THE PASIG RIVER REHAB IN THE PHILIPPINES.. IT'S NOW ALIVE AND CASCADING.. BY: VER M. GARCIA BLOGS

ANG ALAMAT NG ILOG NG PASIG.. An aerial view of long waterways of Pasig River using Drone HD Camera an excellent Photo of Mike Agawin a multi-awarded photo journalist. Surrounding the historical Pasig River is a glimpse of tall buildings, the likes of AIC Bldg. of Tan Yu's in Escolta, the Post Office Building in Plaza Lawton, the National Press Club, the Metropolitan Theater, Letran Colleges, Mapua University, Lyceum of the Phils., the Bureau of Immigration and the historic Manila City Hall. Shown in photo is also the Jones Bridge where the annual parade of the Black Nazarene passed this historic bridge. Travelling as far as Mandaluyong City down to Guadalupe in Makati and Pateros witnessed of the beauty and grandeur of the historical Pasig River once called "Mutya ng Pasig" and immortalized by our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal in his novel Noli Me Tangere. (VerGarciaBlogs)


The Pasig River Now Backed Into Life..

“We need to share these unique stories to let the public know how we value the Pasig River,” Goitia said.

At the same time, Goitia said the Commission is determined to bring Pasig River back to life.

This meant putting mechanisms to prevent and to counter acts of “esterorism” in rivers and waterways that lead to Pasig River. In addition, he said that the PRRC River Warriors were able to divert 21 million kilos of solid waste from the Pasig River.

Due to PRRC’s efforts and determination, 17 priority tributaries had been converted into environmental preservation areas.

“The Pasig River was once biologically dead but now the river has gradually backed to life,” Goitia said.

Goitia added the public should not lose hope for the Pasig River to survive because it has gradually been happening. He calls on the public to cooperate with and help the government on the rehabilitation of the Pasig River.

“You are not only helping us but the generations to come, they will realize that Pasig River is a dream that will become a reality,” said Goitia.

UPDATE IN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT NEWS: THE PASIG RIVER REHABILITATION COMMISSION IN THE PHILIPPINES RELOCATES INFORMAL SETTLERS

PRRC RELOCATES TWO HUNDRED INFORMAL SETTLERS IN PASIG RIVER

By: Ver M. Garcia (Travel & Lifestyle Blogger)

In photo: The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) in partnership with St. Joseph Academy of Valenzuela Alumni Association, Salcres Physical Therapy Foundation International Inc., Myshare Foundation and Wow Health and Wellness Optical Clinic, spearheaded a medical mission recently

 at the Jaime Cardinal Sin Village (JCSV), 728 Housing, Punta Sta. Ana in Manila.

A total of two hundred individuals living in shanties at the side of Pasig River were relocated in the different relocation sites  in Metro Manila.

The PRRC and Serviam Foundation Inc, relocated these families living in shanties and makeshift houses beside the Pasig River in the last quarter of 2008 up to the first quarter of 2009. To improve the health and living conditions of our fellow Filipinos  that were exposed to polluted waterways and to improve the quality of water through the reduction of untreated solid and liquid wastes dumped in the Pasig River.

The objectives of this medical outreached program  are the ff: (1) To provide the JCSV community medical care and who have no access to and who cannot afford. (2) To provide health assessment so that the community attains a greater degree of self-sufficiency; and (3) To intensify PRRC’s Information, Education and Communication Campaign by providing high level of public awareness in taking care of the environment.

The activity was participated in by medical doctors, physical therapists, optometrists, nurses, PRRC, partner agencies and JCSV community as recipients of the said project. “These health missions are significant because it does not only provide healthcare services to our relocated families even after nine years since they were rescued from the banks of the Pasig River, but most importantly, it also encourages the community to assume responsibility for their health and their environment”, avers PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio E. Goitia. 

As mandated.. “The goal of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission is to improve the water quality of the Pasig River system that supports and sustains aquatic life and resources – conducive for transport, recreation and tourism. To achieve this, PRRC is committed to deliver quality programs, projects and activities in easement recovery, riverbanks development, waste and water quality management, and public awareness resulting to the revitalization and development of the Pasig River system. (VerGarciaBlogs)

AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT IN THE PHILIPPINES TOP ITINERARY FOR TRAVELLING CHINESE

WeChatPay, 58Pay and Tag Media.. All Set for the Arrival of Chinese Tourists 

By: Ver M. Garcia (Lifestyle Blogger)

In Photo: Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas (center) in partnership with WeChatPay, 58Pay and Tag Media were all smiles as they were preparing big for the arrival in multitudes of Chinese Tourists in the Philippines. For those companies who are interested to become a merchant and to partner.. please call 0977-8978877 or 219-3503.

Here's good news, there’s an ongoing orientation and training of the platform which was launched recently in the Philippines by some of the companies under Yupangco Group (Filremit, Yupangco Electronics Corporation, Manila Express, Zoomanity Group, Yamaha Music among others). Now launched as 58Pay with Bong De Ocampo and Robert Laurel Yupangco as partners and recently introduced to the public with the media at UnliCity, Century City Mall in Makati.

“We focused on expanding the payments service abroad, but it has stopped short of trying to create a local version of the platform for other countries. Instead, the company has been focused on signing up merchants in many countries to accept the payment system so Chinese tourists can use the payments platform abroad and right now in the Philippines.” avers WeChatPay.

Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, one of the partners of 58Pay, pointed out that.. “We are looking for merchants which Chinese tourists are fond to go, just like some outlets and duty free, some famous restaurants like Samgyupsalamat, theme parks, hotels and companies like Air Asia & Jeju Air." said Nicolas.

The Department of Tourism headed by Sec. Bernadette Romulo Puyat, expects the increase of the Chinese tourist especially now that President Rodrigo Duterte's administration has a good relationship with the Peoples Republic of China. As of this year 2018 of March recorded arrival of Chinese nationals totalled 145,536 and expect the increase this year 
with the opening of the newly invigorated Boracay and other tourist destinations.

Topping the list of tourist destinations are the following: Coron in Palawan, Camiguin,

El Nido also in Palawan, Batanes, Cebu City, Camotes Island, Aklan and frequenly visited is Boracay Island. (Photo by VG)

Those interested to become a merchant, please contact Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas

at the Tel. No. 219-3503 or Mobile: 0977-8978877 for details. (VerGarciaBlogs)

FAMOUS INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL CONCERT DIRECTORS TABANDA AND MAMARIL TO IGNITE THE JAMPACKED CROWD WITH A BIG BANG

ALIW AWARDS FOUNDATION CONCERT FOR A CAUSE SET ON OCT. 4
By: Ver M. Garcia (Entertainment Blogger)

40th Year Anniversary Musical Concert of Aliw Awards Foundation is set on Oct. 4, 2018 (Thurs.) at the Aliw Theater. The show is produced by TAG Media headed by Kiwanis Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas for the benefit of the less fortunate and sickly members of Aliw Foundation led by its President Alice Reyes.

In celebration of the 40th Year Anniversary of Aliw Awards Foundation, a benefit concert is set and dubbed as “Aliw@40 Concert” ‪this coming October 4, 2018‬ (Thurs.) at the Aliw Theater in Cultural Center Complex, Roxas Blvd. in Manila, with more than 10 performers to make the celebration grand and in full force to give you a night that you will never forget,  here are the performers in this one night concert:

• Pilita Corales             - KAPANTAY AY LANGIT
• Hajji Alejandro           - NAKAPAGTATAKA
• Jun Pulistico              - SINASAMBA KITA 18 Greatest Hit Songs
• Rico J. Puno              - KAPALARAN
• Imelda Papin              - BAKIT
• Liza Macuja Elizalde - BALLET SCHOOL PAR EXCELLENCE
• Ballet Manila              - ROMEO & JULIET
• LA Santos                  - PETMALU
• Kuh Ledesma            - TILL I MET YOU
• Keith Martin               - BECAUSE OF YOU
• Val John                     - GILIW
• The Infinite                 - SOLID ROMANCE
• 3rd Avenue                 - WEDDING BAND
• Asia’s Best Singing Competition Winners 


What makes the event interesting is the combination of two young, amazing and top directors who are making a difference in their own ways both locally and abroad. The musical director is no other than Direk Adonis Tabanda who just arrived from Dubai for the sold out concert of Morrisette Amon. Concert Director Direk Frank Lloyd Mamaril on the other hand directed the 2016 Concert of Lani Misalucha, the Star Awards Concert of the Year. Both directors are in their early 30s and we’re excited for this collaboration. For them, they will make this event another showcase and a masterpiece for their careers.

An orchestra performance Art Theater where the awaited concert will be held in the occasion of their 40th year Anniversary of the Aliw Awards Foundation.. The Aliw Theater is an events venue in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. It is located in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, adjacent to the Star City amusement park and the Manila Broadcasting Company. (Aliw Theater Website)

Produced by Tag Media Group headed by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas and Co presented by Ballet Manila, Manila Broadcasting Company and Star City under Liza Macuja Elizalde, the event is a fundraising event for Aliw Awards Foundation to help entertainers who are in need. The Aliw Awards Foundation also was created to give due recognition to entertainers who perform live in the Philippines and abroad by the renowned journalist, Alice Hernandez Reyes.

Among the list of sponsors are the following: Kiwanis International, Zoomanity Group, Biyahe Ko, Tree Top Adventure, Elabram, MyPhone, FLM and the Manila Times.

For tickets and inquiries, please call ‪09778978877‬ or buy it directly via Ticketworld.  The event is still accepting sponsors and exhibitors. (VerGarciaBlogs)

Philippine Senator Villanueva Urged To Prioritize on the Investigation.. Re Violent Dispersal of Workers of NutriAsia

Lilac Center asks Sen. Villanueva to zero in on violent dispersal of workers’ strike in Senate probe of PLDT, NutriAsia labor rows

The Lilac Center for Public Interest, Inc., a private labor and employment policy advocacy group yesterday expressed support to Sen. Joel Villanueva’s resolution seeking a Senate inquiry on the issues arising from the regularization of PLDT and NutriAsia employees, but urged the Senator from Bulacan to focus the investigation on the violent dispersal of the striking workers in NutriAsia, Inc.by the police and the company’s security guards.

“We welcome the cognizance by Sen. Villanueva that the DOLE’s enforcement of labor laws and standards on several companies, including PLDT, NutriAsia, Inc., Jollibee Foods Corporation, Uni-Pak Sardines, Monde Nissin, and Middleby Phils. Corp., among others, are riddled with issues, hence, his resolution. His committee’s investigation, in aid of legislation, should reveal DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III’s mishandling of the President’s directive against labor contractualization,” said Nicon F. Fameronag, Lilac Center president.

Sen. Villanueva is the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development to which jurisdiction Villanueva’s resolution, P.S. Resolution No. 810, will fall.

Fameronag, a former labor and employment undersecretary, said the blame for the violent dispersal of the striking  workers at NutriAsia, Inc.’s factory in Marilao, Bulacan, Sen. Villanueva’s hometown, should be shared by the DOLE, for it was symptomatic of Sec. Bello’s weak enforcement of the joint DOLE-PEZA-PNP guidelines on the conduct during strikes and lockouts, as well as the visible lack of coordination between the DOLE Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee, local government units, Regional Tripartite Industry Peace Council/Industry Tripartite Council, and the Philippine National Police.

“Two days after the violent dispersal that injured 19 workers and a number of police officers, we have yet to hear or read a statement from the DOLE, specifically Secretary Bello, Undersecretary Joel Maglungsod, and DOLE Region 3 Regional Director Zenaida Angara Campita, on the issue. Their silence is deafening,” Fameronag said.

“We urge the Senate to look into what the DOLE has done AFTER the DOLE regional office in San Fernando, Pampanga issued the order to NutriAsia to regularize 80 workers of Asia Pro Multi-purpose Cooperative, one of NutriAsia’s five contractors, on 3 July. This would be instructive in establishing whether the Company, its contractors, the union/s, and the workers were ably and sufficiently assisted in carrying out the DOLE order or were left alone in their own devices to interpret the same,” Fameronag added.

Sen. Villanueva said he would like to scrutinize the finding by DOLE inspectors that NutriAsia, Inc. engages in labor-only contracting, and expressed regret that the case, “rooted on contractualization and its abuses, has to drag and result to the termination of workers, violent dispersals of picket lines, injuries and arrests of workers.”

“It would serve the best interests of labor and capital to resolve this dispute peacefully and expeditiously,” Villanueva had emphasized.

Fameronag said the result of the Senate’s action on the Villanueva resolution would be useful in its forthcoming deliberation of the security of tenure bill that previous Congresses have failed to enact. (VerGarciaBlogs)