#Bayanihan ni Juan

[tobywannabe]

2020 Year Review

January

December 29, 2019 nagpost yung taga tup dun sa ece jobs bayanihan na hiring sakanila. E ako, desperado na ko magkawork nun kasi ilang buwan na kong tambay nun. Nag apply ako kahit di ko naman alam ginagawa dun sa position na inapplyan ko. Nagpasa ako ng CV ng January 04. 

Ininterview ako after 2 weeks siguro, initial interview yun. Ang naalala kong kausap ko sa interview is si Ate K (yung manager na nagresign) and yung hr na si ate A. Sobrang ninerbyos ako nun e. Tapos nung pagkapasok ko dun sa office nila, puro mga taga tup tao dun. Andun si ADG, E, basta sila lang yung natatandaan ko kasi ece din sila, naabutan ko nung sila yung officer sa org namin sa ece. Tapos ayun pinapasok nila ako dun sa room with Ate K. Kausap pa namin thru viber or skype si ate A (yung hr). Sobrang nerbyos ko nun pero malakas boses ko haha tapos bobo pa mag english. Bale 3 positions pala yung open nung time na yun, pre-sales, post-sales, and sales engineer, Unang choice ko nga nun is sales engineer since yun yung inapplyan ko and yun yung akala kong mas mataas sa dalawa. So ayun natapos na yung interview, umuwi na ko. 

January 27, 2020. Bihis na bihis ako nun kasi oath taking naming di sumama sa mass oath taking. Pero dami pa rin kami parang mga lagpas 20 siguro na ece yon nagoath. Habang nagooath, taena tumawag si E, final interview ko daw kinabukasan pero start ko na din daw yun. Ang weird sobra.Pero sobra talaga ako nangangailangan nun din ng work kasi no choice talaga ako, nababaliw na ko kakaisip ng san kami kukuha ni mama ng panggastos nun kasi yun yung span na di na nagpapadala si papa. 

January 28, 2020. First day ko sa company na yun. Di naman na ako ininterview, rekta first day amp. Ni di man lang ako tinanong kung gusto ko na ba hahaha. Ayun dun lan din ako tinanong if ano yung gusto kong position dun sa tatlo, tapos kaming dalawang new hire (hi J), kami yun kinuha nung service team. Tapos wala lang din ako ginawa nung first day ko dun, pinagbasa lang ako ng kung anu ano.

Febuary

Feb 14. Trinain na ko ni AS mula pagkapasok ko hanggang feb, oks naman sya magturo, kalmado pero nakakatakot. Si F chill lang pero taena ang gulo magturo haha. Tapos nakaleave si AS so ako lang yun presales nung time na yun, February 14, 2020. So yeah tanghali so nasa labas ako ng office, kausap ko si maxinne. Tapos naalala ko pa nung time na yun, si A nasa labas din kausap yung jowa niya, si Ate P din ganun din. Tapos after lunch time, pumasok ako ng office. Pinatay nila yung aircon kasi “malamig” daw. So ako galing sa labas, pagkapasok ko syempre sobrang init sa feeling. Parang walang hangin. Tapos nung humarap ako sa pc ko, sobrang tambak pipeline ko, sobrang daming gagawin din kasi wala si AS. Nagpalit yung tingin ko sa pipeline ko tsaka sa list na gagawin ko tapos next na nangyari is di na ko nakahinga. Sobrang nahirapan ako huminga. Yung tyan ko nung time na yun, nagkacramps. Yung kamay ko nung time na yun, sobrang lamig. Next thing I knew, nasa likod ko na yung guard, may niraradio. Kinakausap ako nung guard, natandaan ko nasagot pa ko nun, nakakapagjoke pa nga ako. Tapos sinakay na ko dun sa stretcher ng lifeline. Sobrang lambot nung kama pala dun kala ko matigas lol. Pagkapasok sakin sa ambulance, kingina nakita ko pa yung hr namin walking pretty sa office kingina gigil ako e haha. Tapos patuloy akong kinakausap nung nurse, sinasagot ko naman. Mas lalo ako ninerbyos nung tinanong nya kung may healthcard ako, e wala pa ko healthcard nun kasi new hire lang ako. Eto pa malupit, nung tinanong ako nung nurse kung saang ospital ako dadalhin, sa san juan de dios ba or ospital ng pasay, dun ko lang narealize na kingina 200 lang pera ko sa wallet nun. Tapos nung time na yun, di ko makontak si mama kasi sira yung phone niya. Tagal ko sa ambulance nun bago ako sinugod sa ospital ng pasay. E time na yun, may covid na. E dun sa office kasi labs and hsopitals sineservicean namin kaya alam namin yung may mga institutions na may covid na patient na. E alam ko nung time na yun, meron na sa san juan de dios kaya di din ako nagpadala dun, plus, wala din akong pera. 

Fast forward, nung time na din na yun e psychiatrist/psychologist (im sorry di ko alam yung tama) yung nag approach samin na nagexplain kung anong nangyari sakin. May sinabi syang term pero di ko maalala. Basta ang nangyari sakin is panic attack daw. Wala din naman sakin nirecommend na gagawin or iinumin. Nirelease kagad ako ng ospital nung day na yun. Puta sobrang panget talaga ng impression ko sa mga ospital. Nung time kasi na sinugod ako sa ER, sobrang daming tao pa na nag aantay lang din sa ER :( tapos meron din dun nawitness ko na nirerevive na lang, pero di din siguro kinaya, ang nakakagoosebumps pa kasi e nakita ko payung lalaki na buhay before sya malagutan ng hininga. 

March

Habang parami ng parami yung cases, palala ng palala yung sistema sa company. Lol. Ang unang balak is if magkakalock down, irereimburse na lang yung pamasahe. So lahat kami pinaist down yung pamasahe. So ako as an honest me, yung totoo talaga nilagay ko kasi puro jeep lang naman ako kasi malapit lang samin. Tapos nung 17 yata, fucking shet 6pm yun nung binanggit ni pdVts na lockdown na. So ayun kingina paguwi ko parang zombie apocalypse. Yung MOA is madilim, patay mga ilaw. Tapos sobrang tahimik sa moa. Pagdating ng baclaran, pota sobrang daming tao, sobrang dami din sundalo. E swerte ko pa nun kasi yung drop off place ng unang jeep kong sinakyan e saktong pickup plac enung 2nd jeep kong sasakyan. Tapos ayun nakasakay kagad ako. Buti talaga nakasakay kagad ako. Kais nung night din na yun yung pinatupad nila yung social distancing. Sampu or 6 lang ata pinapayagan nilang sumakay sa iisang jeep. So habang nandun ako sa loob, sobrang daming tao sa paligid na naghahabol nung jeep, gustong mga sumakay, pero sinisita nung mga sundalo nakapaligid sa daan. Parang zombie apocalypse talaga. Pero syempre sobrang galing ni manong driver, nung wala na sa sight yung mga sundalo, puno na ulit yung jeep. lol.

Nalimutan ko ikwento yung panget na sistema keme. Nakalock down na nung pinagdesisyunan daw ng management na ibawas sa sweldo yung mga nilist down namin na transpo para lang makasurvive sa pandemic yung company. Tanginang yan. Pianakapanget na joke na ginawa nila. Binawi din nung manager namin. So di ko alam kung ang sole purpose e malaman talaga kung sinong loyal sa hindi OR nalaman nila na panget ng image nila kung gagawin nila yun.

April-December

Tangina quarantine pa rin.

[phgq]

W. Visayas to help PH cope with agri losses due to typhoons

#PHnews: W. Visayas to help PH cope with agri losses due to typhoons

ILOILO CITY – Western Visayas can help the country in coping with agriculture losses, especially in rice, following the damages caused by recent calamities, an official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Monday.

 Speaking during the awarding of 2019 Rice Achievers Award held at the Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC) here, DA Western Visayas regional executive director Remelyn Recoter said the region has posted a positive growth in the second and third quarters this year.

 “Amid the pandemic, limited movement, border restriction, we have a good harvest,” she said. 

 Recoter said the weather condition has been good during the wet season even with the series of typhoons in the late part of the third quarter and early part of the fourth quarter.

 “Region 6 could contribute to coping up with damages from those regions, especially number one and number two (rice) producing Region 3 and Region 2. Western Visayas is number three,” she added.

 Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, Recoter said the agriculture, forestry and fishing (AFF) has a posted a positive growth of 1.6 percent on the second quarter of this year, and 1.2 percent in the third quarter.

 During the first semester of this year, the region has produced an additional 81,000 metric tons of rice and over 200,000 metric tons during the third quarter when compared with the same period in 2019, she said.

 This indicates, she said, the rice production is high in Western Visayas.

 “We owe that to our rice farmers together with our local farmers technicians and agricultural extension workers,” she added.

 Meanwhile, the DA awarded on Monday 17 individuals, three irrigators association and one local government unit for their contribution in the national food self-sufficiency program.

 Recoter said the annual awards also inspired the department to work hard even as it did not stop working even amid the threat of the health pandemic.

 Quoting DA Secretary William Dar, Recoter said if the department will not implement programs and projects, if agricultural extension workers will not be provided technical assistance, extension services to farmers and most especially if farmers will not work, then Filipinos will have nothing to eat.

 Those awarded as outstanding agricultural extension workers were Sanly Galvez from Banate, April Joy Depamaylo and Marlon Narida from Miagao, Ma.Razel Serilla from San Joaquin, and Ramon Tejero Jr. from Tigbauan, all in Iloilo; Fe Pollentes from San Lorenzo, Guimaras; and Mirasol Coste and Carlito Indencia from Bago City, Negros Occidental.

 The outstanding local farmer technicians were Jienie Balboa, Beverly Causing and Lailyn Arangga from Banate and Jesus Nualda Jr. and Agapito Niño from Miagao, all in Iloilo; Leonardo De Juan and Richard Nadua from Madalag, Aklan and Lalaine Ganate from Bago City, Negros Occidental.

 Winners for the two categories each received PHP25,000, plaque and certificate of recognition from the DA regional field office Western Visayas.

 The Durog Irrigators Association from Miagao was named outstanding small water irrigation system association, while the Palacatian Irrigators Association Inc. of Pavia, Iloilo and the Ugasan-Juanico Irrigators Association, Inc. from Banate were awarded outstanding irrigators association for the National Irrigation System (NIS) and Communal Irrigation System (CIS) categories, respectively.

 Each irrigators association won PHP1 million that they would use for rice-related projects.

 The DA also awarded Bago City as local government unit while Ramon Uy Sr, owner of the Foundry and Machine Corporation from Bacolod City was given special award for his contribution to farm mechanization.

 Awardees from Negros Occidental were conferred during the visit of Dar to Bacolod City last week for the launch of the cash and food assistance for corn, sugarcane, coconut and fisherfolks.

 Under the Bayanihan Act 2, the sectors are also entitled to receive social amelioration, Recoter said. (PNA)

   ***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "W. Visayas to help PH cope with agri losses due to typhoons." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1124708 (accessed December 15, 2020 at 04:40AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "W. Visayas to help PH cope with agri losses due to typhoons." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1124708 (archived).

[kuyarexdelsdiaries]

EB 4.0: Believer. Mover. Giver. Lover. Forever. (Last Part)

Since its inception in 1979, the show made milestones on Philippine TV, including: -The Biggest raffle draw (through Lottong Bahay) held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle with millions of entries scattered the venue -The 1st TV show to give millions (including the so-called Laban o Bawi segment) -Historic commercial-free special episodes -Worldwide trending topic on social media due to the AlDub phenomenon -Eat Bulaga now broadcasts worldwide either express airing or delayed broadcast via GMA Pinoy TV since 2005, which in turn mounted sold-out shows abroad where the hosts led the celebration in front of OFW's. -First noontime variety show to be exported internationally through Eat Bulaga Indonesia (2012-2016) and now this 2019, it will bring the viewers in Myanmar through the 2nd franchise of the show as Eat Bulaga! Myanmar very soon.

And it is proven that 7 presidents survived the show's existence from Marcos to Duterte (even Pres. Duterte had a pre-recorded message for the show back in 2016 during their 37th anniversary, and he applauded for the show's staying power). Most of all, the show began airing franchised segments that had been carved from its original series in Israel and Japan, another first in the show's history. BOOM! franchised from Keshet International, and Rush 4 Win Philippines from its original series Slippery Stairs produced by Tokyo Broadcasting System. The show not only delivers pure happiness and awesome surprises, but also gives the hosts a time for their acting skills. In the 1981, the show introduced its annual lenten drama specials that are part of the Holy Week observance each year. The tradition revived in 2014 after it halted its production for 7-years.

In 2017, the show began producing Telemovie Specials, including 'Love Is...', a telemovie stars Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza tackles the effects of depression, and in 2018, 'Pamana', a horror-comedy telemovie stars the so-called Pamilya Nunal of Barangay Jokers segment and is directed by Ariel Manalo, Jose's real name, making his first directorial project for TV, and also serves as a kick-off to the 1-year countdown before the 40th Anniversary of the show.

Through the years, Eat Bulaga has become iconic in its segments: Mr. Pogi, That's My Boy, Ikaw at Echo, Banda Rito Banda Roon, Kahit Sino... Pwede!, Birit Queen, Tsuper Star, She's Got the Look, Palengke Queen, Tunog Tao, and many others. In 2007, Juan for All All for Juan, an iconic segment began its run, and it held in various barangays nationwide through the facilities of PLDT providing LIVE remote broadcasts. It originally had a takbuhan segment, but eventually became Sugod Bahay and Bayanihan segments. The show not only gives happiness beyond 1,001 joys, but also giving back to the people and communities. Through the Plastic Ni Juan/Straw Ni Juan project, close to 200 schools were benefitted for plastic chairs made from recycled plastic bottles donated for the entire duration.

These are some of the notable highlights of Eat Bulaga as it will move further on its 4th decade on Philippine TV.

12, 408 episodes (equivalent to 310-311 episodes a year, and aired LIVE or taped from different studios) and counting... close to 100 segments, with more than PHP 1-Billion were given to thousands of people from all walks of life. And notable awards were given and received by prestigious award-giving bodies and collegiate award-giving bodies as well as recognitions from the PMPC Star Awards for TV as Best Variety Show (Hall of Fame) and from Box Office Entertainment Awards 2016 for being the Highest Record Rating of a Noontime Show of All Time (Local & Global) through the 'Sa Tamang Panahon' TV Special aired on October 24, 2015, it garnered 50.8% in its audience share against 5.4% of It's Showtime and 2% of Movie Max 5.

Indeed, it has gone a long way run for Eat Bulaga. It had so much rivalries especially during their stay at GMA-7, it competed against 8 noontime shows of ABS-CBN (including It's Showtime, which will turn 10 years on the airwaves), but it will remain true to its forever mantra of beyond a thousand and one joys (Isang Libo't Isang Tuwa) to the Philippines and the whole world. And as we move further to its 5th decade by 2029, Eat Bulaga will always be the game-changer of Philippine TV. From the banging of the gong and the theme song as its opening salvo, up to the finale segment/gap before the clock strikes 2:30pm, another day has come for Eat Bulaga & TAPE Inc. for its timeless 40th year of broadcast.

Happy 40th Anniversary to Eat Bulaga! We at KRD is one with the Filipino people in this joyous celebration of Philippine Television's longest-running noontime show and soon, the longest-running TV show in the Philippines (Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko is on record for the longest-running TV program and longest-running public-service program towards its 44th year by December 2019).

(Eat Bulaga! airs weekdays 12:00nn-2:30pm PST/6:00am-8:30am UTC and Saturdays 11:30am-2:30pm PST/5:30am-8:30am UTC from the APT Studios and seen nationwide via satellite on GMA Network and worldwide through YouTube livestream and either in express or delayed airing on GMA Pinoy TV. Selected segments are uploaded on the same day through the show's YouTube channel. You may visit fb.com/EBDabarkads on Facebook, @EatBulaga on Twitter, @EatBulaga1979 on Instagram, and Eat Bulaga! [eatbulaga1979] on YouTube.)

(Photos: Eat Bulaga! Facebook/Screengrabs from Love Is... and Pamana telemovie specials)

[toniostarks]

Buhay na buhay pa din ang Bayanihan sa Bayan ni Juan dela Cruz.. 📍Open Canal Road 🛣️ Barangay MLGSNG II-B City of Imus 4103 Cavite 🇵🇭 30AUG2020 | Sunday | 0615PM (at Barangay Malagasang 2-B) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEgoWtKJ49R31ToAznDoEfIeWSETYOmEU4MaRM0/?igshid=1o5r1mfgjwlo4

[casandra03]

Bayanihan sa bayan ni Juan!

[phgq]

Situation would return to normal thru ‘bayanihan’: Go

#PHnews: Situation would return to normal thru ‘bayanihan’: Go

MANILA – With the continuing “bayanihan” (community support) to confront tremendous challenges plaguing the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has expressed optimism that the situation would soon return to normal.

Go made this remark as he led the launch of the country’s 94th Malasakit Center in San Fernando City, La Union on Friday. The Malasakit Center was the first to be established in La Union and third in Ilocos Region.

In his speech, Go reassured that President Rodrigo Duterte is doing everything he can to address the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and the recent natural and man-made disasters to the country’s economy.

“Hindi kayo pinapabayaan ni Pangulong Duterte kaya huwag kayo maniwala sa mga sinasabi ng iba. Alam ko mismo na nagtatrabaho ‘yan… ang importante mayroon tayong tao na nagpapagitna sa panahon ng krisis na ito kasi kung walang matibay na nagpapagitna, magkakagulo tayo (President Duterte is not neglecting us so don’t believe to what other people say. I know very well that he is working. What important is we have someone intervening in this time of crisis because if not, there will be chaos),” Go said.

Once a safe and effective vaccine for Covid-19 becomes available, he assured that Duterte will give priority to the poor and vulnerable.

“Kumapit tayo at magtulungan. Hindi namin kayo pababayaan dito sa La Union (Let’s help each other. You will not be neglected here in La Union,” he vowed. “Pag mayroon ng safe na vaccine, uunahin namin ni Pangulong Duterte ang lahat ng mahihirap at vulnerable para makabalik na kayo agad sa normal ninyong pamumuhay (Once vaccine becomes available, President Duterte will prioritize the poor and vulnerable so that you can go back to your normal lives).”

He said front-liners, medical workers, uniformed personnel, and teachers will also be given priority once vaccine becomes available.

As chair of the Senate committee on health, Go recognized the sacrifice and dedication of the country’s front-liners, most especially the health workers who are treating the sick and the uniformed personnel who are ensuring order despite the threats posed by the pandemic.

He urged everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize their health by complying with the government-issued guidelines and protocols.

He reminded them to stay at home when possible and to wear mask and face shield as well as to practice physical distancing when in public.

“Mag-ingat po tayo at sumunod sa mga patakaran bilang pagmamalasakit rin sa ating kapwa. Kung patuloy tayong magbabayanihan, mas mabilis nating malalampasan ang mga pagsubok na ito (Let’s take care of ourselves and follow the guidelines to show our concern for others. If we will continue to work together, we will soon hurdle these challenges),” he said.

He also thanked individuals who extended their support to the Malasakit Centers and continue to fulfill their respective mandates to serve their constituents.

Among those who attended the event were Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando D. Bautista, Budget and Management Secretary Wendel E. Avisado, Governor Francisco Emmanuel Ortega III, Vice Governor Mario C. Ortega, 1st District Rep. Pablo C. Ortega, San Fernando City Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto and Vice Mayor Alfredo R. Ortega, and San Juan Vice Mayor Manuel R. Ortega Jr.

Go also acknowledged other representatives of national agencies who joined the launch like DSWD Regional Director Marcelo Castillo, Department of Health (DOH) Regional Director Dr. Valeriano Lopez, PhilHealth representative Jerilyn Felipe, Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office (PCSO) representative Lalaine Martos, and Department of Tourism Regional Director Jeff Ortega.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop wherein Filipino patients can conveniently apply for medical assistance from the relevant government agencies. These agencies are the DOH, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and PCSO.

Go said all 94 Malasakit Centers in the country are ready to assist every Filipino, particularly the poor and indigent patients, who are in need to pay hospital bills. Under Republic Act 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, all hospitals run by the DOH all over the country and the Philippine General Hospital in Manila are mandated to establish their own Malasakit Centers.

“Tuluy-tuloy po itong Malasakit Center dahil para sa amin ni Pangulong Duterte, hindi dapat natin pinahihirapan ang mga pasyente. Kundi dapat tulungan natin sila para hindi na sila pa pila-pila sa iba-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno para humingi ng tulong (Malasakit Center will stay because for us, including President Duterte, the patients should be assisted in asking help from different government agencies),” Go said.

For his part, Avisado gave his assurance that sufficient funding is allocated for the continued operations of all Malasakit Centers as well as for the existing medical assistance programs of various agencies.

After the event, Go’s staff distributed meals and food packs to 100 poor patients while the DSWD provided each beneficiary with separate financial assistance.

Some members of the hospital staff received bicycles from Go so they can commute to work with ease amid limited transportation options. Others were given tablets which their children can use to better participate in blended learning being implemented in schools. (PR)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Situation would return to normal thru ‘bayanihan’: Go." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1124002 (accessed December 07, 2020 at 10:57PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Situation would return to normal thru ‘bayanihan’: Go." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1124002 (archived).

[phgq]

Higit 600 San Juaneño, nakatanggap ng emergency cash subsidy ng Bayanihan 2

#PHinfo: Higit 600 San Juaneño, nakatanggap ng emergency cash subsidy ng Bayanihan 2

Personal na pinangasiwaan ni San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora ang pamamahagi ng ayudang bahagi ng Bayanihan 2  sa kanyang mga nasasakupan. (Larawan mula sa FB page ng alkalde)

LUNGSOD CALOOCAN, Nob. 9 (PIA) -- Aabot sa 661 residente ng San Juan City ang nakatanggap ng ₱8,000  emergency cash subsidy  mula sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)  na nakapaloob sa Bayanihan 2.

Pinangunahan ni Mayor Francis Zamora at DSWD NCR Regional Director Vicente Gregorio Tomas ang pamamahagi ng benepisyo sa Filoil Flying V Center nitong weekend.

Ayon kay Zamora, target na mabigyang tulong dito ang mga pamilyang hindi nakaabot sa distribusyon ng SAP 1 at SAP 2 sa ilalim ng Bayanihan 1.

Ang San Juan City aniya, ang kauna-unahang LGU sa bansa na namahagi ng naturang benepisyo para sa mga itinuturing na waitlisted families. (PIA NCR)

Ayong kay DSWD-NCR Director Vicente Tomas, ginanap ang unang pamamahagi  ng emergency cash assistance sa Lungsod  San Juan City dahilan sa mabilis na pakikipag ugnayan ng lokal na pamahalaan  sa kanilang ahensiya.

Pinahalagahan din umano nila ang mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng pamahalaang lungsod sa minimum health protocol sa loob ng Area sa panahon ng distribusyon ng cash assistance.

Nagpasalamat naman si Mayor Francis Zamora sa DSWD  dahil sa muling pang pili sa mga indigent na pamilya ng San Juan upang mapabilang sa mga unang nakatanggap ng ayuda sa ilalim ng Bayanihan 2.

"Ang buong Pamahalaan ng Lungsod ng San Juan ay lubos ang pasasalamat sa ahensya ng DSWD at sa ating pamahalaang nasyunal, dahil una po sa inyo ang San Juan," pasalamat ni Zamora. (PIA-NCR)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "Higit 600 San Juaneño, nakatanggap ng emergency cash subsidy ng Bayanihan 2." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058442 (accessed November 09, 2020 at 03:01PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "Higit 600 San Juaneño, nakatanggap ng emergency cash subsidy ng Bayanihan 2." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058442 (archived).

[phgq]

Gov’t eyes another round of cash aid for PUJ drivers

#PHnews: Gov’t eyes another round of cash aid for PUJ drivers

MANILA – The government is studying the possibility of giving another round of cash aid to public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers affected by the community quarantine amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“Pinag-aaralan na po na bigyan ng pangatlong buwang ayuda ang mga jeepney drivers na nawalan ng hanapbuhay po dahil hindi pa po pinapayagan na bumiyahe ang ating mga jeepney (The government is studying the third tranche of cash aid for jeepney drivers who lost their livelihood because they are not permitted to travel yet),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual presser from Davao City.

Roque said the cash aid will still come from the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act or Republic Act 11469.

Under Bayanihan Law, some 18 million low-income families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic will be given cash aid of PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 for the months of April and May.

Aside from cash assistance, PUJ drivers also receive a fuel subsidy which covers 30 percent of their daily fuel consumption for three months.

PUJs are still not allowed to transport passengers under more relaxed community quarantine protocols.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is also pushing for an economic stimulus package that would see a portion going to fuel subsidy, mitigating drivers' lost income, and augmenting their operations.

From June 1 to 21, trains and bus augmentation services, taxis, transport network vehicle services (TNVS), shuttle services, point-to-point buses, as well as bicycles are allowed to operate in limited passenger capacity.

Tricycles will be allowed to operate in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) with approval from concerned local government units. Provincial buses will remain banned from entering Metro Manila.

Public utility buses, modern PUJs, and UV Express units will be permitted to operate with limited passenger capacity from June 22 to 30.

Malacañang on Wednesday said the government is considering giving an alternative livelihood to PUJ drivers affected by the community quarantine.

Earlier, Roque said there is a proposal to employ PUJ drivers as contact tracers to enhance local government units’ efforts to identify those who have come in contact with Covid-19-infected persons.

“We’re actually considering alternative livelihoods for them. There’s a suggestion that they be employed as contact tracers,” he said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel’s Headstart on Wednesday.

Roque said the government is looking to hire around 120,000 contact tracers nationwide to augment the existing over 30,000 contact tracers.

Additional bus routes

Meanwhile, Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte has also ordered the DOTr to add city bus routes to ferry passengers in Metro Manila starting Friday.

“Ramdam din po ng Presidente ang hirap ni Juan Dela Cruz sa pagko-commute. Nagbigay ng derektiba ang Presidente na dagdagan pa ang ruta ng mga bus na bumibiyahe sa Metro Manila simula po bukas, araw ng Biyernes (The President understands the struggle of Juan Dela Cruz when it comes to commuting. He gave a directive to add bus routes traveling to Metro Manila starting Friday),” he said.

Citing the DOTr, Roque said additional routes will be open in the coming days.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will also be meeting with concerned bus operators to identify the number of buses that will be allowed to resume operations, he added.

The three bus routes which will open on Friday are from Monumento to Balagtas, Bulacan, Edsa to Montalban in Rizal and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Loop.

Starting Monday, the bus routes that will operate are from Monumento to Valenzuela Gateway Complex, Gilmore to Taytay, and Monumento to San Jose Del Monte. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Gov’t eyes another round of cash aid for PUJ drivers." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104898 (accessed June 04, 2020 at 11:50PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Gov’t eyes another round of cash aid for PUJ drivers." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104898 (archived).

[phgq]

SILaB helps LGBTQs in Bay, Laguna amidst pandemic

#PHinfo: SILaB helps LGBTQs in Bay, Laguna amidst pandemic

The Samahan ng Ikatlong Lahi ng Bay (SILaB), a local organization of the LGBTQ Community in the town of Bay, reached out to their fellow LGBTQs affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) amidst the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Limited resources and funds did not stop SILaB members to help out over 400 LGBTQs in this town by providing each of them with food packs.

“Naglunsad po kami ng isang Donation Drive na tinawag naming ‘Malasakit Challenge - Tulong para sa Sektor ng LGBTQ.’ Sa unang pagkakataon, maliit mang bahagi ang tulong na ating naipaabot ay naramdaman nila na may nagmamalasakit sa kanila,” ibinahagi ni Raymond Christopher Paran, SILaB President and a teacher under the Department of Education (DEpEd).

(We launched a Donation Drive we called ‘Malasakit Challenge - Help for the LQBTQ Sector.’ Initially, though the help we were able to extend to them was small at least they felt that somebody cares for them.)

He said he was informed that some of their fellow-LGBTQ working in another province was forced to come back to the town of Bay by foot because they lost their job and had no other means to transport when the ECQ was declared.

This particular instance has brought awareness about the difficult situation of their members due to the crisis, which prompted them to start a donation drive.

Paran said they started off with no fund at all but took to social media, particularly facebook, their appeal for contributions initially from friends who immediately heed their call.

“May mga nagbigay ng goods tulad ng bigas, cannned goods, at ng cash na binili natin ng iba pang kailangan para mabuo ang kailangang relief packs na 400.”

(Some shelled out goods like rice and canned goods, and some shared cash we used to purchase items for the 400 relief packs.)

Most of the people who responded to their appeal for donations are Paran’s workmates at DepEd.

Fortunately, help eventually poured out from private individuals and elected officials who generously provided whatever they could share to reach out to the community.

According to him, Bay Vice Mayor Emerson Ilagan and individual donors and sponsors took on the Malasakit Challenge for the first and second wave of their donation drive.

While, Laguna 2nd District Representative Ruth Mariano-Hernandez and the Jollibee Group Foundation provided relief items that shall be distributed for the third up to fifth wave of the donation actvity set within this month.

Even Paran unselfishly gave out his one-month salary to complete the 400 packs of relief for the first wave of their cause.

With the overflowing sense of “Bayanihan” and coherent efforts among Bayenos and non-Bayenos, the recipients of the Malasakit Challenge are more than grateful.

Ricca Joy Buendia, a SILaB member resident of Brgy. Tagumpay, expressed gratitude over benefitting from the donation drive.

Buendia is one of the LGBTQs who lost their job and walked from Batangas province back to the town of Bay due to the lockdown.

“Ang masasabi ko po sa LGBT ng BAY o SILaB kung tawagin. Maraming salamat po sa relief na natanggap ko. Ito po ay isang malaking tulong sa gaya kung naglakad mula San Juan, Batangas to Bay, Laguna. Taos puso po akong nagpapasalamat. Mabuhay ang LGBT ng Bay at ng buong mundo. Sulong SILaB!” Buendia pronounced.

(All I can say to the LGBT of Bay or SILaB as they call it is thank you so much for the relief I have received. This is a great help for someone like me who needed to walk from San Juan, Batangas to Bay, Laguna. I am wholeheartedly giving thanks. Long live LGBT of Bay and the whole world. Onward SILaB!)

As part of the LGBTQ community, Buendia said they can contribute to the endeavor of fighting against COVID-19 through their unity and by following the rules and laws to immediately end the pandemic.

LGBTQ as part of the society

We know that the LQBTQ community is one of the sectors hardly accepted by the society but with this story we may realize that just like everybody else, they can take on the role of addressing the needs of the underprivileged and contributing towards nation building.

Paran expressed that even the LGBTQ community must be recognized and cared for, he then pleaded, “Ang LGBTQ ay isang sektor na dapat hindi pinagdadamutan ng tulong. Isang sektor na dapat kinikilala ang kakayahan nito at mga potensyal. Sa mamamayan, sa ating bansa, magkaroon nawa ang bawat isa ng malawak na pang-unawa, malasakit, pagmamahal, at pagkalinga sa aming sektor.”

(The LGBTQ is a sector that should not be treated ungenerously. A sector that must be recognized for their abilities and potential. To our fellowmen, our country, may everyone have an open mind, concern, love and care over our sector.”)

Above all, he stressed, that no matter what happens, the LGBTQ community is part of the development of the society and will stand tall for their rights and for the full acceptance of this society.

In 2018, SILaB, which was formerly dubbed as LGBT Daglat and was also previously called Bahaghari, was established by the representatives from different villages of the town and agreed to have Paran as their voice and leader.

Paran said they decided to change their organization’s name to SILaB in order to be easily recognized as the LGBTQs of the locality.

The SILaB aims to have a recognized association of LGBTQ in the town which will take the responsibility to craft activities and programs for the welfare and organization of the sector in vast aspects of society.

“Ninanais namin na maging positibo ang tingin ng lipunan sa aming sektor na kung saan kami ay bahagi ng pag-unlad ng sa ating bayan. Maturuan at mabigyan sila ng tamang kaalaman at impormasyon na kanilang magagamit sa pakikipagsapalaran sa buhay,” the SILaB president pointed out.

(We want the society to look at our sector in a positive perspective wherein we are likewise part of our country’s progress.)

The association also seeks to help its members to adopt the right mindset as they go along with their daily lives. For them to realize their worth and to never lose hope amidst their struggles in life.

They also aim to implement projects that will help the LGBT individuals to build their skills and capacities.

SILaB proves that even the LGBTQs have an important contribution to the country especially in this trying times.

First, he said, by being a good example among other citizens that the LGBTQ sector adhere to the law implemented during the ECQ.

Second, for serving as inspiration to others by persevering no matter how difficult the world is towards their sector. “Patuloy kaming susulong! (We will continue moving forward!).”

Third, by providing moral and spiritual support to everyone through sharing prayers and good thoughts online. And finally, through extending their love and care not only among their fellow-LGBTQ but also to everyone else who are in need.

SILaB is one living proof that lending a helping hand to the disadvantaged knows no gender at all. We are all in this together as we fight against COVID-19. (Joy Gabrido)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "SILaB helps LGBTQs in Bay, Laguna amidst pandemic." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040088 (accessed April 26, 2020 at 09:56AM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "SILaB helps LGBTQs in Bay, Laguna amidst pandemic." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1040088 (archived).