1. health and fitness
2. disease
3. aids and hiv

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VOLUME III • NO. 178
MARCH 05, 2015
Email Us at
headlinegitnangluzon@gmail.com
THURSDAY
Lubao’s balloon fest biggest
in Southeast Asia - organizer
By Marna Dagumboy-del Rosario
CLARK FREEPORT -- Forty-six hot air
balloons are expected to be seen in the skies
of Prado Siongco in Lubao town during the
opening of the Lubao International Balloon
Festival (LIBF) on March 26, which is said to
be the biggest in Southeast Asia.
lubao’s balloon fest... pagE 7
READY TO FLY. Lubao International Balloon Festival event chairman Noel Castro and Department of Tourism regional director Ronnie Tiotuico brief Pampanga media on their preparation for the kick-off of the biggest balloon fest in Southeast Asia on March 26 at Pradera Verde,
Prado Siongco, Lubao town. --DENG PANGILINAN
Pamintuan gets 3rd outstanding
mayor award from Superbrands
By Charlene A. Cayabyab
ANGELES
CITY
- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has recently
been chosen as one of
the recipients of the
2015 Most Outstanding
Mayors Award (MOMA)
by
the
prestigious
worldwide organization
Superbrands Marketing
International (SMI).
This year’s award is
Pamintuan’s third SMI
award since 2012.
SMI is the only international award-giving
body on marketing/
branding in the Philippines. A superbrand
pays tribute to the
strongest brands in the
country. It is currently
promoting more than
14,000 brands and is
present in 88 countries
world-wide.
The MOMA (Most
Outstanding
Mayor
Award) promotes the
works of the mayors for
their singular or collective efforts toward nation building.
“We are being recognized worldwide and
by world-class organizations for our dedication to public service
and our service to the
people. I am humbled
by this award which will
not be possible without
the full support of the
officials and employees
of the city government
and the barangays, and
without the active participation of the different sectors in our city
through their non-government and civil society organizations, and
the business groups,”
Pamintuan said.
According to SMI, “A
mayor who has already
achieved the brand as
Good and Outstanding
already enjoys the Better among the Good.
superbrands... pagE 7
WOW LUBAO. Expect more colourful balloons like these during the 2nd Lubao International Balloon
Festival, happening at Pradera Verde, Prado Siongco in Lubao town on March 26 to 29. A total of 18 countries
have already registered, and 46 balloons are expected to grace the Lubao skies during the four-day event. Also
in photo are the streetdancers of Lubao town. --FILE PHOTO BY JP MANALANG
1,000 students benefit from
‘Lingap Eskwela’ Program
By Marna Dagumboy
-del Rosario
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - More than 1,000 students from different public
high schools in the city benefitted from the city govern-
ment’s “Lingap Eskwela” program.
The grants were awarded
by Mayor Edwin D. Santiago
during a ceremony held last
Sunday, March 1 at the Heroes
Hall.
The educational assistance
program covers Fernandino
students who have shown excellence in their studies and
are deserving of government
assistance in pursuing college
education.
In his speech, Mayor EdSa
lingap eskwela... pagE 7
2NEWS
Woman trader loses P400K to 2 robbers
Headline Gitnang Luzon • MARCH 05, 2015
By Froilan E. Magtoto
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga- A 50-year-old businesswoman lost on Monday almost
half million pesos and other
valuables to still unidentified suspects after they held her up inside
her business shop in San Isidro,
Nueva Ecija.
Police identified the victim as
Emelita Nieto, owner of the Emily Tire and Service Center and a
resident of Purok 1, Barangay San
Roque, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija.
Investigators said that while
the victim was tending her shop
located at Purok 7, Barangay
Alua, San Isidro at about 9:50
am, two men arrived aboard
a Honda Supremo Motorcycle
without plate number, with a
black and red combination.
The back rider alighted and
entered the shop and with a gun
drawn, announced the holdup.
He was described as about 5’3” to
5’4” in height, with medium build,
dark complexion and wearing
blue jacket, blue denim pants and
blue helmet.
The victim told the probers
that the suspect took at gunpoint
two shoulder bags containing
P410,000 in cash, $60, 10 banks
checks, 5 passbooks, credit cards
and a driver’s licence.
Probers said the driver of the
motorcycle, who was also armed
with a short firearm, remained
outside and served as back-up.
Witnesses described him as
about 5’8” in height, also medium built, fair complexion and
wearing gray gray long sleeve and
faded denim pants.
The suspects immediately fled
after the heist towards Cabiao
town.
Probers said they are still
conducting studies on the CCTV
footages installed at the establishment which will serve as basis in the conduct of extensive
follow-up operations.•
Bulacan,
educating
people to
help combat
HIV, AIDS
CITY OF MALOLOS - To
help achieve a positive outcome
of halting the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
infection and acquired immune
deficiency syndrome (HIV and
AIDS), the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) continues its battle against the deadly
viruses by educating its people.
While the PGB supports the
Department of Health’s drive to
encourage the public to practice
“ABCDE” or “abstinence, being
faithful, correct and consistent
use of condoms, don’t use drugs
and early detection or treatment” to avoid the risk of becoming infected with HIV, Bulacan also promotes education
and voluntary blood donation as
ways of helping Bulakenyos to be
more cautious and conscious of
their health.
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that while there are
numbers of preventive strategies
aimed at reducing the risk of
HIV transmission and acquisition, social stigma must also be
addressed.
“Yung mga apektado ng sakit
na ‘to, hindi lang sila nasasaktan
physically, nasasaktan din sila
ng mga mapang-uring mata ng
mga tao, minsan kahit mismo ng
mga kapamilya o kamag-anak.
The best that we can do to help
them is pray for them and let
them know that there are people
who are willing to assist them
and that they can be of help to
others too,” Alvarado said.
According to the latest report
from the National Epidemiology
Center (NEC), from January to
December 2014, there were 198 individuals diagnosed with HIV and
24 of them are positive with AIDS.
The Provincial Public Health
Office reiterated that as stated in
the NEC report more males are
being infected with HIV with
508 cases last year. The ballooning was the effect of unsafe same
gender sex.
Bulacan has already created
the Provincial AIDS Council
which became the central advisory, planning and policy making for the comprehensive and
the integrated HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control as stated in
Executive Order No. 1 s 2013.
After its creation, the council
is now lobbying for ordinances
to be passed so that sustainable programs for the benefit of
the people living with HIV and
AIDS will be implemented.
Meanwhile, the PPHO is continuously crafting approaches to
make the information dissemination campaign be more effective.•
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. Mayor Edwin D. Santiago hands over to an awardee a check as educational assistance under the Lingap Eskwela Program
of the City Government, during a ceremony held March 1 at the Heroes Hall. With him are Vice Mayor Jimmy T. Lazatin (2nd from L) Councilor Nelson G. Lingat and
Educational Scholarship Assistance Program head Jason Caguiat (L).--csf-cio photo
65th Carlos Palanca
Memorial Awards
begins accepting entries
MANILA - The Carlos
Palanca Foundation, Inc.
(CPF) is now accepting entries to the 65th season of
the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature
(Palanca Awards). Established in 1950, the Palanca
Awards honors the legacy
of businessman and philanthropist Don Carlos Palan-
ca Sr., a staunch supporter
of education and literature.
The Palanca Awards aims
to develop Philippine Literature by providing incentives for writers to craft
their most outstanding literary works and by being
a treasury of these literary
gems.
The contest is open to
CLTV36‘s Star
Mill Season 3
is now on
both aspiring and seasoned
writers. The Novel and Nobela categories, both of
which are offered only every two years, are open for
the 2015 contest year. Only
unpublished or unproduced
works, (which have not
been communicated to the
public, subject of a public
performance, or published),
may be entered in the contest.
The complete list of categories for the 65th Palanca
Awards is as follows:
• Novel and Nobela categories
• English Division –
Short Story, Short Story for
Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children,
One-act Play, and Fulllength Play;
• Filipino Division –
Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata,
Sanaysay, Tula, Tula para
sa mga Bata, Dulang May
Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap
ang Haba, at Dulang Pampelikula;
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - CLTV36’s
highly anticipated reality talent search, “Star
Mill: Central Luzon TV36’s Star Search” is
now on!
Get a chance to win more than P1 million
in cash and other prizes in the biggest reality
talent search in the region.
Aspiring performers from all over Central
Luzon are invited to audition on the following
dates and venues:
April 11 - Robinsons Starmills Pampanga
April 18 - Robinsons Place Angeles
April 25 - Robinsons Place Pulilan
May 2 - Robinsons Luisita, Tarlac
May 9 - Robinsons Cabanatuan
May 16 - Balanga, Bataan
The competition is open for all talented
Central Luzon residents, 16 years old and
above. Auditionees are required to bring the
following:
- Original NSO Birth Certificate
- Original Barangay Clearance as proof of
1-year residence in Central Luzon
- Filled-out Official Application Form with
Parental Consent (for contestants aged 16
&17 years old) and Waiver
- (1) 2x2 colored picture
- (1) close-up photo framed from your
chest to the top of your head
- (1) full body glamour shot (5R) or group
shot for duos or groups
Pampanga’s Ultimate Heartthrob JD Simon was named the grand winner of the second season of Star Mill, winning up to a total
of P1.7 million in cash and assorted prizes.
Runners-up include Barbie Manalo of Pampanga, Louie Anne Culala of Bulacan and
Lemuel Lansangan of Bataan.
carlos palanca...Page 7
star mill season 3... Page 7
MARCH 05, 2015 • Headline Gitnang Luzon
DA 3, ATI conducts seminar
on good agricultural practices
By Charlene A. Cayabyab
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Department of
Agriculture in Central Luzon
(DA 3), through its Agricultural Training Institute (ATI),
recently conducted a seminar
on good agricultural practices
on corn in Tarlac province.
The seminar aims to upgrade the knowledge and
skills of San Manuel town
corn farmers in corn production and management and to
help farmers attain and be
consistent in the production
of corn with better quality
standards.
“Ang pangunahing layunin ng seminar ay maiangat ang produksyon ng yellow
corn kasabay ang pagtaas ng
kalidad ng produktong mais
dito sa San Manuel, Tarlac,”
Joel Balaba, San Manuel municipal agricultural officer,
said.
In his inspirational message, Edwin Paningbatan,
regional corn coordinator of
Central Luzon, encouraged
farmers to exercise good agricultural practices thereafter
apply for GAP certification in
order to compete agricultural
products with other countries.
“Gusto namin (DA) na
bawat farm ng San Manuel or
if not, buong Tarlac ay maging
GAP certified upang ang volume of production ay pwede
for exportation,” Paningbatan
said.
One of the leading corn
producing municipalities in
Tarlac is San Manuel. Every
year, a total of more than
2,000 hectares are planted to
corn during the first cropping
period: January, February to
March and the second cropping period: October, November to December.
“Ang Tarlac ay kinikilala
bilang top corn producer sa
rehiyon at nagkataon din
na located ang learning site
natin or ang first GAP corn
farm compliant natin sa
bansa. Dagdag pa riyan nakakapagproduce ng 16 tons per
hectare ang ating mga corn
farmers,” Babelyn Lopez, focal person for corn program
of ATI, said.
Meanwhile, the participants visited the first GAP
compliant corn farm in the
country owned by Eulogio
Cabiles located in San Manuel, Tarlac in order to observe
the actual practices and facilities for farming adaptation.
“Dinadayo po ako ng mga
magsasaka mula Aurora,
Bataan, Zambales, Pampanga
at Tarlac at masaya ako dahil
nagiging instrumento ang aking farm upang madagdagan
ang bilang ng mga posibleng
maging GAP certified farms,”
Cabiles said.
More than 70 farmers
from the 15 barangays of San
Manuel attended the said
seminar. •
BUSINESS 3
DoE makes preparations
for possible power crisis
MANILA - Having made “proactive” preparations,
the Department of Energy (DoE) is confident that
it would be able to deal with the impending power
shortage, even without the special powers sought by
the government, a Palace official said on Tuesday.
In a press briefing in Malacañang, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the DOE
has begun making preparations in August to September last year.
“Inasahan nga sana natin na mas maaga ang
pagbibigay ng emergency powers para mas malawak
sana ang mga opsyon. Ngayon at limited na ang mga
opsyon, makikita na rin naman natin na nakabuo na
rin naman ng kahandaan ang DoE sa pamamagitan
ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa pribadong sector, dahil
marami nang mga kumpanya ang nagpahayag ng
kanilang kahandaan na gamitin ang kanilang mga
sariling generator sets,” Coloma said.
He further said that the department has already
begun campaigning for the use of energy conservation measures, and has been monitoring the maintenance schedules of power plants.
“Kaya sa pangkalahatan, ayon sa latest projection ng DoE, nakikita nilang minimal ang maaaring
maging shortage o power supply deficiency,” he said.
Congress has yet to pass a law granting President Benigno S. Aquino III special powers to avert
the projected power shortage during the upcoming
summer months. (PNA)•
New mail vans
coming to PHLPost
FOR PEACE AND ORDER. Limay Mayor Ver Roque (center) poses with officials and members of volunteer peacekeeping group
Police Hotline Movement Incorporated (PHMI) headed by its Provincial Directress Yolly Paulo (3rd, R). The mayor has been steadfast in his
campaign for peace and order in the industrial municipality. --BUTCH GUNIO
Republic of the Philippines
Local Civil Registry Office
Province: PAMPANGA
City/Municipality: ARAYAT
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
In compliance with the publication requirement and
pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1
Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172).
Notice is hereby served to the public that LEXIE
SIGUA VALENCIA has filed with this office, a petition
for correction of entry in the sex from “FEMALE” to
“MALE” in the certificate of live birth of LEXIE SIGUA
VALENCIA born on NOVEMBER 19, 1992 at Arayat,
Pampanga and whose parents are JAIME VALENCIA
and NORMITA SIGUA.
Any person adversely affected by said petition may file
his written opposition with this Office not later than two
weeks upon publication.
(Sgd) GRETA P. DE ALA
Municipal Civil Registrar
HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon: February 26 & March 05, 2015
Republic of the Philippines
Office of the Municipal Registrar
Province of Pampanga
Municipality of Sta. Rita
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a
notice is hereby served to the public that CORAZON
GORRI has filed with this office a petition for Change of
First Name from “MARIA CORAZON” to “CORAZON”
in the Certificate of Live Birth of MARIA CORAZON
GORRI born on MAY 9, 1955 with registry number
225-A and whose parents are PEDRO GORRI and
ASUNCION RAMOS.
Any person adversely affected by said petition
may file his/her written opposition with this office
not later than MARCH 12, 2015.
(Sgd) ROSARIO G. SUNGA
Municipal Civil Registrar
HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon: February 26 & March 05, 2015
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MANILA – Soon, new mail vans will be added to
Philippine Postal Corporation’s (PHLPOst) fleet.
This after an international organization based
in Switzerland granted P91 million aid to PHLPost
for the procurement of 83 brand new mail vans
with Global Positioning System (GPS), according
to Postmaster General Josie Dela Cruz.
“These brand new vehicles will be equipped
with GPS tracking system for security and easy
monitoring of time sensitive mail matters,” Dela
Cruz said.
She added that the re-fleeting of the mail transport system will ensure faster delivery of services
to cities and provinces considering its extensive
domestic mail network nationwide.
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) has selected
PHLPost as one of the recipients of its Quality Service Fund Project, following the approval of the
corporation’s proposal for a continuing re-fleeting
program to speed up its mail distribution services.
The project expected to augment the present
vehicles of PHLPost to be used in the distribution
of mails and packages within the country.
“We are confident that the recent UPU-QSF financial assistance granted to PHLPost to acquire
new vehicles for mail delivery will boost our capabilities to better serve the mailing public and attract more institutional mailers to patronize the
services of PHLPost,” Dela Cruz said.
The Postmaster General also said that they will
continue to replace aging vehicles and find ways to
acquire more mail vans and motorcycles for letter
carriers. (PHLPOST)•
March 6 declared as National Day
of Healing for Unity and Peace
MANILA - The Senate has adopted
a resolution declaring tomorrow,
March 6, 2015 as a “National Day of
Healing for Unity and Peace “to remember those who perished in Mamasapano as well as the thousands
of lives lost from decades of armed
conflict.”
Senators Teofisto Guingona III,
Paolo Benigno Aquino IV and Aquilino Pimentel III, authors of the resolution, said Resolution No. 1204 also
encourages the Filipino people to
stand for justice and stay the course
of peace.”
For his part, Senate President
Franklin M. Drilon said that the
resolution is also an expression of
the upper chamber’s desire to honor
and give justice to all victims of the
Mindanao conflict, and its support
for the ongoing peace process which
aims to finally end hostilities in the
region.
“We must not allow peace to be
the latest casualty of this event. Now,
more than ever, we must not stray
away from the path of peace.” Drilon
said.
The Mamasapano incident has
grave implications to the continuing
march 06... Page 7
4 OPINION
Headline Gitnang Luzon • MARCH 05, 2015
EDITORIAL
Wow, Lubao
DID you know that there is such a
thing as the “Albuquerque box”? It
is a specific wind pattern that allows
balloon pilots to take off and land in
roughly the same spot.
This rather unique wind condition
is what has made Albuquerque, New
Mexico renowned among ballooning enthusiasts. The place has ideal
ballooning conditions - winds at low
elevations tend to move in one direction, while winds at a higher altitude
move in the other direction. (http://
www.smithsonianmag.com/)
The town of Lubao, balloonists say,
has the same ideal wind conditions,
making it a perfect place to hold a
hot air balloon festival.
True enough, the 2nd Lubao International Balloon Festival will kick
off on March 26 at Pradera Verde,
Barangay Prado Siongco, where some
100,000 visitors are expected to attend.
Who would want to miss the 46
balloons that will grace Lubao’s
skies? Fifteen of these will be special-shaped balloons, way different
from those seen at the Clark hot air
balloon fest last February, according
to organizers.
Balloons and balloonists from 18
countries have already confirmed
participation, and there will be other shows as well – including one involving the colorful giant lanterns of
the City of San Fernando. There will
also be animal shows, water balloon
fights, sky diving, fireworks display,
paintball, playhouse, concerts, motor
paragliding, game booths, Department of Tourism tourist information
counter cum parlor games (fundraising for children with disabilities), food trucks, food and souvenir
bazaar, and many more.
Tickets are priced at P250 each,
and are available at any SM City ticket outlets (cinema).
Where refugees go prevails, despite crisis
M
ORE than 20,000 people
have left their homes in
Maguindanao after the
AFP launched an all-out offensive
against the Bangsamoro Islamic
Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF). The
number
of
refugees in
evacuation centers could still grow
in the days to come if the positional
battles continue to rage with heavy
artillery and bombs that inf lict
more collateral damage than guerrilla warfare. The scenario is not
something new. It has been a repeating one since the 70s.
Follow where the refugees go
and you will find where the heavy
artillery is coming from. Refugees
always go to the dominant side because armed challengers to state
power never put up evacuation
centers. While guerrilla warfare
can weaken state power only, positional battles can finally grab it.
It takes huge amounts of resources
to acquire and move the needed
heavy armory to undertake positional warfare. This is precisely the
fear with regards to the proposed
Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that
without any changes could provide
resources big enough for a potential secessionist group to acquire
capability for positional warfare.
With a possible sub-state created
under the BBL that is dominated
but not completely controlled by
one armed group, the future f low
of refugees in Mindanao might
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nomic life at the grassroots. Ordinary Muslims, while they may
tend to sympathize with the cause
of Moro rebel groups, would not
want to be involved in the fighting.
During Marcos’ time it was not
surprising to find families of Moro
rebel leaders doing brisk business
in Metro Manila while their kin
were engaged in battle. It was said
that Marcos used to call Moro rebel leaders in the middle of an artillery bombardment by the AFP
and ask them if they still wanted
to fight. The battle would then end
with some compromises from both
sides. The dominant Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) then
remained intact but generally confined within a diminishing area of
inf luence. It was during the term
of then President Cory Aquino that
MNLF under Nur Misuari gained
more political clout with the endorsement of relatives like the late
anti-Marcos leader and brother
of Ninoy Aquino, Agapito “Butz”
Aquino and presidential sisterin-law, Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco.
Now the GRP under President
Benigno Aquino III recognizes the
Let’s talk about GAD
I
General Manager: MARLO a. franco
Editor: RIA DE FIESTA
Layout Artist/Photographer: JP Manalang
Reporters: CHARLENE CAYABYAB
Marna dagumboy - Del rosario
Administrative Staff: sherylin l. rivera
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Account Executive: caren m. garcia
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Publisher: I.N.I. Newspaper
MILF, a breakaway group from the
MNLF, as leading representative
for the Moro cause. So will there
ever be peace in Mindanao? Considering the similarities of the situation in Mindanao to that of troubled countries of the Middle East
that have added the rise of the ISIS
to their problems, I seriously have
doubts that lasting peace can be
achieved under the present administration or even the
one that follows. I
even doubt if the
present leadership
of the MILF could
prevent the incursion of the Islamic
State ideology that
could produce extremist leaders who
would want to grab
leadership of the
Moros and take a
more radical and
aggressive stance
against the GRP. The splits seem to
be endless - from MNLF to MILF to
BIFF and now possibly to an ISIS
ideological ally.
A prominent Muslim leader,
King Abdullah of Jordan has called
the battle against the Islamic State
“World War 3” in what is a “generational fight” to overcome these
“outlaws of Islam.” Speaking to
CNN, he implored all religions to
come together, adding “this is our
war.” The king did not advocate
bombarding ISIS positions with
nuclear missiles or thousands of
tanks, but is advocating a united
front, which would bring “Muslims,
Christians and other religions together.” He stressed that the ideological element of the conf lict will
be the hardest element to solve.
We can learn something from
the Jordan king, but Muslims and
non-Muslims alike must recognize
their being Filipinos first as starting point. Filipino nationalism or
Filipinism has become more relevant these days. Meantime, in time
of armed conf lict it is still a consolation to see refugees going to your
direction because you then know
that where you are still prevails.•
“With a possible sub-state created under the BBL
that is dominated but not completely controlled
by one armed group, the future flow of refugees in
Mindanao might change direction especially when
national sovereignty loses grip in the island. Guess
gut feel where to? Yes, outside Mindanao to the Visayas
Leny Manalo
and Luzon!”
Definitely, this will be a bigger
and better balloon fest. Count on it.
HEADLINE Gitnang Luzon is a Daily Regional Newspaper
change direction especially when
national sovereignty loses grip in
the island. Guess where to? Yes,
outside Mindanao to the Visayas
and Luzon!
Metro Manila and other urbanized areas are favorite destinations
of Mindanao evacuees since Marcos’ time and the growing Muslim
communities in these areas have
begun to impact on the socio-eco-
T WAS only probably a few years
ago when we began encountering
the term GAD in organizations,
particularly government institutions.
The term GAD, which is an acronym
for Gender and Development, embodies the various programs and projects
aimed at establishing equal opportunities for development for both genders. For a long time,
we were fixed at the
term “sex” to refer to
the physical qualities
that determine a person as to being male
or female. However,
with the emergence
of GAD policies, the
term gender has been
used to “refer(s) to the
specific set of characteristics that identifies
the social behavior of
women and men and the relationship
between them. Gender alludes not
simply to women or men but to the relationship between them and the way
it is socially constructed.”
This pertains to the bygone era
wherein society has given so much
power and domination for men, that
women became submissive and help-
less members of the society. This
structure which has resulted to the
so-called “gender biases” has stripped
women off their rights to suffrage. It
was not only until the late 19th century that women were allowed to exercise their right to vote. For a long
era, women were also not allowed to
occupy key roles in any type of organ-
“Both men and women must be
given the right and freedom to realize their full human rights and
potentials to contribute to development and nation building, and at the
same time benefit from the positive
consequences that arise from these.”
ization especially government units.
It is believed that since these predispositions occur in the society, people
especially women are curtailed to
achieve their full potentials, thus resulting to the impediment of development.
The Institute of Development
Studies of the University of Sussex
defines GAD as an “approach (which)
focuses on the socially constructed
basis of differences between men and
women and emphasizes the need to
challenge existing gender roles and
relations.” Promoting gender equality and empowering
women is one
of the eight
Millennium
Development
Goals (MDGs)
established
following the
Millennium
Summit of the
United
NaBrainwaves tions in 2000,
Michelle Catapand the adopLacson
tion of the
United
Nations Millennium Declaration.
Here in the Philippines, the Constitution also provides legal basis for
promoting equality between men and
women as provided in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article II, Sec.
14: “The state recognizes the role of
women in nation building and shall
brainwaves...Page 7
MARCH 05, 2015 • Headline Gitnang Luzon
Isang babaeng diyos
(Una sa dalawang bahagi)
P
AANO ba pinangangala- always, God was “God our Fanan ng wika ng tao ang ther.”
Diyos?
Kung ako ang tatanungin, may
•••
kababaan at labis na kakulangan
Sa pagkakataon ding iyon ng
ang pagpapangalan
aming sama-samang pagnatin sa Diyos. At
bilang bunga nito,
hindi natin tunay
na nakikita at nakikilala ang Diyos.
Nakikita
lang
natin ang Diyos
sa kakayahan nating makita Siya ng
pira-piraso at parating kulang sa ka- Towards
ganapan, kagaya ng
mga sumusunod: the Light
ang katarungan ng ABEL SOTO
Diyos, o ang awa
o habag ng Diyos
o ang luha ng Diyos. Marami pa darasal ko napagtanto, na hindi
sa atin ang hindi pa nakakakita tayo kailanman nanalangin sa
sa Diyos na Ina, sa Diyos ng ka- isang Diyos Ina. Sa tuwina, ang
likasan, sa Diyos na naghihintay, Diyos na maririnig natin ay mga
sa Diyos na nagtuturo, sa Diyos katawagang Diyos na bukal ng
na nakangiti at tumatawa, sa sang-nilikha, Diyos na Walang
Diyos na kaibigan. At napakalaki hanggang sinapupunan, ngunit
nitong kawalan sa ating lahat bi- hindi kailanman tinawag bilang
lang mananampalataya.
isang Diyos Ina. TinatangkiTandang-tanda ko pang ang lik natin ang mga katawagan sa
sandaling iyon. Ang buong komu- Diyos bilang isang “bato,” isang
nidad ay nananalangin. Dinar- “liwanag,”
“apoy,”
“hangin,”
asal naming lahat ang “morning “ibon,” “pintuan,” “susi” at “ama,”
office.” Ang mga Salmong ilang ngunit hindi kailanman bilang
daang taon na rin dinasal ng isang “ina.” Ang pagkakataong
paulit-ulit ng ilang mga henera- ito ay umalog sa aking kaluluwa.
syon ng mga lingkod-pinunong Nasaan ang mga kababaihan sa
Kristiyano, mula sa isang liturhi- mga imaheng ito ng Diyos. At
kal na siklo hanggang sa isa pang kung wala ang mga imaheng ito
siklo ay siyang halos humubog sa ng kababaihan sa mga napakaraating mga kaisipan at nagbigay ming imaheng ibinigay ng tao sa
kahulugan sa ating teolohiya o Diyos, anong uri ng Diyos ito?
pagkaunawa sa Diyos bilang mga
Kristiyano. At napagtanto ko sa
•••
mga sandaling iyon ng aming
I couldn’t help but ask myself
pagdarasal ng morning office, na these questions: And if it was not
ito ring mga dasal na ito ang pu- there -- or otherwise how could
manday sa imahen ng ating mga God really be the God of all besarili na mayroon tayo ngayon.
ing, all power…all life -- then
what kind of people were we that
we refused to admit it? What were
•••
“Key of David” we had called women in the economy of God?
God for over a century and for The answer was only too painful:
centuries before that in Europe. women were invisible. Many peoWe’d been singing God’s praises ple had given their lives to a God
as “Morning star, rock and refuge who did not see the woman who
of sinners, gate of heaven, dove gave life to them, did not include
of peace, wind and fire and light” her… did not touch the nature of
for century after century. They womanhood with God’s own.
“This is wrong,” I once said
were awesome litanies, timetested and true to the God who is to a Paulinian nun who was my
everywhere. They soared in gran- mentor in Paulinian spirituality.
deur. They sang with power. They “We have to be patient,” she said
seduced the soul with the wonder back with a smile. I could not help
of it all. God was every manner of but wonder if two thousand years
image and metaphor and mean- wasn’t patience enough for her. I
ing that the human mind could also had to wonder what it said
muster. And always, and I mean about a woman’s sense of self that
she was willing to become invisible and be “patient” about it.
An overview of
tech-voc education
•••
by Renato M. Sagum
Finding a God big enough to
be God was a spiritual task of no
“I couldn’t help but ask myself these questions:
And if it was not there -- or otherwise how could
God really be the God of all being, all power…
all life -- then what kind of people were we that
we refused to admit it? What were women in the
economy of God? The answer was only too painful: women were invisible.”
Is change for the better?
by Noemi C. Macapagal
W
HENEVER there is a change in curriculum, it
greatly impacts the learning of the students.
The use of both English and Filipino in the
Philippine educational system brings confusion to the
learners. So what is the more effective medium of instruction?
In a study, it was found that children learn better in
the use of the vernacular. But bilingualism was introduced wherein English and Filipino were made mediums of instruction, depending on the subjects.
The English language was used in subjects like English Communication Arts, Mathematics and Science,
while Filipino was used in Filipino Communication
Arts, Social Studies, and History.
The Basic Education Curriculum introduced in 2002
OPINION 5
small proportions. I started over.
If God is not God, or is at best
half a god, then where do we go?
The Jewish Apocrypha teaches in
reference to the picayune nature
of the gods on Olympus, “If the
Greek gods steal, by whom shall
their believers swear.” I knew the
feeling. When God cannot possibly be God, the soul loses hope
that there is any God at all. And
the heart goes dry.
But to confront the heresy of
God the Father, I discovered quickly, is to be called a heretic. It is to
come face-to-face with the possibility of exclusion, one way or another.
•••
Kailangan ko na lang
bang tanggapin ang ideyang
ipinalunok sa akin na isinaisang-tabi ng Diyos ang pagkababae sa Kaniyang katauhan bilang isang Diyos? O ‘di
kaya’y kailangan ko na lang
bang tanggapin ang posibilidad na sa pag-angkin kong
muli sa kaganapan ng kung
ano ang ibig sabihin ng pagkakalikha ng tao “sa wangis at imahen ng Diyos,” ay
hindi na kasali ang mga kababaihan sa komunidad na
unang nagturong maniwala
at manampalataya? At upang
maging tunay na kaanib at
kabilang, kailangan ko na
lamang bang paliitin at ikahon ang kahulugan ng Diyos,
at hamakin ang katayuan
ng espirituwalidad ng pangkababaihan? At natitiyak ko
ang sinomang babaeng magtatangkang gumawa nito ay
pararatangan na humahamak sa isang Diyos na manlilikha. •
aims to “educate Filipino learners to filter information
critically, seek credible sources of knowledge, and use
data and facts creatively so that they can survive, overcome poverty, raise their personal and national self-esteem, and realize a gracious life in our risky new world.”
The BEC document further provides the need to empower Filipino learners for lifelong learning since this
would allow them how to confront the challenges posed
by the changing world. There was a need for innovations in the education sector, but teachers were also
faced with the crucial issue on medium of instruction.
Teachers in the Tagalog regions expressed concern
about the use of English as a second language. Students,
because Filipino is their first language, would not have
a difficult time absorbing lesson in Makabayan. On the
other hand, teachers in non-Tagalog regions face difficulty in the delivery of the lesson in subjects where
Filipino is the medium of instruction like Makabayan,
because they are not used to speaking Filipino.
W
HAT is technical and vocational education? According to Wikipedia, it basically
seeks to enhance and develop skills. In the
country, schools offering vocational and technical
courses and programs, including their curricula,
undergo accreditation and approval by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or
TESDA.
Tech-voc education became the jurisdiction of
the TESDA as legally mandated through RA 7796
otherwise known as the TESDA Act which was
signed into law on August 25, 1994.
TESDA and other vocational schools offer short
programs or two-year courses on technology and
skills development like automotive technology,
nursing aide training, tourism, photography, computer technology, drafting, among others. Upon
graduation, students take a licensure examination
from TESDA to obtain a certificate or diploma.
Currently, tech-voc provides education and
training opportunities to prepare students for future employment. It also addresses the skills training requirements of those who are already in the
labor market and would need to upgrade or develop
new competencies to enhance employability and
improve productivity.
A report from DepEd states that there is a huge
market for tech-voc education. The potential “clientele” of tech-voc includes high school graduates,
secondary school leavers, college undergraduates
and graduates who want to acquire competencies in
different occupational fields.
Other potential clientele are the unemployed
and displaced workers, returning overseas Filipino
workers, as well as those who are currently employed who want to upgrade their skills or acquire
new skills.
Part of TESDA’s mandate is to be a partner in the
development of the Filipino workforce with worldclass competence and positive work values, with
a mission to provide direction, policies, programs
and standards towards quality technical education
and skills development.
Because of globalization, nations need to be
competitive in order to survive. This may be a huge
challenge, but it also poses as an opportunity to
improve and develop. In due time, there will be a
right quality and a right quantity of jobs that will be
made available. This also encourages the transformation of the Filipinos into knowledge- and skillbased workers.
•••
The author is SST-I of the Mabalacat Community
High School in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.•
FOR SMARTPHONES
& TABLETS!
You can grab our Digital
Edition Copy via
www.headlinegl.com
& click Cover Today
The Makabayan learning area – which consists of different subject areas like Sibika at Kultura, Edukasyong
Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan, Musika, Sining, Edukasyong Pangkatawan at Pangkalusugan – is critical in
the total development of the youth and is supposed to
develop the spirit of nationalism, loyalty and devotion to
his country and other patriotic characteristics.
But how can this be done if teachers face challenges in the medium of instruction to use? Teachers and
students both have difficulty comprehending the language. As a result, youth in the said areas are found to
be less patriotic and devoted to their native land.
Sometimes, change is for the better, but there are instances when we abhor it. But given the challenge, teachers must face up to them and defy all odds, all for the love
of teaching and giving their students the best they deserve.
•••
The author is SST-I of the Mabalacat Community
High School, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.•
6 ENTERTAINMENT
Headline Gitnang Luzon • MARCH 05, 2015
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38
‘I’m fortunate that I
found out this early’
N
AHIRAPANG magbigay ng pahayag si
Dingdong Dantes tungkol sa pagkaka-out
niya sa pelikulang “Ponzi” na dapat sana’y
pagbibidahan at iku-co-produce niya with Reality
Films.
Ang tsika nga kasi ay nagsu-shooting na ang
movie at si John Lloyd Cruz
na ang gaganap sa character
niya.
Diumano, hindi nasabihan si Dingdong tungkol
dito.
Diumano pa rin, ibinigay
ni Direk Erik Matti ang pelikula kay Lloydie nang
hindi alam ni Dingdong.
Nakausap ng entertainment press si
Dingdong sa presscon ng bago niyang
serye sa GMA-7, ang “Pari Koy” last Monday night at siyempre, isa ito sa mga isyung
tinanong sa kanya. Tatlong beses humingi ng “buwelo” si Dingdong
bago siya nakapagbigay ng
pahayag tungkol dito.
Sa naunang dalawang
beses na itinanong ito sa
kanya, aniya, hindi niya
alam kung paano ito
sasagutin at humiling na kung pwede,
mamaya na niya
sagutin at bubuwelo lang daw muna
siya.
Sa
pangatlong
beses, tinanong siya
kung ready na ba
siyang magsalita at
matagal bago nakapagbitiw ng statement ang
aktor na parang iniisip
mabuti kung ano ang sasabihin.
“Ganito na lang, let’s put
it this way,” simula niya, “kung
anuman ’yun, it will not hinder me
from wanting to make, do and pro-
duce the films that I love to do and the projects that
I love to do.
“It’s very unfortunate that it happened but I’m
fortunate that I found out right now the people
whom I should be dealing with and para sa akin, I’m
more motivated, I feel very blessed with this project
(Pari Koy).
“Sometimes, you just have to let God dictate
what is proper for you, ’di ba?
“It’s good to plan sometimes, create the framework, make it, but it’s also sometimes better if you
will let Him lead you because definitely, He will lead
you to the proper direction.
“And I feel that this unfortunate incident led me
to this and I’m very happy where I am right now
and there are better things to do.
“So, let us all move on and God bless you
all,” mahabang pahayag ni Dong.
Kapansin-pansin na wala nang detalye
pang ibinigay si Dingdong kung ano ba talaga ang nangyari at hindi rin niya diretsang
kinumpirma ang ginawa sa kanyang pag-replace sa movie.
Pero base sa dialogue niyang “unfortunate incident” ang nangyari,
parang sort of inaamin na rin
niya ito.
Willing ba siyang makatrabaho pa ulit ang mga
ito?
“Hindi ko na sasagutin ’yan,” he said.
Does he feel betrayed?
“You figure, kayo
na ang bahala, but I’ve
said my piece,” say ng
aktor.
Hindi ba siya nanghinayang na may friendship na nawala? Hindi
kasi maitatangging may
pinagsamahan din sila
nina Direk Eric at Dondon
Monteverde of Reality Films.
“Gaya ng sinabi ko, babalik
ako sa simula, I’m fortunate that I
found out this early who I should be
dealing with.”
dingdong dantes...Page 7
Juday, di raw kaibigan si Kristeta
G
RATIS lang pala ang pagpayag ng mag-asawang Judy
Ann Santos at Ryan Agoncilio
para sa infomercial ng MTRCB. Directed by Joey Reyes, it shows that
kids can quickly pick up words they
hear in movies or TV shows, so their
parents should guide them closely in
what they watch. MTRCB Chair Toto
Villareal says they got Juday and
Ryan as they’re a good example for
other married couples.
“Even before I became the
MTRCB Chair, kakilala ko na sila
and I know na matitino at mabuti
silang mga tao at maganda ang
kanilang pamilya,” he says. “They’ll
be good and effective endorsers dahil they are respected personalities
in the industry na well-loved ng lahat.”
Despite repeated nasty rumors
about them splitting, they’re still very
much together.
“Dahil hindi naman totoo,” says
Ryan. “Puro paninira lang ‘yun. Five
years na kami at buo pa rin ang family namin, solid, at sinusubukan pa
naming madagdagan pa.”
About the recent issue involving
her and Kris Aquino (who unfollowed then followed again her IG account due to her opinion on SAF44),
Juday no longer wants to talk about it.
“Tapos na yun,” she says. “Naayos na. Hindi kami best of friends but
okay naman ang samahan namin
and she’s always warm pag nagkikita
kami.”
Would she be willing to work
with Kris?
“Okay lang naman, pero bago
kami magsama, mas maganda kung
mag-usap muna kami. Kasi, I also
want to explain to her face to face
para malaman ko rin kung anong
extent ba ‘yung naparamdam ko sa
kanya. Kasi, clueless talaga ako.”•
maja salvador
& gerald anderson
Maja Salvador, wala
pang balak pakasal
kay Gerald Anderson
K
AHIT pala panakip-butas
lang si Maja Salvador sa
“Bridges of Love”, okey lang
daw sa kanya ito. Si Anne Curtis
kasi ang original choice but things
went wrong.
“I’m just thankful na kahit inialok ito sa ibang artista, sa akin pala
ito mapupunta, kasi noon ko pa ito
naririnig,” sabi niya sa presscon ng
project.
“Maganda at challenging ang
role ko rito as Mia Sandoval, star
dancer sa isang club, kaya may
scenes ako doing sexy dancing na
gumigiling-giling para akitin ang
mga lalaki sa club. Pero sa trailer,
you’d see na umiiyak ako habang
sumasayaw.
So, kailangan ninyong tuklasin why Mia is crying. Ano bang
klaseng babae siya at bakit niya
kailangang gawin ang ganung klase
ng trabaho? Happy rin ako rito kasi
reunited kami ni Jericho Rosales,
na nakasama ko na sa ‘Legal Wife’
kaya very comfortable ako doing
scenes with him, then dagdag pa
sina Paulo Avelino, Carmina Villarroel and Tito Edu Manzano na
puro masarap ding katrabaho. I’m
really thankful sa Star Creatives na
pinagtiwalaan nila ako at sa akin
nila ibinigay ang project na ito.
Mahirap din ang role ko noon
as the mistress sa ‘Legal Wife’, pero
masasabi kong mas demanding for
me ang role ko rito sa ‘Bridges of
Love’, which replaces ‘Two Wives’,
kasi it involves so many emotions.”
How did she feel when Lea Salonga said she has the most beautiful face in showbiz?
“Hindi ako makapaniwala.
Coming from her, wow, di ba? We
were together sa Kapamilya Roadshow noon sa States at nagpakafeeling close ako sa kanya. Nabolabola ko yata kaya napuri ako. Ha
ha ha! But honestly, maraming salamat, Miss Lea. Sobrang thank you
talaga. E siya rin naman, hindi siya
tumatanda, lalo siyang paganda
nang paganda.”
Solenn Heussaff also said that
she is her girl crush. “Nakakahiya
nga, kay Solenn pa nanggaling na
girl crush niya ako. Hindi ba puwedeng ako na lang ang may crush
sa kanya kasi ang sexy niya talaga?
Kasi type ko ang katawan niya.
Kung puwede lang na ma-achieve
ko ang katawan niya, gagawin ko
talaga ang lahat.”
Her number with BF Gerald
Anderson in “ASAP20” was well applauded. It’s obvious they’re really in
love with each other. Any wedding
plans?
“Naku, wala pa. Pareho kaming
marami pang ibang plano sa buhay. May kanya-kanya pa kaming
dreams na gusto muna naming maachieve. So, malabo pa talaga ‘yung
issue ng kasal. Ine-enjoy lang muna
namin ang company ng isa’t isa at
mas devoted pa rin kami to our respective careers.”•
MARCH 05, 2015 • Headline Gitnang Luzon
lubao’S balloon fest... from Page 1
This was bared by event chairman Noel Castro, during the regular Talk Widus of the Pampanga
Press Club yesterday, which was
also graced by other officers and
members of the Pilipinas International Balloon Festival Inc. (PIBF),
the event organizer.
Castro said 46 balloons already
confirmed participation in the
2nd LIBF, 15 of which are specialshaped balloons.
“We don’t allow repeat performances of special-shaped balloons
in Lubao,” Castro stressed.
According to Castro, there is the
presence of “boxed wind” in Lubao,
making it the most ideal place for a
brainwaves... from Page 4
balloon festival.
“We discovered that Lubao’s
wind condition is different from
other areas, because the balloons go
back to the launching area,” he said.
He also dismissed criticisms
during last year’s kick off that balloons cannot fly during summer.
“We have proven that the temperature is not a factor during a
balloon fest, and that it will always
depend on the wind condition of the
area,” Castro stressed.
Lubao’s balloon fest, he said, is
the only of its kind which offers a
novelty adventure “up in the air”
and “down on the ground”.
Added attractions during the
4-day balloon fest are paragliding
activities, kiddie rides, showcase
of Kapampangan foods and crafts,
among others.
Among the countries which will
join the much-awaited balloon festival are Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Netherland, Poland, Belgium,
France, Switzerland, Slovak Republic, Spain, Thailand, United States
of America, Korea, Vietnam and
United Kingdom, among others.
Castro also explained the decision behind the change in the
event’s name to the Lubao International Balloon Festival, which is
“name recall”. The event is expected
to attract some 100,000 visitors.•
superbrands... from Page 1
But with ‘Most Outstanding,’ the award is for successes
achieved.”
Just last month, the city government of Angeles was
adjudged as one of the “Most Child-friendly LGUs” by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Pamintuan also garnered the Seal of Good Financial
Housekeeping (GFH) from the Department of Interior
and Local Government (DILG).
Aside from Pamintuan, other city mayors who will receive the 2015 Most Outstanding Mayor Award from SMI
are Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Quezon City
Mayor Herbert Bautista, San Fernando City Mayor Edwin
Santiago, Lipa City Mayor Meynard Sabili, Ozamis City
Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and Cauayan City Mayor
Bernard Faustino Dy, Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino of
the Municipality of Arayat as well as the municipal mayors of Sta, Praxedes, Cagayan Province; Torrijos, Marinduque; Lucban, Quezon; Candelaria, Zambales, San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Calatagan, Batangas; Pagbilao, Quezon;
and, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. •
lingap eskwela... from Page 1
stressed that the city government
highly values education and is therefore pouring funds into its scholarship
program for the youth to assure them
of a brighter future.
He then urged the young beneficiaries to study well and make good use
of their benefits because the city’s, as
well as the nation’s hopes lie on them.
The city government aims to reach
3,500 deserving students under said
program.•
remain in owner’s possession.” This
means that the sampled facial creams,
which are “personal belongings,”
should be discarded for exceeding such
level, the EcoWaste Coalition noted.
Mercury in the ambient air was
measured at 0 ug/m3 before the first
sample was opened and analyzed with
Jerome.
Among the top 12 products that
showed high mercury vapor emissions
are:
1. BG Sea Pearl & Papaya Natural
Essence 6 Days Specific Eliminating
Freckle Whitening Sun Block Cream,
260 ug/m3
2. JJJ Magic Spots Removing
Cream, 157 ug/m3
3. Feique Cucumber Anti-Wrinkle
Whitening Set, 154 ug/m3
4. Feique Herbal Extract Chinese
Formula Whitening Anti-Freckle Set,
137 ug/m3
5. Yu Dan Tang Gingseng and Green
Cucumber 10 Days Whitening Speckles Removed Essence, 135 ug/m3
6. Beauty Excellent Lamb Placenta
Whitening and Anti-Aging, 131 ug/m3
7. Collagen Plus Vit E Day & Night
Cream, 123 ug/m3,
8. Jiaoli 7 Days Miracle Package for
Spots Refining, 115 ug/m3
9. Zi Xin Mei Face Beauty Vegetable
Red in White Series (pink and white
box), 108 ug/m3
10. Feique Rose Refining Nourishing Set, 99 ug/m3
11. Zi Xin Mei Face Beauty Vegetable
Red in White Series (purple and gold
box), 95 ug/m3
12. Beauty Girl Egg White and
Tomato 6 Days Specific Eliminating
Freckle Whitening Cream, 93 ug/m3
According to the ATSDR, “exposure
to high levels of metallic, inorganic,
or organic mercury can permanently
damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning may result in irritability, shyness,
tremors, changes in vision or hearing,
and memory problems.”
Last month, the group organized a
mock “Miss Poison Cosmetics” beauty
pageant to expose the unhindered
trade of contraband skin whitening
products in 50 cities all over the Philippines.
As revealed in the report “Beauty
and the Risk,” a study published by
the EcoWaste Coalition with support
from the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN), 316 of the
355 samples of skin whitening facial
creams were found contaminated with
mercury up to 96,100 parts per million
(ppm), way beyond the allowable limit
of 1 ppm under the ASEAN Cosmetics
Directive. (PNA)•
Interested participants may submit only one entry per category. Contest rules and forms are available at
any of the Palanca Foundation offices listed below, or may be downloaded from the official CPMA website at www.palancaawards.com.ph.
Entries may be submitted
through any of the following means:
(1) through the official CPMA website, (2) by mail, or (3) directly to
the Palanca Foundation offices,
either at Unit 603, 6th Floor Park
Trade Centre Bldg., 1716 Investment
Drive, Madrigal Business Park,
Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City or
at Unit 3G, OPL Bldg., 100 C. Palanca St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.
Winners will be awarded at
a special ceremony to be held
on 1 September 2015. Participants may contact the CPMA Administrator Mrs. Leslie Layoso
through the website or at (632)
511-0003; +639108878552, or
+639255560457 for assistance.•
women warned... from Page 8
to mercury via skin absorption, inhalation and hand-to-mouth behavior.
“We therefore appeal to women using dubious skin whitening products
with mercury to stop this injurious
habit, don’t go with the fad and be happy with our natural brown skin tone,”
Lucero said.
Through the use of a Jerome J405
Mercury Vapor Analyzer, the EcoWaste Coalition, with assistance from
Health Care Without Harm, measured
mercury in ambient air that is discharged from tainted skin brightening
cosmetics.
Out of 25 products analyzed, 25
were found to emit mercury vapor
from 35 micrograms per cubic meter
(ug/m3) to 260 ug/m3, way above 1
ug/mg3, which is the “acceptable level
for normal occupancy for most sensitive persons” based on the “Suggested
Action Levels for Residential Setting”
by the US Agency for Toxic Substances
and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
All the 25 samples released mercury vapor greater than 10 ug/m3, a level
at which the recommended action by
ATSDR is “isolation of contamination
from residents or evacuation of residents.”
The ATSDR has further recommended 3-6 ug/m3 as the “acceptable
level to allow personal belongings to
7
ensure the fundamental equality before the law of
women and men.” Various laws and executive orders
have been approved such as R.A. 7192 of 1992 -Women in Development and Nation Building Act, Executive Order 273 of 1995– Approving and adopting the
Philippine Plan for Gender Responsive Development
for 1995 to 2025, and RA 9710 of 2009 or the Magna
Carta of Women.
In 2012, a Joint Circular was issued by the Philippine Commission on Women, National Economic &
Development Authority, and the Department of Budget & Management which provides the Guidelines for
the Preparation of Annual Gender and Development
(GAD) Plans and Budgets and Accomplishment Reports to Implement the Magna Carta of Women to all
heads of executive departments, agencies, bureaus,
offices, state universities and colleges, government
owned and/or controlled corporations, legislative and
judiciary branches, constitutional bodies, other government instrumentalities and all others concerned.
GAD has been implemented to emphasize that the
opportunity for development is equally given to all.
Both men and women must be given the right and
freedom to realize their full human rights and potentials to contribute to development and nation building, and at the same time benefit from the positive
consequences that arise from these.•
dingdong dantes... from Page 6
Ano ang masasabi niya na inireklamo na ng kampo niya
ang kasong ito sa PAMI (Professional Artists Management,
Inc)?
“Para sa akin, that’s beyond me. Ako’y isang artista lamang, minsan, producer, pero hindi naman po ako nakikialam sa management affairs. That’s a different league. Alam
ko naman kung ano ang sasawsawan ko at hindi,” he said.
Samantala, first time ni Dong na gumanap na isang pari
sa “Pari Koy” kaya excited ang aktor.
Magsisimula na ito sa March 9 sa primetime slot ng
GMA-7 mula sa direksyon ni Mario J. delos Reyes. Kasama
rin sa serye sina Gabby Eigenmann, Rap Fernandez, Sunshine Dizon, Chanda Romero, Jeric Rosales, Carlo Gonzalez, Jillian Ward at David Remo. •
march 06... from Page 3
peace process and to the lives of the peoples of Mindanao who continue to suffer from the debilitating impact of decades of armed conflict even while undergoing
rehabilitation efforts,” the resolution stated.
March 6 marks the 40th day after the January 25 Mamasapano incident which claimed the lives of 44 Philippine National Police – Special Action Force members,
18 Moro fighters and some innocent civilians.
The Commission on Human Rights said at least 1,500
families have been displaced for fears of armed confrontations escalating in the area of Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
“This unfortunate incident has likewise caused a national divide threatening to polarize the country and its
peace-loving peoples, with some sections issuing condemnation, hasty judgment and espousing bloody retaliation,” according to the resolution.
“Civil society groups, peace movements and communities across the country have started to gather as
peace advocates calling for unity and peace. There is an
imperative and urgent need to pause and re-assess our
common aspirations to bring peaceful solutions to our
nation’s problems,” the resolution said. •
star mill season 3... from Page 2
All auditionees must be present in the area prior to the
start of the audition which will kick off at
exactly 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to follow CLTV36 on
facebook for updates. For inquiries, contact Rhidian Guevarra at 0917.569.0221 or 0918.854.2488.•
carlos palanca... from Page 2
• Regional Languages Division –
Short Story-Cebuano, Short StoryHiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano.
Students less than 18 years of
age are also encouraged to participate in the Kabataan Essay and Kabataan Sanaysay categories. This
year’s Kabataan Division theme is,
“How can Philippine literature cultivate national unity?” for the English category and “Paano mapagiisa ng ating literatura ang ating
bansa?” for the Filipino category.
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business
VOLUME III • NO. 178 • MARCH 05, 2015 • THURSDAY
Senior citizen
claims P42.6-M
Super Lotto 6/49
jackpot prize
MANILA – The lone winner of the Super Lotto 6/49
draw on February 17 – a senior citizen – has claimed
the P42,610,228 jackpot
prize, according to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes
Office.
The winning numbers 16-23-19-20-25-30 – were
the birthdates of the family
members of the winner, 75,
who hails from Quezon City.
He has been a lotto bettor for
10 years.
The lucky winner plans to
pay off debts, donate to the
Church, share his blessings
to other charity organizations and set aside a portion
of his winnings for his children’s future.
PCSO Acting Chairman
and General Manager Atty.
Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II
said, “Natutuwa kami dito
sa PCSO sa ating winner na
kasama sa kanyang plano
ang pagtulong sa ating mga
kapus-palad na kababayan.”
Rojas handed the check
to the winner at the national
lottery main office in Mandaluyong City last March 3. •
THUMBS UP. Photo shows SM Supermarket Store Manager Jennifer Carillo (in black blazer) pose with faculty and students of Asinan Elementary School, during the turnover of several items for the school’s use, through SM Supermarket’s ‘Baryanihan’ project. PR-SMOL
DA to showcase
PHL’s dishes in
int’l gastronomy
congress
MANILA - The Department of Agriculture (DA)
is presently in the thick of preparations for Spain’s
most important gastronomy congress—the Madrid
Fusión—to be held at the Mall of Asia’ SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on April 24 to 26, 2015.
Organized annually since 2003, Madrid Fusión
brings together the most prestigious and innovative chefs from all over the world, bridging cultures
through good food, and enabling the world “to see
the future of food.”
DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that for the event, the
agency is preparing to showcase top Philippine agriculture products and dishes.
“DA will put up a booth where the country’s top
agricultural exports will be exhibited. Among these
products are coconut and its by-products such as
coco sugar and coconut oil, heirloom rice, coffee,
cacao, mango, pineapple, banana, dalandan, kalamansi, chocolates, cheeses, wines, nuts, preserves,
and tuna,” Puyat said.
She said that the DA will also showcase products
that are only found in the Philippines such as batuan,
sua, kamias and adlai, among others.
Madrid Fusión Manila, through the DA, will also
feature regional lunches that will focus on local
dishes such as lechon, kinilaw and other local staples
cooked with each island region’s finest fish, meat,
vegetable and spice products.
“For the regional lunches, we will be showcasing
all the top dishes from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao
using our top export products,” the agriculture official said.
Meanwhile, DA Secretary Proceso Alcala said that
they are looking forward to the event as it will serve
as another opportunity to further mainstream topquality agricultural products of the country in the
international gastronomic arena.
“This could link producers of high-quality agricultural products - especially artisanal and organic to potential markets within and outside the country,”
Alcala said.
Artisanal products pertains to high-quality or
distinctive products that are made in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods.
Madrid Fusión Manila is a joint partnership project of the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT)
and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), along
with Madrid Fusión organizers Foro de Debate and
Arum Estrategias de Internacionalización.
It would be the first time that the event will be
held in Asia and will be the biggest culinary gathering yet in the Philippines.
Madrid Fusión Manila is part of the “Visit the
Philippines Year 2015” campaign of the DOT. (PNA)•
DONATION. SM Supermarket has donated water dispensers with PET bottles, TV, desk fans, basic sound system, cleaning materials and
monobloc chairs to the school. Free snacks were also distributed to all the students present during the turn-over ceremony held March 03, 2015 at
Asinan Elementary School. PR-SMOL
SM Supermarket mobilizes
‘Baryanihan’ project in ‘Gapo
OLONGAPO CITY - We
seldom experience giving
away loose change to the
cashier as donation. Little
do we know that these
coins can go a long way –
particularly to the hands of
deserving people.
Through the money
raised from “Baryanihan”,
a project that enjoins shoppers to voluntarily donate
their loose change, SM Supermarket has donated essential items to the Asinan
Elementary School here.
Donated items include
water dispensers with PET
bottles, TV flat screen,
desk fans, basic sound system, cleaning materials
and monobloc chairs. Free
snacks were also distributed to all the students present during the turn-over
ceremony held on March
03, 2015 at the said school.
“Isa lang ang masasabi
ko, napakalaking pasasalamat namin sa SM sa pag-
bibigay nila ng mga gamit
na ito, super saya namin,”
said Anita Abille, school
principal.
“Baryanihan” comes
from the words barya
(coins) and bayanihan
(community spirit).
SM Supermarket, the
largest supermarket chain
in the Philippines rekindles the bayanihan tradition with this project that
depicts cooperative effort
to help out one’s neighbor.
SM Supermarket continues to give back to the
communities and help
those in need through
“Baryanihan” with the
support from its millions
of shoppers.
SM Supermarket is the
food retail arm of SM Investments. As of May 30,
2014, it has been operating 39 supermarkets and
96 SaveMore branches
across the Philippines.
(PR-SMOL)•
Women warned vs toxic skin whitening cosmetics
MANILA - As the country celebrates
the National Women’s Month, a toxics
watchdog warned that mercury-laden
skin whitening cosmetics can pollute
the household environment affecting
users and non-users, including young
children who are most vulnerable to
toxic exposure.
As part of its continuing public information drive to inform consumers
about the danger of using illegal mercury-containing cosmetics to lighten
the skin tone, remove blotchy spots
and even cure acne, the EcoWaste Coalition conducted yet another study on
the amount of mercury that is released
to the air with the use of such products.
The group’s latest investigation
showed that dangerous levels of mercury vapor are emitted as soon as
the jar containing the facial cream is
opened, contaminating the air and exposing the user and her housemates to
mercury even before the cream is applied to the skin.
“The quest for fairer complexion using unregistered skin lightening products with mercury can be very dangerous not only for users who are mostly
women, but also for small kids who are
deprived of clean air and environment
at a very critical stage of their development,” said Aileen Lucero, Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.
“Young children, particularly in
congested homes with poor air circulation, are particularly at risk when they
touch mercury-tainted bedding and
clothes and breathe polluted air,” she
pointed out.
Cases have shown that contaminated air and contact with adult cream
user’s skin and stained household
items contribute to children’s exposure
women warned... pagE 7