2023 November Archive - People's Balita

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Archive for November, 2023

Bridging Healthcare with the Power of Language: OET Spotlights Filipino Healthcare Workers

Posted on: November 30th, 2023 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

In the face of global healthcare staff shortages, exacerbated by aging populations and escalating demands, the need for not just skilled, but highly competent medical professionals who can deliver safe and effective care has never been more urgent.

In a healthcare environment, effective communication could literally be a matter of life and death. As a result, strong and certified English communication skills are not just crucial, but a universal expectation of every healthcare service provider worldwide.

However, attaining the necessary English skills required for global employability can be challenging. Local healthcare workers need to undergo rigorous training and preparation to be equipped with the mental acuity and test skills to take high-stakes language tests. The lack of access to effective medical English training tailored to their needs limits the opportunities available and leads to lower-than-expected salaries for thousands of Filipino healthcare professionals.

The OET Test, an English test designed to mirror the language used in healthcare workplaces, was introduced over 30 years ago for this very reason – to provide robust training, development, and assessment of the English communication skills that healthcare professionals need to excel in the global healthcare stage.

As the provider of the leading English language test designed specifically for healthcare, OET was established in 2013 and has since set the global benchmark for workplace medical English. The company has equipped hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals across more than 100 countries with world-class language expertise aligned to international standards.

The OET Test assesses healthcare professionals in reading, writing, listening, and speaking using real workplace scenarios and healthcare terminology. These results accurately reflect an individual’s ability to communicate in an English-speaking healthcare setting, offering medical workers boundless options for practice and competency here or abroad.

At the recent launch of OET’s partnerships with healthcare organizations in the country, themed: ‘Advancing Healthcare Communication in the Philippines: OET’s Role in Enabling Collaboration,’ company leaders underscored its mission to empower healthcare professionals. They spoke to OET’s latest collaborations with the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), Dr. Carl Balita Group of Companies, and a number of Philippine universities aiming to equip Filipino healthcare workers with world-class language skills and extended career opportunities abroad.

“At OET, our goal is to enable healthcare professionals to have the English language and communication abilities required to provide exceptional and safe care wherever they choose to work.” said Sujata Stead, CEO of OET.

“We are honored to collaborate with outstanding local partners to support Filipino healthcare workers in furthering their careers while advancing healthcare access and outcomes across the Philippines,” she added.

The partnerships are poised to launch various initiatives that will improve Filipino medical professionals’ English proficiency, allowing them to confidently use English in healthcare settings and prepare for licensure examinations. Future CPD-accredited seminars on OET’s expert-developed English language learning at minimal to no cost are also on the horizon, aiming to elevate the English communication competency of healthcare service providers.

“Through our partnerships with local medical organizations, we’re delivering healthcare workers the tools to connect with patients, understand their needs, and provide care that transcends cultural barriers. It’s about empowering our Filipino healthcare professionals with the confidence to thrive in any environment. This is what drives us at OET – turning language proficiency into a bridge for better healthcare.” said Krizelle Kilicaslan, Regional Manager at OET.

At the event, OET also named May Parsons, the Filipina nurse who administered the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine, as the company’s global ambassador. For OET, this strategic partnership signifies a crucial step toward enabling Philippine nurses, physical therapists, and other medical professionals to access internationally recognized training development and English proficiency certifications.

“Ensuring patient safety and delivering quality care means healthcare workers must have an excellent command of medical English, whether working locally or abroad. I’m excited to team up with OET to help advance career opportunities for fellow Filipino healthcare professionals,” said May Parsons, global ambassador for OET.

This collaboration is expected to inspire thousands of Filipino healthcare workers to realize their full potential in local and global healthcare settings.

By setting the global benchmark for workplace medical English, OET aims to empower Filipino talent and connect opportunities abroad while elevating the quality of healthcare in the Philippines.

If you are a Filipino nurse or healthcare provider interested in advancing your career and enhancing communication skills, you are invited to join the OET fairs. Learn how OET can help elevate your career and hear expert advice from OET partners May Parsons and the Dr. Carl Balita Review Centre.

Events are held across Luzon:

● Manila – December 2, (1:00 PM-5:00 PM), Philippine Nurses Association Inc.

● Quezon City – December 3, (9:30 AM-12:00 PM), Trinity University of Asia

● Pampanga – December 4, (9:30 AM-12:00 PM), University of the Assumption Domus Mariae

Join the OET fairs to get a chance to win a free OET Test! Click here to register.

Additional Reference:

https://oet.com/discover/about-oet/leadership

https://oet.com/discover/why-choose-oet

https://oet.com/discover/about-oet/the-test

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupational_English_Test

Photo captions:

Leading English test provider OET launches key partnerships in the Philippines to elevate healthcare outcomes through effective communications. In photo from left to right: Krizelle Kilicaslan, Regional Manager, OET, Sujata Stead, Chief Executive Officer, OET, Arnell Ignacio, OWWA Administrator, and Tom Keenan, Regional Director – APAC, OET.

May Parsons (left), renowned Filipino nurse and OET Global Ambassador and Sujata Stead (right), CEO of OET, provider of the leading English test for healthcare, present at OET’s partnership launch in the Philippines.

Good governance tinitiyak ng LGU ng Quezon City

Posted on: November 30th, 2023 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

TINIYAK ni Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte sa kanyang mga nasasakupan na ipagpapatuloy ng kanyang administrasyon ang Good Governance na kasalukuyang tinatamasa ng lungsod Quezon.

Sa katatapos na State of the City Address, sinabi ng Alkalde na kung susumahin ang nagawa ng ating lokal na pamahalaan, masasabing malayo na ang narating, ngunit malayo pa ang maaaring abutin. Dagdag pa ni Belmonte, hindi lang natatanaw ang magandang kinabukasan at ramdam na ramdam na ito ng ating mga mamamayan.

Matatandaan na bago maupo si Belmonte bilang local chief executive ng Quezon City, ay mayroon lamang 16 billion pesos na tax collection ang lungsod. At nang magsimula na syang manungkulan noong 2019 ay umabot ang tax collection ng LGU sa 19.3 billion pesos at mula noon ay naging consistent sa pagtaas at ngayong Oktubre ay nasa 20.3 billion pesos na ang nakokolekta ng City Treasurer’s Office at inaasahang aabot pa ito sa 21 Billion pesos sa pagtatapos ng taon.

Paliwanag pa ng Alkalde, 38% o aabot sa 13.4 billion pesos ang nagamit sa social services ng lungsod, 5 billion pesos sa edukasyon at 3.4 billion pesos naman sa infrastructure development.

Sa kabila ng malaking budget, tinitiyak ni Belmonte na ang lahat ng pera ay nagagamit nang tama at maayos at ang lahat ay well accounted for hanggang sa kahuli-hulihang sentimo. Patunay aniya diyan ang mga parangal na natatanggap ng lungsod mula sa Commission on Audit. (PAUL JOHN REYES)

Pasinaya sa Casa De Polo at paglulunsad ng Coffee Table Book at Cultural Night sa Valenzuela

Posted on: November 30th, 2023 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

BILANG bahagi ng pagwawakas ng selebrasyon ng ika-400 founding anniversary, pinasinayaan ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Valenzuela ang Casa de Polo sa pangunguna ni Mayor WES Gatchalian, kasama ang panauhing pandangal na si first lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.

Kasunod nito, ang paglulunsad ng coffee table book ng lungsod na nagha-highlight sa kasaysayan at pag-unlad ng Valenzuela sa nakalipas na 400 taon at ng “Cultural Night”, isang culminating program na nagpapakita ng pagsiklab ng makasaysayang pagkakakilanlan ng lungsod.

Naganap ang tatlong mahahalagang pangyayaring ito sa Casa de Polo, Brgy., Poblacion,

Ang inagurasyon ay isang kasaysayan at koneksyon ng Valenzuela sa mga unang Marcos, at para sa isang maikling background, mula sa pagiging isang kakaibang munisipalidad, ang Polo ay naging isang malayang bayan noong ika-12 ng Nobyembre 1623.

Ang Polo noon ay nakilala bilang Valenzuela City; nakipag-ugnayan sa Metropolitan Manila noong 1975 na pinamunuan noon ni Governess at First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, at sa huli ay naging isang highly urbanized na lungsod noong 1998.

Sa kanyang welcoming remarks, binigyang-diin ni Mayor Wes ang kahalagahan ng pagdiriwang ng ika-400 anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag ng lungsod at nagpahayag ng kanyang pasasalamat sa mga taong nagtrabaho sa likod ng matagumpay na serye ng pagdiriwang.

“Sa ating pagba-balik-tanaw, malugod ko po kayong tina-tanggap sa ating selebrasyon ng Valenzuela 400! Sa pamamagitan ng temang ‘kasaysayan at kaunlaran,’ samahan niyo po ako sa paglingon sa aming makulay na nakaraan, nang ang Valenzuela ay isa pa lamang bayan ng agrikultura; pagbubunyi sa aming kasalukuyan, bilang isang hinahangaang, multi-awarded industrial city; at pagtanaw sa aming kinabukasan, bilang isang maunlad na liveable city,” aniya.

Samantala, ang coffee table book ay pinamagatang, “Valenzuela: History and Progress” na nagtatampok ng walkthrough ng pamana ng lungsod; pagsubaybay sa mga kahanga-hangang kaganapan mula sa lumang bayan ng Polo hanggang sa unti-unting pagbabago nito sa isang urbanisadong lungsod.

Ang “Cultural Night” naman ay isang fashion presentation na nagbibigay-pugay sa kasaysayan at pamana ng kultura ng Valenzuela kung saan ipinakita ang mga gawa ng tatlong pangunahing designers of the fashion industry ng lungsod at ng bansa. (Richard Mesa)

NILAGDAAN ni Mayor John Rey Tiangco

Posted on: November 30th, 2023 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

NILAGDAAN ni Mayor John Rey Tiangco, kasama ang 21 na mga estudyante at kanilang mga magulang ang memorandum of agreement para sa NavotaAs Ulirang Pamilyang Mangingisda at Art Scholarship para sa school year 2023-2024. Kabilang sa batch na ito ang anim na Fisherfolk scholars at 15 Art scholars. (Richard Mesa)

Kilalang elepante na si Mali pumanaw na

Posted on: November 30th, 2023 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

PUMANAW na ang nag-iisang elepante ng Manila Zoo na si Mali.

Kinumpirma ni Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna ang pagpanaw ni Vishwamali o kilala bilang si Mali na pumanaw nitong 3:45 ng hapon ng Martes.

Isinagawa ng mga beterinaryo ang necropsy para malaman ang naging dahilan ng pagpanaw ni Mali.

Si Mali ay dinala sa Pilipinas galing sa Sri Lanka noong 1977 bilang regalo kay dating First Lady Imelda Marcos.

Base sa World Wide Fund for Nature na ang mga wild elephants ay kayang mabuhay mula 60 hanggang 70 taon.

Pasinaya sa Casa De Polo at paglulunsad ng Coffee Table Book at Cultural Night sa Valenzuela

Posted on: November 30th, 2023 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

Naganap ang tatlong mahahalagang pangyayaring ito sa Casa de Polo, Brgy., Poblacion,

DA, pinaigting ang pagsisikap para gawing makabago ang sektor ng bigas sa Pinas

Posted on: November 30th, 2023 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

PINAIGTING ng Department of Agriculture (DA) ang pagsisikap nito na gawing makabago ang “rice farming sector” sa bansa.

Sinabi ni Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. na pinaigting ng DA ang ginagawa nito para gawing makabago ang pagsasaka, magtayo ng mas maraming agricultural infrastructure at i-adopt ang pinakabagong teknolohiya para i-improve ang rice production, dagdagan ang ani sa sakahan at suplay ng palay, bawasan ang pag-angkat at ibaba ang presyo ng national food staple.

Sa naging talumpati ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa Ugnay Palay: The 35th National Rice R4D Conference sa Nueva Ecija na binasa ni Laurel, winika ng Pangulo na ina-adopt niya ang science-based approach sa rice farming para itaas ang ani at makapagtatag ng “a sustainable rice value chain.”

“I am optimistic that all concerned government agencies, partners, and stakeholders will continue to explore ways to enhance existing agricultural technologies to improve and strengthen the rice industry, in line with our goal of a food-secure nation,” ayon pa rin sa naging talumpati ni Pangulong Marcos na binasa ng Kalihim.

“Rest assured that the government shall continue to give primacy to research and development to ensure a sustainable rice value chain. We will also continue to support the initiatives undertaken by the PhilRice in introducing modern agricultural biotechnology to improve rice production,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos.

Gayunman, sinabi ni Laurel na ang pamahalaan ay “is moving, with a sense of urgency” para palawakin ang irrigation coverage, maglagay ng mas maraming drying facilities at iba pang imprastraktura na kailangan para malakas ang ani ng bigas.

“Ultimately, our aim is to minimize rice importation to achieve food security and sufficiency,” ayon kay Laurel.

Ang pagsusulong naman para sa agricultural modernization ay nakatuon sa equally important sectors gaya ng “livestock, poultry, fisheries at high value crops” para matiyak na ang abot-kaya na food items ay “available at accessible” sa mga Filipino consumers.

Tinukoy ang data ng DA, sinabi ni Laurel na “that with improved rice harvest so far this year, the country has imported around 2.8 million tons, “one million tons less than the volume of grains bought from abroad last year.”

Sinabi pa ni Laurel na ang pagbabawas sa pag-angkat ng bigas at iba pang agricultural products ay dapat na makatulong sa kita ng magsasaka at mangingisda, makalikha ng mas maraming hanapbuhay sa sektor na nakapagbibigay sa isa sa apat na Filipino at baligtarin ang lumiliit na kalakaran sa ambag ng agrikultura sa paglago ng ekonomiya. (Daris Jose)

PBBM, magpapartisipa sa ‘Climate Change Convention’ sa Dubai

Posted on: November 30th, 2023 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

NAKATAKDANG lumipad si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. patungong Dubai, araw ng Huwebes, para magpartisipa sa 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), ilang buwan matapos siyang imbitahin ng United Arab Emirates (UAE) government nito lamang Hunyo ng taong kasalukuyan.

Personal kasi na inimbitahan ni UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Al-Zaabi si Pangulong Marcos na dumalo sa COP28 nang mag- courtesy visit ang una kay Pangulong Marcos sa Palasyo ng Malakanyang noong Hunyo 13, 2023.

Sa naging talumpati ng Pangulo sa isinagawang turn-over ceremony ng P541.44-million People’s Survival Fund (PSF) sa anim na local government units sa Palasyo ng Malakanyang, araw ng Miyerkules, sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos na gagamitin niya ang COP28 para manawagan sa global community na manatiling committed sa climate change mitigation programs.

“We will use this platform to rally to global community and call upon nations to honor their commitments, particularly in climate financing,” ayon sa Pangulo.

Binigyang diin na ang Pilipinas ay “once again poised to lead” sa pagpupulong.

Sa kabilang dako, binigyang diin pa rin ng Punong Ehekutibo ang kahalagahan ng COP28 sa Pilipinas sa pagiging “most vulnerable countries” sa epekto ng climate change sa buong mundo. wrld.

“And so, we must do our part here in the Philippines,” ayon sa Punong Ehekutibo.

“But we must also take the lead when it comes to the global move and the global aspiration that those most vulnerable communities around the world will somehow be assisted by the developing countries when it comes to these measures to mitigate and to adapt to climate change,” dagdag na pahayag ng Pangulo.

Winika pa nito na ang “climate change mitigation” ay hindi lamang responsibilidad ng gobyerno kundi nng lahat ng mga mamamayang Filipino. (Daris Jose)

PBBM, magkakaroon ng 12 o higit pang bilateral talks sa sidelines ng COP28 — DFA

Posted on: November 30th, 2023 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

TINATAYANG aabot sa 12 o higit pa ang bilateral meetings ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., sa sidelines ng Conference of the Parties o COP28 sa Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Gayunman, sa press briefing sa Malakanyang, nilinaw ni Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Almojuela na ang nasabing bilateral meetings ay “still subject of consultations.”

Sa kabilang dako, nakatakdang umalis si Pangulong Marcos patungong Dubai, Huwebes ng umaga para magpartisipa sa COP28.

”At this point, these bilateral meetings re subject of consultations and I think we will have more clarity on which meetings will take place,” ayon kay Almojuela.

At nang tanungin kung ilang bansa ang magkakaroon ng pagpupulong kasama ang Pangulo, sinabi ni Almojuela na “Maybe a dozen or more because some of these requests are made in the venue during the… at the sidelines so we are not sure this time. Right now we are working on a dozen bilateral meetings for the President.”

Tinuran pa ni Almojuela na ia-address din ng Pangulo ang World Climate Action Summit kasama ang ibang lider.

“The first program of December 1 for the President is the opening of the Philippine Pavilion. Shortly after, he will be the keynote speaker in side event that we are organizing together with the Government of Kenya and the IOM Director General,” ayon kay Almojuela.

”This side event will be about the Philippines leading and pushing for a stronger global consensus, and the next is between climate change and migration,” ang pahayag pa rin ni Almojuela.

Aniya, mahigit sa 140 heads of states, governments at royalties ang nagkumpirma ng kanilang pagdalo sa COP28.

Kabilang naman sa magiging agenda ay ang gawing mabilis ang energy transition, delivering at enhancing climate finance, at tiyakin and katatagan ng food systems.”

”I believe that the President’s engagements will reflect the priority that the Philippines attaches to all these thematic agenda of the conference,” ayon kay Almojuela. (Daris Jose)

Gobyerno ng Pinas, NDF nagkasundo sa “principled, peaceful armed conflict resolution”

Posted on: November 30th, 2023 by @peoplesbalita No Comments

KAPWA nagkasundo ang gobyerno ng Pilipinas at National Democratic Front (NDF), political wing ng Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) sa isang “principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict.”

Matapos na lagdaan ng Philippine government at NDF ang isang joint statement sa Oslo, Norway noong Nobyembre 23.

“Cognizant of the serious socioeconomic and environmental issues, and the foreign security threats facing the country, the parties recognize the need to unite as a nation in order to urgently address these challenges and resolve the reasons for the armed conflict,” ayon kay Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. sa press briefing sa Palasyo ng Malakanyang.

“The parties agree to a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict. Resolving the roots of the armed conflict and ending the armed struggle shall pave the way for the transformation of the CPP-NPA (New People’s Army)-NDFP,” dagdag na wika nito.

“Acknowledging the “deep-rooted” socio-economic and political grievances, both parties agreed to come up with a framework that sets the priorities for the peace negotiation,” aniya pa rin.

Ang hakbang ani Galvez ay naglalayon na makamit ang “relevant socioeconomic and political reforms towards a just and lasting peace.”

“Such framework, that will set the parameters for the final peace agreement, shall be agreed upon by both parties. Consequently, we envision and look forward to a country where a united people can live in peace and prosperity,” ayon kay Galvez.

“This Joint Communique highlights a significant milestone in the quest of the Filipino people to achieve peace, reconciliation, and unity,” aniya pa rin.

Ang Joint Statement ay produkto ng serye ng “informal discussions” na isinagawa sa Netherlands at Norway na nagsimula noong 2022 sa pagitan ng mga emisaryo ng Philippine government at NDF, na may suporta at tulong mula sa Royal Norwegian Government.

Nilagdaan ito nina Galvez, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, at NDF national executive council member Luis Jalandoni, negotiating panel interim chairperson Julieta de Lima, at panel member Coni Ledesma.

Binigyang diin ni Galvez na wala ng ipagpapatuloy na pag-uusap dahil sa aniya’y “we will start anew.”

Malamang aniya na magpulong ang Philippine government at NDF sa unang quarter ng 2024.

Aniya ang paglagda sa joint communique ay walang epekto sa patuloy na operasyon ng pamahalaan laban sa armadong grupo.

“Sa ngayon po, ang ano po natin is, kung ano po ang ginagawa ng gobyerno, patuloy po iyong atin pong programa. So, it is agreed upon that there is no immediate effect,” ang tinuran ni Galvez.

Sa kabilang dako, sinabi naman ni AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., na inaasahan na nilang may 20 nanghihina ng guerilla fronts sa bansa ang “finally dissolved” sa pagtatapos ng taon.

Para naman kay Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. dapat na magpatuloy ang security and law enforcement programs ng gobyerno lalo pa’t ang pinakabagong developments ay “preliminary exploratory talks.”

Sinabi ng Kalihim na ang formal transition sa hinahangad na kapayapaan kasama ang CPP-NPA-NDF ay kailangan na suportado ng batas.

“Our legislators will have to participate in the process. And I think, during our last Senate budget hearing, they are going to study it already and we will work together with them to have an orderly and sustainable transition,” ayon kay Teodoro.

“We cannot set a timeline for that. It is very dangerous to set a timeline because [the transition has to be] sustainable,” aniya pa rin.

Tinuran naman ni Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan na ang pagsisikap na makamit ang kapayapaan ay “surely inclusive and growth-inducing,” while Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said maintaining peace and order is “always a key in every economic development.”

Sinabi naman ni Brawner na dapat na ibaling ng AFP ang kanilang pansin sa external o territorial defense, kapag natuldukan na ang tunggalian.

Kumpiyansa namang sinabi ni Galvez na ang exploratory talks ay mauuwi sa pagpapalabas ng final peace accord sa NDF.

“I can see that there is a positive outlook na (that) it will end with the final peace agreement. Because our talks in Oslo was founded on good faith and also on goodwill and also in sincerity. When the party said that if we will maintain that goodwill, I think we can finally end up with the final peace agreement,” ayon kay Galvez. (Daris Jose)