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Senators vow to scrutinize 2024 Health budget cut
Several lawmakers on Monday raised concern over the massive slash in the Department of Health's proposed 2024 national budget. Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said the upper chamber will look into the matter and maintained that sufficient budget allocation for the country’s healthcare system should be prioritized. “We will definitely look into this when we deliberate the National Expenditure Program in the Senate. Health care should be, as it always has been, a priority in formulating the national budget,” he said. Revilla lamented that the current DoH funding allocated for hospitals seems insufficient as it will be smaller compared to the 2023 budget. “Efforts should be made to better meet the needs of the [healtcare] sector,” he said. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said he will look into the reason why the budget proponents decided to cut the DoH budget. “I will have to know first from the budget proponents the reason behind the cut and where do they intend to transfer such cut before I can make the proper motion,” he said. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel said wasted allocations will be unacceptable amid the massive budget slash. "There should be no wastage and leakages when it comes to the purchase of vaccines, medicines, vitamins and other supplies. We should not cut the budget for basic services. But in calculating the amounts needed for basic services, we should also not allow the bloating of these amounts," he said. Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino said the government should provide more funding to four specialty hospitals. “During the deliberations, we will ask for the specific reasons for the reductions. The four specialty hospitals deserve more resources considering that they treat non-communicable chronic diseases that are long-lasting such as pulmonary fibrosis and other cardiovascular ailments, among others, affecting a large segment of our population,” Tolentino said. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, meanwhile, insisted the government should allot additional budget to the DoH to allow it to further improve the healthcare system nationwide. Go earlier vowed to push for a “higher budget” for the DoH when its proposed 2024 budget reaches the Senate. The DoH has allocated P306.1 billion in its 2024 national budget — lower than the P314.7 billion it received for the year 2023. Last year, the Department received the third-highest budget among government agencies with the full backing of the Senate. The post Senators vow to scrutinize 2024 Health budget cut appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘It’s raining, it’s pouring’
The recent heavy rains brought about by typhoons “Egay” and “Falcon,” with the southwest monsoon (habagat) close on the heels threatening to degenerate into a storm, reminded me of a song made famous in the early sixties by the American folk music trio Peter, Paul, and Mary. Two English nursery rhymes were merged in a song that sent many humming along with the trio amidst ominous clouds hovering on the horizon with the advent of an unpopular war in neighboring Vietnam. The song, which combined the verses of “It’s Raining, It’s Pouring” and “Rain, Rain Go Away,” echoed the sentiments of many as they pretty much summed up the almost two weeks of continuous downpours that drenched most parts of the archipelago, destroying crops, homes, and infrastructure, triggering floods, landslides, and maritime mishaps, and leading to the loss of many lives. While seen as a blessing to many, the rain is considered a blight to others. While some cultures view it as a symbol of new beginnings, fertility, good luck, a cleansing ritual, or a time for reflection or taking stock of one’s life, others perceive it as the harbinger of bad luck, a pesky obstacle (because it spoils whatever you had planned that day), or a perfect setting to feel depressed, gloomy, or helplessly inactive, leaving one sulking in the confines of home with nowhere to go restricted as you are from venturing out. The rain’s destructive character can also be seen in the Bible’s narration of the Great Flood when an enraged God was led to destroy man because of the evil and violence He saw in the world he created. Except for Noah, a righteous man, his family, and two of each kind of animal he took with him on a specially-built ark, not a single living creature was spared from God’s wrath. Rain poured on earth for 40 days and 40 nights, creating a deluge that covered even the tallest mountains before the waters receded after 150 days. The rain is often seen as a symbolic force of nature in most cultures. In China, medicine men would dance-sometimes for hours-while asking the gods for rain to water scorched fields, quench one’s thirst, or cool dehydrated bodies. The same ritual was practiced in olden Greece when people would pray to Zeus, the king of thunder and lightning, to be assured of good harvests. The Egyptian goddess Tefnut, on the other hand, was the object of devotion to fertility and for nurturing all forms of life, from humans to plants, animals, and all other living things. On the other hand, Indians worshiped Lord Indra, their version of Zeus, as he was also known as the God of thunder and storms, to ensure a steady rainfall for their farm produce. Dances were also performed by Native Americans dressed in colorful tribal finery who implored the gods to be generous with rain to irrigate farmlands and as a source of drinking water. In Nigeria, meanwhile, rainmakers were asked to pray for rain so as not to dampen the mood during weddings, burials, or other special events. In the Philippines, which is often hit by typhoons as well as southeast monsoon rains or habagat (Habagat is the God of winds or rain in Philippine mythology), some communities observe the “Agua de Mayo” (“waters of May”). Rain that falls on the first of May is considered lucky and curative for those suffering from various ailments. A rainy wedding day? Newlyweds need not despair because the rain indicates a happy life ahead. Plantitas and plantitos should welcome the downpour because it means lush foliage, colorful flowers, and healthy plants. Environment advocates also invite rain as it cools temperatures and greens the planet. Still, one wonders why in this land of perennial typhoons where about 20 to 21 enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility every year, technology has yet to be perfected to harness the huge amount of water that goes to waste which could sustain the country as well as its population’s needs, especially during the summer months when faucets and reservoirs run dry. Yet don’t we all prefer to see the rainbow’s magnificent arc that comes after the torrent? On that note (and since we started with a song), let me end optimally with a line or two from American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “Into each life, some rain must fall. Too much is falling in mine.” Into each heart, some tears must fall. Someday the sun will shine.” The post ‘It’s raining, it’s pouring’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Wonder women
It’s been a special week for Filipina athletes. The Blu Girls made a strong run in the XVII Women’s Softball World Cup while the Filipinas posted a historic triumph in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Oft-ignored in a country that is crazy over basketball, boxing, and volleyball, the Filipina clouters opened their campaign with three straight losses to Canada, Japan and Venezuela before finally winning over New Zealand and Italy to gain a slight chance of barging into the final round. But in a battle of survival, the Blu Girls fell short. The scores were tied at 5 in the fourth inning when Italy surged again by sending Alessandra Rotondo home. The Blu Girls tried to launch a final attempt to retake the lead but Cristy Joy Roa was struck out by the airtight Italian defense. The Blu Girls missed a chance to vie in the finals next year as they ended their campaign in fourth place with a 2-4 win-loss card. Still, it was a solid performance considering the high level of competition at this prestigious event held at the Campo Comunale da Softball in Castions di Strada, Italy. Around 18,000 kilometers from Italy, the Filipinas were making the country proud in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Sarina Bolden, a 27-year-old daughter of an American father and a Filipino mother from California, soared high to connect a header right into the heart of the Kiwi defense that served as the country’s first-ever goal in the World Cup. Then, another Filipino-American in Olivia McDaniel repeatedly extinguished numerous Kiwi attacks to preserve the victory that shook the entire football world to its very foundation. Although international media had put an asterisk on the victory for having all but one foreign-born player in the 24-woman roster, the fact remains that they wouldn’t be donning the national colors in the biggest, grandest stage of football in the world if they were not emotionally attached to their homeland. Bolden put it nicely. Being part of the Filipinas is their only way to reconnect with their roots. It is their way to pay homage to their Filipino ancestors who molded them into what they are right now. The success of the women should serve as a challenge to the men. Gilas Pilipinas is also competing in a world-class event — the FIBA Basketball World Cup. But it is facing the huge challenge of forming a solid team with barely a month before the prestigious 32-nation event kicks off on 25 August. Injuries have hampered the formation of the Gilas squad. Gilas coach Chot Reyes had yet to set up the team when Carl Tamayo withdrew, saying that he needed to rest following a grueling campaign in Japan. Then, the injury bug hounded the team with RR Pogoy, Ray Parks and Calvin Oftana all failing to join the first training camp at Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna due to various ailments. Gilas left for Europe with an incomplete roster. But before they could go home, Scottie Thompson crashed with a finger injury, raising fears that he would no longer be available for the biggest basketball showpiece in the world. Worse, Gilas’s biggest marquee players — Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto — have yet to see a single minute of playing time with their Gilas teammates. Clarkson was supposed to arrive six weeks before the World Cup. But his negotiations with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas stalled until he finally agreed to show up on 6 August, barely three weeks before the competition. Sotto, for his part, has a different story. After joining the National Basketball Association Summer League, the 7-foot-3 slotman flew to Manila, not to join Gilas, but to rest and recover from the back injury that he suffered in the United States. It took a week before he finally signed with Gilas, but there’s still no clarity as to when he will formally join the training. As of Saturday, Sotto, idolized by millions of Filipinos for being their brightest hope to represent them in the NBA, has yet to see a single second on the floor with the national team. With the way things are going, it seems that the country’s hosting of the World Cup is a disaster waiting to happen. The best players in the world are all set to compete but the Filipino “superstars” appear to be finding a lot of excuses to shun the huge responsibility of representing the country. Gilas should be inspired by the feats of the Blu Girls and the Filipinas. In a nation where softball and football fans are in the minority, these wonder women overcame great adversities and made great sacrifices just to play their hearts out and bring pride and glory to the country. Never mind if they can’t speak fluent Filipino or are being bashed for being the “Team B” of the United States. The mere fact that they are playing in a world-class event with the Philippine flag on their chests without conditions, without excuses is already a testament to their patriotism and burning desire to make the country proud. Indeed, strong women will always be men’s secret weapons. The post Wonder women appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go tells to gov’t hospital personnel to be compassionate to patients
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the importance of strengthening the health sector for the well-being of all Filipinos. In an ambush interview after his visit to Nagcarlan, Laguna on Tuesday, June 20, Go called upon the Department of Health to prioritize finding effective solutions to address critical issues faced by public health facilities and services in the country. “Nananawagan po ako sa Department of Health, sa leadership po ni Secretary Ted Herbosa, na tignan n’yo pong mabuti ito. Dapat po ang pasilidad ng Department of Health maayos po, komportable po. Kaya nga po ospital, para gumaling ang pasyente, para hindi lumala. Gamutin n’yo po ang pasyente, bigyan n’yo po ng komportableng higaan at komportableng medikasyon, maayos na medication,” Go urged. The appeal was made following reports that some hospitals are not equipped with proper ventilation. Go firmly cited that no one should be deprived of essential medical services due to their location or socioeconomic status. In light of distressing reports highlighting the inadequacy of equipment in public hospitals, Go also urged healthcare workers to remain compassionate and patient, understanding that their selfless service often goes beyond the limitations of their working environment. “Ngayon sa mga empleyado naman po, alam n’yo ang parati kong pakiusap tuwing umiikot po ako sa mga ospital sa buong Pilipinas lalo na sa mga Malasakit Center, ang pakiusap ko po, habaan n’yo po ang inyong pasensya sa mga pasyente,” the senator said. “Naghihirap po ang mga ‘yan, nangangailangan po iyan ng tulong. Hindi po makakatulong ang simangot n’yo. Dapat nga kusang loob ninyong tulungan. Ngumiti kayo. Alam n’yo, mahirap magkasakit, walang pera ang mga ‘yan, nahihirapan po sa pambayad sa ospital. Kaya nga po pumupunta sa public hospital,” he cited. “Gabayan ninyo ng tama para matulungan at ipakita ang malasakit sa kapwa lalo na sa mahihirap,” he added. Understanding that modern and functional equipment is crucial for accurate diagnoses, effective treatments, and overall patient care, Go committed to help in bridging the gap between the needs of these healthcare institutions and the available resources. “Tayong mga nasa gobyerno, dapat po accommodating tayo at friendly tayo. Tulungan natin ang mga mahihirap,” reiterated Go. “‘Yan po ang pakiusap ko sa inyo. Ngayon sa mga reklamo naman po, bukas po ang aking tanggapan, kung kailangan nating ipatawag sa Senado, pwede po nating ipatawag sa Senado ang mga ‘yan kung kakailanganin po,” he continued. For his part, Go has consistently championed the establishment of Super Health Centers and regional specialty centers as viable solutions to alleviate the burden on overcrowded hospitals. By strategically distributing these centers across various regions, Go recognizes the importance of bringing government healthcare closer to the people. This approach not only reduces the strain on existing healthcare infrastructure but also promotes the early detection and treatment of ailments, preventing conditions from escalating into emergencies, Go cited. On May 31, the Senate ratified the Bicameral Conference Report on the Regional Specialty Centers Act which was principally sponsored by Go. If enacted into law, the DOH shall be mandated to establish specialty centers within designated DOH hospitals in every region within a span of five years. “Ito pong regional specialty centers ay isang paraan para mailapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan lalung-lalo na po yung mga mahihirap,” he explained. Meanwhile, Super Health Centers are enhanced versions of rural health units, offering basic health services such as database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation areas, diagnostic services (including laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds), pharmacy services, and ambulatory surgical units. Additionally, these centers provide services such as eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, which enables remote diagnosis and treatment of patients. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The Department of Health, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. “Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya. Sa mga itinayo ng Super Health Centers, nakita namin kung gaano kalaki ang naitutulong nito sa komunidad lalo na sa rural areas,” said Go. “It is a significant step towards enhanced healthcare services. Yun po ang layunin ng mga Super Health Centers, ang ilapit sa mamamayan ang serbisyong medikal ng gobyerno,” he added. The post Go tells to gov’t hospital personnel to be compassionate to patients appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kim Chiu remembers that traumatic first time
Actress Kim Chiu got real about the first time she encountered her monthly period. This was at her launch as the new endorser of Sisters Sanitary Napkins and Pantyliners held at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City on 31 May. She recalled that she was in Grade 6, in school uniform, and was 12 years old when it happened. “Bigla na lang pinagtawanan ako ng mga classmate ko dahil may menstrual blood stains sa likod ng uniform ko, pero di ko alam. I asked them why they were laughing at me, and some told me about the stains (My classmates suddenly started laughing at me because I had menstrual blood stains at the back of my uniform, and I didn’t know),” she recalled. [caption id="attachment_141487" align="aligncenter" width="525"] photograph courtesyof FB.COM/KIMCHUIKIM Chiu says dealing with the menstrual cycle should also be taught among young girls in schools.[/caption] “Iyak ako ng iyak sa comfort room. Hindi na ako lumalabas. Hindi talaga ako pumasok ng mga dalawang linggo. Hindi ko talaga alam paano i-handle (I cried a lot inside the comfort room and refused to go out. I didn’t go to school for two weeks, because I didn’t know how to handle it).” She eventually realized that what happened to her was part of being a woman. Chiu, now a youthful-looking 33-year-old, proceeded to suggest that dealing with the menstrual cycle should also be taught among young girls in schools. Aileen Choi Go said her company, Megasoft Hygienic Products Inc., is thrilled to have Chiu on board, seeing how the actress-host embodies admirable qualities that resonate with their premium products as well as with their users. Go said she admires the way Chiu has remained bubbly, inspiring and down-to-earth. Chiu celebrated her 17th year in the industry in April. She is a regular host of ABS-CBN noontime program “It’s Showtime” and wows her fans with her dance moves on “ASAP Ko ‘To” every Sunday. She will also be part of the stellar cast of Linlang, a new teleserye airing later this year. Advocating for heart health [caption id="attachment_141484" align="aligncenter" width="461"] FITNESS guru Toni Saret[/caption] Physical fitness guru Toni Saret has no children despite being married to Jim Saret, a fellow physical fitness authority, for 11 years now. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t pay attention to little boys and girls and worry about them. “I now see toddlers and older children not moving around, seemingly being well-behaved, only to discover that they are actually intently playing some gadgets. These kids might grow up obese due to inadequate physical movement and may eventually develop some ailments which may later have something to do with the heart,” Saret told Daily Tribune at the sidelines of a pre-convention event of the Philippine Heart Association recently. Saret is known as the PHA Fitness Ambassador for some years now. She was one of the guests in the pre-convention activities of the 53rd Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting of the PHA on 23 May at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. At the online show, Saret demonstrated one of the workouts she and her husband have created over the years. These are physical exercises that don’t need special equipment and may be executed inside the house and even in the office. They can be done in any place where one can safely stand or sit. “A full four-minute workout, including arm and leg exercises while seated, can be just as effective as a long one. You don’t need gym access to be fit. Plus, this can be done by anyone, anytime and anywhere,” she said. Saret has been involved in PHA initiatives such as Sneakers Friday and Fit Heart Minute exercises that promote movement especially among at-risk individuals. She and her husband have been partnering with the local media to promote the use of pocket exercises daily. The couple used to have a physical fitness segment on ABS-CBN’s morning shows, including those that aired on the cable channel ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel). For years now, they have been in charge of Star Magic’s physical fitness program for new talent recruits who have no means yet to enroll in a gym or put up their own gym at home. The couple have also been in charge of the physical fitness program of the Philippine National Olympics Committee. The pre-convention episode of “Usapang Puso sa Puso” had other guests, among them the young lawyer Mikhail Millan, the manager of the Trans-Fat Elimination Program of ImagineLaw, a public interest law group advocating responsive and sustainable public health systems. Another guest was Dr. Divine Agustin, officer in charge of Evidence Generation and Management Division of the Department of Health’s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau. Agustin encouraged the audience to engage in DoH programs such as the Philippine Heart Month, Diabetes Awareness Week, World No Tobacco Day and No Smoking Month. The post Kim Chiu remembers that traumatic first time appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Frankenstein or Baymax?
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a fast-evolving field of study that has the power to completely transform a variety of facets of our lives. But there are also worries that AI might endanger humanity. Geoffrey Hinton, a renowned AI researcher and the “godfather of deep learning,” forewarned that AI might soon surpass human intelligence in a recent interview. He said AI systems may be employed to foment rumors, start battles and even murder individuals. Similar issues have been brought forward by other specialists. According to Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, artificial intelligence is “potentially more dangerous than nuclear weapons.” His demands include a worldwide prohibition on “killer robots.” Although there are legitimate hazards associated with AI, it’s vital to keep in mind that the technology is still in its infancy. We still have time to direct the advancement of AI in a way that reduces danger and optimizes rewards. AI has the potential to advance healthcare. AI can be employed to create new medications and treatments, identify ailments, and deliver individualized care. AI is already being used, for instance, to identify diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and to create novel cancer treatments. It also has the potential to enhance education. AI can be used to tailor instruction, offer feedback and support independent learning for students. For example, individualized learning platforms that assist kids in learning math, science and other disciplines are already being created using AI. At the same time, AI has the potential to enhance transportation. AI may be utilized to create self-driving vehicles, enhance traffic control, and increase the effectiveness of public transit. Self-driving cars are already being tested in Arizona and California. While ChatGPT has been hogging headlines, AI has the potential to help the environment as it can be utilized to provide novel approaches to energy efficiency, animal protection and pollution abatement. As we speak, AI is already being used to create new strategies for locating and cleaning up oil spills, something which should be foremost in our minds considering the recent oil spill off Naujan, Mindoro. The advantages of AI are seemingly endless. But it’s critical to keep in mind that artificial intelligence is a potent instrument that can be employed for good or bad. Scientists must exercise caution when developing AI to reduce hazards and enhance advantages. We must fund research on the security of AI. We must comprehend the possible threats posed by AI and devise solutions to reduce those risks. International standards must be created for the creation and application of AI with guidelines that ought to guarantee that AI is applied morally and responsibly. The public needs to be informed about AI, too. To be able to use AI wisely, people must be aware of both the possible advantages and risks associated with it. Abused, AI has the potential to become the monster that Dr. Frankenstein created. Used wisely, it can be our own Baymax of the Big Hero movie franchise, the gentle and compassionate robot who is always willing to help others. The post Frankenstein or Baymax? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
“Bathing daily in the sea cures all ailments. This is my secret.”
At 65 years old, Santiago Hitos has no secrets. “it’s my life”. Running became his passion, which he dispenses to all Spanish and European marathons,.....»»
First Panambal Festival promotes Siquijor’s folk healing practices
[caption id="attachment_123658" align="aligncenter" width="558"] Photographs by Roel Hoang Manipon for the daily tribune | Common healing oils, concoctions, haplas and tambal used in Siquijor.[/caption] At the junction of Tañon Strait, Cebu Strait and Bohol Sea, in Central Visayas, the island of Siquijor has been inspiring fascination and curiosity mainly because of its reputation of being a home to many practitioners of sorcery, witchcraft and folk medicine, and its often being described as “mystic.” Whenever I was in Dumaguete City, in the neighboring province of Negros Oriental, I could see the island from the coastal boulevard, a fuzzy landscape floating on the sea, shrouded in mystery. My only images about it were culled from television shows featuring sorcery practices, particularly of a man who made paper dolls dance. Last Holy Week, through the very first Panambal Festival, I was able to step foot on the island province, which is about an hour’s ferry ride from Dumaguete City, and know more about the culture, particularly the folk and traditional healing practices, of one of the smallest provinces of the Philippines. [caption id="attachment_123661" align="aligncenter" width="747"] photographs by Roel Hoang Manipon for the daily tribune | Olang Arts Park in Maria was the venue for the first Panambal Festival.[/caption] We arrived at night in the town of Maria, in the southeast portion of the island, and during late dinner, we heard the story of Maria Nico, the resident engkanto of the town, together with his sisters Maria Nica and Maria Luisa, told by the town’s tourism officer, the loquacious and always flamboyantly dressed Aldrin “Aldrina Braxton” Daguman. Said to be tall, handsome and fair-complexioned, Maria Nico seemed to be a benevolent character, often granting wishes of people. Aldrina said that once millions of pesos worth of furniture was delivered to Maria but the recipient was unknown. People attributed this to Maria Nico. Stories about him bear some similar details to stories of Maria Kakaw of Cebu, Olayra of Antique and other engkanto characters in other parts of the Visayas. Local lore of mystical beings before we got to see the island was a very apt introduction. [caption id="attachment_123664" align="aligncenter" width="742"] The opening of the Panambal Festival led by Maria mayor Roselyn Asok.[/caption] The folk and traditional practices are what many people in Siquijor want to highlight and promote, and a cultural and touristic festival was created for that. Using the Cebuano word for “to heal” or “healing,” “tambal,” the Panambal Festival was held in the town of Maria, spearheaded by the local government, led by its mayor Roselyn Tancio Asok and co-organized with Eufemia “Minnie” Solomon Crouse and Anna Lacpao Tabujara Cornelia of the Olang Arts Park, the main venue of the festival in the barangay of Olang. The festival was conceptualized by veteran events organizer and tourism planner Nilo Agustin, who lives in Metro Manila but considers Siquijor a home, with the crucial help of 43-year-old folk healer and visual artist Junel Tomaroy. [caption id="attachment_123660" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Junel Tomaroy, one Siquijor’s traditional healers.[/caption] The Panambal Festival is not Siquijor’s first festival highlighting local pananambal. The province has been holding the Pahi-uli Festival since 2010 in Mount Bandilaan, a 212-hectare forest reserve in Maria. The mountain is the highest point of the island and is an important source of plants used in folk medicine and concoctions. According to Agustin, the event has become too commercialized, and Panambal Festival aims to present more authentic practices and spotlight the traditional healers. Both festivals are held on Holy Week, particularly from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, which is a very important time for local folk healing. During this time, haplas or healing oil, tambal or remedy and other potions are concocted. According to Tomaroy, considered one of the most reputable mananambal or practitioner of folk and traditional medicine, in Siquijor, they start gathering ingredients on Friday after Ash Wednesday and continue only every Friday, culminating on Good Friday. They can only gather ingredients and make concoctions during this time of the year, the Lenten season, on seven Fridays. [caption id="attachment_123665" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Traditional healer Ricardo Oyog doing the haplas.[/caption] Folk healing in Siquijor is a blend of practices that appear old, animistic and of pre-Christianization and Catholic religiosity, with the use primarily of concoctions, prayers and rituals and faith. The people of Siquijor are predominantly of Cebuano ethnicity as much of Central Visayas which includes Cebu, Negros Oriental and Bohol. Catholicism is a strong presence in the island, which has a number of old churches, as in most parts of the country. The neighboring Cebu is where Christianity first gain foothold. But remnants of native Visayan Cebuano culture survive. The Panambal Festival opened on 7 April with a short program at the three-and-half-hectare Olang Arts Park, which was established in 2005 by Crouse, who hails from Pangasinan. According to organizers, the festival aims to feature the arts as well as traditional healing. A visual arts exhibit was also opened, showcasing works, mostly depicting healing practices, by Siquijodnon artists of the Pahiuli Artists Collective—Tomaroy, Joven Y. Ansing, Vicente C. Looc, Jr., Peter G. Agan, Dubonga Jorom, Louie Gabucan, Malvin E. Lomosad and Dondon dela Victoria. Performances of the young Olang Arts Park Orchestra were also featured. The next day, Good Friday, healers demonstrated steps in making concoctions and oils, and conduction healing sessions in a cluster of huts surrounded by mahogany trees. One common healing practice is the tuob or suob, a kind of body fumigation, for a variety of ailments and to drive away general bad vibes or spirits. The minasa, a black dry concoction, is burned inside a dry coconut husk to create palina or healing smoke and is place under the patient who is wrapped with a blanket or malong. [caption id="attachment_123666" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Tuob using fumigation is a common healing practice.[/caption] In one corner, Ricardo “Ricky” Oyog doing the haplas, application of healing oil on the feet and legs, massaging them with their version of reflexology. The 55-year-old mananambal, a former radio operator from Caitican, Siquijor, Siquijor, also had common oils and remedies for sale. These concoctions include himughat, a dry mixture of wood chips and bark of different plants believed to be medicinal. At P250 per bag, the himughat is mixed into vino or wine or any alcoholic drink, letting it steep. A shot or a tablespoon or two is recommended for fatigue or general tiredness, for headache, dysmenorrhea and kidney ailments. The haplas sa panuhot is an oil concoction for lamig or bodily aches. It is also used for buntis (pregnancy), pamanhod (numbness), pamaol (muscle ache), and arthritis. The tambal sa hilo ug daot is a treatment for as well as panagang or defense against poisoning and paninira (slander, defamation) and jealousy and envy, which is a kind of poisoning. It is also used to treat pangatol or itching. There were also concoctions in small vials, to be placed in the cash box to bring luck in business, and in amulets, a general charm. Other participating healers were Daniela Sartin, Gibrint Edd D. Reyes, Dodong Amboludto, Jomar Enanor, Dean Mark Enanor, Tessie Calimpon and Delia Bajo. On Good Friday, the mananambals performed the adlip on the gathered woods, stems and branches of different plants and trees, which they have gathered during the season. There were several kinds and the healers know by their local names such as tagnipas, duguan, tabun-hangin, etc. There are kinds they call pahiuli or restoration plants. According to Josel B. Mansueto, a professor at the Siquijor State College who have conducted studies on the island’s folk healing practices, mananambals use 377 varieties or kinds of plants. The forests and mountains are sources of these. Other sources of other ingredients are caves (stalactite, earth, etc.), the sea (anything that causes itching or irritation, bearing toxins, etc.), the church (holy water, flowers offered on funerals, candles, etc.). Pag-aadlip involves chopping the woods and stems into smaller pieces. On this day, they also do the pag-uuling, the burning of collected materials to be used as ingredients in the making of minasa. On Black Saturday, Tomaroy led in pagmamasa, the preparation of the minasa. A large kawali was placed over fire and ingredients were put in, which included beeswax, candles, incense, tawas, kamanyang, tuba, honey, soil from the floor of a langub (cave), lana or coconut oil, pahi-uli wood, uling and many others. [caption id="attachment_123662" align="aligncenter" width="728"] Preparing the minasa to used to make palina for the tuob.[/caption] The black mixture was frequently stirred until the healer deemed it ready. Aside from tuob, the minasa is also used in producing anting-anting or amulet or charm. On Easter Sunday, the paglalana was done. It is the process extracting coconut oil. They scraped off the meat out of coconuts using the kudkuran. The most potent coconut comes from the “bugtong na niyog na nakaharap sa silangan,” or a lone coconut facing the east. Every batch must contain at least one. If more, they must be in odd numbers, such three or five. Lana made with coconuts facing the west and used in even numbers (two, four, etc) is for pangkukulam/pambabarang or witchcraft. They squeezed the milk out of the grated coconut meat. Only kakang-gata, the milk of the first squeezing or extraction, is used. The milk was boiled over fire until the oil came out after about two hours and was then separated from other particles. The lana or coconut oil is an attracting agent as well as a vehicle to deliver the efficacy of the herbs and other ingredients. The popular lumay is also concocted during Easter Sunday. It is also known as gayuma or love potion but lumay gererally is meant to attract positive vibes and good fortune not only in love and romance but also in business, career and even marital and family life. [caption id="attachment_123657" align="aligncenter" width="752"] Flowers, seeds, twigs and other ingredients for making lumay, popularly known as gayuma.[/caption] Lumay is concocted during Easter Sunday because many ingredients are gathered from materials used in salubong and other Easter events and practices of the church such as leaves and flower decors. It can be concocted by anyone if one knows the ingredients. Some of the ingredients in making lumay include tawa-tawa, amorseko, buhok sa hangin, lagay-lagay, makahiya or mimosa, rosary pea seeds, sampinit, kadena de amor, and likup-likup. These are gathered and put in a bottle together with perfume or honey. Dab some perfume on the skin or smear a little honey on the lips, the healer advised. Tawa-tawa is used maybe because the fruits are phallic, and the likup-likup, maybe because they cling to the trees. The plants’ perceived characteristics as well as their names indicate what powers they can add to the potion. One ingredient is the curious, bag-shaped plant called lagay-lagay sa amo, the Hydnophytum plant that grows on tree branches and trunks, and is structured like an ant colony, thus it is called the ant plant. The mananambal includes it their healing oil concoctions to treat bukol or swellings or tumor-like symptoms as well as goiter, and certain types of cancer. The name means testicles and it is also included in the concoction of lumay because of its sexual connotation. While the lumay making was going on, an Easter egg hunt was organized for the children, a seemingly incongruent inclusion in the festival. But the hunt is also a practice with old, paganistic roots, with eggs and bunnies as symbols of fertility, like the healing practices, an amalgam of native and Catholic beliefs. Agustin has been planning for the next holding of the Panambal Festival. He has invited the Aralan ng Gamutang Pilipino, led by Dr. Isidro C. Sia, convenor and executive director of Integrative Medicine for Alternative Healthcare Systems Philippines, to hold its national convention during the festival. Organizers also envisioned having traditional healers from different parts of the country, such as mumbaki of the Ifugao and healers of the Ati of Negros Island, as guest participants. An herbarium has been started, with an ambition of growing all the plant ingredients used in pananambal. All these are for the vision of making Siquijor the healing center of the country. The post First Panambal Festival promotes Siquijor’s folk healing practices appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Del Rosario’s wake open to public
The public may now pay their last respects to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario whose remains arrived in the country on Saturday as the late diplomat’s family opened the public visitation for his wake on Sunday. Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas blessed the casket of Del Rosario on the first day of his wake at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City. Among those who first visited the wake of Del Rosario were former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio — both convenors of the 1Sambayan, a broad coalition that attempted to form a united opposition for the May 2022 poll. Del Rosario was one of the convenors of the coalition. Meantime, Dr. Inge del Rosario, daughter of the former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, said that his father’s remains arrived in the country from the United States at around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday. “A patriot has returned to his beloved family and his home, the Philippines,” the family’s statement read. Inge confirmed that his father “breathed his last” at the age of 83 on Tuesday, 18 April, while en route to San Francisco with his wife and son-in-law. “While there were valiant attempts to resuscitate him by two doctors who were passengers on the same flight, these efforts were to no avail,” the family said. “Following an investigation by the coroner’s office in San Francisco, California, it was determined that the causes of death of Ambassador del Rosario were cardiac insufficiency, congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy. He had suffered a massive heart attack,” it added. According to the family, Del Rosario “died in the arms of his wife of more than 60 years, Gretchen.” The family disclosed that Del Rosario embarked on a trip to California on short notice in hopes to pray at a private devotion to our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. “He was a devotee of the Rosary and sought to pray for better health as he believed he continued to have a mission to fulfill for his country,” they revealed. “He had suffered over the past twenty years from various ailments and had had numerous back and knee surgeries but persevered despite the pain and suffering to serve as Philippine ambassador to the United States and Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.” Del Rosario stepped down from his post as secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2016, citing health issues. Del Rosario took the helm of the DFA chief for five years. During his stint, he ushered the Philippines’ case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration and challenged the latter’s historic nine-dash claim in the South China Sea. On 12 July 2016, The Hague-based arbitral tribunal favored the Philippines’ claims in the West Philippine Sea — a landmark decision that the People’s Republic of China continues to reject. Del Rosario’s family is asking the Filipino people to “pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and for consolation in our time of grief.” “We are deeply proud of our former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Albert F. del Rosario, and are grateful for the outpouring of support for the family. Our Papa, a loving husband, father and grandfather, a Patriot, has returned home to our Merciful God and rests now in the arms of our Blessed Mother. He is home to stay,” his family said. The post Del Rosario’s wake open to public appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Dame Edna Everage’ comedian Barry Humphries dies
Australian comedian Barry Humphries died on Saturday in a Sydney hospital, prompting a tribute from the prime minister who described him as "both gifted and a gift". Humphries, best known for his parody of a suburban housewife, the character Dame Edna Everage, "passed away peacefully" surrounded by family, said a statement by his publicist to Australian media. "He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit," it said. "With over seventy years on the stage, he was an entertainer to his core, touring up until the last year of his life and planning more shows that will sadly never be." He leaves his wife, Lizzie, four children, and 10 grandchildren, it said. "The characters he created, which brought laughter to millions, will live on," the statement said. The 89-year-old Humphries died in Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital after being treated for various ailments, Australian media said. The hospital declined to comment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid homage to the actor, who created unforgettable characters, including Everage and the elderly suburban man Sandy Stone. "Barry Humphries entertained us through a galaxy of personas, from Dame Edna to Sandy Stone," the prime minister said on social media. "But the brightest star in that galaxy was always Barry. A great wit, satirist, writer, and an absolute one-of-kind, he was both gifted and a gift. May he rest in peace." The post ‘Dame Edna Everage’ comedian Barry Humphries dies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Poll: Health, wealth top youth concerns
The predominantly youthful Filipinos are anchoring the steady economic growth in the country but an increasing number are starting to worry about their health and financial future. A recent survey by international insurer Manulife showed that poor health is a rising worry among Filipinos surveyed. Filipinos primarily rely on cash savings, making inflation the biggest threat to their financial goals. Health and economic concerns underscore Filipinos’ need for insurance, based on the survey. Health longevity, or the length of time people think they will remain in good health, is an emerging concern among Filipinos surveyed, especially as they consider the financial costs of critical illnesses amid a backdrop of economic uncertainties, according to a new study by Manulife. The new Manulife Asia Care Survey 2023 showed that respondents, on average expect to retire at 59 years of age. They anticipate only remaining healthy for three years post-retirement. Of those surveyed, Filipino millennials aged 25 to 34 are the most pessimistic, believing they will only remain healthy until they are 55, below the average perceived health longevity. Health, finances go together “Filipinos are realizing that personal health issues cannot be isolated from the financial implications of critical illness, along with wider economic uncertainties,” Rahul Hora, president and chief executive officer, Manulife Philippines, said. “While it is inevitable that our bodies change as we age and that the state of the global economy may be beyond our control, Filipinos can take proactive steps to strengthen health and finances and have a more financially-secure future,” Hora indicated. The Manulife poll noted that the financial risk posed by poor health lies in the cost of medical treatment, a significant concern for many Filipinos. Nearly half, or 49 percent, of those surveyed, said the expense of treatment was their top health management worry. Other concerns of those surveyed include loss of income or job because of illness (37 percent) and not knowing who will take care of them in the event of illness (26 percent). Ailments to worry about Almost all of those surveyed are worried about at least one illness, with heart disease, diabetes and cancer being their top three main fears. The Manulife study also found that around a third of Filipinos surveyed believe they currently enjoy excellent physical and mental health. With concerns about both their current health and health longevity, nearly all Filipinos surveyed claim that they are taking actions to manage their well-being through exercise (65 percent), better diet (62 percent), regular body checks (52 percent), and closer self-monitoring (50 percent). Filipinos are the most worried regarding inflation in the region Despite their concerns about the future, especially with regard to health, most of those surveyed (57 percent) feel confident about their current finances, with more than three-quarters (77 percent) expecting their finances to improve in the coming 12 months. Almost three-quarters expressed confidence in being able to achieve their financial goals (72 percent), such as saving for retirement (55 percent), paying for healthcare and medical treatment costs (43 percent), and emergencies (36 percent). This optimism, which may be reflective of a post-Covid euphoria and, to an extent, the mobility of the workforce, is tempered by the threat of inflation (75 percent), which emerged as the most prominent financial concern among Filipinos surveyed, more than in any of the other markets surveyed in the region. The other main threats cited are an economic slowdown (56 percent) and rising healthcare costs (36 percent). These concerns may have merit given that 81 percent of Filipinos surveyed said that cash and bank deposits are the primary ways they believe will help achieve their goals. “Cash is particularly exposed to inflation, which can see it quickly depreciate in real terms in a way that can be very costly to savers,” added Hora. The post Poll: Health, wealth top youth concerns appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Is It Just the Common Cough or Something More Serious?
A cough is one of the most frequent ailments and, in fact, the body’s defensive response when anything irritates the airways or the throat. Even though the occasional cough is normal, a chronic cough lasting for several weeks, or months should be investigated by a doctor, more so, if accompanied by other symptoms like fever, […].....»»
Iloilo City eyes state of calamity due to rising food, waterborne ailments
Iloilo City confirms three cholera cases and 90 acute gastroenteritis cases, with four fatalities.....»»
VEP wants 2nd booster expanded to persons with comorbidities
MANILA - The number of ailments in a person should also be considered as criteria for second booster eligibility, the country's Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) said Wednesday.In a Laging Handa briefing, VEP chairperson Nina Gloriani said a person who has two or more diseases is similarly vulnerab.....»»
RIP, PNoy
We join the nation in prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of former President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III. Although there have been intimations of his demise for some time after he stepped down from office in 2016, we had always hoped he would be able to overcome the many ailments he was rumoured to have. .....»»
Gaza wounded taken to Egypt for medical treatment
Wounded Palestinians from Gaza were taken Sunday across the Rafah border crossing into Egypt for medical treatment as Israeli strikes continued to pummel the enclave, medical and border sources said. Three convoys of 263 Palestinians — including those wounded in the latest strikes as well as students and travelers with serious ailments — crossed into […] The post Gaza wounded taken to Egypt for medical treatment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Armero, 59
Manila Standard deskman/sportswriter Arman Armero passed away yesterday morning after lingering heart and kidney ailments. He was 59......»»
Manila Standard deskman Armero passes away
Manila Standard deskman/sportswriter Arman D. Armero died in his sleep on February 22, 2021 (Monday) after lingering heart and kidney ailments......»»
Mothers and infants
The current epidemic has placed a heavy burden on the health sector and government at all levels in responding to a disease (COVID-19) that today makes it the fourth-most common cause of illnesses (after respiratory ailments and hypertension), a mere seven months after it appeared......»»
System failed Baby River
The current epidemic has placed a heavy burden on the health sector and government at all levels in responding to a disease (COVID-19) that today makes it the fourth-most common cause of illnesses (after respiratory ailments and hypertension), a mere seven months after it appeared......»»