Firecrackers Should Be Banned at Every Celebration

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine National Police (PNP) warns the public about Republic Act 7183: An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers.

The Department of Health (DOH) said this year’s “Oplan: Iwas Paputok” campaign seeks to encourage revelers to just watch fireworks displays in their communities.

We all know that there is no truth to the old superstition that those noisy and damaging firecrackers drive away evil spirits. In fact, they could even invite in nasty limb or life-threatening casualties to put bad luck on your first day of the year.

But knowing some people, there would always be some hard-heads who would still lit a firecracker and endanger not only himself or herself but also others, pets, and even properties.

We should strengthen community awareness on the "Iwas Paputok" campaign this Yuletide Season. Letvus be a role model for our community and encourage firecracker-free celebrations. Of course, this includes the banning of indiscriminate firing usually committed by irresponsible gun owners.

We deserve complete limbs, eyes and other body parts, and our precious life, for ourselves and our families. Let us help in monitoring against possible perpetrators of illegal activities. The government has not been capable of totally eradicating the bad elements of society since our President favors violent means. The undesirable and less diplomatic acts only invite more irregularities especially from China which is the number one source of questionable transactions.

We cannot deny that behind all those cheap products are possible corruption and unfavorable conditions for our Filipino businessmen. We should not let other countries manipulate us. We should lift the lives of our countrymen by advocating the purchase and patronage of Filipino products and services.

Many of the firecrackers, including the "lusis", sold in the country come from China and though it competes with locally manufactured ones, neither of the two sources should be patronized. We do not need to risk lives and property just to end, or start, the year. There are better ways to celebrate that would be more advisable towards achieving a fruitful year ahead.

Thrift-Shopping in Baguio City: Ukay-Ukay or Segunda Mano Fever

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Almost everyone would like to always look their best even after waking up (woke up like this). We love going out in our best OOTD or Outfit Of The Day even if it means spending a fortune.

But in Baguio city, similarly in Metro Manila,there is another attraction that has gained popularity, and it is called bought in UK or Ukay-Ukay, or SM as others would call it, short for Segunda Mano (Second Hand).

They say the best choices are in Baguio especially when it comes to jackets, hoodies and coats fit for the cold season. You'll surely find a wide assortment of previously owned but branded clothes, shoes, bags, jeans, shorts and other stuff that came from many countries.

Who said thrift-shopping is gross? It may be if you fear possible germ infestation (if there is indeed something like it). Though some stuff are still in great condition, and even have tags intact, it is advisable to have them washed before wearing. We couldn't say the items for sale there are hygienic since they've also been passing from one customer to the next, and some may have tried wearing them to see if they fit. Yuck? That is the risk you have to take if you insist on buying cheap pre-owned products.

Ukay-ukay should never be an excuse for splurge shopping. We should just buy when we really need to. It takes a bit more effort but buying less will help us evaluate which clothes have the most versatility.

These items are also useful if you just plan to wear them once or a few times like for an event or costume party, or just for everyday wear at home or Friday (wash day)clothes at work.

Though there have been reports of smuggled ukay-ukay, that is already beyond our control. The government should pursue stricter entry and customs obligations in the country. But since we are a country composed of a multitude ofvislands, there are just several ways of illegal entry especially when they are matched with corrupt individuals aiming to earn extra from the unauthorized transactions.

You can definitely look good already with just a few pesos since prices are way below what you see in malls or even online shopping, and if you seek diligently or come across a fresh batch of clothes, you would surely encounter great finds at very cheap prices.

New Marawi Resettlement Energized

Wazzup Pilipinas!

TASK FORCE KAPATIRAN IN ACTION: Distribution lines and house wirings are installed by linemen of Mindanao electric cooperatives which have been helping the Department of Energy, the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative and the Task Force Bangon Marawi to fast-track the provision of power supply in the newly built Sagonsognan Transitional Shelter Site.



To provide light is to spark hope.

This is the underlying philosophy behind the efforts of the Department of Energy (DOE), through the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO) and other stakeholders, to rush the completion of the installation of power facilities and streetlights at the Sagonsongan Transitional Shelter Site for displaced households in Marawi after the siege.

“I am pleased to announce that we have already energized the newly built transitional shelter in Sagonsongan, creating a symbol of hope for our kababayans who have been heavily affected by the armed conflict in the area,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.

Cusi pointed out that the DOE would extend all necessary support to the people of Marawi so they can recover faster, and help them build better lives after their city was torn apart by the siege.

Overseeing the installation of the power facilities in the area, DOE Assistant Secretary Redentor E. Delola said the energization of the distribution lines and streetlights was fast-tracked by the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative with the help of the other electric cooperatives in Mindanao, the Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO), National Grid Corp. of the Philippines and the National Power Corporation (Napocor) under the Task Force Bangon Marawi.

Delola and DOE Undersecretary Benito L. Ranque are in Marawi to grace the turnover ceremony of the Sagonsongan Transitional Shelter Site to its household beneficiaries.

Last 16 December, the DOE, led by Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella, turned over 400 solar-powered lamps to Task Force Bangon Marawi and 131 solar-powered street lights to LASURECO, which were installed to light the most affected areas.

The solar lamps and streetlights, through the coordination of DOE Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office, were donated by Pepsi Co. and Phinma Corp. and fabricated by the Correctional Institute for Women through the Liter of Light organization. For its logistics, the support came from the Department of National Defense through the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Napocor, MERALCO, Task Force Bangon Marawi and LASURECO.


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LIGHTING MARAWI SHELTERS: Some of the transitional shelters in Sagonsongan, Marawi now with access to electricity as of 26 December 2017. The installation of power lines and meters was facilitated by the Department of Energy and the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative in partnership with other energy stakeholders, including other electric cooperatives in Mindanao, the Manila Electric Co., the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines and the National Power Corporation under Task Force Bangon Marawi.




A SPARK OF HOPE: Linemen and personnel of electric cooperatives demonstrate the bayanihan spirit in completing the installation of commercial street lights at the Sagonsongan Transitional Shelter Site to light up roads at night.