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Extreme Heat as a ‘New Pandemic’: Thousands in PH Cancel Classes During ‘Hottest Year’
(Part 1 of 2) CEBU CITY, Philippines — The decades-old Gabaldon building of Leyte National High School in Tacloban City has narrow hallways, high and dark ceilings, and overcrowded classrooms. On hot and humid days, the rooms can feel stuffy and suffocating, prompting students like Dwight Lebrea, a 17-year-old Grade 12 student, to find ways.....»»
Balamban site is for road project, not Capitol bldg – Gwen
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The cleared site in Barangay Cambuhawe, Balamban, in western Cebu, is not for the new Capitol building, but for nationally funded road projects. Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia made this clarification after photos of a deforested mountain in Balamban, initially thought to be the site development of the new Capitol building,.....»»
5 climate change adaptation projects worth P540.3M given the nod
The People’s Survival Fund Board approved at least five climate change adaptation projects, endorsed by the Climate Change Commission amounting to P540.3 million, geared toward increasing the adaptive capacity of local government units to climate change adaptation. Robert E.A. Borje, the CCC Vice-chairperson and executive director, welcomed the latest development in the country’s fight against climate change. “The PSF Board’s approval of these five projects signals a pivotal message on the value of advancing adaptation measures at the local and community level, especially at a time when risks and challenges posed by climate change demand immediate and urgent actions,” he underscored. Borje cited Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, the PSF board chairperson, for his leadership and commitment to advancing the objectives of the survival funds. “I also thanked the PSF Board members for their sustained effort and collaboration throughout the review and evaluation, and field validation exercises, which led to CCC endorsement and PSF Board’s project approvals,” he said. The submissions of LGUs from the PSF Board-issued Call for Proposals from February to April 2023 are included in the five projects. Borje said adaptation interventions to be implemented by LGUs include the establishment of climate field schools for farmers, flood protection, river ecosystem management, installation of solar-powered pumps, and mangrove rehabilitation. “With the benefits to be provided by these projects, the PSF will be able to demonstrate effective and sustainable practices on local climate actions, championing the resilience of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change,” he added. The PSF Board approved a Php 2-million Project Development Grant or PDG for the Municipality of Besao, Mountain Province to undertake project preparatory activities such as hydrological and geotechnical studies to establish the rationale of the LGU’s adaptation intervention. The projects’ approval enabled 17 LGUs to receive support from the PSF and its PDG. Among the previously approved projects are from Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte; Gerona, Tarlac; Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte; Sarangani Province; and San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu. Borje noted that the CCC, in coordination with the Department of Finance, is working on further streamlining the accession of PSF through enhancement of the processes entailed by project proposals from submission until the approval stage. The PSF was institutionalized in 2012, through the Republic Act 10174, which amends the Climate Change Act of 2009—to include the provision of long-term finance streams to enable the government to effectively address the problem of climate change. It aims to enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems to climate change. The CCC is likewise mandated to conduct the Climate Rationale Review and Evaluation or CRRE of project proposals submitted for PSF, convening the National Panel of Technical Experts to look into the climate rationale of projects. The CRRE process takes into consideration the historical and present data, ensuring that projects are fit-for-purpose and responsive to specific climate risks and vulnerabilities of an LGU. The post 5 climate change adaptation projects worth P540.3M given the nod appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad
Overseas Filipino Workers, or OFWs, are indeed modern-day heroes. They help boost our economy, but more importantly, they help uplift the lives of their families to give them a better future and also showcase Filipinos' talents, skills, and work ethic to the world. I was in London, United Kingdom last week for an official trip upon the invitation of the British Group Inter-Parliament Union. Led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and co-head of delegation Senator Grace Poe, we embarked on several meetings aimed at strengthening relations of the Philippine Senate with our counterparts in the UK parliament to exchange best practices in policymaking while enhancing bilateral relations, fostering economic security, exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries, and promoting the welfare of Filipinos working there. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I also expressed my gratitude to the UK for donating vaccines during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, we thanked them for other development assistance extended by the UK to the Philippines and for their help in strengthening the Bangsamoro Region. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, I also maximized the visit to highlight efforts in promoting the welfare of more than 200,000 OFWs in the UK, particularly the more or less 40,000 Filipino nurses working there. We were able to raise to the UK policymakers the concerns of Filipino nurses regarding their rights to proper benefits, just compensation, and a safe working environment. We should be proud of Filipino medical frontliners in the UK, particularly nurses who are among the world’s finest. Take, for example, May Parsons, a Filipina-British nurse who became known globally for administering the first COVID-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial and receiving the UK's George Cross Award. I have co-sponsored a Senate resolution earlier recognizing and commending her achievement. After our official meetings, I met with a group of OFWs, some of them were fellow Dabawenyos, Filipino Muslims, Ilonggos, and Ilocanos, among others. The stories they shared were proof of how resilient our OFWs are. Despite their sacrifices, homesickness, and worries about their families in their hometowns, they maintain their cheerfulness and positive outlook. I brought some good news to our OFWs by informing them about the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through Republic Act No. 11641, a legislation for which I am proud to be one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate. This measure streamlines the organization and functions of all government agencies related to overseas employment and migration to better address the needs and concerns of migrant workers. I have also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital and ensure its continuous operation in San Fernando City, Pampanga, primarily intended for OFWs and eligible dependents. More importantly, a Malasakit Center is operational there to help reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. The establishment of the DMW, the OFW Hospital, and its own Malasakit Center are just a few of our dreams that are now realities for Filipinos to benefit from. These are testaments of our commitment to promote the welfare of migrant workers and their dependents. However, we acknowledge that there is more work to be done. That is why we continue to listen to their concerns, serve them to the best of our abilities, and pursue initiatives to further their cause. I have also filed SBN 2414, which seeks to establish OFW wards in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals if enacted into law. While our efforts continue to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos abroad, our commitment to serve Filipinos facing challenges in their communities remains unwavering. This week, we had groundbreaking ceremonies for Super Health Centers in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Brgy. Labangon in Cebu City; Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur; and in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Through the collective efforts of DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, we continue to advocate for establishing more community health facilities to help bring public health services closer to those needing medical attention. We have also assisted 1,000 indigents in Llanera, Nueva Ecija, with the office of Cong. Jose Padiernos; 500 members from various sectors in Barangay Mintal, Davao City; 1,900 in Caloocan City, with the office of Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy. In Cebu City, we also distributed aid to 1,700 residents of the South District with Congressman Edu Rama; 450 in Nagcarlan, Laguna, with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador; and 333 in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, in collaboration with the Malasakit@Bayanihan group. We also aided 1,000 United Senior Citizens Association members of Quezon City, with Congresswoman Mila Magsaysay, Senator Robin Padilla, and private sector volunteer organizations. My office also extended additional aid to 93 displaced workers in Lumban, Laguna; 210 in Pilar; 217 in Carmen and Batuan in Bohol. DOLE also gave qualified beneficiaries temporary employment. We also supported 200 scholars during their TESDA Orientation in Daet, Camarines Norte. There are also 43 residents of Davao City and nine in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, who were victims of fires and 32 victims of flooding in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. They were provided separate assistance and the livelihood kits they received through the DTI program, which we advocated for before and continue to support. We also supported 283 victims of past fires in Cagayan de Oro City by giving separate aid in addition to the emergency housing assistance received from the NHA through a program we pushed for so that they could buy materials like nails, roofing, and other necessities for home repairs. My office also provided immediate help to victims of recent fires, such as 50 families in Baseco, Manila City, and 11 families in Brgy. Alabang, Muntinlupa City. No one is exempt from facing life’s hardships. However, our OFWs have shown us how resilient Filipinos can be. Let us learn from them and, more importantly, do our part in uplifting their lives by advocating for their welfare, promoting their rights, protecting their families, and providing the genuine public service they deserve. The post Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No idle hours at franchise-less but booming ABS-CBN
Content supplier ABS-CBN seems to be amply rewarding the stars and talents who have chosen to stay put with the company after it lost its broadcast franchise. The loyal ones are hardly without a project that keeps them busy and (hopefully) well-compensated for what they do best. These stars include Maricel Soriano, Angel Aquino, Kathryn Bernardo, Andrea Brillantes, JM Guzman, Belle Mariano and screen sweetheart Donnie Pangilinan, Chie Filomeno, Kaori Ozuma and Anthony Jennings. Actors, hosts, singers, record producers and comic talents who have stayed with the network remain “well-oiled” cogs in the ABS-CBN entertainment machine. With Cory Vidanes and Lauren Dyogi as the media company’s top honchos, as well as production divisions that conceptualize and execute projects from beginning to end (such as Dreamscape, JRB Creative Production, Project 8 and Rise), there are no idle hours in the ABS-CBN corporate offices and studios. There are also directors (such as FM Reyes, Emmanuel Palo, Richard Arellano and Jojo Saguin), creative managers (such as Carmi Raymundo and Jay Fernando) and musical scorers who get projects one after the other even if only on a contractual basis. Romantic leading men A change of mindset and attitude has occurred among the big stars. They have become really professional entertainment artists who have realized they don’t have to play lead roles all time. They remain adored and respected even when they portray vicious personalities who make life hard for the lead characters. They can then reemerge in their next projects as virtuous lead characters. Romantic leading men Ian Veneracion and JM de Guzman did contemptuous characters in the action series Iron Heart, topbilled by Richard Gutierrez, Jake Cuenca and Albert Martinez. The show is slated to end in two weeks (with major scenes shot in Japan though the series’ main setting is Cebu). De Guzman has just attended the media conference for the series Linlang (Deception), which he headlines along with Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu. A major supporting actor in the new series that begins airing on 5 October is Maricel Soriano, whose “special participation” in the afternoon series Pira-pirasong Paraiso started only a few weeks ago. Soriano portrays a well-off grandmother in Pira-piraso and Linlang. Linlang is helmed by FM Reyes, who directed the ongoing ABS-CBN and TV 5 co-produced afternoon series Nag-aapoy na Damdamin. The new series is a suspense-thriller that will stream exclusively on Prime Video, available in the Philippines and in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Linlang has only 14 episodes, and new episodes drop every Thursday at midnight. Surely favorable to the finances of stars and talents is the invariably large cast of ABS-CBN series these days. For instance, Iron Heart features in major roles Albert Martinez, Dimples Romana, Christian Vasquez, Sofia Andres, and young actors Enzo Pineda, Louise Abuel (who is male) and Iggy Boy Flores. It has had as guest actors Maja Salvador, Sue Ramirez, Meryl Soriano, Maricel Laxa, Joem Bascon, Pepe Herrera, Roi Vinzon, Carmen Soo, Fabio Ide, Richard Quan, Ruby Ruiz, Anna Luna, Ruben Soriquez, Krystal Brimner, Cris Villanueva, Alex Medina, Anna Marin, child star Althea Ruedas, Al Tantay, Diether Ocampo, Karina Bautista, Victor Silayan, Kyle Echarri and Lou Yanong. The show also has four directors: Richard Arellano, Lester Pimentel Ong, Wang Yan Bin and Ian Loreños. As for Linlang, its support cast includes Karla Estrada, Jaime Fabregas, Raymond Bagatsing, Albie Casiño, Jake Ejercito, Heaven Peralejo, Adrian Lindayag, Race Matias, Benj Manalo, Lovely Abella, Frenchie Dy, Ross Pesigan, Hanna Lexie, Juno Advincula, Connie Virtucio, Lotlot Bustamante, Meann Espinosa, Danny Ramos, Bart Guingona, Vance Larena and Marc McMahon. Whew! Who said ABS-CBN was a goner with the loss of its franchise? The post No idle hours at franchise-less but booming ABS-CBN appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go sends assistance to Cebu fire victims
The office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go spearheaded a relief operation for fire victims in Barangays Kasambagan, Duljo Fatima, and Inayawan in Cebu City on Thursday, 21 September, as part of the senator’s efforts to ensure that the communities fully recover from the incident. The relief operation was held at Brgy. Kasambagan Hall. The senator’s team, together with Brgy. Kasambagan Captain Franklyn Ong, distributed snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 102 fire victims. They also gave away shoes, watches, and mobile phones to select recipients. Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority (NHA) provided housing assistance to each qualified family. “Isinulong din natin na mabigyan sila ng National Housing Authority ng ayuda pambili ng housing materials tulad ng pako, yero at iba pa upang maisaayos muli ang kanilang mga tirahan,” Go said in a video message. “Isinulong ko ito noon at patuloy na sinusuportahan ang programa ng NHA ngayon upang mas marami pang mga biktima ng sakuna ang makapagpatayo ng maayos na bahay at makabangon muli mula sa trahedya,” he added. Go also highlighted Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021. This legislation, principally authored and co-sponsored by Go, is designed to bolster BFP’s capacity through a decade-long modernization initiative. This program encompasses the enlistment of additional firefighters, procurement of more firefighting equipment, and the provision of specialized training. “Alam ko pong mahirap ang masunugan pero magtiwala lang po kayo sa gobyerno at tayo po ay makakaahon muli. Ang importante ay walang nasaktan. Ang pera ay kikitain naman po natin yan pero ang buhay ay hindi nabibili ng pera. A lost life is a lost life forever kaya mag-ingat tayo,” said Go. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also encouraged residents to take advantage of the services offered by the Malasakit Centers nationwide, including the centers located at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, all in Cebu City. The Malasakit Center is a convenient one-stop shop that brings together relevant agencies to provide medical aid to indigent Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act, which has successfully assisted over seven million Filipinos through the 159 operational centers nationwide. “Ako po ay nasunugan at tinulungan po ako ng mahal na mayor at mahal na Senator Bong Go... Ako rin po ay nanganak at tinulungan ng Malasakit Center sa aking bill. Kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako kay Senator Bong Go sa programa niya dahil ako ay natulungan ng Malasakit Center,” Manilyn Sarmiento, one of the beneficiaries, expressed. Other Malasakit Centers in the province are available at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City. Go also expressed his support for the construction of Super Health Centers in strategic locations as identified by DOH nationwide. Through the collective efforts of Go, DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. Go emphasized the critical role that Super Health Centers play in decongesting hospitals, facilitating early disease detection, and providing essential healthcare services such as primary care and medical consultations directly to the community. These centers are designed to offer a wide range of basic health services, database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Moreover, echoing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country, Go highlighted that he has principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers Act which was recently enacted into law. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation's health infrastructure and bring actual medical services closer to the Filipino people. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the funding of various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. The post Bong Go sends assistance to Cebu fire victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More rest areas for Cebu tourists
To continuously provide convenience to vacationers visiting the Queen City of the South, Cebu, the Department of Tourism is geared to establish more tourist rest areas or TRAs in the province. During the unveiling of a TRA in Carcar City, Cebu last Friday, which was graced by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced that the DoT, the Provincial Government of Cebu, and the DoT’s attached agency, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, have sealed a memorandum of agreement to erect TRAs in Bogo City and the municipalities of Pinamungajan, Dumanjug, and Santander, all in Cebu. These additional TRAs are part of the initiative led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who pledged to match the number of rest areas turned over by the DoT to the province. DoT has inaugurated two TRAs in Medellin and in Carcar City, with two more to be completed soon in Carmen and Moalboal. Assets enhanced Moreover, a separate MOA was signed by TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid for the promotion and development of TIEZA’s assets. The agreement is between the DoT’s infrastructure arm and the municipalities of Argao, Dalaguete, and Moalboal. According to the agreement, Cebu will support TIEZA’s property marketing efforts via the Provincial Economic Enterprise Council. These high-value assets are anticipated to improve Cebu’s tourism portfolio and package deals while also generating income and employment for the province and concerned LGUs. Meanwhile, the establishment of sisterhood relations between Cebu and Albay provinces was also formalized through the MOA between Governor Garcia and Albay Governor Edcel “Grex” Lagman. “We, in the Department of Tourism, fully support this collaboration between local government units cognizant of our President’s priority to ensure that tourism development thrives to strengthen collaboration and engagement,” Frasco said on the sisterhood agreement of the two tourism provinces. Meanwhile, the turnover and inauguration ceremony of a TRA in Carcar City was also graced by Cebu Governor Garcia, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Carcar City Mayor Patricio Barcenas, TIEZA COO Lapid and Senators Manuel “Lito” Lapid and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. The post More rest areas for Cebu tourists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More rest areas to rise in Cebu — DoT
To continuously provide convenience to vacationers visiting Cebu, the Department of Tourism is eyeing to establish more tourist rest areas or TRAs in the province. During the unveiling of a TRA in Carcar City, Cebu last Friday graced by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced that the DoT, the provincial government of Cebu and the DoT’s attached agency, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, have sealed a memorandum of agreement to erect TRAs in Bogo City and the municipalities of Pinamungajan, Dumanjug and Santander, all in Cebu. These additional TRAs are part of the initiative led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who has pledged to match the number of TRAs turned over by the DoT to the province. The DOT has inaugurated two TRAs in Medellin and in Carcar City, with two more to be completed soon in Carmen and Moalboal. A separate MOA was also signed by TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid for the promotion and development of TIEZA’s assets. The agreement is between the DOT’s infrastructure arm and the municipalities of Argao, Dalaguete and Moalboal. According to the agreement, Cebu will support TIEZA’s property marketing efforts via the Provincial Economic Enterprise Council. These high-value assets are anticipated to improve Cebu's tourism portfolio and package deals while also generating income and employment for the province and concerned LGUs. Meanwhile, the establishment of sisterhood relations between Cebu and Albay provinces was also formalized through the MOA between Governor Garcia and Albay Governor Edcel "Grex" Lagman. “We, in the Department of Tourism fully support this collaboration between local government units, cognizant of our President’s priority to ensure that tourism development thrives to strengthen collaboration and engagement,” Frasco said. The turnover and inauguration ceremony of a TRA in Carcar City was also graced by Cebu Governor Garcia, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Carcar City Mayor Patricio Barcenas, TIEZA COO Lapid and Senators Manuel "Lito" Lapid and Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. The post More rest areas to rise in Cebu — DoT appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go extends more assistance to Cebu City fire victims
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized his commitment to the Filipino people's well-being by continuing to support recovering families previously affected by fire incidents. He provided additional aid to them during a relief operation in Cebu City on Friday, 25 August. Working alongside Congressman Edu Rama, Mayor Mike Rama, Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, and Tisa Barangay Captain Ringgo Pacaña, Go's team distributed snacks, masks, and shirts to 52 individuals recovering from a fire incident at Neneng compound gymnasium in Brgy. Tisa. Select beneficiaries also received mobile phones, basketball and volleyball balls, and a watch. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) extended livelihood support through its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa program, aimed at helping those who lost homes and income due to the fire. “Salamat po sa DTI sa programa nilang pangkabuhayan. Ang PPG program ay aking isinulong noon at patuloy na sinusuportahan ang implementasyon ngayon upang matulungang makabangon ang kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayang apektado ng sakuna,” Go explained. “Mas masarap nga naman ang pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan ang pagnenegosyo sa tamang paraan. Dalhin ninyo ang kita sa inyong mga pamilya at gamitin ito nang tama para makaahon po tayo sa paghihirap na pinagdadaanan natin,” Go emphasized. Meanwhile, Go highlighted the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as a significant step in improving firefighters' capabilities. His vision for a well-equipped and highly trained firefighting force can be achieved through a law he earlier authored and co-sponsored, Republic Act No. 11589 or the BFP Modernization Act. This law provides the necessary resources to enhance the BFP's infrastructure, technology, and training programs, allowing them to respond more effectively to emergencies and protect communities from fire's devastating effects, Go explained. “Magdasal po tayo at ipagdasal po natin ‘yung mga mahal natin sa buhay. Ang gamit po ay nabibili. Ang pera po ay kikitain rin po natin, magsipag lang tayo. Subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. Ang nawalang buhay po ay wala na. A lost life is a lost life forever,” he said. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also encouraged those with health concerns to seek assistance at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital through Malasakit Centers. Currently, 158 Malasakit Centers across the country have aided over seven million underprivileged Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The Malasakit Centers Act was principally authored and sponsored by Go to ensure that underprivileged Filipinos have convenient access to medical assistance programs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Other Malasakit Centers in the province are available at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City “Kung kailangan niyo po ng tulong sa pagpapaopera sa Maynila, huwag po kayong mahiyang lumapit sa ating mga lokal na opisyal o kaya sa aking opisina. Magsabi lang ho kayo at kami po ay handang tumulong sa abot nang aming makakaya,” Go offered. Still in line with his health advocacy, Go said DOH has identified areas to construct Super Health Centers (SHCs) in the province, particularly in the cities of Bogo, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue; and in the towns of Borbon, Cordova, Moalboal, Samboan, and San Francisco in 2022. This year, more SHCs were funded in the cities of Carcar, Cebu, Talisay, and Toledo; and in the towns of Carmen, Consolacion, Liloan, Medellin, and San Nicolas. An additional SHC will also be established in Danao City. Through the efforts of fellow lawmakers, 307 SHCs were funded in 2022 and another 322 in 2023 nationwide. The centers offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the funding of various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela, and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. The post Bong Go extends more assistance to Cebu City fire victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go boosts fire victims’ recovery in Cebu City
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has remained steadfast in his dedication to assisting disaster victims as shown by his team’s relief operations on Monday, 14 August, to communities affected by fires in Cebu City. Go’s team, in coordination with Mayor Mike Rama, Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), assisted 103 recovering fire victims gathered at the Atillo Gymnasium in Barangay Punta Princesa. DTI provided livelihood assistance through its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program which Go pushed for during the Duterte administration and continues to support its implementation in order to boost livelihood recovery of those affected by various crises. In addition to the livelihood support, Go’s team provided shirts and masks to all beneficiaries, and a pair of shoes, a watch, a cellular phone, and balls for basketball to select recipients. “Sa panahon ng kahirapan at pagsubok dulot ng iba't-ibang sakuna, nais namin sa inyo'y magbigay ng pag-asa at tulong na magbibigay daan sa inyong mga pangarap. Ang programa na ito ay hindi lamang simpleng tulong kundi isang oportunidad upang makabangon at makamtan ang mas magandang kinabukasan,” stressed Go. Go underscored the crucial role of DTI’s PPG program in providing opportunities for sustainable income generation and the agency’s dedication to assisting affected communities in their journey toward recovery and rebuilding their lives. “Palaguin niyo ang inyong negosyo. Kapag lumago ang inyong negosyo, dalhin niyo po ang mga kita sa inyong mga pamilya... mas masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinagpawisan at pinaghirapan niyo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo,” he added. In a video message, Go highlighted his other efforts to enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery strategies on a broader scale. He also asked for support for the passage of Senate Bill No. 188, which aims to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). The proposed legislation envisions a new government department led by a cabinet secretary, focusing on comprehensive approaches to strengthen disaster preparedness across the country. The DDR's core areas of concentration include disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and the advancement of resilience. “Mayro’n rin po ako nai-file na Department of Disaster Resilience, ito pong departamento na ito, a cabinet-secretary level na siya po ang makikipag-coordinate bago pa dumating ‘yung bagyo at ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar at preposition of goods,” Go explained. “Part rin po ito ng trabaho nila ang disaster-related tulad ng sunog. Kapag may lindol, sunog, bagyo at itong pagputok ng bulkan, ilikas na kaagad sa mga ligtas na lugar. Iyan po ang Department of Disaster Resilience at restoration of normalcy kaagad,” he added. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 in Cebu City after he personally witnessed the struggles of financially incapacitated Filipinos in getting medical assistance from the government. It was later institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which he principally sponsored and authored. To date, there are 158 Malasakit Centers, including those at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, that have helped over seven million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). Other Malasakit Centers in the province are located at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City. Moreover, Go said DOH has identified areas to construct Super Health Centers (SHCs) in the province. SHCs were funded to be established in the cities of Bogo, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue; and in the towns of Borbon, Cordova, Moalboal, Samboan, and San Francisco in 2022. This year, more Super Health Centers were funded in the cities of Carcar, Cebu, Talisay, and Toledo; and in the towns of Carmen, Consolacion, Liloan, Medellin, and San Nicolas. An additional SHC will also be established in Danao City. “Ang isang malaking bagay dito ay ang early detection kung may sakit ang isang pasyente. Dahil nasa kanilang komunidad ang SHC, madali na para sa kanya ang magpakonsulta. At kung malalaman agad ang sakit ng isang pasyente, mabibigyan siya ng primary care, malalapatan ng lunas, at lalaki ang tsansa na maka-recover siya sa kanyang sakit,” he explained. SHCs offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the funding of various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela, and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. The post Bong Go boosts fire victims’ recovery in Cebu City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cebu ARBs receive titles
At least 204 agrarian reform beneficiaries have finally received their land titles in Cebu province, according to the Department of Agrarian Reform in Central Visayas. The awarding was held at the Uypitching Multipurpose Hall, Valencia in Negros Oriental simultaneous with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing of Republic Act 11593 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act which condones all unpaid amortizations, including interests and surcharges, for awarded lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law and other agrarian reform laws. In Central Visayas, a total of 32,441 land titles were awarded to over 23,000 ARBs. In Cebu, the titles for ARBs cover a total of 265,548 hectares, spanning eight local government units — Barili, Bogo City, Carcar City, Carmen, Catmon, Danao City, Medellin and Tabogon. Barili had 29 ARBs, 66 titles, 4.3328 hectares; Bogo City with nine ARBs, 12 titles, 6.8877 hectares; Carcar City had 16 ARBs, 17 titles, 3.5162 hectares; Carmen had 10 ARBs, 11titles, 25.1472 hectares; Catmon with 45 ARBs, 23 titles, 31.4758 hectares, Medellin with 40 ARBs, 82 titles, 95.1784 hectares; and Tabogon with five ARBs, five titles, four hectares. Meantime, 71 electronic land titles under the Support Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling project were given to 50 ARBs in Danao City, covering 50.0109 hectares. The post Cebu ARBs receive titles appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prioritize the poor, bring gov’t services closer to needy
For many of our fellow Filipinos who can barely afford their daily expenses, getting treated in a hospital is oftentimes a burdensome choice that they resort to only if it is a matter of life and death. Usually, our struggling kababayans choose to endure their illness for fear of falling deeper into debt due to huge hospital bills, medicines and other expenses. And by this time, an ordinary disease has already become a serious medical condition. Their plight is what inspired us to initiate the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 which provides one-stop shops where our indigent patients may more conveniently access medical assistance from the government. By bringing together programs of various government agencies under one roof, such as the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the centers streamline the process of availing medical assistance. I have been appealing to officials and workers in the health sector to prioritize the needs of the poor, especially in public health facilities since these patients have nowhere else to turn to but to seek the help of their government. I also appeal to all hospital staff to be patient and compassionate in guiding Filipinos, particularly the poor, so that they can properly have access to the services offered by our public hospitals and from the medical assistance programs available in any of our 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide. That is why as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and as the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, I make time to personally check on the operations of our Malasakit Centers across the country, in addition to attending the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers and leading our usual relief distributions for Filipinos in need. On 16 June, I conducted a monitoring visit to two Malasakit Centers in Leyte, where I was honored to be declared as an adopted son of the province through Resolution 2020-337 passed on 24 April 2020 and formally granted on 16 June by the provincial government. During the visit, I recognized the efforts of Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla, Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos “Boying” Cari and Vice Mayor Ernesto Butawan, Vice Governor Sandy Javier, Cong. Carl Cari, Cong. Karen Javier, Board Member Carlo Loreto, and other officials for their commitment to bringing government services closer to their constituents. I also visited the Malasakit Center at Baybay City Immaculate Conception Hospital where we assisted 30 out-patients, 140 in-patients, and 192 front liners, while the DSWD extended financial aid to qualified in-patients. We likewise inspected the Super Health Center and the new boardwalk in the city which I supported to help the community. I then checked on the operations of the Malasakit Center at Ormoc District Hospital in Ormoc City. We also assisted 283 patients and 211 front liners in the hospital, while 133 qualified inpatients received additional assistance from the DSWD. Following this, I led a relief operation for 1,065 struggling residents in the city and attended the ribbon-cutting of the newly constructed pentathlon facility with a dedicated fencing hall, among others — a project I supported as Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance and as Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, together with the local government led by Cong. Richard Gomez and Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez. Earlier that week, I was in Davao del Norte to participate in the celebration of the first anniversary of an insurgency-free Davao del Norte led by Gov. Edwin Jubahib, held in Tagum City on 13 June. I also personally spearheaded a relief operation for 1,500 struggling residents in the city. Simultaneously, we provided more support to the community in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment which held an orientation for temporary employment to 721 individuals. Following this, I visited the town of Carmen with Mayor Leony Bahague to witness the groundbreaking of its Super Health Center and provide aid to 1,666 more indigents. On 15 June, I was in Quezon City with my team to witness the inauguration of two multipurpose buildings in Barangays Commonwealth and Payatas which I also supported for funding together with Councilor Mikey Belmonte. We likewise aided a thousand indigents in the city with Mayor Joy Belmonte. We then headed to Marikina City to assist 3,000 more struggling residents from Marikina City and the towns of San Mateo and Rodriguez, Rizal, together with Congresswoman Maan Teodoro and Mayor Marcy Teodoro; as well as the local officials from both towns in Rizal, such as Rodriguez Mayor Ronnie Evangelista and San Mateo Mayor Bartolome “Omie” Rivera Jr., among others. We also visited North Cotabato on 17 June, where we celebrated the 54th Araw ng Alamada led by Mayor Jesus Sacdalan and Cong. Joel Sacdalan and helped 840 farmers and 1,500 struggling residents in the town before going to Matalam to witness aspiring athletes in the Serbisyong Totoo Basketball Sports Clinic and to lead another distribution activity for 1,318 more residents from various sectors together with Gov. Lala Taliño-Mendoza. Across the country, my team aided indigent families and various sectors, including 136 in Samal, 33 in Balanga, and 82 in Limay, Bataan; 990 in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur; 150 in Damulog, Bukidnon; 350 in Iligan City; 100 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte; 550 in Malinao and Sto. Domingo, Albay; and two fire-hit households in Carcar City, Cebu. My team also attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Tiguma, Pagadian City. It is the fundamental right of every Filipino to receive proper medical care and social assistance from our government. I hope that with compassion for our struggling kababayans and the persistence to help uplift their lives, we can collectively ensure that the poor and most needy are not neglected as we continue our pursuit for progress and development. The post Prioritize the poor, bring gov’t services closer to needy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides aid to fire victims in Cebu
Senator Bong Go highlighted the importance of better and strengthened fire prevention efforts as he provided aid to fire victims in Carcar City, Cebu on Tuesday, 13 June. Go, in his video message, reminded the public to keep their homes safe by following fire safety precautions recommended by the government. He likewise reassured that the Bureau of Fire Protection continues to enhance its capabilities following the enactment of the BFP Modernization Act of 2021. The said law provides for the acquisition of new fire equipment, expansion of fire personnel, and provision of highly specialized training programs. The BFP is likewise mandated to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit, especially in informal settlements, economically depressed areas, and far-flung communities. “Mga kababayan ko, mag-ingat tayo dahil delikado pa ang panahon at nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya. Mahirap masunugan. Gayunpaman, tandaan natin na ang gamit naman ay nabibili at ang pera po’y kikitain natin muli. Pero ang perang kikitain natin ay hindi po mabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya magingat tayo,” said Go. The senator reassured, “Huwag sana kayong mawalan ng pag-asa dahil nandirito ang gobyerno para tulungan kayong makabangon muli. Lapitan niyo lang ako kung may iba pa kaming maitutulong at pagseserbisyuhan ko po kayo sa abot ng aking makakaya.” Go’s outreach team provided grocery packs, masks, snacks, vitamins, and shirts to two affected families at the Perrelos barangay hall. They also provided balls for basketball and volleyball to others. Go, who heads the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also offered to assist those with health concerns. He advised them to obtain medical assistance from the government through any of the Malasakit Centers in the province, including those at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, both in Cebu City. The Malasakit Centers program was initiated by Go in 2018 and was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which he primarily authored and sponsored. The center is a one-stop shop that brings together all relevant agencies that offer medical assistance programs to assist poor and indigent patients with their hospital expenses. Other Malasakit Centers in the province are available at Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City. There are currently 158 Malasakit Centers throughout the country which have assisted over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. Lastly, Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the funding for various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. “Magtulungan po tayo, mga kababayan ko. Importante pong malampasan natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” Go said. The post Bong Go provides aid to fire victims in Cebu appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Carmen, Sogod lead basketball tourney; Catmon ahead in volleyball
CEBU CITY, Philippines—- The Carmen Super Niños, Sogod Warriors, and Catmon Mighty Bakers clinched the top spots of their respective brackets as the Congressman Duke Frasco Cup 2023 is headed to the much-awaited semifinal round after wrapping up its eliminations on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Municipality of Sogod Basketball Gym, north Cebu. The […] The post Carmen, Sogod lead basketball tourney; Catmon ahead in volleyball appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Bong Go provides additional support to TESDA graduates in Cebu
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go extended his congratulations to the graduates of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Argao, Cebu, and provided them with additional support through his team. In his video message during the ceremonies held on 25 May, Go urged the graduates to employ their newly acquired skills to bolster the growth of the country's economy and help uplift their communities. “We need more skilled workers in various industries, and I encourage you, graduates, to use your newly acquired skills to help our country's economy grow. You are now equipped to contribute to our society and make a positive impact in your respective communities,” said Go. Go, likewise, extended his commendation to the TESDA instructors, trainers, and staff members who played an instrumental role in the success of the graduates. “Kung hindi dahil sa kanilang dedikasyon, hindi magiging posible ang programang ito,” he said. Following the ceremony, his team distributed assistance to the graduates in a relief activity held at the Argao Sports Complex. A total of 373 graduates received grocery packs, snacks, and shirts. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also offered additional help to those in need of medical care. He encouraged Cebuanos to avail of medical assistance from the Malasakit Centers located at the Cebu City Medical Center, St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, both in Cebu City; Cebu South Medical Center in Talisay City; Eversley Childs Sanitarium Hospital in Mandaue City; Lapu-Lapu District Hospital; and Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City. Go principally authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. There are now 157 Malasakit Centers nationwide which have assisted over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go likewise supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City, and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela, and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. Ending his message, Go expressed his utmost gratitude to TESDA for its pivotal role in providing invaluable skills and competencies to Filipinos. “Habang ipinagdiriwang natin ang inyong graduation, lubos din akong nagpapasalamat sa TESDA dahil matagumpay ito na nakapagbibigay ng mga kakayahan at kasanayan sa ating mga kababayan,” he said. The senator acknowledged that TESDA's role has empowered countless individuals with job and livelihood opportunities, ultimately leading them toward a brighter and more prosperous future. Earlier, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 2115, which aims to institutionalize a technical-vocational education and training and livelihood program designed specifically for rehabilitated drug dependents. The post Bong Go provides additional support to TESDA graduates in Cebu appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids fire-hit Cebu communities, stresses fire prevention interventions
On Saturday, May 20, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go had his team mounted a relief activity for Cebuanos whose houses were damaged in a fire incident in Cebu City. In a video call, the senator underscored that he will continue to promote and advocate for better fire prevention measures in the country. “Sa mga nasunugan po dito sa Cebu City, sana nasa mabuti kayong kalagayan. Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, ang importante ay buhay kayo. Ang gamit po ay napapalitan, ang pera ay kikitain pero ang pera ay hindi nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya mag-ingat po tayo,” Go expressed. The senator's team mounted the relief activity at Barangay Mambaling gymnasium, where they distributed grocery packs, snacks, vitamins, masks and shirts. They also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, watches and balls for basketball and volleyball to select beneficiaries. A team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development also extended financial support. In total, 171 affected families were aided from Barangays Duljo Poblacion, Pit-os, Mambaling, Kalunasan, Luz, Sinsin, Kamputhaw and Basak San Nicolas. Go has primarily authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11589, otherwise known as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act. "Importante po na mabigyan ng suporta ang modernization ng ating Bureau of Fire Protection dahil napaka-importante ng tungkulin na ginagampanan nila upang makapagligtas ng buhay," Go explained. "Halos linggu-linggo akong bumababa sa mga nasusunugan. Nakikita ko ang hirap ng ating mga kababayan. Kahit isang bahay lang ang masunog, damay pati ang kapitbahay. Maraming pamilya ang apektado kaya dapat na palakasin natin ang kapasidad ng BFP sa pagreresponde sa sunog," he added. Signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2021, the Act provides for the acquisition of modern fire equipment, expansion of the BFP's manpower, and provision of highly-specialized training to firefighters, among others. It also mandates the bureau to implement monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit. Go also offered to help those with health issues. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, he encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Centers located at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Cebu City Medical Center and St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital, all located in the city. The Malasakit Center was first established in VSMMC in 2018. To date, there are 157 such centers nationwide that have helped over seven million particularly poor and indigent patients, according to the Department of Health. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where patients may conveniently apply for medical assistance from concerned agencies such as the DSWD, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. In Cebu province, there are also Malasakit Centers at Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, Cebu South Medical Center in Talisay City, Lapu-Lapu District Hospital in Lapu-Lapu City, and Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City. Go then mentioned that DOH has also identified areas to construct Super Health Centers in the province. SHCs were funded to be established in the cities of Bogo, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue; and in the towns of Borbon, Cordova, Moalboal, Samboan and San Francisco in 2022. This year, more Super Health Centers were funded in the cities of Carcar, Cebu, Talisay and Toledo; and in the towns of Carmen, Consolacion, Liloan, Medellin and San Nicolas. An additional Super Health Center will also be established in Danao City. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Super Health Centers offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. “Mas malaki ito sa rural health unit (pero) mas maliit sa ospital. Mayroon na siyang laboratory, minor operating, emergency, pharmacy, birth facilities, (at) dental services. Hindi niyo na kailangang bumyahe ng malayo para sa pagpagamot,” explained Go. Meanwhile, Go was also instrumental in the passage of Republic Act No. 11717, which increased the bed capacity of VSMMC from 1,200 to 1,500 beds. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go likewise continues to help improve the delivery of public service in the city as he supported the rehabilitation and expansion of the Barangay Multi-Purpose Building Area at Barangay Duljo Fatima and the acquisition of a mini dumptruck. “Yan po ang ipinangako ko sa inyo noon, kahit saang sulok kayo ng Pilipinas, basta kaya lang po ng aking katawan at panahon, pupuntahan ko po kayo -- makatulong sa abot ng aking makakaya, makabigay ng konting solusyon sa mga problema, masuportahan ang mga proyekto na makakapagpaunlad sa inyong lugar, at makaiwan po ng konting ngiti sa panahon ng pagdadalamhati,” said Go. On the same day, Go also sent another team in Mandaue City and provided similar relief to more fire victims. ### The post Bong Go aids fire-hit Cebu communities, stresses fire prevention interventions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids indigents in Lapu-Lapu City
The team of Senator Bong Go visited Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu on Tuesday, May 16, to hand out assistance to struggling Cebuanos, including members of the youth sector and a fire-hit household. Held in the mayor's conference room at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall, Go’s team distributed snacks, masks, vitamins, and shirts to a total of 20 residents. In addition, a fire-hit family received grocery packs. They also handed out cellular phones, umbrellas, and balls for basketball and volleyball. “Ang gamit po ay nabibili pero ang buhay po ay hindi. Ang nawalang buhay ay wala na. A lost life is a lost life forever, kaya mag-ingat tayo palagi. Magtulungan lang po tayo, mga kababayan ko. Makakaahon din po tayo muli,” Go said in his video message. The senator principally authored and co-sponsored the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021, underscoring the importance of addressing any fire-related incidents nationwide. Under the said law, the ten-year BFP modernization program includes recruiting more firefighters, acquiring new fire equipment, and developing specialized training, among others. Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, then urged the beneficiaries to prioritize their health and encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, or any of such centers at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital in Cebu City. Other Malasakit Centers in the province are located at Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, Cebu South Medical Center in Talisay City, and Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City. After witnessing the struggles of financially incapacitated Filipinos in securing medical assistance, Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 which opened its first center in Cebu City. It was later institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go. Meanwhile, to ensure that basic healthcare services are more accessible, especially to those residing in far-flung communities, Go also supported the construction of hundreds of Super Health Centers nationwide. In Cebu, Super Health Centers were funded in the cities of Bogo, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue; and in the towns of Borbon, Cordova, Moalboal, Samboan, and San Francisco in 2022. This year, more Super Health Centers were funded in the cities of Carcar, Cebu, Talisay, and Toledo; and in the towns of Carmen, Consolacion, Liloan, Medellin, and San Nicolas. An additional Super Health Center will also be established in Danao City. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go likewise supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. “Magtulungan po tayo, mga kababayan ko. Importante pong malampasan natin itong krisis na ating kinakaharap bilang nagkakaisang mamamayang Pilipino,” Go said. The post Bong Go aids indigents in Lapu-Lapu City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former rebels receive needed aid
CEBU CITY — The Philippine Army on Wednesday announced that at least 100 former rebels here received almost P500,000 worth of financial assistance from the office of Senator Ronald de la Rosa. 3rd Civil Relations Group commander Major Joe Patrick Martinez said the P5,000 cash grant for each rebel returnee was distributed through the Department of Labor and Employment-Central Visayas during the peace and consultation organized by the Visayas Command on Monday at the Carmen town gymnasium. The assistance could be used by the FRs as capital for their small-scale livelihood project while processing their accreditation and more livelihood programs from DoLE-7. “The engagement of Viscom with the former rebels was also a complete package such as peace dialogue with the government agencies to know their issues and concerns, seminar from the DoLE-7 for the accreditation and sustainment of their organization,” Martinez said in an online interview. He stressed that giving sustainable livelihood programs to the FRs would encourage other active New People’s Army rebels to surrender and support the peace and development efforts of the government. Most of the FR beneficiaries are from mid-north Cebu towns like Compostela, Danao City, Carmen, Catmon, Sogod and Tuburan. The post Former rebels receive needed aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belga woes piling up
Things are getting rougher for Beau Belga. Rain or Shine extended Belga’s suspension to 15 days after finding out that he also played in other unsanctioned tournaments in Cebu, Davao and Laguna despite having a live contract in the Philippine Basketball Association. In a statement, the Elasto Painters stressed that they found out that Belga breached his PBA Uniform Players’ Contract, prompting them to extend his suspension from six to 15 days. Belga, the bruising 33-year-old slotman, was in hot water after being involved in a brawl in an exhibition game in Carmen, Cebu. The tournament, branded as “Northball Basketball League, pitted some PBA players like Belga, JR Quiñahan, Robert Bolick, and Jio Jalalon against a group of American streetball players. But the game turned into a brawl after Quiñahan got entangled with an American baller during a rebound play. Belga rushed to his teammate’s defense by throwing the ball at his attacker. The incident was caught on tape and drew the attention of the Elasto Painters and the PBA. “Rain or Shine Team Management has concluded its internal investigation and found that Beau Belga breached his PBA Uniform Players' Contract by participating in exhibition games in Cebu, Davao, and Laguna. A fine of 15 days’ worth of salary has been imposed on Beau,” the team said. Meanwhile, the Road Warriors are currently conducting an internal investigation into Quiñahan while the Batang Pier and Hotshots have yet to release a statement on the involvement of Bolick and Jalalon, respectively. According to a league memorandum, a player caught playing in other leagues without permission will be charged P50,000 or suspension. “They didn’t get permission from their teams to play outside the league so there will definitely be fines,” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said in a previous interview. “Let’s see what happens but I need to talk to them first.” The post Belga woes piling up appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belga, Quiñahan in Cebu brawl; Sangalang denies role in scandal
Beau Belga of Rain or Shine, JR Quiñahan of NLEX and a handful other PBA players may find themselves in deeper trouble with the league itself after they saw action in an unsanctioned, fight-marred pick-up game in Carmen, Cebu over the weekend......»»