Globe and PHIVOLCS Team Up in Developing Hazard and Risk Information Maps

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe Telecom has teamed up with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) in developing data base for 56 provinces. The information are integrated with the PHIVOLCS-developed Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) software, a tool which can be used in developing hazard and risk information.

REDAS, a hazard simulation software of PHIVOLCS that aims to produce seismic hazard and risk maps immediately after the occurrence of a potentially damaging earthquake, can be used as a tool for emergency preparedness, and contingency planning, Globe Chief Finance Officer and Chief Risk Officer Rizza Maniego-Eala said.

“Globe Telecom, as a telecommunications provider, is cognizant of the fact that availability of telecommunication services especially during times of emergencies is critical not only in minimizing casualties but also in providing rescue and rehabilitation efforts. We hope that the effective utilization of REDAS can provide deeper understanding and appreciation of earthquake hazards and risks that will hopefully lead to a more comprehensive planning and active formulation of an effective disaster prevention program and policies that will benefit not only service providers like Globe but also the entire country,” Eala said.

Specifically, Globe provided financial support for the creation of the additional REDAS hazard database. The built-in database consisted of multi-hazard maps from PAGASA and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) as well as census and base maps from government institutions.

Celebrating Filipino Christmas at the 18th Global Pinoy Bazaar

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Many people in most parts of the world say that Christmas season in the Philippines is the longest to celebrate. As early as September, most Filipinos plan ahead on various things--- the gifts to purchase for the Christmas parties, the things to buy for their godchildren and their relatives, new clothes to sport at the Misa de Gallo, and even foods to prepare for Noche Buena. Most often than not, we feel that Christmas is almost near when he hear yuletide songs everywhere and we see the holiday rush from different malls and trade centers.

Yabang Pinoy believes that Christmas is the most perfect occasion to splurge on the things that we wanted to share to our friends and loved ones. On December 7-11 (Wednesday to Sunday), Yabang Pinoy will once again step into the spotlight for the 18th Global PInoy Bazaar at Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City with the theme “Celebrating Filipino Chritmas”. It will be a fete of Filipino creativity and ingenuity for the Christmas season as we feature the different iconic brands and upbeat startups.

This event will be the biggest bazaar of Yabang Pinoy this year as we stage almost one hundred and fifty (150) different brands that will perfectly fit your Christmas wishlist. Aside from the regular clothing, footwear and accessories mix, there will be specialized zones in the bazaar that will help the shoppers to decide on their retail options. Such zones are the DISTRICT ZONE that caters to the art and design brands, FOODSOURCE ZONE which is a collection of food and beverage brands, and HOMEBRAND ZONE that houses the brands developed by the volunteers of Yabang Pinoy.

Come and see Filipino Christmas in full color and experience retail adventure with love and pride.

Wazzup Pilipinas is a proud media partner!

Please visit www.yabangpinoy.com or e-mail globalpinoy2016@gmail.com for more information.

Hontiveros to LGUs: Respect and Fully Implement RH Law

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Senator Risa Hontiveros and Rep. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar vows to defend the RH law budget in a press conference last September.

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros called on the local government of Sorsogon City to respect the full implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act (Republic Act 10354), also known as the RH Law, after a Commission on Human Rights (CHR) report indicated that it withheld artificial contraceptives from women residents in the last four years.

“Sorsogon City Mayor Sally Lee, who is otherwise known as an advocate of women's participation in societal affairs, should immediately answer the serious allegations made by the CHR. Withholding artificial contraceptives from women is an insult to the hard work of Filipino women’s movement who waited 13 long years for the passage of the RH Law," Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros, who is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said that the RH Law is a landmark piece of legislation that solidified reproductive health rights and choices.

"The government must provide free access to family planning commodities to poor women nationwide to help address the country’s high maternal mortality rate. Our women should be given the widest array of options on how to plan and manage their families. Withholding access to contraceptives is a clear violation of the law,” Sen. Hontiveros said.

It was reported that the CHR has documented reports that women in far-flung barangays in Sorsogon City were denied reproductive health products and services. The documentation likewise reported of unwanted pregnancies and instances that women gave up their babies for adoption as a result of the denial of RH services.

“We want the Sorsogon City government to explain and be accountable to these alleged violations. It is our moral and civil obligation to ensure that we continue to respect, protect and uphold women’s rights. The refusal to implement the RH Law is an utmost disrespect to the choices of women regarding family planning methods in accordance with the law. Kailangan may sumagot at may managot sa mga paglabag na ito,” she added.

Hontiveros vowed to ensure the full funding of the RH Law in the proposed 2017 National Budget