Quezon City News November 2013

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

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

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

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

WHY??

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

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

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

QC remembers Bonifacio's heroism and bravery on his 150th birth anniversary

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

MANILA, Nov. 30 (PNA) -- Quezon City government officials spearheaded the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, the father of the 1896 Philippine Revolution, at the Liwasang Andres Bonifacio Monument near the Cloverleaf Bridge Interchange at the intersection of A. Bonifacio Ave. and Epifanio Delos Santos Ave. in Balintawak, QC on Saturday.

Mayor Herbert M. Bautista led the floral offerings before the Bonifacio monument, together with Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, Councilors Anthony Peter D. Crisologo and Maria Diorella Sotto, Architect Veronica Dado, representing the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), representatives from Pugad Lawin Philippines Inc. and different civic and religious groups.

Among the guest speakers was Rep. Jose Christopher Belmonte (6th Dist., Quezon City) who recalled the "burning fires" within Bonifacio and the rest of the Katipuneros who ignited the thirst for freedom that eventually led to the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain.

Belmonte urged the people to continue the "fires of love for the country burning" as exemplified by Bonifacio despite numerous obstacles and hindrances he faced during his time.

“We must take every opportunity to express our love for our country and we can do it in many ways,” Belmonte said.

He noted that the unselfish love for the country shown by Bonifacio could still be kept alive among the people by doing simple things, for simple acts when done together could have great impact, like disposing garbage properly, using the pedestrian lanes when crossing the street, returning lost things to their rightful owners, and even in packing relief goods for those affected by typhoon "Yolanda."

“It is upon us to ensure that heroes like Andres Bonifacio did not die in vain; it is upon us to leave the dream he fought and died for,” Belmonte stressed.

He pointed out that "nowadays, the people are enjoying their rights and freedom because of what our late forefathers and other heroes had fought for, which we should treasure."

“This does not mean, though, that there are no more battles left for us to fight. The battles have just morphed into different forms. Perhaps, they have even become more complicated," the lawmaker said.

"We still fight against poverty, social injustice, oppression and even apathy. We fight for the safety and well-being of our families. We fight for the future generations. We fight for a life we can all be proud of,” he added.

He also expressed hope that every patriotic Filipino today and the future generations will work for the interest of the country as the Katipuneros did, like Bonifacio whose love for country was greatly expressed in his poem "Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa" (Love for Country).

He cited that the inspiring desire of Bonifacio to learn, although he did not have a formal schooling, should encourage the future generation to continue harnessing and improving what is in their environment and become productive, loving and caring citizens of the country by thinking of the country and its people’s interest rather than for themselves alone.

“Through him (Bonifacio), we can understand the difficulties brought about by financial constraints cannot hinder the desire to learn or to achieve. He also taught us that education does not only transcend in the walls of the classroom but it is also found in everything around us,” he said.

Maynilad builds La Mesa reservoir

By Czeriza Valencia (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - West zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. is constructing a P143-million concrete water reservoir within the La Mesa compound in Novaliches, Quezon City by the first quarter of 2014.

The impounding facility is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2014.

The reservoir can hold 10 million liters of water, enough to meet the daily requirements of 555,000 Maynilad customers.

Once operational, the reservoir can provide 24-hour water supply to Sacred Heart Village, Dela Costa Homes Village, Midway Park, Capitol Parkland Subdivision, Mira Monte Heights, Tala Subdivision, Samara Village, Central Luzon Leprosarium, Victoria Wave Economic Zones, NHS Tala Subdivision, Cefels Park Subdivision, Soldiers Hills, Victory Heights Subdivision, Guadanoville Subdivision, Mountain Heights, Bankers Village, Pangarap, Adeline Homes and Sto. Nino Village, all in North Caloocan.

“Our goal is to provide 24/7 water supply to all of our customers. This additional water reservoir is a step closer to us reaching that goal,” said by Maynilad president and CEO Ricky Vargas.

Since its re-privatization in 2007, Maynilad has built a total of 20 bolted and concrete reservoirs with a combined storage capacity of 535 million liters, to meet the increasing water demands of West Zone water consumers.

Maynilad services the cities of Manila (all but portions of San Andres & Sta. Ana), Quezon City (west of San Juan River, West Avenue, EDSA, Congressional, Mindanao Avenue, the northern part starting from the Districts of the Holy Spirit and Batasan Hills), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon, all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite province.

The company aims to cover 100 percent of its concession area by 2026 from the current coverage of 95.6 percent.

With 58,094 new connections made in the first nine months of the year, Maynilad has expanded its water service connections to 1.1 million.

The new connections were made mostly in Muntinlupa, Las Pinas and parts of Cavite.

PHL more globally competitive with TEMOS certifications of two local hospitals

(PNA), PR/UTB

MANILA, Nov. 28 (PNA) -- A German-based healthcare accreditation organization has recognized St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) as a world-class medical tourism destination, citing its Quezon City and Global City hospitals for their medical excellence, quality and top caliber services and facilities for medical travelers and international patients.

The SLMC hospitals were both awarded Excellence in Medical Tourism and Quality in International Patient Care certificates by TEMOS.

The healthcare accreditation organization certifies various hospitals and primary care facilities worldwide based on adherence to internationally established standards in Quality Management Systems and compliance with their own stringent and comprehensive quality criteria.

“With the TEMOS double certification for both hospitals, international patients are assured they will get affordable and the best patient care at par with the best in the world while local patients will also benefit from our high quality medical and patient services,” said Dr. Alejandro Dizon, SLMC SVP for Quality and Patient Safety and Chief Quality Officer.

Hospital records show that a significant number of people admitted to St. Luke’s hospitals are international patients. The most common procedures they avail of are executive check-ups, orthopedic surgery and general surgery.

A boost to medical tourism

St. Luke’s certifications as world-class medical tourism facilities are expected to greatly contribute to the Philippines’ efforts to remain competitive in the region’s medical tourism industry which is currently dominated by Thailand, Singapore, India and Malaysia.

Currently, the country’s medical tourism market is steadily growing with thousands of foreign patientsarrivingannually.

World-class medical tourism facilities

In October, a team of international TEMOS assessors conducted two week-long inspections of both hospitals’ medical and non-medical services that address the unique needs of medical tourists.

These included international patient care and concierge services, medical care which include the patients’ care cycle before traveling abroad, post-treatment, post-discharge and follow-up procedures, as well as fulfilling the requirements of international insurance and assistance companies.

Also taken into consideration were the hospitals’ approaches to the national norms, laws, cultures, and mentalities of various countries.

QC Council approves resolution requiring city govt hospitals to establish geriatric wards

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

QUEZON CITY, NOV. 27 (PIA)--Some 330,000 elderly citizens residing in Quezon City praised the City Council for passing a resolution requiring all of the city’s government hospital to establish senior citizen wards.

Rosita Fajardo, an officer of the Barangay Tatalon Senior Citizens Organization (BATASCO) said they are thankful for the approval of the resolution saying that they will no longer suffer from the inconvenience in crowded city-owned hospitals crammed in with other sick patients.

Provisions of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 made it mandatory for government hospitals to set up a ward exclusively for the elderlies.

Under the resolution authored by Councilor Rogelio San Juan, , all hospitals in the city, including those that would be built in the future should allocate 10 percent of their total bed capacity for the exclusive use of elderly residents.

The Quezon City Council justified the need to establish a senior citizen ward in city-owned hospitals for exclusive accommodation of resident senior citizen for their medical needs and requirements.

There are 15 public hospitals in the City which serve as referral centers for some 60 health centers and clinics in the city according to the data from the Office of Senior Citizens’ Affairs.

Donors run in circles for ‘Yolanda’ survivors

By Bong Lozada (INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines–A couple of weeks after Supertyphoon “Yolanda” brought unprecedented devastation across Central Philippines, a deluge of unparalleled aid fell upon the survivors.

Last Sunday, another event was held to add to the relief efforts for Yolanda survivors and that addition came in the form of P11 million, and counting.

Dubbed “YolandaRun,” 1,400 runners, mostly families and friends, took part in the 3.6-kilometer race around at the Quezon City Circle early Sunday morning.

“The amount is only from the partial donations from the runners,” said Bing Camacho, one of the organizers of the fun run. “Of course those are only from the people who actually made the run, there were also groups and individuals who pledged help.”

According to Alice Raymundo, one of the organizers of the fun run, proceeds from the donations from the participants will be used to send repair kits—composed of plywood, lumber, tools—to those people who have not been receiving the same attention as those of major cities affected.

A registration fee of P300 “or more” were asked from the runners but as of press time there is no ballpark figure since other donors who did not partake in the run also gave donations and pledges were also promised.

National Anti-Poverty Commission, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, Alliance of 7, Habitat for Humanity and Ecowaste Coalition were the organizers of the fund-raising run.

Students go caroling a la flash mob

By Camille Anne M. Arcilla (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

CHRISTMAS IS A-COMING Quezon City students regale MRT commuters with carols as part of the Tang “Ang Kulay ng Pasko” campaign. ARNOLD ALMACEN

Students of Francisco Elementary School and Masambong High School in Quezon City recently joined out-of-school youths and other peers in an early caroling that surprised Metro Rail Transit (MRT) commuters.

The students, aged 10 to 16, are members of Quezon City FrisChorale of the Youth and Music Ministry of Archdiocesan Shrine of Santuario de San Pedro Bautista.

With the theme “Ang Kulay ng Pasko,” the flash mob of carolers organized by Tang Philippines surprised passengers at the MRT Cubao station.

Tang assistant brand manager Lawrence Lorico said the flash mob aimed to reignite the spirit of karoling, a local Christmas tradition.

“We chose the MRT because most passengers are always in a rush … We made their commuting experience special because of what the kids did for them,” he said.

Lorico said the caroling was just a prelude to what Tang Philippines had in store for the people this Christmas.

“This is the launch and we still have surprises for different MRT stations from November until Christmas Day,” he said.

Aside from singing popular Christmas songs, the kids

also offered free juice to the first 1,000 to buy single tickets in their booth.

The choir kids, who appeared like ordinary passengers, started with “Joy to the World,” followed by the local Christmas song “Noche Buena (Kay Sigla ng Gabi),” “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Barbers and make up artists to get SSS membership soon

(PNA), PDS/HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-PR/PJN

QUEZON CITY, Nov. 24 (PNA) --A lawmaker has filed a bill protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of workers in the wellness centers, beauty and grooming salons, fitness gyms, spas and massage parlors by facilitating their membership in the Social Security System (SSS).

Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Party-list, TUCP) said under House Bill 2550, workers in wellness centers, beauty salons, fitness gyms and other interrelated services should be removed from the definition of self-employed under the SSS law.

Mendoza said barbershops, salons, spas, massage parlors, wellness or fitness centers or gyms, and any other similar entity to which the workers regularly report to render their services shall be considered their employers.

“Their employers should deduct and withhold from them the average monthly commissions, earnings, compensation or payment, as an employee’s contribution to the SSS,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said the bill, which seeks to amend Republic Act 1161 or the Social Security Law, removes the workers from the definition of self-employed under the SSS law irrespective of the contractual arrangement or their non-recognition as employees.

“These workers would be able to continue being an active SSS member and reap the benefits while they are still working or upon their retirement,” Mendoza said.

According to Mendoza, workers of wellness centers or of the barbershops, or any other similar entity, lease the facilities of the centers and bring their own set of clients.

Mendoza said the workers, who are being paid on a per-head basis, earn a commission or share in the payments due from their clients. They are not required to observe office hours or report to the company everyday, and do not devote their time exclusively for one company for they are free to work on any other wellness facility, or to engage in any other employment.

“Under the bill, these workers are considered self-employed, thus they pay their entire SSS membership dues, and there is no one to pay the heftier employer counterpart,” Mendoza said.

“Irrespective of the contractual arrangement of their non-recognition as employees, or of the kind or source of the commissions, earnings, compensation or payment for their services, barbers, hairstylist, manicurists, make-up artists, masseuse, reflexologists, gym trainers, fitness instructors or dieticians shall not be considered as self-employed,” Mendoza added.

Coastal forest restoration eyed for storm-hit areas in Eastern Visayas

(PNA), JBP/DENR-PR/PJN

QUEZON CITY, Nov. 23 (PNA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is looking at restoring mangrove and beach forests in some 380 kilometers of coastline in Eastern Visayas, including Leyte and all other portions ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda, to protect these communities against the devastating effects of future storms.

DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said the tragedy caused by Yolanda underscores the need to revive the region’s degraded coastal forests to make its coastlines less vulnerable to extreme weather events.

Paje said that a massive tree-planting activity under the government’s National Greening Program (NGP) may take place in coastal areas in Tacloban City and Dulag town in Leyte; municipalities of Guiuan, Llorente and Balangiga in Eastern Samar; and the town of Basey in Samar to provide livelihood to residents and allow them to take part in building a “green wall” against storm surges.

“By reviving the coastal forests in these areas, we seize this golden opportunity to begin the journey of our people in Eastern Visayas from victims to victors on the right footing,” Paje said, adding that Yolanda “has practically seized the nation’s attention to the increasingly important role of mangrove and beach forest belts.”

The environment chief said the department is also looking at the “reversion of abandoned government-leased ponds to mangroves” in order to boost coastal protection, food resources and livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.

“The best way to protect the city from storm surge is through mangrove reforestation under the NGP,” Paje stressed.

Relative to this, he said that the NGP implementation in Eastern Visayas may have to be “reconfigured” to give more priority to “coastal intervention” over reforestation in upland communities.

At the same time, Paje pointed out that keeping the affected shorelines off-limits to informal settlers is a “key” to such undertaking.

He said the department will soon conduct ground validation to pinpoint what areas are viable for mangrove rehabilitation and those for beach forest within the 20-meter easement zone along the shoreline as provided for in the Philippine Forestry Code.

QC public markets now more energy efficient

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

QUEZON CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) -The Quezon City government through the Market Development and Administration Department (MDAD), in partnership with global company Philips Electronics & Lighting, Inc., conducted a lighting project last month in various public markets across Quezon City.

Through the project, hundreds of incandescent lights used by market stall owners in Frisco, Galas, Litex, Luzon, and Murphy were replaced with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs that are brighter and more energy-efficient.

The project was undertaken in accordance with the city government’s efforts to reduce carbon greenhouse emissions and to provide people with proper, energy-efficient lighting.

The event also conducted an information drive on energy efficiency and gave away CFL bulbs to market goers.

Last year, the city government started a five-year plan to increase illumination in the city by 80 percent by installing 10, 000 LED (Light Emitting Diodes) streetlights along the major roads and densely-populated areas of the city, which helped reduced the city’s power consumption by at least 50 percent and also promoted energy efficiency.

The city's street lighting program aims to explore the city's carbon finance potential under the Clean Development Mechanism initiative provided under the carbon finance capacity building workshop organized by the QC Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department and sponsored by the World Bank.

The city has already adopted the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria in the evaluation of green infrastructure as a means to protect and conserve the environment.

Moreover, the city government has also partnered with the International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC) for the adoption of procurement guidelines for life-cycle costing, green schools retrofit program, energy efficiency program for offices and hospitals, residential energy efficiency awareness program, five-year capital planning for energy efficiency retrofits, municipal fleet maintenance program, development of IRR for the city's green building ordinance as well as the creation of an energy management council.

Operations to assist 'Yolanda' evacuees moved to Camp Aguinaldo

By Likha Cuevas-Miel and Tricia Aquino (InterAksyon.com)

MANILA, Philippines -- Operations to assist survivors of super typhoon "Yolanda" flown into Metro Manila will be transferred from Villamor Airbase in Pasay City to Camp Aguindalo, headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Quezon City.

The transfer of operations was announced Wednesday night, catching by surprise most of the volunteers who have flocked the airbase--offering everything from hot meals to free rides to their chosen destinations or help in contacting their relatives-- and triggering complaints that they were being "shut down."

However, in an interview with radio station dzIQ Thursday morning, Dir. Alicia Bonoan, director for the National Capital Region of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, explained: "Walang nag-shut down na operations, walang nag-shut down na processing center (No operatins have been shut down, no processing center has shut down)."

Carlos Miguel Lasa, a volunteer who was working to be a bridge between government and volunteers' groups in the operation tagged Oplan Hatid, said retired colonel Jerry Ilagan of the MMDA Emergency Volunteer Corps has spoken with Imee Ona of the Philippine Air Force Officers' Ladies Club and that it had been agreed that volunteer operations at Villamor could continue on Thursday until the government can send enough buses to transport evacuees to Camp Aguinaldo.

Bonoan said that the transfer to Aguinaldo was prompted by the increasing number of arrivals for areas devastated by Yolanda, which the airbase was no longer capable of handling.

"Ang nangyayari ngayon ay (What is happening is a) movement from Villamor Airbase to Camp Aguinaldo," she said. "Volunteers can continue their work at Camp Aguinaldo," which she likened to a "one-stop shop" where "all government services" will be located.

"Kailangan lang na ma-address ang dami ng dumarating (There is a need to address the increasing number of arrivals)," she explained.

PAF explains: Aguinaldo much bigger, suited for that operation

Philippine Air Force public affairs chief Colonel Miguel Okol confirmed to InterAksyon.com that the operations were being transferred to Aguinaldo because "it's bigger there."

At the same time, Bonoan said the volunteers transferring to Aguinaldo “will need to register again, so we will be able to manage all our volunteers.”

The first reports that the Villamor operations were ending were made over social media late Wednesday night.

“As of 12 p.m. tomorrow, we are being kicked out of Villamor. Yes, all of us. We’re being shut down. Not just Oplan Hatid, but the entire relief effort, I’m told. I’m too upset to get into details, but in a nutshell, as of 12 p.m. tomorrow, ALL evacuees will be transferred by government bus to Aguinaldo. What they plan for them there, I do not know. Nobody does. All I know is that they don’t need our help. The government, that is, not the survivors,” said James Deakin in his Facebook account.

Deakin and several of his friends last week had set up Oplan Hatid, which offers free rides to Yolanda survivors, on hearing that hundreds of them were opting to fly to Manila to seek sanctuary with relatives or friends in NCR. They later suggested that volunteers offer other types of support: help in contacting people, a "welcome kit" of food and blankets and personal hygiene bags, a SIM card.

“So to my good friends that donated tents, sound systems, food, drinks, tables, chairs, and the like, Villamor require you to be out by noon. I wish I could have called you each individually, but there’s just too many of you that have been so selfless here that I just wanted to make sure you get all your stuff back,” he said.

“To the angels who committed food and support, please cancel your orders. You’re welcome to send it to Aguinaldo but I have no idea who to talk to there. Bahala na si Batman. To those delivering the tarps and other supplies, let’s talk privately. People still need that. Let’s not let politics get in the way,” he added.

Volunteer Deakin still willing to help out

Later, Deakin stressed he was still willing to continue helping the survivors even at Camp Aguinaldo, and to move forward.

An Oplan Hatid volunteer confirmed that by Saturday afternoon, the growing number of arriving evacuees as well as volunteers flocking to Villamor to help had "alarmed" the Philippine Air Force "so they had started restricting access to the airport area where all volunteer efforts were taking place."

"I was probably the last Oplan Hatid volunteer that day who managed to get his car inside. After I got in, volunteer drivers had to park their cars near the entrances outside -- quite a distance from the landing area for the evacuees from Tacloban," he said. "The drivers and their passengers had to wait for their base shuttles to ferry them to their vehicles. It was quite a hassle for everyone involved."

Military transport, both those of the Philippines and foreign militaries deployed to help rescue and relief efforts in Yolanda's wake, have been ferrying hundreds of survivors daily on their return flights to Villamor since they began delivering relief goods to the reopened Tacloban City airport.

In a subsequent interview with InterAksyon.com, Deakin said they remain willing to talk about and help with the operations at Camp Aguinaldo, especially since the road to recovery is long.

However, he stressed that they should be given respect and be properly informed about changes. “Some people wait nine to ten hours sitting under the sun,” he said. “We have the supply of volunteers. Tell us the demand.”

Deakin stressed: “We don’t care who gets the credit as long as the efforts go to the survivors,” he said. But again, he wished the authorities would work with them and not keep them in the dark.

“We are a group of people willing to mobilize other volunteers. Just make sure not a drop is wasted,” he said.


Sustainable Building International Conference to tackle rehab strategies for calamity areas

(UP/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, Nov. 20 (PIA)--Damage assessment reports and possible rehabilitation strategies for areas that have been damaged by the Bohol earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda will be presented by experts from the academe and the industry on Monday, November 25, during the opening day of the Sustainable Building International Conference 2013 (SB13 Manila) at the Richmonde Hotel in Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City.

The experts will discuss the structural condition of public structures in Bohol, heritage restoration planning, sustainable coastal protection program, and recycling of debris from large- scale disasters.

Presentations lined up during the three-day Conference focuses on green and sustainable buildings and infrastructure as sustainability principle has been proven to be most beneficial for disaster-prone areas, especially as a rebuilding strategy.

Aiming for strength, resilience and sustainability, the Conference presentations will tackle: Sustainable Buildings Infrastructures and Communities; Energy Efficiency and New Sources of Energy; Water Efficiency and Management; Materials and Resources; Disaster Risk Management and Business Continuity Planning; and Governance and Regulation.

SB13 Manila is co-hosted by the University of the Philippines Diliman, the Mapua Institute of Technology, and the Confederation of Filipino Consulting Organizations of the Philippines (COFILCO).

The conference brings together international and local practitioners and experts from private, government and academic sectors, specifically from the fields of engineering, architecture, urban planning, real estate, and construction, and other professionals and enthusiasts interested in green and sustainable built environment.

For more details about the Conference Programme and registration please visit sb13manila.mapua.edu.ph.

Delegates may also contact the SB13 Secretariat through email address sb13manila.secretariat@gmail.com.

QC govt cancels Christmas parties

(PNA), PDS/LSJ

MANILA, Nov 19 (PNA)--The Quezon City government on Tuesday announced that it has decided to forgo all Christmas parties this year in all of its departments and offices.

The decision to drop the Christmas parties was based from the memorandum issued on November 15 by Mayor Herbert M. Bautista ordering the cancellation of all Christmas parties “in view of the massive destruction brought about by super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ to lives and properties in Eastern Visayas.”

Mayor Bautista said the memorandum covers also the offices of the vice mayor, Sangguniang Panglunsod or city council, 142 barangay chairmen, Sangguniang barangay, department heads and chiefs of offices and other operating units at Quezon City Hall.

“In keeping with the somber atmosphere that the country is now experiencing, agency-wide and office parties for the holiday season are hereby cancelled,” Bautista said.

However, the mayor stressed that the traditional lighting of Christmas decorations at QC Hall shall proceed as scheduled.

He reiterated his appeal for support from city hall employees for the victims ravaged by "Yolanda".

He said that all donations, whether money or in kind, must be directed to the city’s social services development department (SSDD).

Collection centers have already been set up by the QC government at the city hall main lobby and at the Amoranto Memorial Sports complex multi-purpose theater.

EcoWaste Coalition asks for toys, books for child survivors

(CBCP/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, November 18 (PIA) - The EcoWaste Coalition called on the public to donate new or used toys, and books for the children who survived super typhoon Yolanda.

In a statement, EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero said having toys to play with and books to read will help the children cope with their current situation.

“While we know that the support and encouragement from adults is key to enabling affected kids cope with the mounting death and despair around them, we believe that books to read and toys to play with can help them face the tragedy with more hopefulness,” Lucero said.

She added that it’s important for these kids to have something to cheer them up amid the destruction and also help the children overcome their trauma and anxiety.

Lucero also reminded donors not to give broken toys and said such toys (broken) might only hurt the kids or add to negative emotions instead of instilling positive attitudes among them.

She also requested donors to refrain from giving toys made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and things that children can put into their mouths to avoid potential ingestion of harmful chemical additives.

The group said it will examine the toys for chemical and potential hazards before sending them to child survivors through church, community or professional associations.

The donated toys will be screened using a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer to determine if the toys given are safe from toxic metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury.

All toys and books for donations can be sent to EcoWaste Coalition at Unit 329, Eagle Court, 26 Matalino St., Barangay Central, Quezon City until November 30, 2013.

QC to mark Bonifacio’s 150th birth anniversary

(PNA), PDS/LSJ

MANILA, Nov. 17 (PNA) --The Quezon City government will commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Katipunan supremo Andres Bonifacio in simple ceremonies at Liwasang Andres Bonifacio at Cloverleaf, Balintawak in the morning of November 30.

According to city mayor Herbert M. Bautista and vice mayor Joy Belmonte they will welcome as guest of honor newly-elected congressman Jose Christopher “Kit” Y. Belmonte of District 6 and other guests in the commemorative rites.

Mayor Bautista said that wreath-laying ceremony of different organizations such as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Quezon City Police District, Pugad Lawin Philippines Inc., Rotary Club of Balintawak District 3780, Knights of Columbus and other NGOs will be held after the flag raising.

Meanwhile as part of the commemoration of Bonifacio’s 150’th birth anniversary, His Excellency, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay will grace the same rites in Caloocan and Manila, respectively.

President Aquino will be the guest of honor at the Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City while Vice President Binay will be at the Bonifacio Shrine in the City of Manila.

QC to extend assistance for rebuilding Tacloban

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

MANILA, Nov. 16 (PNA) -- The Quezon City government said over the weekend that it will provide infrastructure development assistance to the City of Tacloban as its contribution to efforts in rebuilding the city, which was severely damaged by super typhoon "Yolanda' last week.

QC mayor Herbert M. Bautista said that he ordered the city council to immediately study the rebuilding needs of affected local government units in the Visayas that the city could support and assist through its Quick Response Fund (QRF).

Bautista said it is also planning to send a team of experts including engineers, architects and planners, that could help in rebuilding the Visayas region.

“The experts will also be tasked to study the rehabilitation efforts in the region that could be applied in QC emergency response preparations,” said Bautista.

He also disclosed that the QC government will donate infra projects such as school buildings like what QC did when House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. was mayor of the city.

It may be recalled that during the Belmonte administration, the QC government donated a P6.9 million two-storey 8-classroom school building to the mudslide affected barangay of Guinsaugon in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte.

As the president of the League of Cities in the Philippines, he added that he is studying best options to help and assist the communities affected by the super typhoon, particularly where the residents are homeless and hungry.

He revealed that 2nd District Councilor Rannie Ludovica, had formed a team of 20 men to go to Tacloban to give support and assistance to local authorities there.

“The team will coordinate with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) particularly with QC Chapter head Annie Torres, who is also designated as national leader for Leyte for relief and rescue operation,” he added.

He also said that the city government has already initiated a drive for donations in cash or in kind for the Super Typhoon Yolanda’s victims.

He said he had also appealed to QC Hall employees to give or share some of their blessings to the less unfortunate in the Visayas.

The donations are to be sent in coordination with the city’s social services development department (SSDD).

President Aquino visits repacking station in Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City

(PNA), FPV/PCOO/SSC

MANILA, Nov 15 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III visited a repacking station in Ateneo de Manila University in Katipunan, Quezon City on Thursday night and assured that his government continues to intensify relief operations to attend to at least 1.4 million people affected by super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan).

The Chief Executive, who was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and Presidential Communications Operations Office Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr., arrived at the Covered Court of Ateneo de Manila University where volunteers are repacking relief goods at 6 p.m. Monday.

The President expressed his gratitude to volunteers, mostly composed of Ateneo students and graduates, for their assistance being extended to typhoon victims. The volunteers are helping the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel to speed up the repacking of the food packs.

The President, an alumni of Ateneo de Manila University, explained to the volunteers the procedure on the distribution of relief goods to disaster victims.

"We have to attend to at least 1.4 million people and to feed them daily. And it is not really a simple matter, this is the biggest challenge we have to face," the President said.

The President expressed elation to see volunteers working very hard in repacking the relief goods for the typhoon victims in Leyte, Samar, Palawan and other parts of Visayas region.

"Nobody seems to be getting tired," he said.

The food packs are being shipped to Central Visayas for the families affected by typhoon.

The President stayed for at least 30 minutes before proceeding to three other repacking stations in Metro Manila.

The DSWD targets to produce 2.04 million family food packs within two weeks starting Thursday. Each pack can feed one family for three days.

To facilitate this, the DSWD has set up additional repacking stations around Metro Manila in addition to the DSWD-National Resource Operations Center (NROC).

The said satellite stations are in De La Salle University in Taft Avenue, Manila; Ateneo de Manila University in Katipunan, Quezon City; and, Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. Repacking is also being done in Camp Aguinaldo and in Villamor Air Base.

Regional repacking centers in Regions V, VII, X, and CARAGA remain open.

QCPD to hold simple anniversary celebration

By Third Anne Peralta (Sunnex)

THE Quezon City Police District (QCPD) will hold a simple celebration for its 74th founding anniversary as it decided to donate the money intended for the fete to the victims of the Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Director Richard Albano said Thursday that the 2,861-member QCPD will commemorate a simple founding anniversary on November 25 since part of the funds will go to the typhoon-hit communities in the Visayas.

Also, the money that will be collected from the shooting competition on Saturday will be sent to the victims of the killer typhoon.

"Ramdam namin ang pighati ng ating mga kababayan sa Visayas region dahil mismong mga pulis na kabilang sa rescue and retrieval operations ay kasama rin sa nawawalan ng mga kamag-anak," Albano said.

Dubbed as the country's deadliest disaster, Yolanda has so far killed more than 2,000 people and incurred over P4 billion losses to infrastructure and agriculture.

Maynilad joins relief efforts for Yolanda victims

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

QUEZON CITY, November 13 (PIA) – The West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) has announced that it is donating P1 million as well as clean drinking water to victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas.

Maynilad President and CEO Ricky P. Vargas said Maynilad has deployed 3,000 one-liter bottles and 1,100 one-gallon jugs of water to Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philippine Navy since November 8.

“This week, the company is also sending additional 12,000 units of one-liter bottles, 15,000 one-gallon jugs and 10,000 pieces of bottled water to various public and private organizations,” Vargas added.

Meanwhile, in coordination with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Maynilad is also sending water engineers to Tacloban to provide technical assistance and to get the water systems in Tacloban running.

“Typhoon Yolanda has inflicted unimaginable damage and losses to our countrymen in Visayas. We are committed to helping them recover and pick-up the pieces, in whatever way we can,” Vargas said.

“For those who also want to donate goods, they can drop-off their in-kind donations in our Maynilad offices in Cavite, Muntinlupa, Parañaque and Quezon City,” Vargas added.

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

Quezon City products, places of interest featured in “KABUHAYAN 2013”

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

QUEZON CITY, November 12 (PIA)- Some 22 exhibitors promoting Quezon City’s tourist destinations, locally made products, and health and wellness establishments were highlighted in the “Kabuhayan 2013”, a national livelihood trade fair held last November 7 – 10, 2013, at the 5th Level, Megatrade Hall 2 of the SM Megamall.

A project of the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. (CSFI), the trade fair aims to bring locally made products closer to the public and the consumers, particularly by-products that carry the individual uniqueness of each congressional districts of the country.

The Sikap Buhay Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Office, the city government’s arm for the protection and welfare of city-based entrepreneurs, said the 22 exhibitors participated to support the program organized by the CSFI.

The event is expected to boost the sales of QC-made products and open more opportunities to city businesses and entrepreneurs engaged in promoting QC as an ideal tourist destination.

The QC exhibitors, composed mostly of Sikap Buhay client-beneficiaries, offer quality products and services exclusively crafted to encourage people to buy not only the QC-made items but to promote the must- see places in the city as well.

Aside from tourist destinations and health and wellness places, the QC-made by-products offered include wearables, gift wares and household items, and processed foods.

DOH-NCR provides permanent health records for relocated QC families

(PNA), LGI/ANP

MANILA, Nov. 11 (PNA) -- The Department of Health-National Capital Region (DOH-NCR) on Monday continued providing health folders or permanent health records for the families of informal settlers this time located in Quezon City.

These barangays include Tatalon and Roxas, all of which were affected by the relocation program of the government.

A total of 56 families in Brgy. Tatalon and 16 families in Brgy. Roxas will be moved to San Jose Heights, in Brgy. Muzon, San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan.

Meanwhile, 346 families were also relocated recently from San Juan City, 353 families from Pasay City and 26 families from the City of Manila.

DOH-NCR director, Dr. Eduardo Janairo said in a statement that the agency will ensure that every family will have “their own health folder to take with them before going to their new homes.”

Janairo also said that it was important for relocating families to have their medical examination and physical check-up.

“It will then be endorsed to the regional health office, local government unit and concerned barangay health center where they will be transferred,” Janairo said.

“This health folder will be their permanent health record that will serve as reference for health providers,” he said, adding that it contained the person’s data, records of medical history, medication list and health screening results.

Aside from the folder, the DOH-NCR also provided health kits to families containing basic first aid materials and medicines.

These included povidine iodine, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, loratidine, oresol, band aid, cottol rolls, gloves, absorbent gauze, scissors, soap, hypoallergenic tape and a flashlight.

Gov’t preparing for rebuilding efforts

By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - The government is bracing for massive rebuilding efforts in areas ravaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda as initial reports hint of devastation on a colossal scale, President Aquino said last night.

Aquino said he was expecting the number of casualties to “substantially” increase because of the typhoon’s scale and local officials in areas caught unprepared would be made to explain.

“As you know, any casualty is an issue with me,” Aquino told reporters after a closed-door meeting at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council operations center at the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ heaquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Aquino said he did not want to make conclusive statements without getting complete data, although based on initial information, Tacloban City appeared to be the least prepared among the affected areas. It was in Tacloban City where 100 casualties have initially been reported. He is set to visit the city today.

Aquino said he greatly appreciates help from foreign governments but stressed the administration is capable of addressing the needs of the people.

Aquino said there were enough savings amounting to billions of pesos that could be tapped. He said these were the same lump sum funds, currently vilified by critics, that his office could use in times of calamities and disasters.

The President said four Cabinet secretaries – Voltaire Gazmin of the Department of National Defense, Manuel Roxas II of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Corazon Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development )DSWD) and Jericho Petilla of the Department of Energy – had been sent to assess the damage in the areas battered by Yolanda.

He said it was hard to say at the moment which areas were the most affected because of lack of information.

But he noted the DSWD had prepared a storm track to help authorities determine which localities were hardest hit and needed to be reached immediately.

The Department of Public Works and Highways is conducting clearing operations and will construct bunkhouses for affected residents in cooperation with local governments.

Air Force helicopters have been conducting aerial surveys and also delivering relief to areas presently inaccessible, Aquino said.

The President said some relief goods had been prepositioned but the devastation was on such a massive scale that make distribution of relief difficult.

He said C-130 aircraft and naval vessels were working double time to deliver relief supplies and transport personnel in cooperation with the Red Cross.

DND to acquire 3 brand-new seaplanes

(PNA), FPV/PFN

MANILA, Nov. 9 (PNA) -- The Department of National Defense (DND) announced that it is acquiring three brand-new seaplanes in an effort to boost the Philippines' capability humanitarian assistance, disaster response and maritime search-and-rescue operations.

The project is worth P2,670,000,000 and must include an integrated logistics support package.

The money will be drawn from General Appropriations Act and the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund.

Interested parties may acquire bidding documents for P75,000 starting Nov. 8.

Pre-bid conference is scheduled for Nov. 15 at the DND bidding and awards committee conference room, basement, right wing, DND building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Bid opening will take place on Nov. 29.

Winning bidders are required to deliver the aircraft within 540 working days from the opening of the letter of credit. They should also have completed a similar project within the last five years.

DPWH to do road repairs in QC, Caloocan this weekend

(MMDA/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)

QUEZON CITY, November 8 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to undertake road repairs this weekend in some parts of Quezon City and Caloocan City.

In an advisory issued by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the road reblocking and repairs will begin 10:00pm of Friday, November 8 until 5:00am Monday, November 11 in the following areas: along Araneta Ave. between Palanza St., and Bayani (northbound, 1st lane) Quezon City; along C.P. Garcia Avenue between Magiting St. and University Avenue (going to University Avenue, 1st lane from sidewalk) Quezon City; along EDSA between G. De Jesus St. and Evangelista St. (northbound, 4th lane) Caloocan City; and Monumento Circle (lanes 2 and 6), Caloocan City.

Motorists and public are advised to take note of affected areas and look for alternate routes.

QC business reforms lead Philippines' rise in World Bank rankings

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

QUEZON CITY, November 7 (PIA) – The Quezon City (QC) government’s business reforms have been used by the World Bank as benchmarks in "Doing Business Rankings".

QC has been streamlining the system of processing business permits as well as in applying and renewing building and construction permits.

It has implemented a file-and-pay approach to registering a new business, which takes less than 30 minutes to get a Mayor's Permit.

In terms of applying for construction permits, the WB report also mentioned the city as a model for other local governments where it takes only 14 steps to apply for a building permit.

In addition, the city government has also dispensed the duplication in voluminous documentation requirements, using the same documents by the Zoning and the Building Officials.

These contributed to the country's 30-notch improvement in rank to become one of the 10 economies that made the biggest improvements in business regulations this year, as cited by the World Bank (WB) and based on the International Finance Corporation (IFC) report.

The reforms have effectively reduced the processes and requirements for construction permit applications by more than 50 percent, slashing the process from 78 steps to only 14, through a computer-based monitoring system at the Office of the Building Official.

It also linked the Zoning Official's process with that of the Building Official on documentation requirements for construction permits.

The process dispensed with notarial certifications on applications, reduced duplication and integrated several steps.

In addition to this, QC also introduced a fully operational online filing and payment system which made tax compliance easier for companies.

According to WB and IFC’s Doing Business 2014 report, the country’s rank jumped by 30 notches, from 138th last year to 108th.

In the Southeast Asian region, the Philippines placed sixth, ahead of Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos but behind Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Vietnam.

QC joins “Kabuhay 2013” at Megamall

(PNA), FPV/LSJ

MANILA, Nov. 6 (PNA) –The Quezon City’s distinct tourist destinations, locally made products and well-known health and wellness venues will be featured in the “Kabuhayan 2013”at the Megatrade Hall 2, 5th Level, Mega B, SM Megamall on November 7 – 10, 2013 from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Kabuhayan 2013 is a national livelihood trade fair and project of the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. (CSFI).

It aims to bring locally made products closer to the consuming public, particularly by-products that carry the individual uniqueness of each congressional districts of the country.

About 22 exhibitors from QC Sikap Buhay Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Office (SBECO), are expected to participate in the event in support of the program organized by the CSFI where QC Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte serves as the group’s president.

SBECO is the city government’s arm for the protection and welfare of city-based entrepreneurs.

Experts advise vaccination against Hepatitis B

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

MANILA, Nov. 5 (PNA) -- If not properly treated, Hepatitis B may lead to liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma, the fourth most common cause of cancer among Filipinos and the second most deadliest in the country.

This was pointed out on Tuesday by medical practitioners from the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) and Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (PSG) in a health forum conducted at Annabel’s Restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

According to Dr. Jaime Ignacio, gastroenterologist and also vice president of Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP), about 16.7% of the Filipino population or approximately 15 million Filipinos are recorded to be carriers of Hepatitis B infection.

“This means that one (1) out of eight (8) Filipinos has Hepatitis B infection that can lead to development of liver cirrhosis and eventually liver cancer,” Dr. Ignacio explained.

Ignacio said that the study was conducted by Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) as of 2004.

While there are no current available data on how many Filipinos are suffering from the disease, he said there is a need for a massive information dissemination to address the problem that may lead to loss of lives if not controlled.

The virus of Hepatitis B can be transferred in many ways according to Dr. Eternity Labio, hepatologist and secretary of the HPS. He said the virus can be transferred through sexual contacts, blood transfusion, sharing of needles, child birth and body piercing, among others.

“To stop the virus from being transmitted to the next generation, there was a law passed mandating for the mothers to give vaccines to their babies against hepatitis B in many community health centers in the country,” Labio cited. "It is the best way to stop the transfer of the virus.”

However, Labio noted there seems to be low vaccination cases in the far-flung areas.

She said even adults can still avail of vaccination against Hepatitis B at less than P1,000 while a check-up costs around P300.

“It is never too late for adults too to be vaccinated if they want to be protected from the virus and also if they want to spare their sexual partners or family members from being infected by the virus,” she said.

The doctors also advised the public to shun from too much intake of alcohol and fatty foods that may lead to serious liver disease.

Liver cancer or Hepatocellular carcinoma is usually characterized by weight loss, abdominal pain and failure of the liver to function properly that leads to yellowish discoloration of eyes, among others.

Quezon City hosts Heritage Summit 2013

By Tats Rejante Manahan (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

The Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) Summit 2013 will be held in Quezon City on Nov. 9. Theme is “Heritage and Real Estate Development.” Objective is to discuss the current state of heritage preservation and the best practices of adaptive reuse in the Philippines and Asia.

The topic is in keeping with Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista’s conservation master plan to preserve heritage structures in Quezon City.

Among his more recent activities in heritage preservation was to transfer the old residence of President Manuel L. Quezon in New Manila, which was up for demolition, to Quezon Circle, adaptively reusing the structure as a museum housing the memorabilia of the first Commonwealth president.

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte’s keen interest in heritage preservation stems from her postgraduate degrees in two British universities: Museum Studies at Leicester University; and Archaeology at University College London.

HCS has a strong stand against the demolition of heritage structures in the name of progress. The presentations will include successful experiences of real-estate developers, local government units and community conservation groups.

“Who needs another shiny mall that looks like every other shiny mall that has the same merchandise?” asks Sorina Santos, staunch heritage advocate and student-affairs head at Escuela Taller de Intramuros.

The same sentiment is expressed by many others who mourn the loss of a heritage landscape: grand homes and spacious lots in the New Manila area that have given way to crowded high-rise condominiums or parking lots; charming old buildings that have morphed into generic fast-food chains; or even tree-lined avenues once populated by ancient leafy hardwoods now chopped down to widen roads.

Translated into economic terms, the preservation of old structures through “recycling” can be a means of increasing tourism revenue aside from preserving the visual memories of nostalgic locales.

Eric Babar Zerrudo, specialist in heritage management, museum development and cultural diplomacy, will talk about the preservation of Vigan, declared a Unesco Heritage Site, and the economic resurgence and enhanced community pride that resulted from cultural conservation.

Other speakers and their topics include: architect Rene Luis Mata (“The Principles of Adaptive Reuse”); Ana Dizon (“Heritage Structures for Rental Housing”); Erik Akpedonu (“Development Pressure on Heritage Homes in New Manila”); architect Manuel B. Tingzon (“Iloilo Business Revitalization”); architect Dominic Galicia (“Adaptive Reuse of the Museum of Natural History”); Eric Manuel (“Adaptive Reuse and Real-Estate Development”); Mark Evidente (“Establishing a Heritage Trust in the Philippines”).

The task force of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts will give an update on the rehabilitation of Bohol and Cebu churches destroyed or damage by the last earthquake.

The HCS Summit, to be held at Luxent Hotel, Timog Ave., QC, is a one-day affair, with an optional second day for a tour of Quezon City heritage sights.

Some 200 slots are open on a first-come, first-served basis; with a P1,000 pre-registration fee before Nov. 6.

On-site registration is P1,500.

Fee is P800 for HCS members of good standing or masteral students with IDs, and P300 for undergraduates with IDs.

Registration fee is inclusive of conference materials and lunch.

Pre-registration payments can be made through BPI/CA account no. 8105-8153-61, cash or check. Checks are to be made to: Heritage Conservation Society. Deposit slips are to be e-mailed to info@heritage.org.ph.

QC to construct ‘Tandang Sora’ museum in Banlat

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

MANILA, Nov. 3 (PNA) -- The Quezon City government is considering the construction of “Tandang Sora Museum” to be built in her original birthplace in an area that will be connected to Tandang Sora Shrine in Banlat, Barangay Tandang Sora, QC.

In an interview with the PNA on Saturday, Jacinto Francisco Jr., a descendant of Melchora Aquino, the grand old lady of Katipunan, revealed that the QC government under the initiative of the office of vice mayor Joy Belmonte is currently taking steps towards the construction of the proposed ‘Tandang Sora Museum’.

“It is one of the continuing efforts of the QC government to make the values and legacy of the grand old lady heroine be more preserved for public viewing especially with the younger generations,” said Francisco.

Francisco, beside being one of the 250 fourth (4th) generation descendants of the late grand old lady of katipunan is also serving as caretaker of the Tandang Sora Shrine which was declared as ‘National Shrine’ on March 3, 2012.

He disclosed that under the proposed museum, many historical facts, commemorative markers, old photos, belongings and other significant things related to the lives of the grand old lady will be displayed to inspire future generations.

Some of the old farm equipments used by ‘Tandang Sora’ in their farm left by her husband when she became a widow will also be displayed in the said museum.

Among the plans to be placed also inside the museum are the art creations of QC students depicting the many values, legacy and even characters that they can associate with ‘Tandang Sora’.

The family tree of the Tandang Sora clan will also be a part of the proposed museum which aims to inspire younger generations to follow the footstep of the old woman that contributed a lot to the winning back of Philippine independence through her selfless service to the freedom fighters in sheltering and feeding them despite of her old age.

“The proposed museum will be a good venue for younger generations to understand more about her life, her traits and ideals that a Filipino should possess. It will also awaken the hearts and minds of the youth that age is not a hindrance to do something good for the country,” said Efren Figueroa, another fourth (4th) generation descendant of the grand old woman of Katipunan.

Figueroa said that at the age of 84, the grand old woman, who did not hesitate to help the freedom fighters during that time can be an inspiration to every youth that if the grand old lady like her was able to do the unselfish sacrifice, there is more that younger generations can do to be ‘modern Tandang Sora’ doing good and being productive for the common good of the country.

He said that at present, there are also plans to do a documentary Indie movie featuring the life of the grand old lady where actress Dawn Zulueta is being considered to portray the role.

“According to our late old grandfather, she is a very pretty woman who is always participating as a “Reyna Elena” during traditional Santacruzan (flower month festivities every month of May) during that time,” he added.

Tandang Sora or Melchora Aquino is known as the mother of the Philippine revolution of 1896.

She is best remembered as the old woman who gave unselfish service to the freedom fighters or Katipuneros led by Andres Bonifacio by providing shelter and curing the wounded despite her old age.

She is also a very generous old woman who did not hesitate to feed the hungry freedom fighters even if it could mean giving-away some 100 sacks of rice and even selling carabaos on her farm left by her husband just to help the freedom fighters.

For helping the Katipuneros (freedom fighters), she was arrested by the Spaniards, deported to Guam and remained there for several years working as a servant.

She returned to the country in 1903 and died in 1919 at the age of 107.

She had six (6) children to husband Fulgencio Ramos who died early.

Her children are Juan, Estefania, Romualdo, Simon, Saturnina and Juana.

She was originally buried at the Manila North Cemetery and later on transferred to Himlayang Pilipino Memorial Park.

In commemoration of her 200th birth anniversary on Jan. 6, 2012, the QC government in cooperation with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, transferred her remains to her original birthplace in Banlat where the current Tandang Sora Shrine is located.

QC schools set earthquake drills

By Rio N. Araja

A Quezon City official on Friday said earthquake drills will be conducted in schools and private offices to mitigate the impact of a strong quake’s occurrence.

Isagani Verzosa, building official head, said the measure will complement efforts to ensure the stability of structures.

The city government has been inspecting 500,000 one-story, and medium-rise and high-rise buildings even before the 7.2 magnitude tremor hit Bohol, Cebu and Northern Mindanao on Oct. 15, he said.

“Quakes are unpredictable. No amount of engineering design can fight nature, especially quakes of extreme intensity and magnitude,” Versoza said.

“We do not want to sow alarm over a possibility of a powerful quake, but it could happen any time. We must be ready and cautious,” he added.

The city government alerted residents along the Tullahan River and San Juan River to take disaster preparedness seminars in their respective barangay units.

Bus marshals, biking volunteers among QCPD forces on Undas

By Jeannette I. Andrade

All Saints’ Day, biking, Bus marshals, Chief Supt. Richard Albano, Cubao, cyclist, QCPD, Quezon City Police District, Undas

Police marshals will be deployed in Quezon City to be on the lookout for provincial bus drivers who may be drunk or high on drugs when they serve thousands of passengers heading out of the capital for the long weekend that starts on All Saints’ Day.

Around 3,000 civilian volunteers on motorbikes will also serve as the lawmen’s extra eyes and ears as residents flock to the cemeteries and leave their homes vulnerable to robbers.

These are among the measures being undertaken by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) as it goes on full alert for Undas, according to its director, Chief Supt. Richard Albano.

“Some of our police personnel will be patrolling the eight public and private cemeteries and columbaria in the city, but we would be relying more on our force multipliers,” he said.

Albano was referring to the QCPD’s civilian anticrime partners on motorbikes, who he said number at least 3,000.

These volunteers would be easy to spot as they would be wearing vests issued by the QCPD, with the motorbikes’ license numbers printed on them, he said.

At least 2,000 QCPD members will also be deployed in subdivisions, Albano added.

But special attention will also be given to bus terminals, particularly in the Cubao area, where plainclothesmen will not only stand guard against criminals but also observe the behavior of bus drivers for signs of drug use or intoxication, the official said.

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