MARINA Hosts Training, Write-Shop for IMSAS 2021

Wazzup Pilipinas!

To further improve the implementation of international standards in the country’s maritime industry, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) hosted another training course and write-shop for auditors under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).

On 22-27 April 2019, training expert from IMO and the International Maritime Safety Security Environment Academy (IMSSEA) Mourad Ghorbel, discussed the roles and responsibilities of the audit team, the audit preparation and processes among others. He also trained the auditors in recognizing and resolving potential challenges that may be encountered during the audit processes.

The two-day write-shop on 29-30 April 2019, on the other hand, is allotted for the drafting of the country’s pre-audit questionnaire and national maritime strategy to ensure that its international obligations and responsibilities as a flag, port and coastal State are met.

MARINA Officer-in-Charge Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr believed that the continuous support of various government agencies in the country’s preparation for the IMSAS audit in 2021 is vital in the enhancement of the Philippine maritime industry.

“Let us work together in concretizing our actions and schemes to enhance maritime safety, ensure marine environment protection, and effectively implement mandatory IMO instruments that guide our ship operations into complying with international standards,” Vice Admiral Vingson said.

The training course is participated by representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

The IMO conducts IMSAS to provide member states, such as the Philippines, with comprehensive and objective assessment on the implementation and enforcement of mandatory IMO instruments pertaining to safety of life at sea, prevention of pollution from ships, regulations for preventing collisions at sea, load lines, and tonnage measurement of ships and standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers.

Joni Villanueva Tops Survey for Bocaue Mayor

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Mayor Joni Villanueva overwhelmingly topped the survey over her rival in the mayoralty race in Bocaue. 

The survey, which was administered by independent pollster Smart Research Services, Inc. showed that Villanueva obtained a 76 percent votes compared to the 19 percent received by her opponent Jim Valerio. The voting trend holds trueacross barangays, socio- economic class, gender and age- group.

This was based on the non-commissioned survey dated March 18-19, 2019.

The survey also noted Mayor Joni Villanueva’s impressive Net Satisfaction Rating (NSR) at 84 percent, the pollster said “with an excellent NSR, it is not surprising that Joni Villanueva is dominating the mayoral race in Bocaue in the coming May 2019 elections”.

Mayor Villanueva is elated and at the same time humbled that she is the top choice for all age group, socio- economic class and gender. She said this is proof that her programs are being felt by the people of Bocaue.

“I would like to thank the people of Bocaue who participated in the survey and expressed their trust, support and appreciation to what I have done for Bocaue. The overwhelming support I receive from Bocauenos gives me inspiration and strength to move forward with my vision of a progressive Bocaue.”

With the positive result of the survey, Villanueva vowed to carry on with the programs she had implemented as local chief executive “If I am given a fresh mandate projects that aim to uplift the lives of the people like the public hospital, river dike, housing for the indigents, and other vital infrastructure projects will continue.”

LoveYourself Launches Cozy HIV Testing Center in Cebu

Wazzup Pilipinas!

CEBU’S FIRST HIV COMMUNITY CENTER:LoveYourself White House opened on 27 April as the newest addition to LoveYourself’s growing community. The center’s press launched was graced by (L-R) LoveYourself Senior Director Christopher Lagman, LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin Pagtakahan, LoveYourself newest brand ambassador and singer Karencitta, Department of Health-Regional 7 Regional Coordinator Dr. Van Philip Baton, and LoveYourself Cebu Head Jan Shaltiel Estrada.

After seven years of serving the Greater Manila Area, the LoveYourself, Inc. officially launches today (27 April) its first community center in Cebu City – the LoveYourself White House.

By establishing a community center in Cebu, LoveYourself focuses its attention to the growing number of HIV cases in Central Visayas, since it already shared 9% (5,773) of the total number of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) since 1984. Throughout the country, there are already 38 HIV diagnoses a day.

To augment the efforts not only in Cebu but throughout the region, LoveYourself White House provides free and confidential HIV testing and treatment, including education, counseling and life coaching.

Interestingly, the new community center also offers a co-working space with contemporary and hip ambiance that caters to the distinctive taste of Cebuanos. The center also brews free coffee for waiting clients, while either enjoying the wifi services or the murals.

During the press launch, LoveYourself unveiled Karencitta as its newest brand ambassador in addition to Miss Universe 2015 and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. Karencitta is a Cebuana talent who made a wave in the Philippine music industry through her songs and artistry.

LoveYourself also invited the Department of Health-Region Vll Regional Coordinator Dr. Van Philip Baton to discuss the HIV situation in Cebu and the efforts that the government is doing to curb the epidemic.

LoveYourself founders Ronivin Pagtakhan and Christopher Lagman explained LoveYourself’s humble beginnings and how its young community was able to make an impact to the advocacy here and abroad. Both founders looked forward to the contribution that LoveYourself could make in Cebu in the years to come.

For Cebuanos who want to get themselves checked, LoveYourself White House is located at 40 Don Julio Llorente St., Cebu City. The center is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. with contact number (032) 367-7016.

To know more about LoveYourself and its services, visit www.loveyourself.ph or follow and share its social media channels: Facebook- @loveyourself.ph, Twitter- @loveyourselfph, and Instagram- @loveyourself.ph.


OTHER PHOTOS:

SONG FOR THE HIV CAUSE:During the press launch of the LoveYourself White House on Saturday (27 April), Cebuana pop singer Karencitta announces that she has been thinking of writing a song for the HIV advocacy. The Cebuana singer is LoveYourself’s newest brand ambassador, specifically catering to the organization’s Cebu clientele.

CEBU SITUATIONER: Dr. Van Philip Baton talks about the Cebu province’s reported cases which already reached 5,179 since 1984. According to Dr. Baton, it is 92% of all cases in Region 7. Demographically, Dr. Baton said 38% of the cases in the region are people who inject drugs and 30% are men having sex with men.