DILG taps business to boost gov’t’s anti-drug campaign

n By JOEL E. ZURBANO

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has announced it will work closely with big companies in the country to involve the private sector in the anti-drug campaign.

“We are coordinating with the different employers in the Philippines the big ones. And we are going to sign agreements with them as part of the BIDA Program,” said DILG secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., referring to the government’s revitalized anti-drug drive dubbed “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA).”

Abalos said private companies will have their own anti-drug programs and policies that are in line with the BIDA Program’s goals. An example, he said, is the conduct of random drug testing of employees.

“If one is found to be positive we will let the company handle the matter and enforce appropriate sanctions such as suspension, dismissal, or they can order their employee to undergo rehabilitation,” said the DILG chief.

“Just imagine if all companies do this, our country will definitely be clean and we will win the fight against drugs,” he added.

According to Abalos, the “BIDA Workplace” was inspired by the good collaboration between the government and the private sector during the pandemic, particularly in the implementation of COVID-19 testing.

Makati gov’t forges tie-up with CSMC

THE Makati City government has signed an agreement with the Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) for the accommodation of patients referred by the Ospital ng Makati (OsMak) who needed specialized care and services.

Mayor Abigail Binay said the partnership would allow for smoother and faster patient transfers between the two hospitals, allowing her constituents to receive more comprehensive healthcare.

“Our partnership with CSMC will benefit Makatizens immensely. It provides them easy access to top-tier healthcare services and a wider range of specialists. I want to ensure that quality healthcare is accessible for anyone who needs it—regardless of their ability to pay,” Binay said.

The mayor explained that while OsMak is an ISO-certified tertiary-level hospital, it still has limitations regarding medical services on its ancillary and diagnostic services. She said that the partnership with CSMC will facilitate continuity of care and ensure the best possible health outcomes for patients from OSMak.

Under the agreement, the patients must first be assessed and treated at OsMak before being referred to CSMC. OsMak will then send an LOA to CSMC detailing the patient’s medical needs. Residents can only be treated for specified medical services at CSMC and will be referred to OsMak for follow-up care.

Joel E. Zurbano

According to De Vega, at least 179 Filipinos have been repatriated from Sudan, leaving an estimated 100 more still trying to find a way out of the strife-torn country.

“But we are making a last call. We appeal to them to contact us. This may be their last chance to get out of harm’s way,” De Vega said, He disclosed that two buses were scheduled to pick up the Filipinos and bring them to Port Sudan.

However, he said there are still at least 100 Filipinos who remain in Sudan, and that they are making a "last call."

De Vega also said overseas Filipino work- ers who wish to find jobs in other countries may no longer be repatriated if they have working visas in their chosen countries.

Hundreds have reportedly died in nearly three weeks of fighting between forces loyal to Sudan's de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who leads the regular army, and his former deputy-turned-rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

There were several attempts to forge a truce between the warring camps since the war broke out last April 15, so far none held on.

ROYAL CROWNING ON LIVESTREAM. Narlyn and Nemie Mangubat, wearing replicas of royalty crowns, wave to the camera as they watch on a wide screen video set up at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City the coronation of British King Charles. The British Embassy spearheaded the event dubbed ‘Coronation Picnic.’ Danny Pata