“I’m a LifeLine” and universal health for Filipinos

The Philippines witnessed yet another event of national importance last February 28 as the country attempted to enter the Guinness World Record for Most Organ Donor Registrants in one site and multiple sites, within one and eight hours, respectively.

Under the branding “I’m a LifeLine”, the activity sought to gather as many Filipinos to pledge as organ donors through a simultaneous registration activity. The project aimed at promoting organ donation among Filipinos as a noble act of helping their fellow Filipinos in need of body organ.

This advocacy campaign is part of educating the people on facts about organ donation as well as the help it could give to the life of the recipient.

The campaign is a project of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Network for Organ Sharing (PhilNos), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

There were a total of six sites nationwide for the mass organ donation sign-up, of which include Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Manila, Quezon City Memorial Circle, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in La Union, Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum in Naga City, L. Mamba Gym in Tuguegarao, and Almendras Gym in Davao City.

The target: to beat the record set by Prakash Gurjar & Madadgar Parivar in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India in September 2013 for the one (1) hour-single site; as well as the eight (8)-hour single site record achieved by Indian National Students Organisation – INSO (India), at the Sir Chhotu Ram Stadium, Haryana, India, on December 1, 2013. The following recorded a total of 2,755; and 10,450 organ donor registrants for the one-hour and eight-hour –duration, respectively. Another goal is to set a new record for the most number of organ donor registrants in multiple sites for one and eight hours.

On February 28, 10AM, PUP-Manila was able to gather a total 3,548 registrants in one hour, while La Union had a total 2,978 signees – both sites beating the set record in India.

Other sites were able to enlist 1,134 donors (for Tuguegarao); 944 (Davao); and 788 (QC) in one hour. Naga has yet to finalize their final tally.

DOH Undersecretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa said the campaign aims to intensify public awareness on the importance and benefits of the medical procedure. According to him, the ongoing campaign welcomes everyone who wants to make a pledge by registering at the established registration site. He also said that once listed, a lifeline identification card will be given to the potential organ donor.

He also said the campaign is meant to “institutionalize a registry for potential donors amid the rising demand for organ donors in the country.”

In a statement, Usec. Herbosa said, “Organ donation saves lives, and it is very important that every person has the power to save a life by becoming an organ, tissue or eye donor. It is a noble gift because you can give someone a second life. Organ transplant offers a better quality of life to chronic renal disease patients and I encourage everyone to register and become an organ donor and help save many lives. By having more organ donors in the country life-saving transplantations will be made possible for more patients every year.”

The successful conduct of the “I’m a LifeLine” project is evidence of the openness of the minds of Filipinos to organ sharing. For months, the lead government agency, DOH, has been strongly pushing for this project, with the assistance of partner agency, PIA in providing advocacy and information campaign to make sure that  Filipinos understand the wisdom of this activity that would ultimately change mindset among Filipinos as far as organ donation is concerned.

PhilNOS Program Manager Dr. Antonio Paraiso said that being a LifeLine is leaving a legacy to the Filipinos who are given another chance in life. “By donating your organ, you extend life; you give life— and what is supposed to be of no use when one dies becomes something useful to others”, Paraiso said.

The “I’m a LifeLine” is among the projects of the government that seeks to actively engage Filipinos in the pursuit of better health conditions and services available to all. This is also in support of the Health Agenda of the Aquino administration which aims to improve the health of Filipinos through a universal health program implemented by the DOH. Among these programs are Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP) through a refocused Philhealth; construction and rehabilitation of, and support for public health facilities; and the attainment of Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 (reduction of maternal, neonatal and infant mortality; eradication of public health diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and dengue). The program also aims to raise health standards through the upgrading and modernization of the facilities through public-private partnership (PPP). 

Manila commemorates Bonifacio@150, launches “Pondohan” project

MANILA CITY, Nov. 30 (PIA) – Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay led the simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying activity at the Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine, Taft Avenue in Manila City in commemoration of national hero Gat Andres Bonifacio’s 150^th birth anniversary.

With the theme “Bonifacio: Dangal at Kabayanihan”, the ceremony started at 8:00 in the morning and was followed by the raising of the Bonifacio-era flag which was known as the symbol of the “Haring-Bayang Katagalugan” (Sovereign Tagalog Nation).

On the second part of the program, Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada in his speech said that Gat Andres Bonifacio should inspire the Filipinos to unleash the hero in us.

He said that the commemoration of our national hero’s sesquicentennial is not only to recall Bonifacio’s love for country, but to encourage us to “emulate Bonifacio’s patriotism and heroism as he fought, struggled, and died to liberate the Philippines from the forces of Spanish colonizers.

Estrada said that by being like Bonifacio, the Filipino person could build better future for himself or herself, and for his or her fellow Filipinos.

On another note, the mayor articulated his vision for the city of Manila where national hero Bonifacio was born (in Tondo).

He said that he aims to revive and add more vigor to the city which was once the country’s premier trade and financial center, but over the years has been reduced into a basket of criminality, poverty, and unemployment.

Through the city’s “Urban Renewal”, the mayor said that it would be possible to bring back the city’s glorious past which it enjoyed 40-50 years ago.

Among the rehabilitation projects sought to be undertaken by the Manila City government is the cleaning of the name of the Police force and changing its image as Metro Manila’s finest.

Another activity of the urban renewal is the massive clean-up of Manila which consists of the implementation of effective Solid Waste Management, as well as the cleaning of esteros and waterways in the city to mitigate flooding.

The restoration of the city’s peace and order, and cleanliness is one way to attract investments to the city.

The urban renewal project is a fitting project to give importance and due recognition to the historic city of Manila which during the time of colonialism served as the cradle of Philippine revolution which in the end led in the country’s attainment of liberty and independence from the Spanish regime.

Mayor Estrada also launched the “Pondohan ng mga Anak ng Bayan”--- a discussion area (pook pulungan) at the back of the Gat Andres Bonifacio Shrine in Manila City where government members, groups from the different sectors of the society, youth, women and other organizations could hold discussions which are aimed at national, personal, and local development and progress.

Similar to the olden days during Bonifacio’s time, a Pondohan was also used as venue for discussions, brainstorming, and planning of Filipino leaders spearheaded by Bonifacio for the country’s attainment of freedom from foreign forces.

At the latter part of his speech, Mayor Estrada urged the young to give importance to education.

He said that lacking formal education shouldn’t be a barrier to one’s development and enlightenment.

One should always widen his horizon through self-study and discovery—something that he and Bonifacio were able to do as they quest for further learning.

The Mayor ended his speech by underscoring Manila City government’s urban renewal project which will transform Manila into a much-improved city, guided by its battlecry “Manila Forward Ever, Backward Never.” (AKG)

PVAO official calls for collective action towards national progress

Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator (PVAO) and retired Lieutenant General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Ernesto G. Carolina led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion in the Manila North Cemetery as part of today's commemoration of the country's 115th Independence Day. 

In his speech, Lt. Gen. Carolina said that independence, being the link of the past to the future, is the key for the Philippines to achieve national progress. 

He said that in order for the country to be truly progressive, every Filipino should work not only for his or her own personal growth, but for the collective growth of the nation. 

Carolina called for renewed patriotism especially among the youth in order to continue the legacy of the country’s forefathers and national heroes who have fought hard to regain independence from foreign forces. 

Carolina said that Filipinos should be duty-bound to give back to the country the efforts and sacrifices our heroes who offered their lives to liberate the country from the hands of the colonizers. 

Acknowledging the presence of surviving Filipino veterans and the wives of veterans and members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines present, Carolina encouraged the younger generation to emulate the heroism, valor, and patriotism of the national heroes who were instrumental in the country’s triumph to regain its independence. 

Meanwhile, Manila Councilor Nino dela Cruz said “every Filipino should give one’s self to his or her own fellowmen.” 

He also recalled the Filipino values that have been slowly forgotten such as respect for the elders (paggalang sa nakakatanda), obedience to forefathers (pagiging masunurin), and being prayerful (pagiging madasalin). 

Cruz said Filipinos should live by the values written in the “Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat” (Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag)—that is, being one Nation for God, for the People, for Nature, and for the Country (“Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang Maka-Diyos, Maka-tao, Makakalikasan at , Makabansa). 

The ceremony is part of the simultaneous flag-raising activities held in key historical areas in the country and a symbolic way of remembering the day when the Philippines declared its independence from foreign forces which colonized the country for hundreds of years. 

This year’s Independence Day celebration has the theme, “Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran.”

MMDA, DENR lead tree-planting activity in San Mateo, Rizal

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led a tree-planting activity Sunday, May 26 at the San Mateo Landfill Facility in Brgy. Pintong Bukawe, San Mateo, Rizal. 

The activity was participated in by volunteer groups from the MMDA Emergency Volunteer Core, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission-Public Information and Advocacy Committee, other government offices, and various sectors from civil society. 

These volunteers planted almost 3,000 tree samplings of premium hardwood and other types belonging from the Dipterocarp family. 

The saplings varied from molave to yakal, narra, palusapis, lauan, and other high quality trees. 

The objecive of the tree-planting activity is to plant 100,000 indigenous trees within the 73-hectare landfill facility until December 2013. 

Presently, the group has already planted 10,000 samplings since the start of the project. 

MMDA General Manager Corazon Jimenez said that the activity is a volunteerism activity gathering members from the government and civil society to work together for a cause. 

She said that the project is in response to climate change and is part of its mitigation and adaptation. 

Such activity would also help in disaster prevention and preparedness, she added. 

DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director Neria A. Andin said that the activity is also part of the government’s ongoing National Greening Program which aims to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of Philippine land in five years. 

The San Mateo tree-planting activity also aims to rehabilitate and restore trees that were cut during the creation of the said landfill facility, Director Andin added. 

She also said that species of tree saplings donated by the DENR for this project include premium hardwood such as molave and palusapis, and those from the dipterocarp family such as the lauan, bagtikan, and yakal—all of which were quality woods exported by the country during the 60s. 

The planting of quality hardwood would definitely be beneficial not only for the environment but also to the economy of the country, Dir. Andin added. 

During the activity, a memorandum of agreement was signed by GM Jimenez (MMDA) and Dir. Andin (DENR) that would enjoin the two agencies in the sustained conduct of the tree-planting activity until the end of the year.

News feature: William 'Billy' Esposo: A man larger than life itself

Words have the power to cut through even the most impenetrable force. When aired through media, even the most benign-looking words could influence people and change a whole nation. 

Former Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director-General William “Billy” Macgregor Esposo used the power of words and the influence of media to steer the country to oppose dictatorship, oppression, and communism; and to put a mother figure, a nurturer of an abused country at the helm of government. 

Esposo was instrumental, although not generally known, in the turnaround of a country which was in a dark period of Martial Law during the Marcos regime. 

He was the man behind powerful posters exposing the country’s dire situation, and he was also the brains behind that single yet very potent word “Laban (fight)” which gave hope and firm resolve to the Filipinos to unite against dictatorship. 

Laban denoted with the finger gesture “L” became the battlecry of those who resisted Marcos during the historic EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986. 

Esposo was the figure that prophesied and worked for the instatement of President Corazon Aquino as the country’s champion of democracy, thwarting Ferdinand Marcos after the election and the revolution. 

The passing away of columnist, broadcaster, advertising expert, academician, civil servant, and staunch promoter of democracy Esposo on April 7 brought sadness among those who loved and respected him--- family members, friends, colleagues, media people, government figures, and President Benigno S. Aquino III himself—a close family friend, a political advisor, and a confidante. 

Esposo died of kidney ailment at the Makati Medical Center at age 64. 

During the necrological service on April 10 held at the Sanctuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park the night before his burial, testimonials by close friends and colleagues showed how special and great a man he was. 

Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Conrado de Quiros recalled how Esposo, despite his recurring illness, was a man of strength and conviction; a man who hungered for life and acted towards his goals. “He was a man who never let his afflictions get in the way of his celebrations, that he was too busy with life to worry about death,” de Quiros said. 

Wilson Tieng, Esposo's colleague at RPN-9 who would later be the network’s chairman and president, attested that Esposo would always give words of encouragement to live a healthy life and to exercise despite the illness both were suffering. Tieng described him as a confidante, a health advisor, and an example whom he looked up to. 

Former Presidential Management Staff chief Elfren Cruz described the courage and unwavering resolve of Esposo in promoting the ideals of democracy, and how he devised media to promote ex-President Cory Aquino as the mother of the country’s democracy. 

Cruz said that he had, “Clear memories of Billy in his younger days when life was full of passion, when courage and conviction were his daily staple, and he had this firm belief that he could truly help shape the future of our country for the greater good of the Filipino people.” He added that till the end of his life, Esposo was an idealist. 

Maria Montelibano, former head of the Radio Television Malacañang during the Cory Aquino presidency, said that Esposo, during the country’s difficult times of armed conflicts in the post-Marcos era, “Fueled her own resolve to put responsibility over fear, put performance over panic, and place her fate in the hands of the President (Mrs. Aquino) she served. She attested that Esposo was a person who “could never be bought and compromised.” 

During the funeral mass on the day of Esposo’s burial (April 11), more tributes were given to him mostly by his family members who described him as a selfless, generous, and loving person. 

President Aquino said during the funeral mass, “He always had a great presence, a presence that was a combination of fearlessness, intelligence, professional skill, and a loud, jovial personality which brought him success in almost every field he was involved in: from advertising and marketing, to media and communications, to politics, and to writing.” 

He added, “Billy was one of those talented writers who was always aware of just how much power the written word and media hold. 

This is why he used his columns to render a different kind of public service throughout many years -- in his columns, one finds a reasonable, well-thought out views of the most controversial and relevant issues in the country. His role was that of a concerned citizen, wanting to bring clarity to others, shed light on what was important, and help where he could. He was honest about what he saw, both good and bad.” 

The President also recalled how Esposo who he called “Prophet” urged him to start the change the country needs. 

PNoy, during the funeral ceremonies, also conferred on Esposo the Order of Lakandula Award with the rank “Grand Officer- Maringal na Pinuno” for his invaluable contribution to the restoration of the country’s democracy during the Marcos regime; for providing information and education to the Filipino people during the times of misinformation and propaganda; for the reorientation of the Ministry of Information; and for stopping the spread of communism through participatory democracy; among others. 

Billy Esposo truly was a man of passion and ideals and for this, he was awarded last February 2011 by President Aquino himself the Presidential Legion of Honor Award, Commander Rank, for his contributions during People Power when he helped in the restoration of democracy. 

Esposo’s legacy will always remain in the hearts and minds of the Filipinos. He was an example of a responsible and patriotic media person, a model civil servant. His memories and his fight for democracy will live in the spirit of the country and of the Filipino people. 

PIA gears towards performance excellence

Reasserting itself as the country’s primary provider of accurate, relevant, timely, and empowering information to the Filipinos, the Agency took gigantic steps in reviewing and improving its work and management processes. This is with the use of tools that the Agency sees would enhance its overall performance as the government’s main communication and information arm.

Last year, PIA jumpstarted its application for two of the most sought after organizational certifications in the country: the Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2008) and the Philippine Quality Awards (PQA). These are two different and separate entities that are used by both public and private organizations to improve their business processes to enhance productivity and market performance.

Technically speaking, the ISO 9001 is a standard used in implementing a compliance and improvement system and assessing conformity in organization-selected operations; while the PQA provides an integrated, results-oriented framework for designing, implementing, and assessing all operations of an organization. Overall, these two are tools that if properly adopted, could improve the overall performance of an organization.

In the case of PIA, it could provide for a more efficient and systematic mechanism for the Agency’s mandate as stipulated in Executive Order 100, the law which created the Agency: “to provide for a free flow of accurate, timely and relevant information; to assist people in decision-making and identification of opportunities to improve their quality of life and to enable citizens to participate meaningfully in the democratic processes.”

A core team of PIA personnel, headed by Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma and HRDD Head Belina SB. Capul, was tasked to review, document, and assess the Agency’s overall processes in line with the application to ISO and PQA.

Staff Director Belina SB. Capul said that “by participating in both programs, we would see how organized and effective our systems are and how the principles in both ISO and PQA could become become ingrained in our operations on a daily basis.”

SD Capul said that the Agency is ready to put the management and organizational principles to the test by participating in the rigorous application process for ISO and PQA.

Since the application process in the ISO, the Agency has seen changes in some of its systems. Some of these are the observance of the 5-S in the workplace namely:  Seiri (Sort), Seiton (Set in order), Seiso (Shine), Seiketsu (Standardize), and Shitsuke (Sustain).  The 5S Program which is based on the Japanese model in workplace environment defines the steps that are used to make all work spaces efficient and productive, help people share work stations, reduce time looking for needed tools and improve the work environment. ISO focal persons have been regularly visiting the Agency’s different division to check if each division strictly observes the 5S.

Another of the visible changes in the Agency’s processes is the use of a more comprehensive and organized records management tool that would make it easier for each division to track office documents.

PIA’s rest rooms are also seeing renovations using innovative waste and water resource management infrastructure that would help the Agency in lowering its water consumption as well as promote environment-safe waste disposal practices.

For the PQA, the PQA Steering Committee has been reviewing and reevaluating the seven areas that comprise the Agency’s overall functions, namely (1) Leadership, (2) Strategic Planning, (3) Measurement and Analysis of Services, (4) Customers, (5) Workforce, and (6) Operations which should work in harmony and in synergy with one another to get the desired organization (7) Results. PIA, with the appropriate approach and deployment these areas would provide for an integrated approach in delivering its services to its customers—who are identified as the President of the country, and the Executive Department.

This would then lead to a dynamic provision of information service to the true beneficiaries of PIA’s services—the Filipino people.

With the assistance of ISO consultants Conrad Favorito and Anna Marcelo, and PQA consultant Raymond Tan, the Agency would be able to gain external  perspectives on corporate strengths and areas of

improvement for PIA’s processes.

The PIA ISO and PQA teams are working hand in hand for this endeavor which the Agency hopes would pave the way for the realization of the Agency’s quest for excellence.

Gov't agencies forge partnership for litter-free elections

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) launched today the “Basura Free Elections 2013” at the DENR Social Hall in Quezon City. 

The launch also saw the signing of the Joint Memorandum Circular of the three government agencies-- namely the DENR, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-- that will lead in the implementation of the said campaign. 

The Basura Free Elections 2013 is in preparation for the coming midterm election when the volume of solid waste is expected to increase due to the proliferation of campaign materials such as posters, flyers, and other campaign paraphernalia. 

In the past elections, campaign periods have been particularly problematic because of the improper management of trash. Campaign materials were also posted anywhere, even on trees. 

With the joint memorandum, the national government, local government units, the youth sector, and election candidates will be enjoined to work together to ensure that the coming elections will be environment-friendly—adhering to solid waste management practices. 

The project seeks to achieve the following objectives: effective waste reduction through segregation and disposal; sensible use of resources by election candidates; and proper management of campaign materials by political candidates and parties. 

This campaign will also ensure that political parties and candidates will adhere to RA 3571 which prohibits the cutting, destroying or injuring of trees, flowering plants and shrubs or plants of scenic value along public roads, in plazas, parks, school premises or in any other public ground. 

The posting of election materials in plants/trees will be prohibited during the campaign period. 

Comelec Commissioner Lucenito Tagle said that even during elections, Filipinos should be more conscious of their environment; thus, observing cleanliness and proper waste disposal is an imperative. 

To strengthen their commitment and participation, the lead agencies together with other partners such as the MMDA, NSWMC, and PIA,as well as representatives from political parties, party lists, candidates, Sangguniang Kabataan and youth leaders, as well as members of civil society signed the manifesto of commitment. 

The theme for the Basura-Free Elections 2013 campaign is “Kalat Ko, Sisinupin Ko,” and it commits to properly manage solid waste during the election period from January 13 to June 12.