Regional Health Service 4A provides man power to medical missions

BY Karyl Gatan

 

Regional Health Service 4A in Camp Vicente Lim, Barangay Mayapa, Calamba City, Laguna provides man power per letter request of the various party for charity work – government, non-government, or private individuals.

As their duty to serve people, they give help in terms of man power and hand held equipment for charity work that are funded by various party.

Like in every institution, the Regional Health Service 4A follows a system when submitting the letter for requests. The letter will be submitted to Dir. Benjamin A. Florentino, Regional Director. After which, it will be assessed and evaluated. After the assessment and evaluation, the Regional Director will give an order that the medical mission has been approved 10-15 days before the conduct.

The letter must contain the place/venue and the expected number of patients for them to know how many men they will put on the site.

The person or party requesting the medical mission will provide the:

• venue

• medical supplies like cotton, gloves, water, anesthesia, medicine

• transportation

• facilities like chairs and tables

For more information about DILG, PNP, and for the directory of regional camp sites you click on the following:

• DILG

• GOV

• PNP

• Directory

UPLBCDC’s membership increases

BY Eunese Garcia

 

The UPLB Credit and Development Cooperative’s membership has increased with an average of 40-50 applicants per month as of January 2014.
According to UPLBCDC Education and Training Assistant Ms. Bettina Mari Dalisay, there are already 14 applicants who have listed their names as of just February 5, 2014.
“And since, malayo pa ang pre-membership seminar natin, there is still a big chance na tumaas pa ang number of applicants who will attend the coming seminar,” she added.
What she is referring to is the Pre-membership Education Seminar (PMES) that will be held in February 21, 2014, 3 to 5 PM at UPLBCDC. “Maraming malalaman ‘yung applicant kapag um-attend siya ng seminar,” she noted.
This seminar will introduce cooperative’s nature and governance and the cooperative values to the members. It will discuss the rights and privileges of a cooperative member as well as the various services offered by the cooperative and the preferable sources of capital for the members.
Being the No. 1 cooperative in Laguna and No. 2 in Region 4-A in terms of assets acquired, the cooperative aims to improve the quality of life for its constituents.
According to UPLBCDC Manager Mr. Nestor Igcasan, it is indeed beneficial to become a member of the cooperative. “Since ang main goal ng UPLBCDC ay magpautang, nakakautang ‘yung mga members sa mababang interest,” he said.
If the profit of the cooperative from the collection is high enough, the members could also get high dividends at the end of the year, he noted.
Aside from that, the members can also avail cooperative education and livelihood seminars. They are also encouraged to buy from the KASAMBILI, a consumer-friendly store that enables the members to avail 2% discount on every product purchased in cash and allows credits to be paid within a month with a 2% interest thereafter.
“’Yun siguro ang pinaka-main reason kung bakit dumadami na ang members natin. It’s because of the benefits that the cooperative offers,” Ms. Dalisay pointed out.

Alaminos Economy Boomed with 100%

By Charlene Ruth O. Espenilla

The Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of Alaminos increased by 110% due to the flourishing businesses in the town. The Municipal Administrator, Corceni Salcedo stated that in 2008, with a total of 40M of IRA, it now increased to 90M.

Three of the biggest establishments that opened in Alaminos were:

• Ford Laguna,
• Toyota San Pablo and;
• Shell Gasoline Station

There are still three subdivisions that are constructing and will be finished this year in the town. Most of these establishments are located along highways and can be easily noticed by the public.

The Municipal Accountant, Cirilo Mista stated that one of the factors that affect why a lot of investors and businessman engage with Alaminos is that it has a good location, therefore it is:

• Flood-free
• Not always been affected by typhoons
• Near to Manila

The Municipal Administrator, Corceni Salcedo added that Alaminos has all the components that need to be considered when opening a business or investing in a particular place, he said that the town is “kumpleto sa rekado”. He pointed out that the town has:

• good water and electricity supply,
• excellent telecommunication lines and;
• and the most important is the peace and order

Both the Municipal Administrator and Accountant agreed that the Municipal Government had already eliminated the Red Tape for a better connection with the investors and businessmen.

January 2008 when Resolution No. 01 series of 2008, “Investment Incentive Ordinance” was proposed by the former Councilor Hon. Jaime Banzuela. This was a Resolution is the enacting Investment Incentive Ordinance for prospective investors in the Municipality of Alaminos, Laguna. Its main purposes:

• to encourage more investment for the municipality,
• to create more employment opportunity and;
• for the additional sources of revenue of the town

In Article D Section 2 of the Resolution it stated the reduction in payment of business taxes, which really helps to catch the attention of investors. The ordinance facilitates the town’s attractiveness.

As a result, this sustains the economic stability of the town since the IRA enhanced because of the business tax. After several years, Alaminos has finally started last 2013 up to present to boom in the economy.

 

Related Links:

Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA)-http://reports.dbm.gov.ph/ira.php

Alaminos- http://alaminoslaguna.info/

110%- http://www.rapidtables.com/math/number/Percentage.htm

Kumpleto sa rekado- http://kr4uradfanclubhi.wordpress.com/about/

Red Tape- http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/red-tape.html

ASEAN gears up one year before AEC 2015, Philippines still in a lagging point

By John Miko Ofalsa

The College of Economics and Management in cooperation with the UP Agricultural Economics Circle conducted the seminar titled “Asian Economic Community 2015: Implications in the Philippines and in the World” was conducted last January 20, 2014 at the CEM Function Hall

The seminar featured speakers namely Dr.ErlindaMedalla and Dr.Adoracion Navarro from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies or PIDS and Ms. Gina Aljecera, on behalf of Dr.MerceditaSombilla from the National Economic and Development Authority or NEDA tackled points of improvement for our country especially in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

Dr.Medalla tackled the requirement of skilled workers especially engineers in our country that are competitive and at par with regional and global standards. Dr. Navarro highlighted the degrading sector of logistics and transportation in the country and how it can be amped to serve international transactions and market activities. Lastly, Ms.Aljecera discussed how the agriculture sector can be improved amidst the destruction suffered from the past calamities in the country and be once again competitive compared to regional competitors.

Read more about the Philippines` preparation for the AEC 2015.

http://www.pids.gov.ph/dp.php?id=5132&pubyear=2013

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN is in the preps for the upcoming integration of member nation markets into one unified economy known as the ASEAN Economic Community of 2015. This integration, which was originally targeted to be achieved in the year 2020, aims a single base of production and marketing in the ASEAN region to increase the competitiveness of member nation`s market to satisfy inter-member and global demands. This scheme also promotes inclusive growth among nation members amidst the greater integration to the global market.

“TRACKING” ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. The transportation sector is a field that needs to be improved by the Philippine government to cope up by the demand brought about by the AEC 2015. Seen here is the nearly abandoned PNR railway and station in Mayondon. Inset are two chickens being caged near the tracks by citizens whom established residences near the old track. (Photo of JMOfalsa)

Read more about the ASEAN Economic Community from their site. http://www.asean.org/communities/asean-economic-community

Philippine protest for Cambodian workers

By Ma. Alyssa Bianca A. Caugma 

 

Local Filipino labor organizations held an international solidarity protest action on January 10 at the Cambodian Embassy in support to the Global Week of Action against Government Crackdown on Cambodian Protesters.

The global week of action against the crackdown was organized by labor organizations worldwide to call for the protection of rights and welfare of the garments production workers in Cambodia.

Theworkers who went on strike were fighting for a salary increase to $160 and for better working conditions. The military has open-fired to the workers and Aljazeera reported that at least four were killed and dozens were injured.

The protest action held at the Cambodian Embassy in Makati gathered local organizations and unions which included Kadamay- Southern Tagalog, Leader Inc., Organized Labor Associations and Line Industries in Agriculture (OLALIA- Southern Tagalog), and PagkakaisangmgaManggagawasaTimogKatagalugan- Kilusang Mayo

Uno (PAMANTIK-KMU). Secretary General WennieUrgel of PAMANTIK-KMU, Region IV-A’s central labor union, said the protest was peaceful and the embassy received their petition letter.

Meanwhile, Urgel expressed his worries on the potential wipeout of the garments industry in the country by 2020 which can increase the number of unemployed Filipinos.

According to Alessandra Mezzadri, a lecturer in Development Studies at the University of London, companies have transferred garment production to developing countries because of cheaper labor.

Urgel added that cheaper labor coupled with fewer benefits and lower cost of living has made other developing countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka more preferred for garment manufacturing than the Philippines.

Movements condemning the Cambodian government’s response were also held

in London, Malaysia, and South Korea.

 

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by Zarrel Gel Noza

Two students from Liliw Central Elementary School (LCES) ranked 6^th during the Division Finals of the 2014 Metrobank-DepEd-MTAP Math Challenge held on January 30, Thursday, at Paete Elementary School, Laguna.

Aaron Jeriel Albano and Jonah Mae Esmero were among the twelve students of LCES who topped the district eliminations for the said competition held on January 16, Thursday, at Liliw Central Elementary School, Laguna.

Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge is an annual competition executed by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the Mathematics Teachers’ Association of the Philippines (MTAP) and the Department of Education (DepEd). As stated in the Department of Education Memorandum No. 205, series of 2013, the competition aims to:

• stimulate  the students’ greater interest in Mathematics;
• encourage them to strive for excellence in the said subject;
•  promote basic mathematical skills;
• discover hidden mathematical talents hidden within the;
•  enhance their leadership and cooperative skills, as well as their values of teamwork, hard work, sportsmanship, and honesty.

It covers the current DepEd Education Curriculum in Mathematics.

During the district eliminations, participants took specific exams, prepared by MTAP, according to their grade level. They were given time limits for taking the examination. Their scores were tabulated. Only the two highest scores for each school in each grade level were averaged to determine their rankings.

MOMENT OF TRUTH. Students from the district of Liliw during the orientation of the participants.

Although the participants were ranked in the district level, the rankings were sent to DepEd-Division of Laguna. Again, their scores were ranked and those who qualified for the top 20 competed for the division finals. Among the 20 qualifiers, Albano and Esmero both ranked 11.5.

FOCUSED. Math Challenge District Eliminations participants while answering their written examination.

According to Carolyn Ajunan, Liliw District Mathematics Teacher-Coordinator and coach of the grade division qualifiers form LCES, the students spent six months in preparing for the competition. They were chosen from the participants of the six sessions of the MTAP Saturday Classes. Those who excelled were qualified. They prepared by answering old MTAP examinations provided by their coaches. At first, they answered the exams by themselves to develop their own techniques in solving. Later, their coaches focused on them and reviewed them orally. Moreover, as Ajunan mentioned, the questions are pretty difficult and require lots of analysis. It was the reason why the representatives of the school were trained vigorously in answering such mathematical problems. They were also trained to answer the reviewers under time pressure so that they will be used to answer the questions fast.

However, according to Aaron Jeriel Albano, one of the students who qualified for the division level, all the efforts were paid off since the competition was able to enhance their mathematical skills and knowledge. Moreover, Ajunan stated that competitions like this widen the skills of the students. It also helps them discover their own strategies in solving different mathematical problems.

Nevertheless, the students did not for the regional finals since only the top three groups will be representing the province in the said competition.

Limians take their passion for journalism to the national level

By Judyann Sonido

 

After more than 16 years of competing in the schools press conference, Limians finally got a spot to compete in the 2014 National Schools Press Conference to be held at Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Free Port Zone, on April 7- 20, with the theme, “Campus Journalism & Transformational Leadership”.

Christian Jarce, 4th year student from Camp Vicente Lim National High School will be representing not only the school, but the whole Division of Calamba City in the 2014 NSPC.  He won 2nd place in the Editorial Cartooning, Filipino category in the 2013 Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC),  and will be competing along with two other delegates from other division in Region IV- A, CALABARZON.

The school also had five other delegates who competed in the different categories: Desktop Collaboration, Editorial Cartooning, Science and Health Writing, Editorial Writing, and Copy reading and Headline Writing, English and Filipino in the regional level. Nicole Angela Mallari, the Editor- in- chief of “The Leader” ranked 4th in the schools press conference, Desktop Collaboration, Editorial category. However, only the top three winners will advance to the national level to represent the region.

These students were chosen by their school paper advisers, Josefina de Grano, Lorna Parala, Virginia Papas, Arlene Aring, and Rodrigo Badillo, and undergone seminars and trainings  before they were able to compete. Before the regional level was the Division Schools Press Conference held at Jose Rizal Memorial School on Oct. 17, 18, and 22, 2013. Winners advanced to the regional level which was at Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Jan. 27- 31.

Series of trainings and seminars conducted were from July to September, during Saturdays . Resource speakers and trainors were invited to share their knowledge among the student journalists. Also, cliniquing sessions in the division level were conducted to make sure that all participants are ready for the competition. [See also: Cliniquing sessions ]

“The Leader” and “Ang Lider”, the school’s official gazette, publishing issues once an academic year were also official entries of Calamba City division in the regional schools press conference. The Leader won second place for the best school paper in the division level, garnering the following awards: Best Editorial, Feature, Layout and Design, Sports, Science and Health, and News page. [See: Criteria for group category ] Moreover, the Division of Calamba City ranked overall fourth in the Region IV-A, CALABARZON and garnered the total score of 4, 676.18 (2, 199.68 for the Elementary and 2, 476.50 for the Secondary level).

These awards motivated the student journalists to continue serving as the voice of the voiceless, and to show their passion for journalism. With the increasing pressure and demands of the modern day, the school’s journalism body are working hand in hand to bring back the spirit of journalism in the heart of the Limians.

“Exploration and motivation”,  these were the key words cited by Mrs. Josefina de Grano, “The Leader” adviser, when asked about their strategy in meeting the modern demands of campus journalism in Camp Vicente Lim National High School. For more than 16 years of joining  in the annual schools press conference, there are inevitable conflicts and struggles faced by the campus journalism body. “Tamad silang magbasa. Wala silang pakialam”, referring to the high school students. She enumerated the following problems in campus  journalism: audience attention, technology, and lack of focus and motivation. The school’s journalism body are finding ways to cope up with the modern generation. The conflict they say, arises from satisfying the interest of the high school students and meeting the expectations of the judges. However, with joint force and willingness shown by the student journalists, the school news paper continues its circulation.

An entry to the national schools press conference gave hope to the Limians as they continue showing their craft and passion for journalism. Through this, they are hoping that the eager for journalism will also reach the students of all level.

           

You may also want visit:

• The Leader and Ang Lider
• Association of Young Journalists of Calamba City
• Dugong Calambeño
• Dep Ed Calamba City

 

A self- drawn image of Chritian Jarce, Calamba City delegate in the 2014 National Schools Press Conference, Editorial Cartooning, Filipino category.

Photo by: Christian Jarce

 

 

 

UPLB BS Biology satisfied AUN’s criteria

By John Marnel San Pedro

 

The Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS) in UPLB received ASEAN University      Network-Quality Assurance’s accreditation on BS Biology programme this January 2014.

For having the first AUN accreditation in biology in the Philippines, IBS director Dr. Nina Cadiz said that they were overjoyed and they feel more proud after satisfying the university association’s criteria.

They need to meet the criteria required by the AUN-QA in order for them to test the quality of the course they offer.

Process they underwent

 The process that they underwent to meet the criteria was difficult, Cadiz said. They needed to work under pressure due to time limitation. IBS faculty and staff started to make their written report, as well as their “self-evaluation”, on June 2013. They did well to ensure that their report will be well-presented before the AUN-QA team reviews it.

AUN-QA team on IBS

The AUN-QA team inspected the facilities and laboratories of IBS on January 16, 17, and 18. This is to ensure that students can have full access to the laboratory equipment when they needed it and also to measure the capability of the institute to provide high quality education.

 

The AUN-QA team roaming around the IBS ground floor.

 

 

Dr. Cadiz and the AUN-QA team inspecting the laboratories.

Photos taken from The Institute of Biological Sciences, UPLB Facebook page.

What happens after the accreditation?

Now that their degree programme was AUN accredited, Cadiz said that “the mobility of the students in the ASEAN including our students here, our faculty, will increase. It will not be a problem.”

The program will allow the exchange of students and staff between UPLB and ASEAN countries. Students of BS Biology were expected to increase after the degree was approved to be quality-assured. Also, the collaboration of academic research will be easier. It was still unofficial if they will be given financial assistance from the program to improve their facilities as well as the curriculum.

 

Cadiz also said that they will continue to strengthen their programme to prove that they are eligible enough for the accreditation.

8th National Nutritional Survey

By Anna Sophia H. Ponce

 

Nutrition is valued as one the most basic human right. Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research concluded the end of the six-month nutritional assessment called the 8^th National Nutritional Survey. This will determine the malnutrition rate and other health issues existing among the Filipino families.

Results of the 7^th National Nutritional Survey showed that eight in every 10 Filipino children aged 6 months to 5 years old were not meeting the recommended energy intake while five of 10 children fall short of their protein requirement.  

“In the Philippines, two in every 10 Filipino children aged 5 and below are underweight,” according to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

The government based the decisions of addressing these problems on the results of the survey. DOST FNRI developed strategic plans to comply with one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), to end poverty and hunger by 2015. PINOY (Package for the Improvement of Nutrition of Young Children): A Nutrition Intervention Strategy. It is a feeding program focusing on infants aged from six to 35 months since this period is the most vulnerable stage of human life. Complementary food blends such as rice-mongo blend, rice-mongo-sesame blend and rice-mongo curls were fed to infants while their mothers are educated about nutrition. It was implemented in the poorest provinces of the country and even in urban areas like Antipolo City, Rizal. The results of this program showed significant effects on the mortality rate of infants as of 2012.

Consumption of brown rice was also promoted through launching of a recipe book. It was entitled Lutong FNRI: Brown Rice Recipes para sa Lahing Kayumanggi released on July 26, 2013 as part of the Smarter Living Advocacy of the Expo Science 2013 held at SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

“The National Statistics Office gives us the list of names that will be participating in the survey. These names represent their families. It means that if a name was chosen, his/her family is also included in the survey. We get their basic information, height, weight, waist girth. We also do urine collection for boys aged from six to 12 years old and for girls aged from 15 to 45 years old regardless of lactation and pregnancy. This is done to identify whether iodine deficiency and other diseases are existing within the age bracket,” said Diana Jean Guarico, one of the mobile nurses of DOST.          

Results and statistical analysis are expected to come out early this year.

 

 

See Related Articles: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1770

http://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/2012-05-23-07-46-36/r-d-updates/5692-fnri-dost-develops-dost-pinoy-a-nutrition-intervention-strategy

http://www.stii.dost.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=167:dosts-pinoy-program-to-make-antipolo-kids-healthier&catid=39:latest

No Measles Outbreak

By Dee Urtua

There is still no outbreak. This is the statement of Los Baños Municipal Health Office (MHO) Director when asked about the case of measles in the municipality in view of the reported measles outbreak in some towns and cities in the country.

World Health Organization (WHO) defines an outbreak is the occurrence of cases of disease in excess of what would normally be expected.

Doctor Alvin Isidoro, the MHO Director, clarified that there are confirmed eight cases as of January 20. But, the MHO is still expecting more because there are still reported but unconfirmed cases of measles. These cases were the people who have the symptoms of measles. There are a few people who visit the health units to consult and/or have a free vaccination.

He also added that the case of Los Banos is “not as severe” as those of Quezon City and Manila. Recently, the Department of Health announced that there is no outbreak as well in Quezon City. (Link: http://www.mb.com.ph/no-measles-outbreak-in-qc-2/)

As of last month, the MHO Director said that the municipality has not enough vaccines for the outbreak. He explained that areas were being prioritized according to the severity of the case like in the aforementioned cities.

Isidoro further explained that it was the national government who gives the free vaccine and not the local government unit. Usually, the local government does not provide such because it is very costly for them.

On a final note, he said that measles are “preventable” but “…if we increase … the vaccination, the people have nothing to worry.” He also believes that informing the people about the control and management of the disease will further prevent the spread of the disease.

Measles: Definition and Prevention

World Health Organization  (attach: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs286/en/ ) (WHO) defines measles as a “highly contagious and serious disease.” It is air-borne, which means anyone near the carrier can be infected. Unvaccinated people have a high risk of contracting the disease. It is spread when the person infected coughs, sneezes, or shares their food.

As the WHO says, there is still no treatment for the viral disease. Though, there is prevention, which is the vaccination. The WHO also reports that a person can be immune forever if he/she contracts the disease already.

In the country, measles has been included in the Philippine Global Health Initiative. (Attach: http://www.ghi.gov/whereWeWork/docs/PhilippinesStrategy.pdf) Under the Millennium Development Goal 4 or the child mortality rate, the Philippines, as well as the other countries who signed in the MDG, aims to reduce child mortality to two-thirds by 2015. Measles was seen to contribute in the child mortality rate so it was included in the monitoring.

The mother smiled for her daughter as the girl cries for the injection of measles vaccine done by Asec. Doctor Eric Tayag. Photo Credit: Department of Health

Related stories that might interest you:

• http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/01/07/1275992/doh-sees-no-quick-end-measles-outbreak
• http://boholchronicle.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1575:doh-declares-measles-outbreaks-in-5-metro-manila-cities&catid=67:justb4&Itemid=232