By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

PASIG CITY – Former Pasig City Councilor Junjun Concepcion on Wednesday (Sept. 11) explained his presence and is proud of having joined the medical mission of the St. Gerard Charity Foundation (SGC) since September of last year.

During the Kapihan sa Metro East Media Forum organized by the PaMaMariSan-Rizal Press Corps and supported by Pinoy Ako advocacy group, Concepcion explained that he is oftentimes seen during the medical mission of couple Curlee Discaya and Sarah Discaya.

Concepcion has been a Pasig City Councilor for two terms and with a total of 20 years in public service and started as No. 1 Kagawad in 2002. He ran for Barangay Chairman of Barangay 207 in Barangay Maybunga and an Awardee for Best Barangay Governance in 2016 and 2019 as No. 1 City Councilor of District 2.

He is very vocal that he will be coming back as City Councilor of District 2 in the May 2025 mid-term elections. Concepcion is a businessman and a contractor himself. 

Concepcion is personally supporting the advocacy of the couple Kuya Curlee and Ate Sarah of the St. Gerard Charity Foundation.

Since September 2023, Concepcion has joined the medical mission of the SGC Charity Foundation, noting that, the medical mission has started since 2016.

He admitted that he has been joining the medical mission of the SGC Charity Foundation since September last year because he has seen the vision and advocacy of the SGC Charity Foundation for the last couple of years.

Concepcion has personally seen how the SGC Charity Foundation in providing medical mission to Pasiguenos, saying that, he even joined the medical mission in District 1 of Pasig City.

“There’s no perfect local governance,” he said, adding that, 1,200 people benefitted in the medical mission of SGC Charity Foundation in District 2.

This coming Saturday (Sept. 14), Concepcion said, a medical mission will be conducted in Barangay Maybunga with ECG, and people bitten by dogs are the frequent beneficiaries of the medical mission of the SGC Charity Foundation.

Concepcion noted that three shots are needed to treat people bitten by stray dogs, and the SGC Charity Foundation is shouldering the two shots of the three shots of vaccines needed.

He reminisced the Solo Parents Act Ordinance in the City Council and he pushed that one of the children of the Solo Parents should be a “Iskolar ng Bayan”, saying that, through a City Ordinance, it would be of big help for the benefit of the Pasiguenos.

A mobile patrol car is practical for the services rendered to Pasiguenos in terms of peace and order in the city.

In his own observation, Concepcion said that the Pasiguenos have missed the “medical mission” such that there seems to be deficit in medicines so much so that the medical mission of SGC Charity Foundation is being deluged by Pasiguenos so much so that many barangays such as Kalawaan are requesting for a “second wave” of the medical mission already extended to them.

He explained that a certificate of indigency and medical abstract are needed in order to avail of the medical mission so much so that not everyone can be accommodated in the medical mission.

The TODA (Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations) sector are also requesting for a medical mission for them taking into consideration not to inconvenience others in the process.

Concepcion vowed that he would help even if the Committee on Health was not assigned to him, saying that he would focus on “zero bill” for the indigent patients, as well as in education, if he will be given another chance to serve as City Councilor in 2025 given his track record and experience in public service in the past 20 years already.

“Kalinga sa Barangay” should be institutionalized for “better passing” for more better improvement. More scholars and love the educational sector as he has been known as “man on the street” in the sense that he has heard and listened to the stories of the Pasiguenos themselves.

Concepcion could not avoid to travel around the city, specifically in District 2 and even District 1 to support the project, to support the event of Ate Sarah and Kuya Curlee of the SGC Charity Foundation in their medical mission.

If what you are doing is a “passion”, he said, it is like that you love what you are doing such that he has been traveling around Pasig City and returned home late at night, wherein he heard people say that “Konsi missed ka na namin. Balik ka na”.

“The people will not understand that the work of the City Council is Legislative,” Concepcion said.

Kuya Curlee and Ate Sarah are “perfect couple” for Concepcion as they have shown that they came from the poorest of the poor until blessings came to them as they also help the poor and the unfortunate members of the community.

In fairness, Concepsion said that the City Government does not prohibit the conduct of medical mission and through coordination with the barangay such medical mission is properly conducted.

For example in Barangay Maybunga, Concepcion said, the local street vendors and local service providers are invited to go to the venue of the medical mission and they were able to practice their profession.

Concepcion would not deny that he would be back as City Councilor in 2025, as he has been saying since 2022, “Si Junjun kayang makipagtrabaho.”

He stressed that he would be seen oftentimes during the medical mission of SGC Charity Foundation of Kuya Curlee and Ate Sarah.

(Second in a series following the feature article titled, “I Had a Dream.”)

By: Prof. Janet R. Valdez, PhD, FRIEdr

OIC College President, Bulacan Polytechnic College – SY 2023-2024

The missionary work had to start. 

As I was presenting my vision and plans to my Boss, he gave me a marching order and I quote: “Gawin mo ang gusto mong gawin.” I felt confident on the order knowing in my heart that my goal was to make the polytechnic college at par with regards to high employability, global competitiveness, and excellence in skills and competencies with the rest of the polytechnic colleges around the world. 

I, together with the willing and supportive missionary friends, stopped at all the campuses, looked at the physical structures and organizational compositions, and listened to the voices and murmurs of the heart of each of the personnel. These could provide me first-hand information which I could use as a springboard to expedite the accomplishments at the campuses.

The main campus had spacious classrooms for a class of fifty (50) students.   Most of the classrooms had disorderly plastic armchairs, a small teacher’s table, old greenboards with a small TV, which were mostly not functional, located on top.  The computer laboratories were dusty, cluttered, and badly needing ventilation or air conditioner. There was a canteen right beside the restroom on the second floor. Nevertheless, its wide hallways and stairways were commendable for the mobility of the students.  The restrooms for both males and females can be easily located and recognizable due to the odor emanating from the lack of water to flush the urinals and bowls. Most of the flush needed repair.  Classes were held in the covered court, at the basketball court, on both sides of the stage, and, even on the stage, to accommodate more Bulakeño youth access to free quality education. The unused green auditorium was filled with old wooden armchairs piled up one after the other.  Two (2) other dilapidated buildings were converted into laboratories and classrooms for TESDA courses.  There were small unoccupied rooms used by personnel.  Two (2) new buildings had ceilings falling off from the roof. I learned that personnel chose their transfer to different rooms for their offices just before I started work at the college.  Parking spaces for students, personnel, and even visitors used up the frontage of the buildings which crowded the student entry and exit.  

One of the campuses was a shared facility through the generosity of the family of a former governor.  One needed to enter the gate of the public school before entering the one-building campus of the polytechnic college. It had few small classrooms with crowded chairs for a class of fifty (50) students. Its classrooms had greenboards. The hallways were narrow for two (2) passersby. The narrow and steep stairways were scary and risky. Their laboratories were small compared to the main campus and with few personally donated tools and equipment; but, gave you a feeling of home.  The improvised canteen was located immediately infront of the two-storey building.   

Another campus cannot be located easily due to its location hidden after the curve among the houses. Fortunately, one campus benefited from a local government which allowed the college its utilization. Another was camped among the public offices, while the other was among the housing site. One campus was receiving assistance from a religious group and the other, from the local government officials. The edifices were constructed just the same. Provisions of the classrooms were the same with little modifications depending on the creativity and innovativeness of the administrator and their supporters.

Most of the campuses shared similar cries for physical repairs of their buildings.  Their woes were loud in their sacrifices of bringing tools and equipment back-and-forth when necessity called for it. Sad stories of surviving each school year were told with smiles of success. You need to do what you need to do. Use personal money to purchase the needs of the class. Bring stuff from home to decorate the class.  Make use of old and worn-out tables and chairs. Provide food for the student. Shoulder the expenses or seek sponsors for small repairs. Or, just shrug them off.

Looking at the structures and the needs for repairs, as well as, listening to their stories of daily successes made you realize the necessity for changes and immediate responses. The struggles and challenges; however, were not isolated at the polytechnic college. They stereotype the experience of local universities and colleges in the country, and, the call for action.

The story continues…

By: Prof. Janet R. Valdez, PhD, FRIEdr

(OIC College President, Bulacan Polytechnic College) School Year 2023-2024

On my 60th birthday, I prayed for God to grant me my wish to serve my town, Obando, and my province, Bulacan, so I can pay forward the blessings given me throughout the years.  Although I had not dreamt for decades, He answered through a vivid dream.

I received a Nissin noodles brown carton package with a red ribbon that said “Congratulations” from a certain Anjanette Jimenez from Guiguinto.  Inside the unwrapped carton was a huge black steel wok, talyasi, with golden handles. 

A spiritual leader, babaylan, interpreted the dream. “You will have a big work to do.  It will be a mission. Madudumihan ang kamay mo sa pagtatrabaho. Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion ang mararanasan mo.” “Wala akong kakilalang Anjanette Jimenez from Guiguinto.” “The names represent initials of people who will help you.” 

The following day, I got a call giving a schedule to discuss a job.  It took me hours waiting. Jimenez, which starts with J, is the start of the name of the lady who called for my schedule and Anjanette, which starts with A, is the start of the name of the dignitary who caused the offer of a job.

Guiguinto was later found out to be the place of residence of my future boss. The day made me realize that God was there along the way. And yes, my wish was granted!

The job gave me the opportunity to serve my town and my province together by serving as the OIC College President of a polytechnic college with eight (8) different off-campuses in my province, including one in my town. Perfect mission… God planned this perfectly for me.

I presented my vision and plans to my boss who responded by saying, “Gawin mo ang gusto mong gawin.” These were uttered with full confidence that I am qualified, capable of doing things and knows legal holds and bounds of my work.

I visited all campuses, near and distant, with friends and staff who may be able to help me perform the job and achieve the mission of transformation, as well as, provision of better opportunities. 

The goal of the visit was to see and observe varied needs of the different campuses.  One of my friends already had doubts and asked, “Are you sure gusto mo to?” I excitedly answered, “yes.”

I started working: making radical physical changes and transfers. I gathered dirt on my hands lifting heavy stuff with the willing personnel.  While I observed smears and smirks along the way, I was strengthened by encouraging words from students.

I maintained an open-door policy allowing stakeholders: students, parents, ambulant vendors, visitors, etc., although without previous appointment, to squeeze into my hectic routine to personally talk to me without fear. 

They come to my office offering prayers for my continued health and strength to battle challenges. Some would shout my name to catch my attention in the campus to say their hi’s and hello’s. Some would also openly say their appreciation for changes they observed in the campus.  The students’ smiles were sweet.  Their hopes waving. Going back to work had been a great motivation. This was in the campus.

However, not all were pleased! But that’s another story…

( Third in a Series of “I Had a Dream”)

By: Prof. Janet Raymundo-Valdez, PhD, FRIEDR

OIC College President, Bulacan Polytechnic  College SY 2023-2024

Change was inevitable.

There was an energetic push which motivated me enthusiastically with the routine work-home, home-work monotony.  It never exhausted me as I saw the Way, the Truth, and the Light.  The Mass readings and reflections guided me daily as to the Way.  My feet were guided and constantly raced with each other towards the door or room of the main campus where work had to be done. The signs were so clear as the Truth opened up and Light transcended ethereal brightness before my very eyes. That’s when I knew, there was a need for change.

The first knock was on the dusty and cluttered computer laboratories where unnecessary plastic and metal cabinets and bins for cleaning materials and computer wares were cluttered on the far side of the room. I started getting the rugs and brooms for a great clean-up; there, you felt the willingness and cooperative hands of its head, instructor, and volunteer students as they started getting into the grind with confused, but, smiling eyes.

From classroom to classroom, students and instructors united their hands to see what would physically become of the campus. There was a need to roll up my sleeves and lift heavy stuff to create a more conducive learning environment.  It became a common sight at the campus; thus, students shared their strengths in creating the changes. Smiles, greetings, and comments from students created an optimistic atmosphere and agreement to what should be of their second home. 

Next came transfers of offices which I learned were done when the buzz started that a new OIC would arrive. The choices were theirs for their own convenience, occupying two (2) offices: one for them and the other, for their stuff; thus, there were personnel maintaining two offices/rooms. The others, none. It was a vision of greed and avarice. When I came though, I was not given the courtesy of being offered the symbolic Office of the President; I was just told that the office in the new building would suit me better as the OIC because it had never been used. There was no turn-over of documents, reports, and stuff from the office, too.  I officially started on August 7, 2023; but, the service vehicle was turned over to me only after two months or so. But, that’s all right! Materialism is not my cup of tea. I thought, however, that I should be given the choice.

As I was directed in my prayers, the next mission was the risky, dangerous, and clogged frontage of the buildings where personnel and student vehicles and motorbikes were parked.  I saw the danger of intruders and strangers easily penetrating the campus, or if not, creating havoc just in front of the buildings.  It was not easy to spot them, and even visitors, who could flow smoothly with the volume of students.  The vehicles and motorbikes also posed as risk factors for students who were coming in and out of the buildings. After locating a nearby place, several steps away, for parking of personnel and students. I gave instructions to the officer responsible for the physical facilities, who happened to be one of the former OICs of the institution. This was the first resistance. Understandably, the instructions were taken for granted and were implemented only after several verbal repeat. Thus, the implementation of transferring parking for motorbikes succeeded due to the students who were happy to help. There were repetitious complaints which caused the inspection of the transfer. The result? The officials from the province found logic and justifiable reason for the transfer.  It served the general welfare of the students. Comparing old and new, it obviously created safe bonding spaces after school hours of the students.

As to the mountain of old wooden armchairs piled up at the unfinished auditorium, their utility was seen in their rehabilitation.  Pictures were taken before their rehabilitation, starting with the segregation of worn-out armchairs for disposal and the ones that could still be useful.  The useful ones were color-coded with paint for easy identification. This could solve the challenge of providing enough chairs in the converted classrooms on the left and right wing of the stage and of the covered court. There were also chairs used in the library and the HRS rooms.

The cramped clinic was made spacious by transferring the Guidance Office to the Administration Building. All student organizations were housed in one huge room to build rapport and collegial spirit and to avoid envious, competitive situations. 

Tools and equipment were not kept in order, nor maintained properly, could not be easily located, and were lost. When asked to list the required tools and equipment, the program head showed a long list, as if nothing were purchased in the years before.  Considering that inspection and monitoring would be annual, it was necessary to have all the tools and equipment in one room. After roaming around the campus, an unused vacant room within the vicinity of the program head could be converted into a Tools and Equipment Storage or Showroom. It would only need some plyboards and proper ventilation or air-conditioning to make it functional. The idea was to complete the list little by little, just like what we saw in a benchmarking activity. After a year of saying ‘yes’, this was not done. Another show of resistance!

As to the system, the campuses complained about how the main campus treated them without fairness and with less regard. They also pointed fingers at each other on the lost of money collected from the income generated from immersion activities which, by the way, was greatly manipulated by a personnel related to the owner of the center. Collections from research activities, from selling t-shirts, for purchase of cleaning materials, for graduation fees etc. marred the hands of the campus directors, the program heads, and the student government which, of course, I gathered from stories here and there.  I could not deny nor refute the allegations because there was no turn-over of finances nor financial report. I was only told that nothing was left. My intentions were to move forward, not backwards; so I closed my eyes on the past and their long-time pride of doing it their way with the thought that the system and structured triumvirate may be rectified.

Thus, during the Team Building Cum Planning Activities of BPC, I presented the unification of the calendar which could be the initial basis of the centralization of budget. The activities posted by the vice presidents on the unified calendar would get equal budget for similar activities among all campuses. This was similarly presented to BPC’s Board of Trustees. The vice presidents had to collate the activities from all the offices under their organizational structure. All collections should be done by the cashier, my namesake, not me. And she did, with limitations on collections without official receipts. Therefore, keeping the collections, which by old-time practice they called College Fund, became a problem. Until, I had convinced someone to keep the fund temporarily for the sake of School Development Fund and the transition to a more transparent, easily accessible spreadsheet that tracked transactions made on the fund. Better than the lost funds of years past without written report. But then, it raised eyebrows. 

Meetings attended by a quorum of members of the Board of Trustees were venues of presenting proposed changes, approved and disapproved resolutions, and those that received no actions. Resolutions on amending BPC’s Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives were pronounced approved, as well as, the organizational structure with six (6) vice presidents, naming the buildings, and inclusion of former Governor Roberto Pagdanganan as a member of the BOT representing the private sector.  Conversely, innovations on the diploma courses and the ladderized programs were discussed in the presence of authorities on the matter.  Issues and concerns, accomplishments and plans were not missed out being presented during the BOT and, prior, at the Executive Committee Meetings, whose member vice presidents were supposed to cascade the minutes to their subordinates.

Changes happened fast like it was over night, communicated in varied ways to everybody, supposedly, in the organization. But, resistance… resistance, allowed me opportunities to offer sacrifices and continued without hesitation and with much peace and love.  I sincerely knew, God was there.  He really is!

(Fourth in the Series of “I Had a Dream.”)

Dr. Janet R. Valdez, FRIEDr

(OIC College President, Bulacan Polytechnic College SY 2023-2024)

Eric Blair, whose pseudonym was George Orwell, was a British political novelist and essayist prominent toward the middle of the 20th century. Animal Farm was one of his most popular anti-totalitarian novels specifically themed on oppression, suffering, and injustice.

There was discontent due to the radical changes; thus, mornings started disguised as coffee breaks upon arrival at the school.  This started morning sessions of buzzing about what was heard and experienced which turned out to be venues of offensive and defensive stories.  These stories were not secrets since they were always leaked out by one of theirs. The venue of morning sessions turned out to be the meeting place of getting approval or disapproval for instructions; thus, there existed a developing conspiracy. One who was gone, my harbinger, always reminded me two things: never sign everything placed on my desk and to take good care of myself because the same people were working on a destructive campaign signed anonymously. 

Tactician Snowball and Power-hunger Napoleon routinely checked on what could be carried out immediately.  There were a couple of Snowballs and Napoleons. One would come check me at the office and would explain what needed signed right away with just enough time for reading.  Another would say ‘yes’ for instructions without a blink of an eye; but, without immediate action. Many meetings were held at the old office and many plans were made. Armored with prayers, beacons of hopes, and optimism, the mission went on.

The persuasive and always morally correct Squealer stood by my side and hesitantly followed instructions.  Her discontent could not be hidden from her burning eyes, gestures of headaches, pulling of dyed long hair, and left and right head sways. I liked how she openly discussed matters with me because that’s how things should be to create a successful teamwork. However, discussions and stories shared with full trust had been traced from the mouth of the immediate supervisor, who instead of directly giving me instruction opted to continuously get information through Squealer. Considering how stories run through the vines, they may be shared, more or less truthfully, or with distortions biased from her own point of view and interest, and expectation for fairness… nil. Human species prioritize own defense and survival! 

The vain Mollie had worked closely at my office with reservation for future greener pasture, submitted a letter of resignation, which was later turned into long months of hiatus from work, was envied for being able to come back to work without any trouble. She was talk of disappointments for fairness among the rest. True enough: “All animals are equal; but some are more equal than others.” I offered her to work with me; but, excused herself saying that her stay was temporary.

The self-proclaimed most valuable Boxer had not valued any friendship, stood courageous enough to state disgusts persistently on matters, and was self-righteous.  The arched eyebrows and big bulging eyes should not be surmised as those of enemies because her misdirected perceptions had been brainwashed for years of manipulations. Unsurprisingly, she was the most venomous of all.

A few, equipped with networks and connections, as well as, qualifications would do what should be. With genuine concern for the institution, they performed their best; however, credits had been grabbed from them.  They seemed non-existent!

There are a thousand and one characters, more in number than the loud and brave ones, of better values and morals; however, due to fear of being ganged up like ‘kuyog’, (swarm) a Visayan word that highlights the culture of alliance and the concept that ‘we can do things better when we are together’ (kapit-bisig). 

There are a thousand and one characters, more in number than the loud and brave ones, of better values and morals, who are frightened because they do not possess permanence of work; thus, feared instability of livelihood as well.

There are a thousand and one characters, more in number than the loud and brave ones, of better values and morals, who learned not to talk and stayed deaf and mute to disagreements.  They felt numb to the old ways and submissive to whatever was there.  They hid their true thoughts and feelings like chameleons. That was their safe haven.

There are a thousand and one characters, more in number than the loud and brave ones, of better values and morals, who just worked eight to five and acculturated the ‘never mind’ attitude. “Anyway, the pay stayed the same. Why go the extra mile?” 

When one goes to work at 8 am., starts work by going from office to office, has a coffee break right away, and goes off from work at exactly 5 pm., how does a public servant maximize his time at work? How much time is spent for public service?

The fear and frightened looks of public servants due to the absence of security of tenure and stories of being ganged up in the past made them powerless and submissive up to a fault. They became territorial and evasive. They easily turned on and off. Their actions became robotic. Sadly, smiles were plastered on their faces to avoid detection that they were fish out of water.

Public service is public trust! 

It is a farm full of sycophants and sybarites; hence, the mission was fulfilled and accomplished a lot, but failed.

Nakita na natin ang isa sa mga sanhi nang pagbaha lalo na pag may malalakas na ulan at mga bagyo.

Tone-toneladang basura na karamiha’y galing sa mga kabahayan sa gilid ng mga ilog at estero na ang mga nakatira’y walang pakundangan kung magtapon sa mga katubigan.

Basurang bumabara sa mga daluyan ng tubig, na pumipigil sa deretsong paglabas nito sa mga malalaking lawa at karagatan.

Hindi pa kasama dyan ang mga dumi ng tao na deretsong dumedeposito at humahalo sa minsa’y pinapaliguan din ng mga tao.

Kung maipapatupad lang sana ng mga lokal na pamahalaan ang pagrerelocate nang lahatan,  ng mga residenteng sa tabi ng mga ilog nananahan.

O kaya’y matinding abiso at monitoring sa mga nasasakupang mamamayan na sundin ang mga panuntunan para sa ikagaganda ng komunidad na kinabibilangan.

Kamay na bakal sa mga pasaway na kababayan, kaparusahang nararapat ang ipataw sa labis kung makapinsala ng kapaligiran.

Hamon sa naturingang lingkod bayan, na galit nang maapektuhang botante ang aasahang ganti sa aksyong karapat dapat naman.

Dyan mo rin makikita ang political will ng isang namumuno, na kayang suungin ang mga balakid, maipatupad lamang ang isang adbokasiyang ang bayan ang panalo.

KAHALAGAHAN NG PALABRA DE HONOR

Sa isang serbisyo publiko, ang pagtupad sa kanyang binitawang salita ay sumasalamin sa kanyang pagkatao.

Pagtitiwala ng sinabihan ang makakamtan kung sumunod sa mga inusal na pangungusap at pagkabawas ng integridad naman kapag hindi nagampanan ang mga tinuran at maituturing ding kasinungalingan.

Kaya pag-isipang lagi bago ilabas sa mga bibig ang mga salitang panghalina at galing sa emosyon na hindi naman pala kayang gawin.

Para na rin yang “think before you click” sa mga millennial na usung-uso ngayon sa mga in-na-in  ngayong mga social media platforms.

Kapag sinabi mo na sa iyong nasasakupan na hindi ka na tatakbo sa susunod na halalan dahil ika’y nagdamdam  sa hindi pagkakapanalo sa  huling eleksyon na iyong sinalihan, ay huwag ipangatwiran na tawag ng taumbayan kaya mo muling naisipang tumakbo muli sa posisyong iyo nang dating nahawakan.

Isa kang oportunistang traditional politician na ang tingin sa  sarili’y siya lang ang makapag-aangat ng bayang inaasam.

Marami po ba ang tinamaan?

DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos, nagsilbing panauhing pandangal

LUNSOD NG MALOLOS, Bulacan – Isinagawa ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan sa pangunguna nina Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando at Bise Gobernador Alex C. Castro, ang pagbubukas ng Singkaban Festival 2024 nitong Lunes, Setyembre 9 sa harapan ng Gusali ng Kapitolyo sa lunsod na ito.

Ika 19 na ang tinaguriang “Mother of All Fiestas” ng lalawigan ng Bulacan, na nakaangkla sa temang “Pagyakap sa Kasaysayan, Pagsulong sa Kinabukasan” at pinakaaaabangan ng mga Bulakenyo.

Nagsilbing panauhing pandangal si Department of the Interior and Local Government o DILG Secretary Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” C.  Abalos, Jr. na kinatawan ng anak na si Mandaluyong City Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas.

Sa mensahe ni Sec. Abalos na inihayag ni Konsehal Abalos-Vargas, binati niya ang mga Bulakenyo sa pagdiriwang ng isang lingggong kapistahan at pinasalamatan ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan sa suportang ibinibigay sa mga programa at proyekto ng DILG.

Bilang positibong ganti, makakaasa din ang lokal na pamahalaan ng lahat ng tulong na maibibigay ng Kagawaran para sa mga pangangaalangan nang buong lalawigan.

Emosyonal na ipinaliwanag din ni Kon. Abalos ang papel na ginamapanan ng kanyang ama sa kontrobersyal na isyu patungkol sa paggamit ng pribadong eroplano matupad lang ang tungkuling maiuwi sa Pilipinas si dating Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo nang walang palit-ulo mula sa Indonesian Government.

Inaanyayahan naman ni Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando ang lahat ng Bulakenyo na tunghayan ang isang linggong engrandeng kapistahan na magtatanghal sa mayamang sining at kultura, kasaysayan at pamana, at turismo ng lalawigan.

“Ang atin pong taunang pagdiriwang ay magpapakita ng pinaghalong tradisyunal at moderno nating nakagawian na tiyak na pupukaw sa lahat ng Bulakenyo, anumang edad o kasarian. Sinigurado po natin na magiging inklusibo ang Singkaban Festival at magiging makabuluhan ito sa ylahat ng miyembro ng ating lipunan,” anang gobernador.

Matapos magbigay ng mensahe ang gobernador, sinamahan niya ang mga dumalo sa panonood mula sa 2 naglalakihang LED screen ng video recording ni Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, isang Bulakenya rin, na opisyal na kinanta ang Dangal ng Lahing Filipino, kantang patungkol sa buong lalawigan ng Bulacan.

At sa kanyang hudyat, pormal na  binuksan ni Gob. Fernando ang Singkaban Festival sa pamamagitan ng kamangha-manghang fireworks display na inihanda ng Dragon Fireworks.

Isa-isa nang paumarada ang kalahok sa Marching Band Competition at Parada ng Karosa sa harapan ng mga panauhin , na nakaragdag ng kulay at saya sa pagbubukas ng kapistahan. Sa pagtatapos ng seremonya nang pagbubukas ng Singkaban Festival, itinanghal na kampeon sa Unang Marching Band Competition ang Banda 85 na nagmula sa bayan ng Santa Maria.

MANILA –– Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday urged Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan to strengthen the Department’s interagency collaboration in order to improve the oversight of reclamation projects and mitigate flooding risks.

Cayetano made the call during the Senate Committee on Finance’s budget briefing of the proposed 2025 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday, September 9, 2024.

“Personally, I frown upon interagency coordination because it’s preferable for a single agency to be responsible. But in this case, when massive floods occur… It’s crucial to have interagency collaboration [on reclamation projects] because I’m not sure if the DENR is technically equipped for the engineering aspects of reclamation,” he told Bonoan.

Currently, the Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) oversees compliance and ensures that the conditions for issuing Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) and area clearances are met.

During the hearing, Cayetano asked Bonoan about the agency’s role in approving reclamation projects, particularly in addressing issues like flooding.

Bonoan replied that the DPWH primarily assesses the technical aspects of reclamation projects, ensuring these do not interfere with existing flood control systems.

Once the assessment shows no impediments, he said the DPWH issues “no objection,” but this assessment is limited to the location of the reclamation only.

Cayetano, however, expressed concerns about whether or not this process is enough. He cited successful reclamation projects in Singapore and Hong Kong but emphasized that climate change and stronger storms could turn poorly planned reclamations into serious risks.

“People could point out to me possible successful reclamations. On the other hand [nakakaranas tayo ng] mga unexpected storms ngayon, pati climate change,” he said.

“Every time there’s massive flooding, someone throws the question, ‘Ito bang reclamation ang may problema?” he added.

Cayetano proposed that the DPWH collaborate with the DENR, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to develop an improved, science-based geohazard mapping, similar to Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards).

The senator emphasized that when findings for an area, such as those in geohazard maps, are made public, it becomes challenging for external influences to affect flood control projects as decisions will be guided by scientific evidence.

Recalling the rapid urbanization in areas like the City of Taguig and Pateros which had led to flooding as rice fields and other natural water-absorbent areas were replaced by housing, Cayetano urged the government to take a more cautious approach to reclamation.

“I’m just saying if the government is just saying ‘yes’ [to reclamation projects], let us be firm sa regulation na y’ung best engineering, environment, and architectural urban planning ay i-implement natin,” he said. — PR

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr. 

MANDALUYONG CITY — Experts in cybersecurity on Tuesday (Sept. 10) divuldged the illegal activities of criminal groups in cybersecurity technology. 

In press conferencon during the Decode 2024 Forward Infusion, David Sancho, of the forward-looking research team, said the trends in the criminal underground is such that it is a thriving community. 

Sancho noted that What the criminals do

Even if the technology looks primitive so to speak

Dark Artifical Intelligence Bots & applications

A small boy may nudify a photo and it looks flawless.

People who use Teegram channels are happy which was used to take down the Hamas

It’s relatively easy to use the photo of a person and create a deep fake photo and use it for monetization such as Krypto currency

KYC verification services

A deep fake Krypto currency may use a picture of a non-exiisting person

60 US dollars can easily avail of deepfake services

At 200 US dollars you can already have a fully operational scam

10 US dollars you can have the service and 1,000 US dollars you can have the company

With a different interface model, they usually go 5 to 10 US dollars and they are on sale through Krypto currency.

It’s easy to make money online.

Criminals are attacking. We protect the parameters. Deepfake protection is the solution to deepfake scam through Artifical Intelligence services.

It highlighted how cyber criminals are offering their services online.

Criminals do not favor the Dark web AI because it is slow.

Cyber criminals are using Kryto currency and black chains in the sense that they are difficult to trace so much so that so much money flows to an e-wallet and so it belongs to ransomware guys, so much so much so that it goes to several chains or segments, hence, it’s difficult to trace. 

Ransomware is more concerning now which will be mass mailed and may steal baby pictures and ask for 100 US dollars in exchange.

Info stealing and some kind of travel scam or romance scam which may be mass mailed. Info stealing is where you are made to go to wrong page.

There are ransomware groups who number in hundreds and they are doing many things in collaboration with each other just like in an office.

It’s so amazing that a ransomware group who is working like a corporation and is based in the United States.

Just a peek in the world of cyber criminals.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY – Agri party-list Rep. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee has welcomed the outpouring of support from individuals, personalities, groups and netizens in urging the Department of Health (DOH) to fast-track the implementation of additional increases in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits and the inclusion of expensive diagnostic tests and scans in the state health insurer’s benefit packages.

During the DOH budget hearing on September 4, Rep. Lee scored the DOH for the slow-pacing of additional increase in PhilHealth benefits, pointing out that, the DOH, which chairs the Benefits Committee (BenCom) of PhilHealth, is mandated to ensure that healthcare services will truly cater to Filipinos.

The Bicolano solon also warned the DOH that he will move to defer their budget if it remains unaddressed in the upcoming House plenary debates for the 2025 National Budget.

In the same hearing, Lee presented a sample hospital bill of a patient who underwent Radio Frequency Ablation with 3D-mapping which amounted to more than P470,000, yet only less than 5% or about P24,000 was covered by PhilHealth. 

Filipinos relate much to this issue which prompted numerous comments on social media. 

“Ako nga P750K yung bill ko sinagot lang ng PhilHealth eh P60K lang…eh tapos laging taas nang taas sa premiums sila…sana makonsensya naman kayo (My bill was P750K, PhilHealth just shouldered P60K only…eh they always increase the premiums…hope you will be conscienticized),” a netizen commented.

Echoing the same sentiment, one netizen commented: “P129K bill sa hospital, stroke at seizure sakit ng pasyente. P28K lang ang kaltas ng PhilHeallth. Mas malaki pa ang kaltas ng senior discount (P129K was the hospital bill, stroke and seizure were the patient’s ailments. Only P28K was the PhilHealth deduction. The senior discount deduction was even bigger).”

“Same sa sis-in-law ko, P1.5M bill pero P54K lang bawas, mas malaki pa bawas ng PWD (Same with my sis-in-law, P1.5M bill but only P54K was deducted, the PWD deduction was even bigger),” another netizen commented.

Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leachon, a health reform advocate and former DOH special adviser for non-communicable diseases, also expressed his support to Rep. Lee as he posted on his social media account some highlights of the solon’s interpellation/questions during the budget hearing. 

“There are only few brave lawmakers who stand firm for the health of our people. Salute to Cong. Lee,” Leachon posted on his X account (formerly Twitter).

Meantime, some social media netizens hailed Lee for using his platform as a lawmaker to confront health officials about the complaints and challenges faced by Filipinos.

“I salute you for being so brave to fight for what is right, Sir Wilbert. I hope this department will visit the public hospital to check physically what’s really happening inside,” a netizen said. 

For Rep. Lee, these comments shared by citizens online represent millions of Filipinos who continue to suffer from their worry of falling ill due to the fear of plummeting into poverty.

“Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa suporta ng ating mga kababayan sa ating ipinaglalaban para maibsan ang pasanin at pangamba ng bawat pamilya ukol sa kanilang kalusugan. Asahan nyong patuloy kong isasaboses at ilalaban ang inyong hinaing tulad ng napagtagumpayan na nating 30% increase sa PhilHealth benefits (We are expressing our gratitude for the support of our countrymen in our advocacy to lessen the burden and anxiety of each family on their health. Rest assured that I will continue to be your voice and to fight for your grievances like in succeeding already in the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits),” the Bicol lawmaker said.

“Gamitin ang bilyon-bilyong pondo ng PhilHealth para sa dagdag pang mga benepisyo hanggang maabot ang libreng pagpapagamot para sa lahat. Huwag dapat itong patagalin! Buhay at kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino ang nakataya dito! Laban natin ito! Gawin na natin (Use the billions of funds of PhilHealth for the additional benefits until the free treatment for all will be reached. This should not take long! Life and livelihood of Filipinos are at stake here! This is our fight! Let’s do it!” he added.

It will be remembered that Rep. Lee, who is a staunch health advocate, successfully led the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was implemented on Feb. 14, 2024. 

The party-list lawmaker is currently pushing for another round of 30% increase and if funds would suffice, an eventual decrease in members’ monthly contribution.