Cebu business sector to hold 1st Cebu Creative Industries Summit
By: Minerva BC Newman
CEBU, June 9 (PIA) -- In celebration of the 15th year of the Cebu Business Month (CBM) this June, theCebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Cebu Provincial Office and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) in partnership with multi-sector groups and stakeholders will hold the “1st CEBU CREATIVE INDUSTRIES SUMMIT on June 21 – 22 at the City Sports Club Cebu at the Cebu Business Park, Cebu City.
Organizers described the activity as the first Summit of its kind in Cebu. They are expecting key participants from various business, academic and government organizations in Cebu such as small & medium enterprises, aspiring and start-up entrepreneurs, industry associations/business support organizations, national agencies/bureaus, and LGUs.
With theme “Entrepreneurship Interface with Creativity and Innovation,” the 2-day Summit will feature the creative industries as the country’s new growth sector and a source for business and economic opportunities as well as a promising avenue to expand strategic alliances and business tie-ups.
The Summit will also present valuable insights, updates, discussions, and action programs on creativity and innovation as drivers of economic development in the Philippines and the world market.
It will also tackle areas that include appreciation on the practical value of intellectual property (IP) rights and to promote the exchange of knowledge, experiences and approaches to creative entrepreneurship and “techno-preneurship.”
The business sector is also expected to share best practices on creativity and innovation for business excellence, growth and global competitiveness.
For details contact the Summit Secretariat at tel. nos. 253-2631 local 18; 412-1863; fax: 254-0840; 412-1856 (look for Tessie Emphasis or Kim Estalani), or email at cebubusinessmonth2011@gmail.com. (PIA-7/mbcn & DTI-Cebu)
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Vice Mayors prove they are not spare tires
By Adi A. Ulbinario
BALAMBAN, Cebu, June 9 (PIA) --- Balamban vice mayor, Rosario Binghay was recently proclaimed as the president of the Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines-Regional Chapter (VMLP- Region 7) after majority of the Vice mayors of region 7 voted for her during the election of the VMLP Officers a few months after the 2010 national and local elections.
One of the major projects VMLP has accomplished was the construction of a one-classroom school building at Carcar City which was inaugurated early this year.
This was actually a continuation of the project initiated by her son and who was the 2007 to 2010 VMLP President -Cebu Chapter Ace Stefan Binghay and now LGU Balamban’s Municipal Mayor.
As agreed by the leagues, five municipalities shall be the recipients of a one-classroom school building through a raffle draw and this goes on until all cities and municipalities in the province shall have been able to construct such building,
As former league president, Mayor Ace on behalf of the Local Government Unit of Balamban (LGU) recently donated P100T to the league as the LGU’s assistance to the various projects of the VMLP.
Another activity VMLP did was a 4-cock derby held at the Gallera de Mandaue, Mandaue City on April 28, 2011 the proceeds which were spent for the various projects of the league.
Upcoming activities like the VMLP 4th Visayas Congress in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental in July 2011 is slated to focus on giving benefit to the local constituents of the respective municipalities and cities in the country.(PIA-7/mbcn & Balamban LGU/AAU)
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Cebu trainers get workshop on insecticide resistance management
By: Angie P. Amodia
CEBU CITY, June 8 (PIA)---Almost 100 trainers from different parts of Cebu were trained on insecticide resistance management yesterday at Diamond Suites and Residences, Cebu City.
The workshop was sponsored by Croplife Philippines and Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) International in partnership with the Regional Field Office of the Department Agriculture (DA).
Dr Luis A. Teixeira, an Entomologist and member of IRAC International, said that the workshop aims to promote integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to prevent the development of resistant strains of major insect pests on cabbage and eggplant.
The trainers were trained by the experts from IRAC and those trained will likewise train all the farmers all over Cebu.
They were taught how to alternate or rotate the pesticides they used so as to disrupt the evolution of resistance of the insects to the pesticides sprayed.
They were also introduced to the various mode of action (MoA) wherein chemicals target specific body parts of the insect and eventually control their production.
Dr. Teixeira explained that it is not enough to change the brand of the pesticides since there is a possibility that the other brand will also have the same mode of action as to the first.
However, the workshop emphasized that it will not totally eradicate the pests but will control them. Dr Teixeira encourages all the farmers to use the pesticide professionally and used it the way it should be. (PIA 7/mbcn/APA)
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Early detection drive avoids kidney failure
| By: Aileen G. Limutan CEBU CITY, June 8 (PIA) --- “Early detection can save your life”, said Vicento Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) Transplant Surgeon Dr. Alvin Roxas emphasizing the importance of kidney in our health in an AGIO forum held recently at the Department of Health. The statement is not just in view of the National Kidney month with the theme, “Bato Kong Alay Bago Mong Buhay” but as well as the value of kidney being one of the most important organs of our body that performs a wide range of vital functions. One of the basic ways in detecting kidney problems is through urinalysis as mentioned by Dr. Roxas. However, Roxas urges the public not to interpret their result and let the specialist examine it so as to determine the true condition of their kidney. “Do not interpret your laboratory result…. let the experts do it,” Roxas stressed. Early detection according to Roxas is important to lessen the increasing number of persons having kidney failures every year. It is because there is a problem with the number of donors worldwide. Dr. Roxas stated, “There is a global shortage of organs,” adding the reasons for this shortage are; it is not easy to donate and we do not have very active disease organ program. With this problem, Roxas stresses healthy lifestyle that is also the key to avoid any kidney problem. Some common risk factors of kidney failure mentioned by Roxas are prolonged used of pain reliever, overtaking medicines, eating unhealthy foods, diabetes, high blood pressure, hereditary, obesity, and age 50 and above. At some part of the forum, Roxas shared a story which gives an emphasis of the 2 kidneys God gave to us humans. He said we have two kidneys “One to care and one to share”. (PIA-7/mbcn/AGL) |
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Campus journalists, com students, advisers invited to media conference
CEBU, June 8 (PIA) --- Campus journalists, communication students and advisers are invited to a media conference organized and sponsored by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) on June 23-24, 2011 at the Makati Sports Club.
The two-day press meet has “Challenges in a Rapidly Changing Media Landscape” for its central theme.
PAPI president, Juan Dayang said journalists and media and all other communication stakeholders must take positive initiatives to optimize if not maximize the opportunities that rapid changes in science and technology have to offer.
Dayang went on that the key to this technological quantum leap lies in the magnificent developments in computer science and technology.
He added that new and newer inventions and discoveries in this field have, in turn, given birth to the “brave new world” of Information Technology.
"It is in this quadrant that people are caught in immense challenges in this ever changing media landscape," Dayang commented.
Further information and registration requirements about the 2011 midyear media conference may be secured from the PAPI Secretariat located at Suite 103-C, Intramuros, Corporate Plaza, Recoletos St., Intramuros, Manila.
Interested parties may contact Nelson Santos, Joseph Punay (09287329318); or Johnny Nunez (09396418666) or e-mail PAPI at papi_secretariat@yahoo.com. (PIA-7/MBCNewman & reports from PAPI)
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5 OWWA scholars in C.Visayas graduate with honors
by: Juju S. Manubag
CEBU CITY, June 8 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration(OWWA) Scholarship Program produced five graduates with honors in Central Visayas last March out of the 12 scholars in the region for school year 2010-2011.
The five scholars in Central Visayas who graduated cum laude are Sharlyn Mae Bacalso, BS Acccountancy at University of San Carlos; Carlino Phelias Limbaga, BS Chemistry at Cebu Normal University; Katrina Sison, BS Accountancy at the University of San Carlos; Ma. Xiela Villahermosa, BS Accountancy at the University of San Jose-Recolletos; and Marianne Evin, BS Math at Cebu Normal University.
OWWA-7’s Allyson Tanupan released the list of OWWA scholar graduates in Central Visayas to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Cebu.
The other seven OWWA scholars who graduated are Ann Krisielda Tagaro, BS Nursing at Holy Name University; Mc Bride Tayong, BS Computer Engineeringat the University of San Jose-Recolletos; Angelo Jonathan Anunciado, BS Nursing at the Cebu City Medical Center College of Nursing; Christine Fhebe Mae Benting, BS Nursing at Velez College; Francis Michael Pagulong, BS Electronics and Communication Engineering at Don Bosco Technology Center; Rosemary Roque, BS Nursing at Cebu Doctor’s University; and Keith Jeremy Satinigan, BS Nursing at Cebu Normal University.
The 12 CV scholars formed part of the top 100 nationwide passers of theOWWA scholarship grant that were given free education through the OWWA’s Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) and theEducation for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP).
The EDSP is a scholarship grant offered to any qualified OFW beneficiary or dependent who wants to enroll in any four-to-five-year baccalaureate course. Scholars are selected annually through a national competitive examination jointly conducted by OWWA and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Under the EDSP program, qualified scholars are entitled to a financial assistance or grant amounting to P60,000 per semester and the scholarship grant continues until the completion of the four or five years baccalaureate course of each beneficiary regardless of the status of the OFW’s membership after the Scholarship Agreement was completed and approved, according to OWWA-7s Information Officer Rudella Gimena.
Meanwhile, OWWA-7 recently closed its acceptance for scholarship application for the coming school year and is now in the selection process for the 12 slots allotted for the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (OFWDSP) in Central Visayas.
OFWDSP is a scholarship program that offers financial assistance to qualified dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who receive a monthly salary of US$400.00 or below.
The scholars or grantees of the OFWDSP shall be entitled to a Php10,000.00/semester financial assistance that will cover the tuition and other academic-related expenses which shall be released on a semester basis plus a Php100,000.00 group health and accident insurance coverage.
The applicant need not take an OWWA scholarship exam but must pass the qualifying or entrance examination conducted by the State Colleges or Universities or any Commission on Higher Education (CHED) accredited educational institution located in the region. (FCR/JSM/PIA 7-Cebu)
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LGUs should not only pass but implement anti-smoking ordinance, DOH-7 says
By Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU CITY, June 8 (PIA) -- The advocacy on anti-smoking does not end with the passage of a local ordinance by local government units (LGUs) but by the firm implementation of the same law that they have drafted to protect the general public from the hazards of tobacco use.
Anti-smoking advocate Dr. Juditha Tawatao of the Department of Health (DOH) -7 issued the statement amid the difficult challenge of persuading LGUs not merely to implement programs on anti-smoking and to pass a similar ordinance but to have the political will to implement the same law.
Tawatao, the DOH-7 section chief of the Non-Communicable Diseases Program during the PIA Kapihan this morning that tackled the anti-smoking program lamented that there are LGUs that have existing local ordinance on anti-smoking, which is also mandated under the Clean Air Act, but the implementation of the law is weak.
“What is the use of drafting an ordinance if the LGU does not have the political will to implement it?” Tawatao stressed.
The DOH is advocating for a healthy lifestyle including non-smoking as smokers are predisposed to a number of diseases including lung cancer.
“Cancer is the top four cause of mortality rate in the country which, more or less, is the same in the region,” according to Tawatao.
Tawatao lauded the Municipality of Amlan in Negros Oriental for being a 100-percent free-smoking town as the local government unit is set to receive the Red Orchid Award sometime in July.
Out of the four provinces in Central Visayas, Negros Oriental has the most positive response towards the Anti-Smoking Program of the DOH, Tawatao said. She cited other towns that showed strong political will in implementing a smoking ban such as Zamboanguita, Ayumon and Mabinay as the health official said that “Dumaguete City will soon pass its anti-smoking ordinance.”
In Cebu, there are five towns that have existing local ordinance on anti-smoking but the implementation is not that firm, according to the DOH-7 official. The towns mentioned were Tuburan, Tabuelan, Dalaguete, and Santander as well as the cities of Danao and Cebu.
Tawatao said she plans to make an appointment with Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama on the amended city ordinance on anti-smoking revising the earlier approved 10 meters to two meters the distance from the entrance and exit of buildings where smokers are allowed to smoke.
“The current two-meter distance from the entrance and exit of buildings where smokers could smoke renders the campaign ineffective as non-smokers are still at risk in inhaling the second-hand smoke within the air,” Tawatao disclosed.
Tawatao placed emphasis that they are not against smokers but that the need to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke is a right and that there should be a proper place for smokers that will not put at risk public health. (PIA 7-Cebu)
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BSP assures enough coins supply
by Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, June 8 (PIA) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr. assured the public that there is enough coins produced, however, these are not circulating efficiently due to low regard towards denominated- coins.
BSP Governor made the assurance during the inauguration of the BSP Dumaguete Branch Building and launching of the Economic and Financial Learning program together in full force with members of the Monetary Board on June 8.
The perceived shortage of coins may be brought about by inadvertently stored of coins by the public.
The BSP official pointed out that we should have more than enough of the low-denominated coins going around at a ratio of 150 or even more coins for every Filipino.
However, to improve the recirculation of coins, the BSP is intensifying the ‘Tulong Barya Para sa Eskwela’ program, investment in projects and facilities that would ensure the efficient circulation of issued coins, getting the involvement of retail and financial sectors in these endeavors, and conduct of public awareness campaigns, said Tetangco.
This campaign aims to make all sectors of society fully realize the importance of coins and to cultivate the habit of regularly using them in giving payments and exact change.
BSP Monetary Board member Juanita Amatong from Negros Oriental said BSP has minted 15.6 billion pieces of coins worth P16.9B, if these are not circulated, the BSP will be forced to keep on producing coins, which is a costly process.
Amatong urged the public to bring out coins that have long been stored in drawers, piggy banks and even in coin- operated businesses. (PIA NegOr/JCT)
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Health authorities in Cebu call on public to be vigilant
against dengue with the onset of the rainy season
by Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU CITY, June 8 (PIA) -- Health authorities here are again reminding the public to be vigilant with the onset of the rainy season as incidence of dengue cases is anticipated to rise during the wet period.
Dr. Lee James Maratas, Head of the Pediatric Department of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) during the Kapihan sa PIA this morning said they have recorded an increase number of hospital admissions due to dengue from January to April, this year compared to the same period of 2010.
“From January to April, this year, dengue cases admitted to the city hospital reached 271 compared to the 225 cases of the same period last year or a recorded increase of 46 cases,” Maratas disclosed.
Case fatality rate at the city hospital for the first four months last year witnessed three deaths while the same period this year had two deaths, this is learned.
Maratas was quick to point out that the volume is “not alarming as we do not even know if the patients were all residents of Cebu City” per their policy not to turn away any patient needing immediate medical attention.
Most of the admitted patients were children ranging from five years to nine years of age, Maratas claimed.
“I call out to parents, health workers and school authorities as well as the community in general to be vigilant and help inform and educate the public on the dangers of dengue,” Maratas said.
A critical advice given by the city doctor to parents is to seek early medical consultation if their children have fever that has persisted at the very least for two days.
“Let us not be complacent if any of our children has fever because this is one classic symptom of dengue,” Maratas declared and added that “dengue is preventable and it is up to us how to prevent it. We need to be proactive such as constant cleaning of our surroundings and throwing away the water that has settled in any container to rid the breeding sites of the Aedes Mosquitoes.”
Dr. James Chin, medical specialist of the government-manned Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) on the other hand, said the number of hospital admissions due to dengue in their facility has gone down.
“From January to May, this year, our monthly admissions due to dengue has decreased from 112 in January down to 72 cases in both February and March then dipped to 50 cases in April which further decreased to 40 cases as of May 14 or a total of 346 cases for the past five months this year,” Chin reported in the same PIA forum.
Chin said the 346 total dengue cases from January to May, this year is a far cry from an average monthly admission of 100 dengue cases of the same period last year or at the very least 500 cases for the five-month period.
Only one death out of the 346 dengue cases was recorded this year while about 60 to 70 percent of the dengue admissions at the VSMMC are pediatric cases, Chin said.
Chin attributed the decline in dengue cases to the vigilance of parents and health workers and the education drive of the government and other stakeholders in the fight against the deadly dengue disease.
Both CCMC and VSMMC said they have established express lanes for dengue and suspected dengue cases.
The Department of Health (DOH)-7 meanwhile has distributed flyers and brochures to media on how to prevent dengue as part of their information and education campaign drive especially with the onset of the rainy season. (PIA 7-Cebu)