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Ang Diyaryong Pinagkakatiwalaan
OPISYAL na inilunsad ng Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – National Capital Region (PCCI-NCR) ang 2024 Metro Manila Business Conference (MMBC) na naglalayong ‘pagsamahin ang kalakalan, teknolohiya at turismo para sa sustainable transformation.’
Isinagawa ang paglulunsad sa ginanap na joint general membership meeting ng PCCI-NCR North Sector noong Miyerkules sa Casa del Polo, Barangay Polo, Valenzuela City.
Pinuri ni Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie ‘Wes’ Gatchalian at Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, na siyang mga espesyal na panauhing tagapagsalita, ang kaganapan na nagsabing ito ay isang convergence ng mga makikinang na isipan at mga makabagong ideya.
Kapwa sinabi nina Gatchalian at Sandoval na ang sektor ng negosyo partikular ang PCCI ay palaging katuwang ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa pagbuo ng bansa at pangunahin sa pagtataguyod ng paglago ng ekonomiya at pagbibigay ng trabaho sa kanilang mga nasasakupan.
Ipinagmamalaki nila ang pagpapatupad ng iba’t ibang business-friendly programs lalo na sa ‘ease of doing business’ schemes sa kani-kanilang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa kanilang hangaring makaakit ng mas maraming lokal at maging dayuhang mamumuhunan na magtayo ng kanilang mga negosyo at magbigay ng trabaho sa kanilang mga nasasakupan sa parehong oras.
Sinabi ni Dr. Hernando Delizo, PCCI-NCR Area Vice President at 2024 MMBC chairman, sa mga miyembro ng Camanava Press Corps sa isang press briefing bago isagawa ang opisyal na paglulunsad na mahigit 100 miyembro mula sa timog, hilaga at sentral na sektor ng PCCI-NCR ang naroroon sa kaganapan.
“The launch event showcased the theme of the 2024 MMBC: ‘Integrating Trade, Technology & Tourism for Sustainable Economic Transformation (3Ts for SET)’ with ‘Local integration, Global Outlook as sub-theme,” ani Delizo.
Ang highlight ng event ay ang pagsasama-sama ng mahigit 1,500 enterprise members sa August 21-22, 2024 sa Manila Hotel “for a conference to share information, trends, learning and relatable interventions to sustain growth and bring about business breakthroughs amidst continuing global disruptions,” sabi ni Delizo.
Sinabi pa ng opisyal na ang 2024 MBBC, PCCI-NCR, ay inaasahang tutugon sa mga pangunahing isyu na nakakaapekto sa pang-ekonomiyang tanawin ng rehiyon at magbibigay ng plataporma para sa networking at pakikipagtulungan sa mga lider ng negosyo.
Ang MMBC ay taunang event ng PCCI-NCR, isang non-stock at non-profit na organisasyon sa ilalim ng payong ng PCCI.
Nagsisilbi bilang panrehiyong organisasyon ng PCCI para sa pribadong komunidad ng negosyo sa Metro Manila, ang PNNC-NCR na gumaganap din bilang coordinative at administrative body para sa 16 chambers of commerce at industriya sa metropolis, sabi ni Delizo.
Ang iba pang opisyal ng PCCI na dumalo sae lauching ay sina Raymund Jude Aguilar, PCCI vice president for international affairs; Emelita Alvarez, regional governor for south sector; Yolanda dela Cruz, regional governor for north sector; Jose Francisco, regional governor for central sector; at Joel Ryan Tugade, PCC’s Sustainable Development Goals committee head. (Richard Mesa)
MULING nagpakita ang mga Navoteño ng kanilang mga talento at kasanayan sa paggawa ng pelikula at photography sa 6th Navoteño Film Festival at 5th Navoteño Photo Competition and Exhibition.
Itinampok sa festival ang 8- hanggang 10 minutong maikling pelikula na nakasentro sa tema, “Navoteño LGBTQIA+, Mahalaga sa pag-angat ng Turismo at Ekonomiya.”
Labinsiyam na maikling pelikula, walo mula sa paaralan at 11 mula sa mga bukas na kategorya, ay ipinalabas nang libre noong Hunyo 22, 2024.
“We hope that through your films, we will be able to correct misconceptions about Navotas and its people, particularly those who belong to other gender identities,” ani Mayor John Rey Tiangco.
“Our goal is to produce quality short films and photographs that will put Navotas at the forefront of the booming creative industry in our country, show what our city can offer to potential visitors, and inspire our fellow Navoteños to promote a genderless society where everyone is treated and loved equally,” dagdag niya.
Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, ipinakita ng festival ang mga maikling pelikula sa open at school categories para bigyan ng pagkakataon at hikayatin ang partisipasyon ng mga Navoteño filmmakers sa lahat ng edad.
Bago ang film fest, ang mga kalahok sa kategorya ng paaralan ay dumalo sa isang dalawang araw na workshop sa paggawa ng pelikula sa pangunguna ng advocacy filmmaker at professor na si Sheryl Rose Andes.
Samantala, ipinakita ng 5th Navoteño Photo Competition and Exhibition ang Top 10 entries sa parehong school at open categories na akma sa tema ngayong taon, “Sulong Navoteña, sa Pag-unlad Ikaw ang Manguna!”
Isinagawa ang 6th Navoteño Film Festival at 5th Navoteño Photo Competition and Exhibition alinsunod sa pagdiriwang ng ika-17 na anibersaryo ng pagiging lungsod ng Navotas. (Richard Mesa)
KASAMA si Mayor John Rey Tiangco, masayang nagpakuha ng larawan ang mga Navoteñong nagwagi ng award matapos ang kanilang ipinakitang mga talento at kasanayan sa paggawa ng pelikula at photography sa ginanap na 6th Navoteño Film Festival at 5th Navoteño Photo Competition and Exhibition bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng ika-17 na anibersaryo ng pagiging lungsod ng Navotas. (Richard Mesa)
SINAKSIHAN ni Mayor John Rey Tiangco at mga opisyal ng pamahalaang lungsod ang pagpalitan ng mga mangako ng 39 mag-asawa sa isang heartwarming celebration ng pagmamahal sa ginanap na Kasalang Bayan noong June 24, bilang bahagi ng ika-17th Navotas Cityhood Anniversary festivities. Kabilang sa mga mag-asawang matagal nang magkasintahan ay sina Cirilo Arsenio, Jr. at Anabel Alcantara, na nagbahagi ng kanilang buhay sa loob ng 27 taon. (Richard Mesa)
SA isang heartwarming celebration ng pagmamahal, 39 mag-asawa ang nagpalitan ng mga pangako sa ginanap na Kasalang Bayan noong June 24, bilang bahagi ng ika-17th Navotas Cityhood Anniversary festivities.
Kabilang sa mga mag-asawang matagal nang magkasintahan ay sina Cirilo Arsenio, Jr. at Anabel Alcantara, na nagbahagi ng kanilang buhay sa loob ng 27 taon.
Sa kanyang talumpati, binigyang-diin ni Mayor John Rey Tiangco ang kahalagahan ng pag-aasawa sa pagbuo ng matatag na pamilya at komunidad.
“Although some of you have been together for several years, and perhaps some of you already have children, keep in mind and take to heart the value of the sacrament of marriage,” saad ni Tiangco.
“Marriage strengthens your relationship. It binds your union and enables you to overcome any trials you might face together in the future,” dagdag niya.
Tiniyak din ni Tiangco sa mga mag-asawa ang tulong at suporta ng pamahalaang lungsod na ang lahat ng mga proyekto at programa ng lungsod ay nakatuon sa pagpapabuti ng hanap buhay ng bawat pamilyang Navoteño.
Hinikayat din niya ang mga bagong kasal na yakapin ang kanilang papel sa paghubog ng kinabukasan ng lungsod.
“Teach your children self-discipline, love for others, and respect for those around them. What you teach them and what they see in you will shape their character. So be a model and inspiration to your children. They are the next leaders of our city,” aniya. (Richard Mesa)
DALAWANG guro sa pampublikong paaralan ang nabigyan ng scholarship sa ilalim ng NavotaAs Academic Scholarship Program para sa paparating na school year 2024-2025.
Pumirma ng memorandum of agreement si Mayor John Rey Tiangco kasama si Navotas Schools Division Superintendent Meliton Zurbano at 28 benepisyaryo ng nasabing programa.
Kabilang sa mga benepisyaryo ang 15 incoming high school freshmen, 11 incoming college freshmen, at dalawang guro na nag-aral ng mas mataas na edukasyon.
“Education is the key to a brighter future for our youth and our community. Through the NavotaAs Scholarship Program, we invest in the potential of both our students and teachers. We strive to support their academic pursuits and help them achieve their dreams,” ani Tiangco.
Upang maging kuwalipikado para sa iskolarsip sa mataas na paaralan, ang mga aplikante ay dapat kabilang sa nangungunang 10 porsiyento ng graduating elementary class. Ang mga iskolar ng Navotas Polytechnic College ay dapat magmula sa nangungunang 25 porsiyento ng senior high school graduating class, at ang mga merit scholar ay dapat kabilang sa top 10 ng senior high school graduating class.
Kailangan ding sumailalim sa qualifying exam at interview ang mga aplikante.
Ang pamahalaang lungsod ay nagbibigay ng P18,000 sa mga high school scholars kada academic year para sa libro, transportasyon, at food allowance.
Ang mga iskolar ng Navotas Polytechnic College ay nakakakuha ng P22,000 kada academic year para sa tuition, libro, transportasyon, at food allowance. Samantala, ang mga merit scholar, na maaaring mag-aral sa anumang kolehiyo o unibersidad sa Metro Manila, ay binibigyan ng P262,000 para dito.
Higit pa rito, ang mga iskolar ng guro ay tumatanggap ng P75,000 bawat akademikong taon para sa kanilang matrikula; libro, transportasyon, at allowance sa pagkain; at gawad ng pananaliksik.
Noong nakaraan, tinanggap din ng pamahalaang lungsod ang 145 bagong iskolar sa ilalim ng NavotaAs Sports Scholarship Program.
Nagbibigay din ang Navotas ng mga scholarship sa mga mag-aaral na mahusay sa sining at sa mga bata o kamag-anak ng Top Ten Most Outstanding Fisherfolk. (Richard Mesa)
PUMIRMA ng memorandum of agreement si Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, kasama si Navotas Schools Division Superintendent Meliton Zurbano at 28 benepisyaryo ng NavotaAs Academic Scholarship Program para sa paparating na school year 2024-2025, kabilang ang dalawang guro sa pampublikong paaralan. (Richard Mesa)
For the first time ever, over 400 stakeholders, including municipalities, healthcare advocacy groups, national agencies, and civil societies, stood united against the Big C at the 1st Philippine Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit, titled ‘One Community Against HPV’.
In the Philippines, cervical cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer that claims the lives of 12 Filipina women each day, leading to over 4000 untimely deaths each year and putting about 40 Million Filipina women and children at risk.
However, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy, the Philippines can eliminate cervical cancer if it meets its 90-70-90 targets. This goal rests on three key pillars: vaccinating 90% of girls with the HPV vaccine by age 15, screening 70% of women with high-performance tests by ages 35-45, and treating 90% of women with pre-cancer and invasive cancer.
Acknowledging that reaching the 90-70-90 goals for immunization, screening, and treatment of cervical cancer would require a whole-of-society approach; the government and various organizations throughout the country have pledged their commitment to accelerate efforts to eradicate cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer on the national agenda
The National Government, through the Senate Committee on Health, has consistently advocated for increased funding for the Cancer Assistance Fund, which supports cancer patients in their medical treatment.
Senator Bong Go, the committee chair, emphasized the urgency of addressing cervical cancer, emphasizing that as a country, the Philippines can change the status quo, “Cervical cancer has taken far too many lives, too soon, and this summit is a powerful step towards changing that narrative. This is not just a policy imperative but a moral obligation to protect the health and futures of our mothers, daughters, and sisters.”
Likewise, the Department of Health (DOH) reaffirmed its mandate to protect the lives and advance the health of every Filipino, highlighting its unwavering support for a future free from cervical cancer. Undersecretary Glenn Mathew Baggao emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “No one organization can completely eradicate cervical cancer on its own. We cannot bring about significant change unless healthcare providers, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and most importantly, the people we serve will work together.”
The DOH has integrated the Cancer Control Program into its 8-point action agenda in developing the cervical cancer elimination framework, demonstrating its commitment to a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to combat this disease.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) echoed its support for advancing public health through local governance, highlighting the agency’s leadership and critical role in providing localized healthcare services and access to the public.
“Our collective effort to address public health challenges and multisectoral partnership is pivotal in achieving meaningful impact and progress in our fight against cervical cancer in the Philippines,” stated Lilian De Leon, Assistant Secretary of International Relations of DILG. “We are mobilizing the LGUs to advocate for policies that support cervical cancer prevention and control efforts.”
United response against cervical cancer
In the Philippine landscape, the Local Government Units (LGU) play a critical role in transforming these goals into action. The country consists of 1,493 municipalities and 42,004 barangays that have a direct influence on pushing this health advocacy to their constituents.
With the recent expanded devolution under the Mandanas Ruling, which gives more power and funding to the local government, the LGUs are more accountable for advancing public health now more than ever.
Mayor Chrislyn Abadilla of Banna, Ilocos Norte, demonstrated this commitment at the summit by being the first municipality in the Philippines to achieve the 90-70-90 targets. By successfully achieving a 91.16% vaccination rate of girls aged 9 to 14 years, the municipality of Banna effectively protects its women and children against HPV and cervical cancer, showcasing this national goal is indeed possible.
“It is about pushing ourselves to the limit for this health advocacy for our people,” said Mayor Chrislyn Adabilla. “If a small town in Ilocos Norte could do it, any other municipality could, too. Other cities have more resources and better manpower.”
In Quezon City, the local government has pledged to continuously strengthen its capacity and build more infrastructure to help cervical cancer patients and prevent HPV infection. As of this date, thermal ablation treatments for HPV can now be done in more local centers in the city.
“From July 2022 and February 2024, we found that about 10% of more than 5,000 women screened are positive for HPV infection.” said Dr. Ramona Abarquez, OIC of the Quezon City Health Department. “We don’t want to lose 10% of our teens and our mothers to cancer that is preventable, detectable, and treatable if found on time.”
“Despite its challenges, we are on the road to zero cervical cancer cases. At QC, no women and adolescents will be left behind.”
“My message to chief executives of local governments is to prioritize public health by localizing NICCA through a provincial, city, or municipal ordinance,” said Councilor Alfred Vargas as he shared about the Quezon City Integrated Cancer Control Ordinance, the 1st LGU ordinance to localize the NICCA law, recognizing the shared accountability of the national and local governments to realize the promises of NICCA in partnership with private sector, healthcare providers, and patient groups.
Other LGUs have also expressed their continued support for democratizing access to HPV immunization and test centers and supporting healthcare policies to advance cervical cancer elimination.
“We are on track to digitalize our information to effectively reach our constituents and harness data we could use to program our healthcare advocacies and allocate resources,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa City. “We want to develop the confidence of our people to get themselves checked and strengthen grassroots health services.”
“In Valenzuela, the HPV vaccination rate rose to 300% from the last quarter of 2023.” said Dr. Ato Basco of the Valenzuela City Health Office, “Our tangible commitment is ready: we have the manpower, the vaccines are available, and the services are accessible. Our people need to understand that cervical cancer is preventable.”
“We have institutionalized the ‘Aksyon Bilis GIRL POWERS Laban sa Cancer’, or the local cancer control program, which is a well-funded patient-centered program at all levels,” said Dr. Fernan Macrin Ramos of Santo Tomas Batangas City Health Office. “Through various initiatives, we are intensifying our fight against cancer, especially cervical cancer.”
Addressing the healthcare gap
Experts acknowledged the fact that despite being one of the few forms of preventable cancers through vaccination, there’s still a wide healthcare gap in preventing cervical cancer in the country.
“We fully support the advocacy to eliminate cervical cancer because we know that it is a cancer that we could stop.” said Dr. Conception Rayel, Head of United Action Against Cervical Cancer Taskforce Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society “We know the etiologic agent and that vaccination helps. We know how to screen. We know how to diagnose. We know how to treat. Yet, 4000 Filipinas die each year; there seems to be a big gap.”
“Our commitment is unwavering. We are dedicated to implementing comprehensive strategies to tackle this disease head-on,” said Dr. Maria Lorena Santos, President of the Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology. We pledge to increase the screening rate of our women with high-performance tests by the age of 35 and 45.” Early detection saves lives. We must do everything to make sure no women slip through the cracks of our healthcare system.”
“In all my capacity as an esteemed reproductive health advocate, I pledge to illuminate the path to prevention, empowering minds with the understanding and awareness of protecting their future reproductive health,” stated Dr. Socorro Bernardino, Former President of the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecologic Society of the Philippines. Together, let’s shield tomorrow one young life at a time.”
Healthcare advocacy groups, together with top Philippine specialty doctors, have pledged their unwavering support for addressing literacy and vaccination gaps in the country by promoting awareness, combatting misinformation, and strongly recommending HPV vaccination to the patients they serve.
“For the past 25 years, we have been championing protection against vaccine-preventable diseases through vaccination, in partnership with different agencies.” said Dr. Maria Rosario Capeding, President of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination “Prevention is better than cure. We are committed to protecting our young adults.”
“We are with you all in collectively acting to promote HPV vaccination, especially among our young adolescents, and together build a more just future for our Filipino children,” said Dr. Mary Joan Millonado, Vice President of the Philippine Ambulatory Pediatric Association.
To enhance the public’s accessibility to vaccines, the Philippine Society of Pharmacists Vaccinators (PSPV) has pledged their commitment to advancing their practice by promoting vaccine administration in local pharmacies and making HPV vaccines accessible in pharmacies nationwide.
“Our goal is to support public health in the country. We now have over 1,200 certified pharmacist vaccinators who can safely administer HPV vaccines to adults,” said Hazel Docuyanan, President of PSPV. “With this initiative, we can contribute as one community to eliminate cervical cancer.”
“We want to translate science into action. We need to translate all these numbers into greater action that will pave the way towards protection, saving lives, and economic growth in the country.” stated Dr. Lulu Bravo, Convenor of the Vaccine Study Group at NIH-UPM says “We really need to work together.”
A survivor’s plea
At the summit, Ms. Toots Magsino, a Filipina cervical cancer survivor, shared her inspiring journey of hope and resilience. While still grieving the recent passing of her father, she experienced sudden and profuse bleeding, which led her to seek medical attention. “I was just fortunate that my bleeding was a sign that I couldn’t ignore, and it led me to an early diagnosis,” she recounted.
Ms. Magsino emphasized that many early signs of cervical cancer are subtle and even non-existent, leading to many cases being discovered at a later stage. “As I came to know more about cervical cancer, I found out that many times, early signs are quite subtle and even non-existent. That’s why many cases are discovered at a later stage.”
“Getting cancer is no longer a death sentence, nor is it the end of the world. Advances in medicine have improved quite rapidly,” she stated. “For me, acceptance was key. Denial and flight response just prolongs the inevitable and adds unnecessary stress. So the sooner you face the situation, the better equipped you will be to fight the good fight.”
A united voice for cervical cancer patients
Patient advocacy groups and cancer support organizations in the Philippines have also pledged their unwavering commitment to fulfilling their roles in spreading awareness and providing support and resources to cancer patients and their families.
Ms. Carmen Auste, CEO of the Cancer Warriors Foundation, emphasized the need for unity and a collective voice in the battle against cervical cancer. “We should not just be one community but also have one voice,” said Auste. “Let us unite and speak out about the importance of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Let us act now to bridge the gap and create a healthy and happy future for all women and girls.”
The 1st Philippine Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit marked a significant milestone in the fight against cervical cancer, as stakeholders from various sectors pledged their commitment to turning words into action. The summit showcased the power of collaboration and the importance of a united front in achieving the common goal of eliminating cervical cancer in the Philippines.