DOE Strengthens Partnership with MERALCO

Wazzup Pilipinas!

DOE-identified houses in Isla Puting Bato were energized as beneficiaries of intensified electrification activities.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has strengthened its partnership with the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), the largest distribution company in the country, to better serve electricity consumers within its franchise area.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi held a dialogue with MERALCO to discuss issues and concerns encountered by the utility, such as right-of-way, various on-going construction works, peace and order, and other barriers to the immediate energization of target communities.

After the initial meeting last July 07 with MERALCO, a total of 2,082 households were energized from 08 July to 24 July 2016 in the DOE-identified communities. MERALCO installed combined regular service and pre-paid electricity service schemes for the new household connections.

A total of 1,126 households were energized by MERALCO through a partnership with the National Housing Authority in the towns of Gaya-Gaya (Towerville), San Jose del Monte, Balagtas, Sta. Maria, Angono, Cainta, Marikina, Rosario, San Pedro, Calamba, and San Pablo.

For the Elevated Metering Center, a total 99 house connections were installed in Isla Puting Bato and Parola Area in Manila.

Meanwhile, a total of 857 homes were energized in the Happy Land Aroma and BASECO Compound in Tondo, España, Malate, Tutuban, Balagtas, Balintawak, Parañaque City, and Caloocan City in Metro Manila, Malolos in Bulacan, Calamba City and San Pedro in Laguna, Lucena City in Quezon, and Masinag in Antipolo City, Rizal through the Relocatees and Informal Settlers (RAISE) Program of MERALCO.

In the same meeting, Sec. Cusi and MERALCO President Oscar S. Reyes vowed to help people living below the poverty line to have access to electricity.

Sec. Cusi also suggested that MERALCO should check relocation sites, particularly those that pose potential fire hazards.

The DOE fully supports President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s commitment to serve the marginalized sectors, ensure inclusive growth and uplift the lives of all Filipinos.

Lowest Prices Guaranteed on Carmudi

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Millions of people around the world are taking advantage of the electronic marketplace and its clear advantages. Unburdened by the traditional capital expenses of maintaining physical structures and dedicated sales people, the virtual platform is promising the best prices along with a largely pain-free experience.

Established online vehicle marketplace Carmudi.com.ph is a prime example of the business model redounding in gains for both buyer and seller. The international website with a dedicated Philippine content is facilitating quicker and more convenient transactions between verified, reputable sellers and prospective buyers of new and old vehicles. Carmudi users have unparalleled and swift access to tens of thousands of certified listings and, perhaps, most importantly, get an unmatched guarantee that of lowest price.

“In another industry first by Carmudi, we and our select dealer partners are making a lowest-price guarantee,” said country managing director Abhi Mohan. “Along with excellent pre- and post-sales service, we vow to offer the best possible prices for transactions.”

Mohan added that to make this happen, Carmudi deals with only the best and most reputable partners. “It’s about quality over quantity,” he maintained. “And we are confident this principle redounds in the best experience and benefits for all parties.”

Carmudi will not only match based on budget and preference, but can now equal or beat existing quotes from other sellers as well. The best-price guarantee applies for both cash purchases and financing schemes.

To know more about the “Lowest Price Guarantee”, visit carmudi.com.ph.

Mr. and Ms. Chinatown 2016

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Are you ready for a night of glitz and glamour on July 31, 2016 for the #‎MrMsChinatown2016‬ LIVE at the Newport Cinemas at Resorts World Manila?

The most prestigious Fil-Chinese Beauty Pageant is soon to rock your world as it showcase adorable and great looking men and women of the Filipino-Chinese community. The pageant is in search for the best Chinese-Filipino beauties that best represent the modern Filipino-Chinese in this generation.

Beauty isn’t only what this pageant is all about. The Miss Chinatown pageant is more than just about showcasing the charm and good looks of the Chinese-Filipino women, but also sharing the culture and cultivation of both the traditional and modern values amidst changing times.

The organizer, Miss Chinatown Foundation, is looking forward to more Chinese-Filipino women participants of the annual Miss Chinatown Philippines pageant. Not only that this will serve as platform to reach both our and the contestants’ personal goals, we believe that this pageant opens the doors of opportunities for the best experiences in life as well. To witness this journey become a prestigious addition to the list of celebrated beauty pageants in the country is our goal and you can expect that we will challenge ourselves to fulfill this in the years to come.

The swimwear and fashion show of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown 2016 was held last July 20 at Chaos, City of Dreams Manila. Featured designers were Ditta Sandico, Anne Ong, Hoseki and Pegarro Swim by Domz Ramos and Julius Jaguio. Presentors on this show were Cynos Inside Hair Care, Status Salon, Oriental Group and City of Dreams Manila. Hosted by Mr. Johnny Litton and Ms. Alexis Go, the Executive Director of Mr. and Miss Chinatown.

Partner Photographer: Edmund Chua

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016 Press Presentation

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The Mutya ng Pilipinas is a dominant pageant organization in the Philippines & in Asia conducting the annual competition with emphasis on promoting Tourism in the Philippines. It promotes “Beauty Tourism” within Asia and West Pacific with the direct and key participation of the Overseas Filipino Communities, this being a distinct component of its National Pageant Event. The National Pageant Event serves as a vehicle to promote everything that is beautiful in the Filipina and the Philippines.

The Organization is motivated and inspired by its guiding thrust to assist in promoting Tourism, Social Responsibility, Fashion, and Beauty pageantry — a combination which differentiates itself from other similar pageants. It engages in worthwhile endeavors that will enable it to achieve and make a contribution to promote the Philippines as a major and revered tourism destination. It also intends to show everything that is beautiful about the Philippines, giving respect and value to the word ‘Filipina with a social conscience’, that is … what it can do to make the Filipina a meaningful and responsive social well- being.

Beauty is also synonymous to Fashion, and should be made known that the Filipina is a fashionable person and makes therefore the Philippines a cosmopolitan and fashion center in the greater Asia Pacific.

Over the years, select Overseas Filipino Communities have been formidable partners of Mutya ng Pilipinas through long term arrangements, with them sending their delegates to participate in its annual pageant event. These Filipino Communities include: neighboring Asian countries, Northern and Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, Midwest, the East Coast, Hawaii, Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia… and the participating countries continues to grow each year.

The beauty pageant has introduced the inclusion of representatives from Filipino communities abroad since 2000. This is not only to recognize the Filipino roots of overseas-based women, but also to raise the level of competition in the national pageant.

This year’s impressive line up of delegates will have pre-pageant activities in PuertoPrincesa City (July 18-21) and other landmarks. The world class Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa will be the delegates’ official resort hotel in Palawan.

The Long Gown Competition will be on July 22-25 at Hannah’s Beach Resort Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and Regional Costume with Talent Competition will be on July 26 (host city to be announced).

The gorgeous young ladies vying for the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016 international titles will be presented to the media on July 13 (Press Presentation) and the Coronation night is on July 30 at Resorts World Manila which will be aired on ABS-CBN at 10 in the morning on July 31.

The three most coveted titles are Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific, Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International and Mutya ng Pilipinas - Overseas Communities.

The winners of the Mutya ng Pilipinas Pageant are sent to international pageant events, such as Miss Tourism International, Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International and Miss Asia Pacific International. Mutya ng Pilipinas, Inc. is ably supported by major partners, and alliances among select Television networks.

Today, the organization is managed principally by an Executive Committee and its Lady President Jacqueline Tan. The Committee is ably supported by its incumbent Board of Directors namely, Chairman Joseph Tan, Treasurer Ranie Hofileña, Michael Tan and Jefferson Tan. They are a group of distinguished personalities stemming from various sectors of society.


MUTYA NG PILIPINAS 2016 OFFICIAL CANDIDATES

Lynette Bradford - Melbourne
Joanna Rose Tolledo - Caloocan City
Cassandra Costales McDonald - Australia
Jannie Loudette Alipo-on - Navotas City
Marah Munoz - Paranaque City
Jessica Jane Morales - Pasig City
Thalia Joyce Coronico - Davao
Rose Ann De Jesus - Concepcion, Tarlac
Joanna Marie Rabe - Zambales
Michelle Thorlund - California
Rhancoise Marie Mayangitan - Pampanga
Marielle Cartagena - Cebu
Mayu Murakami - Japan
Rdelyn De Leon - Aurora
Ann Lauren Ose - Scandinavia
Maeryhnella Umayam - United Kingdom
Petche Ann Vale - Bohol
Angela Yagaya - Western Visayas
Nellza Bautista - Northern Mindanao
Jurice Encarnacion - Canada
Dianne Irish Joy Lacayanga - Paniqui, Tarlac
Rianne Charlotte - Kalaw Batangas
Kristen Karla Dela Cruz - Zamboanga
Ace Dianne Morales - Bataan
Mary Theresa Erna Gomez - Tarlac
Justin Mae San Jose - Calabarzon
Marie Joyce Marfori - Mabalacat City
Ganiel Akrisha Krishnan - Manila
Renelyn Deguit - Negros Island
Ashley Nicole Singh - Central Luzon

See you all at the Mutya ng Pilipinas National Pageant this July 30 at Resorts World Manila!

Partner Photographer: Edmund Chua

Michelin Foundation Conducts Road Safety Initiatives For Young Students In Cebu

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With the belief that starting them young is the best way to inculcate road safety awareness in the population, the Michelin Corporate Foundation conducted free road safety seminars and other safety activities for teens and school children in Cebu City on July 9 and 10, 2016.

Michelin brought its signature Fill Up with Air (FUWA) safety campaign to the Queen City of the South in July to create greater awareness about the role of tires, air pressure and a regular car safety check in road safety for the Visayas. On July 9, Michelin activated the FUWA initiative at the S&R Membership Club in Mandaue, Cebu, offering motorists free tire checks to determine whether their cars had the right air pressure that is so crucial to road safety. Motorists could also avail of free consultations from Michelin tire experts about the right tires for their vehicles and other safety concerns. Student volunteers who were scholars of Enfants du Mekong Cebu-Visayas, helped to conduct tire air pressure checks at the FUWA.

On July 10, Michelin Philippines and Michelin East Asia and Australia (Michelin E2A) joined hands with the Enfants du Mekong (EdM) Foundation Cebu Visayas group and The Little Bamboo Foundation (LBF) to teach teens and young children about safety and mobility. Over 500 teens and children of EdM and LBF attended the Sunday program and activities, joined by some of their families as well.

The group arranged for road safety seminars to be conducted by the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for the young EdM scholars and LBF beneficiaries. The Michelin E2A team conducted a well-received storytelling session that starred Bibendum, the official Michelin mascot as Road Safety Hero. Crafting games, relay games, and obstacle courses that help demonstrate road safety lessons were also held in the afternoon.

“These activities are meant to pursue Michelin’s global goals of making its relationships with all of its stakeholders more meaningful, especially the communities near our facilities. Michelin cares a lot about employment, mobility and education,” said Michael Nunag, Michelin Chief Representative in the Philippines.

The Michelin Corporate Foundation was established in January 2014 to pursue the Foundation’s goals of bringing the world closer to a fair, sustained mobility. Its mission is to “help people move forward” and has financed projects that promote Sustainable Mobility, Environment Protection, Health and Sport, Education and the Community, and Heritage and the Arts. Project grants and road safety education campaigns for the youth in Michelin E2A started in 2015 and have been conducted in Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, in collaboration with the EdM Foundation in the region.

The Enfants du Mekong Foundation is a French international NGO group that organizes welfare, scholarship and development programs for poor and marginalized youths in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, China and the Philippines. Established here in 1997, it has facilities and programs in Cebu, Visayas and Mindanao.

Little Bamboo Foundation meanwhile is a Filipino charity foundation with 400 beneficiaries made up of children from the slums of Cebu’s harbour. It provides scholarships and development programs, plus boarding houses for its beneficiaries.

For more information please visit: (www.michelin.com.ph).

"The Emperor’s New Clothes" Is All Set To Open On July 29

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Another classic work of Hans Christian Andersen will be premiered through its famous story of “THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES” by Kids Acts Philippines, the premier children’s theatre in the country. This is the company’s 14th Musical Theatre Season offering for schools, parents, children and the entire family.

Kids Acts Philippines proudly presents “THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES” with script, lyrics and direction by LUIGI NACARIO, who won his first writing crown from BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards through Hansel and Gretel Musical and music by EUGENE BELBIS, who recently won his Best Musical Director Trophy of last year’s ALIW Awards through Beauty and the Beast Musical. These two collaborators of creating children’s musicals were named by critics as the Philippines’ “Jim Eiler and Jean Bargy”, the renowned creators of children’s musicals of the world.

The Emperor’s New Clothes is a story of honesty, forgiveness and humility. It corners the Emperor’s vanity to clothes and living a life of extravagance, luxury and lavishness. It was said that the Emperor loved beautiful new clothes so much that he spent all his money on being finely dressed. He loved going to the theater or fond of riding about in his carriage to show off his new clothes. He had a different costume for every hour of the day. He was the ruler who spent most of his time in his dressing more than at the palace’s court. 

One day his royal wife and at the same time his fashion confidant suggested of a grand and extravagant thanksgiving parade. The royal couple invited all the finest weavers in the kingdom to create cloth that will exalt the emperor to be envied by all. Until, he was swindled by the two weavers, who claimed to be weavers who knew how to make the finest cloth imaginable with colors and patterns were extraordinarily beautiful, that its material had the amazing property which was invisible to anyone who was incompetent and stupid. 

What Happens If One Doesn’t Pay His Debts?

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Being unable to pay your debts will reflect negatively on your credit history, making it tough to take out loans in the future. It is important to keep in mind that once you decide to borrow from any lender, you take yourself to be responsible enough to pay your debts on time.

Applying for loans may be tricky but if we engage ourselves with the following scenarios, we will be able to pick up some tips on how to properly manage finances.

Here we have Pedro. He took out a loan for the latest rose-gold tablet. Eventually, he quit his job because he couldn’t tear himself from watching the latest episode of his favorite TV series. Because he was inactively seeking for a job, he found himself facing a problem – not having the money to pay the debt for his loan.

Here is what will happen to Pedro in the next months if he doesn’t sell his tablet or find work to pay off his loan.

Of course, it is fair to say that not all who fail to pay their debts are irresponsible just like Pedro. They can be reliable borrowers, but unforeseen circumstances such as an illness or death in the family can make it difficult or impossible to repay a loan on time. But regardless of whether one is a “Pedro” or not, the consequences of not paying a loan are the same. Let’s take a look.

We will go through 5 stages with Pedro. Within each stage, his debt will grow along with the risks of saying goodbye to his rose-gold tablet. Pedro may be confident that his health and life are not under threat because he took out a loan from a legal lender so the collection process will flow according to the law where collectors will not beat him, shout at him, or kidnap him.

First SONA of Rodrigo Duterte, 16th President of the Philippines

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"And I was hopeful that the next six years will be different, but it seems a lot of people want to see the world as a grim place, maybe the world is a grim place, maybe the Philippines is a grim place, the more we see it that way, the more it becomes, it's the law of the Universe.

While I see, what you see, I am choosing to see my world and my country not as dark, not as grim, it is the story I want to tell myself in the next six years.

To quote Robert Redford, he said,

" But the story, I think, can be retold, and I really believe that you’re the ones to do it.”

I can't and won't tell anyone how to see their world, the only thing I ask, is for us to have a little more faith, in ourselves and in our country.

I believe what you don't strengthen, you weaken." - Napo Belran

The first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the 16th President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte happens on July 25, 2016 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

Around 3,000 guests have been invited, but hoping it won't be another fashion or modeling show for the politicians who will flaunt their outfits personally created for them by popular designers. I think the dress code for President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address has just gotten more specific. Guests were asked not to wear long dresses.

All four living former presidents are invited to the very first SONA of the President, but it appears his immediate predecessor, former President Benigno Aquino III, has decided to skip the event.

My impression of Digong has evolved. He’s not as bad as I thought he would be. But is he? or is his people doing the "campaign" to make him look good eventhough he continues to be the dirty politician who would not hesitate to kill to cleanse society.

But are we indeed witnessing the elimination of the bad elements of society, or are all we seeing are just the small time crooks, and yet the real sources of these crimes are still safely enjoying their illegally accumulated riches.

When they announced that they finally killed a big time drug lord, I still had doubts he was just a pawn sacrificed to further deceive us. This is how doubtful many of us are since we could not really erase our previous impressions of Digong. He would remain the bad boy of Davao who won the Presidency because the rest of the presidential candidates were more of the traditional politician and he stood out as the only one annoyingly different among them.

"What I would do is urge Congress to restore the death penalty by hanging, especially if you use drugs," could really mean his sincerity towards the fight against drugs.

He said he was going to clean up the force by asking the guilty to voluntary resign, “I know you will lose your jobs, but please look for an honorable way out.”

He is equally warning corrupt journalists: "Just because you're a journalist you are not exempted from assassination, if you're a son of a b----,"

But what I liked about him is his plan to open up Malacanang for public visit. “I want the people, especially school children, to learn more about the presidency and the government,” said Duterte of his plan to open the palace to the public.

He also said that “During my time there will be no demolition pag walang relocation, ‘di ako papayag." However, this should not mean that informal settlers or squatters should use that as an excuse to build houses and claim properties not of their own. There are many who abuse and misuse, and then cry violation of human rights in defense.

Before he had no intended cabinet position for Vice President Leni Robredo, but it soon changed after they personally met at a certain event because soon thereafter he offered her the housing chief.

Last news I've heard about him was the signing of a sort of Freedom of Information (FOI) Executive Order (EO) but still with limitations especially when it pertains to national security. But with every existing limitation, the lawyers of every government agency would still find flaws especially when the people have no capacity to legally fight back.

There are many things to say about Digong, yet just as how there are many detractors (and supporters) of the previous presidents, we have never seen any President who is generally favored and seen without any flaws.

However, Digong is to be considered an enigma for he is the only one who was seen as obviously faulty in most of his ways yet he emerged as teh triumphant winner of the Philippine Presidency. 

We welcome his presidency, but we have to disagree with him on how he looks at human rights and how he addresses criminality.”

For us, the SONA is actually not necessary. The same information can be easily shared in several other mediums. It is merely a very expensive and grand propaganda only meant to further make him look good by uttering words only intended to please the masses and irk his political adversaries.

WSOF Global Awards Kristine Nolasco as Ring Girl Search Grand Winner

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Misagh Bahadoran, Philippine Azkals and Global FC football superstar, and currently Folded & Hung’s newest model, was celebrity judge during the World Series of Fighting Global Championship (WSOF-GC) Ring Girl Search held on July 23, 2016 at the Gateway Mall in Araneta Center Cubao, Quezon City. Misagh joined the other judges which included WSOF Global owner Dunesa Hesser and fellow lifestyle and sports blogger Jared Baliguad of Supladong Runner blog.

We would like to send our congratulations to Kristine Nolasco for winning the ring girl competition. She was impressive with her witty answers during the Question and Answer portion where she effectively highlight her edge as a sports enthusiast specifically on the field of swimming and Taekwondo. 

This is aside from her slim and sexy physique, plus the adorably pretty face that added to her plus points. It is great to know that the judges value her intellectual and passionate prowess to finally pick her as the grand winner as Decagon Girl during fight night on July 30 at the Araneta Coliseum where 20 mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters will go against each other face-to-face in a battle where physical strength, speed and agility are the primary skills needed to win.

Akbayan Summons Heroes to Oppose Marcos Burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani

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Akbayan party-list along with other human rights advocates today donned Filipino hero costumes in vehement opposition towards plans to bury former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. The groups called on President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider his plans to allow a hero's burial for the late dictator, ahead of the scheduled SONA of Pres. Duterte.

“We appeal to President Duterte to scrap plans for a hero's burial for the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, and instead focus the energy of his administration towards the recovery of all ill-gotten wealth as well as the pursuit of justice from the Marcoses instead,” said David.

The anti-martial law advocates further emphasized that real change can only happen, not by disregarding the Marcos sins, but by instead seeking accountability for the Filipino people.

“For genuine change to come, there must be justice – every Filipino was conned and victimized by the Marcos dictatorship,” said Akbayan spokesperson Paeng David. “His plunder of the country’s coffers represents taxpayers’ money which went into buying luxury shoes for Imelda and hosting lavish London parties for Bongbong.”

The groups further hit the late dictator for his fabricated military records, which the human rights advocates belive should disqualify the late president from being buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

“Marcos was neither a decorated veteran nor a distinguished military officer,” added David. “His war medals have been proven to be fake by the US Army, further adding insult to the idea of being buried alongside soldiers who actually sacrificed their lives for the country,” she said.

David further emphasized the stark contrast between the lifestyle of the Marcoses and the lifestyle of ordinary Filipinos, many of whom were forced to live in poverty.

“For more than thirty years, Filipinos have languished in poverty while the Marcoses kept moving their stolen wealth around and away from the hands of the Philippine government and its people,” added David. “A hero’s burial effectively legitimizes all the dictator’s excesses, and serves the interests of nobody but the family which benefited from this plunder.”

Akbayan members dressed up as Darna, Lastikman, Captain, Barbel, and other heroes in protest and denouncement of plans to bury Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. They were joined by grassroots organizations from the urban poor and peasant sectors.

Free Hepatitis B Screening & Lay Forum On World Hepatitis Day 2016

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The Center for Liver Disease Management and Transplantation (CLDMT) and the Center for Patient Partnership (CPP) will celebrate World Hepatitis Day 2016 with the theme “Prevent Hepatitis: Its up to YOU! this coming July 28-30, 2016. 

As part of our thrust in making patients our partners, a lay forum and FREE HEPATITIS B SCREENING shall be held on July 30, 2016 8:00AM at 4th floor conference room, Podium Building, The Medical City.

In line with this, we would like to invite you, your families and friends to this interesting forum and screening. This forum is FREE but pre – registration is strongly encouraged. We shall give 200 Hepatitis B Screening kits to childbearing age women as well as pregnant (pre-registration is required).

For registration and inquiries, please call Center for Patient Partnership office at 988 – 7000/988 - 1000 loc. 6444, visit us at the Ground Floor, Podium Building, or email us at cpp@themedicalcity.com.

DOE: Nationalistic Approach Needed in Dealing with Shell and Other Business Partners

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When asked to comment on the arbitration case filed by Pilipinas Shell against the Philippine Government, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi stated that “We welcome this as an opportunity for the national government to effect real change and to come up with definitive and clear-cut policies in dealing with our partners."

PNOC Exploration Corp., a government-owned and controlled corporation attached to the DOE, has a 10% interest in the Service Contract 38 consortium with Shell Philippines Exploration BV and Chevron Malampaya LLC.

Shell filed a case against the Philippine government, specifically challenging the interpretation of the Commission on Audit in the computation of the 60-40 sharing of the proceeds from the Malampaya Project.

In a separate case, the Supreme Court, through a ponencia of Justice Marvic F. Leonen, decided that all service contracts must be personally signed by the President otherwise, such contract is void. The case is under reconsideration before the Supreme Court.

“This issue is not the concern of the Department of Energy nor of the Executive branch alone. The Supreme Court, the Commission on Audit and even Congress have a stake here too.” Cusi clarified.

The newly appointed Energy Secretary pointed out that while there are benefits under a system of checks and balances such as ours in the Philippines, there are drawbacks too.

"In the end, a nationalistic approach is necessary to make a unified stand. This is in line with the Duterte administration’s vision of unity in our country."

Cusi added that “ultimately, whatever mandate each branch or agency has, our bottomline is one and the same: to serve the best interests of the Filipino people.”

The DOE will recommend to the President the necessity of aligning government institutions to work together and act consistently.

"The Philippine government must have a unified stand in all its decisions and actions just as we have shown in the West Philippine Sea issue."

"The DOE will exhaust all possibilities and avenues to study options and bring before the President recommendations that will have one objective: to protect and serve the best interests of our Country and the Filipino people," Cusi concluded.

Enrollment for DLSU Online Health Informatics Course September 2016 Batch is Now Open

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This coming September 2016, De La Salle University- Manila (DLSU-M) in partnership with HealthInformatics, Inc. (Hii) and MedX will again offer the course to interested applicants for a Certification in HEALTH INFORMATICS. This course has started since July 2013 and has been recognizing health professionals from all over the country and around the world.

What are the Benefits of taking the Course?

100% ONLINE.

Using MedX, you can access the course anytime, anywhere you are!

Through MedX, the Health Informatics Course is built in a media-rich environment to engage and motivate doctors, nurses and allied health professionals while learning.

It is SCORM-compliant (Shareable Content Object Reference Model). SCORM is a set of technical standards for online learning to facilitate interoperability among Learning Management Systems (LMS).


Increased Competency.

This course is for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals interested in learning Health Informatics and Health Information Technology (Health IT) for professional development.

Investing in continuing education for health informatics provides the foundation of knowledge in this area of specialty among healthcare providers including nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and other professionals part of the healthcare ecosystem.


Global Certification.

It utilizes both practice-based concepts and experience from experts with topics from the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) to promote techniques, tools and strategies for effective health IT implementations. HIMSS, is an international organization, a leader in maintaining health IT industry standards.
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More Flexible Payment Options

You can enroll for the entire course or you can also pay per module, whenever you are ready.


Integration of HIMSS Topics

Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) topics aim to promote techniques and strategies for effective health IT implementations.


The course is a 13-week program. Classes start on SEPTEMBER 28, 2016. For details on the Course Objectives, Course Outline, Class Schedules and Payment schemes, please refer to the attached COURSE GUIDE.

Hontiveros Hopes to Hear Health, Hague and Human Rights Solutions in Duterte's SONA

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I will listen to President Rodrigo Duterte's first State of the Nation Address (SONA) with an open mind and insistence on hope. I am attending this event as a Filipino, health advocate and mother. Thus, I expect three important things from the President's SONA.

As a health advocate, I hope that the President will elaborate on his government's health policy framework.His decision to send our health officials to Cuba to study its health care system is a step in the right direction. Cuba's health care system is hailed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the best. I have high hopes that this will enable the government to live up to its mandate to provide universal healthcare for the people. Universal health care is a great equalizer. Its fulfillment is a step towards eradicating inequality.

As a Filipino, I trust that President Duterte will be guided by the historic Hague Ruling to assert the country's sovereignty and marine jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea and in advancing genuine peace and stability in the region. Our historic win before the Arbitral Tribunal must be strengthened by the new government. To deviate from the spirit of this ruling would render the victory hollow and our sovereignty compromised.

As a mother, I expect President Duterte to reaffirm his adherence to due process and rule of law, an oath that he made during his inauguration. Together with this, I hope the President will adopt a different tenor on women's dignity.

The spike in the numbers of extrajudicial killings and random murders on our streets is disquieting. A climate of fear and uncertainty has descended on many families and communities. Not a few women have been killed and not a few mothers have shed tears over the loss of a son or daughter unjustly killed in the fight against crime and illegal drugs. The killings on the streets must stop. The perpetrators, whether they be vigilantes, lawless elements or corrupt and overzealous law enforcers, must all be made accountable. President Duterte, through his first SONA, must send a strong message that it is not the policy of his government to sacrifice human rights and the rule of law in its anti-crime campaign. Human rights and rule of law are essential in any democratic society. The solution to disorder is not greater disorder. The solution to crime is not inexplicable murders. Lasting peace will only be possible with respect for the dignity of men and women and the government's adherence to human rights.

I hope these three issues will be covered by President Duterte's SONA. To make good on his campaign promises, he should know that these three issues are crucial in building a strong, healthy and peaceful country.

Philippine Bridal Week @ Singapore Season 6: Bringing World Class to the Philippine Wedding Industry!

 

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Tagaytay based Events Company Destination Events and Business Solutions Inc. (DEBS) aims to bring world class to the Philippine Wedding Industry by providing an avenue where wedding professionals can showcase their creation and services.

As part of its drive to position the Philippines as the next wedding destination, DEBS, is organizing another Bridal and Travel Fair in Singapore this coming July 30-31, 2016 entitled Philippine Bridal Week @ Singapore Season 6. The fair will be held at the Grand Ballroom of Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Blvd, and (Marina Square) which will feature 50+ exhibiting companies including wedding venues, hotels, photographers, videographers, caterers, designers, makeup artists, florists, stylists, and more. Soon-to-weds can avail of special discounts and packages from participating suppliers on the said fair.

The highlight of this event will be a mini bridal fashion show, featuring the creation of the Philippines most sought after bridal couturiers; Mitch Desunia and Claiza Bihasa on July 30, 2016 at the same venue.

Future brides will benefit from one-on-one conversations with wedding professionals who understand that wedding planning can be extremely emotional and stressful, and are on hand to help every bride attain her perfect wedding.

The first 200 brides will receive a gift bag upon entry, providing a range of enticing offers and discounts by exhibitors and other donors. Brides may enter to win more amazing prizes throughout the day during a series of raffles. This season’s GRAND prize would be an all expense paid honeymoon package to Boracay complete with accommodation and airfare (Manila to Boracay).

Wazzup Pilipinas is a proud media partner of the Philippine Bridal Week Singapore Season 6.

The bridal and travel fair is open to public from July 30-31, 2016 from 1:00pm to 8:00pm. Fashion show is on July 30, 2016; 6:00PM Admission is free. Online registration is available at www.philippinebridalweek.com .

 For more information please contact: 09173831003/09089612700/0464350827 or email info@philippinebridalweek.com .