Showing posts with label philippines news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philippines news. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Ondoy victims to spend Christmas in covered court

By Edson C. Tandoc Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer


MANILA, Philippines -- Neighbors used to share food on a long table set up in the middle of the street as children joined various street games. That was how 32-year-old Jean Borromeo and her neighbors celebrated noche buena in Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City.

Not this year. Not after Typhoon “Ondoy” swept away their houses.

Some 100 families, including Borromeo’s, are still awaiting relocation in a covered court in Bagong Silangan, which served as the evacuation center for families affected by Typhoon Ondoy more than two months ago.

It is likely they would spend Christmas there, according to Borromeo.

“We have no choice but to wait here,” she said.

The covered court is divided into several squares for each family, bounded by boxes and sacks filled with their things, like clothes they got from donors and stuff they managed to save or retrieve.

The families also hung blankets on the iron grills of the covered court, but these were not enough to protect the children from the cold.

Many families who stayed in the covered court have been relocated to Towerville in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. Those remaining are supposedly the last batch to be relocated, but houses in Towerville are not yet ready, according to Borromeo.

She and her husband Ronald, 33, could not leave the covered court, because just like other families, they have to wait there for the relocation.

Borromeo said she would rather be relocated to Bulacan than return to her house, adding that she has been getting nightmares of what happened.

Staying with her son and neighbors on the third floor of a neighbor’s house on that fateful day when Typhoon Ondoy struck, Borromeo said she saw other neighbors, even friends, drown in the flood.

She broke into tears as she said that she and her son were lucky to be alive.

Source

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Let us continuously pray for those who have been victims of typhoon Ondoy (and Pepeng) as well.  Aside from the tangible goods that they need, let's pray for their emotional and most of all spiritual needs.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Filipino who saved lives during storm among TIME's Top 10 heroes

SOPHIA REGINA M. DEDACE, GMANews.TV

A Filipino who sacrificed his life during the onslaught of tropical storm Ondoy (Ketsana) in September was named among TIME Magazine’s Top 10 heroes this year.

The international publication recognized the selflessness of 18-year-old Muelmar Magallanes, who braved raging currents, helping bring neighbors and relatives to safer ground when record rainfall submerged three-fourths of the Philippine capital.

“By the time the storm had unleashed its full fury, bringing the worst rains the region had seen in more than 40 years, Magallanes had changed the lives of dozens of family members and neighbors – and lost his own," TIME said on its Web site.





Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City was among the worst-hit communities in the metropolis when Ondoy ravaged vast swaths in Luzon on September 26.

Magallanes, said to be a strong swimmer, rescued about 30 people but was unable to save himself.

While trying to save other neighbors, a wall collapsed on him and a television set fell on his head, killing him instantly.

Ondoy may have killed hundreds, displaced thousands of families, and destroyed thousands of homes.

But Magallanes and several other faceless heroes show that tragedy cannot dampen Filipinos’ resilience and bravery.

Just last month, CNN hailed Filipino Efren Peñaflorida for pioneering the mobile pushcart classrooms to bring education to impoverished children in Cavite, providing an alternative to gang wars prevalent in the communities. - RJAB, Jr./GMANews.TV

SOURCE
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We honor Muelmar Magallanes and all other faceless heroes for all their bravery and selflessness in the midst of calamities.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

8McDo Philippines on Relief Operations for Typhoon Ondoy Victims

Business

8McDo Philippines, through its charity arm Ronald McDonald House for Charities (RMHC) initiated relief operations for victims of Typhoon Ondoy. This typhoon has destroyed many homes, sources of living, infrastructures, leaving thousands of people homeless. RMHC provided food and finance for evacuation sites where victims take shelter.

MANILA PHILIPPINES – 8McDo or McDonald’s Philippines initiated relief operations for the victims of the most devastating floods in the country for decades. Typhoon Ondoy brought heavy amounts of rain, massively destroying properties, such as houses and infrastructures, and killing many people.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) was among the first organizations to respond and take action for this calamity.

With the help from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), RMHC distributed truckloads of bread and juices to different areas in Laguna, Pasig and Rizal, which were considered some of the most affected areas.

Mister Kenneth Yang, RMCH President, stated that Typhoon Ondoy brought overwhelming devastation. Thousands of Filipinos lost their homes, livelihood source, and even the lives of their loved ones. He added that “It is during these times of desolation where the Filipino spirit of unity, compassion and generosity should shine through.”

RMHC Global also donated 25,000USD (or 1.2 million pesos) to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC). This is to further reach more affected areas and evacuation centers.

ABOUT RMHC: Ronald McDonald House Charities is the charity arm of McDonald’s. In America, it ranked as the second most popular charitable institution. In the Philippines, RMHC fights illiteracy through its Bright Minds Read program and has recently produced graduates. RMHC, together with 8McDo, focuses on the critical needs of children.

McDonald’s is the world’s leading quick service restaurant, serving affordable and quality food. In the Philippines McDonald’s offers delivery through 8McDo and also accepts delivery online through McDelivery.com.ph.

To read more, click here
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That's what you call paying it forward.   Thank you so much McDo! =)
Many of the large-scale [and even micro-, small- and medium-scale] enterprises now are paying it forward.  What I really admire are those enterprises that didn't even bother to broadcast that their company is giving help.  They just want to help! Period!  But don't get me wrong.  There's nothing wrong about telling the world that your company is offering help.  It may even inspire and trigger more companies to give help and love!  I myself would tell the world if  I have a company that is giving a helping hand to those in need.  I would even advertise if the company decides to [always] give part of its earnings to charity in order to inspire others to do the same.  So, [again] don't get me wrong, I just said I admire those who kept quiet and just continuously giving help.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Lea Salonga helps raise P9.3M in Hawaii for cyclone victims

According to GMANews.TV

Lea Salonga has lifted up the image of Filipinos through her artistic achievements. She did it one more time for leading Filipino volunteers in Hawaii in raising millions of pesos for victims of recent cyclones in the Philippines.

Philippine officials in Hawaii thanked world-renowned Salonga and Filipino volunteers there for raising more than P9.299 million for victims of recent tropical cyclones Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma).

Hawaii Councilman Romeo Cachola, Vice Speaker Michael Magaoay and Senator Robert Bunda gave Certificates of Appreciation to Salonga for enhancing the prestige and image of Filipinos through her artistic achievements and for her humanitarian contribution to the typhoon relief drive, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The DFA cited a report from the Philippine Consul General to Honolulu that Filipino volunteers raised $200,000 (P9.299 million) for the victims of Ondoy and Pepeng.

“Aside from this, (Salonga) donated a portion of the ticket sales of her sold-out concert at Blaisdell Arena on November 10," the DFA said.

The DFA did not specify how much from her ticket sales Salonga donated.

Cardenas hosted a reception to thank all Filipino community leaders and volunteers for their initiatives and efforts in rallying the Filipino community in Hawaii.

Almost 2,000 Filipinos were killed and millions were directly affected when tropical cyclones Ondoy and Pepeng lashed the country last September and October.

In October, Salonga managed to raise $19,000 (P889,200) in Washington D.C., and appealed to Filipinos and the international community to do more for victims of the recent cyclones.

At the time, Salonga made a special appearance at a “Solidarity Mass" at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle and had a reception for donors at the Philippine Ambassador’s Residence.

“Much has been done… but there is so much more that still needs to be done," the DFA quoted her as saying at the cathedral, where she sang “The Lord’s Prayer" in Filipino and made a special appeal to the Mass participants.

Salonga made a similar appeal at the donors’ reception and urged everyone present to do their part for the typhoon victims in the Philippines.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Wilfredo Gaa thanked Salonga for her commitment to help raise awareness and funds for typhoon victims in the Philippines. - GMANews.TV

SOURCE

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Let's us wake up every morning thinking how we can bless others.  Of course, [many of us] are not like Lea Salonga and other international artists, but each of us has talents that we could use to give assistance in any way we can.  Hmmm...what was that movie talking about random act of kindness?
With regard to this news, we can see that there also Filipino community leaders and volunteers who gave humanitarian contributions.  May God bless you all as you bless your fellow countrymen.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Clinton announces $5.2M in aid to flood victims

from INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—After visiting a school in Marikina that was damaged by the floods caused by tropical storm Ondoy (international code name: Ketsana), United States State Secretary Hillary Clinton on Thursday announced an additional $5.2 million (about P245 million) in disaster relief and recovery assistance to the Philippines.

This foreign aid is in addition to the more than $14 million in rescue and relief aid already provided by the US government after the three storms that hit the country between September and October.

Clinton, who visited the Malanday High School in Marikina after her bilateral meeting with foreign affairs officials and her briefing with the press, said the new monies will go to education, water and sanitation, health, and disaster preparedness needs.

The former first lady is on a 24-hour visit to the Philippines in what is dubbed as a solidarity trip in the wake of storms Ondoy, Pepeng (international code name: Parma), and Santi (international code name: Mirinae), which altogether affected over 10 million people and claimed almost a thousand lives.

According to a briefer from the US embassy, Clinton opened a book fair made possible by the American Brother’s Brother Foundation, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID),which donated 50,000 reading books to Malanday High School and Elementary School teachers. Aside from books, the teachers were able to pick other items donated by the USAID, such as desks and ceiling fans.

The Malanday High School, Elementary School and Health Clinic are part of the US embassy’s Community Partnership Program. Last weekend over 100 US embassy employees and family members worked side by side with Malanday community members to repair the schools and Health Clinic. The Community Partnership Program is a long-term initiative of the U.S. Embassy to participate in the local community as neighbors who work together to improve the health and vitality of Metro Manila.


SOURCE

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To madam United States State Secretary Hillary Clinton, and to everyone who offered their help, thank you so much.  May God bless you all...

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Sony Philippines extends its services to all victims of Ondoy and Pepeng

Hey, guys!  For those of you [in the Philippines] who are Sony products users, you have until Nov. 30, 2009 to avail of the special assistance from Sony Philippines!

Here's the report from
Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation

Sony Philippines supports victims of Ondoy and Pepeng


Sony Philippines stands united with the Filipino nation in its efforts to rise above the tragedy of the Ondoy and Pepeng typhoons as it commits to do what it can to provide relief goods, participate in rehabilitation activities, rent its trucks for delivery to the affected areas, supporting medical missions, among others.

Furthermore, knowing how hard it is to rebuild one’s life once again after calamity, Sony Philippines extends its services to all victims of Ondoy and Pepeng. Sony announces its Service Support Project, which offers Sony product users special assistance on the following:


- Free labor, check-up and cleaning of all Sony products* sold by Sony Philippines, Inc.
- 40% discount on all parts charged (as quoted by the Sony Service Center)


This special assistance is applicable to both walk-in and Home Service customers within Sept. 27, 2009 to Nov. 30, 2009.

While the loss of lives and property from the two storms remain tragic, Sony Philippines draws inspiration from the strength, hope, and faith of the Filipino nation, and the sense of camaraderie and heroism its people have shown, to reaffirm its commitment not just to provide the best products and services, but also to uphold the welfare of its consumers. For more information about this special assistance, visit the website: www.sony.com.ph

SOURCE

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

DepEd hustles to replace 11 million damaged books

Edson C. Tandoc Jr. of Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Education is considering an emergency purchase to address a looming text book shortage in many public schools damaged by tropical storms Ondoy (international codename: Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma).

Ondoy and Pepeng damaged more than 11 million copies of text books in six regions worth more than P739 million, the department said in a report.

The Instructional Materials Council Secretariat has 467,676 spare but the number is puny in comparison to the number of books that were lost to the floods and need to be replaced, said Socorro Pilor, the secretariat’s director.

In a press conference on Friday afternoon, Education Undersecretary Ramon Bacani said replacement of text books started in Marikina City last week. Deliveries are ongoing in Pasig City and Caloocan City.

Deliveries in other affected areas in the metropolis will be completed by November 6, he added.

Bacani admitted the student-text book ratio would likely deteriorate. But Pilor said some book publishers have already donated some text books while learning
modules were also being distributed in place of text books for the meantime.

The department buys new books every year, but the annual purchase is only for one subject for all levels. The books lost to the typhoons cover different subjects, so waiting for the scheduled purchase next year will not address the shortage.

Schools in Metro Manila lost some 2.68 million text books while schools in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon lost 2.44 million. Some 2.4 million text books were damaged in the Ilocos Region during Typhoon Pepeng.

Ondoy damaged some P547 million worth of school buildings while Pepeng damaged some P549 million worth of classrooms, Bacani also reported.

He added that many school buildings damaged by typhoons which hit the country last year also remained unrepaired. These will cost more than P293 million.

The DepEd has allocated for building repairs at least P115 million, the only amount remaining from its P600 million quick-response fund for this year.

It is also asking private groups to join its adopt-a-school program, Bacani said.

source

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Education was severely affected by typhoon Ondoy.  Not only books and school materials were affected, but of course the amount of time taken from the students...I saw kids who were so excited to go back to school not only to see and play with their classmates, but actually excited to study again!

Typhoon Ondoy made, not only adults, but children very depressed to see their own school materials devastated by typhoon Ondoy [and Pepeng].  But again, let's look and focus at the bright side!  We still see people from different places continuously offering help!  Again, even people who were also victims themselves!  Also, private groups and organizations all over the world who have had helped and continuously giving help, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Filipinos helping Filipinos in a Fun Way

Huge help coming from Filipinos in Kent, England! 

This is another good news!!! =)

Filipinos are naturally artistic people, they come up with innovative ways to raise funds to help fellow Pinoys in need particularly in times of crisis.

According to abs-cbnNEWS, Filipinos in Kent recently held a basketball tournament to help those who were affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in the Philippines.  The basketball tournament was not an ordinary game because every basket that a team makes is equivalent to one pound or 8 pesos that will be donated to typhoon victims in the Philippines.  The organizers were able to gather 506 pounds or about P80,000 in the four games during the opening day, and the same mechanics applied during the championship game.

To read more about the report from Danny Buenafe [ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau chief], click here.
SOURCE

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

LEPTOSPIROSIS : UNILAB HEALTH ADVISORY

Reports regarding people infected with leptospirosis due to floods caused by Typhoon Ondoy are increasing. 
An email with an attachment regarding UNILAB HEALTH ADVISORY is now being circulated to create awareness.  So, I decided to post it here in order to promote prevention and control to help not only those who are survivors of typhoon Ondoy but also anyone who could be at risk mainly due to urine-polluted environment.

Please read on and pass the info to help more people:

UNILAB HEALTH ADVISORY 

LEPTOSPIROSIS 
(Abstracted by Medical and Regulatory Affairs from the Fact Sheet of WHO)



What is leptospirosis? 
Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria (Leptospira), that are transmitted directly or indirectly from animals to humans. Human to-human transmission is rare. 
  
From which animals can you get leptospirosis? 
Many animals can harbour leptospires in their kidneys and act as source of infection to humans and other animals. Rodents are incriminated as a primary source of infection to human beings. In the Philippines, rodents and dogs are recognized as sources of infection. 

How do you get leptospirosis? 
Leptospirosis results primarily from direct or indirect exposure to the urine of infected animals. Moisture is an important factor of the survival of the leptospires in the environment. Other modes of transmission of infection include handling infected animal tissues and ingestion of contaminated food and water. 

How do leptospires enter the body of humans and animals? 
Leptospires can gain entry into humans through cuts and abrasions in the skin, through the nose, mouth, and eyes, and perhaps through waterlogged skin. Occasionally, they may enter the human body via the inhalation of droplets of urine or via drinking-water. 

Can leptospires be transmitted from human to human? 
Yes, but rarely. They can be transmitted human-to-human by sexual intercourse, transplacentally from the mother to the fetus and via breast milk to a child. Urine from a patient suffering from leptospirosis should be considered infectious. As leptospires can be cultured from blood, this should be viewed as infectious up to 7–10 days of illness. 

How long is the incubation period? 
The incubation period is usually 7–10 days, with a range of 2–30 days. 

Where does leptospirosis occur? 
The disease is found mainly wherever humans come into contact with the urine of infected animals or a urine-polluted environment. It often has a is seasonal, increasing with increased rainfall or higher temperature. Epidemics may be associated with animal or sewage contamination of water, or follow natural disasters (typhoons and floods). 

Who are at risk? 
At risk are farm/agricultural workers, pet shop workers, veterinarians, sewer workers, abattoir workers, meat handlers, and the military. Other groups at high risk for leptospirosis include survivors of natural disasters (e.g. flooding) and those engaged in water sports. 

When should a diagnosis of leptospirosis be considered? 
The diagnosis of leptospirosis should be considered in anyone presenting with: 
1.        an abrupt onset of fever 
2.        chills 
3.        conjunctival suffusion (redness of the eyes) 
4.        headache 
5.        myalgia (muscle pain and soreness) and 
6.        jaundice (yellowing of eyes and/or skin). 
Conjunctival suffusion and muscle tenderness, most notable in the calf and lumbar areas, are the most distinguishing physical findings. Others may complain of cough, difficulty of breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, joint pains and skin rash. 

Suspicion is further increased if there is a history of occupational or recreational exposure to infected animals or to an environment potentially contaminated with animal urine (flood). Once the possibility of leptospirosis has been considered, appropriate diagnostic tests and clinical management should be instituted. 

How dangerous is leptospirosis? 
Leptospirosis can be treated. However, it can be deadly in about <5% to 70% in different parts of the world.  Complications include kidney failure, liver failure and lung bleeding. Major improvements in medical care however, have been made in recent years. 

What is the optimal treatment for leptospirosis? 
Consult a physician immediately once symptoms appear. Treatment with effective antibiotics should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis of leptospirosis is suspected and preferably before the fifth day after the onset of illness. 

How can leptospirosis be prevented and controlled? 
Prevention and control should be targeted at : 
(a) the infection source, e.g.rats 
• removal of rubbish and keeping areas around human habitations clean; 
• encourage people not to leave food around, especially in recreational areas where rats may be present; 
(b) the route of transmission between the infection source and the human host; 
• leptospires are rapidly killed by disinfectants and desiccation, so keep surroundings clean and dry. 
• small areas, such as floors, can be cleaned and disinfected, but disinfecting large natural areas such as lakes or rivers is not possible 
• avoid contact with animal urine, infected animals or an infected environment, 
* avoid wading in the floods 
* protective clothing should be worn and wounds covered with waterproof dressings to reduce the chance of infection if exposure is likely, e.g. floods, occupational or recreational exposure. 
(c) infection or disease in the human host 
• early recognition and treatment 
• care in handling urine and blood of those infected 

How can humans be protected? 
Increased awareness of the disease is important for early recognition and treatment. Doxycycline has been reported to give some protection against infection and disease. A vaccine for dogs is available, but a vaccine for humans is not available in the Philippines.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Typhoon Ondoy in Manila

I saw this video from
carbotot
He said that he was suppose to go to work at around 9am at Sta Cruz Manila.  Due to heavy rain he decided to stay at SM Centerpoint....he was so thankful to SM because according to him the administration of the said mall allowed them to to stay and even use one of the movie houses and the Hall of Bingo Bonanza as a resting place...



SOURCE: carbotot

Monday, October 19, 2009

Typhoon Ondoy @ UERM

I believe this video is one of the most popular videos (if not the most popular video) about typhoon Ondoy. 
I saw this video from bucheng950088
The 'info' shows that this video is courtesy of Camille Magno from her Facebook account.
I saw this video posted, and be reposted and sometimes edited with a different background music. I also saw a lot of text comments at the different 'postings' of this video.  There are inappropriate comments, there are nice comments, there are neutral remarks, etc.
I heard news that accounts from different networking sites have been hacked, and they say that's why we could see inappropriate remarks!...remarks that they say did not actually came from them  (well, I don't know if those news were confirmed already).
Anyway, what we should take from this video is that there are still  lot of people who are willing to help in the midst of this unfortunate event.  
(There are actually a huge number of people, Filipinos and even people from different parts of the world, who have had given great help in any way they can, and there are a lot who are still continuously helping!!!)




SOURCE

Friday, October 16, 2009

Philippine News: Helping Each Other B-)

It's really great to hear people helping each other.  We see volunteers in TV who are actual victims themselves helping to repack goods or assist in any way they can.  There are also thousands of overseas Filipino workers and even people from different countries who have Filipino friends, wife, etc., that offer help and give donations.  And according to ABS-CBN, thousands of overseas Filipino workers based in Dubai joined a fund-raising event that generated roughly P4 million for typhoon victims in the Philippines.  =)

Here's another good news from Philippine Star,

The Philippine Embassy in London and members of the Filipino-UK community have sent the first batch of collected donated relief goods to the Philippines for those affected by typhoon 'Ondoy' (Ketsana) last Oct. 8, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The embassy has been serving as a collection point for relief goods donated from within the UK since the storm hit the Philippines. Other individuals and organizations also volunteered their offices and residences as donation drop-off areas.

Subsequent shipments are scheduled on Oct. 15 and 20.

The DFA added that the embassy has been utilizing the tremendous support of concerned groups and individuals who have generously contributed their time and resources towards helping those most in need.

Banking and financial companies such as Allied Bank, I-Remit, PNB, Metro Remit, LCC Trans-Sending and CBN Grupo informed the Embassy that they were waiving remittance charges for donations to several relief agencies.

The Embassy has been regularly issuing advisories through e-mails and its website (www.philembassy-uk.org) to help centralize information on ways to help those affected by the tropical storm.

SOURCE: philstar

Also, to read more good news go to Dubai's 'Walk for a Cause'