Quezon City News March 2018

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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 provides aid to abuse victims, witnesses

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor (PNA)

MANILA -- Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has assured that the local government will provide assistance to victims and witnesses of crimes and violence in the city, regardless of their age and gender.

During Monday's flag ceremony, Bautista called on “silent” victims of abuse and discrimination to speak out and report their experiences to authorities so they could receive appropriate help.

“Kapag sa palagay ninyo, kapag kayo’y naaapi o pinagsasamantalahan, lalo na ang mga babaeng PWD (person with disability), magsumbong po kayo sa pinakamalapit na barangay (If you think you’re being abused, especially women PWDs, report to the nearest) barangay, barangay officials, o pulis dahil aaksyunan po natin ‘yan (or police because we will act on them),” Bautista said.

At the same event, the city’s Gender and Development Council, together with the Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) of the QC Police District (QCPD), said they will safeguard women’s rights, making sure there would be no place for violence and abuse in the city.

Head of the WCPD, Senior Insp. Djoanna Santos, said the city’s continuous campaign against abuse and violence has made a big impact on the community.

“We can say that before, there were a lot of women who were afraid to voice out the abuse or the violence that was happening to them. But due to the vigorous campaign of the Quezon City Police District from the community police, more people, especially young women, get informed about their rights against abuse,” Santos said.

The QCPD noted that 512 women had filed violence against women (VAW) cases in 2017, compared to 484 cases in 2016.

The top three filed VAW cases in 2017 included physical abuse, psychological abuse, and economic abuse.

QC disaster action team on standby alert for Holy Week

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor (PNA)

MANILA -- To keep Quezon City (QC) residents safe during the observance of Holy Week, Mayor Herbert Bautista has ordered the city’s disaster action team on standby alert status.

QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) chief Karl Michael Marasigan said three paramedic teams are already on duty in every eight-hour shift together with its highly-trained urban search and rescue team.

Marasigan added over 70 ambulances staffed with volunteer first responders are deployed with the Barangay DRRM Councils while six advance life-support ambulances will be ready for deployment 24/7.

“We got the city covered, but of course the public should also be vigilant and always aware of their safety and security at all times,” Marasigan said.

Cases of robbery and theft are usually reported during the Holy Week since most Filipinos go on vacation or observe the Lenten season outside their homes.

Bautista said the QC’s Emergency Operations Center is open 24/7 and can be contacted by dialing 122. Residents can also check QC’s social media accounts for updates.

QC gov't hires students, out-of-school youth as interns

(PNA)

MANILA -- The Quezon City (QC) local government will provide employment to poor but deserving students and out-of-school youths (OSYs) this summer.

Mayor Herbert Bautista said the local government “will accommodate 682 qualified high school and college students, including OSYs”.

This is the city’s response to the national government’s call for support to its program which helps poor but deserving students pursue their education through seasonal employment.

In an interview with Philippine News Agency (PNA), the city's Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Employment head Alex Macabulos said the application for the summer job started in January and lasted for a month.

He said 682 students were already selected -- 380 of them will be employed under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) while the remaining 302 students will be given work under the Government Internship Program (GIP).

The student-employees under SPES will earn the current minimum wage per day while those under GIP will be paid only 75 percent of the current minimum wage.

Macabulos said the wages of the student and youth interns will be shouldered by the QC local government and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

"Ang (the) 60 percent po ay (is) cash from QC, ito po ay magagamit nila pambili ng mga gamit nila sa (this can be used to purchase supplies for) school, allowance, mga ganun habang ang (like that, while the) 40 percent po ay (is) voucher payable to school from DOLE," Macabulos said.

The summer employment program will start on April 3 and will end on May 2.

Macabulos said the student and youth interns will perform clerical and customer service jobs in the different offices of the city hall. These include simple tasks like encoding, answering inquiries, receiving forms, etc.

"Sasabak agad sila sa trabaho, may konting (They will work right away, there is a bit of an) orientation lang (only) about the program at inaasahan nilang trabaho dito sa (and the work they're expecting here in) city hall. Then, they will be monitored by PESO weekly," Macabulos added.

It is a yearly program of the QC local government in partnership with DOLE.

The SPES is open to all qualified high school, college and technology or vocational students.

Apart from meeting the qualifications, the combined income of the parents of interested applicants must not exceed PHP36,000 per annum.

School dropouts were also accommodated provided their reason for being out of school is poverty or unemployment of their parents.

CHED formally launches IRR of free college tuition law

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor (PNA)

MANILA -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has formally launched on Monday, March 26, the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the law mandating free tuition in state universities and colleges. 



CHED Officer-In-Charge J. Prospero de Vera III said the launch, held at the CHED main office in Quezon City, is a historic event for the country since “no developing country has ever attempted such movement in line with quality college education provision.” 



Starting June 2018, students enrolled in 112 SUCs and 78 local universities and colleges (LUCs) can already enjoy free tuition and fees as instructed in Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA).



The government has allocated PHP40 billion for the school year 2018 to 2019 -- PHP16 billion for the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), PHP7 billion for Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET), PHP1 billion for the Student Loan Program, and PHP16 billion for Free Higher Education.



Under the UAQTEA, enrolled college students need not pay for their tuition, miscellaneous and other similar or related fees.

The miscellaneous fees would include library, computer, laboratory, school ID, athletic, admission, development, handbook, guidance, entrance, registration, medical, dental and cultural fees.



However, the students should finish their college education within the four-year time frame.

Should they stay longer, they will have to pay for their tuition and other fees designated by their schools.

Students are expected to render 'return of service' while studying in and not after college.

If they choose not to comply with the requirement, they will have to pay for their tuition and opt out of the scholarship program.



Disadvantaged students -- indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and young people from depressed areas -- are given easy access to free college education through the affirmative action programs provision of the law.



Students who do not want to benefit from the law can opt out of the subsidy during the enrollment period of each semester by submitting a waiver notarized by the concerned SUCs, LUCs, or TVET provider.



Meanwhile, students who can pay for their tuition and fees are welcome to apply for the free higher education provision but they are encouraged to contribute a specific amount to the higher education institution.



Senators Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, the principal sponsor and co-author of the law in the Senate said he hopes the implementation of the law will be smooth sailing.



“I believe in my heart that the Filipino youth will value this blessing. After all, this blessing is not just an investment on them but an investment of our country," Aquino said.



Senators Ralph Recto and Juan Edgardo Angara, Davao City 1st District Representative Karlo Nograles, Sorsogon 1st District Representative Evelina Escudero, and National Youth Commission Chairperson Aiza Seguerra were also present at the launch.

QC vice mayor seeks closer ties with DepEd for quality education

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor (PNA)

MANILA -- Quezon City (QC) Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte proposed a closer coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) for the city to better provide for the educational needs of its residents.

In a statement released Saturday, Belmonte said such synchronization would enable the local government to identify which school infrastructure projects must be prioritized in terms of planning, funding and construction without breaching certain government regulations.

For instance, Belmonte noted that she learned recently that DepEd is not authorized to fund selected projects like facilities for purposes of teaching Alternative Learning System (ALS).

“It's the same with the construction of auditorium. DepEd merely relies on the city government to build such projects for them,” Belmonte said.

Belmonte added that the DepEd and local government units (LGUs) should work together, wherein the department builds classrooms while LGUs provide other facilities that students need to acquire holistic education.

“So we should have closer coordination for us to know if this is the responsibility of DepEd or the responsibility of local government. Such kind of close coordination is needed,” Belmonte said.

In connection with this, 4th District Rep. Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, Jr. funded the renovation of the school auditorium and the construction of a three-story ALS building with sports facilities, and a four-story, 16-classroom building at the Don Alejandro Roces, Sr. Science Technology High School.

Diliman in 3rd win

(Peoples Tonight)

DILIMAN Preparatory School continued its impressive showing by blasting Montessori, 133-64, for its third straight win in the 17 years old and under category in the 2018 Youth Basketball Cup: Next Level basketball tournament at the DPS covered courts in Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City last March 18.

Gerry’s Grill “Best Player of the Game” Kai Espinosa posted doule-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds to power the Quezon City-based Blue Dragons to a smashing 69-point rout in this weekend-only tournament organized by multi-titled coach Rensy Bajar.

Espinosa also had five assists, three blocks and two steals for DPS, which kept its perect record with three straight victories.

Montessori dropped to 0-4..

Shaing the limelight was Manila Patriotic School, which.outsteadied Knights, 71-67, in the 15 years old and under class.

Mico Cuartero finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal to power MPS to its second win in five matches.

In the 15-under category, Hotshots outplayed Our Lady of Fatima University, 85-80, for a 2-3 record.

Gezar Ignacio was the leading man for the Hotshots with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Warriors-A beat Warriors-B, 112-80, with Sean Tayer leading the way with 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.

In the 13-under, Warriors humbled Water Konsult Equipment and Services, 76-72, behind Jepoy Diamonon’s 20 markers.

Warriors improved to 3-0 overall.

Last March 17, Diliman College overpowered DPS, 89-61, for its third straight win in the 19-under division.

Earl Salazar finished with 27 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals to lead the Blue Dragons to the convincing victory over DPS.

The tournament is supported by Diliman College, headed by former Sen.Nikki Coseteng, and Gerry’s Grill, thru Jerome Ngo and Wilson Sia.

PNP chief initiates Ligtas Sumvac 2018

By Benjamin Pulta (PNA)

MANILA -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Friday assured that all preparations and contingency measures are in place to handle the exodus of people for the Holy Week break.

Leading police officials in inspecting the Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City, dela Rosa called on the public to call the PNP hotline at 2286 and 911 if they have police-related concerns.

In the National Capital Region alone, some 5,000 policemen will be deployed to patrol identified hotspots under the PNP's "Ligtas Sumvac 2018".

The 90-day security plan starts from last week of March until the second week of June.

Dela Rosa said the regular inspection of bus terminals is to ensure that such contraband as explosives, firearms and bladed weapons are screened properly and that security protocols are strictly implemented.

"So far yung ating buong PNP ay naka-full alert status, meaning 100 percent ng ating kapulisan ay nagdu-duty habang yung ating mga mamamayan ay nagbabakasyon (So far the entire PNP is on full alert, meaning 100 percent of our police force is on duty while Filipinos are vacationing)," he said.

He also appealed to barangay tanods (village watchmen) and local law enforcers to do the same, securing their respective villages and subdivisions while majority of the people in their neighborhood are taking their Holy Week break.

Patrols will be assigned in suburbs to prevent cases of burglaries and home invasions while the owners are away and will be complemented by police assistance centers along the national highways, he added.

While law enforcers are keeping a close watch on the situation, dela Rosa said they have yet to receive any report on impending terrorist attacks.

QC gov't acquires land for informal settlers

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor (PNA)

MANILA -- Informal settler families (ISFs) in Quezon City may soon have their own houses once the on-site socialized housing project of the city government is developed.

The Quezon City Council has authorized Mayor Herbert Bautista to acquire a 2,000-square meter parcel of land in Barangay Baesa for the development of a housing project for ISFs.

QC Councilor Marivic Co-Pilar sponsored the authorization under City Resolution ‎7185-2017, which is expected to benefit around 102 ISFs presently occupying the property.

The resolution said the city mayor "shall represent the city in all its business transactions and sign in its behalf all bonds, contracts, and obligations, and such other documents upon the authority of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or pursuant to law or ordinance".

Under the pro-poor housing program, housing communities will be developed to provide safe and affordable homes for the poor.

AFP, Mercury Drug ink P20-M medicine donation pact

By Priam Nepomuceno (PNA)

MANILA -- In line with efforts to ensure that quality medicines will be given to active-duty troops, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Mercury Drug Foundation (MDFI) signed a deed of donation (DOD) for PHP20 million worth of medical supplies and drugs Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia, AFP public affairs office chief, said the MDFI made the donation to ensure soldiers have access to free and quality medicines through military medical facilities nationwide.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero and MDFI executive director Annie Fuentes led the signing of the DOD at the Silid Lapu-Lapu, AFP General Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"Forged by the common goal of assuring that your members will get the appropriate medications for their healthcare needs whenever they seek assistance at any of your treatment facilities nationwide, our partnership will make a difference in the lives of our soldiers," the MDFI said in a statement.

The donation is the second from the MDFI. Last year, through their "Operation Bigay Lunas: Libreng Gamot Para sa Kawal," MDFI also donated PHP20-million worth of medicines and medical supplies.

The donation was sent directly to AFP medical treatment facilities for the immediate use of soldiers deployed in conflict areas.

Like last year, the donations will be delivered in four batches with the first batch expected to arrive in April.

"The AFP believes that the generosity of stakeholders like MDFI brings inspiration to soldiers on the ground to win the peace and perform with excellence," Garcia said.

ATI offers free vegetable gardening space in QC

By Catherine Teves (PNA)

MANILA -- The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), an extension service arm of the Department of Agriculture (DA), is going beyond providing training and farm inputs to food growers. The agency will now give free gardening space for interested citizens, so they can plant and harvest vegetables with its guidance.

"It's learning by doing," said ATI agriculturist Mark Nello Alvarez.

Learning vegetable-growing would enable people to do it where they live, he said.

ATI will provide the public training, inputs, and space--all for free--since DA had already designated this institute's compound in Quezon City as a communal vegetable garden, said Alvarez.

The ATI could, thus, open up its compound to anyone interested in learning urban agriculture, he pointed out.

"People can already inform us of their intention to grow vegetables there," he said.

Alvarez said the ATI, the office of DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns Ranibai Dilangalen, Aboitiz Foundation Inc., and Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. had signed this month the memorandum of agreement covering the compound's designation as a communal vegetable garden.

The signing was among the highlights of the Urban Agriculture-Pagkain Para sa Masa (UA-PPSM) program.

Last year, DA launched UA-PPSM in Quezon City's Barangay Bahay Toro and established there the program's pilot site.

UA-PPSM sites established since then are in Davao's Bago Aplaya and Cotabato City's Lugay-lugay area.

"Sa maliit na espasyo, may pagkain tayo" (We got food from a small space) is UA-PPSM's theme to highlight the possibility of producing food even in tight urban spaces.

Alvarez said people could write ATI about requesting permission to grow vegetables within the agency's compound.

He said they could start gardening anytime after receiving permission and inspecting the planting area that ATI would assign to them.

"We'll provide free seedlings for their initial planting and allow them to use our nursery and tools if necessary," he said.

ATI will also provide them technical assistance on proper growing and harvesting of vegetables, he added.

"After harvesting their produce, they can opt to grow vegetables repeatedly in their assigned areas," he said.

Alvarez clarified it is the growers' responsibility to look after what they planted in ATI's compound.

"They must water their plants, buy and apply fertilizer, guard against pests, and undertake other measures for these to grow well," he said.

He added those interested must also submit to ATI records of what they planted and harvested to help the agency monitor and assess its implementation of US-PPSM.

Aside from urban farming, DA said UA-PPSM's other components are mushroom culture and hydroponics/aquaponics.

Experts said hydroponics is the production of crops without using soil.

Aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture or fish farming to grow fish and plants in one integrated system, they said.

The DA said Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. had donated hydroponics/aquaponics technology farming system to ATI to support its UA-PPSM project.

"Food production need not be restricted to rural areas," noted Alvarez.

In 2016, ATI reported conducting in Metro Manila a roadshow aimed at encouraging urban families to plant vegetables in their own backyards.

The roadshow included free lectures and demonstrations on urban gardening.

Seedlings and other planting inputs distributed during the roadshow were aimed at helping urban families begin growing vegetables for their own consumption and even sale.

Applications for Fire Officer, Penology Officer, and Local Treasury Examinations sought

(CSC)

QUEZON CITY -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) reminds the public that acceptance of applications for the Fire Officer, Penology Officer, and Basic Competency on Local Treasury Examinations is until 27 April 2018 only. The exams are slated 17 June 2018.

All three exams are open to individuals who meet the following basic qualifications: Filipino citizen; of good moral character; has not been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or of disgraceful or immoral conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness or addiction to drugs; and has not been dishonorably discharged from military service or dismissed for cause from any civilian position in the government.

In addition, applicants of the Fire Officer Examination (FOE) must be 21 to 35 years old at the time of filing of application. For the Penology Officer Examination (POE) and Basic Competency on Local Treasury Examination (BCLTE), applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

On educational attainment requirement, FOE and BCLTE require applicants to be holders of a bachelor’s degree.

Applicants must personally submit (1) properly accomplished Application Form (CS Form No. 100, Revised September 2016, available at any CSC Regional/Field Office, and downloadable from the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph);

(2) four pieces of passport size I.D. pictures with handwritten name tag showing the applicant’s signature over printed full name; and (3) original and photocopy of I.D. card that is preferably valid (not expired). Applications must be filed at the CSC Regional Office (CSCRO), or at any of the concerned CSCRO’s Field Offices, where applicants intend to take the examination. Examination fee is P700.

Applicants are advised to access and read thoroughly the corresponding examination announcements posted on the CSC website and CSC Facebook Page for the specifications of I.D. picture, complete list of accepted I.D. cards, testing centers, scope of examination, resulting eligibilities and their appropriateness, and other relevant information.

The CSC conducts the examinations in collaboration with the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

AFP inks career dev't pact with CIAP

By Priam Nepomuceno (PNA)

MANILA -- In line with efforts to further professionalize the ranks of the military, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines on Wednesday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on a career development path for officers and non-commissioned officers of the AFP Corps of Engineers (COE).

The MOA was signed by AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero and CIAP executive director Ramon Abiera at the Silid Lapu-Lapu, General Headquarters Building at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, AFP public affairs office chief, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia, said in a message Thursday.

Present at the signing were ranking AFP officials and members of the Construction Manpower Development Foundation (CMDF).

Through the MOA, the COE, in collaboration with CIAP-CMDF, will administer the integration of a military construction management eligibility system that will provide a career development path for engineer officers, as well as senior non-commissioned officers in the military.

Garcia said the COE undertakes base development projects within military installation or bases in consonance with its mandated mission.

It also undertakes national development projects in partnership with other government agencies and organizations, such as the CIAP-CMDF regarding identification, planning, sourcing of requirements, monitoring, implementation and evaluation of development projects.

"The partnership also aims to pursue academic cooperation and promotion of development projects of AFPCOE and CIAP-CMDF. Activities on industry orientation, resource-sharing of expertise and training facilities, collaborative research projects; and other forms of cooperation will be undertaken," Garcia said.

With the assistance of CIAP and CMDF, the AFP would be able to rationalize the required training in accordance with the competency and capability levels of the AFPCOE workforce. The AFP is involved in infrastructure construction in the countryside as part of peace and development efforts.

QC barangays on fault line train for disaster

By Susan De Leon (QC PAISO/EPC/SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- Quezon City barangays along the West Valley Fault recently took an Earthquake Landslide Search and Rescue Orientation Course (ELSAROC) organized by the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO).

During the training, participants took part in simulations of rescue operations exercises, such as lifting and moving techniques and victim extrication and stabilization.

“Our main objective is to teach the barangay officials on how to properly respond during calamities, especially when earthquake happened. There are a lot of structures that could collapse and having an at least basic knowledge to lift the slabs will be of big help to manage the injury of the victim,” the city government said.

The training was designed to equip barangay officials in hazards and disaster management, particularly on collapsed structures search and rescue operations, and extricating and caring of victims.

Barangays transacted by the fault line are Bagong Silangan, Batasan Hills, Bagumbayan, Blue Ridge B, Libis, Old Balara, Pansol, Ugong Norte and White Plains.

DSWD to hold "Women's Solidarity Caravan"

By Leilani Junio (PNA)

MANILA -- In a bid to raise awareness of women in urban poor communities on various forms of harassment, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will hold an advocacy and information dissemination drive dubbed as "The Women’s Solidarity Caravan" at Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City on March 17.

DSWD Officer-In-Charge Emmanuel Leyco said the awareness campaign would also educate and teach women where to report cases of harassments.

"The caravan is also part of DSWD’s strong commitment to promote the rights and uphold the welfare of women," Leyco said.

Around 100 women from the community are expected to take part in the activities which include an information drive on the different programs and services of the DSWD, and its partner agencies.

“Women should be active drivers in bringing about positive changes in society. They should also at the same time benefit from development efforts. This is why the Department’s programs and services like the Sustainable Livelihood Program endeavors to uplift the economic status of poor women and families," Leyco added.

Leyco said that the activity would also include viewing of the film “Ang Kababaihan ng Malolos."

He said that women who are victims of harassment and violence may report and request assistance from the Violence Against Women (VAW) desks in their respective barangays, the city or municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and the Women and Children’s Protection Desks found in police stations nationwide.

Aside from empowering the disadvantaged women in societies with its services, the agency also maintains two types of women’s welfare programs: community-based and center-based.

Community-based programs and services are preventive, rehabilitative, developmental programs and initiatives that mobilize the family and community to respond to issues or concerns of women who are in need or at risk.

Preventive programs refer to those that promote protective and developmental services for women.

Treatment and recovery include programs that provide diagnostic evaluation and planning services for emotionally disturbed or abused women.

A total of 381,908 women availed of community-based and center-based programs and services from January to December 2017.

Of this number, 380,230 women availed of community-based programs while 718 women in especially difficult circumstances were provided assistance.

NYC celebrates women’s month with ‘Young Women Inspiring Women’ march, forum

(NYC)

QUEZON CITY -- Around a hundred youth volunteers and National Youth Commission (NYC) employees showed their solidarity with women as they rallied in Quezon City on Wednesday, March 7, in celebration of the National Women’s Month as organized by the NYC.

With the theme “Young Women Inspiring Women”, NYC pays homage to young Filipino women who have inspired and continue to inspire other young women through their advocacies and beliefs to take action and aspire to become better citizens of the country and of the world.

“Women Inspiring Women is not just an activity every Women’s Month,” said NYC Asec. Rhea Peñaflor. “Women Inspiring Women serves as a support group to all women making them realize how talented, how unique and how much contribution they’ve made to the society, to the country and to the world,” she added.

Youth volunteers who participated in the march walked from Baler Street to West Avenue corner EDSA carrying placards highlighting women’s strength when they are together. The event culminated at the NYC Office in Quezon City with a youth forum featuring inspirational talks from accomplished young women.

Among the speakers during the “Young Women Inspiring Women” youth forum are Abegail Mesa, founder of Rescue Kabataan; Trizia Ann Magalino, founder of Ka-isa; and Mots Venturina, founder of Cancervants PH; who shared their struggles and successes as they pursue their dreams, advocacies and careers.

Through this event, the NYC aims to break the barrier between women; to encourage them to stand up for each other and celebrate each other. “Today, let us all be that woman who inspires the next woman we see, we meet or we know. May all women make it as a way of life to inspire their fellow women; and may all women continue to participate in all meaningful conversations of the world,” Asec. Rhea Peñaflor ended.

QC Council accredits more NGOs, POs

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor (PNA)

MANILA -- In an effort to improve the delivery of basic services to its constituency and boosting the local economy by partnering with the private sector, the Quezon City Council has accredited 61 non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs).

Mayor Herbert Bautista has signed Ordinance ‎2651-2017 accrediting the listed NGOs and POs which met the criteria and procedures for membership in compliance with City Ordinance 23-92.

“The applications were processed and evaluated by the NGO and PO Accreditation Committee and favorably recommended to the Quezon City Council for accreditation,” the ordinance read.

The ordinance was introduced by Councilor Eric Medina who believes that improvement on the delivery of basic services, capability-building and livelihood projects, and developing local entrepreneurship rely on having good relations with NGOs and POs.

The accreditation was also made in compliance to the Local Government Code of 1991 which states that every local government unit shall promote the establishment and operations of NGOs and POs to become partners in the pursuit of local economy.

Quezon City is known for its support for people-centered communities. To date, it houses NGOs and POs advocating various causes concerning farmers, workers, women and children, and movements addressing drug addiction and crimes.

PNVSCA Invites the Public to Nominate Outstanding Volunteers

(PNVSCA)

QUEZON CITY -- The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency is again on the lookout for modern-day heroes through the launch of the Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) 2018. With categories on youth, adult, not-for-profit groups and corporate organizations, the SOV seeks to recognize the contributions of the volunteer community to nation-building and sustainable development.

“In these modern times, we are certain that volunteerism thrives. Through the Search, we wish to share the stories and learn the best practices of volunteers who serve as government’s indispensable partners to achieve local and national development priorities. The Search acquaints us with individuals and organizations who exemplify compassion in action with the selfless service that they render to marginalized communities. We invite the public to help us give due recognition to these volunteers by nominating them to the Search,” says PNVSCA Executive Director Joselito De Vera.

The search is open to individuals and organizations currently providing volunteer assistance in the Philippines. Individuals of Filipino citizenship; Filipino or local chapters of foreign/international non-profit organizations; and Filipino or local chapters of foreign/international corporate organizations are entitled to join the SOV. Nominations should be submitted on or before 15 July 2018 to the Regional Search Committee which handles the area where the volunteer/volunteer service organization is based (i.e. nomination for a volunteer based in Laguna shall be forwarded to NEDA Region IV-A which chairs the Region IV Search Committee).

This yearly centerpiece event culminates with the awarding ceremony during the celebration of the National Volunteer Month (NVM) in December.

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

Since 2001, 147 volunteers and volunteer organizations have been recognized by the national government through the SOV. The Search has served as a venue to celebrate the significant contributions of volunteers from various sectors to the improvement of the lives of countless Filipinos.

Information on how to participate and nominate to the SOV, including the RSC directory, is available at www.pnvsca.gov.ph and the agency’s Facebook page: www. facebook.com/PNVSCA The public can also contact PNVSCA at (02) 277 7389 or send their queries to info@pnvsca.gov.ph.

QC to private schools: Craft Disaster Risk Reduction and Management contingency plan

By Susan De Leon (QC PAISO/EPC/SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QC DRRMO) urges private schools to create their own contingency plans and policies in preparation for calamities, especially ‘The Big One’.

In a symposium on instituting school-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management leadership held Thursday, 01 March 2018 at the QCX Experience Museum, DRRMO chief Karl Michael Marasigan emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness.

Marasigan reminded the school administrators and representatives during the symposium that when ‘the big one’ happened we will be on our own within 72 hours.

“As we have said, if ‘the big one’ occurs, within 72 hours we will be on our own. We can’t just sit and wait. We have to be prepared. So, what we are doing now is we are offering the schools the services that we could to help them to make them resilient and capacitate themselves,” Marasigan explained.

“It’s very important that we have organized people who will really dedicate themselves to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. We will have a focal person or team that will plan and study the needs of their universities and schools,” Marasigan added.

QC DRRMO fulfils its mandate to encourage the community, especially the schools, whether public or private, to integrate disaster risk reduction and management education as stated in Republic Act no. 101211 also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

The city government through the QC DRRMO conducts free seminars and trainings for the community.

QC DRRMO also distributes free ‘go bags’ to the community. ‘Go bags’ contain a Filipino-based ready-to-eat meal, transistor radio including batteries, hand-pressing flash light, foil blanket, bottled water, rope bracelet, and whistle.

Schools and individuals could make their own ‘go bag’ based on their needs, such as, maintenance medicine, and other necessities.

DA launches TienDa in Payatas

By Susan De Leon (DA/EPC/SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, Mar. 6 (PIA) -- In line President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to provide available and affordable food for Filipinos, the Department of Agriculture (DA), in partnership with the Quezon City government launched the first TienDa rolling store in Payatas, Quezon City on Monday (March 5).

Five tons of freshly milled rice from Luzon farmers’ cooperatives was sold to residents of Barangay Payatas at P38 per kilogram. The rice is packed in 4 and 5 kilograms bag.

Vegetables from the Cordillera Region, organic salted eggs, and dried fish were also available at the rolling store.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, Undersecretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, and QC Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, led the opening ceremony.

In his message, Piñol sought a strong partnership with the QC government in the implementation TienDA.

“I urge your women to group themselves into an organization, so we can give you capacity training to help you manage your own TienDA outlets in the future,” he said.

“Initially, we will start with rice outlets, and your women’ organizations can manage it. That way, regular na ang TienDA sa mga baranggay. Di na lang isang araw kung di araw-araw may murang paninda na mabibili,” Piñol said.

“Hindi availability ng pagkain ang problema natin kundi kung paano natin dadalhin ang pagkain sa pinakamurang paraan,” Piñol said.

“Food doesn’t need to be too expensive,” he added.

TienDA, a marketing initiative launched in July 2017, aims to provide a direct trading center for farmers and fisherfolks to eventually eliminate cartels, middlemen and dicers.

The Agri chief added that DA hopes to establish food outlets in every town by the end of President Duterte term.

DENR unveils electric car charging station

By Susan De Leon (DENR/EPC/SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, Mar. 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently unveiled its electric vehicle quick charging station in its compound on Visayas Avenue in Quezon City.

The e-charging station was donated by Mitsubishi Motors Philippine Corporation (MMPC), which commissioned Meralco’s subsidiary Mserv in constructing the station.

“This EV charging station will definitely be of great help in promoting the use of electric as well hybrid cars that are more environment-friendly option than gas-powered vehicles,” DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs Jonas Leones said during the unveiling ceremony, witnessed also by top executives of MMPC and Meralco and officials from the Department of Trade and Industry and DENR.

Leones said the installation of electric vehicle charger at the DENR was “timely” as it supports the program thrust of DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu towards intensified environmental protection.

“This project is not only timely but also supportive of the thrust of Secretary Cimatu towards intensified environmental protection, particularly clean air. It also a first step in creating a network of chargers for electric vehicles in the country, especially in highly urbanized cities.

Leones also expressed gratitude to the MMPC “for its kind donation and for being a consistent partner of the DENR in the fight against air pollution.”

In June last year, MMPC has donated 10 EV units to the DENR, composed of five (5) I-MiEV, Mitsubishi’s five-door hatchback electric car and another five (5) Outlander PHEV, a hybrid electric vehicle, as part of their partnership in promoting clean energy and environmental protection.

A study by the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau showed that around 80 percent of air pollution comes from motor vehicles, while 20 percent comes from stationary sources, including factory smoke stacks and open burning.

For his part, MMPC President and CEO Mutsuhiro Oshikiri said the creation of a charging infrastructure is a crucial step in enabling the market growth of electric vehicles in the Philippines.

Meralco President and CEO Oscar Reyes, on the other hand, said that Meralco is honored to have been chosen by Mitsubishi Motors in providing power innovations at the DENR and DTI.

Aside from DENR central office, MMPC has also lined up the installation of EV charging stations in the agency’s regional offices in Cebu.

DSWD will assist in identifying 4Ps children vaccinated with Dengvaxia

By Lucia F. Broño (DSWD SMS/LFB/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will help in identifying Pantawid Pamilya children beneficiaries who were vaccinated with the Dengvaxia vaccine.

The move is in response to an earlier request by the Department of Education (DepEd) to the Pantawid National Program Management Office (NPMO) to help determine the grade school children in Regions III, VII, CALABARZON and the National Capital Region (NCR) who received the vaccine.

DSWD Officer-in-Charge Emmanuel Leyco said, "The DSWD will fully assist in efforts to help children and families who may be affected by this medical concern. We will tell them to immediately seek medical help from hospitals and health centers.”

Leyco gave his assurance of continued cooperation with concerned national government agencies to address the issue.

“We also call for strengthened efforts in the barangay and municipal levels to prevent the proliferation of dengue-carrying mosquitoes in our communities which pose great threats to the health of Filipino children,” he added.

Apart from identifying vaccinated children, NPMO is utilizing Family Development Sessions (FDS) to educate parents on precautionary measures against dengue infection and on what to do in case their children fall ill.

“We tell them to immediately seek medical help from hospitals and health centers once the symptoms of dengue are felt or observed,”Leyco said.

In the meantime, the social welfare chief said that the DSWD will provide medical assistance to indigent families, whether or not their children received the Dengvaxia vaccine, through the Department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Those who want to avail must present the following requirements to any DSWD Field Office: 1) Clinical Abstract/Medical Certificate with signature and license number of the attending physician (issued not later than 3 months); Hospital Bill (for payment of hospital bill) or Prescription (for medicines) or Laboratory requests (for procedures); Barangay Certificate of Residency/Indigency and any valid ID of the client; and/or Referral letter.

DSWD also announced that they are implementing the Lingap Para sa Masa which provides free medicines to indigent families who are admitted to the participating hospitals to wit: In NCR, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) in Manila; East Avenue Medical Center; Lung Center of the Philippines; Philippine Children’s Hospital; and, San Lazaro Hospital. In San Fernando City, Pampanga - Jose B. Lingad Memorial Hospital (JBLMH); Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Iloilo City; Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City; and the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City and Davao Regional Hospital (DRH) in Tagum City.

Indigent patients are advised to approach the social workers assigned to the mentioned hospitals.

QC starts retrofit of City Hall

By Susan De Leon (QC PAISO/EPC/SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Quezon City government has started the structural retrofitting of the 46-year-old city hall building in order to strengthen its foundation and make it more resistant to seismic activity, ground motion, or soil failure due to earthquakes.

The structural retrofitting of the City Hall’s main building started on 29 August 2017 and is expected to be finished in 270 days. It is being implemented in the east and west wing of the main building which includes the construction of the shear wall or retrofitting from the foundation up to the 3rd level that will add rigidity to the building.

The construction will also include the enlargement of the interior columns and the extension of west wing elevator to up to 15th floor.

The City Engineering Department aims to cause minimal disturbance to the affected offices like the QC General Services Department and the City Treasurer’s Office.

“Ire-retrofit yung building in such a way na magkakaron lang tayo ng minimal disturbance sa mga offices,” Engr. JP Dela Cruz said.

The affected offices will be moved to the other side of the floor so as not to hamper the flow of work and other tasks of the said offices.

The present Quezon City Hall building was constructed in 1964 and was completed in 1972 during the term of Mayor Norberto S. Amoranto.

City Hall was initially located near the corner of EDSA and Aurora Boulevard beside the Cubao Elementary School. It was transferred to where the Ramon Magsaysay High School is located in the 1950s.

Under the city’s 1949 master plan, the new city hall was to be constructed where the present East Avenue Medical Center is located.

DPWH resumes weekend reblocking in NCR

(DPWH)

MANILA, Mar. 2 -- Motorists are advised that the Department of Public Works and Highways – National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR) will undertake repair activities in the cities of Quezon, Caloocan, and Taguig this weekend.

According to DPWH-NCR Director Melvin B. Navarro, the road rehabilitation will begin at 11PM, Friday, 02 March 2018 covering eight road sections.

In Quezon City, reblocking and road works will be done at Quirino Highway, from Pagkabuhay Road to Kingspoint, inner lane, northbound; Congressional Avenue Extension, between Tandang Sora Avenue to Visayas Avenue, 3rd lane, northbound; Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) from Roosevelt MRT Station to Seminary Road, 2nd lane, northbound; Congressional Avenue, between Abra and Cagayan Street, 3rd lane, northbound; Visayas Avenue in front of Department of Agriculture, outer lane, northbound; and A. Bonifacio Avenue, crossing Sgt. Rivera, outer lane, southbound and from Mariveles Street to Iriga Street, outer lane, northbound.

Road works is also set along Mac Arthur Highway near Monumento Circle in Caloocan City and at the southbound direction of C-5 Road from K0015+000 – K0014+(370) in Taguig City.

Due to expected traffic slowdown in affected areas, motorists are advised to take possible alternate routes.

The affected lanes will re-open at 5AM on Monday, 05 March 2018.

DBM, DILG lead Manila leg of Open Government Dialogues

(DBM)

MANILA -- DBM Secretary Benjamin Diokno attended the first cluster of the Luzon leg of the Open Government and Participatory Governance Regional Dialogues held at Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon City, Tuesday (Feb. 27).

The event was formally opened by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista who welcomed more than 400 participants from Region 4-A, Region 4-B, Region 5 and NCR representing various national and local government units, civil society organizations, academe, and business groups.

After the QC chief’s welcome remarks, DBM Secretary Diokno and DILG OIC Secretary Eduardo Año, co-chairpersons of the Philippines’ Open Government Partnership (OGP) Steering Committee and the Participatory Governance Cabinet Cluster (PGC), addressed the participants.

In his keynote address, Secretary Diokno laid out the objectives of the event: (1) presentation of the participatory governance initiatives of the Duterte administration, (2) consultation of stakeholders regarding the PGC roadmap, and (3) discussion on developing subnational (local or regional) programs under OGP.

“We are opening up government by providing citizens with a seat at the policy table, and giving them a legitimate voice and vote in what the government does and plans to do in the years to come.” the Secretary said.

Meanwhile, Co-Chairperson DILG OIC Secretary Año reiterated the important role of non-government actors in Local Governance, and the support DILG will provide for them to fully realize this role.

“We will continue providing capacity building interventions for CSO members of local special bodies. Currently, we are gearing up for full implementation of the CSO accreditation and regular interface with CSOs through the OGP platform,” the DILG Chief said.

The Manila leg of the Open Government Regional Dialogue is the first to feature six Cabinet-rank officials, namely DBM Secretary Diokno, DILG OIC Secretary Eduardo Año, NEDA Director General Ernesto Pernia, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar, PLLO Secretary Adelino Sitoy, and CHED Chairperson Prospero de Vera, in Town Hall Sessions where they entertained queries and concerns from local chief executives and participants from the various sectors represented in the event.

Local Government Units were also given the spotlight during the afternoon program’s “Talakayan Session on Exemplary Open Government Practices of LGUs”. Mayor Carol Farinas of San Felipe, and Mr. Robert Anthony Siy, Head of the Pasig City Transport Development and Management Office, made up the panel for the session.

The Open Government and Participatory Governance Regional Dialogues Series is organized by the Department of Budget and Management with the support of the United States Agency for International Development represented by Mr. Jeffrey Lehrer, Director of Economic Development and Governance of USAID Philippines. Previous dialogues have been held in the Cities of Bacolod, General Santos and Zamboanga.

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