CITY OF MALOLOS—The State of California and the province of Bulacan forge a sisterhood partnership to promote and explore educational, economic and cultural exchanges that will help bolster more growth and more developments in the two regions.  

 A program for the exchange of the framed copy of the resolutions was held on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City.

Gov. Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis Castro signed the Provincial Government of Bulacan Resolution No. 538-S’2023, “A resolution approving and accepting the sisterhood partnership/sister state partnership between the provincial government of Bulacan and the State of California and granting the Provincial Governor, Hon. Daniel R. Fernando, authority to represent the Provincial Government of Bulacan, to enter into and sign in the aforementioned sisterhood partnership /sister state partnership”.

California Senate Resolution “Sister State Relationship with the Philippines, Province of Bulacan” was signed by Senator Anthony Portantino of the 25^th District of California and other Senators and officials of the State of California. The resolution was introduced in the Senate on April 27, 2023 and was filed with the Secretary of the Senate on August 23, 2023.

Arch. Editha Fuentes, Chair of the City Planning Commission, City of Glendale, California and Ambassador of the California Senate for International Goodwill and Understanding said Bulacan is the first province the State of California sought to become a sister after one year of selection process and deliberations. Bulacan, bested Ilocos region and Davao province being the top three choices out of more than a dozen earlier pre listed choices of provinces and cities in the country.

“Bulacan is a first class province with outstanding qualities because it is very rich in history, heritage, arts, crafts, products and is one of the biggest exporters and importers with California that’s why it has become the top choice. I was really really moved that all the senators unanimously voted that it will be Bulacan,” Fuentes, who is 20 years Planning and Zoning Administrator to the City of Glendale, California, said in her message before California and Bulacan delegates.

98.33 percent literacy rate

Fernando said in the resolution that “Bulacan literacy rate is 98. 33 percent, translates to highly educated and highly trainable workforce, highly skilled craftsmen; and design-oriented and entrepreneurially skilled people have attained international recognition by the State of California”.

California giving high regard to this outstanding achievement of Bulacan “extends an invitation to the province of Bulacan, Philippines to join with California in a sister state relationship in order to encourage and facilitate mutually beneficial educational, economic, cultural exchanges,” the governor also said in the resolution.

“The Senate of the State of California, the Assembly therefore concurring, The Legislature, on behalf of the people of the State of California, hereby extends to the People of the Philippines Province of Bulacan an invitation to join with California in a sister state relationship in order to encourage and facilitate mutually beneficial educational, economic and cultural exchanges go also further promote the prosperity of both the regions and to improve international understanding and goodwill between both regions,” the California resolution stated.

Rich history, culture and heritage

The California officials not only recognized Bulacan’s high literacy rate but the province rich history and culture being the site of the Biak-na-Bato Republic, the site of the Malolos Congress in 1898, the Americans establishment of a civil government in the Philippines, where the country’s  first election was held in now the City of Baliwag on May 6, 1899 including the nearly 3.8 million population of Bulacan and as of 2020 and being the largest province in Central Luzon.

Highly skilled, entrepreneurially skilled people  

The resolution also stated that the high literacy rate of 98.33 percent, means that 2, 230,000 of Bulacan’s population are literate, has a highly educated, highly trainable workforce, highly skilled craftsmen and design-oriented and entrepreneurially skilled people.

Castro in his speech expressed his very warm gratitude to all the leaders of California who picked the province as sisterhood partner. This would mean more exposure and promotion of Bulacan products in the United States particularly in California, more students in all fields seeking expertise in California and more jobs for Bulakenyos and the rest of the Filipinos.

“We are very glad that they perceive Bulacan because of its glorious past, its present progress and developments and what it would be and give the world in the very near future. Certainly, Bulacan is the next big thing,” Castro added.

According to the most recent United States census, there are approximately 4 million Filipino Americans living in the United States with one-half or about 2 million living in California, many of whom are American citizens or dual citizens and the Legislature wishes to recognize the Philippine Province of Bulacan as a sister, the resolution also reads.

Fuentes sees exchanges in education, businesses and business ideas, modern technology, public relations, etc. “California still wants to learn as we also want help to contribute modern systems and techniques to improve lives better everyday,” she told NEWS CORE in an interview.

Fuentes who is now the Ambassador of the California Senate for International Goodwill and Understanding also told the media in the interview that they want to help the country improve its traffic and transportation, improve ways and methods in doing business and others. “Sa California walang masyadong red tape,” (In California, there is really not much red tape), she told the media.

“That the pact will identify areas of mutual interest, create a list of potential activities and create an initial list of public and private partners that will help to advance the purposes of the sister state agreement, including one or more entities that will serve as a facilitator general point of contact,” the California resolution also said.

“That the Secretary of the State of California will transmit copies of the said resolution to the Governor of California, the Lieutenant Governor of California, the Governor of the Philippine Province of Bulacan, the Bulacan Provincial Board and each Senator and Representative from California in the United States Congress,” it further said.

State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Wick Veloso announced that the GSIS is prepared to extend emergency loans to members and pensioners in CARAGA Region, Mindanao who were adversely affected by the 7.4 earthquake that rocked Surigao Del Sur last December 2.

Under the GSIS Emergency Loan program, qualified members who have no existing emergency loan may borrow up to P20,000. Those who have existing emergency loan balance may borrow up to P40,000 to pay off their previous emergency loan balance and will still receive a maximum net amount of P20,000.  Pensioners are also eligible to apply for a loan of P20,000.

Eligible applicants for the emergency loan are active members residing or working in the calamity area who are not on leave of absence without pay and have paid their premiums within the last six months prior to application. They should have no pending administrative or criminal case and a have a resulting net take-home pay of at least P5,000 after all the required monthly obligations have been deducted.

Old-age and disability pensioners residing in the calamity areas may also avail of the loan as long as their resulting net monthly pension after loan availment is at least 25% of their basic monthly pension and they have no outstanding loan being deducted from their monthly pension except pension loan.

The loan has a low interest rate of 6% and three-year payment term. With a redemption insurance feature, the balance will be deemed fully paid in the event of the borrower’s death, as long as payments are updated.

Members and pensioners may apply for the loan using the GSIS Touch mobile application, which is available for download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. They may also apply through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks, found in all GSIS offices, selected Robinson’s and SM supermalls, and large government offices such as the Department of Education. Over-the-counter application will be allowed if the GWAPS kiosk is offline or if the borrower has lost or defective ecard, unreadable biometrics or has temporary-issue eCard.

For further details, members and pensioners may visit the GSIS website (www.gsis.gov.ph) or Facebook page (@gsis.ph); email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph; or call the GSIS Contact Center at 8847-4747 (if in Metro Manila) or 1-800-8-847-4747 (for Globe and TM subscribers) or 1-800-10-847-4747 (for Smart, Sun, and Talk ‘N Text subscribers).

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS – Sa paghahangad na mapataas ang kanilang kahusayan at mas mapabuti ang kanilang mga kakayahan, nagsagawa kamakailan lang ang Provincial Civil Security and Jail Management Office (PCSJMO) ng ‘Custodial Intervention Seminar in the Bulacan Provincial Jail’ (BPJ).

Sa pangunguna ni retired Police Col.  Rizalino A. Andaya, ang pinuno ng PCSJMP, may kabuuang 74 na tauhan mula sa BJP custodial force ang sumailalim sa matinding pagsasanay kung saan nagkaroon sila ng pagkakataong palakasin ang kanilang kumpiyansa sa pagtugon sa iba’t ibang sitwasyong maaaring maganap habang sila ay gumaganap sa tungkulin habang nirerespeto ang karapatang pantao ng mga persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at kung paano ito ipatutupad sa detention facility, gaano man kaseryoso ang inakusang krimen sa kanila.

Kabilang sa mahahalagang itinuro ni Andaya ay ang tamang paghawak ng baril kabilang ang wastong tindig, basic principle sa sight picture, tamang gripping, squeezing at tamang paghinga; handcuffing, weaponry at crowd control para sa pagkakataong magkaroon ng close quarters battle katulad ng pagkakataong may nakatakas na PDL; tamang approach sa jailbreaks, riot at mga kalamidad.

Sa kanyang mensahe, sinabi ni Gob. Daniel R. Fernando na sa pamamagitan ng pamumuhunan sa iba’t ibang pagsasanay at pagpapaunlad ng mga jail guard, hindi lamang tinitiyak ng lalawigan ang kaligtasan at seguridad ng mga correctional facility kundi nakatutulong din ito sa recovery at eventual societal reintegration ng mga nasa ilalim ng kanilang pangangasiwa.

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, BULACAN—Police seized P212,000 worth of shabu and arrested sixteen suspects during a series of anti-illegal drug operations since yesterday.

PLt. Col, Jacqueline Puapo, OIC Bulacan police director said successful drug sting operation by the City of San Jose Del Monte police in Libis, Zone 2, Barangay Muzon yielded 29 sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 12 grams and with a street value of  P81,600 including marked money, were confiscated from five arrested suspects.

Similarly, a team of anti-illegal drug operatives led by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit/ Provincial Intelligence Unit (PDEU/PIU) together with Bocaue and City of Malolos police station arrested a 29-year-old drug dealer from Batia, Bocaue, after a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Sumapang Matanda in Malolos City at around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday. Authorities confiscated three sachets of suspected shabu valued at about P68,000 and marked money.

Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) operatives in City of Baliwag, Pandi, Pulilan, San Ildefonso, and City of Malolos City arrested eight more drug dealers who yielded P48,000 worth of shabu.

Similarly, two 2 other individuals were also arrested by anti-drug operatives of Plaridel police after a buy-bust operation resulting in the confiscation of four 4 sachets of suspected marijuana valued at P15,240 including marked money.

All arrested individuals and the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the Bulacan Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) for appropriate examination. Criminal complaints for violations of R.A. 9165 will be filed against the suspects.

Scholars from Bulacan took part in the SM Foundation’s Presentation of Graduates recently held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The remarkable event was attended by 397 college scholars-graduates and their respective families, the esteemed partners, and SM Foundation heads. Out of 397 scholars, 135 graduated with Latin honors, while 26 were recognized as academic distinction awardees.

Notable scholars from Bulacan include graduates from Bulacan State University, namely Christian Paolo Pascual, BS in Mathematics, and Rg Emplamado, BS in Accountancy, both of which are Summa Cum Laude, followed by Jenny Rose Zamora, BSEd Major in English, Magna Cum Laude, and Claricel Joy Peralta, BS in Accounting Technology, Cum Laude. Also from BSU were David Meinard Reynoso, BS in Information Technology; Jasper Garcia, BS in Electrical Engineering; and Piolo Batin, BS in Civil Engineering. Meanwhile, scholar-graduates from Baliuag University include Art Joseph Jumaquio, BS in Mechanical Engineering, and Lyndon Tadeo, BS in Accountancy.

In her address, SM Foundation’s Executive Director for Education Programs, Carmen Linda Atayde, emphasized the transformative power of education: “Behind these impressive statistics lie stories of triumph over challenges, stories of dreams pursued against all odds. These scholars, hailing from humble backgrounds, have shown that with opportunity and hard work, one can break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.”

Atayde also recognized the support of mentors, educators, and the Sy family, noting how their efforts have paved the way for success, not only for today’s graduates but also for the communities they represent.

Echoing the vision of the SM group’s founder, Tatang Henry Sy Sr., SMFI Executive Director Debbie Sy also emphasized the importance of education as a tool for social mobility and poverty alleviation.

“As we stand here today, let us remember the vision of Tatang, who believed deeply in the power of education to break the shackles of poverty,” she said.

Addressing the scholars, Sy reminded the SM scholars of their role as catalysts for change in their communities: “You are the living proof of the transformative power of education. The SM Foundation Scholarship Program’s goal is not just academic success but to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.”

“Now, armed with knowledge, be agents of social good in your communities. Your journey doesn’t end here; it’s a new beginning, and we can’t wait to witness the positive impact you’ll create,” she capped.

The SM Foundation’s Scholarship Program, established in 1993, has provided financial and holistic support to over 8,000 college and technical-vocational scholars, empowering them to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the betterment of their families.

This cements the SM group’s commitment to social good in the last 40 years, ensuring that deserving students, especially from low-income communities, have access to quality education and the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.

NLEX Corporation, a proponent of progress, corporate sustainability, and road safety, once again gathered transportation stakeholders and industry partners for an insightful day of business opportunities, learning, and collaboration at the 2023 NLEX Transport Con in Westin Manila.

After the success of its launch last year, this much-anticipated conference further strengthened the transportation industry by providing an avenue to discuss the latest news on innovations, technological advancements, sustainable practices, and impact of regulatory and policy changes. This also served as an opportunity to bond and work together with industry partners and stakeholders and go “Beyond the Road,” this year’s conference theme.

To inspire the participants, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation President, and Chief Executive Officer Rogelio L. Singson opened the conference by sharing the company’s initiatives and efforts in promoting sustainability and how the company stays engaged in public service and community engagement.

“We want to show you that MPTC-NLEX is more than just a toll road, we go beyond. In fact, what we want to do is to make sure that our partners, kayo in the transport sector, will be able to address and reach out to the different communities with us, so that, together, we will provide the life line, connecting people, connecting communities, and at the end of the day, help our nation grow,” said Singson.

Over 200 participants from 50 companies, composed of company owners and heads of various industries, thought leaders, and key people in government, collaborated in sharing innovative ideas on how to elevate the country’s transportation system by making it sustainable, transformative, and future-ready.

Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Annika Thunborg shared the sustainable trends in transportation and logistics in Sweden. She said that changing mindsets is the key to efficient public transport systems.

“The transportation companies really need to work together. You all must agree that you would like to have a good system in place that is beneficial to everyone. This is the challenge that I see as an outsider, in Metro Manila in particular,” said Thunborg.

She also added that, “The vision needs to be what is best for the society, what is best for Metro Manila, not what is best for me and my company. It is important to have a long-term vision for what is best for the city.”

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., speaking on behalf of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, discussed the ongoing and upcoming public-private partnership projects to modernize the country’s infrastructure.

“Physical connectivity remains a budget priority, with more than 43 percent of the proposed national budget allocated for road networks and railway systems,” he said.

Noting that, “Under the stewardship of President Ferdinand Bongbong R. Marcos Jr., the government continues to seek ways in providing the country with a reliable and efficient transport service. The administration is heavily investing in mass transport systems such as the North-South Commuter Railway system, the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1, LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project, the Philippine National Railways South Long-Haul Project, and the MRT 3 Rehabilitation Project.”

Other speakers who also gave their insights and shared their expertise on sustainable infrastructure and innovative transportation solutions were Clean Air Asia Sustainable Transport Lead Raymund Paolo Abad, DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Anneli Lontoc; Mober Technology, Pte Inc. Founder and CEO Dennis Ng; American Chamber of Commerce Philippines Chair Atty. Arnel Casanova; JICA Senior Representative Fukui Keisuke; MPTC Chief Transformation Officer Roberto V. Bontia; UP NCTS Professor & Research Extension Fellow Dr. Adrian Roy L. Valdez; Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines President Nastaran Reza Nazar Zadeh; and MPT Mobility Vice President for Smart Mobility Solutions Mark Richmund de Leon.

Mr. Obet Martin of Pasang Masda said that he appreciates how MPTC and NLEX look for new ideas to improve its technology and service.

“Saludo ako sa Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation dahil ‘yong mga plano niyo ay para sa ikabubuti ng mga motorista at lahat ng mga gumagamit ng kalsada,” he said.

NLEX President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista concluded the fruitful day, thanking NLEX valuable stakeholders and industry leaders.

“Labis ang kasiyahan ng Team NLEX na nakadalo kayo sa conference ngayong araw. Your presence spelled the difference in making this conference a big success. Together, we aim to champion sustainability, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility in the pursuit of our transport and energy-related goals,” Bautista said.

“Moving forward, we hope that Transport Con 2023 will be a source of inspiration to be proactive and to make a difference in the space and within the sphere we operate in. With our collective effort, we can build a nation that is progressive and sustainable, having learned from all the insights made available in this Conference,” Bautista added.

NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).

Amid the reported global rise in respiratory illnesses, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva has filed a resolution seeking an inquiry on the Philippines’ preparedness to handle such infections.

Senate Resolution No. 874 highlights the need to discuss the systems in place to detect, prevent, minimize, treat and contain the reported surge in the illness, and the capacity of the healthcare system to handle an outbreak of cases.

“Handa po ba tayo sa respiratory illnesses na ito?  Wala po bang dapat ikabahala ang ating mga kababayan?” Villanueva said.

“We have seen how the COVID-19 pandemic shocked the world, and its impact was staggering. We don’t want a repeat of the COVID experience,” he added.

The increase in the incidence of respiratory illnesses was reported in China in November 2023, which was seen as an effect of the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. 

The United States is also seeing an uptick in sick visits in some hospitals.  Meanwhile, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control also noted that rates of respiratory illness, influenza-like illnesses and/or acute respiratory infection were increasing in many European Union and European Economic Area countries.

In the Philippines, the Philippine General Hospital in Manila noted an increase in cases of pneumonia in the hospital.

The Department of Health (DOH) said it has also observed an increase in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) entering the last trimester of the year.

According to the Health department, the recorded cases of ILI from January to October 2023 were 45 percent higher compared to the cases in the same period in 2022.

“The emergence of new flu strains or other viruses capable of triggering pandemics typically starts with undiagnosed clusters of respiratory illness. In fact, both SARS and COVID-19 were first reported as unusual types of pneumonia,” Villanueva’s resolution said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made significant disruptions in health service delivery particularly in resource-limited countries. The disruptions were due not only to the direct effects of the COVID-19 pandemic but also on the pressure it put on our healthcare systems,” it added.

The Majority Leader said that during the surge in cases, the Philippine College of Emergency Medicine showed that emergency department operations were at 110-150 percent rate.

In contrast, DOH estimates that facilities operating at 85% of their capacity are already considered under critical level of operation.

“The strain at the height of the pandemic was not only on our hospitals, but also on our healthcare workers who have to endure the longer work hours and limited resources to attend to the sick,” Villanueva said.

In his resolution, Villanueva called on the DOH and concerned authorities “to enforce minimum public health standards and safety protocols to stem the rising number of cases and arrest any possibility of an outbreak.”

“There is also a need to ensure that there are adequate supplies of medicines and personal protective equipment,” he said.

“These should come with intensified health information, education, and communication programs on the prevention of communicable respiratory diseases, including vaccination drives against influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia and other vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases,” Villanueva added.

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS – Bilang resulta ng kanilang mahalagang kontribusyon sa lipunan, kinilala ng Department of Social Welfare and Development ang Tahanang Mapagpala ng Immaculada Concepcion Foundation, Inc. mula sa Lungsod ng Malolos bilang isa sa 10 Outstanding Social Work Agencies (SWAs) and Auxiliary Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWADAs) sa bansa sa isinagawang awarding ceremony nito sa SM City Novaliches, Quezon City kahapon.

Sa kanilang pangunahing layunin na magbigay ng tahanan at pangkalahatang suporta sa mga nakatatandang kababaihan na napabayaan, naghihirap, walang tirahan, disadvantaged o may may karamdaman, ang Tahanang Mapagpala ay isang center-based na institusyon na kaanib ng Diocese of Malolos na pinamamahalaan ng Sisters of the Divine Shepherd (SDS).

Samantala, tumanggap ang lahat ng mga pinarangalan ng plake at P50,000 halaga na cash incentive at kabilang sa mga ito ay ang Little Children of the Philippines Foundation, Inc.; Unbound-Zamboanga Project Foundation, Inc.; Kasanag Daughters Foundation, Inc.; at ang Mahintana Foundation, Inc. para sa Outstanding SWAs habang ang pinarangalan naman sa Outstanding Auxiliary SWADAs ay ang Child’s Trust Is Ours To Nurture (ACTION), Inc.; Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute, Inc.; IPI Foundation, Inc.; Living New Philippines, Inc.; at ang University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Foundation, Inc. (UPMAF).

Sa kanyang bating pagtanggap, inialay ni Gladys Sta. Rita, pangulo ng Tahanang Mapagpala ng Immaculada Concepcion Foundation, Inc., ang pagkilala sa mga isponsor, benepisyaryo, manggagawa at tauhan ng foundation.

“Malaking bagay po ang napakahalagang pagkilalalang ito na may bonus pang P50k financial incentive sa mga nanalo. Nakakataba po ito ng puso sa aming lahat bagama’t nagtratrabaho po tayo ng kusang loob at walang hinihintay na kapalit. Salamat sa mga lola ng Tahanang Mapagpala, nang dahil sa kanila ay nabigyang pagkakataon kami na makapaglingkod sa Panginoon,” ani Sta. Rita.

Naitatag ang Tahanang Mapagpala ng Immaculada Concepcion Foundation Inc. noong 2001 ng Senate Spouses Foundation Inc. sa pangunguna ng dating pangulo nitong si Lourdes LL. Pimentel at yumaong dating Project Chairperson Susana B. Ople.

Scientists from the University of the Philippines (UP) are gently reminding the public to thoroughly wash and cook their market-bought fresh produce and seafood as a precautionary measure against parasites.

The parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, called Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is one of the most infectious parasites in the world: it affects almost a third of the world’s population, most especially vulnerable groups such as the pregnant and immunocompromised. While most people infected with the disease do not present any symptoms, some may suffer flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. But in severe cases, toxoplasmosis can cause inflammation of the brain and blurry vision. Infected parents’ newborn infants may suffer from excessive fluid in the brain and developmental issues. Fortunately, treatments are available for toxoplasmosis, hence symptomatic individuals are advised to seek timely medical attention.

Cielo Emar M. Paraoan, Ren Mark D. Villanueva, and Marie Christine M. Obusan of the UP Diliman College of Science’s Institute of Biology (UPD-CS IB) found that T. gondii is fairly common in vegetables and oysters that they sampled from local markets in Central Luzon. Among the vegetables tested were lettuce, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, and mung bean sprouts.

Six out of sixty (10%) collected vegetable samples contained traces of T. gondii, with leafy vegetables found to be more contaminated than root vegetables. Similarly, for oysters, 9.09%  or four out of 44 samples were also contaminated. The researchers noted that the T. gondii traces found on both vegetables and oysters are of Type I genotype. The researchers aim to investigate further the genotypes of T. gondii that will be detected in the country, as Asia is reported to have a high degree of genetic diversity.

The study provides evidence that T. gondii may  be transmitted through vegetables and oysters that are being sold in supermarkets and public markets. However, the researchers noted that they only tested a small sample size, and more studies with bigger sample sizes must be conducted. At present, they have an ongoing study that detects the parasite  in environmental samples.

The study also underscores the importance of adequately preparing fresh produce and seafood to eliminate not just T. gondii but also other parasites that may be present. The authors also emphasized the need for better management of biological pollutants.

“The most sustainable approach for reducing the risk of T. gondii exposure through the consumption of seafood should focus on reducing T. gondii contamination at its source, as well as mitigating the flow of contaminated runoff to water bodies,” the authors said in their paper, published in the October 2023 issue of the Philippine Journal of Science.

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact media@science.upd.edu.ph.

References:

Paraoan CE et al. 2023. Molecular Detection and Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Ready-to-eat Vegetables and Oysters in Central Luzon, Philippines. Philipp J Sci 152(5): 1989–1998. https://doi.org/10.56899/152.05.36

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, June 9). CDC – toxoplasmosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/index.html

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, November 3). Toxoplasmosis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxoplasmosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20356249

DUBAI, UAE – Clean energy and climate advocates in Dubai on Thursday welcomed the Philippines’ confirmation that it is signing a global pledge to accelerate renewable energy at the ongoing 28th Conference of Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

On December 2nd, the COP Presidency announced the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge with the endorsement of at least 118 countries. The pledge supports a global goal to triple renewable energy capacity to at least 11 TW and double energy efficiency by 2030. As the first week of negotiations ended, the Philippines and other nations communicated their support, bringing the total number of signatories to nearly 130 as of writing.

“As it is, the Philippines is a leading force in the advancement of renewables in the Southeast Asia region. We welcome the government’s decision to finally sign the Philippines up as a signatory to the pledge, and urge it to translate this into our overall policy directions by ditching coal and gas, and halting any promotion of dangerous technologies like nuclear energy. We are a country capable of more than tripling our use of renewable energy – capable, in fact, of a 100% transition to renewables in a manner compatible to 1.5°C. It’s high time for the country to seize that potential,” said Avril De Torres, Deputy Executive Director of the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), citing a Climate Analytics study detailing a 1.5 °C-aligned Philippine power sector scenario.

A report published by CEED at COP 28 reveals that the Philippines, alongside Vietnam, is developing the biggest plans for renewables in the region, with the country’s planned wind and solar capacity alone accounting for nearly 44% of all 328 GW of planned renewable energy capacity in Southeast Asia. Upscaling of renewables, however, is undermined by similarly ambitious plans for gas in the country, with it accounting for about a third of all planned gas capacity in Southeast Asia.

“The Philippines made a step forward, and we are hopeful that it will not stop there. The entry of clean and affordable energy from renewables must come alongside the rapid phaseout of coal, gas, and oil. We hope the Philippine government will use the remaining days of negotiation to build on this pledge, and use its voice to fight for a COP that delivers global commitment to end the age of fossil fuels. It is what is needed to avert worse loss and damage, which are disproportionately suffered by poor and vulnerable peoples,” said Bishop Gerry Alminaza, Chair of the National Laudato Si’ Program of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP-NLSP).

“Any commitment to ramp up renewable energy development must be measured against the speed and scale necessary to keep the hope for a livable future alive. This pledge alone would not be enough for the Philippine government to be able to claim that it is fully and genuinely acting for the best interest of climate-vulnerable Filipinos. The climate leadership needed by Filipinos today and in generations to come from the Philippine government is a leadership that strives for an end to the use of fossil fuels in our country and the world,” said Krishna Ariola, Founding Convenor of Youth for Climate Hope (Y4CH).