying Katipunan Avenue, a national road.

DPOS chief Elmo San Diego has sent a letter to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) requesting to suspend its operations against the members of Old Balara Capitol Hills Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, Loyola-Pansol TODA and Loyola Heights TODA in plying Katipunan Avenue.

The city government has issued license to operate to more than 24,700 tricycle units, all belonging to the 150 TODAs. The number does not include an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 "colorum" or unregistered tricycles operating in the city.

Last week, the Inter-agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) launched an operation along Katipunan Avenue against tricycles using the national road.

In 2007, the Department of the Interior and Local Government issued Memorandum Circular 2007-01, which states that “tricycles are not allowed to use national highways. However, an exemption through a resolution can be granted if there is no alternative route.”

“Magko-comply tayo roon sa memo ng DILG na kung walang alternate route, kailangan may resolution ka para payagan sila doon sa bagong ruta at makatawid sa national road (We will comply with the memo of the DILG that if there is no alternate route, you should have a resolution to allow them there in the new route and cross the national road),” San Diego said in an interview Tuesday.

The MMDA has ceased apprehending tricycles along Katipunan and concentrated on tricycle drivers who violated other road rules.

San Diego said the TWG will be composed of DPOS, MMDA, Department of Public Works and Highways, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, TODAs and representatives of Parents and Teachers Association of schools along Katipunan Avenue.

The TWG is tasked to find alternate route where the tricycles can still use Katipunan Avenue without traversing the whole stretch of the road.

“Dapat papasok sila (tricycles) sa looban. Liliko sila sa E. Abada St. hanggang sa dumating sa dulo, at saka lang tatawid sa tapat ng Ateneo at Miriam. ‘Yun lang ang route nila (They should enter the inner roads. They will make a U-turn in E. Abada St. until they reach the tip and then drive across Ateneo and Miriam),” San Diego said.

The DPOS head added that the TWG should be formed by the first week of July and the City Council has already passed the necessary resolution.

“May resolution ang Council ngayon. Supporting document ‘yon dito. ‘Pag may TWG na kami, kailangan may resolution na sa Sangguniang Bayan (The City Council has a resolution now. That’s supporting document for this. If we already have the TWG, the City Council should already have a resolution on this),” he said.

San Diego noted the resolution includes exemption to tricycles that ferry students to schools whose gates are facing other national roads, such as Commonwealth Avenue and E. Rodriguez Avenue, to cater students.

“This time, mas magiging mahigpit ang DPOS. ‘Pag sinabing ito lang ang ruta niyo, ito lang. Ile-lay down namin ‘to, susundin niyo ‘to (This time, the DPOS will be stricter. If it’s stated that this is only the route, it’s only this. We’ll lay this down, you’ll comply with this),” he said.

Quezon City allots P30-M for detainees’ food

By Perfecto Raymundo, Jr. (PNA)

MANILA -- The Quezon City Council on Friday authorized Mayor Herbert Bautista to allocate PHP29.9 million for the provision of food to detainees of the city jail.

City Resolution 7163-2017 “directs the local chief executive to appropriate funds to be dedicated for the food of detainees at the detention center.”

The resolution was authored by City Councilors Franz Pumaren and Raquel Malangen.

With the authorization coming from the City Council, Bautista on Friday ordered the release of funds to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology upon the request of the Quezon City Jail management.

To date, the Quezon City Jail houses around 13,000 detainees.

The PHP29.9-million fund will be spent as PHP10 million for 4,020 sacks of rice; PHP11.2 million for pandesal; PHP2.1 million for pan de coco; PHP2.1 million for kalihim; PHP2.1 million for monay; and PHP2.1 million for Spanish bread.

DSWD holds simultaneous payout of UCT cash grants for seniors; vows to complete payout this July

(DSWD)

QUEZON CITY, July 1 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted simultaneous payout of the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) grants for senior-beneficiaries of the Social Pension Program in 26 towns in Regions III, IV-A, and IV-B on June 30.

The simultaneous payout for the P2,400 grants of seniors in these areas is just the first as there will be more in the coming days. The Department hopes to complete the distribution of the UCT grants to social pensioners this July.

The UCT is the tax subsidy provided under the TRAIN law to help the poor cushion the adverse economic effect of the policy. It is considered to be the biggest tax reform mitigation program under the TRAIN law which seeks to provide 10 million beneficiaries with cash subsidies amounting to P200 a month for 2018 and P300 a month for 2019 and 2020.

Under the TRAIN law, the total number of Filipino households and individuals who will receive the UCT is 10 million. The beneficiaries are divided into three main categories: 4.4 million members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps); 3 million senior citizen-beneficiaries of the Social Pension Program; and 2.6 million households from the DSWD’s Listahanan.

DSWD Acting Secretary Virginia Orogo said, “The Department is currently fast-tracking the processing of the pay-out for the senior citizens. As promised we are accelerating our schedule to help alleviate the temporary discomfort as our country adjusts our tax system towards a more equitable distribution of wealth.”

Upon her assumption as DSWD Acting Secretary, Sec. Orogo called on all the Department’s regional directors to fast track the distribution of the cash grants in compliance to the orders of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Regional Directors Gemma Gabuya of Field Office III, Annie Mendoza of Field Office IV-A, and Wilma Naviamos of Field Office IV-B quickly responded to this call of the Secretary. Other regional directors are quickly responding as well.

All regional directors have committed to complete the payout of the UCT grants of 8 million out of the 10 million beneficiaries this July.

Sec. Orogo also thanked Land Bank for heeding her call even if there are huge logistics and coordination challenges.

The Secretary continued, “Rest assured that we are doing our best, as well as our partner stakeholders, to provide the UCT cash grants to the beneficiaries the soonest possible. We know the importance of the cash grant to our poor fellowmen, especially as prices of basic commodities have recently increased.”

Sec. Orogo also shared that the Land Bank has also committed to provide cash cards to the beneficiaries within the year in order to prepare for a smoother implementation of the UCT cash grant in 2019.

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