THE MINDANAO POST MARCH 9-10 2023

IN CELEBRATION of National Women's Month, we celebrate women's role in history, arts, culture, and society by highlighting their contributions. Today, we feature the Tagolwanen Women Weavers Association of Malaybalay City as we celebrate their unique artistry, vital role in preserving indigenous culture, and immense contribution to the community. The Tagolwanen Women Weavers Association (TWWA) was established in 2012 as a social entrepreneurship program to promote indigenous art, reconnect tribe members to their indigenous identity, pass on traditional skills to the youth, and instill the value of self-sufficiency among Tagolwanen women. You will surely find yourself captivated by the artful display of local crafts in their showroom made of Sodsod grass woven carefully by the skillful hands of Tagolwanen women, with each design reflecting their beautiful traditions and values. (Department of Tourism - Northern Mindanao Office)

advocates in NorMin honor women, seek equalityGender

By Recthie Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In giving due recognition to the contributions of women in nationbuilding and fostering better living conditions, the Region 10 Gender Advocates kicked off the National Women's Month celebration with a motorcade, a short program, and a "hataw" at the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, here, March 1.

“This March, the Philippine Commission on Women enjoins everyone to honor women for their contributions to nation-building; who they are, what they are capable of, what they are entitled to, and what they can do for the community and our country,” said lawyer Kristine Rosary YuzonChavez, Philippine Commission on Women North Mindanao field office executive director.

She also urged the agencies and development partners to work on maximizing the gains of women in these aspects.

Lawyer Kristine Rosary Yuzon-Chavez, Philippine Commission on Women North Mindanao field office executive director. (RTP | PIA-10)

PHIL. COMMISSION ON WOMEN WARNS

Child marriage is now a crime

By Uriel Quilinguing Contributing Editor

ONE may end up 12 years behind bars and/or pay at P50,000 fine for arranging a marriage involving persons below 18 years old, a Philippine Commission on Women regional official said.

Lawyer Kristine Kay LazaritoCalingin of PCW-10 issued the warning in a forum at a downtown mall in Cagayan de Oro Monday, March 6, to drumbeat the Women’s Month observance.

After a year of transitory period, Republic Act 11596, a measure that prohibits the practice of child marriage has taken effect, Lazarito-Calingin said, and implementing rules and reg-

ulations was released December last year.

This law, she said, has repealed Presidential Decree 1083 or the Code of Muslim Personal Laws which allows marriage “as long as the girl has reached the age of puberty” – which, in some instance, refers to nineyear old girls.

But the PCW-10 gender and development chief specialist admitted generating baseline data on child marriages – in the region and elsewhere in the country – is difficult.

She said they closely work with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos so that arranged marriages involving minors could be reported, and those

behind these identified.

This, she said, is a challenging task since child marriages do not only happen among IP and Muslim communities as traditionally practiced, but also among Christians and in the urban setting, but kept under wraps.

Lazarito-Calingin said that child marriages are “void ab initio” (with no legal basis from the beginning) and “mass weddings” that local chief executives do not legitimize the union –when either both were below 18 or one either one of them is a minor.

She also pointed out that the prohibitions of R.A. 11596 include those – below 18 years old or one of them is a minor –who have been living together

WOMEN, from p1..

(co-habitation) as husband and wife.

This, she said, is covered by a report from the Commission on Population and Development which indicate that teenage pregnancy – including early marriages – in Northern Mindanao was highest among the country’s 17 regions.

Signed into law on Dec. 10, 2021, R.A. 11596 promotes the welfare of Filipino children by prohibiting and protecting them from entering into any kind of child marriage.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is the lead agency in the implementation of the provisions and the formulation of programs and services under this Anti-Child Marriage Law. (MT)

For instance, the commission wants women to benefit from innovations in agriculture, be protected against body shaming, sexual harassment, and trafficking in cyberspace, and experience appropriate training in job opportunities such as giving lighter weight armor to women soldiers.

According to Col. Ted Dumosmog, assistant division commander, who spoke on behalf of Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, 4ID commander, they will make sure that women are safe and have equal access in order to maintain peace and security.

He added that even though women are still the minority in their organization, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is implementing more programs to ensure women’s safety from harassment and violence.

They have also identified programs of gender and development to protect the women during recruitment, training, service, appointment, and promotion.

“I have seen how you, women work in the most, shall we say, pinakalisod nga trabaho, pinakadelikado nga lugar (hardest job, most dangerous place), can you imagine, full-blown civil war in Syria. How you, women, my soldiers, performed in that area, and I’ve seen it and experienced it, you are more resilient than men, sa tinud-anay lang (truth be told),” Dumosmog added.

Highlighting gender equality status worldwide, Fides Teresa Cabana, of the Commission on Human Rights and GA-10 vice president, revealed that the current rate of progress towards gender equality is only 68.1%.

“Therefore, it will take 132 years to reach gender equality worldwide. A stark difference from the figure of 99.5 years in the 2020 report. It means that none of us, including some of our children, will see gender parity in our lifetime,” Cabana said.

Thus, she urged everyone to vote for, take action on, and promote gender equality and inclusivity.

This, by also promoting new laws that protect women and girls, including the Magna Carta of Women, the Safe Spaces Act, Republic Act 11313, RA 11648, or Prohibiting Child Marriages, RA 11648 – raising the minimum age of sexual consent to 16 years old, and others.

To further celebrate the month for women, GA-10 will also hold the On Boarding on Women’s Rights Law and Safe Space Caravan in partnership with CHR, PCW, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. (RTP | PIA10)

A female soldier from the Army’s 4th Infantry Division on board an armored combat vehicle joins the opening ceremonies of the Women’s Month in Cagayan de Oro recently. (Photo courtesy of Recthie Paculba | PIA-10)

Hapag Movement raises P13.5M in donations to fight involuntary hunger

GLOBE’S Hapag Movement has raised over P13.5 million worth of donations to combat involuntary hunger in the country since its launch in 2022, as the digital solutions platform urged customers anew to support the advocacy as millions of Filipino families still struggle to afford proper meals.

Contributions to the cause accelerated during Globe’s on-ground events including the annual 917 GDay celebration in September 2022, with customers’ donations of their Rewards points, which the company matched to send urgent help to those in need.

These were complemented by company-initiated donations, corporate partner donations, and by engaging their customer base through various activities.

“As millions of Filipinos still grapple with hunger, Globe believes that addressing this concern is necessary for the country to achieve full and inclusive recovery from the impact of the pandemic. We are very thankful to our customers for participating and being part of the movement,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

During their annual 917 celebration in September, Globe matched all Rewards points redeemed from September 17 to 30 with an equivalent donation to the Hapag Movement. They also engaged their customers in several events throughout last year including the Tay New Fan Meet in Manila, Reach 4 The Stars Fan Meet with Thai actors and Globe endorsers Bright, Win, Dew, and Nani, G Battle Zone, G Music Fest, AcadArena’s CONQuest, Gariath Concepts’ Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit (ESGS), Head in the Clouds Manila, and many others.

The total amount of donations also comprises internal employee engagements from Globe including:

Purpose Tree - Globe’s annual Christmas fundraising effort;

Gift Local - the company’s annual Christmas bazaar, done in partnership with ChatGenie, an e-commerce solution supported by Globe Business, and in collaboration with some of their key clients,

including Lumi Candles, Big AL’s, Daniel Baker, and many others.

Volunteer activities

Globe also has a growing list of partners to raise funds for the Hapag Movement including:

Amdocs, Globe’s longtime vendor partner who’s pledged to monetarily contribute US $12,000 to the cause and mobilize their employees to join the movement by initiating an internal fundraising program;

KUMU, the largest social entertainment app in the Philippines, also engaged their content creators and viewers to donate to the cause. They raised a total of 1.9M+ diamonds on the platform during the Hapag Movement Benefit Concert held last December 21, 2022, which drew 10,599 viewers.

SMAC (SM Advantage Card), who, together with its sister brands within the SM Group, helped raise funds through customer engagements last Christmas season.

The Rotary Club of Makati Central Business District, Ayala Coop, and KonsultaMD’s network of doctors who committed a significant amount to support the advocacy.

Collectively, all their efforts will contribute to reaching the program’s long-term goal of supporting 100,000 families in four years through supplemental feeding and livelihood programs of mobilization partners Ayala Foundation, Caritas Philippines, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, and World Vision Philippines.

According to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, taken from

December 10 to 14, 2022, 3 million families reported experiencing involuntary hunger, an increase from 2.9 million in the previous quarter.

The Hapag Movement is a united fight against involuntary hunger through technology led by Globe and carried out with its partners, the Ayala Foundation, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, Caritas Philippines and World Vision.

It aims to rally Filipinos behind a collective effort to feed the hungry, as involuntary hunger persisted among millions of families, especially at the height of the pandemic.

This is part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development.

Those who would like to send support may donate via the New GlobeOne app using Globe Rewards points. Just follow these steps:

1. Open the New GlobeOne app.

2. Tap the Rewards button on your home screen.

3. Select Donations and search for Hapag Movement.

4. Choose your donation amount and press Redeem

Donations may also be sent via credit card on the Globe of Good website.

To learn more about the Hapag movement, visit https://www.globe.com. ph/about-us/sustainability/globe-of-good.html.

(PR | Globe)

Editorial&Opinion

History: My love for baseball and softball

On the other hand, softball evolved as an indoor version of baseball, originating from Chicago, Illinois, in the later part of the 19th century with a rolled-out boxing glove (as a ball) and broomstick and played barehanded.

The original intent of softball is to keep baseball players in shape during American winters by playing inside the gyms.

The inter-school sporting event competitively played with student-athletes from provincial public schools in the archipelago.

Further, the infamous Manila Carnival’s 1915 indoor baseball women’s champions hailed from the Misamis province.

investments.

Just a few days from now, with the help of Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez, we will start a softball clinic for young kids aged 8 to 12 years old.

HI there!

First, I am sorry I did not write last week. Our university’s annual intramurals kicked off, and I got tangled in coaching men’s softball for the College of Engineering Warriors.

Though we have not won the championship, the opportunity to coach the sport I dearly love to young men was an honor and privilege, and bagging the runner-up is a consolation.

Other than history, the other thing I passionately love is baseball and softball. During college, I played with the varsity, and when I was 22, I started coaching intramural softball.

I love baseball and softball,

and even my children are endearingly committed to the sport, leisurely, competitively, and passionately.

Well, it is not about the competitiveness that we became attached to it but the rich history of the sport internationally and its attachment to the Filipinos.

Originally, baseball evolved from a “folk bat and ball,” especially the “rounders game” played in England during the 18th century and brought by the British migrants in colonial North America.

During the mid-19th century, the sport developed to its modern version, and its popularity rose to become America’s favorite past-time.

In the Philippines, baseball and softball arrived early in the American occupation.

The first baseball game played in the Philippines took place on September 1898, a couple of weeks after the “Mock Battle of Manila” by American soldiers.

After establishing the public education system in the early 1900s, baseball and softball became a method by the American colonial government to assimilate the Filipinos into western culture.

Locally, during the American period in the Philippines, the Department of Public Instruction organized interprovincial athletic meets offering athletics, basketball, and baseball.

Again, my passion for baseball and softball is not only about the sport but primarily about its rich history.

Though it may have its colonial origins from Britain to the United States and to the United States to the Philippines, its narrative enabled the Filipinos to compete locally and internationally.

Currently, the Philippines ranked number 40 in the world rankings in men’s and 14th in women’s baseball division. While we ranked 17th in men’s and 15th in women’s softball.

I coached softball for almost 20 years, and baseball and softball are sports that do not require height but rely on mastery of fundamental skills and mental toughness.

For me, this is the sport where our government should invest much of its grassroots

I hope it will become an annual event and soon develop future Philippine team players in Cagayan de Oro, but I am looking forward to the whole of Region 10. (MT)

(Ryan Albert Ignacius “RAI” Bollozos Sanchez, 40, is a native of Cagayan de Oro City. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and currently finishing his Master of Arts in History at Xavier UniversityAteneo de Cagayan. He is currently a full-time faculty in the Department of General Education and Interdisciplinary Studies in Xavier Ateneo – teaching Readings in Philippine History, The Life, Works and Writings of Jose Rizal, and Interdisciplinary Studies subjects. He taught parttime at the Liceo de Cagayan University teaching Southeast Asian History and Government, and U.S. Government and Foreign Policy. You may reach him at rsanchez@xu.edu.ph)

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), for the longest time, had been ranked among the worst and most stressful airports in the world, with travelers complaining of long queues, numerous security checks, lack of seats, delayed flights, and delayed luggage release, among other things.

Last year, a survey conducted by travel website Hawaiian Islands named NAIA as the third most stressful airport in the Asia and Oceania region, next to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport in Australia and Tan Son Nhat International

Airport in Vietnam. The results were based on Google reviews of travelers on more than 500 airports across the world.

Another travel website, Guide to Sleeping in Airports, described NAIA last year as a “large and often frustrating airport.”

In its report, it advised travelers to expect to wait in numerous long lines before their flights and also warned of scams, particularly the prevalent “tanim bala” scheme where bullets were planted in a traveler’s bag by inspectors who “find” it and demand a bribe from the traveler to let him go.

This year, NAIA has repeatedly been in the news again, and again for all the wrong reasons.

In the first two days of 2023, more than 200 flights were canceled, rerouted, or delayed after an equipment mishap triggered a breakdown in the airport’s Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management or CNS/ATM system. According to reports culled from statements by the airport management, a blower for the uninterrupted power supply conked out and failed to power the CNS/ATM system.

The outage shut down communications, radar, radio, and internet access prompting the suspension of airport operations which affected 56,000 inbound and outbound travelers.

A few weeks ago, a video made the rounds on social media showing an X-ray screener taking money from the bag of a departing Thai passenger. The female screener was then seen inserting the bills into the pocket of another screener. The Thai

passenger confronted the first screener, who then returned the money worth around 20,000 yen or PHP8,000 and begged him to delete the video and not report it. The airport personnel involved were promptly relieved of their duties.

A few days after, another NAIA screener was caught on video taking the watch of a Chinese traveler from the tray that was run through the X-ray machine. The inspector at first denied the theft but CCTV footage showed otherwise.

Last Thursday, DWIZ radio reported that a police officer was under investigation for escorting a Chinese national through a highly restricted airport area using an official ID of the Philippine National PoliceAviation Security Group.

These incidents are putting the country in a very bad light before the global community and are hampering the efforts of the Department of Tourism to lure more international arrivals. This even prompted House Speaker Martin Romualdez to

urge Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to remove all personnel from the department’s Office for Transportation Security for causing international embarrassment in the country.

“It’s very embarrassing, alarming, and it really makes you furious. How can we even entice foreign tourists to our shores if no less than our airport personnel keep on victimizing them?” he was quoted as saying in a report.

“It sounds a bit extreme, but circumstances call for extreme measures. If government personnel commit criminal acts against foreign visitors the minute they land at the airport, it says a lot about our country, so it needs to be addressed sternly,” he added.

All these should serve as an eye-opener for the agencies concerned, particularly the Manila International Airport Authority which manages the main gateway, as well as the DOTr’s OTS, to enforce stronger

DTI-10 celebrates World Consumer Rights Day

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry-10 (DTI-10) celebrates World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) 2023 with activities aimed at encouraging consumers to transition to clean energy by making informed choices and taking actions that reduce energy consumption and promote renewable energy.

WCRD is celebrated every March 15 to raise global awareness about important consumer rights and needs.

It is led by Consumers International (CI), a membership organization for consumer groups around the world.

This year’s theme is “Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions.” This highlights the vital role of consumers as key actors in accelerating clean energy transitions.

In support of the WCRD celebration, the provincial offices of DTI-10 will offer free seminars on consumers’ rights and responsibilities for high school and college students in Bukidnon; a forum on consumerism for Grade 9-10 students in Camiguin; consumer advocacy to Pugaan Public School for Grade 9-10 students; and a webinar on urban gardening with Iligan City Agriculture’s Office for local price coordinating council (LPCC) Iligan members and DTI Lanao del Norte staff.

They will also conduct information dissemination and a consumer forum on clean energy in Misamis Occidental and “Talakayan” on clean energy with key stakeholders and consumer education in the academic setting in Misamis Oriental. (DTI-10 | PIA-10)

ICCIFI opens Trade Fair, showcases MSMEs products

By Charlene Collantes

ILIGAN CITY – In line with the celebration of National Women’s Month, the Iligan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Incorporation (ICCIFI) opened the 2023 Trade Fair, March 3, at Robinsons Place atrium.

The trade fair features the best products of 50 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the city, ranging from processed food, gifts, and housewares to fashion accessories, beverages, home style and living, and health and organic products.

ICCIFI President Reggie Punongbayan said the event is an opportunity for businesses, entrepreneurs, and community members to come together and showcase their products, services, and ideas.

“Iligan City is always been known for its rich culture and history. This event is a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of our community. As we explore the different exhibits and stalls, we see the ingenuity and creativity of our local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the students, who are also participating in this

event,” she said.

Meanwhile, lawyer Safrali Cabili, Department of Labor and Employment Lanao del Norte OIC provincial head, said the trade fair is a big accomplishment for the Iligan Chamber because it is one way of showcasing local products.

“Nowadays, not all of us would prefer an imported product, and I think this is the start of patronizing our own,” he said.

Moreover, City Councilor Marlene Young, chairperson of the Committee on Trade and Commerce Industry, extended her full support to the business community.

“Being the chairperson of the Committee of Trade and Commerce Industry, we would like to assure you that we will do our best to put our efforts, especially in my office, to pass the possible resolutions and ordinances to improve the life of our business owners in Iligan,” she said.

The MSMEs will continue to display their products until March 8. Other activities lined up include financial literacy, a cultural show, a women’s success story forum, and Kapehan sa Iligan Chamber. (CEC | PIA-10 | Lanao del Norte)

Fifty MSMEs in Iligan City display their local products during the trade fair. (JBM | PIA-10 | Lanao del Norte)

Travel&Tourism

Ilocos Norte offers new tourist attraction

LAOAG CITY – Ilocos Norte has a new attraction that both foreign and domestic tourists can include in their itineraries.

Tanap-Avis falls, a basin-like waterfall that forms part of a watershed forest reserved in the rural village of Tanap in Burgos town, is now made more accessible and safer for nature lovers with new walk boards, view deck and clean comfort rooms.

The latest “new normal” attraction which the provincial government spent PHP3 million to improve, is about 53 kilometers or an hour's drive away from Laoag City.

“We just opened the beautiful Avis falls with an improved eco-trail. We just have to add water now by fixing the upper stream [to direct the water to the falls],” Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc said in a recent interview.

Aside from Tanap-Avis falls, the town of Burgos also has Kaangrian waterfalls in Barangay Agaga.

Seen to foster tourism growth and economic recovery amid the global pandemic, Burgos Mayor Crescente Garcia urged locals and visitors alike to protect the natural beauty of the waterfalls by maintaining cleanliness and disposing of garbage properly.

Other outdoor attractions are being developed in the province to entice more visitors, like scenic bike trails and bird-watching activities.

There is also a continuing improvement of the Malacañang ti Amianan (Malacañang of the North) complex overlooking the magnificent Paoay Lake, which now boasts of an inflatable waterpark island and a Chinese garden located in one loop.

Guided by the Metro Ilocos Master Development Plan of 2020, the province aims to develop more outdoor sites and update the Transport Master Plan, incorporating bike lanes in areas with a growing traffic problem such as in downtown Laoag. (PNA)

LSU Ozamiz to hold 7 ANIMO Festivals until May 2023

By Shaine Mae Nagtalon

OZAMIZ CITY – As part of the National Arts Month celebration, La Salle University in Ozamiz City, through its Arts and Culture Center will spearhead seven ANIMO Festival series, particularly the Cine-Animo Film Festival, MusikANIMO Festival, DulANIMO Theater Festival, SulAtNIMO writing festival, sayAwNIMO dance festival, akapelANIMO contemporary acapella festival, and PintANIMO visual arts festival, which will run until May 2023.

During the Let’s Talk MisOcc, e-Talakayan virtual media forum, Feb. 27, via Zoom, Arts and Culture Center Director Denise Aguilar said the Animo Festival is a platform for students to explore and use art to tell stories and create conversations.

“With Animo festivals coming up, really that’s re-

ally going to be something that would open the minds of these students, and we will be opening the Animo festivals also to others who are not Lasallians,” Aguilar said.

She emphasized that when creating, it’s not just creating for show or just creating for entertainment, but it’s really creating what you want to convey.

The office of the Arts and Culture Center also challenged their students or art group and another artist to create something of high caliber and artistic excellence.

“You have to create something of high caliber because that’s what you show to the audience, and if the audience finds that

to be something unique and that has a wonderful message that comes across to them, then they will appreciate art even more,” according to the director.

Aguilar said one of their future projects is to reintegrate and create the cultural research group to tap local government units (LGUs) and do cultural mapping as a source for research materials for

productions and performances.

“I hope nga atong artists diri sa MisOcc nga dili sila mawad-an og paglaum ka’y daghan kaayo og istorya diri sa atong palibot sa MisOcc nga pwede gyud magamit sa inyohang creativity and your future projects,” she said.

(I hope that our artists here in MisOcc will not lose hope because there

are so many stories around in MisOcc that can really be used in your creativity and your future projects)

The flagship program of La Salle University-Ozamiz City when it comes to arts is ANI-A Harvest of the Arts Festival. It consists of four components, such as lectures, workshops, productions, and recognitions of the arts and culture, which are dubbed Hisgutanay,

Hulmahan, Pasundayag, and Pasidungog, respectively.

This year’s ANI-A festival is a four-month event that starts in February during National Arts Month and runs through May during the Philippine Fiesta Season, which highlights St. La Salle’s Feast. (SMRN | PIA-10 | Misamis Occidental)

Tanap-Avis falls in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. (Contributed file photo)

PhilHealth’s KonSulTa program held in Iligan

By Jamalodin Mutto

ILIGAN CITY – Through an awareness campaign held to culminate the celebration of National Health Insurance Month, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) enlightened the public on its new primary care benefit package, the Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (KonSulTa) program, February 27.

The program is in line with the Universal Healthcare Law, which states that all Filipinos are guaranteed

equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare goods and services and protected against financial risk.

“We want to inform everyone that every Filipino has a check-up at PhilHealth. The direction of PhilHealth is preventive. No one will pass away without going to the hospital or being able to see a doctor," said Delio Aseron II, PhilHealth-10 regional vice president.

The said forum gathered 50 hemodialysis patients and 50 motorcycle

drivers, who received their PhilHealth IDs.

Christine Mae Magno, PhilHealth Iligan head, said that over the years, the government has done its best to expand its capacity to provide quality health care to the Filipino people.

Meanwhile, Iligan Rep. Celso Regencia said in a video message that he is pushing for projects that will benefit the people of the city.

With the help of the program, members can avail themselves of free

DOH-10 holds competitions for heart, cancer awareness month

By Jasper Marie Rucat

CAGAYAN DE

ORO

CITY – The Department of Health-10 (DOH-10) through the Non-communicable Diseases Cluster highlighted the celebration of Heart and Cancer Awareness Month through various competitions, particularly Mr. and Ms. Healthy Hearts, Sayaw Galaw Zumba Challenge, and Tiktok Ka Heartner Dance Challenge, at Centrio Mall, here, on Feb. 28.

Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr., DOH-10 regional director, said this is to encourage the community to be active and exercise regularly, to share information about the benefits of regular exercise, and to urge the community to support the seven healthy habits for a healthy community.

There were also topics discussed, particularly “Ways in Keeping Your Heart Holistically Healthy” by Dr. Clevan Teresita Belisario and “Cancer Treatment Trends: What’s in and Out in Region 10” by Dr. Bernadette Marie Dy-Olaer.

ZALDARRIAGA | from p4 rules and disciplinary actions on erring employees to effectively stop the commission of such activities.

The state of our airport and the conduct of our people are among the things that leave a lasting impression on foreign visitors, and it is very critical that we get our act togeth-

Olaer said 189 out of 100,000 Filipinos are diagnosed with cancer, while four Filipinos die of cancer every hour.

Non-communicable diseases have become the country’s top causes of death, which include cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancer.

“Although cancer is common, only 5 to 10% of it is hereditary, meaning an individual has inherited an increased risk for cancer from one of their parents,” said Olaer.

Risk factors that can be changed include things like smoking, drinking, diet, and physical activity.

"This is what we should be changing since this is part of our lifestyle," the doctor added.

A total of 200 participants joined in the activity, including students in the medical field, national government agencies, local government units, and DOH hospitals in the region.

Meanwhile, various health services are provided at the venue, which

er, especially as we aim to change the reputation of the NAIA from being one of the worst to being one of the best in the world.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Presidential Communications Office.

check-ups, laboratory tests, and medicines in many different provider partners of PhilHealth.

Hence, Joshua Daniel Pitogo, a hemodialysis patient, is happy with the program.

“This has a big impact on our daily lives because our expenses have been reduced. We are so happy with the free services. There are free consultations and free medicines,” he said.

The program also has other activities such as KoSulTa member and employer registration, assistance member portal, and account creation assistance for the public. (JBM | PIA10 | Lanao del Norte)

includes the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC): Cardio Checkup; NMMC: free ECG; National Nutrition Council (NNC): free diet counseling; Liceo College of Medicine: cancer exhibit; and Anytime Fitness: free coach advice.

(JMOR | PIA-10)

BLUEPLASTIC MARKETING

Mr. and Ms. Healthy Hearts winners are from Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center-MHARSMC Dr. Javier Vitug, and Liza Co. (JMOR | PIA-10)

PH has so much athletic talents, ex-Gintong Alay head tells execs

MANILA – As track greats Lydia de Vega and Elma Muros Posadas along with Tokyo Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo have shown, there is so much outstanding local athletic

talents just waiting to be discovered who can excel on the world stage, according to former Project Gintong Alay head Michael Keon.

“There is so much talent in this country that

falls through the cracks in the system and it is really 'sayang',” noted Keon, who paid homage to the late De Vega as the former Asian sprint queen was installed in the Hall of Fame during the San Miguel

Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night held Monday at the packed Diamond Hotel grand ballroom. Now the Mayor of Laoag City in Ilocos Norte province, Keon revealed he had talked with Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairperson Richard “Dickie” Bachmann last week on how the sports agency could accomplish

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.

Tokyo Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz receives another Athlete of the Year award during the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night held at the Diamond Hotel grand ballroom on Monday (March 6, 2023). She was joined on stage by (L-R) Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) president Rey Lachica, Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission chair Richard Bachmann.

this goal.

“We talked about what is important to Philippine sports now. I advised him (Bachmann) that the PSC should concentrate together with the National Sports Associations because there is so much talent in this country,” said the country’s former sports czar of his dialogue with the PSC honcho in Laoag.

“I believe chairman Bachmann is receptive to our advice and will initiate this with the help of the NSAs,” said Keon in the grand affair presented by the PSC and Cignal TV, and backed by the POC, Tagaytay City Mayor Bambol Tolentino, MILO, Smart, MVP Sports Foundation, Rain or Shine, 1Pacman Representative Mikee Romero, Philippine Basketball Association, OKBet, ICTSI, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

A former athlete himself, Keon was grateful for the opportunity in shaping the celebrated athletic career of Diay, De Vega’s nickname, lamenting she could have attained greater heights had she focused on the women’s 400-meter race instead of the glamorous 100 and 200-meter sprint events.

“The first competition that Gintong Alay had was the UAAP vs. Gintong Alay which was in May 1980. Lydia de Vega ran the 400 meters, not the 100, not the 200. She broke the Asian Games record, the SEA Games record, and the Philippine record of 54.6 seconds at the age of 16,” he recalled.

“Now you all know that physical athletes mature at 22 to 26. Now if Lydia had continued to train in the 400 meters, she would have easily scored 50 seconds for the 400 and which would put her in an Olympic final… she would have been in my eyes an Olympic champion,” Keon said.

But he pointed out that “this does not detract from her being the Asian Games gold medalist twice, it does not detract from that,” referring to the comely sprinter’s back-to-back gold medals in the century dash in the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi and the 1986 Seoul Asiad.

“Having said that, she (De Vega) is still the pinaka-best athlete that this country ever had and I was fortunate enough to be a part in training her. I am happy with her legacy

and she really deserves this award,” Keon said.

For her part, Diaz, who was discovered at a young age in Zamboanga City carrying huge pails of water from the neighborhood water pump to help meet her poor family’s needs, underscored the hard work, dedication and sacrifice needed to hone her athletic skills to an elite level.

“Nagbunga ang lahat ng sacrifices, juggling ko sa studies, an athlete, at sa military (All my sacrifices bore fruit, juggling to my studies, as an athlete and in the military), and as a wife of my husband Julius Naranjo,” said the weightlifting standout, who was cited as PSA Athlete of the Year for the fourth time for her golden treble at the world weightlifting championships in Bogota, Colombia last December.

‘It shows that if you really want something, you work hard for it and inspired by those who believe in you and support you, can achieve great things in life,” said Diaz, who is set to graduate this year from College of St. Benilde with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Business Management.

“Nagbubunga na rin po yung pagsisikap ng seven years at ga-graduate na rin ako (After seven years of hard work, I will finally graduate),” said the athlete, who became an athletic scholar of the school after winning a silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, beaming. Now no longer a spring chicken at 32, Diaz said her aspiration of appearing in a fifth straight Olympics and bringing more honor for the country was far from over.

“Sa mga nagsasabi it’s too late to start, hindi ako naniniwala diyan (Those who said it’s too late to start, I don’t believe in that). Age is just a number. Ang importante dun (What is important here) is that we love what we are doing. For our fellow athletes, we are doing this for love of our country and for our sports,” she said.

She twitted at her critics who said that she was over the hill. “Sa mga nagbabash sa akin, mas na-challenge ako kaya okay lang (To my bashers, you are challenging me more).”

(PNA)

(Photo courtesy of PSA)