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Talatayod, Lazaro score upset wins to reach Andrada Cup quarters
By Jean T. Malanum

MANILA, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- Aljohn Talatayod and Lazaro ousted their respective seeded opponents on Tuesday to lead the quarter-finalists in the boys' 18-under division of the the 28th Andrada Cup Junior Tennis Championships at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Talatayod eliminated fourth seed Jeremiah Macias III, 6-0, 6-2, while Lazaro rallied past sixth seed Aidyll Ignacio, 6-4, 3-6, 10-4.

Other matches saw fifth seed Emmanuel Fuellas winning over PJ Quizon, 6-0, 6-2, and seventh pick Jake Martin beating Chester Tiongson, 6-3, 6-0.

In the boys' 16-under division, fifth seed Jan Harold Trillanes rallied past Jerome Ignacio, 6-3, 2-6, 10-5, to arrange a quarterfinal duel with top seed Janus Ringia, who demolished Michael Tullo, 6-0, 6-0. Other winners were No. 3 Jose Antonio Tria over Jeremiah Macias IV, 6-0, 6-0; No. 6 Angelo Aparte over Daniel Estanislao, 6-0, 5-4 (ret.); No. 7 Athan Arejola over Jude Hidalgo, 6-2, 6-2; and No. 8 Jules Lazaro over Rameses Ian Valebia, 6-0, 6-0.

Trillanes, also seeded fifth in the boys' 14-under category, prevailed over Shant Nuguit, 7-5, 7-5, to advance in the quarterfinals against top seed John David Velez, a 6-0, 6-1 winner over Joshua Diva.

Meanwhile, girls' 14-under top seed Macie Carlos stamped her class over Bettina Catoto, 6-0, 6-0, to advance in the semifinal against Justine Maneja, a 7-5, 6-0 winner over Kaye Ann Emana.

Second seed Gaby Zoleta, niece of national players Bien and Bambi Zoleta, scored a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Julia Ignacio to forge a semifinal showdown with Kryshana Brazal, a 6-0, 2-6, 10-7 winner over Mica Ella Emana.

Kaye Ann Emana also booked a semis berth in the 12-under after hacking out a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Alecsa Czarina Ilano. She will meet Marielle Jarata, who won over Sofia Gomez, 6-0, 6-0.

In the unisex 10-under category, top seed Tennielle Madis downed Kean Sebastian Enriquez, 4-0, 4-1; Marielle Jarata conquered Tomas Gabuat, 4-1, 4-0; and Sam Salazar defeated Kidlat Estogero, 4-2, 4-5 (5), 10-6 to reach the semifinals. (PNA)

Cagayan de Oro’s Pagente advances in Andrada Cup netfest
By Jean T. Malanum

MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) -â€" Top seed Gennifer Pagente of Cagayan de Oro cruised into the next round of the 28th Andrada Cup Junior Tennis Championships after posting a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Justine Alvarado, 6-0, 6-0, on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Pagente, double champion in the PSC-Philta event last December, will be up against No. 8 Justine Maneja, who scored a 6-3, 6-1 win over Lila Salvacion.

Other matches saw third seed Micaella Vicencio winning over Trish Romero, 6-0, 6-0, and unranked Crystal Mildwaters elimianating fourth seed Blanche Lagrisola, 6-1, 6-0.

Meanwhile, Julia Ignacio outplayed Frenchesca Elise Cruz, 6-4, 6-4; Kryshana Brazal rallied past Mica Ella Emana, 6-0, 2-6, 10-7; and Bettina Catoto downed Trish Romero, 6-0, 6-1 to advance in the next round of the Group 1 tournament supported by former Philta vice president Manuel Misa of Altamar Shipping, Thaddeus Sporting Goods and official ball Babolat.

In the boys’ 16-under division, Daniel Estanislao outplayed Lucas Fernandez, 6-3, 7-5; Jerome Ignacio prevailed over Keno Enriquez, 6-1, 6-0; and Jeremiah Macias IV won over Sam Mamaril, 6-2, 6-3.

Other winners were Shant Nuguit over Keno Enriquez, 6-1, 6-0 and Marco Macalintal over Ezequiel Jicutan, 3-6, 6-4, 10-6, in the boys’ 14-under category while in the boys’ 12-under category, the winners were Lance Fernandez over Joshua Diva, 6-2, 6-2; Sherwin Nuguit over Ethan Gunida, 6-0, 6-2; and Chad Cuizon over Kidlat Estogero, 6-3, 6-0. (PNA)

Five Filipino cyclists to compete in Bahrain next month

MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) -- A five-member team led by Marella Salamat will compete in the Asian Cycling Championships slated to be held on Feb. 24 to March 3 in Bahrain.
This was announced over the weekend by national coach Cesar Lobramonte, who has submitted the names of Salamat, Avegail Rombaon, Irish Wong, Tomas Mojares and Aidanjames Mendoza to the Bahrain Cycling Association.

The Asian Cycling Championships will have two competitions, namely the 37th Asia Road Race Elite Cycling Championships and the 24th Asian Road Junior Championships. Both tournaments feature Individual Time Trial (ITT), Criterium and Road Massed Start events.

Salamat and Rombaon will see action in the elite tournament while Wong, Mojares and Mendoza will join the junior tournament.

Lobramonte said the cyclists are gearing up for their month-long training in Bugallon, Pangasinan, where Salamat is also based. The national coach noted the hot and windy weather in Bugallon is similar to Bahrain's weather.

The last time the Philippines won a medal at the Asian Road Championship was in 2011, courtesy of Rustom Lim's bronze in the road massed start junior division.

The Bahrain-bound riders are members of the Corratec Pilipinas Cycling Club. (PNA)

Ethiopian runners sweep top 3 at Xiamen Int'l Marathon

XIAMEN, China, Jan. 2 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Ethiopian runners swept top three in both men's and women's competition at the 2017 Xiamen International Marathon here on Monday.

Lemi Berhanu claimed the men's title in 2 hours 8 minutes and 27 seconds, and his compatriot Meseret Mengistu Biru became the women's champion in 2:25:58.

About 30,000 runners from 31 countries and regions took part in the first IAAF Gold Label Road Race of the new year, including some 24,885 men and 5,115 women. The organizing committee invited 27 high level athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Belarus, Eritrea and Algeria to compete in the 15th anniversary of the event.

Lemi Berhanu, the winner of the 2016 Boston Marathon with 2:12:45, took the lead from the start with his countrymen and beat all the other runners to take the gold, but he didn't break the course record and the Chinese all-comers' record of 2:06:19 set by Kenya's Moses Mosop in 2015. The Ethiopian got a prize money of USD40,000.

"The course is very hard with a lot of rises and falls," the 22-year-old explained why he couldn't make the breakthrough as he said in the pre-match press conference, "and the weather is very hot."

The 22-year-old got the first place at the 2014 Zurich Marathon on his debut and went on to win in Dubai and Warsaw, before created his personal best at 2:04:33 at the 2016 Dubai Marathon. Berhanu represented his country and ranked the 13th at the Rio Olympic Games in 2:13:29.

Mosinet Geremew crossed the line in 2:10:20 to be the runner-up, while Shura kitata took the third place in 2:10:36.

In the women's race, the Ethiopians also proved to be the dominant force with a comfortable top three finish. 2015 Paris Marathon winner Meseret Mengistu Biru completed in 2:25:58 to dent Workenesh Edesa's hope of retain the title of the race. Edesa set her PB of 2:24:04 in last year's edition but clocked 2:26:27 to be the runner-up this time, while Tola Melkam Gizaw took the third in 2:26:47.

"I am happy to be the champion," said Mengistu, "But it's a pity that I didn't break my personal record. The day is hot and the slopes in the return course is hard."

The 26-year-old said her next aim is to compete at the 2017 London Marathon.

You Peiquan touched the line first among all the Chinese runners, the runner told Xinhua that he finished in about two hours and 33 minutes by his own watch.(PNA/Xinhua)

PHL to host Asian Junior Boxing Championship in Aug.

MANILA, Dec. 29 (PNA) -- The Philippines will host the Asian Junior Boxing Championship in August next year.

This was announced on Thursday by Association of Boxing Alliance in the Philippines (ABAP) executive director Ed Picson after the ASBC Asian Boxing Confederation awarded the hosting to the Philippines during its executive committee meeting recently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

According to Picson, ABAP president Ricky Vargas told officials during the meeting that the Philippines is ready to host the tournament on Aug. 3-8, with Davao City as the possible venue.

It will be the second time that the ABAP under the leadership is hosting an ASBC-sanctioned tournament since the 2013 Asian Youth Championship in Subic.

The hosting of the Asian Juniors next year is part of ABAP's program to intensify its talent recruitment and training to boost the medal chances of young Filipino boxers in local and international tournaments. (PNA)

12K runners expected in Color Manila 5

MANILA, Dec. 29 (PNA) -- Expect a huge number of contingents for the fifth staging of the Color Manila Run on Jan. 8 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

In particular, chief organizers Jay Em and Justine Cordero estimate the number of runners joining in four different categories to be at least 12,000.

“Now on our fifth year, we intend to encourage more runners and non-runners alike, to join our various events held in different cities,” said Em, the president of Color Manila, whose running organization also staged events outside Metro Manila this year and is set to hold a run overseas.

Cordero, the organization's vice president, added, “Since this is our fifth year, we have made Color Manila Run Year 5 very special by coming up with exciting race kits that our loyal participants and new registrants would love. Our Deluxe kit includes a dry fit shirt, sunglasses, race bib, finisher’s medal and a color packet. Then for the Rockstar package, there’s an additional headwear and drawstring bag. And of course, for the 21K runners, their race kit includes singlet, sunglasses, drawstring bag, pillow, race bib, timing chip, the finisher's medal, finisher's shirt, GU Energy Gel and the color packet. Most of our participants have also enjoyed collecting our merchandise.”

Also, expect celebrities to join the said run.

Showtime hosts Kim Atienza and Karylle Yuzon, known to be veteran runners, were among those who participated last year even as Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Maxine Medina, who wi

PHL nominates three athletes to compete in takraw’s chinlone
By Jean T. Malanum

MANILA, Dec. 28 (PNA) -- The Philippines has nominated three athletes to compete in chinlone, a team sport under sepak takraw that is calendared in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Malaysia.

Chinlone, which is a combination of sports and dance, was introduced by Myanmar when it hosted the 2013 SEAG. The sport has four events namely linking, same stroke, non-repetition primary and non-repetition secondary.

Philippine Amateur Sepak Takraw Association (PASTA) President Karen Caballero told DZSports Radio on Wednesday said that Asian Chinlone Association president, Sopnaing, was in the country this week to offer a month-long free training for national athletes and coaches in Myanmar.

Caballero said the chinlone official has high respect for the Filipino takraw athletes after winning the silver in the 2015 Singapore SEAG and the gold at the World Championship in Thailand last October.

She has expressed hope that her athletes would keep their momentum and bring more honors to the country. (PNA)

Major events lined up for taekwondo athletes next year

MANILA, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- The Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) will send athletes to various tournaments abroad to boost their chances of qualifying in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

In an interview over DZSports Radio on Tuesday, head coach Igor Mella announced that more than 30 athletes have been included in the national team while 70 were named to the national training pool as of last month.

Mella said the athletes will be evaluated every two months to ensure that only those deserving will keep their slots.

The PTA’s 2017 tournament calendar will begin with the Asian Juniors and Cadets in April. Two major events -- the World Championships in June and Korea Open in July -- will determine the line-up for the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) to be hosted by Malaysia from August 19 to 30.

The Philippines finished second (3 golds, 3 silvers, 3 bronzes) in the taekwondo competition during the 2015 Singapore Games, two golds behind Vietnam.

This year, Kristie Elaine Alora saw action at the Rio Olympics where she placed eighth out of 16 entries. Pauline Lopez won a gold medal at the Asian Championships where the country also managed to get a silver and a bronze.

The Philippines likewise bagged a gold medal at the World Poomsae and a bronze at the World Juniors Sparring Championships. (PNA)

Mallari's Christmas explosion lands him Player of the Week citation

MANILA, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- From a player looking for an identity in his first four years in the PBA, Alex Mallari finally found a home in Mahindra, getting career-high averages six games into the Philippine Cup.

A testament to his resurgence was his 23-point, 11-rebound, four-assist, four-steal, and one-block explosion against Blackwater in an overtime win on Christmas night at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, which was enough for him to be named the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week on Boxing Day. The scoring barrage tied his career-high.

The 6-foot-4 guard find his A-game that was able to beat Phoenix's Matt Wright, Ginebra's Japeth Aguilar, Rain Or Shine's Jewel Ponferada, and Blackwater's Mac Belo for the weekly citation, and he has one NBA team to thank for.

"I just keep attacking, and we're trying to implement the Houston Rockets style of offense, that is, get some early shots going," Mallari bared.

So far, Mallari averages 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 block a night this conference, already far cries from his previous career-high averages of 8.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.5 steal, and 0.3 block a game two seasons ago when he was still with Star.

For the southpaw, however, there is still more work to be done.

"They were trying to [force me to go right]. I kept making some bad turnovers in the right. I gotta work my mid-range game for sure," Mallari continued.

The Floodbusters' Christmas break will have a two-and-a-half week Christmas break, which is ample for him to improve his game with the orthodox stance. (PNA)

PHL cyclist Galedo eyes better performance in 2017
By Jean T. Malanum

MANILA, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- Seasoned cyclist Mark Galedo hopes to bring more honors to the Philippines next year.

The 31-year-old Galedo is part of the 7Eleven Road Bike team which is scheduled to compete in the Herald Sun Tour to be held in Melbourne, Australia on February 1-5.

“I have mixed emotions about the coming Herald Sun Tour,” said Galedo, who will be competing with World Tour teams led by Chris Froome, Simon Gerrans and Esteban Chaves among others.

“I am excited but also pressured to perform my best, especially to the Filipino community in Australia,” said the three-time Philippine Tour champion.

Galledo ended the 2016 season with a bang by winning the Tour of Guam this month. Before that, he was third in the Hell of Marianas and fifth in the Jelajah race in Malaysia.

“Wala naman sa edad yun, nasa disiplina, training at focus kung ano talaga ang iyong goal... Hindi porke may edad ka na ay babagsak na ang iyong career (It is not in the age. It's in the discipline, training and focus on your goal... Just because you are advanced in years does not mean your career is over),” said Galledo, winner of the Tour de Pilipinas last year.

Galledo is taking a one-week rest and will resume training next month before leaving for the New Zealand Cycle Classic slated to be held on January 22-26. From New Zealand, the team will proceed to Melbourne. (PNA)

PHL's Lim earns main draw slot at Hong Kong Futures tournament
By Jean T. Malanum

MANILA, Dec. 26 (PNA) -- Top Filipino junior Alberto “AJ” Lim Jr. survived the two-round qualifying of the Hong Kong F5 Futures tournament over the weekend to advance in the main draw.

Lim defeated wild card Chak Pong Marco of Hong Kong, 6-2, 6-2, in the first round and eliminated No. 2 Xi Qi of China, 7-6 (6), 7-6 ( to join seven other qualifiers in the next round which begins on Monday.

“I am expecting to do damage in the second week and try to get my first ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) points,” said the 17-year-old Lim, who is playing in only his sixth tournament in the pro circuit.

Lim will be up against Jay Clarke of Great Britain, who reached the quarterfinals in the first leg last week.

Last week, Lim took an early exit when he lost to top seed Japanese Shuichi Sekiguchi, 4-6, 6-3, 3-6 in their first-round encounter at the Victoria Park Tennis Centre.

Meanwhile, Cing-Yang Meng, Wei-De Lin, Chung Han Tsai and Chun Hsin Tseng of Chinese Taipei; Ki Lung Ng of Hong Kong; Kazuma Kawachi of Japan; and Gary Kushnirovich of the United States also book their seats in the main draw.

The other seeded players in the main draw are No. 2 Takuto Niki, No. 3 Shintaro Imai, No. 4 Masato Shiga and No. 6 Jumpei Yamasaki of Japan, and No. 7 Geofrey Blancaneaux of France.(PNA)

Mahindra finally wins after stopping Blackwater

BOCAUE, Dec. 25 (PNA) -- The Mahindra Floodbusters scored their first win of the PBA Philippine Cup after denying the Blackwater Elite in overtime, 97-93, at the Philippine Arena on Christmas night.

Mahindra roared back from 15 points down and survived a late scare in extra time to finally get to the win column after six tries.

After a close contest for most of the regulation, Blackwater looked to pull away, opening a 79-64 lead with 7:58 left in the period.

Mahindra, however, erased the deficit on a 17-2 run to knot the game at 81-all with 1:41 remaining in regulation.

Mac Belo kept the Elite up, 83-81, after making two free throws with 57 seconds to go in regulation, but Nico Salva equalized anew with a basket before his teammates forced a turnover with 26.6 seconds to go, giving the Floodbusters a chance to steal the win in regulation.

Salva, however, failed to put back a Nico Elorde missed three-ball at the buzzer.

Mahindra then dominated the free basketball and appeared to have won it with 22.2 seconds left after holding on to a 93-86 lead.

But a John Pinto triple that cut the lead to four sparked yet another wild finish.

After Salva converted two free throws, Sumang took the deuce back with a jumper while scoring another layup after Salva missed two more from the line to trim the gap to two, 95-93.

Ryan Araña finally sealed the win with two charities with 1.8 seconds to go.

Alex Mallari led the Floodbusters, who tied the NLEX Road Warriors at 1-5, with 23 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block, while Araña finished with 19 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Arth Dela Cruz led the Elite, who failed to virtually tie the San Miguel Beermen at the top of the standings, with 18 points, six rebounds, three assists, and four steals.

Box Scores:

Mahindra 97-Mallari 23, Arana 19, Salva 14, Eriobu 9, Revilla 9, Yee 8, Elorde 6, Nimes 4, DiGregorio 3, Escoto 2, Ballesteros 0, Celda 0, Deutchman 0, Paniamogan 0, Webb 0

Blackwater 93-Dela Cruz 18, Pinto 15, Belo 14, Sumang 12, Sena 10, Pascual 9, Buenafe 6, Aguilar 3, Banal 2, Cervantes 2, Gamalinda 2, Ababou 0, Forrester 0, Miranda 0

Quarterscores: 18-18, 41-41, 59-66, 83-83, 97-93 (PNA)

"Christmas Clasico" ushers new chapter in Ginebra-Star rivalry
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA, Dec. 24 (PNA) -- A new era in the bitter rivalry between crowd favorites Ginebra and Star will begin on Christmas night at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue.

In a rare moment, the latest chapter of the so-called "Manila Clasico" at 5:15 p.m. will be an essential out-of-town game.

Also, this is the first time both teams clash since Star let go of James Yap, whose on-court battles with Mark Caguioa catapulted the rivalry to what it is today.

However, the future looks bright for the Clasico as the matchup between rising star point guards Scottie Thompson and Jio Jalalon is the one being anticipated this time around.

The curtain-raiser at 3 p.m. is equally compelling as Blackwater looks to go back to solo second against winless Mahindra.

A win will not just put the Elite at sole possession of the second spot at 5-2 but also put them at a possibility of ending 2016 at number one in the team standings should the San Miguel Beermen lose to the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday night at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.

As a Christmas treat, the PBA, in partnership with JAM Liner, will provide bus service to ticket holders going to the Philippine Arena from JAM's Pasay and Quezon City terminals and vice versa. (PNA)

Olympic silver medalist Diaz to join World Weightlifting Championship
By Jean T. Malanum

MANILA, Dec. 24 (PNA) -- Olympian Hidilyn Diaz will compete in next year's World Weightlifting Championship in Anaheim, California.

It will be Diaz's third time to join the tournament organized by the International Weightlifting Federation. The first was in Paris, France in 2011 where she finished sixth, and the second in Houston, Texas last year where she won the bronze medals in the snatch (96kg), clean and jerk (117kg), and total (213kg) events in the women's 53kg division.

Diaz's performance in Houston helped her qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games where she won the silver medal. She also won three golds at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Phuket, Thailand last year.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Weightlifting Association (PWA) are extending full support to the Zamboangueña's bid to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Aside from the US trip, Diaz will see action in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.

"Hidilyn Diaz is in top form. I am optimistic she can win the elusive Olympic gold in Tokyo," said veteran coach and PWA vice president Elbert Atilano.

Atilano, who heads the Universidad de Zamboanga Weightlifting Training Center, was responsible for molding Diaz into a world-class athlete.

For his part, PSC chairman William Ramirez said his agency is committed to support the training of Diaz.

“Diaz is a jewel in weightlifting. PSC will support her until she achieves the ultimate goal of winning the gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” said Ramirez. (PNA)

PhilCycling bares line-up for 2017 SEA Games
By Jean T. Malanum

MANILA, Dec. 24 (PNA) -- Asian Games gold medal winner Daniel Patrick Caluag will banner the Philippine cycling delegation to the 2017 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Marella Salamat, gold medalist in the Individual Time Trial (ITT) event during the 2015 Singapore SEA Games, and many-time champion Mark John Lexer Galedo will also join Caluag in the biennial tournament scheduled August 19-31.

National coach Cesar Lobramonte said Salamat will lead the three-member women's Road team, while Galedo, George Oconer, Jerry Aquino Jr. and six other riders make up the men's team.

Daniel, who won the BMX gold at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, his younger brother Christopher John, and Sienna Fines have expressed their interest to compete in Malaysia next year. The three cyclists are based in the United States.

Daniel, who competed in the 2012 London Olympics, won the gold and Jonathan took the silver in the 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar. Galedo also won the gold in the 50km ITT in the same tournament.

The Sacramento-based Fines, whose relatives in the Philippines are from Ilocos Sur, won the gold medal in the junior division of the 2015 Asian Continental BMX Championships in Myanmar.

The 2017 SEA Games organizers allow 10 entries in the Men's Road Race event, four in the Team Time Trial event and six in the Road Massed Start event. In the women's division, two riders can compete in the Criterium event and two in the Road Race event. The BMX category features two riders each in the men's and women's divisions per country.

There are 10 slots in the track category which offers 13 gold medals.

The other members of the Philippine Cycling coaching staff are Norberto Oconer and Carlo Jazul. (PNA)

Kids, teens advised not to spend Christmas cash gifts on firecrackers

MANILA, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- A waste and pollution watchdog has reminded the public, especially children and teenagers, not to spend the Christmas cash gifts they have received to buy firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

The EcoWaste Coalition, a civil society partner of the Department of Health (DOH) in the ongoing campaign for an injury-free celebration, aired the appeal following the rise in the number of firecracker-related injuries a few days before the New Year.

“We would like to again remind our kids and teens that firecrackers are not toys. Please don’t be tempted to spend the money given by your godparents and others to buy banned 'piccolo' and other firecrackers, which can put your lives in danger,” said Aileen Lucero, the coalition's national coordinator.

“We address this appeal to kids and teens and their parents, as most of the victims in last year’s revelry were very young people,” she added.

According to the last DOH report, 500 of the 920 firecracker-related injuries involved children less than 14 years.

The top fireworks that caused injuries were the 'piccolo' (42 percent), 'kwitis' (11 percent), 'luces' (6 percent) and '5-star' (4 percent). Unknown firecrackers accounted for 11 percent of the injuries recorded.

“We also appeal to all conscientious vendors not to sell firecrackers to kids and teens who are most prone to accidental injuries. The life you save may be that of your own son or daughter. There must be a safer way to earn money during the holidays without jeopardizing the well-being and future of our youth,” she said.

The EcoWaste Coalition instead called on households and commercial establishments to donate the money set aside for firecrackers and fireworks to charitable causes.

“Instead of burning money for dangerous, deadly and dirty firecrackers and fireworks, please make donations to the victims of Typhoon Nina in the affected provinces in the Bicol and Southern Tagalog regions,” she suggested.

“Our little acts of charity can alleviate the sufferings of the Christmas typhoon victims,” she said.

On Wednesday, Dec. 28, the EcoWaste Coalition, in collaboration with animal welfare groups, will hold a “Pet-A-Thon” at the Quezon Memorial Circle to encourage the public not to use firecrackers for the sake of animals who suffer a lot from the ear-splitting noise.

On Friday, Dec. 30, the group will organize a community parade in Barangay Project 6, Quezon City to show alternative pollution-free noisemakers for the New Year revelry that can be used in lieu of firecrackers. (PNA)

Health dept records 48 fireworks-related injuries since Dec. 21

MANILA, Dec. 26 (PNA) -- The Department of Health on Monday reported 48 fireworks-related injuries since its monitoring began on December 21.

According to the department’s 'Aksyon Paputok' Injury Reduction (APIR) 2016 report, the figure is 56 percent lower compared to the five-year average from 2011 to 2015, and is 49 percent lower compared to the same period last year.

The report said 42 of the 48 cases involved males, while 34 involved children less than 15 years old. The youngest victim was 4 years old.

Of the 48, 27 suffered injuries to their hand, 13 to the eye, four to the arm, three to the abdomen, and one was a case of firecracker ingestion.

A total of 23 cases were caused by the ‘piccolo’, five by the improvised cannon called ‘boga’, five by the ‘whistle bomb’, three by ‘kwitis’, and the rest by ‘luces’ and other firecrackers.

The National Capital Region (NCR) still topped all other regions, with 25 cases.

The monitoring of firecracker-related injuries, which ends on Jan. 5, is done annually as part of efforts to discourage the public from lighting firecrackers to achieve zero casualty during the holiday season. (PNA)

Soccsksargen's health office records 6 firecracker-related injuries on Dec. 25

KORONADAL CITY, Dec. 26 (PNA) -- Six persons were injured by firecrackers in the Soccsksargen region as they welcomed Christmas Day, health officials said Monday.

Jenny Ventura, focal person of the regional health office's campaign against firecrackers in an effort to prevent firecracker-related injury, said the monitoring for the region began last December 20.

As of Dec. 25, Ventura said, the Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (ONEISS), reported six cases of firecracker-related injuries in the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and Gen. Santos.

Ventura said the figure is 68 percent lower compared to the same period last year.

Of the victims, five were male and one was female, and their ages ranged from 5 years to 56 years. She added that five of them were classified as "active users" of firecrackers and one was a bystander.

Four of them were victims of the banned 'piccolo', while one was hit by a 'kwitis' and one by an unidentified firecracker.

Ventura said all of them were sent home after receiving medical treatment from various hospitals in the region.

She also appealed to parents to remind their children not to play with firecrackers to save them from deadly injuries.

In last year's monitoring by the health department, Ventura said the regional health office recorded 64 firecracker-related injuries. (PNA)

Health personnel, public hospitals on alert for 'Nina'

MANILA, Dec. 26 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday assured the readiness of public hospitals and field personnel to attend to casualties of Typhoon Nina.

Health department spokesperson, Dr. Eric Tayag, said they have alerted all government hospitals. He also noted that sufficient supplies of medicine have been positioned ahead of any health emergency.

Tayag said Code White has been raised in government hospitals from Dec. 15 to Jan. 6 so they could respond to any possible health emergency during the holidays.

Code White puts medical and technical teams on the ground on standby and requires them to monitor any untoward incident by coordinating with other government agencies.

Tetanus Toxoid medicines, he said, are usually prepared during calamities to protect from tetanus those who are wounded by contaminated pointed objects in flooded areas.

Tayag also assured that health personnel are giving check-ups and vaccinations and that those who are old and sickly, along with babies, children and pregnant mothers are "connected to hospital facilities" to ensure that their concerns are addressed. (PNA)

Sanofi on FDA’s cease and desist order: We have filed our response

MANILA, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- Sanofi Pasteur, the dengue vaccine manufacturer, said Tuesday it has already responded to the order of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an appropriate disease information and awareness campaign.

"In compliance with the FDA's order, we filed our answer on Dec. 27,” Sanofi said in a statement.

Because the case is pending before the FDA, they declined to discuss further the merits of the case or to issue any other public statement.

“Suffice it to say that the cease and desist order is not related to the vaccine’s safety and efficacy and is limited to the issues of complying with the FDA’s regulations on product promotion,” Sanofi briefly said in a statement.

The clarification was made after the FDA announced that it issued a summons with a cease and desist order against the pharmaceutical giant for airing television and radio advertisements of its dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia.

The FDA said the airing of the advertisement violates Administrative Order No. 65 s. 1989, prohibiting advertisement in any form of prescription or ethical drugs.

Through the summons, Sanofi was directed to cease and desist from disseminating advertisements for Dengvaxia in any form of mass or social media. It was also directed to stop activities promoting and marketing the vaccine.

Meanwhile, Sanofi said it is looking forward to participating in a preliminary conference with the FDA on the matter.

They also added that they will take this opportunity to further discuss how they can continue working closely with the government in conducting awareness campaigns for the benefit of the public. (PNA)

PHL FDA issues cease and desist order against Sanofi

MANILA, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday said it has issued a summons with a cease and desist order against pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur Inc. for airing television and radio advertisements of its dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia.

The FDA said the airing of the advertisement violates Administrative Order No. 65 s. 1989, prohibiting advertisement in any form of prescription or ethical drugs.

In a statement, the FDA's Center for Drug Regulation and Research (CDRR) said it has monitored the airing of the advertising materials on the dengue vaccination.

It has also reported the unauthorized promotion of the dengue vaccine in the malls.

In the summons issued by the FDA last Dec. 13, Sanofi was directed to cease and desist from disseminating advertisements for Dengvaxia in any form of mass or social media.

Sanofi was also directed to stop activities promoting and marketing the vaccine. However, as of last Dec. 15, the company has failed to comply with the FDA’s directive to take down the advertisements.

"Since Sanofi has not complied, we have issued a summons directing them to cease and desist from airing the advertisements and show cause why they should not be penalized for violating the law," FDA director general Nela Charade Puno said.

Puno added that to ensure immediate compliance, "the FDA already sent letters to TV and radio stations directing them not to air the said unauthorized ads".

She also said the FDA will monitor the compliance of Sanofi and the stations.

"We are looking forward to their cooperation in our mandate to ensure that the public is provided only with the correct information on the food, drugs, cosmetics, and health devices they use,” Puno pointed out.(PNA)

Injuries from firecrackers rise to 581 as of Jan. 3

MANILA, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a total of 581 fireworks-related injuries as of 6 a.m. Tuesday, more than half of which were from the National Capital Region (NCR).

The figure is 328 cases (36 percent) lower than the five-year average from 2011 to 2015, and 323 cases (36 percent) lower than in the same period last year. Of the 581, more than half or 381 were reported from the NCR, led by Manila with 107 cases, Quezon City with 70, and Marikina with 27.

Males comprised 467 (81 percent) of the cases, while 372 (56 percent) are children less than 15 years old. The youngest victim is one year old, and the oldest, 71 years old. Most of those injured had been lighting firecrackers in the past. Of the 581, 302 suffered injuries to their hands, and 108 to their eyes.

Banned firecrackers accounted for 299 (52 percent) of the cases, led by the ‘piccolo’ with 186 (32 percent) of cases, followed by the ‘kwitis’ and ‘luces’. Based on the records, 125 “active” users aged less than 15 years admitted to lighting the ‘piccolo’.

The monitoring, which began on Dec. 21 and will end on Jan. 5, is done annually by 50 sentinel hospitals of the health department to see the trend through the years.

The health department has advised those injured by firecrackers to get tetanus shots immediately, which are offered free in government hospitals. (PNA)

Toilet explosion in Shaanxi due to sewer gas

XI'AN, Jan. 3 (PNA/Xinhua) -- A blast in a public toilet in northwest China's Shaanxi province on Saturday was triggered by excessive sewer gas in the toilet, said local authorities on Tuesday.

Investigators said that the explosion was caused by an explosive mixture of sewer gas. The toilet in Hengshan district of Yulin city collapsed in the explosion, killing one person and injuring seven others. None of the injured has life-threatening injuries.

Sewer gas consists of the products of decomposing organic waste and may include methane, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide, among many others.

Many public toilets in China, especially mid-western regions, are still dry -- basically pits exposed to the open air.

With China's fast economic and social development, local authorities have been spending heavily on the renovation of sub-standard toilets, China's "toilet revolution", and sanitation has become a measure of the quality of local economic growth. (PNA/Xinhua)

Health dept to continue pushing for signing of proposed EO on regulated use of firecrackers

MANILA, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial on Tuesday expressed optimism that President Rodrigo Duterte would very soon sign their proposed executive order on regulating the use of firecrackers or the firecrackers firing act.

“We are expecting that within this month, we can push for Malacañang’s issuance (of the EO), so we can avoid all the unnecessary injuries (from firecrackers),” Ubial said.

She explained that their determination to have the proposed EO signed stems from the fact that while the number of firecracker-related injuries from the recent celebration was lower compared to figures in the past 10 years, these injuries still resulted in disability, pain and misery.

She noted that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources strongly supports the signing of the proposed EO due to the negative impact of firecrackers on the environment.

President Duterte was supposed to sign the order last year but postponed it in consideration of those whose livelihood depends on the manufacture of firecrackers.

The EO would further reduce the number of injuries from firecrackers, Ubial said, noting that floating the idea of a presidential order on the ban on firecrackers has actually deterred people from lighting them, contributing to the drop in the number of injuries during the recent holidays.

“(Some people in the provinces) had the impression that somehow they would be caught and punished if they use fireworks or firecrackers,” she said.

The health chief further said that the proposed EO would help the authorities monitor the indiscriminate firing of guns during the New Year revelry.

Without firecrackers, it would be easier to hear the shots from guns, she said, pointing out that many victims and their families have admitted that they were surprised to learn that they were injured by stray bullets.

As of 6 a.m. Tuesday, the health department has recorded a total of 581 fireworks-related injuries. The figure is lower by 323 or 36 percent compared to the same period last year. More than 50 percent of the injuries however involved children, the youngest of whom was barely one year old. (PNA)

Obese fathers may also affect children's development --study

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Daddies, watch your waistline!

Women have been warned of the risks of obesity during pregnancy, but a new study shows obese fathers may also influence children's development, local media reported Monday.

"Our study is one of the few that also includes information about fathers, and our results suggest that dad's weight also has significant influence on child development," said lead researcher Edwina Yeung from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in the United States.

The study, published in The Journal of Pediatrics, found that children of obese parents may be at risk of developmental delays, CNN reported Monday.

The researchers looked at 4,821 children from 4 months old to the age of 3, between 2008 and 2010, and found specific effects on children, depending on which parent is obese.

The findings showed that compared to children of normal-weight mothers and apart from health related issues, children with obese mothers were more likely to fail tests of fine motor skill, which is the ability to control movement of small muscles, such as those in fingers and hands.

Children with obese fathers were also more likely to fail measures of social competence, which indicate how well they were able to relate to and interact with others.

In addition, children born to extremely obese couples were much more likely to fail problem-solving tests.

However, it is not yet known how parental obesity might increase children's risk of development delays.

"Our study wasn't designed to prove cause and effect. At this point, we only have correlations between parents' BMI (Body Mass Index) and children's scores on a screening questionnaire," Yeung said.

The authors noted that studies on animals have indicated that obesity during pregnancy may promote inflammation, which could affect the fetal brain.

"We know that obesity greatly increases the risk for such conditions as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. For anyone, male or female, pregnant or not, it makes sense to attain a healthy weight," Yeung said. (PNA/Xinhua)

Over 30 M poultry destroyed in S. Korea for AI infection in 50 days

SEOUL, Jan. 3 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Over 30 million chickens and ducks have been culled in South Korea in less than 50 days as a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza (AI) spread rapidly nationwide, Yonhap news agency reported.

As of Tuesday, the number of poultry destroyed for the bird flu infection reached 30.33 million since the first case was discovered at a farm in Haenam county, South Jeolla province, the country's southwest region, on Nov. 16.

The figure accounted for almost 20 percent of 165.25 million poultry raised in the entire country.

The speed of spreading, however, slightly slowed in the past week, during which 3.84 million chickens, ducks and quails were infected, or 12.8 percent of the total contagion.

Cautiousness remained over the prolonged contagion given that the AI spread lasted in South Korea for 195 days in 2014, slaughtering 13.96 million poultry.

The agriculture ministry has raised the AI crisis level to the highest in its four-tier system.

Egg prices have surged recently as 32.1 percent of total layer chickens, which lay eggs, or 22.45 million chickens, were culled for the H5N6 virus infection.

Given that chicks take over six months to become hen to lay eggs, egg prices are expected to remain high for the time being. (PNA/Xinhua)

Health dept warns against tetanus from firecracker-related wounds

MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday called on those who were injured by firecrackers to get tetanus shots immediately.

“All firecracker wounds are tetanus-prone. This means that regardless of whether (the wound is) small or big, there is the risk of developing tetanus,” said health department spokesperson, Dr. Eric Tayag.

Citing that tetanus can be deadly, Tayag said the wound should be cleansed in running water and should not be ignored.

“And you can only be vaccinated with anti-tetanus vaccine if you go to hospitals,” he said, noting that it is given free in government hospitals, along with treatment for all firecracker-related injuries and wounds from stray bullets.

Last year, a PHP10 million budget was allotted for the treatment of such injuries. This year, the health department expects less expenses due to a huge drop in the number of firecracker-related injuries. (PNA)

Health dept says based on bullet's trajectory, 15-year-old was hit by stray bullet

MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) -- Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial said Monday they still consider the 15-year-old girl from Malabon City as a stray bullet victim despite police claims that she was the victim of a “shooting incident”.

“Because of the trajectory of the (bullet in the) gunshot wound, we are still categorizing it as a stray bullet from indiscriminate firing,” Ubial said, noting that as such, they are not retracting their declaration on Sunday that the teenager was felled by a stray bullet.

She however said that they would be ready to take back their pronouncement once the circumstances of the case have been confirmed.

The girl, Emilyn Villanueva Calano, who was hit on the top of her head, is on a coma at the Surigical Intensive Care Unit of the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) in Manila.

JRRMMC chief, Dr. Emmanuel Montaña Jr., said that there is a probability that if the bullet is removed from her head through surgery, other parts of the brain would be affected, such as areas that control speech or movement.

According to the parents of the victim, their daughter was just watching the fireworks at about 11 p.m. on Dec. 31 near their residence, along with other children and relatives, when she suddenly slumped on the pavement. She was then taken to the hospital.

Following the health department’s pronouncement that she was a stray bullet victim, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) as well as the Malabon City police said the teenager was a victim of a "shooting incident” by a still unidentified person. (PNA)

Health chief campaigns against indiscriminate firing of guns during New Year as 15-year-old fights for life
By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, Jan. 2 (PNA) -- What was to be a joyful occasion turned into a tragedy when a stray bullet hit a 15-year-old lass in Malabon City on her head as she was watching fireworks to welcome the New Year.

“How are we going to face this new year now?” asked Emilyn Villanueva Calamo’s 34-year-old mother, Marilyn Villanueva, a fish vendor, as she stood watch at the girl's bedside, praying fervently for a miracle.

At 11:45 p.m. on Dec. 31, Emilyn, who has dreamed of becoming a chef one day, was watching the fireworks when she suddenly slumped on the pavement after she was hit by a stray bullet, an occurrence in the country during the New Year when irresponsible or drunk gun-owners indiscriminately fire their guns in the air. Emilyn was taken to the hospital. She is currently fighting for her life at the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) of the Dr. Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMC) in Manila.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, Marilyn said she could not believe that this has happened to her daughter, the eldest of four children, she who at a young age had displayed a great sense of responsibility and has become her pride and joy as they struggle to meet the needs of their growing family.

Emilyn, whose name is a combination of the names of her parents Emil and Marilyn, is a Grade 8 scholar at the St. James Academy in Malabon, attending the night class so she could help her parents -- both fish vendors at the Malabon Bayan Market -- by attending to the needs of her younger siblings.

”She’s a gem to us,” said her mother, recalling that on that fateful night, Emilyn even helped her prepare ‘menudo’, chicken and ham for their ‘media noche’. She even tidied up the house, knowing that her parents were busy selling fish so they would have enough money for the New Year, Marilyn said.

Every New Year, she said, her children watch the fireworks outside their house as part of their family tradition. She related that when neighbors informed her of what happened, she ran to her daughter as fast as she could.

“Had I known ahead of time that this would happen, I would have just told her to stay inside the house and I would have wrapped her safely in my arms,” she said.

“It’s very painful, I feel like I am also losing my life now,” she said. “I want the culprit to pay for this in prison. He ruined what was supposed to be our happy moment.”

She expressed hope for a speedy and accurate investigation. She also appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to help put an end to the indiscriminate firing of guns during the New Year by punishing those responsible for it.

“I can see and feel that my daughter is fighting and wants to survive,” Marilyn said, adding that they are now relying on Divine intervention and the power of prayers, especially after doctors said Emilyn’s survival rate would be low if they performed an operation on her.

In an interview, Dr. Emmanuel Montaña Jr. admitted that surgery would be too risky, as other areas of the brain could be damaged.

He said that they are doing their best to manage Emilyn’s condition, such as by providing her the proper support system.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial asked the media to help campaign against the indiscriminate firing of guns during the New Year.

“(Emilyn) has been doing well in school and has a great future ahead of her. She is a scholar. But now, this. Even one death is unnecessary, it just breaks my heart,” Ubial said in an interview as she held back tears. She visited the patient on Sunday morning.

She said that while there has been a significant drop in the number of firecracker-related injuries, the indiscriminate firing of guns continues to claim innocent lives.

Back in 2012, just a few minutes before the New Year came, a seven-year-old girl named Stephanie Nicole Ella was also felled by a stray bullet in Tala, Caloocan City. Like Emilyn, she was bright, talented and studious and dreamt of becoming a teacher. She was rushed to the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) where she succumbed to her injury.

Arrests were made but the suspects were soon released because the police did not have enough evidence against them, leaving the public to ask how many more dreams should be shattered before this practice is stopped. (PNA)

Cell therapy gets official green light for use in Russia

MOSCOW, Jan. 1 (PNA/TASS) -- The law on biomedical cellular products which comes into force on January 1 permits the use of living cells for therapy and kicks off the creation of a new branch of biomedicine, one of the law’s authors, Andrei Vasilyev, Director of the Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told TASS.

"The law will boost the development of biomedical research and the new high-tech industry but, most importantly, patients will be able to receive highly effective treatment with the use of artificially grown cells, the quality and safety of which will be guaranteed by the government," said Andrei Vasilyev, the head of the RAS Institute of Developmental Biology.

In contrast with transplantation, the patient’s body does not reject cellular material.

"This is a very important law for researchers, medics and patients as the development of biomedicine and cellular technologies has been legalized for the very first time in Russia," Deputy Education and Science Minister Sergei Krayevoi stressed. "This is a new step towards the development of contemporary methods of treatment for serious diseases."

Biomedical cellular products basically differ from pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices.

According to Vasilyev, a millimeter-piece of biomaterial is taken from the donor’s body to produce biomedical cellular products.

"Then the cells are scaled up, modified and combined with some medicines and as a result we get a new biomedical cellular product," the scientist explained. "Contemporary technologies facilitate the production of neurons or heart cells from a small skin sample. The possibilities here become endless."

Biomedical cellular products can be used for treatment of cancer, diabetes, liver, heart and other diseases.

"Some experts believe that the clinical use of cellular products will be followed by major social effects, which can be compared to the effect from the introduction of antibiotics," Vasilyev noted.

He said new biomedical cellular products could appear in Russia in 2018.

"I think we will get the first biomedical cellular products to restore cartilage, bones, skin, cornea and urethra," he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the federal law on biomedical cellular products on June 23, 2016. (PNA/TASS)

Cholera outbreak kills 3 in western Tanzania -- official

ARUSHA, Tanzania, Jan. 1 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Three people have died in western Tanzania's district of Tanganyika following a fresh cholera outbreak, an official said on Saturday.

Salehe Mhando, Tanganyika District Commissioner said Karema Division, which is located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika has recorded a total of 91 cholera cases.

Mhando who is also the district's disaster committee chairperson said in a telephone interview that the first case was diagnosed on Dec. 9 in Kapalamsenga ward.

"So far, the cholera outbreak has affected four wards in Karema Division, which include Kapalamsenga, Isengule, Ikola, and Karema," he said.

The official explained for the past three weeks, 67 out of 91 have been treated.

Mhando cited lack of toilets as one of the causes of the disease, taking into account that most of the households have no such facilities as some relieve themselves into the lake and other water bodies.

"The challenge is some people prefer to use water from the lake rather than using piped water...that's why we're linking the situation with the cholera outbreak in this area," he said.

He, however, said that the district authorities have put in place several measures against the waterborne disease including banning people from using water directly from the lake for cooking, bathing, drinking and instead they should use piped water. The campaign is supervised by village leaders, who have set hefty penalties for defaulters.

He also said that health officials have been dispatched in villages to sensitize villagers on the need for them to build and properly use toilet facilities in households as well as urge them to maintain hygiene in their respective areas.

Mhando said the government has also banned all public gathering like funerals, weddings, and businesses which operated in undesignated areas. (PNA/Xinhua)

DOH confirms second case of ingestion of firecrackers
By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, Dec. 31 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed Saturday another case of ingestion of firecracker.

In a press briefing held at East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City, DOH Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial said that in their latest monitoring, the second case was from Navotas City.

The age of the boy was four who ingested a firecracker called 'Pop-pop'.

DOH Spokesperson Dr. Eric Tayag said the child was rushed and managed at Tondo Medical Center on December 30.

Tayag said the firecracker was unintentionally ingested by the child after his brother tricked him to ingest it.

The first case of firecracker ingestion recorded by DOH involved a six-year-old boy from Cainta, Rizal.

The little boy accidentally placed a "luces" between his teeth.

The monitoring began since December 21 and will end by January 5.

In the latest count, as of 6:00 a.m. of December 31, a total of 141 injuries were recorded by DOH from its 50 Sentinel Hospitals.

"This is 34 percent lower than the cases reported for the same period last year," said Ubial.

In her series of rounds, she checked the hospital preparedness in terms of medicines, equipment and duty staffs manning the emergency units to ensure that preparations are in place among government hodpitals.

As she do this she asked the public cooperation to choose safe welcoming of new year through community fireworks displays and use of alternative noisemakers to be away from injuries.

She said that it is important that parents and communities will think of the loses on productivity of the child that will be injured and get life-long disability from firecrackers use. (PNA)

DOH records 141 firecracker-related injuries a day before New Year's eve
By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, Dec. 31 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) reported Saturday that the total number of firecracker-related injuries is now 141 on the eve of New Year celebration.

DOH Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial said the number is in decreasing trend in comparison to last year's record.

This is 34 percent (or 73 cases) lower than the cases reported last year.

However, she said the data showed that 78 percent of the injuries were children who are 15 years old and below.

Piccolo, an illegal firecracker, is the top cause of injury.

In East Avenue Medical Center alone in Quezon City which she visited as part of the hospital rounds she was doing, majority of the 12 cases were due to piccolo.

The youngest patient (three-year old boy) was due to piccolo.

Piccolo had injured 78 people based on the reports submitted by 50 sentinel hospitals nationwide.

Meanwhile, it was noted that majority of the cases (52 percent) were from the National Capital Region (NCR) with 73 recorded injuries. Most of the firecracker-related injuries came from Manila, Quezon City, and Mandaluyong City.

The top 3 in the list was Manila with 31 cases; followed by QC with 21 cases and Mandaluyong with 5 cases.

Ubial said they will be sending letters to these Local Government Units (LGUs) to discuss how they can work together to decrease the trend of injuries.

She said that it the said cities will cooperate they can actually help a lot in bringing down the trend to lower level wherein there will be injuries that can be prevented.

She said the positive effect of decreasing the incidence can actually reduce cost spent in the health system as well as relief to other health staffs doing their duties even during holiday breaks because they need to respond to other health emergencies. (PNA)

Health dept says shellfish poisoning in Biliran over

TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 31 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) has declared the problem of paralytic shellfish poisoning in Biliran province as over, following the release of the last patient from hospital.

After the toxins killed two persons and hospitalized six others, the health department said no new case has been reported in more than a week. Local health authorities discharged the last victim from the Biliran Provincial Hospital on December 22.

“In our desire to celebrate the Yuletide season in a healthy way, please avoid eating shellfish gathered from infested areas, unless the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources confirms that it is already safe,” said DOH regional director Minerva Molon.

Molon has reported 40 suspected cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning in the towns of Cabucgayan, Kawayan and Maripipi.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources' (BFAR) regional office here said that for several months, the contamination has thrived in Irong Irong and Cambatutay Bays in Samar; Carigara Bay in Leyte; the coastal waters of Leyte; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; and the coastal waters of Naval, Biliran. Early this month, it expanded to Calubian, Leyte.

BFAR regional director, Juan Albaladejo, reminded local government units and coastal communities not to take the shellfish ban lightly.

The fisheries bureau reported that an old man and a girl from Biliran died last week of paralytic shellfish poisoning after eating leaf oysters harvested in the Naval waters and nearby Carigara Bay in Leyte. (PNA) CVL/SQM/Robert S. Bona (OJT)

HARP records 758 new HIV cases as of November 2016

MANILA, Dec. 30 (PNA) -- A total of 758 new HIV cases have been recorded by the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP) as of November, bringing the current total to 38,872.

Some 96 percent of the cases are male and more than half belong to the 25-34 age group, while 29 percent are in the 15-24 age group. Among the regions, the National Capital Region (NCR) logged the most number of reported cases with 301. The Calabarzon region registered 108 cases; Central Luzon, 73; Central Visayas, 72; and Davao, 47.

Of the reported cases, five were pregnant -- three from the NCR, and one each from Central Visayas and the Caraga region.

HIV is transmitted through sexual contact, needle sharing among injecting drug users, and mother-to-child transmission. A majority of the infections were obtained through Men who have Sex with Men (MSMs).

As of November, 466 patients began their antiretroviral therapy (ART). At present, a total of 17,388 persons living with HIV are undergoing ART, which is given free to HIV patients with high viral loads. It is important for patients diagnosed with HIV to take ART to protect them from opportunistic infections that could further weaken their immune system.

A total of 21 deaths were reported last November, all of them male. Some 17 were in the 25-34 age group; two in the 35-49 age group; one was 24 years old; and one was 54 years old.

A total of 1,932 deaths were reported from January 1984 to November 2016. (PNA)

Health official sees downward trend of injuries from firecrackers

MANILA, Dec. 30 (PNA) -- A health department official has expressed hope that the downward trend of firecracker-related injuries they see at present would continue.

In a press conference held at the Valenzuela Medical Center in Valenzuela City Friday, Health Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo said that while it is still too early to tell, he hopes that the total number of injuries from firecrackers would settle at 600 this holiday season, much lower than the 900 recorded during last year’s New Year revelry.

As of Friday, the health department has recorded 116 firecracker-related injuries nationwide since December 21. The figure is 88 cases or 43 percent lower than the five-year average from 2011 to 2015, and 71 cases or 38 percent lower than the same period last year, it said.

Bayugo further noted that injuries recorded on Christmas day were also lower than on the same day in the past years.

Health Undersecretary Herminigildo Valle meanwhile welcomed the declining trend, attributing it to the health department’s efforts and the cooperation of local government units (LGUs).

Valle lauded the LGUs of Marikina, Pasay, San Juan and Quezon City for hosting community fireworks displays.

Valenzuela Medical Center chief, Dr. Imelda Mateo, also noted a decline in the number of patients brought to the hospital for firecracker injuries. The figure, she said, has dropped from 27 cases five years ago to 22 last year to only one so far this year.

The health department officials were making the rounds of government hospitals to check their readiness to deal with emergencies during the rest of the holiday season. (PNA)

EcoWaste reminds village officials of duty to prevent injuries from firecrackers

MANILA, Dec. 30 (PNA) -- EcoWaste Coalition on Friday reminded barangay leaders of their duty to prevent injuries from firecrackers in their respective villages.

“Just like what the secretary of health (Dr. Paulyn Ubial) has been saying, the barangay leaders should be the ones to monitor those selling firecrackers in their villages,” Aileen Lucero, EcoWaste national coordinator, said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

During a community program held at the Project 6 Barangay Hall Park in Quezon City, Lucero pointed out that since the barangay is small and its residents are known to barangay officials, the latter should be able to identify and discourage those who are selling illegal firecrackers in their village. At the same time, city mayors should remind the barangay officials of this responsibility, she added.

She said barangay leaders should also promote safe ways to celebrate the new year.

Aside from shunning firecrackers, EcoWaste also called on people not to fire guns, use improvised PVC cannons called ‘boga', burn tires and garbage, and float sky lanterns.

Meanwhile, she commended Barangay Project 6, under barangay captain Vicente Honorio Llamas V, for achieving zero casualty during last year’s New Year celebration.

Llamas attributed this success to the barangay officials’ constant reminders to residents not to spend their money on firecrackers and to the fact that not a single store in the barangay is selling firecrackers.

Quezon City Councilor Elizabeth Delarmente’s ordinance limiting the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics to designated areas in the barangay has also helped, he said, adding that the ordinance has led to the annual community fireworks display at the Quezon Memorial Circle. (PNA)

Manila to build burn unit in Ospital ng Maynila

MANILA, Dec. 30 (PNA) -- Manila’s city government will soon build a burn unit at the Ospital ng Maynila (OsMa) that will provide free and comprehensive treatment for the city’s poor residents.

Mayor Joseph Estrada said Friday the specialized burn unit, once completed, will be comparable to private hospitals in terms of services, facilities and equipment, and medical experts.

“For so long, we don’t have our own burn unit in the city to care for burn victims, that is why I have thought of putting up our own, in OsMa. Burn treatment entails huge costs in private medical facilities," he said.

OsMa director, Dr. Raquel Mariñas, said it will be the first such facility in Manila, noting that it will have its own operating room and equipment, and doctors specializing in burn injuries. Based on initial plans, the burn unit will be able to handle up to six patients, she said.

"PGH (Philippine General Hospital) and Jose Reyes Hospital cannot accommodate all the needs of Manileños. Our burn unit will be able to treat up to third-degree burns, so it will be a highly-specialized burn unit and hopefully we can do it as soon as possible," said Mariñas.

Estrada said the OsMa’s burn unit, part of the city government’s PHP500 million hospital modernization program, would serve patients that would sustain burn injuries in case of disasters and calamities, as well as serious firecracker-related injuries during Christmas and New Year revelries.

OsMa, located along Quirino Ave. in Malate, is the city’s flagship hospital. It has a 300-bed capacity and is equipped with modern medical equipment, such as CT Scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital X-ray and ultrasound machines.

According to the Department of Health, only five hospitals, all run by the national government, have burn units. They are the PGH, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, and Quirino Memorial Medical Center. (PNA)

EcoWaste Coalition urges communities to welcome New Year without firecrackers

MANILA, Dec. 30 (PNA) -- The EcoWaste Coalition and various organizations on Friday called on every community in the country to stay safe in welcoming the new year by shunning firecrackers.

"As 2016 is about to end, we urge our community leaders and their constituents to go all out for a harmless celebration of the New Year sans firecrackers," EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator, Aileen Lucero, said as they held a community program and parade at the Project 6 Barangay Hall Park.

As lighting firecrackers can go awry and lead to serious injuries that could result in amputation, damage to eyes, burns, poisoning when ingested, not to mention fire, Lucero suggested instead that people make noise by blowing ‘torotot’ (horns), shaking piggy banks or plastic bottles filled with coins or pebbles, or beating such kitchen utensils as pots and lids or toy drums and xylophones. She also showed how coconut shells and empty cans could be turned into maracas to create noise.

Aside from alternative noisemakers, Lucero also showed how the banned ‘piccolo’ firecracker looks like to familiarize parents and children alike so they would not purchase it. Among firecrackers, the ‘piccolo’ is the cause of most firecracker-related injuries in the country.

Lucero likewise advised adults to make sure that children do not spend their money on firecrackers. Barangay Project 6 chairman Vicente Honorio Llamas V agreed, saying that money spent on firecrackers, which also harm the environment, might as well be used to buy food and other household needs, or better yet, be donated to victims of a recent fire in Quezon City and Typhoon Nina.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Councilor Beth Delarmente said it is about time people abandon the use of firecrackers, as instead of warding off misfortune during the incoming year, as is widely believed, they actually cause misery.

"If you want to create happy noise, try videoke singing and dancing," said Delarmente, who authored a city ordinance that limits the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics to designated areas in the barangay. She noted that Barangay Project 6 has been observing the ordinance and had in fact achieved zero casualty last year.

This should be replicated, not only by the barangays in Quezon City, but by other cities where the number of injuries from firecrackers are high, she told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

Delarmente and other city officials were scheduled to visit other areas in the city to remind residents to have a safe New Year celebration.

The advocacy was followed by a parade held by members of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) and parent-teacher associations, as well as teams from the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire and the Philippine Red Cross. (PNA)

DOH-7 reports 87 percent hike in dengue cases this year

CEBU CITY, Dec. 29 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 7 has reported an 87 percent increase in the number of dengue cases in the region this year, reaching a total of 26,670, with 238 deaths as of Dec. 24.

A total of 14,247 cases and 82 deaths related to dengue were reported over the same period last year.

Rennan Cimafranca of the DOH 7 Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) said that while the number of dengue cases and deaths continued to rise, they also noticed a downtrend in admissions in the last quarter of the year.

Based on DOH-RESU 7’s latest report, majority of the dengue cases and fatalities in the region come from Cebu City with 3,933 cases and 28 deaths, followed by Mandaue City with 1,554 cases and 24 deaths and Lapu-Lapu City with 1,137 cases and 17 deaths.

Aside from the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, included in the top 10 local government units with the most number of dengue cases are the cities of Dumaguete and Bais in Negros Oriental; the cities of Carcar, Talisay and Toledo and the towns of Consolacion and Balamban in Cebu.

Cimafranca said that based on their monitoring, they noticed a downtrend of dengue hospital admissions during the last quarter of the year.

He said they noticed a spike in dengue cases during the middle of the year, but slowly going down during the last two quarters of this year.

Cimafranca said 2016 was a very particular year for dengue because of the sudden weather changes that started with El Niño during the first quarter of this year. (PNA)

Manila's Sta. Ana Hospital to become HIV treatment hub

MANILA, Dec. 29 (PNA) -- The Sta. Ana Hospital will become Manila's "HIV Treatment Hub" to help government efforts to arrest the alarming increase in the number of HIV infections in the country.

This will be the city government’s modest contribution to measures implemented by the national government and international agencies and organizations to curb the spread of HIV, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said Thursday.

The 500-bed, 10-storey Sta. Ana Hospital in New Panaderos St. in Manila’s District 6 is classified as a "Level ll" medical facility and is one of the six public hospitals in the city that have undergone a PHP500 million renovation.

Sta. Ana Hospital director, Dr. Jesus Sison Jr., said they have completed the training of medical personnel to handle HIV cases, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH).

He pointed out that they have complied with the basic requirements of the DOH, such as a laboratory for treatment and analysis of HIV-infected blood, trained personnel for counseling of patients, and obstetricians and surgeons to operate on patients with HIV, as well as highly trained nurses, and the upgrading and procurement of facilities.

“We expect DOH to approve our accreditation as an HIV treatment center by January. We just have to submit some other documentary requirements,” Sison pointed out, adding that the DOH has already inspected the hospital early this month.

“This facility will cater to Manilans, as well as non-Manilans,” he added.

Based on the health department's HIV/AIDS Registry, there have been 841 new HIV cases in the country for the month of June alone, 103 of which have developed into full-blown AIDS. This number was the highest ever recorded in a single month since 1984, when HIV was first detected in the country.

Of the 841 cases, 92 percent were acquired through sexual transmissions, mainly by MSM (men having sex with men).

Last month, Estrada announced that the city government is also offering HIV testing and treatment to bona fide residents for free, at the Manila Social Hygiene Clinic in Sta. Cruz.

As chairperson of the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC), Estrada earlier directed the inter-department body to hasten and intensify its HIV/AIDS information and awareness drive in the 896 barangays of Manila, as well as its continuing outreach and counseling program.

While the rate of HIV infections in Manila remains “manageable”, the ever increasing number of individuals getting infected by the virus in the country is a cause for alarm on the part of the city government and is now a major public health issue among local government units, Estrada said. (PNA)

Three days to New Year: Health dept reports 105 injuries from firecrackers, 1 from stray bullet

MANILA, Dec. 29 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) reported Thursday that it has recorded a total of 105 injuries from firecrackers nationwide and its first injury from a stray bullet since its monitoring began on December 21.

The department said a 27-year-old man was hit by a stray bullet on his head last Dec. 25 while he was inside his residence in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya. He is undergoing treatment at the Veterans Regional Hospital.

Of the 105 cases, 54 were recorded in the National Capital Region (NCR), with Manila leading the other cities with 24 cases, followed by Quezon City with 12, Mandaluyong with five, Navotas with four, two each from Marikina, Las Piñas and Pasay, and one each from Valenzuela, Pasig and Malabon.

Based on regions, NCR was the topnotcher, followed by Western Visayas with 11 cases, Calabarzon with 10, Ilocos with seven, Central Visayas with six, Central Luzon with five, Davao and Eastern Visayas with four each, Bicol with three, and Cagayan Valley with one.

Of the 105, 79 were children below 15 years old. Of the 79, 47 were injured by the ‘piccolo’, which continues to be the top cause of injuries, accounting for 61 cases, followed by the improvised cannon called ‘boga’ with 10 cases.

Meanwhile, most of the injuries were on hands (66 cases) and eyes (21 cases).

The youngest victim was three years old while the oldest was 62 years old.

Meanwhile, the DOH continued to call on local government units to ensure the safety of their constituents by supporting safer ways to welcome the New Year instead of lighting firecrackers.

At the same time, it also reminded those who are injured to seek medical help in DOH hospitals.(PNA)

Free dialysis up for Iloilo City’s indigent residents

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 28 (PNA) -- The city government here is making available free dialysis to indigent residents once the coverage of their membership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is already exhausted.

The all-inclusive dialysis was signed between the city government and the Freemont Renal Care Medical Services Wednesday for the provision of an inclusive dialysis sessions starting today. It will cover 277 sessions amounting to Php3,600 per session.

“This is the program of the city government to provide free dialysis to indigents,” Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said, adding that it was Dr. Bernard Caspe, the city health officer, who pushed for its realization.

The dialysis will be done at Freemont although patients are advised to ask for referral from the City Health Office (CHO) and the City Social Welfare Office (CSWDO) to avail of the service.

Mabilog also assured that the city government will provide funds once the package is already exhausted.

The dialysis procedure done in private hospitals usually costs around Php5,000 to Php6,000 while the city’s project is totally free given the special package provided by the Freemont.

“This is another breakthrough as far as the health program of the city government is concerned aligned with the thrust of President Rodrigo Duterte,” Mabilog added.

Aside from the free dialysis, the city government also hired an internal medicine specialist, a neurologist and a physical therapist in preparation for the stroke clinic that will start to operate next month. PNA)

Health dept names Manila, QC, Mandaluyong as cities in NCR with highest number of injuries from firecrackers

MANILA, Dec. 28 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday named Manila as the city in the National Capital Region (NCR) with the most number of firecracker-related injuries recorded on Dec. 21-28.

The department reported that the total number of cases of fireworks-related injuries reached 90 on Wednesday, up from 70 the previous day.

Manila recorded 18 cases, followed by Quezon City with 12, and Mandaluyong with five.

Based on regions, the NCR was the topnotcher, followed by Western Visayas with three cases from Bacolod City, and two each from Bago and Iloilo City; and Calabarzon with two cases each from the cities of Antipolo and San Mateo.

Although the 90 cases is 39 percent lower compared to the same time period last year, Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial urged local government partners to beef up their campaign against the lighting of firecrackers this holiday season to achieve the least number of injuries possible.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the DOH media relations unit in Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila, Ubial reiterated that 58 percent of the victims are children, appealing to parents to watch over their kids.

She also said that the alert campaign, which they formerly termed as “shame campaign”, is focused on LGUs so they could work out plans and polices that would reduce, if not totally eliminate, the number of injuries from firecrackers, especially among children.

The political will of LGU leaders could contribute a lot to bringing down the incidence of firecracker injuries, she said, adding that the health department is looking forward to their full cooperation.

With the announcement of the areas with the highest incidence of firecracker-related injuries, Ubial said they are awaiting the LGUs’ “positive reaction”.

On the suggestion that LGUs hold a community fireworks display, only Marikina City has expressed support for it, she said.

She further suggested that LGUs coordinate with other government agencies and partners, such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), “so we can have a peaceful and injury-free celebration by promoting the community fireworks display in their areas”. (PNA)

Healthy, normal baby born to woman infected with Zika, says health chief

MANILA, Dec. 28 (PNA) -- Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial confirmed Wednesday that a healthy and normal baby boy was born to a woman who had caught the Zika virus.

"We have one (pregnant woman diagnosed with Zika before) who had given birth before Christmas," said Ubial when asked for an update on Zika infections in the country.

She said they will monitor the baby’s development, especially his brain development, until he is two years old as part of a study on the effects of Zika on babies born to women who were infected when they were pregnant.

The mother of the baby was the 16-year-old from Las Piñas City who contracted the virus on the third trimester of her pregnancy.

The health chief noted that while the baby was born without any abnormality, this does not mean that Zika has no effect on babies whose mothers got infected on the third trimester of their pregnancy.

She dispelled the idea that since the brain develops in the first and second trimester of pregnancy, Zika acquired during the late stage of pregnancy has no effect on the baby’s brain.

”Even the WHO (World Health Organization) said this is still being monitored," she pointed out.

Ubial said her department is following the pregnancy of three other women from Quezon City, Cebu, and Biñan in Laguna. The woman from Cebu is due to give birth this January.

"(They) will be under close surveillance because we all know that this is very new phenomena in our health system, so we really don't know when the manifestations will come out," Ubial said.

The health department has confirmed 52 Zika cases in health facilities nationwide. The patients’ ages range from seven to 59 years. Of the total, 34 are female. (PNA)

2 provincial hospitals in ComVal get medical equipment from PCSO, DOH

DAVAO CITY, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- The two provincial hospitals in Compostela Valley Province each received a CT Scan equipment valued at PHP50 million from the funds shelled out by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Department of Health (DOH).

According to the provincial information office, the newly-acquired medical equipment augurs well to the delivery of health services of the Compostela Valley Provincial Hospitals in Montevista and Pantukan.

Rey Antibo of the provincial information office on Tuesday said Governor Tyron Uy was grateful of the latest contribution to the hospitals and vowed to make the equipment available to all.

It was learned that the equipment were a long-time request of the provincial government during the time of Governor TyronÂ's father, former Governor and now senior Board Member Arturo Uy.

Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, in a statement, said each CT Scan machine is worth PHP 25 million. She said it is a product of good collaboration between partners of the DOH.

Ubial said she was thankful to have delivered the new equipment, recalling an incident at Montevista Hospital, then a district hospital, when a patient rushed to the emergency room was rushed out again to be brought to the Davao Regional Hospital.

Ubial said she even overheard the staff calling the hospital as the "Monaliza Hospital", citing a line from the song "Mona Lisa" popularized by Nat King Cole that says: “They just lie there and they die there.”

“So we have come a long way from that scenario in 2007, I was the regional director of the Davao Region in 2006-2007. That was the time I met Mayor Rodrigo Duterte but very briefly, I was actually with Mayor Sarah Duterte for longer period of time because I stayed in Davao up to 2010 as the Assistant Secretary for Mindanao. That is my history and probably attachment to this place as I saw the development through the years,” said Ubial, noting of the improvements in the hospital years after. (PNA)

Firecracker-related injuries reach 70, first case of amputation recorded

MANILA, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- The Department of Health on Tuesday reported 70 fireworks-related injuries from Dec. 21 until 6 a.m. of Dec. 27, noting the first case of amputation.

The figure is 73 percent lower compared to the five-year average from 2011 to 2015, and 54 percent lower compared to the same time period last year.

A 23-year-old man from Gamay, Northern Samar has lost fingers on his right hand when its first, third, fourth and fifth finger bones were injured by a ‘piccolo’.

Of the 70 cases, 36 were caused by the ‘piccolo’, which was also responsible for most injuries last year; eight by the improvised cannon called ‘boga’, six by the ‘whistle bomb’, three by ‘kwitis’, two by ‘luces’ and the rest by other firecrackers. One was a case of firecracker ingestion after the boy mistook the ‘luces’ for candy due to its colorful wrapper.

Of the total, 63 (91 percent) involved males, while 51 (74 percent) involved children aged 15 years and below. The youngest victim was four years old and the oldest was 63 years old.

The National Capital Region (NCR) still topped all other regions with 33 cases (47 percent) , while eight were recorded in Western Visayas; seven each in Ilocos and Calabarzon; six in Central Visayas; and three each in Central Luzon, Eastern Visayas and Zamboanga.

In the NCR, the city of Manila was the topnotcher with 17 cases, followed by Quezon City with six; Navotas four; Marikina two; and one each from Las Piñas, Malabon, Pasay and Pasig.

Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial again urged parents to protect their children from the dangers of firecrackers. “If you love your children, you will not let them hold firecrackers… You will guard them,” she said, emphasizing that lighting firecrackers can easily go awry and result in disabilities that children could suffer for the rest of their lives.

She said parents should watch over their children and instead opt to welcome the New Year with noise-making instruments. (PNA)

Health dept to start 'shaming' LGUs with highest number of firecracker-related injuries on Dec. 28

MANILA, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- A health department spokesman said they are looking forward to starting their “shame campaign” on Wednesday as a way of calling the attention of local government units to step up their individual campaigns against the use of firecrackers.

"Tomorrow, our health secretary (Dr. Paulyn Ubial) will come up with a list wherein we will enumerate the cities with top injuries," Dr. Eric Tayag said Tuesday.

Tayag said that along with the list, the health chief will give each of the five LGUs with the most number of firecracker-related injuries a “bansag” or epithet.

"For sure, many will react," he said, adding that it is up to the LGUs to take this constructively.

The goal of the shame campaign, Tayag explained, is to make the LGUs realize the important role they play in preventing firecracker-related injuries during this holiday season.

He said the epithet is a punishment by itself.

"Let's see if this will work," he said, noting that the department had to resort to the shame campaign since the signing of the executive order on the use of firecrackers has been postponed till September next year in consideration of those whose livelihood depends on the manufacture of firecrackers. (PNA)

More foreign visitors from Israel expected as travel agencies promote PHL tourism
Visit: www.tripadvisor.com for more info

MANILA, Dec. 26 (PNA) -- More visitors from Israel are expected in the coming months as six major travel agencies based in Tel Aviv, Israel vowed to promote Philippine tourism, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Philippine Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial relayed to the DFA that tour operators from the Middle East nation started making package tours to the Philippines. He said this is a result of a recent trip of tour operators in popular tourism sites in the Philippines.

Tour operators composed of CEOs and managers of Ophir Tours, Mona Tours Ltd., Ayala Travel and Tours Ltd., Galaxy Tours, Ypaymore Ltd. and Alpha Club-Ganim Tours visited Cebu, Bohol, and Metro Manila from Dec. 6 to 12.

They were joined by Imperial and Mr. Francisco Lardizabal, Head of the DOTâ€"Market Development Group as part of the DOT’s drive to tap the rapidly growing Israeli market.

As of September 2016, a total of 11,800 Israelis have visited the Philippines, a 34 percent increase from last year.

“Israel is becoming an important source of tourists for the Philippines with double-digit growth registered in the last three years,” Lardizabal said.

The tour group held business-to-business meetings with Philippine tour companies, conducted ocular visits to major hotels and experienced activities such as snorkeling, watching dolphins in Bohol, a historical tour in Cebu, and shopping in Manila.

“Through the familiarization tour, the participants were able to experience the exciting destinations of the Philippines and learned more about the beauty of our country and people,” said Imperial.(PNA)

Cebu City to put up ‘Devotee City’ starting Jan. 4 for Fiesta Señor

CEBU CITY, Dec. 31 (PNA) -- The Cebu City government on Jan. 4 will begin setting up a “Devotee City”, a row of container vans located near the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño that would provide free housing for out-of-town Santo Niño devotees who have no place to stay in the city, an official said.

Devotee City 2017 chairman, Roberto Cabarrubias, said they intend to have the soft opening of the Devotee City on Jan. 12, and the grand opening on January 13.

He said some 120 container vans will be set up at the lot near the old Compania Maritima building near the city’s port area to accommodate about 3,000 devotees who cannot afford a place in the city.

To qualify to stay in the Devotee Citym the devotee must come from beyond Carcar City in the south and Danao City in the north. Those from outside Cebu will also be accommodated upon presentation of their bus or ship tickets.

The Cebu City Council earlier approved a PHP1.3 million budget for the Devotee City, PHP540,000 of which will be allocated for hauling the container vans.

Some PHP299,900 will be spent on food and water for the volunteers; PHP200,000 on cash incentives for personnel manning the facility; PHP112,000 on T-shirts for volunteers; PHP100,000 on some construction materials; PHP35,000 on office supplies for registration; and PHP30,000 on first aid medicines.

Cabarrubias said a portion of the Devotee City might be used to house street dwellers and vagrants who will be rescued by the city. (PNA)

Prices of round fruits rise in South Cotabato as New Year draws near

KORONADAL CITY, Dec. 28 (PNA) -- Three days before 2016 ends, residents here have started the Filipino tradition of keeping round-shaped fruits, resulting in abruptly increasing prices of these agricultural produce, at least in this city.

Fruit sellers are almost everywhere now, from the market place to road sides and various places of convergence.

"It's the principle of demand and supply that dictate the prices," Crezel Parcon, a fruit vendor in Koronadal City’s public market, said.

Parcon said a kilo of yellow mango, used by many to make mango float which is a delicious traditional Filipino dessert, now sells at P120 per kilo, double its former price of P60 per kilo.

“Our acquisition price was so high that we only earn P10 per kilo of mango,” Parcon said, admitting she fears customers might shy away from buying the fruit this year.

An average-sized guava that normally costs P40 a kilo now costs P70 to P75 while an average-sized apple that used to sell at P30 a piece, now costs P45 to P50.

What was appalling was the price of “dragon fruit” that's imported from China. It now costs P300 per kilo from about P150 last week.

Prices may further go up as the last day of 2016 draws near. "On the 31st of December, prices will even go higher but we expect some vendors to drop the prices by about 5 p.m.," Parcon said even as she recalled that last year, she ended up break-even in her business.

Parcon also admitted that it was a gamble on her part to acquire fruits at higher prices this holiday season, knowing she might not be able to sell them all.

She and other fruit vendors here also sell 12 kinds of fruits beautifully arranged in a basket.

Parcon urged the public, especially those who will stick to the tradition of serving 12 kinds of round fruits on the table to welcome the New Year, to buy the ready-made basketful of fruits. "They no longer have to worry where to find what kinds of fruits to prepare," she added.

A ready-made fruit basket now costs about P600 to P700, depending on the kind of fruits it is made of.

Many Filipinos still practice the New Year's Eve tradition of coming up with 12 round fruits, representing each month of the year.

Many believe this to bring happiness, prosperity and good health to the family during the next 12 months.Copied from the Chinese, the tradition has come across various faith and religions and according to a “Feng Shui” expert, these "lucky" fruits will bring prosperity and good luck to the family.

Among the most popular round fruits are apple, lanzones, pomelo, melon, grapes and chico. (PNA)

PHL to host 4th World Apostolic Congress on Mercy

MANILA, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- The country will be hosting the 4th World Apostolic Congress on Mercy (WACOM 4) to be held on January 16 to 20.

Fr. Prospero Tenorio, Chief Executive Officer of WACOM 4 said the country was chosen by the WACOM committee to be the host country of this year’s event.

“Sila ang pumili (sa Pilipinas). Meron kasi committee pumipili kung saan gagawin ang WACOM,” he said.

“Nakita kasi nila na organisado ang Pilipinas na ‘yung connection with the Divine Mercy promotion. Meron tayo tinatawag dito sa ating bansa “BOSOM,” na ang ibig sabihin ay Basic Orientation Seminar on Mercy that’s why in the National Shrine every month meron tayo ginagawa Bosom. Upang ang mga tao ay matulungan sa pagpapahalaga, pag-unawa sa awa ng Diyos,” he added.

More than 3,000 participants from the Philippines and other countries are expected to attend the five-day event.

“More or less ang ating local ay 2,888 plus 722 and international kaya more or less we have 3,610,” the Catholic priest said.

The places that will host the gatherings are Manila, Batangas, Bulacan and Bataan.

On the other hand, Tenorio said that Pope Francis will be sending a representative to deliver his message.

“Meron siya legate in the person of Philippe Cardinal Barbarin from France siya ang magdeliver ng message,” he added.

The other countries that hosted the first three WACOMs are Rome, Poland, Colombia, respectively.

WACOM, which is being held every three years, is an international gathering of Divine Mercy devotees and promoters such as bishops, priests, religious brothers and sisters and the laity. (PNA)

Baguio City joins Rizal Day commemoration

BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 28 (PNA) --The local government unit (LGU) of Baguio City will join the nation in commemorating the 120th death anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in a simple wreath laying ceremony on Friday at the Rizal Monument, Burnham Park here.

The Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines â€" Baguio City with representatives from the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), Kababaihang Rizalista, Knights of Rizal, veterans groups and other city officials will offer flowers at Rizal Monument.

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will honor Rizal with a 21-gun salute as the national flag will be lowered to a half-mast.

City Mayor Mauricio Domogan once quoted the writings of Dr. Jose Rizal which stated, “It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted on a field without becoming a part of any edifice.”

At the time, Domogan encouraged every citizen to be a part of endeavor meant to uplift and bring goodwill to each member of the society, and the community as a whole.

During the occasion, Domogan will serve as guest of honor and speaker while Baguio City Rep. Marquez Go will open the wreath laying ceremony.

Rizal led the Philippine revolution through his writings mainly the “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch Me Not), published in Berlin; and “El Filibusterismo” (The Filibuster), novel satires exposing and criticizing Spanish clergy and electoral.

Rizal and other Filipino revolutionists were accused of rebellion and sedition.

He was briefly incarcerated in 1892 and exiled to Dapitan in 1893 where his works as physician, teacher, artist, farmer, poet, and linguist were polished and applied to the community.

He was imprisoned during the early part of 1896 and executed through firing squad on December 30, 1896.

His remains were interred in an unmarked grave at the old Paco cemetery, later exhumed, brought to the Rizal house in Binondo, and buried properly at Luneta Park (Bagumbayan) where his monument stands.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Rizal: Bayaning Global, Aydol in Juan.” (PNA)

Smog prompts 309 flight cancellations in Tianjin

TIANJIN, Jan. 1 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Hundreds of flights have been canceled in north China's port city of Tianjin because of the heavy smog that limited visibility on Sunday.

The municipal government has issued an orange alert for smog and haze on Saturday night. An orange alert means heavy pollution -- PM2.5 higher than 150 -- for three consecutive days.

A total of 309 flights have been canceled, 15 forced to land in other airports and one returned as of 3 p.m., according to the airport. Emergency plans have been activated to take care of the stranded passengers.

All highways in the city have also been closed, the city's transport authorities said Sunday afternoon.

Local weather bureau forecast the ongoing smog will continue till Jan. 5 when a cold haze will disperse the pollution.

Tianjin is a frequent victim of smog that is common in the winter in north China, where cold weather and burning of the dirty coal for heating combine to exacerbate the situation. (PNA/Xinhua)

Christendom celebrates Holy Innocents Day December 28
By Ben Cal

MANILA, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- Filipinos will join the whole Christendom in the observance of Holy Innocents Day on Wednesday to recall the massacre of thousands of innocent male children under two years old ordered by King Herod more than 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem in a bid to kill the newborn King, Jesus Christ, the Son of God whom he considered a threat to his throne.

By tradition aside from attending Mass, Filipinos celebrate Niños Inocentes or Holy Innocent Day with some add-on Niños Inocentes similar to April Fools' Day wherein pranksters play tricks to friends or neighbors by borrowing money without the intention of paying back.

So before lending money on Wednesday, Holy Innocents, be aware.

According to biblical account, Herod the Great was disturbed upon learning that a Child Jesus was born in Bethlehem to save mankind from sin.

Herod was afraid he would be unseated as king so he ordered the massacre of children in Bethlehem two years and below.

He was clueless where the Child Jesus was born despite his power as a king.

Herod tried to trick the three Magi or three kings telling them he would like to accompany them when they visit the Infant Jesus.

But an Angel appeared to the Magi telling them to ignore Herod because of his insincerity and told them to take another route going to Bethlehem guided by a comet.They offered gifts to the new born King, Jesus.

Matthew 2:16-18 says: Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance. 1 Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: A cry was heard in Ramahâ€"weeping and great mourning.

Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.”

The thousands of children who were massacred are the first martyrs of the Church who died for Jesus Christ. Also called Childermas (Children’s Mass), the feast is kept within the season of Christmas because the holy innocents gave their lives for the newborn Savior. (PNA)

Young Filipino Americans in Hawaii graduate from 2nd Ilocano Languaae class

MANILA, Dec. 24 (PNA) -- After two months of rigorous Ilocano language classes held from October 15 to December 17, ten young Filipino-Americans from various high schools and colleges in Hawaii completed the Ilocano language course, the first part of the 2nd Ilocano Language Acquisition and Immersion for the New Generation or the iLAING at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu, Hawaii, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday..

The iLAING is a project initiated in 2015 by the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu with its partner organizations: the FilCom Center, Candonians of Hawaii, United Laoagueños of Hawaii, the University of Hawaii, and sponsors Etrata Foundation, Philippine Airlines and Western Union.

University of Hawaii-Ilocano Language Program Professor Dr. Aurelio Agcaoili designed the syllabus and served as the primary instructor to the top five students, whose names will be announced at a future date, will then undertake a ten-day immersion trip to the Philippines, particularly in the Ilocos region, in July in 2017.

Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin stressed the importance of learning another language, whether foreign or local, which would be useful in the future. She also thanked the students, the partner organizations and sponsors for making the 2nd iLAING, a “low-cost, high-impact” undertaking, possible.

The Consulate General’s partner organizations and iLAING’s major sponsors also provided their remarks and expressed pleasure for the success of the activity and the hope for similar language courses, such as Visayan, in the future.

To entertain the audience, the students sang popular Ilocano songs such as Pamulinawen and the Ilocano translation of the song “By the Shoreline” or ‘Diay Baybay’. (PNA)

DOT targets 3-M increase in visitors in 2017
By Digna D. Banzon

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 2 (PNA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) is aiming a three million increase in visitor arrivals this year from 2016’s six million in Davao region.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo in an interview Monday said, "this mark could be too ambitious but we will market our destinations around the globe the best way we could".

"You know I am very ambitious but we will work hard for it," she said, explaining that 2017 is a very busy year for as several events have already been lined up towards the end of the year.

"We are starting the year right with big international events," she said.

She said the hosting of Miss Universe pageant is a big opportunity for the city and the Philippines to be known around the world.

"The ASEAN 50 is another big one that we are hosting this January," she added.

Meanwhile, Teo also vowed to market the country’s destinations and will push Davao’s presence in both domestic and international travel fairs.

She said DOT will be pouring bigger budget for the promotion of Davao. "And in all of the travels that I've done especially on international, I endorsed the country's destinations including Davao," she said.

She said they will do more promotions for Davao and Mindanao.

Teo also said they expect more tourism-related investments to come to Davao. In fact, she noted, a team of investors from China came to the city to visit the sites referred to them.

Teo did not give details on this, but she said the investors already checked on the area early December last year where their requirement is about 300 hectares.

She said they prefer beach line properties where they could build hotels and put up other related tourism establishments. (PNA)

Chartered flights to connect China's Sanya, Siem Reap

BEIJING, Jan. 2 (PNA/Xinhua) -- China's Hainan Airlines will open a chartered flight service next Wednesday connecting Sanya in southern Hainan Province with Siem Reap, the gateway to Cambodia's Angkor ruins.

Besides the charter flights, Hainan Airlines announced it had started direct flights between Sanya and Cambodian capital Phnom Penh Friday.

Scheduled twice a week, the Phnom Penh flights are made by Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the airline said.

Hainan Airlines is the fourth largest airline in terms of fleet size in China. The airline has been operating for 23 years and has more than 160 aircraft in service.

Trade between China and Cambodia was valued at USD4.4 billion in 2015, up 18 percent year on year, according to official data.

China is the second largest source of tourists to Cambodia, with 700,000 Chinese tourists visiting in 2015.(PNA/Xinhua)

Sri Lanka targets 2.5 million tourists in 2017

COLOMBO, Jan. 2 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka said on Monday that it has set a target of 2.5 million tourists in 2017 as the island nation is becoming a popular tourist destination.

Tourism Minister John Amaratunga told Xinhua that the country has already exceeded the 2 million tourist arrival mark in 2016 and now hopes to attract a further 2.5 million tourists by the end of 2017.

Up to November, the government had achieved a little more than 1.8 million tourists with the leading markets being India and China.

China will continue to be a very strong market even in 2017 as more Chinese tourists are expected to arrive in the island country, the minister said.

He further said that the closure of the Bandaranaike International Airport for certain hours from January to April would have an effect on the number of tourist arrivals this year.

"This is worrying and I have taken the matter up with the authorities concerned. However, we will do our best to achieve the targets set and ensure that tourism becomes the leading foreign exchange earner," Amaratunga said.

The country's main international airport will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day from Jan. 6 to April 6 due to maintenance work on the runway. Several flights have had to re-schedule their arrivals and departures to Colombo as a result of the maintenance.

Passengers traveling during this period have also been advised to arrive at the airport five hours prior to their flight departure.

Meanwhile, Amaratunga said the government has planned mega publicity campaigns to be launched in several cities across the world this year, which would promote Sri Lanka as an ideal tourist destination. (PNA/Xinhua)

PAL completes 1st international flight at Clark

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Jan. 2 (PNA) -- The Philippine Airlines (PAL) completed its first international flight at the Clark International Airport on Monday upon the arrival of its Airbus A321 from Incheon, South Korea at 1:55 a.m.

The flag carrier launched the new Clark-Incheon route on January 1, 2017.

The daily service departs Clark at 4:45 p.m. and arrives in Incheon 9:40 p.m. The return flight leaves Incheon at 10:50 p.m., and touches down in Clark at 1:55 a.m. the following day.

The airline said international flights out of Kalibo will also be launched within the first quarter of 2017.

We will operate more flights outside of Manila not just to decongest the NAIA [Ninoy Aquino International Airport] but mainly to offer convenience to passengers who need not travel to Manila for their desired flights," PAL president Jaime Bautista said in a statement. (PNA)

Tibet receives 23-M tourists in 2016

LHASA, Jan. 3 (PNA/Xinhua) -- More than 23 million tourists visited southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region in 2016, up 15 percent year on year, according to the regional tourism development commission Tuesday.

The commission said key festivals had provided a major boost for tourism in the region, highlighting Tibetan New Year, the annual Shoton (Yogurt) Festival, and the Tibet Tourism and Culture Expo, which all attracted tourists last year.

So far, about 320,000 people in Tibet work in tourism, 97,000 being farmers and herdsmen.

The regional government aims to receive over 30 million tourists in 2020, with an annual tourism revenue of over 55 billion yuan (USD7.9 billion). (PNA/Xinhua)

Cambodia's Angkor earns USD62.5-M from ticket sales in 2016

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 2 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Revenue from ticket sales to foreigners visiting Cambodia's famed Angkor archaeological park reached USD62.5 million in 2016, a 4.21-percent rise year-on-year.

The ancient site welcomed almost 2.2 million foreign tourists last year, up 4.63 percent year-on-year, the state-owned Angkor Enterprise said on Monday.

The largest sources of tourists to the site are China, South Korea and the United States.

Located in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province, the Angkor archaeological park, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1992, is the kingdom's top tourist destination.

In August, the Angkor Enterprise announced that ticket prices for foreigners visiting the site would be increased from Feb. 1, 2017.

The entrance fee for a one-day visit to the site will be raised to USD37, from the current USD20, it said.

The price for a three-day visit will be increased to USD62, from the current USD40, and for a week-long visit, the ticket will cost USD72, from the current USD60.(PNA/Xinhua)

Fil-Am students honored during 24th Annual Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards in Washington DC

MANILA, Dec. 26 (PNA) -- As the birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal approaches, young Filipino-American students were honored during the 24th Annual Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards ceremony held last Dec. 20 at the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, the US, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a release issued Monday.

Launched in 1993, the Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards recognizes the academic excellence and community service of outstanding Fil-Am youths in the Metro Washington DC area.

These youths, chosen by a Selection Committee for meeting the criteria that emphasize the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal, namely scholarship and community service, have submitted personal essays on selected topics based on their current grade level.

During this year’s ceremony, the awardees were presented a certificate of recognition and a medal by the Philippine Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Minister Patrick Chuasoto and Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC) president Aylene Mafnas.

“The Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards serves to honor and remember Dr. Rizal's selfless love of country and for countrymen. But we believe that it should not only create awareness about Dr. Rizal, but find him within ourselves and put his inspiration into good use,” Chuasoto said in his remarks.

Professor of International Relations at the US Military Academy, Sonny Busa, in his inspirational message to the students, emphasized the importance of using their talents and skills in making a difference and uplifting the lives of other people.

“The biggest satisfaction comes not from what you earned, but from what you gave to others. So take the award today and be proud of it,” he said.

After the awarding ceremony, Joseph Mafnas read to the audience two of the winning essays written by selected students from the 7th and 11th grades. Jon Melegrito also entertained the audience with a musical interlude featuring a heartfelt rendition of the patriotic Filipino song, “Bayan Ko”.

The 24th Annual Dr. Jose Rizal Youth awards was a joint project of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. and the Philippine Embassy. (PNA)

Cueshe pop rock band to perform in Dapitan City’s ‘Handuraw Festival’

DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- The Cueshe pop rock band is holding a concert to spice up the three-day Handuraw Festival in this city.

City Tourism Officer Apple Marie Agolong said the concert is scheduled to be held at the cultural and sports center on Thursday, December 29, the second day of the Handuraw Festival.

Cueshe is a Filipino pop rock band from Cebu City and is currently based on Manila.

Agolong said local talents like Zachary Agolong, Alcher Manogura, Iza Amilasan, Trisha Ang, and Arnold Dulalas would join Cueshe as front acts during the concert.

Residents of this city and or nearby areas have been invited to witness the concert, which is part of the Handuraw Festival held annually from December 28 to 30.

The festival merges historical, cultural, social and economic elements related to the life of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, in this city.

“Handuraw”, a Cebuano term which means flashback or recommitment to memory, is being held annually not only to commemorate Rizal’s death but also to promote this city and its booming tourism industry. (PNA)

Genetically engineered pink pineapples found to be ‘safe and nutritious’

MANILA, Dec. 24 (PNA) -- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the go-ahead for the strain of pineapple genetically engineered to be pink, which was found to be “safe and nutritious,” it was reported.

In the Philippines, the crop science industry said this was an “interesting new development in GM (genetically modified) pineapple.”

The Philippines is considered a top exporter of juice concentrate and pineapple juice.

It was gathered that instead of its conventional yellow flesh, the GM pineapple made by the Del Monte Fresh Produce, had its genes toned down to keep the flesh of the fruit pinker.

The US-FDA in a report confirmed that del Monte submitted information to the agency to demonstrate the pink flesh pineapple is safe and nutritious as its conventional counterparts.

“(Del Monte’s) new pineapples has been genetically engineered to produce lower levels of enzymes already in conventional pineapple that convert the pink pigment lycopene to the yellow pigment beta carotene. Lycopene is the pigment that makes tomatoes red and watermelons pink, so it is commonly and safely consumed,” the US-FDA said.

Initially, the pineapples will be grown in Costa Rica, with Del Monte labeling it as “extra sweet pink fresh pineapple.”

The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural Statistics has noted that the country has existing pineapple production area of 58,457 hectares, producing a volume of 2,246,806 metric tons in 2011.

Apart from Del Monte, there were noted continuous increases in area harvested of pineapple from Lapanday, Asian Hybrid, Mt. Kitanglad Agricultural Development, Davao Dentures Corp and Dole in Bukidnon.

There were also increases in area planted and harvested in the Bicol and Socsargen regions, considering the high demand for the product.

The Philippines is also considered second to Thailand in terms of processing, with 85 per cent of the processing belonging to multinational companies like Del Monte and Dole. (PNA)

Cavite folks assured of safe meat products for New Year celebration
By Rogelio Limpin

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Dec. 28 (PNA) -- The province's chief veterinarian on Wednesday assured the public of safe and diseaseâ€"free hog meat, poultry and livestock products.

In an interview, Dr. Dominador Borja, chief, Provincial Veterinary Office, said that from 2006 up to this year, Cavite is free from any kind of deadly and contagious livestock diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Bird Flu due to active surveillance and monitoring of members of veterinary associations in various animal and backyard farms in the province.

Dr. Borja said that Cavite was not affected by any kind of deadly diseases because of the strict implementation of the veterinary rules and guidelines.

He said that animal quarantine checkpoints in the towns of Alfonso and Carmona as well as in Bacoor City are strictly monitoring the entry of meat and poultry products in the province to avoid "botcha" or "double dead" meat reaching the local markets.

Borja added that the Cavite Meat Inspection Association (CMIA), the Cavite Livestock Inspectors Association (CLIA) and the Cavite Livestock, Poultry, Feed Millers Association are actively monitoring the entry of meat and poultry products.

"You can celebrate your New Year’s eve and for the rest of the year because the chicken and meat products are free from livestock diseases and safe to eat," Dr. Borja assured the public. (PNA)

Ilocos Norte farmers revive cotton industry

PINILI, Ilocos Norte, Dec. 28 (PNA) -- In a small village of Lumbaan, this town, at least 25 farmers have seen a great opportunity to increase their income and at the same time rekindle their sense of pride through reviving a dying cotton industry.

Elders recall Lumbaan used to have cotton fields, an important raw material in the making of "inabel" loom weaving products. But as the tobacco industry grew robust in this part of Luzon, farmers had shifted to tobacco farming, leaving behind cotton.

Cotton, a natural fiber, used to be the choice among traditional weavers but with the scarcity of the material in the last decades, weavers have switched to synthetic threads imported from China.

Due to lack of raw materials, the local loom weaving industry here also suffered almost a natural death until two years later, Dr. Joven Cuanang, a well-known patron of the arts and neurologist who had retired from his medical practice at St. Luke’s Hospital, was able to convince some farmers to try cotton seeds as an alternative plant, next to staple crops such as rice, tobacco and vegetables.

Marjo Galinato, one of the pioneering farmers of Barangay Lumbaan initially planted cotton on his half-hectare of land and it gave him better income than his average earning from rice.

From a half-hectare land, Galinato said he decided to expand his 2.5 hectares of rice farm, now planted alternatively with cotton during the second cropping season.

Comparing yield of both crops, he attested that his gross income of Php 350,000 on cotton is higher or more than double his rice crop per year.

With a minimum capital of Php 30,000 per hectare, Galinato added planting cotton as an alternative crop is very rewarding because it is not labor intensive and it can be harvested after a period of four months.

In a year's time, from a community of five farmers, there are now 25 cotton farmers in Barangay Lumbaan who are being assisted by the Philippine Cotton Industry in terms of technology and marketing assistance.

According to Cuanang, Pinili town can become very progressive should a village like Lumbaan become a center for weaving.

Banking on a master loomweaver Magdalena Gamayo, 93, a national living treasure who hails from this town, Cuanang said it is very important to ensure cotton will be produced locally instead of importing raw materials from China.

“The whole world is looking for products which are organic, ecologically sensitive and handcrafted by people. So, with a brand like Magdalena Gamayo, we need to help them (local community) in developing the production chain,” said Cuanang.

In 2012, the NCCA recognized Gamayo as a national treasure for her excellence in textile weaving.

Through Gamayo’s guidance and sharing of expertise, Pinili town is also actively engaged in the training of more young weavers, allowing this Ilocano weaving tradition to stay from generation to generation. (PNA)

DTI promotes cacao industry in Western Visayas

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 29 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here is working closely with the Department of Agriculture (DA) in promoting the cacao industry in Western Visayas.

The production and plantation aspect is being handled by DA. DTI will come in during the processing and marketing aspect, according to DTI Iloilo director Diosdado Cadena Jr. in today’s yearend gathering with the local media. Cadena is the regional coordinator of DTI’s cacao development program.

Cacao industry is one of the priority programs of DTI nationwide as they see the big potential of the commodity, he explained.

“The dominant province where cacao is grown and with potential is in Iloilo,” he said.

Currently, DTI is in the process of conducting an inventory to determine the existing and potential capacity of Western Visayas to produce cacao and have it processed into tablea or later on fine chocolate, he revealed.

Cadena revealed that DA targets to distribute 500,000 cacao seedlings next year in Panay Island. It will take around two-and-a-half year or three years for the cacao to bear fruit although there are already existing plantations.

DTI regional director Rebecca Rascon added their department has already embarked on benchmarking where cacao farmers are brought to Davao for them to get inspired by the industry’s success stories and conducted training on good agriculture practice.

Cacao thrives in African countries but there are varieties that are thriving in the Philippines. The world market puts a premium to Philippine chocolate, according to Rascon.

Two weeks ago, a strategic planning with the participation of stakeholders was conducted while the Regional Cacao Council was organized in Western Visayas in July this year.

“One of our take offs here is the conduct of the value-chain analysis where we determine the value adding requirement of the processes involved starting from plantation up to post-harvest,” Rascon said.

She said that the promotion of the industry will continue to become part of the priority programs of DTI next year. (PNA)

DA, Davao City gov't to open PHP70-M Davao Food Terminal next year

DAVAO CITY, Dec. 30 (PNA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) in partnership with the Davao City government is set to open the PHP70-million Davao Food Terminal by first quarter next year.

DA-11 Regional Director Ricardo Onate said the Food Terminal located in a five-hectare property in Daliao, Toril (formerly the Agri-Pinoy Trading Center or APTC), will serve as drop-off and wholesale market of farm products.

It will provide marketing support for small and medium farm-size vegetable and fruit growers in various barangays here in Davao City and Davao del Sur.

The facility also has a dormitory, retail and wholesale sections and commercial spaces.

Onate said they are targeting an April 2017 soft opening.

He said the facility is a progressive type complex which will be managed by the city government. But he said the food terminal will be eventually managed by a farmers' cooperative.

Other components of the project are ten hauling trucks to transport farm produce from farm to the food terminal. Each truck would cost PHP1.5 milion.

"We are optimistic that there will be a big improvement in the agricultural production with new direction and processes of implementation of projects," Onate added. (PNA)

Agriculture Secretary Piñol seeks 10-20 year National Road Map in Agriculture and Fisheries
By Leonardo V. Micua

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 29 (PNA) -- Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol admitted here Thursday he wants to leave a legacy that would ensure the continuity of programs and projects in agriculture and fisheries so that whoever will be the next leaders, these programs and projects seeking to ensure food security will remain.

Speaking to agriculture and fishery officials during his visit to the National Integrated Fisheries Technology and Development Center (NIFTDC) here, Piñol said he is pushing for the putting up of a 10 to 20-year National Road Map in Agriculture and Fisheries which shall be put into the law and implemented by whoever will become presidents of the country.

The national road map, he said, will be drawn from the provincial road maps to be submitted by each governor of the country that whoever will be governor, the programs in agriculture and fisheries will be implemented in his or her province.

The sad thing is, whenever a new President comes, a new direction in agriculture and fisheries is set and the officials in agriculture and fisheries cannot say no, he said.

"But if we are able to put up a National Road Map in Agriculture and Fisheries that will span from 10 to 20 years, the programs we had in mind will continue," he pointed out.

He said even the United States has a 10-year National Road Map in Agriculture that was enacted into law and President Barack Obama cannot alter or amend it.

Piñol, who is himself a farmer, said the real problem in agriculture and fisheries in the Philippines is politics.

He said with the National Agricultural Road Map in Agriculture and Fisheries, "we can remove the influence of politics into the industry".

"The national agricultural road map can be improved with the infusion of additional funds but never to alter or amend it," he said.

Piñol and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) National Director Ed Gogona came from Sual, Pangasinan where they distributed bancas and fishing implements to marginal fishermen from 14 coastal towns of Pangasinan.

On his way to Baguio, Piñol was invited by former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia to drop by at NIFTDC, a 25-hectare research facility of the BFAR headed by Dr. Westly Rosario.

While at NIFTDC, Piñol asked Rosario to focus on three essential commodities like tilapia, milkfish, vannamae or white shrimps, sea cucumber and sea weeds which can immediately help the country attain food sufficiency. (PNA)

Caraga's agri office reports successful rice program as year closes

Butuan City, Dec. 31 (PNA) -- The Department of Agriculture's (DA) office in the Caraga region has reported a successful rice program this year.

The office's spokesperson, Emmylou Presilda, in a forum dubbed as “Knowledge Sharing and Learning for Local Media and Awarding of Partners” held at a convention center here, bared that the program this year was able to deliver and distribute a total of 372,520 kg. of high quality seeds (HQS), benefitting some 3,862 farmers.

A total of 110 rice farmers associations were able to avail of the intervention package that includes hybrid/certified seeds, inorganic fertilizer, zinc sulphate and various chemicals for pest and disease control.

The program, according to Presilda, also dispersed 88,600 kg. of rice seeds; 370,000 kg. of inorganic fertilizer; 3,400 kg. of zinc sulphate; 3,000 liters of fungicide/bactericide; and 500 kg. of rodenticides.

Some 30 farmer field school demonstration sites were also established.

Meanwhile, PHP23.6 million was allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities in the region.

A small water impounding project was installed at SSDSU, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, while a diversion dam was built in Ubod-ubod, Butuan City. A small farm reservoir was constructed in Maharag, San Miguel while three diversion dams in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; Bacuag, Surigao del Norte and Buenavista, Agusan del Norte were rehabilitated.

The program was also able to distribute three 4WD tractors, eight hand tractors, five floating trailers and three transplanters that help farmers during land preparation and planting.

In support of farm mechanization, the department was able to distribute seven rice reapers and 20 threshers that help farmers reduce post-harvest losses during harvesting, as compared to manual harvesting, according to Presilda.

The activity was participated in by regional agriculture officials and personnel led by DA-Caraga regional technical director Nicandro Navia, Jr., and local media practitioners, among others. (PNA)

Thousands of cattle die in east Tanzania due to severe drought

ARUSHA, Tanzania, Jan. 3 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Over 3,000 herds of cattle have died in eastern Tanzania's region of Morogoro due to severe drought over the past two months, authorities said Monday.

Stephen Kebwe, Morogoro Regional Commissioner, confirmed on the situation, saying Kilosa District is one of the highly affected areas with drought in the region.

He revealed that for the past two months a total of 3,829 herds of cattle died due to lack of pastures and water.

"Always the district gets the first rains in November but, this time no single drop of rains since last April," the official said, attributing the situation to climate change.

The official urged pastoralists to change the way they use pasture in the country by adopting sustainable ways instead of decimating one area and moving to another.

One of the local herders, Lekule Mutusi, said tens of his cattle had died. "The situation here is bad. I tried to save the lives of my cattle by feeding them with husks but in vain," he said, noting that pastoralists in the area were in a state of despair as all their attempts had failed.

"When our animals die, our very own lives are threatened," he said. (PNA/Xinhua)

Vietnam sugar production down 13%

HCM CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA/VNS) -- Sugar output in the 2015-16 crop was 1.23 million tonnes, a year-on-year drop of 12.7 percent, said Phạm Quá»'c Doanh, Chairman of the Việt Nam Sugarcane and Sugar Association, at a seminar in HCM City last week of sugar producers, distributors and consumers.

Together with 185,000 tonnes of imports, this fully met the domestic demand forecast by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, he said.

Prices would not fluctuate much from now through the Lunar New Year on Jan. 28, he said.

Many sugar mills had signed long-term contracts with beverage production companies and fulfilled them.

Sugar prices depend much on sugarcane prices and global sugar prices, but with production of six months supplying demand for the whole year, output and prices are often volatile, he said. Sugar traders and food and beverage producers dislike this volatility, he added.

Representatives of Coca-Cola Vietnam and Tân Hiệp Phát said steady prices should be ensured. They also said the sugar producers should invest more in packaging that is bigger than the current 50 kg-bags to reduce loading and unloading costs.

A representative of Tây Ninh-based Thành Thành Công Trading JSC said sugar quality has improved significantly.

“Our RE (refined extra) already met quality standards, the newly produced RS (refined standards) sugar is very good, but by the end of the season, the latter’s colour and moisture change much. Sugar producers must work to improve this,” she said.

Many suggested that the Government should keep a close eye on sugar imported ostensibly for re-export since it is sold surreptitiously in the domestic market, and prevent smuggling to protect the domestic industry.

Chairman Doanh said the association has suggested to the Government that it should organise auctions for sugar import quotas in the first quarter instead of the third quarter, and only allow import of raw sugar to safeguard local jobs.

The association said enterprises that fail to utilize their import permits should not be allowed to use them later.

Doanh quoted the International Sugar Organization as saying that in 2016-17 the global sugar market would face a shortage of 6.2 million tons, and inventories would shrink to their lowest levels since 2010-11. Therefore, global sugar prices would remain high, he said. (PNA/VNS)

BFAR-11 eyeing to increase fish production in Davao region

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 11 is eyeing to increase fish production in the area in the midst of challenges continually posed by climate change and other factors that contributed to low productivity in the past years.

Regional Director Fatma Idris said BFAR is targeting around 65,597 metric tons of fish production this year.

The target is higher compared to the 43,657 metric tons of fish production recorded in the area during the third quarter of 2016.

To achieve the goal, Idris said they will be working closely with other government agencies and the local government units (LGUs) in the region.

BFAR-11 will also tap the support of other stakeholders in the fishing industry â€" to include the livelihood and commercial fishing operators.

At present, a total of 50,868 fisherfolk and 8,806 wooden fishing boats were already registered by BFAR in the region in their continuing registration under the Municipal Fisherfolk Registration Program or FishR.

FishR is a nationwide program that registers fisherfolk and their local fishing vessels.

Idris also told reporters that BFAR will provide additional fishing boats and other fishing equipment to fisherfolk in the area starting this year.

A total of 3,000 units of fiberglass boats are scheduled to be distributed to coastal towns in the region while another 50 units will be provided to every congressional district in the area until 2018.

Davao region has 24 coastal towns and 11 congressional districts.

The support of fishing equipment to fisherfolk is part of the long term program of BFAR and the Department of Agriculture (DA) under the leadership of Secretary Manny Piñol.

“We target to complete the distribution of these fiberglass fishing boats in two year’s time,” Idris said.

Last year, Piñol led the distribution of 300 fiberglass boats to fishermen in Davao City alone.

Idris also encouraged the LGUs in the region to avail of the new fishing vessels which are proven to be more effective in helping fisherfolk increase their production.

BFAR embarked on the program replacing wooden fishing boats to fiberglass boats to improve their volume of fish catch especially of the marginalized fishermen. (PNA)

South Korea culls 30-M poultry to contain bird flu, egg prices soar

SEOUL, Jan. 3 (PNA/Kyodo) -- South Korea has culled some 30.03 million chickens and other birds so far to contain the country's worst bird flu outbreak, officials said Tuesday, with prices of eggs skyrocketing amid a shortage of supply.

The number of poultry killed, announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, is more than double that of the 14 million birds destroyed in South Korea during a 2014 outbreak.

About a third of the country's egg-laying hens, or about 22.45 million birds, have been culled, causing the production of eggs per day to drop from about 43 million to 30 million. Trading prices of eggs at farms are approximately double that of prices a year ago. (PNA/Kyodo)

Pangasinan eyed as alternative source of fish supplies for Metro Manila
By Leslie D. Venzon

MANILA, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- The fishery sector of Pangasinan will be tapped as an alternative source of fish supplies for Metro Manila, said Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol.

Piñol said fish pens in Laguna De Bay will be dismantled by 2018.

“To fill the big gap on the needs from the urban areas, Sual in the province of Pangasinan will definitely come into place because of its strategic location and its reputation for high quality produce,” he said.

"When you say Dagupan Bangus, people love it. Even foreigners look for it because it made its name not only here but also abroad," the agriculture chief added.

During his recent visit to the Fisherman's Center of the newly completed wharf and causeway in Sual, Pangasinan to meet local fisherfolk and local leaders of Pangasinan and La Union, Piñol also said there is a need to come up with a roadmap for the fisheries sector so that the government could provide the assistance it needs.

The agriculture department also awarded PHP54 million worth of fishery projects to the fisherfolk of Pangasinan and La Union.

Turned over were 381 units of fishing gears and 70 new fiberglass-reinforced plastic boats to more than 500 fisherfolk beneficiaries from the said provinces.

“This is part of the 700 boats with implements to be granted to the 14 coastal towns of Pangasinan,” Piñol announced.

A total of 10 Community Fish Landing Centers (CFLCs) were also awarded to 10 local government units (LGUs), while local budgeting projects for a fish port, mariculture park, and another CFLC were awarded to the LGUs of Agoo, Anda and Infanta. (PNA)

2017 is happiest new year for family of topnotch LET passer
By Marilyn Espiritu-Galang

PEÃ'ARANDA, Nueva Ecija, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- Their table may not be full of media noche food due to lack of money, but 19-year-old Mariel Tapadera is looking forward to the best ever New Year's eve in her life.

This is because she will welcome 2017 with her two younger siblings and their mother, a househelp in Metro Manila, who was allowed by her employer to come home for the new year and to celebrate Tapadera's success in the recent License Examination for Teachers (LET), where she placed eight.

Tapadera was awarded and sworn in last December 21 in Baguio City.

Born to a poor family in Barangay Sto. Tomas North here, Tapadera finished her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at the academic extension campus in this town of the Cabanatuan City-based Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) partly through a scholarship grant by the Peñaranda USA Association, a group of Penarandans living in the United States, and a little of government support.

A retired high school teacher, Sabina Bautista who believed in her since secondary level, helped Tapadera get the grant with the assistance of an association official, Armand Mendoza.

"I am very happy as I will celebrate this coming New Year's eve with my mother and other members of the family," Tapadera said, noting that her mother had to work as a househelp since she entered college.

She and her siblings had to live with their old grandparents in the village.

Their father died when she was still in high school so that enrolling her in college was a tough decision for the family.

In fact, an uncle had to shoulder her expenses for the last two years in high school. She got only one school uniform which she had to wash every day when she entered college.

"And that one and only uniform was just borrowed from the wife of my cousin," Tapadera said as she held back tears.

Most of the time during her college days, Tapadera said she had to contend with a day's allowance of only PHP20, from which she would also get incidental school expenses. She would borrow such amount from her uncle, other relatives or neighbors when the budget ran short.

"Well, it's nice that there is an academic extension campus here through the efforts of Mayor Ferdinang Abesamis," she said.

But on top of the financial problem, Tapadera also suffered from not having her mother take care of her and her siblings while they were growing up as she had to work in Metro Manila.

"It was painful for me because when I had a problem I did not know whom to approach then because my mother is not here. However, I have my uncles, aunts, and grandparents who are always supporting me," she said.

Tapadera was the first student from an NEUST extension campus to graduate magna cum laude after having garnered a general weighted average of 1.3. She was also the first education graduate of the university to place in the top of LET.

After taking the LET in September this year, Tapadera went to at least 12 churches in this town, praying that she would pass the test that she believed would be the realization of her dream to give a better life to her mother and siblings.

But her grandfather, Rudy Ramos, 74, never doubted her ability to pass the board, considering her study habits.

Tapadera did her homework at a small wooden table at the terrace of her grandparents' house which is open and close to neighbors. (PNA)
By Marilyn Espiritu-Galang

PEÃ'ARANDA, Nueva Ecija, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- Their table may not be full of media noche food due to lack of money, but 19-year-old Mariel Tapadera is looking forward to the best ever New Year's eve in her life.

This is because she will welcome 2017 with her two younger siblings and their mother, a househelp in Metro Manila, who was allowed by her employer to come home for the new year and to celebrate Tapadera's success in the recent License Examination for Teachers (LET), where she placed eight.

Tapadera was awarded and sworn in last December 21 in Baguio City.

Born to a poor family in Barangay Sto. Tomas North here, Tapadera finished her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at the academic extension campus in this town of the Cabanatuan City-based Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) partly through a scholarship grant by the Peñaranda USA Association, a group of Penarandans living in the United States, and a little of government support.

A retired high school teacher, Sabina Bautista who believed in her since secondary level, helped Tapadera get the grant with the assistance of an association official, Armand Mendoza.

"I am very happy as I will celebrate this coming New Year's eve with my mother and other members of the family," Tapadera said, noting that her mother had to work as a househelp since she entered college.

She and her siblings had to live with their old grandparents in the village.

Their father died when she was still in high school so that enrolling her in college was a tough decision for the family.

In fact, an uncle had to shoulder her expenses for the last two years in high school. She got only one school uniform which she had to wash every day when she entered college.

"And that one and only uniform was just borrowed from the wife of my cousin," Tapadera said as she held back tears.

Most of the time during her college days, Tapadera said she had to contend with a day's allowance of only PHP20, from which she would also get incidental school expenses. She would borrow such amount from her uncle, other relatives or neighbors when the budget ran short.

"Well, it's nice that there is an academic extension campus here through the efforts of Mayor Ferdinang Abesamis," she said.

But on top of the financial problem, Tapadera also suffered from not having her mother take care of her and her siblings while they were growing up as she had to work in Metro Manila.

"It was painful for me because when I had a problem I did not know whom to approach then because my mother is not here. However, I have my uncles, aunts, and grandparents who are always supporting me," she said.

Tapadera was the first student from an NEUST extension campus to graduate magna cum laude after having garnered a general weighted average of 1.3. She was also the first education graduate of the university to place in the top of LET.

After taking the LET in September this year, Tapadera went to at least 12 churches in this town, praying that she would pass the test that she believed would be the realization of her dream to give a better life to her mother and siblings.

But her grandfather, Rudy Ramos, 74, never doubted her ability to pass the board, considering her study habits.

Tapadera did her homework at a small wooden table at the terrace of her grandparents' house which is open and close to neighbors. (PNA)

Rizal DayThe contrasting Rizal and Bonifacio monuments in Novaliches
By Severino C. Samonte

MANILA, Dec. 29 (PNA) -- Novaliches, a former town now divided between Quezon City and Caloocan City, may very well be the only place in Metro Manila today with neighboring monuments of Dr. Jose P. Rizal and the Katipunan founder Andres Bonifacio.

Both located at the old Novaliches poblacion or plaza, the two monuments actually were erected nine decades apart of each other â€" the one memorializing Rizal in 1903 and that of Bonifacio’s in 1999 or 96 years later.

Although not intentional, the positioning of the two monuments facing different directions, about 150 meters apart at a 30-degree angle, makes it appears that the country’s two leading heroes were in disagreement and walking away from each other.

Dr. Rizal’s monument is situated in front of the three-story Barangay Novaliches Proper along Buenamar St. On the other hand, the Bonifacio memorial is located near the Novaliches branch of the Quezon City Public Library along Quirino Highway.

The Bonifacio statue, holding a bolo in the right hand and the Katipunan flag in the left one, is facing eastward or toward the neighboring towns of Montalban (now Rodriguez) in Rizal.

The statue or Dr. Rizal, in overcoat, is facing westward or toward the former Bulacan town of Polo, Valenzuela City, renamed after Dr. Pio Valenzuela, Bonifacio’s close friend and co-organizer of the Katipunan.

Visiting the two monuments on the eve of the coming observance of Dr. Rizal’s120th martyrdom on Friday, Dec. 30, this writer was reminded of the historical accounts on the differing stand between Rizal and Bonifacio regarding the launching of the August 1896 uprising against Spanish rule in the Philippines.

In effect, I thought that the contrasting positions of the two heroes’ monuments could best illustrate their “disagreement” on the matter of obtaining independence from Spain during their youthful years â€" Rizal at age 35 and Bonifacio at 33.

According to the “Himagsikang 1896 Talaarawn” (Diary) written by Z.A. Salazar, E. Yulo and A. Navarro and published by the Miranda Bookstore in 1995, Bonifacio sent Dr. Pio Valenzuela on June 15, 1896 to seek the advice of Dr. Rizal regarding the planned armed revolution against Spain. Rizal was then in exile in Dapitan in Mindanao.

On June 21, 1896, Valenzuela reported to Bonifacio about Rizal’s disagreement with the planned uprising, stressing the need for adequate preparations and arms against the enemies, and to recruit war tactician Antonio Luna as a general in the revolutionary organization.

Despite Rizal’s objection, Bonifacio and his brave Katipuneros, who could no longer bear the tyrannous foreign rule, launched the armed struggle inor Rizal Park in Ma August 1896. The rest is now history.

Dr. Rizal was executed on Dec. 30, 1896 by a Spanish firing squad at Bagumbayan, now the Luneta or Rizal Park.

On the other hand, Bonifacio himself was killed in Maragondon, Cavite on May 10, 1897, by a faction of the Katipunan he founded on July 7, 1892.

Meanwhile, the people of Novaliches have deplored the ongoing desecration of the Bonifacio monument in the area by numerous vendors who have been granted permits by certain officials of Novaliches District Center or Mini-City Hall to put up stalls within the old Novaliches plaza. (PNA)

Calendar: The Christmas gift that lasts throughout the year
By Severino C. Samonte

MANILA, Jan. 1 (PNA) -- As the Filipino people bade farewell to the old year on Dec. 31, they also began using a new calendar for the next 365 days.

Every Christmas season signals the advent of a new year, probably the most common gift given away by people, especially those in business, is the calendar.

And most probably too, the recipient may consider the “gift as noting special but just pieces of paper containing the list of the dozen months and 52 weeks comprising the incoming year.”

The fact is that a calendar, no matter how simple it maybe, is among the very few gifts that usually last throughout the year â€" from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. It is indeed very useful in people’s day-to-day existence. This is why families, even the poorest ones maybe, are sure to keep a calendar at home.

The dictionary defines calendar as “a systematic arrangement of subdivisions of time, as years, months, weeks, days, etc.; an almanac; a schedule or list of things or events classified or chronology arranged.”

One such calendar that I found very useful and helpful is the 2017 Mercury Drug Corporation calendar marking 72 years of its “Helping Keep the Nation Healthy: The Spirit of Service Continues.”

Aside from the year’s table of months, weeks and days, the 2017 Mercury Drug calendar carries the pictures of current President Rodrigo R. Duterte and his 15 predecessors, as well as the country’s latest map containing its 18 regions and 81 provinces.

The past Philippine leaders featured in the calendar are (from the most recent) former Presidents Benigno S. Aquino III (June 30, 2010-June 30, 2016); Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Jan. 20, 2001-June 30, 2010); Joseph Ejercito Estrada (June 30, 1998-Jan. 20, 2001); Fidel V. Ramos (June 30, 1992-June 30, 1998); the late Corazon C. Aquino ) (Feb. 25, 1986-June 30, 1992); , Ferdinand E. Marcos (Dec. 30, 1965-Feb. 25, 1986) Diosdado Macapagal (Dec. 30, 1961-Dec. 30, 1965); Carlos P. Garcia (March 18, 1957-Dec. 30, 1961); Ramon Magsaysay (Dec. 30, 1953-March 17, 1957); Elpidio Quirino (April 17, 1948-Dec. 30, 1953); Manuel Roxas (May 28, 1946-April 15, 1948); Sergio Osmena Sr. (Aug. 1, 1944-May 28, 1946); Jose P. Laurel (Oct. 14, 1943-Aug. 17, 1945); Manuel L. Quezon (Nov. 15, 1935-Aug. 1, 1944); and Emilio F. Aguinaldo (Jan. 23, 1899-April 1, 1901).

Mercury Drug Corporation said all data and information contained by the calendar are accurately based on researches conducted by the Malacanang Museum.

Meanwhile, the map shows that the Philippines currently consists of 81 provinces, 145 cities, both chartered and components ones, 1,489 municipalities or towns, 4,036 barangays, and 7,107 islands.

Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA, the country had a total population of 100,981,437 as of 2015.

One of the country’s 18 regions is the Metropolitan Manila or National Capital Region (NCR) which is composed of 16 cities and one municipality: Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, and the lone town of Pateros.

The country’s youngest province is Davao Occidental which belongs to Davao or Region 11.

The latest regional cluster is the Negro Island Region (NIR) which was formed by weaning and merging Negros Occidental from Region 6 or Western Visayas and Negros Oriental from Region 7 or Central Visayas.

The 16 other regions and their respective provincial components are:

-- Cordillera Administrative Region or CAR â€" Abra, Apayao, Benguet (including BaguIo City), Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province.

-- Region 1 or Ilocos â€" Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan.

-- Region 2 or Cagayan Valley â€" Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino.

-- Region 3 or Central Luzon â€" Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales.

-- Region 4-A or CALABARZON â€" Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon.

-- Region 4-B or MIMAROPA â€" Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan.

-- Region 5 or Bicol â€" Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Mabate, Sorsogon.

-- Region 6 or Western Visayas â€" Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo.

-- Region 7 or Central Visayas â€" Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor.

-- Region 8 or Eastern Visayas â€" Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte.

-- Region 9 or Zamboanga Peninsula â€" Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay.

-- Region 10 or Northern Mindanao â€" Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental.

-- Region 11 or Davao â€" Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur (including Davao City), Davao Oriental.

Region 12 or SOCCSKSARGEN â€" North Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat.

Region 13 or CARAGA â€" Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur.

-- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or ARMM -- Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi. (PNA)

New Year’s Eve tradition persists amid modernization
By Cris Diaz

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 1 (PNA) -- The internet revolution failed to conquer the time-honored tradition of the Filipinos living in the countryside in determining the luck and misfortune of the incoming year.

Together with members of the family, Teodoro Magsakay, 58, farmer, sat in the receiving room of the makeshift farmhouse as the countdown of the New Year’s Eve start.

Magsakay was only Grade 4 and farming was the only means of livelihood in a mountain village in Agusan Del Norte where he raised a family of four.

Although living as a marginal farmer, he makes sure that all the family members would be around to partake a piece of roasted native chicken, glutinous rice (biko), pork adobo, sweet potatoes and cooked bananas.

As the New Year’s Eve revelry exploded in the four corners of the village, Magsakay cautions the members of the family to listen to some distinct and peculiar sounds.

Magsakay was neither interested in pyrotechnic display nor in the sound of the firecrackers.

Instead, Magsakay was intently listening to the sound of distinct animals that might join the noise barrage amid the New Year’s Eve revelry.

He said that the sound of the distinct animal would guide and decide the destiny of the incoming year.

The sound of a buffalo signals a productive, persistent and a promising year, while the sound of a dog would mean a dangerous and trying year, Magsakay said.

He said that the crow of the Rooster would mean a difficult year because a Rooster means a “kakha-tuka” (hand-to-mouth) existence.

According to the Chinese calendar, 2017 is the Year of the Rooster, which signifies misfortune. The Chinese horoscope advices one “to be prepared for the great change in life in 2017.”

The previous Year of the Rooster was in 2005 and the next would be in 2029.

This year, however, Magsakay heard the squealing pig, nervous in the sound of firecrackers thrown by the frolicking children in the neighborhood. While the Year of the Pig might not bring in misfortune, Magsakay said it would be a lousy and dreary year ahead. (PNA)

Duterte admin's National Broadband Plan to boost fixed-line internet service, penetration
By Aerol B. Patena

MANILA, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- The country’s fixed-line broadband speed and penetration is expected to further improve once the national broadband plan is implemented.

National Telecommunications Commission Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios made this comment after Akamai, a leading content delivery network services provider for media and software delivery and cloud security solution, noted in its third quarter survey that the Philippines had registered marked improvements in terms of connectivity.

Based on Akamai’s Q3 report, the country’s average connection speed (IPv4) for mobile internet was now ranked first in the Asia Pacific region, registering an average speed of 13.9 Mbps, up from 8.5 Mbps in the second quarter.

On the table presented in the study, the Philippines’ average mobile speed of 13.9Mbps came in fastest in the Asia Pacific cluster, topping the speeds of Australia (12.8Mbps), Japan (11.6Mbps), South Korea (11.2Mbps), Indonesia (10.9Mbps), New Zealand (10.8Mbps), Taiwan (9.4Mbps), China (8.9Mbps), Singapore (8.5Mbps), Hong Kong (6.1Mbps), Thailand (6.1Mbps), Sri Lanka (5.4Mbps), India (3.5Mbps), and Vietnam (3.4Mbps).

The report also cited an improvement on the “above 10 Mbps broadband adoption” category, of which the Philippines adoption rate is now at 5.4 percent, representing a growth rate for the country of 9.1 percent QoQ and 517 percent YoY.

The Philippines also showed an improvement in the “15 mbps broadband adoption” category, of which the country is now at 2.4 percent adoption, or an improvement 11 percent QoQ and 645 percent YoY.

According to Cabarios, the significant improvement in mobile internet speed may be attributed to the recent activation by Globe and Smart of Long Term Evolution (LTE) cell sites, making use of the 700 MHz spectrum.

He added that once the Department of Information and Communications Techonology (DICT) has finalized the national broaband plan, it will give a boost to fixed-line internet speed and improve coverage across the country.(PNA)

NASA conceives "Ice Home" for future Mars explorers

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1 (PNA/Xinhua) -- US space agency NASA is exploring the possibility of building habitats on the surface of Mars for future explorers using an unexpected material: ice.

In a statement released this week, researchers at NASA's Langley Research Center described ice as "the best building material" to protect humans from the harsh Martian environment such as extreme temperatures and high-energy radiation.

Langley senior systems engineer Kevin Vipavetz, who facilitated the design session, said they assessed "many crazy, out of the box ideas" and finally converged on the current Ice Home design, which he said "provides a sound engineering solution."

The "Mars Ice Home" is a large inflatable torus, a shape similar to an inner tube, that is surrounded by a shell of water ice, which can be extracted from just below the Martian surface in many areas, NASA said.

The structure, which incorporates materials extracted from Mars itself, is lightweight and can be transported and deployed with simple robotics, then filled with water, it said.

The water, an "excellent shielding material" for galactic cosmic rays, also could potentially be converted to rocket fuel for the Mars Ascent Vehicle, so the structure itself doubles as a storage tank that can be refilled.

One key constraint, it said, was the amount of water that could be reasonably extracted from Mars.

Experts who develop systems for extracting resources on Mars indicated that it would be possible to fill the habitat at a rate of one cubic meter per day, which would allow the Ice Home design to be completely filled in 400 days.

Additional design considerations included a large amount of flexible workspace so that crews would have a place to service robotic equipment indoors without the need to wear a pressure suit.

In addition, to manage temperatures inside the Ice Home, a layer of carbon dioxide gas, which is available on Mars, would be used as in insulation between the living space and the thick shielding layer of ice.

Overall, all of the materials selected for Ice Home will be translucent, so people living inside will feel like they're "in a home and not a cave," Ice Home principal investigator Kevin Kempton said.

"After months of travel in space, when you first arrive at Mars and your new home is ready for you to move in, it will be a great day," he said. (PNA/Xinhua)

macarize /⁠'makəˌrīz⁠/ transitive verb -ed/-ing/-s
Etymology: Greek makarizein,
Etymology: from makar, makarios blessed, happy + -izein -ize
: to pronounce happy or blessed : FELICITATE, LAUD

TUBAGBOHOL.com can now be accessed with your smartphones via Tapatalk App both in Android and Apple OS.

Surviving Filipino sakadas in Hawaii honored

MANILA, Dec. 29 (PNA) -- Philippine Consul General to Honolulu Gina Jamoralin joined the Filipino-American community in Honoka’a Town in Big Island, Hawaii to celebrate the 2nd Sakada Day in Big Island, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.

Sakada Day is a commemoration of the legacy of the 125,000 Filipino workers (“sakadas”) who arrived in Hawaii between 1906-1946.

They were recruited by the Hawai’i Sugar Planters Association (HPSA) to work in Hawaii’s sugar and pineapple plantations.

The Sakada Day celebration, now on its 2nd year, was made possible by Hawaii House Bill 604 passed by the Hawaii State legislature in 2015. It was signed into law by Governor David Ige on April 09, 2015.

The law proclaims the celebration of Sakada Day in Hawaii on December 20th of each year.

The first 15 Filipino sakadas recruited by HPSA sailed from Port Salomague in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

After a year-long journey over rough seas aboard the SS Doric, they arrived in Honolulu on December 20, 1906 and were assigned in Ola’a (Keaau) sugar plantation in the Hawaii’ Islands.

By the mid-1920s Filipino sugar workers formed more than half of the foreign workers in Hawaii.

The last 6000 Filipino sakadas arrived in 1946 and dispersed throughout the islands. Many of them were assigned to plantations in North Hilo to Honoka’a in Hawaii Islands.

The Honoka’a Sakada Day celebration was organized by Hawai’i Island Sakada Day Committee, Hamakua Filipino Centennial Committee and the North Hawai’i Education and Research Center of the University of Hawaiiâ€"Hilo.

Three surviving original sakadas who belonged to the last batch of sakadas who arrived in 1946 attended the celebration and were given certificates of recognition by the Mayor of Big Islands, Mr. Harry Kim.

Now in their 90s, the surviving sakadas who were honored during the event are Mr. Bernardo Abella, Mr. Pedro Dominguez and Mr. Marcelino Querubin.

Consul General Jamoralin encouraged the present and future generations of Filipinos in Hawaii to share the story of the early Filipino sakadas of Hawaii saying that theirs is a story of survival and sacrifice fueled by a pioneering spirit that that spurred the succeeding waves of Filipino migration to Hawaii. (PNA)

TUBAGBOHOL.com can now be accessed with your smartphones via Tapatalk App both in Android and Apple OS.

2 killed, 5 hurt in Cebu truck mishap

CEBU CITY, Dec. 30 (PNA) -- Two persons were killed while five others were injured Friday morning when a truck loaded with tiles lost its brakes and rammed a center island on the national road in Toledo City, some 56 kilometers west of Cebu City.

Police said the two fatalities, who were just hitching a ride, were not immediately identified.

Police identified those injured as Eugene Amarillo, the truck driver; Ralph Hernandez, 30; John Michael Lada, 29; both residents of Sitio Langub in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City; Roy Brananola Jr., 28, and Lee Chin, both from Mandaue City.

Chin is the owner of Uni Home Hardware which was supplying the tiles to another hardware in Toledo City.

The injured victims were immediately brought to Carmen Copper Hospital in Toledo City.

PO3 Chris Gaco and PO3 Celso Maquidato of Toledo City Police Office said the truck driven by Amarillo, which was loaded with tiles intended to be delivered to a hardware in Toledo City, came from Cebu City.

The truck was running down the national road about 15 kilometers away from the Toledo City proper when the truck’s brakes suddenly malfunctioned, prompting the driver to swerve the truck towards the center island.

The two fatalities were thrown off the truck because of the strong impact and died of severe head injuries.

The truck’s front portion was also totally wrecked. (PNA)
LAP/EB/RSM

JBC shortlists 4 RTC Judges, Ombudsman Director as bets for Sandiganbayan Associate Justice

MANILA, Dec. 30 (PNA) â€" Four Regional Trial Court (RTC) judges and an Ombudsman Director were included in the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) shortlist of candidates vacated by Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Jose Hernandez who retired last November 16.

Included in the list were Makati RTC Judges Maryann Corpus-Manalac with seven votes; Judge Edgardo Caldona with six votes and Judge Honorio Guanlao Jr. with 4 votes; while Aparii, Cagayan RTC Judge Oscar Zaldivar got four votes to notch the shortlist from the JBC.

The only non trial court judge nominee who made it in the shortlist is Bayani Jacinto, a Director from the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Sandiganbayan have three vacancies in view of the retirement of Hernandez and the early retirement of Justice Napoleon Inoturan. On February 1, 2017, Justice Roland Jurado is also scheduled to step down for early retirement.

There are now seven divisions of the Sandiganbayan composed of one Presiding Justice and 20 Associate Justices.

The JBC is chaired by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Aranal-Sereno, with two ex-officio members -- Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II and legislative representatives Senator Richard Gordon and Mindoro Oriental Rep. Reynaldo Umali, who shall have a term sharing seat in the JBC.

The regular members are retired SC Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez, who heads the Executive Committee; lawyer Jose Mejia, representing the academe; lawyer Milagros Fernan-Cayosa, representing the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; and retired Judge Toribio Ilao, representing the private sector. (PNA)

Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol, Philippines

Credit Information System Law is Congress' early Christmas gift to the people

Tacloban City (November 1 2008) -- The Credit Information System Law is an early Christmas gift of Congress to the people, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said as she signed into law the proposed Credit Information System Act of 2008 on October 31.

The new law, among others, broadens the credit access especially for the under-serviced sectors, the small borrowers including small and medium enterprises as it reduces reliance on collaterals of credit facilities.

The law also protects the consumers' rights as it opens a system of fair competition in the financial system.

The President noted that amidst the current credit crunch and the high prices of food and fuel, the Philippines was able to withstand the full negative impact of the crisis because the Executive, Congress and the Central Bank have put in place economic and fiscal reforms even before the crisis.

"When some governments were cutting taxes, we raised them. When some governments were giving free rein to easy money adventures, we were bringing more discipline and order to our financial regulatory environment. When some governments were going deeper into debt, we were fiscally prudent, building up reserves, investing in infrastructure, but paying our debts," President Arroyo stressed.

These were not easy decisions but it needed to be done, the President said.
The President commended the legislators saying, "your valuable and timely legislations are seeing us this period of tremendous change as we prepare for the lower global fuel and food prices that are now beginning to happen."

The Credit Information System (CIS) measure authored principally by Sen. Edgardo Angara and Quezon City Congressman Vincent Crisologo, was approved by both Houses of Congress last month.
The Credit Information System seeks to improve the quality of human resources, and build a seamless infrastructure network which are all crucial for the Philippines to remain competitive and attractive to investments.

The legislation also seeks to lower the cost and risk of financing, reduce the cost of gathering credit information and the amount to be passed on to borrowers, and thereby reduce interest rates on loans.

This is a major step towards unlocking money because lenders will now be more comfortable to assess their risk of lending; while banks will now know beforehand the credit history of their borrowers.

Part of the shyness of some banks to lend is the scarcity of credible, complete and comprehensive information about borrowers and users.

Credit Information System Act will create the Credit Information Corporation (CIC) headed by the Securities and Exchange Commission which will set the standards for credit reporting operations that will improve not only the ability of creditors to assess risk and allocate credit more efficiently, but will also promote the protection of the rights of consumers against irresponsible use or erroneous reporting of credit information.

The operations and services of the CIS is expected to greatly improve the overall availability of credit, especially to small borrowers; lower the cost of credit to responsible debtors, reduce dependence on collateral to secure credit facilities and enable financial institutions to lower their overall credit risk, thus contributing to a healthier and more stable financial system. (PIA

MMFF hits opening day ticket sales target

MANILA, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- The Metro Manila Film Festival Executive Committee (MMFF Execom) is grateful that it has reached its ticket sales target for the first day of the festival.

The MMFF Execom said that the positive reception of the moviegoers signifies that they have achieved their vision for cultural advancement through Filipino films.

“You cannot put a price at something which the future generations of Filipinos will find priceless and ageless,” the committee said in its statement.

Among the top grossers for the first day are (in alphabetical order): Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2; Die Beautiful; Seklusyon and Vince, Kath and James.

The MMFF Execom will continue promoting and supporting the eight MMFF entries as these films deserve to be watched and patronized by the Filipino audiences.

The MMMF statement added that, “Be rest assured that the MMFF Execom will always serve to our best effort all our stakeholders and serve the greater purpose of not only commerce but also of audience education and development. Mabuhay ang Pelikulang Pilipino!” (PNA)

President Duterte on Rizal Day: Unite for development

MANILA, Dec. 30 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte called on Filipinos to work together towards national progress as he led the 120th anniversary celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom at the Rizal Park on Friday.

The President arrived at Rizal Park around 7 a.m. Friday, December 30 and was given arrival honors. After that he led the flag-raising as well as the wreath laying rites for the national hero.

In his Rizal Day message, the President said the country is a fortunate recipient of Rizal’s sacrifices, the freedom that he fought for and the self-identity and the honor that he strongly believed Filipinos ought to defend.

“Beyond his prodigious and various talents, Rizal is best honored when we regard him as a beacon and moral compass in these challenging and perilous times,” the President said.

In Rizal’s time, the country was fighting for independence, but today, Filipinos are fighting for freedom from poverty, crime, illegal drugs and corruption, he said.

Those are the country’s present enemies, he stressed, noting that the government needs the active involvement of all sectors to win the current war and bring about genuine change in society.

As the country transforms and develops, there must be national unity, the President said, adding every Filipino should manifest the same fervor and dedication that motivated Rizal to action.

“Let us therefore emulate the traits of Rizal; let us be willing heroes -- patriotic, faithful and loyal to our Motherland,” he said.

The President hoped that Friday’s commemoration of the martyrdom of Rizal awaken the sense of heroism in every Filipino, committing to advocate good governance, rule of law, and end criminality and all forms of corruption.

He also urged the people to express compassion towards the poor and the less privileged. (PNA)

By Keith Coffman | DENVER
The brother of slain Colorado child beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey has filed a $750 million defamation lawsuit against CBS Corp over a documentary aired by the network theorizing that he killed his little sister, court documents showed on Wednesday.

Burke Ramsey has been “exposed to public hatred, contempt and ridicule” over the four-hour show that was broadcast in September in two parts, according to the complaint filed in a state court in Michigan, where he lives. The program aired amid a flurry of media accounts ahead of the 20th anniversary of the girl’s death.

The bludgeoned and strangled body of 6-year-old JonBenet was found in the basement of her parents’ Boulder, Colorado, home on Dec. 26, 1996.

No one has ever been charged for the murder, but in 1999 a grand jury seated to examine the case voted to indict the parents for child abuse resulting in death.

The district attorney at the time, Alex Hunter, declined to move forward with a prosecution, citing a lack of evidence.

A spokesman for CBS declined to comment on the lawsuit. At the time of the broadcast, the network said it stood by the program and "will do so in court" if sued by Ramsey.

At the conclusion of the CBS show, a panel of experts said it was its opinion that Burke Ramsey, who was 9 at the time of the killing, struck JonBenet in the head with a heavy object.

The parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, then staged the crime scene to make it appear an intruder was the culprit, the group opined.

The lawsuit asks for $250 million in compensatory damages $500 million in punitive damages against CBS, the production company that produced the show, and the experts who re-examined the case.

In an interview on the “Dr. Phil” talk show that aired before the CBS documentary, Burke Ramsey denied harming his sister and said he suspected a pedophile who stalked beauty pageants killed her.

"Defendants’ accusation that Burke Ramsey killed his sister was based on a compilation of lies, half-truths, manufactured information, and the intentional omission and avoidance of truthful information about the murder of JonBenet Ramsey," the lawsuit said.

Investigators announced this month that they will submit evidence to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s forensics laboratory for advanced DNA testing that was unavailable when earlier samples were screened.

(Reporting by Keith Coffman in Denver; Writing by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Editing by Matthew Lewis)

Lets fix this s***!

I’m dyslectic. I more than likely have ADD and a mild form of autism. I’m also a perfectionist and I’m often accused of suffering from OCD. Apart from all of that, I’m doing just fine. No, actually, because of all of that I’m doing great.

See, as you progress in life, you adapt to what’s different about you. That’s why someone who’s over 20 years old rarely suffers from the effects of dyslexia any longer. People â€" like myself â€" take what makes them different and turn it into what sets them apart from the rest.

It’s called living. That’s what we all do. All day, every day. Nobody’s normal and we’re all uniquely screwed up in our own, special way. It just takes a while to realize what sets you apart actually, well, sets you apart. And that it is a good thing.

This doesn’t just work for your personality, it also works for the world around us. Every threat is an opportunity. Every downside, market inefficiency, stress point or friction area is something that you might be able to create a solution for.

If you’re worried about 2017, and I know some people are, then think about this: How are we going to adapt to these new circumstances? What are the friction areas where you could play a role, where you can improve things? What personal traits were once a handicap and now are your competitive advantage?

When there’s chaos or uncertainty, you feel numb and powerless at first. But then you pick yourself up and start fixing s***. So let’s do that! Get ready for 2017. The world needs your imperfect, different and special skills.

Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten
TNW CEO and Managing Editor

Rizal, the wielder of pen and patriotic ideas
By Filane Mikee Cervantes

MANILA, Dec. 30 (PNA) -- The Philippine’s great national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, wielded a weapon far mightier than a sword -- a pen that sparked the flame of revolution against Spanish colonialism.

Rizal propagated the idea of independence and national unity finely captured in his two renowned books -- the “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” -- thus inspiring the likes of the valiant Andres Bonifacio, the “Father of Philippine Revolution”.

On the 30th day of December, the whole nation commemorates the hero who advocated freedom, who pushed for social reforms and progress, who embodied true nationalism.

Jose Rizal was shot at Bagumbayan on Dec. 30, 1896. Two years later, on Dec. 20 1898, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo issued a decree proclaiming Dec. 30 as a “national day of mourning” in honor of Rizal and the other martyrs of the revolution against Spain.

This year’s theme for the 120th anniversary of the national hero is “Rizal: Bayaning Global, Aydol ni Juan”, according to the National Historic Commission of the Philippines.

The visionary Rizal may have lived a century earlier, but modern day Filipinos still could learn a thing or two to shape up our patriotism in this globalized world.

(1) “He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination.” This is one of the famous quotes of Rizal, which reminds us to stay grounded and never forget our origins.

(2) “There can be no tyrants where there are no slaves.” Before, this served as a wake-up call for Filipinos to put an end to the three century- long tyranny of the Spaniards and fight for our long-awaited freedom. Now, this impels us to take the wheel and be the masters of our own ships, of our own lives.

(3) ”To foretell the destiny of a nation, it is necessary to open a book that tells of her past.” Rizal sheds light on the importance of history. We should view the present through a historical lens as it offers us a context of events and answers to our existing problems. It also provides us the control wheel to our future, to veer away from our past mistakes.

(4) “The people do not complain because they have no voice; do not move because they are lethargic, and you say that they do not suffer because you have not seen their hearts bleed.” Injustices and oppression still pervade our society and Rizal tells us not to turn a blind eye to these evils. We might not realize the extent to which oppression is still pervasive, we might not even know the struggle, but we must take it upon ourselves to combat it.

(5)”The youth is the hope of our future.” Rizal expects a lot to the future leaders of our country, the youth. Young people are the backbones, the building blocks of the nation and just like Rizal, one day they could spark a flame that could change other lives.

One hundred and twenty years after his martyrdom, Rizal’s writings still ring true, his legacy creating ripples in every generation. (PNA)

His work." John 4:34

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we see a marked difference between His priorities and the concerns of His disciples. The disciples were often preoccupied with how to meet their physical needs (Matt. 14:15-17; John 4:8; Luke 18:28). Jesus repeatedly assured them that the Father knew their needs and would provide (Luke 11:11-13). Jesus stressed that their priority was to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”; the necessities of daily life would be provided (Matt. 6:33).

When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, His disciples had gone into a nearby town to get food. While His disciples were seeking earthly nourishment, Jesus was giving this woman “living water” that would satisfy her soul for eternity. When they returned, the disciples urged Jesus to eat. He replied that His “food” was to do the will of His Father. Since their attention was on earthly matters, His disciples misunderstood His reply. Jesus’ very life came from obeying His Father. Because of Jesus’ obedience that day, the woman received eternal life. In her excitement, she brought many others to Jesus to hear for themselves, and many believed that He was indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world (John 4:39-42).

  Henry and Richard Blackaby

Accenture raises adoption leave to 22 weeks
Global outsourcing firm Accenture has raised the adoption leave of its staff from eight weeks to 22 weeks, allowing all types of new mothers to be treated equally. Effective immediately, all new mothers will receive five months of paid leave, higher than the statutory requirement of three months. The benefits will also include one month of additional paid maternity leave to cover for illness and three months of unpaid leave to cater to the demands of the new member of the family. Parag Pande, human resource lead for India and global lead for learning and talent development operations at Accenture, said the new benefits are in line with Accenture’s goal of becoming the most inclusive and diverse organisation in the world.

Singapore ready to assist the Philippines in ICT
Singaporean companies are ready to contribute to the Philippines' information and communications technology (ICT) sector. Singapore President Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam said the Philippines and Singapore enjoy a robust friendship and that Singapore firms are keen to invest in the Philippines further. SIA Engineering and Singtel are Singaporean companies that can contribute to the development of infrastructure, urban planning and ICT services in the Philippines. Dr. Tan also urged Singaporean companies to invest beyond Metro Manila and into cities such as Davao and Cebu, in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's priorities for inclusive economic development.

Iloilo City envisions becoming 'smart city'
The Iloilo City government has envisioned Iloilo to become a "smart city with global standards" by 2020. Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said Iloilo City has experienced bullish growth for the past five years. There has also been an increase in business process outsourcing (BPO) companies locating in the city. The city government's vision fits well with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority's (PEZA) plan to make Iloilo City as the hub of the regional economic zone in the Western Visayas. PEZA has four regional economic zones, three in Luzon and one in Cebu. Mabilog said PEZA's plan is very timely.

Filipino call center taps China market
Mindanao-based international contact center Six Eleven Global Services is eyeing the Chinese market for its online language tutorial services. This was revealed by CEO Michael Bian, adding that the company is going to teach English to Chinese children aged five to 10. China is a new potential market for Six Eleven because a vast majority of business process outsourcing and call center work is directed towards the US. Six Eleven, established in 2005, provides inbound and outbound outsourcing services, including telemarketing, sales, inbound customer support and retention using voice or chat. Bian said the company launched the service last week and the client base is expected to grow at the beginning of next year.

Aon names Teleperformance as 2016 Best Employer
Aon Hewitt, the global talent, retirement and health solutions business of Aon Plc, has named Teleperformance as a 2016 Aon Best Employer in five countries. Teleperformance has been recognized by the Aon Best Employers program in Albania, China, India, Portugal and the Ukraine. The Aon Best Employers program recognizes the outstanding achievements of organizations that demonstrate excellence in the workplace and consistently deliver strong, sustainable business results, said Neil Crawford of Aon Hewitt. Teleperformance was assessed on four measures - Engagement Index, Leadership Index, Performance Culture Index, and Employer Brand Index. Paulo Cesar Salles Vasques, Worldwide CEO, Teleperformance Group said being recognized by Aon Hewitt within multiple countries throughout the globe is a great honor.

Ibex Global to hire 300 more in Jamaica
Global business process management firm Ibex Global said it will hire 300 more people in Jamaica for a recently acquired account. Ibex Global, which is present in the US, UK, Senegal, Pakistan and the Philippines, said the new account means its existing centre in Portmore Pines, St Catherine, will be operating at full capacity. Ibex declined to provide details about the nature of the new account but said it is a new line of business from one of its existing clients. The BPO company, headquartered in Washington DC, delivers onshore, near shore and offshore solutions in five countries across 18 call centres. It employs more than 15,000 customer service professionals.