Report ‘drugstore-violators’ of drugs price cut – PHAP
by A. Lumaque
This was disclosed by Private Hospital Association of the Philippines (PHAP) Executive Vice President and Capiz Emmanuel Hospital (CEH) Administrator Jessie Contreras as he encouraged consumers to keep receipts of their medicine purchases to help identify drugstores that are not with the Cheaper Medicines Act.
“It is better that there are complaints so that I could bring these to Department of Health Secretary Duque during our PHAP meeting in Manila on Aug. 24,” he stressed.
He also noted that complaints against erring drugstores maybe lodged at his office at the CEH.
The PHAP official has also clarified that Capiz – based private hospital pharmacies are compliant with President Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo’s Executive Order 821 which mandates a 50–percent cut on the prices of five medicines considered essential and currently sold at exorbitant prices in the country.
The medicines with cheaper prices include anti-hypertensives, anti-thrombotic, anti-diabetic/antihypoglycemic, and antibiotic/antibacterial.
The DOH has set up complaint desks with hotline numbers 807-0751 and 807-8275 for Metro Manila consumers’ drugs price cut related concerns.
However, consumers in the provinces can view the hotlines as indicated on the list posted on drugstores and pharmacies.
DOH Secretary Duque said that he will call for an investigation on the erring drugstores before they will file charges for violation of the Consumer’s Act with punishment fines and possible revocation of license to operate.
Big drugstores and hospital pharmacies were given the August 15 deadline to comply with the price cut while small drugstores and medium-scale drugstores with inventory systems were given up to September 15 to comply. (PIA)
NNC starts training Samar nutrition workers for hunger mitigation
By Ninfa B Quirante
In a letter sent to Mayor Alfredo Serrano of Sta Margarita, NNC said the training on “Promoting Good Nutrition” is one of the major activities under the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program (AHMP) of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The training, aims to equip the participants with knowledge and skills in promoting good nutrition particularly with infants and young children.
The Infant and Young Child Feeding Counselling is anchored on exclusive breastfeeding, use of Pabasa sa Nutrisyon, promotion of consumption of eggs and vegetables.
The training will also tackle instructions on the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos.
Some 33 participants are expected from the municipalities of Almagro, Tagapul-an, San Jorge, Paranas, San Jose de Buan, Matugiano, San Sebastian, Daram, Zumarraga, Sta Margarita and Calbayog City.
The same trainees will conduct the training on promoting good nutrition in the different barangays in the municipalities mentioned.
Samar tops the number of nutritionally depressed municipalities as gleaned from the annual Operation Timbang conducted by the rural health units.
Samar’s municipalities are also recipients of food productivity programs including livestock, crops and marine regeneration projects.
Programs like Barangay Food Terminal, Bagsakan Centers, Food for School Program and others have been channelled to Samar to solve malnutrition.
Presently, 24 out of 25 Samar municipalities, and the city of Calbayog will avail of PGMA’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) a conditional cash transfer where families will be given cash if thy have regular medical care and send their school age children to school. (PIA-Samar)
Capiz works double-time to address hunger
by Jemin B. Guillermo
According to Salem Biclar, Action Officer of the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) of Capiz, they have recently organized and strengthened the Provincial Task Force on Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program, which is being chaired by Gov. Victor Tanco.
Biclar said that the Task Force is composed of members of the Capiz PNC, namely, the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Education, National Food Authority and many others.
She said that local initiatives have been put in place such as the provision of scholarship program, particularly for the poor but indigent high school and college students, feeding program, food production, distribution of vegetable seeds, financial assistance, livelihood as well as skills training and seminars, and rehabilitation of farm to market roads among others.
Recently, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the creation of the Local Anti-Hunger Task Force through Executive Order No. 825.
The creation of said Task Force was in line with the President’s commitment to eradicate all forms of deprivation, including that related to hunger, by pursuing the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita pointed out that the AHMP is the landmark program of the Arroyo government to address hunger both on the aspect of supply, or the unavailability or insufficiency of food to eat, and on the aspect of demand, or the lack of money to buy food.
Ermita said that President Arroyo ordered the creation of the Local Anti-Hunger Task Force at the regional and provincial levels as counterpart of the National Anti-Hunger Task Force.
He said that the regional/provincial anti-hunger task force shall be created in provinces covered by the AHMP to facilitate coordination, complementation and convergence of services and resources, and to widen the reach of the program among the poor and hungry households in the identified priority areas in the country. (PIA)
560th Air Base Wing conducts bloodletting
Brigadier General Edgardo Mendoza AFP, Base Commander of 560th ABW led the blood donation to encourage the Air Force personnel to give full support to the activity.
The event was part of the month-long series of activities in celebration of its 41st Founding Anniversary on September 8, 2009.
Donors were students of the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PHILSCA), personnel of 560th Air Base Wing, 220th Airlift Wing,1st Air Reserve Center and from selected media members.
A total of 72 blood donors produce 32,400cc of blood. (PIA7/hfg)
DOST Secretary to visit S&T projects in Siquijor
By Rizalie A. Calibo
Siquijor (18 August) — The Department of Science and Technology Secretary, Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro will be in the province of Siquijor on August 20, 2009, says Provincial Science and Technology Director Mario E. de la Peña here..
“This is the first time that the province will be visited by the highest ranking official of the DOST,” de la Peña said adding that the Secretary will be accompanied by her Assistant Secretary, DOST-7 Regional Director Llanto and the Directors of the DOST Research Institutes and Councils.
The highlights of the visit, he said are Time Capsule Laying of DOST-Siquijor PSTC Building; launching of Science and Technology Public Library at LGu-Siquijor; lunch/meeting with Sec. Alabastro at Cocogrove Beach Resort; Project visit to DOST-SETUP beneficiaries; and groundbreaking ceremonies of the DOST/SSC Livelihood & Skills Training Center at The Siquijor State College campus. (PIA
Gov’t info officers gather for global warming and climate change advocacy
by PS Mabaquiao
San Jose, Antique (18 August) — It was a warm morning when Information Officers of different municipalities, agencies and offices of the Provincial Government gathered to express their commitment and support to undertake advocacy and information dissemination on Global Warming and Climate Change in their respective localities and agencies in a forum initiated by Philippine Information Agency.
This phenomenon has been experienced by mankind as manifested in by extreme weather events such as heavy rains, flooding, El Niño, heat waves, extreme cold fronts, spread of diseases, calamities and disasters among others.
According to Engr. Abraham Fabila, Provincial Director, Department of Science and Technology, Climate change is a “change in climate which is attributed directly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods” while Global Warming refers to the increase in the earth’s mean temperature as a result of enhanced greenhouse effect.
John Temana, Information Officer of Department of Environment and Natural Resources presented the geophysical hazards of the province including some mitigating measures an individual could do to help cushion the impact of Global Warming and Climate Change.
Temana further shared some tips everyone can do to share in mitigating the effect of climate change and global warming such as conserve use of electricity by using energy saving lights and devices, planting of trees and vegetables and integration of trees in agricultural farms as wind breaks and generate bio-intensive development for natural fertilizers and wildlife/insect habitat.
Other practical guides include waste segregation and recycling, re-using of grocery plastic bags when shopping, non-burning of garbage at home and advocating the same to barangays/communities and using organic fertilizers instead of inorganic, chemicals and pesticides.
Margie L. Gadian, Manager, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), encouraged Information Officers to do their share in advocating and disseminating information on Climate Change and Global Warming in their respective agencies and local government units to help people understand its effects in their lives and environment and how it can be mitigated.
The Information Officers agreed to integrate the subject matter in their information dissemination and advocacy activities especially in barangay assemblies and community meetings.
Students/youths are also encouraged to join the advocacy because they will be the stewards of the Earth in the years to come. (PIA)
ARENA-7 gears up for September month celebrations
By Minerva BC Newman
Cebu, Philippines (18 August) — The Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA-7) in Central Visayas gears up for the September month celebrations and observances that include the Civil Service Month, National Crime Prevention Week, Maritime Week and Press Freedom Week.
According to Pedro Noval, ARENA-7 president and DILG-7 regional director, the group has already identified several activities in accordance with the various celebrations in coordination with the Banilad Town Center (BTC) where most of the activities are held.
Cerwin Eviota, BTC marketing manager said the Banilad Town Center, a mini-mall located at Barangay Banilad, Cebu City will celebrate with the ARENA-7 the Public Service month and all the other celebrations by offering special treats and discounts for the whole month of September to all public servants that are covered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
“All that is needed is to show the GSIS eCard, CSC ID or any valid ID issued by the various government offices or agencies they work for,” Eviota added.
Noval said, ARENA-7 is still finalizing the details of the other celebrations however the activities for the 15th National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) here have already been lined up that include a mass at the St. Ignatius Chapel of the PRO-7 followed with a motorcade to the Mandaue City Cultural & Sports Complex for the opening program on September 1.
Deputy Chief PNP for administration, PDDG Geary Barias is this year’s guest of honor and keynote speaker.
The NCPW celebration this year focuses on the family unit and its role in advocating a peaceful and crime-free community with the theme, “Labanan and Krimen, Pamilya Patatagin.”
The highlight of the NCPW in Cebu is the ceremonial signing of the ARENA-7 members to manifest their support to the Central Visayas Regional Peace & Order Council’s declaration of an ‘All-Out-War’ against illegal drugs.
The NAPOLCOM and the PNP units in the Central Visayas will conduct forums at the barangay level on topics such as crime and drug abuse prevention and control; barangay anti-drug abuse program; anti-trafficking of humans; child abuse and safety, among others.
Noval enjoins government units and establishments in the region to join the ARENA-7 in its peace advocacy efforts against crime, illegal drugs, terrorism and other forms of violence.
“They can display streamers and or join us in the various forums at the barangays or simply visit the Banilad Town Center where the bulk of activities are conducted,” Noval added.
Meanwhile, ARENA-7 also bares its Civil Service Month celebration activities that will begin with a trekking or fun walk/run also on September 1.
According to Noval, the CSC month will include activities like a ‘One-Stop-MAC’ (multi-agency consulting); photo exhibits of public servants in action; service fair; ARENA-7 PCSO sports event; and Musikang Binisaya group singing contest.
Highlighting the public service month is the awarding of Cebu’s TOPS or Ten Outstanding Public Servants in the region and a seminar for government drivers on road safety, traffic and anti-red tape.
Communication support to the September celebrations will include various discussions and forums on related topics on crime prevention; ISO transition; public service is public trust; the shipping industry; and press freedom and the government.
These forums will be conducted at the Banilad Town Center with full media coverage in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7), the Association of Government Information Officers in the region (AGIO-7) and Cerwin Eviota of the Banilad Town Center marketing. (PIA-7/MBCN)
Slain Ilonggo soldiers to be given heroes’ burial
Iloilo City (17 August) — The four Ilonggo soldiers who were among the 23 soldiers killed in battle with the Abu Sayyaf last Wednesday in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan will be given heroes’ burial during their respective interments.
Captain Lowen Gil Marquez, Chief of the 32nd Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Western Visayas said these fallen soldiers deserve our highest admiration and honors.
“Their heroic deeds where they sacrificed their lives resulted to the successful overran by the government forces of the enemy camp in Basilan,” said Marquez.
Marquez identified the four Ilongo soldiers who were killed as Private First Class Daryl Dave Toroy of Brgy. Barroc, Tigbauan; Sergeant Renon Encilla Jr. of Barangay Dapdap, Tigbauan; Corporal Rey Guaza of Barangay Lanjagan, Ajuy; and Private Joemar Trompeta of San Dionisio.
The bodies of the four soldiers arrived in Iloilo aboard C-130 of the Philippine Air Force last Saturday from Manila.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also paid tribute to the 23 fallen soldiers and condoled with the families when she went to Zamboanga City last Saturday.
During her visit, according to a Malacanang report, President Arroyo gave each of the slain soldier’s family P250,000 cash while soldiers who suffered major wounds got P100,000 each and those with minor injuries, P50,000 each.
Aside from the financial assistance from the President, Marquez said families of the soldiers who were killed will also receive burial and cash assistance from the AFP. Further, a scholarship program will be given to the qualified children of the fallen soldiers. (PIA)
Drive of PNP 8 vs loose firearms yields 65 so far, PNP 8 Director says
Tacloban City (August 17) — In line with the PNP’s drive against loose firearms, the Philippine National Police in Region 8 has already recovered around 65 unlicensed or loose firearms.
Police Regional Office 8 Director Mario Sandiego presented the recovered firearms to PNP Chief Jesus Versoza during the Press Conference held at the VIP Lounge of the Tacloban Airport late in the afternoon of August 13.
The said undertaking is under the Operation Bakal which is part of the National Firearms Amnesty program, Director Sandiego said.
PNP Chief Verzosa lauded the PNP Region 8 officials and men for this job well done saying that civilians or personnel with unregistered or unlicensed firearms must surrender them to the police station nearest them or they may go directly to the regional office of the PNP so that said firearms could be accounted for.
Director San Diego said that ten search warrants have been searched by the PNP 8; nine checkpoints have been set all over the Region; and 54 firearms have been recovered from civilians, 29 of which are high-powered while the remaining 36 are low –powered.
In implementing this program, the Philippine National Police aims to minimize the number of election-related violent incidents. It also aims to control the proliferation of unlicensed firearms which at present, has an estimated 400, 000 loose firearms nationwide.
Statistics shows that there are around one million loose firearms throughout the country. He said that of these around one million loose firearms are in the hands of civilians, many of which are being used in the commission of crimes.
Of the registered gun-related incidence, 97.7 percent was committed through the use of loose firearms and the remaining 2.3 percent were made through the use of registered firearms.
General Verzosa told the local newsmen that of the estimated one million loose firearms all over the country, about half were those classified as unre-registered or those with expired license which the owners of the guns failed to renew or did not register anymore.
Of the remaining 50 percent of the one million, around 80 to 90 percent are those belonging to civilians which are being kept by them in their homes.
The other 20 to 30 percent, he said, are distributed to the New People’s Army and members of the communist party, the terrorists, the Muslim secessionists and organized and criminal elements.
He said that based on statistics, the violent crimes all over the Philippines are undertaken through the use of firearms, thus the need for the PNP to address the proliferation of loose firearms.
The World Health Organization ranked the Philippines as number 10 internationally among countries having the highest number of gun-related homicides.
He also said that statistics showed that most of the election-related incidences were also committed with the use of firearms, most of which are loose or illegal.
The PNP is for putting stiffer penalties for gun possession to curb violations. At present, General Verzosa said, even if a person is caught with a truckload of firearms, he can still post bail under the present firearms law if he has the money to post bail for each count of loose firearms.
In the same manner that if he person is caught with a canon or howitzer, he still can post bail under the present law.
This makes the issue of unlicensed and loose firearms very urgent, especially because of the national and local elections next year, Verzosa added. (PIA 
“Festival of Life” caps 2009 Siquijor Day celebration
By Rizalie Anding Calibo
Siquijor (17 August) — Araw ng Siquijor 2009, the province’s premier celebration will be celebrated quite meaningfully this year.
Of course, still counting the pomp and pageantry of the previous celebrations, this time, a “Festival of Life” will make it more relevant to the call of the times – to brace for the impact of the global economic crisis.
“The Governor wants to design a “Festival of Livelihood” to cap every aspect of living that the Siquijodnons have to be equipped in terms of the general welfare,” says SP member Arturo Pacatang in a meeting for the Siquijor Day 2009 celebration recently.
To carry the theme, “Festival of Life: Enhancing our Indigenous Livelihood Capabilities,” the event will feature livelihood activities like loom weaving, rock salt making, sugar making, bamboo craft, sinamay/maguey weaving and other indigenous livelihood activities in the province.
It will also be a showcase of the government’s effort to help improve the people’s economic status and uplift their financial condition by bringing the needed services to the people.
“We will engineer a festival that will not only enliven our culture but more importantly open avenues for more livelihood opportunities to lift up the Siquijodnon towards improved life, ” also says Provincial Planning and Development Officer Glady’s F. Estrallada in her letter soliciting various support to the activity.
Thanking the participants for helping the province draft plans for the big celebration, Provincial Governor Orlando A. Fua Jr. believes this year’s celebration would really have great impact on the Siquijodnon’s past and future activities.
The governor instructed to make a week-long celebration so that “we can impact on the business activities,” he said.
He assured he has made orders to expedite the completion of several infrastructures especially those that will be used during the Siquijor Day.
The whole celebration will be kicked off with a sport opening on September 4, 2009 at San Juan, Siquijor that will be highlighted with a dance sport right after the parade.
Games to be played are volleyball men and women (inter-agency and inter-municipality); boxing, tennis, billiard, basketball, badminton, and dance sports.
Agro-trade Fair and Exhibit will be from September 14 to 16 which will also be highlighted with Festival Presentations, Festival of Life and live band performances every night and Fireworks Display.
A Beauty Pageant will also be taken care of the Siquijor State College (SSC).
Gov. Fua also announced that the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting will also be held in Siquijor on September 15 with RPOC Chair and Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia coming to the island.
Secretary Ronaldo Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government is likely to be one of distinguished guest during the event, the governor announced.
The grand day (September 17) will be started with a Holy Mass to be followed with a Grand Parade. Within the day is also the Awarding of Prizes and Fiesta sa Kapitolyo. (PIA)
