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Drug den in Brgy. Apas: Couple nabbed, P108,800 ‘shabu’ seized
CEBU CITY, Philippine — A couple was arrested for allegedly running a drug den in Barangay Apas, Cebu City on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, with call center agents and habal-habal drivers as their usual clients. A buy-bust operation at around 5:30 p.m. led to the arrest of Jonathan Roca, 44, and his common law partner,.....»»
Call center agent, 2 others nabbed in Bohol buy-bust
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Because of reports from concerned citizens, a 23-year-old call center agent, who is accused of being a drug den maintainer, and two others were arrested during a buy-bust operation in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Monday afternoon, November 20, 2023. According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7), the.....»»
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......»»
Bong Go assists displaced workers in Bohol
In a video message conveyed during his team's visit to Carmen and Batuan, Bohol, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his steadfast commitment to advocate for more pro-poor initiatives and bolster support measures, aiming for a more inclusive economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. "Prayoridad ko ang pagsuporta sa pro-poor programs at dapat po ay sikapin ng gobyerno na walang magutom na Pilipino. 'Yan po ang pakiusap ko parati sa executive," said Go. "Kung merong isusulong na programa o batas, suportado ko po ito basta po makakatulong sa mahihirap at hindi mapunta sa korapsyon ang pera," he added. Go's team, in collaboration with Board Member Nathaniel Binlod, distributed shirts, snacks, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 548 displaced workers gathered at the Carmen Gym on Monday, 16 October. The recipients were also eligible to receive benefits from the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. “Patuloy tayong magbigay ng oportunidad at pag-asa sa mga manggagawang Pilipino na nawalan ng trabaho o kabuhayan dahil sa mga pagsubok na hinaharap natin. Sa pamamagitan ng ganitong mga programa, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng pansamantalang trabaho at kumita ng maayos para sa kanilang pamilya,” Go stressed. In his commitment to promoting inclusive economic recovery, Go has underscored the significance of safeguarding the welfare of all sectors, with particular attention to those residing in rural areas. He introduced Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420 which seeks to institutionalize a framework for offering temporary employment to eligible members of underprivileged households in rural regions. If enacted into law, the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) would be established within DOLE. REAP's primary goal is to furnish temporary job prospects to individuals who meet the criteria of being economically disadvantaged, impoverished, displaced, or seasonal workers. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, then offered medical assistance to the beneficiaries. He advised them to avail of the services of any of the two Malasakit Centers in the province where they may conveniently avail of medical assistance programs offered by the government. In Bohol, the Malasakit Centers are located at Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) in Tagbilaran City and at Don Emilio Del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. Currently, there are 159 Malasakit Centers across the country, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. The DOH reported that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than seven million Filipinos. “Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go. Go further highlighted that his advocacy to enhance the healthcare sector includes the establishment of Super Health Centers at strategic locations nationwide. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds have been allocated under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of DOH 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. In Bohol, necessary funds have been allocated to construct Super Health Centers in Buenavista, Candijay, Dauis, Sagbayan, Talibon, Antequera, Balilihan, Bien Unido, Carmen, Panglao, Tagbilaran City, and Ubay. Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector in the country, especially in grassroots communities. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, he also supported several projects in Bohol, such as the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alicia, Anda, Balilihan, Batuan, Buenavista, Danao, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman, Loay, Loon, and Valencia; improvement of evacuation centers in Panglao, Anda, Balilihan, Carmen, Corella, Garcia-Hernandez and Valencia; installation of a water system in President Carlos P. Garcia; construction of the municipal slaughterhouse in Inabanga; and the acquisition and installation of solar-powered street lights in Getafe. Go, also principally sponsored the passage of RA 11883 which converts GCGMH to Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex. The post Bong Go assists displaced workers in Bohol appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Domestic aviation rebounds this year
The local aviation industry, which was badly hit by the global health crisis, is seen to achieve full recovery this year. This was according to the International Air Transport Association in a recent forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. During the Aviation Forum last week, Yuli Thompson, area manager for the IATA in Southeast Asia, said the Philippines and the rest of the Asia Pacific region’s aviation market is swiftly recovering and seeing a consistent rise in terms of growth in international and domestic travel. Thompson said passenger traffic trends for international flights in the Philippines were logged at 75 percent of 2019 levels as of June 2023. As for the Asia Pacific passenger forecast, Yuli maintained that domestic travel will fully recover in 2023, while international travel will occur sometime in 2026. Further, Asia Pacific will be seen to lead in traffic growth in the next 20 years. “However, overcoming current challenges riding on the current momentum, and meeting full recovery will require strong interventions from all players in the aviation sector,” he said. Infra investments For his part, Cebu Pacific Air chief executive officer Michael Szucs emphasized the need to invest in infrastructure, citing that “Philippine carriers will need to quadruple in size to cater to growing demand.” In her keynote speech, Secretary Grace Poe urged stakeholders to support necessary infrastructure investments, especially following the air system glitch incident earlier this year. The senator called for the acquisition of a new Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management. Poe also recommended the hiring of a third-party maintenance provider for the CNS/ATM system. “It is my hope that the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders can work together and collaborate on air transport projects which will not only generate economic growth but also provide our people with excellent and affordable public services that can improve the quality of life for all,” she said. Also filed by Poe is Senate Bill 1121 which proposes the creation of a Philippine Transportation Safety Board. Under the directive of the current Marcos administration, Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim highlighted the government’s key priorities, including aviation safety and strengthening of learning institutions. Lim further noted the agency’s priority of strengthening the Civil Aviation Training Center and engaging with the private sector as close partners for Air Transport Skills Training and Development. “If we are able to train our air traffic controllers, we would not only meet our own requirements, but the requirements of other countries. We can develop this on an institutional basis,” said Lim. Open up the industry Kurt Edwards, director general of the International Business Aviation Council, also raised the fact that much could be gained “by opening the industry and making it more known to people.” In terms of managing safety risks, Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, shared initiatives to advance safety capabilities in the aviation sector through the State Safety Program. The program employs a risk-based approach to regulations, capacity building and integration of a new organizational structure for monitoring and evaluation. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista stressed that the DOTr’s goal to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport through a public-private partnership agreement, which he said, will present a “landmark opportunity for economic growth, improved infrastructure, and a world-class travel experience.” Added Bautista, “We are also developing regional airports, such as the unsolicited proposals for the operations and maintenance of the Bicol International Airport, Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport.” The post Domestic aviation rebounds this year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. The post Better sports facilities pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bohol’s Jhunriel Castino to face Japan’s Ryuya Tsugawa in eight-rounder bout on Sunday
CEBU CITY, Philippines — PMI Bohol Boxing Stable’s Jhunriel “RoboCop” Castino will attempt to duplicate his stablemate’s recent success in Japan by taking on Ryuya Tsugawa on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the Sangyo Shinko Center in Sakai. Castino and Tsugawa faced each other for the first time on Saturday, September 16, during the official.....»»
Online travel fair offers deals with no expiry dates
If you can’t pass the planning stage of your dream vacation because you’re having difficulty finding a window of availability in your schedule or a common travel period with your companion/s while you’re all trying to find the best deals, then you shouldn’t miss this year’s September Online Sale put together by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association. SOS is basically a travel fair, but done virtually for utmost convenience. As explained by HSMA vice president Amie Villena at the recent launch of SOS 2023, which she heads, all you have to do is visit their website and choose among the various deals their 87 property-members offer. You can buy one or more vouchers now and, since they don’t have expiry dates, you use any or all of them when needed. Just take note of the terms and conditions, including the blocked dates. [caption id="attachment_178857" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] STONE massage in Club Paradise Palawan.[/caption] The deals offered are in line with SOS 2023’s theme: ‘Eat. Stay. Love.’ So aside from discounted room stays, there are also weekend getaways, rejuvenation spa experiences and other recreational activities. Additionally, there are deals on restaurants, meetings and conferences packages and banquet occasions, such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. You can even mix and match your chosen deals, according to Villena, who’s also the director of sales and marketing at the Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa. For instance, you can combine Cebu-Bohol deals, “therefore creating a unique itinerary for you and your friends or your family.” After purchasing the vouchers, you can then contact the hotel or resort when you’re ready to use them. “Domestic travelers can now start planning their vacations early as this allows them to catch seat sales, too,” said Loleth So, HSMA’s president who’s also area director of Sales and Marketing of Savoy and Belmont Hotel Manila Megaworld Hotels and Resorts. “That’s why SOS is very timely.” SOS participating hotels and resorts include: Acacia Hotel Manila, Belmont Hotel Manila, Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila, Holiday Inn Express Manila, Newport City, Kingsford Hotel Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila, Okada Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila, Sheraton Manila, Solaire Resort, The Bellevue Manila, and The Heritage Hotel Manila in the Alabang/Pasay/Parañaque area; [caption id="attachment_178856" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] STAYCATION at Clark Marriott Hotel.[/caption] Alta Vista de Boracay, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay, Discovery Shores Boracay, Feliz Hotel Boracay, Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay, Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel, Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, Patio Pacific Boracay, Savoy Hotel Boracay, and The Lind Boracay in Boracay; Armada Hotel Manila, Bayview Park Hotel, Dusit Thani Manila, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, I’M Hotel, New World Makati Hotel, One Pacific Place Serviced Residences, Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central, Seda Residences Makati, The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, and Winford Resort and Casino Manila in the cities of Manila and Makati; Best Western Plus Metro Clark, Clark Marriott Hotel, Grand Sierra Pines Baguio, and Quest Plus Conference Center in Central Clark, SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western, AC Luxe Angeles City, and Swissotel Clark in North Luzon; Bai Hotel Cebu, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, Fili Hotel Cebu - Nustar, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, MetroCentre Hotel and Convention Center, Mithi Resort and Spa, Modala Beach Resort, Quest Hotel Conference Center Cebu, The Bellevue Resort, Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan, and Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino in Cebu and Bohol; Bacau Bay Resort Coron, Club Paradise Palawan, Dusit Thani Hotels and Resorts Davao, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa, Seda Lio, Huni Lio, Lihim Resort, Miniloc Island Resort, The Oriental Leyte, and Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao in Palawan, Leyte, and Davao; Ace Hotel & Suites, B Hotel Quezon City, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Discovery Suites, F1 Hotel Manila, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila, Luxent Hotel, Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Seda BGC, Seda Vertis North, and The Linden Suites in Quezon City and Ortigas; Acuatico Beach Resort, Acuaverde Beach Resort and Hotel, Anya Resort Tagaytay, Club Balai Isabel, Hotel Casiana Tagaytay, Pico Sands Hotel, Quest Hotel Tagaytay, Seda Nuvali, Summit Ridge Tagaytay, Taal Vista Hotel, and Twin Lakes Hotel in South Luzon. SOS 2023 is supported by the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board, Atlantis and Isentia. It runs until 30 September. Visit www.HSMA.org.ph/SOS. The post Online travel fair offers deals with no expiry dates appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bohol showcases Chocolate Hills, local products in 34th Philippine Travel Mart
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — The province of Bohol showcased its local products and tourism destinations, including its Chocolate Hills, during the 34th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) that opened on Friday, September 1, 2023, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Photos and videos showing local destinations and samples of the products from the municipalities The post Bohol showcases Chocolate Hills, local products in 34th Philippine Travel Mart appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Nissan Bohol’s new face
Nissan Philippines announces the expansion and enhancement of the Nissan Bohol dealership, marking another milestone in the brand’s continued commitment to delivering innovative automotive experiences. The dealership in Bohol has achieved remarkable strides in recent years, making it a key player in the automotive landscape in the region. These advancements are reflected in the dealership’s outstanding growth, including an impressive 57 percent volume increase from the previous year. At the heart of this enhanced facility is the implementation of the Nissan Express Contact concept, setting a new standard for customer convenience and satisfaction. As the first Nissan dealership in the Philippines to fully embrace this concept, Nissan Bohol boasts a state-of-the-art showroom and service center that highlights their dedicated focus to After Sales services. This approach ensures that customers receive swift, efficient, and top-notch service for their Nissan vehicles. The dedication and commitment of the Nissan Bohol team have not gone unnoticed. The recent Dealer of the Year Awards ceremony, a major event held among Nissan’s Philippine dealerships, highlighted the exceptional performance of the Nissan Cebu Distributor group, with its well-deserved win of the Provincial Dealer of the Year Award and the prestigious Nissan Global Award. The post Nissan Bohol’s new face appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bottoms up!
Meaning: An encouragement to drink or to finish one’s drink. Did you know that the term “Bottoms up” originated in an era when English sailors were encouraged to drink? There is a popular story behind its history where English sailors used to be bribed with coins to join the navy and many times, they would be tricked into joining by being given a beer with a coin at the bottom of the glass. Sounds fun, right? There is a reward after drinking a reward. I can drink to that! According to the legend, men began to say “Bottoms up” to their drinking buddies so they could see if there were coins in the glasses before the drinks were finished. Now, in modern times, most people say, “Bottoms up!” to cheer their buddies when drinking alcohol, having fun, and celebrating an event. It used to be a happy term, but did you know that it could also be a negative phrase? In some situations, people say “Bottoms up!” to encourage drinking something unpleasant. For example, you need to drink your medicine despite its bitter so someone will say to you “Bottoms Up!” until you finish it. Yes, my dear readers, how are you after the long weekend? Have you recharged and had fun together with friends and families? Nothing wrong with having fun, of course, as long as it does not hurt anyone or as long as it is after working hours. Speaking of “Bottoms up!,” it has been all over the news recently, have you seen it? In case you haven’t, then let me fill you in on some spicy information. Last week, on 16 August, acting port managers and seven other officials of the Philippine Ports Authority assigned to the Port Management Office of Bohol were caught on CCTV drinking inside the PPA office multipurpose hall to celebrate the acting port manager’s birthday. That’s not the worst of it. Aside from drinking on the premises of a government facility, they used the office chairs and tables (supposedly for meetings and official functions) for their drinking session with lots of bottles of alcohol, an invited band, and the attorneys and port police dancing as shown on the CCTV footage. Like I said, having fun is not bad at all, celebrating birthdays is okay, and being together with friends or co-workers on a special day is totally fine.... but not to the extent of using government facilities and resources to fuel that fun. These eight officials of PPA Bohol, including the acting port manager/birthday celebrator, two legal attorneys, four port police officials, and the Port Services Department Bohol head, were removed from their posts pending an investigation. Recently, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago issued a memorandum reiterating Memo Circular No. 013-2023, otherwise known as the “Strict prohibition on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the workplace.” The memorandum was first issued in 2018 under the same management after the former DoTr officials issued a directive prohibiting alcoholic beverages in the workplace — all in accordance with Civil Service Commission Memorandum No. 4, series of 2011, stating the policy guidelines on the prohibition of alcoholic beverages among government officials and employees. See? No government official or employee is excused for drinking inside a government office. An official is expected to serve the public, to give assistance, to make their lives easier, to be of great service to the community, and not to be another source of conflicts and problems within their areas of responsibility. Ports operate 24/7, thus there is no need to be complacent at any moment. Thank goodness for the high-tech surveillance system of the PPA, serious negligence and deliberate negative acts like these can be monitored from the head office. To be fair, drinking has long been the center of workplace culture, whether for socialization or to gain each other’s trust. In fact, in China, drinking with business partners serves as a moral contract in which the potential work partners get drunk together until they become friends and gain each other’s trust and professional interests. But we are not in China, we are here in our beloved country striving to always change to rise from the difficulties of being in a third-world country. A lot of people, or even more deserving people, need jobs, hence, any job, especially a government position, should not be taken for granted and abused. Now this brings us to a question: Does alcohol have a place at work and should it? Your guess is as good as mine. Let us not normalize alcohol drinking at work or the pressure to participate. It may seem like a nice gesture to subsidize alcohol at events to build camaraderie, but it is not necessary in carrying out government functions, especially inside office areas. There you go, fellow boat riders, yes, we either sink or swim all together because we are in the same boat, but this time we’re not in the same boat because no one wants to be bonding with booze and boss in an office setup on a weekday. Smells like a “Bottoms up!” disaster. Yikes! The post Bottoms up! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Calbayog Hibatang Paddlers Seize Over-all Championship at Bohol Dragon Boat Festival
Bohol’s scenic shores came alive with adrenaline-pumping action as this year’s Bohol Dragon Boat Festival took center stage at Miramar, Dauis, Bohol, on July 22-23, 2023. In celebration of Bohol’s renowned Sandugo Festival, this thrilling event brought together teams from all over the country to showcase their paddling prowess in a fierce competition. With the […] The post Calbayog Hibatang Paddlers Seize Over-all Championship at Bohol Dragon Boat Festival appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Bong Go inspects Malasakit Center in Tagbilaran City
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, conducted on Monday, July 17, a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. In his speech, Go also thanked the medical frontliners who have been working tirelessly during the pandemic. "Hindi natin ito mararating ngayon kung hindi sa inyong sakripisyo, headed by our doctors, nurses, lahat pati security guards, kasama rin 'yan sa mga nagsakripisyo. Sa mga medical workers natin, salamat sa inyong lahat,” Go said. The senator expressed his commitment to promoting the welfare and rights of healthcare professionals, stating, "rest assured, na magsusumikap ako na magdepensa sa inyo sa Senado at ipaglaban ang inyong kapakanan as your chairman sa Committee on Health." The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop for government agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). During the visit, Go and his team also provided grocery packs, masks, vitamins, and snacks to 196 patients and 1,438 frontliners, including security guards, utilities, and other hospital staff. They also gave away bicycles, shoes, mobile phones, and watches to select beneficiaries. The DSWD also committed to provide financial assistance to qualified patients. Meanwhile, Go also highlighted his efforts for the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country, recognizing their potential to substantially decrease hospital occupancy rates and bring government healthcare services at the grassroots level. "Sa mga itinayo ng Super Health Centers, nakita namin kung gaano kalaki ang naitutulong nito sa komunidad lalo na sa rural areas. ‘Yun po ang layunin ng mga Super Health Centers, ang ilapit sa mamamayan ang serbisyong medikal ng gobyerno,” he said. On the same day, Go also visited several infrastructure projects that he earlier supported. These projects included the ongoing construction of the Governor Celestino Gallares Multispecialty Medical Complex, as well as the Cortes Municipal Park and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management building in Cortes. Additionally, he also attended the opening of the Inter-Barangay Basketball League in Cortes town and provided assistance to indigent athletes, coaches, referees, and barangay workers of the town. In Tagbilaran City, Go also took part in a relief activity for underprivileged residents and inspected the city's Super Health Center. To conclude the day, the senator attended the 73rd Commencement Exercise of the Bohol Institute of Technology International College System. The post Bong Go inspects Malasakit Center in Tagbilaran City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go inspects Super Health Center in Tagbilaran, Bohol
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the significance of health facilities in the country as he personally inspected the Super Health Center being constructed in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Monday, July 17. In his speech, Go shared that the government intends to establish more than 600 Super Health Centers across the nation. He added that such centers are poised to play a crucial role in addressing the nation's healthcare needs, ensuring comprehensive medical care and strengthening the country's healthcare system. “Itong Super Health Center marami rin ang itatayo sa buong Pilipinas, higit 600 ang itatayo (sa buong Pilipinas) at 13 sa Bohol ang itatayo na Super Health Center. Ang Super Health Center is a medium type of a polyclinic. Mas maliit sa hospital, mas malaki po sa mga Rural Health Unit. Pwede po diyan ‘yung birthing, panganganak, dental, laboratory, x-ray at pwede po itong i-expand,” he explained. Accessibility is a key pillar of the Super Health Center initiative, Go underscored. He likewise emphasized the importance of bringing healthcare services closer to the people, especially in areas where access to quality medical care remains a challenge. By establishing Super Health Centers throughout the country, the government aims to ensure that every Filipino, regardless of their location, can avail themselves of essential healthcare services without the burden of long-distance travel or prohibitive costs, the senator added. The Super Health Center is a medium version of a polyclinic yet an improved version of the rural health unit. The services available in the center include 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. In Bohol, aside from the one in Tagbilaran City, funds have been allocated to construct Super Health Centers in Buenavista, Candijay, Dauis, Sagbayan, Talibon, Antequera, Balilihan, Bien Unido, Carmen, Panglao and Ubay — the last one’s groundbreaking was attended by Go last April. During the inspection, Go, who is an adopted son of the city, was accompanied by Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, Vice Mayor Adam Jala, and former mayor Baba Yap. Cortes Mayor Iven Lim and Dauis Vice Mayor Miriam Sumaylo were also in attendance. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Go also continues to monitor the operations of Malasakit Centers nationwide to ensure efficient provision of medical assistance particularly to poor and indigent patients. Acknowledging the hesitancy of many Filipinos to get medical care due to financial barriers, Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018. It was later institutionalized under the Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The Act brings together all relevant agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, under one roof to reduce the hospital expenses of the patients by covering services and other fees. “Special ang araw ngayon dahil nandito at sinamahan tayo ng numero uno na senador sa lugar ng Tagbilaran (City), walang iba (kundi si) Senador Bong Go! A very (good) example kung gaano kabilis at aksyon agad ng atin senador, last week tumawag kami ni Baba Yap sa kanya (kasi) may isang pasyente sa San Isidro na nangangailangan ng kidney transplant. Ngayon ang kanyang operasyon at (tumulong si) Senador Bong Go through the Malasakit Center,” cited Mayor Yap. In the city, there is a Malasakit Center at Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center (GCGMH), which he also checked the operations on the same day. There is also one at Don Emilio Del Valle Memorial Hospital in Ubay. Go, as principal sponsor in the Senate, was also instrumental in the passage of Republic Act No. 11883 which converts GCGMH to Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex. On the same day, Go also visited several infrastructure projects that he earlier supported. These projects included the ongoing construction of the Governor Celestino Gallares Multispecialty Medical Complex, as well as the Cortes Municipal Park and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management building in Cortes. Additionally, he also attended the opening of the Inter-Barangay Basketball League in Cortes town and provided assistance to indigent athletes, coaches, referees, and barangay workers of the town. Lastly, he also attended the 73rd Commencement Exercise of Bohol Institute of Technology International College System. #### The post Bong Go inspects Super Health Center in Tagbilaran, Bohol appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go throws support to grassroots sports development programs
Championing grassroots sports development initiatives in various local communities, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally witnessed the opening of the inter-barangay basketball league in Cortes, Bohol on Monday, July 17. The basketball league is in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission and the local government led by Mayor Lynn Iven Lim. Addressing the crowd gathered at the ampitheater, the chair of the Senate Committee on Sports underscored the significance of sports in promoting physical fitness and diverting the youth's attention away from illegal vices, including drug abuse. As an ardent supporter of grassroots sports development, Go recognized the pivotal role that athletics play in nurturing a healthier and more productive citizenry. “Sporting events, such as the basketball league in Cortes, not only provide an avenue for physical exercise but also encourage teamwork, discipline, and camaraderie among participants,” he said. Go emphasized the importance of promoting sports activities as a means to promote a drug-free community. He highlighted the prevalence of illegal drugs in various communities and expressed his commitment to combat this menace by promoting productive activities that inspire individuals, especially the youth, to stay away from harmful substances and become productive members of society. "Kaya ganun na lang po ang galit ni (dating) pangulong Duterte sa iligal na droga. Kapag pumasok po ang droga, papasok po ang kriminalidad, papasok po ang korapsyon. Mabibili po 'yan. 'Yan po ang kinatatakutan natin dito, kapag bumalik po ang iligal na droga, hindi na po magiging safe maglakad ang mga anak natin," said Go. “Kaya isa rin po sa pamamaraan na ine-engganyo ko po ang kabataan to get into sports, stay away from drugs. Ilayo po natin ang mga kabataan sa droga through sports. Get into sports, stay away from drugs,” he added. The event was also attended by Congressman Edgardo Chatto, Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite, Tagbiliran City Mayor Jane Yap, Dauis Vice Mayor Miriam Sumaylo, and Cortes Councilor Ira Lim, among others. "Senator, maraming salamat sa iyong panahon, alam ko kung gaano ka ka-busy.... On behalf ng mga mamamayan dito sa Cortes, maraming salamat mula sa aming puso sa lahat ng iyong tulong sa amin dito.... Ang game changer natin na makapagbigay ng maayos na pag-unlad, especially sa ating mga kababayan, andito ang biggest regional hospital at… ang tumulong sa pagpasa ng batas para maisakatuparan ito ay si Senator Bong Go," Mayor Lim said. Mayor Lim likewise thanked Go for the projects he supported in Cortes as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, including the acquisition of a multipurpose vehicle, the construction of a multipurpose building, and the improvement of the municipal public park and hall grounds. Go also underscored the importance of creating opportunities for young athletes, including scholarships, training programs, incentives and continuing investments in local sports facilities. It can be recalled that in 2021, Go visited Bataan and participated in the presentation and signing of the Deed of Donation for the land where the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC) was proposed to be constructed in Bagac. The creation of the PSTC aims to promote sports in the country and achieve excellence in international sports competitions. Meanwhile, Go authored and co-sponsored the measure that became Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in 2020. NAS is a government-run educational institution that offers quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports. Go also filed Senate Bill No. 423 or the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act of 2022. The measure aims to institutionalize “a truly comprehensive national grassroots sports program, which will harness the vast potential of the citizenry in discovering and developing champion athletes who could excel in international sports competition, thus giving the country pride and international goodwill and addressing the long-standing problems of Philippine sports in general.” “As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am one with President (Ferdinand) Marcos Jr. in highlighting the importance of sports in nation-building. I reiterate my firm commitment to always look after the welfare of our athletes and to push for long-term and grassroots sports development,” Go previously said. It can also be recalled that Go played a crucial role in pushing for additional funding for sports development in the country. He effectively advocated for a boost in the 2023 budget of the PSC, specifically designating an extra one billion pesos to aid athletes, both at the international level and in grassroots initiatives. On the same day, Go visited several infrastructure projects he supported the funding of as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, including the ongoing construction of Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-specialty Medical Complex in Cortes, and the Cortes Municipal Park and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management building, both in Cortes town. He also led a distribution activity for athletes, coaches, and barangay workers in Cortes town. After Cortes, Go went to Tagbilaran City to inspect the city’s Super Health Center and the Malasakit Center at Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital. Lastly, the senator attended the 73rd Commencement Exercise of Bohol Institute of Technology International College System. The post Bong Go throws support to grassroots sports development programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PFDA and Garcia push for construction of Cebu fish port
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) reported Tuesday, that their top management met with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to discuss plans for the construction of a Regional Fish Port (RFP) in the province. The meeting, held at the Cebu Provincial Capitol on 6 July 2023, agreed a fish port would help boost the production of commercial fisheries, municipal fisheries, and aquaculture in the province. PFDA Acting General Manager Atty. Glen A. Pangapalan said this proposal can help more fisherfolk in the region and further improve the already robust economy of Cebu. Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data for 2021, Cebu recorded the highest annual increase in the value of production in agriculture and fisheries in Central Visayas at 7.3 percent. Cebu has proven itself to be the economic center of Central Visayas making the province a feasible location for a regional fish port. Garcia expressed her full support for the project. She said the port should be in a strategic place in Cebu, which can be accessible to fishing vessels from neighboring provinces in Central Visayas like Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental. An estimated eight hectares are required to construct the regional fish port. The PFDA and the Capitol will continue to cooperate to identify which area will give rise to the project. Once approved and completed, this project will be the second RFP in the region after the Iloilo Fish Port Complex (IFPC) in Iloilo City. During the meeting, the PFDA officials were joined by Department of Agriculture-Central Visayas Regional Executive Director Angel Enriquez and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Central Visayas Director Allan Poquita. The post PFDA and Garcia push for construction of Cebu fish port appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cultural institutions celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride
Esteemed Philippine cultural institutions, Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Museum of the Philippines, displayed their support to the LGBTQ+ community with lights and flags during LGBTQ+ Pride Month last June. The CCP once again illuminated the façade of its iconic Main Building with rainbow colors, reiterating their support to the LGBTQ+ community, whose many members are part of the culture and the arts sector and have become important figures in shaping and enlivening Philippine culture. Its Production Design and Technical Services Division, under the supervision of Ricardo Eric Gabat Cruz, created the light show with multiple layers of wavy pattern gobos to achieve depth. The special lighting was on from 23 to 30 June, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. [caption id="attachment_153005" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Photograph by Roel Hoang ManiponAt the National Museum of Anthropology.[/caption] Aside from the lighting, CCP also created a program in their outdoor screening project CCP Cinema Under the Stars for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Shown on 23 June at the CCP Annex Parking were already classic Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, a Cinemalaya festival full-length film entry directed by Auraeus Solito, and Gawad Alternatibo short films Gee-Gee at Waterina, directed by Mariami Tanangco-Domingo, and Pasilong, directed by Toni Cañete. [caption id="attachment_153006" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Photograph courtesy of National MuseumWestern-Southern Mindanao Regional MuseumPride flags at the National Museum Western-Southern Mindanao Regional Museum in Zamboanga City.[/caption] On the other hand, the National Museum of the Philippines embellished their social media accounts with Pride theme and their buildings with Pride flags including the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Its site, area and regional museums all over the country also joined in in the celebration. Some — such as the NM Ilocos Regional Museum Complex in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; the NM Western Visayas Regional Museum in Iloilo City, Iloilo; the NM Bohol Area Museum in Tagbilaran City, Bohol; the NM Eastern-Northern Mindanao Regional Museum in Butuan City; and NM Western-Southern Mindanao Regional Museum at Fort Pilar in Zamboanga City -— hung their own Pride flags. [caption id="attachment_153007" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Photograph by Roel Hoang ManiponThe central atrium of the National Museum Bohol Area Museum is decorated with a large Pride flag.[/caption] “As inscribed in our vision statement, we at the National Museum of the Philippines strive to — among other things — visualize a Filipino nation, unified by a deep sense of PRIDE in their common identity. To all our LGBTQIA+ friends and allies, you are seen, at #KitaKitaSaNMP!,” the NMP stated in their Facebook page. NMP also held a contest for visitors to the Manila complex, encouraging them to wear their colorful outfits on Fridays of the June and awarding prizes for the first 30 joiners. “EveryGAY, the National Museum has been tirelessly making our spaces safe, open and inclusive to all people — not just this Pride Month — but throughout the whole year, too! BI making this great institution accessible for everyone, we are able to revolutionize our museums into a personal, cultural and educational experience that unify the Filipino people and TRANScends the differences in our identities, kaya #TayoTayoSaNMP!,” the NMP further said. Despite these shows of support, the Philippines still lack a national law preventing discrimination and marginalization of the LGBTQ+ community. The post Cultural institutions celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CHEd opens new doctorate degree programs
The Commission on Higher Education on Monday announced that students in Visayas and Mindanao will have more options in pursuing a doctorate degree in Medicine with two new programs opened by the Commission on Higher Education in Bohol and Cagayan de Oro. CHED disclosed the openings of Doctor of Medicine programs in Tagbilaran’s Bohol Island State University and Cagayan de Oro City’s University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines — both public higher educational institutions. Previously, Central Visayas only had one public HEI -- Cebu Normal University-Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center -- and two private schools – Cebu Institute of Medicine and University of Cebu – which offer doctorate degrees in Medicine. Meanwhile, one private HEI only offered a Doctor of Medicine degree in Northern Mindanao through The Xavier University Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine. Prior to the opening of the new programs, 31 schools across the country — 15 public and 16 private schools — were offering the said degree to students. CHED chairperson Prospero de Vera said that the expansion of such degrees through the openings in two HEIs would further aid in the push of Republic Act Number 11509 which creates a medical scholarship and return service program for medicine-aligned students, also known as the ‘Doktor Para sa Bayan Act.’ “The approval to operate the Doctor of Medicine program in BISU and USTP expands the opportunities for the poor but deserving students through scholarship support under the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act,” De Vera said. “Now, we can produce more doctors through our top state universities and colleges, who will go to underserved areas and local governments in need of health personnel,” he added. The new schools could start accepting students this coming academic year 2023-2024, with a review after two years, by which they could be able to push for a full four-year program for the said courses. The post CHEd opens new doctorate degree programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Lingap para sa Mahirap’ serves 76K hospital clients
DAVAO CITY — The local government here disclosed that its program “Lingap para sa Mahirap” has already assisted a total of 76,735 clients from 1 January to 16 May 2023. In a radio interview, Ytalia Karmili Bohol, the Lingap Para sa Mahirap Davao City main office senior social work associate, said that 59,559 individuals were assisted in Southern Philippines Medical Center and 17,176 clients in various private hospitals in the city. The Lingap program provides medical, laboratory, funeral, and hospital bill assistance to the indigent Davao residents and Bohol said that funeral and medical assistance are the most sought-after services among their clients. “Since last year, we have seen a lot of people asking for help, and we are still midway into the year, there are already too many of them,” said Bohol. Meanwhile, Gladys Blanco, a staff from the Lingap Paquibato District satellite office, encouraged the residents under their jurisdiction to reach out to their office for assistance instead of going directly to the Lingap main office. Prexx Trozo “It would save them time, money, and effort since the main Lingap office is located far from their area,” said Blanco. With the assistance of Lingap Paquibato staff, the residents can avoid unnecessary trips by availing of the medicines from partner pharmacies in Barangay Calinan or downtown area. The post ‘Lingap para sa Mahirap’ serves 76K hospital clients appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»