Season's Greetings

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LTO targets colorum PUVs, choosy cabbies

EDITORIAL

Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II yesterday ordered a crackdown on colorum public utility vehicles (PUVs) and taxi drivers who refuse to convey passengers during the holidays.
    Mendoza said that under “Oplan Pasaway,” LTO personnel would be deployed in malls and other places of convergence in Metro Manila and other urban areas in the country in order to run after colorum vehicles and abusive cab drivers.
    Mendoza noted that there is always an upsurge of complaints against taxi drivers who refuse to convey passengers during the Christmas season.
    “With the expected surge in the volume of passengers this holiday season, colorum PUVs are also expected to proliferate. That’s why we ordered our personnel to go after them,” Mendoza said.
    In his order to LTO Law Enforcement Service director Francis Almora, Mendoza said there should be enough LTO enforcers deployed even after office hours, especially at night when the number of passengers increases.
    According to Mendoza, strategic deployment is also necessary in order to maximize the presence of LTO enforcers, especially in Metro Manila, where there are a number of malls and other places of convergence.
    Mendoza added that the mere presence of uniformed LTO enforcers is enough to compel erring taxi drivers to behave and deter operators and drivers of colorum PUVs from engaging in illegal activities.
    “We will also coordinate with the Philippine National Police through its Highway Patrol Group, as well as mall security managers, in order to augment our enforcers in this operation,” he added.
    He said that the public should immediately report abusive taxi drivers to LTO enforcers, police and mall guards in the area.

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Christmas stories

BEHIND THE SCENES

Alfred P. Dizon

Here are Christmas stories to inspire us despite these jaded times.  The season celebrating the Holy Child’s birth has been reduced to commercial events, compulsory gift-giving, stressful parties or prefabricated greetings.
    Here are some Christmas stories forwarded on the Internet that bring back the touching, endearing and inspiring qualities of Christmases.
The Portrait
 Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate.
    The widowed elder man looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son’s trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.
    As winter approached, war engulfed the nation and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again.
    Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season – a season that he and his son had so looked forward to – would visit his house no longer.
    On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand.
    He introduced himself by saying, "I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you."
    As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the man’s son had told everyone of his father’s love of fine art.
    "I’m an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this."
    As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man’s son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man’s face in striking detail.
    Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace.
    A few hours after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars of paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given.
    During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that even though his son was no longer with him, the boy’s life would live on because of those he had touched. He would soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart.
    As the stories of his son’s gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums around the world clamored. He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received.
    The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation. With the collector’s passing, and his only son dead, those paintings would be sold at an auction.     According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned on Christmas day, the day he had received his greatest gift.
    The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent.
"Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke.
    From the back of the room came, "Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the good stuff." More voices echoed in agreement.
    "No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer. "Now, who will take the son?"
    Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. "Will you take $10 for the painting? That’s all I have. I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it."
    "I have $10. Will anyone go higher?" called the auctioneer. After more silence, the auctioneer said,     "Going once, going twice. Gone."
    The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on and bid on these treasures!"
    The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room.
    Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars of art here! I demand that you explain what’s going on here!"
    The auctioneer replied, "It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son gets it all."
    This Christmas, will you take the Son? – Author unknown

Two babes in a manger
In 1994, two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach in Russia. They were invited to teach at many places including a large orphanage. About 100 boys and girls who had been abandoned, abused, and left in the care of a government-run program were in the orphanage. The two Americans relate the following story in their own words:
    It was nearing the holiday season, 1994, time for our orphans to hear, for the first time, the traditional story of Christmas. We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem, that finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable where the Baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger.
    Throughout the story, the children and orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word.
    Completing the story, we gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins I had brought with me. No colored paper was available in the city.
    Following instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel, cut from a worn-out nightgown an American lady threw away as she left Russia, were used for the baby’s blanket. A doll-like baby was cut from tan felt we had brought from the United States.
    The orphans were busy assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help. All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat. He looked to be about six years old and had finished his project.
    As I looked at the little boy’s manger, I was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger. Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger.
    Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at this completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously. For such a young boy who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately – until he came to the part where Mary put the Baby Jesus in the manger.
    Then Misha started to ad lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, "And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no mama and I have no papa, so I don’t have any place to stay.
    "Then Jesus told me I could stay with Him. But I told Him I couldn’t, because I didn’t have a gift to give Him like everybody else did. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept Him warm, that would be a good gift.
"So I asked Jesus, ‘If I keep You warm, will that be a good enough gift?’ And Jesus told me, ‘If you keep Me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me.’
    "So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and He told me I could stay with Him – for always."
    As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed with tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed.
    The little orphan had found Someone who would never abandon nor abuse him, Someone who would stay with him – for always.
    I’ve learned that it’s not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts. – Author unknown
    Merry Christmas and a Happy New  Year to All!
 

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The Experiences of Christmas

CULTURAL NOTES

Richard Kinnud

It was one fine late afternoon and I was heading home.  The sky is mostly cottony and the western horizon was pinkish due to the glimmers of the setting sun.  My body was getting warm from more than a quarter of an hour trekking up the mountainside and with some load, goods I got from a Christmas program I just attended.  Some sweat springing from my head, a flat terrain padded by finely growing grasses, and a lingering breeze serenading the mountainside were too much a temptation for rest.   I sat but eventually found myself lying on my back and my load beside me.  A while ago in the village Christmas program, I got some bundles of backyard-grown vegetables, some ganta of legumes, some bottle of locally brewed fruit wine and a rooster.  I also brought a wrap from what is left of the boiled sweet potato served during the occasion.  And then my ‘present’ from the ‘exchange-gift’ portion of the party which I suppose was some item bought from the city and wrapped with a paper with pictures of Santa Claus all over it.
    The city was overlooking from where I laid down. There was crowd of houses which looked like pile of Christmas gifts where at plain view.  And as the pinkish horizon started turning greyish, houses started to be invisible, replaced by flickers of light. Soon they were like a cluster of stars that has descended on the dark mountain.  I was trying to spot where were the lights of a giant mall and the lights of the Christmas Villages but I could not find them.  When seen from afar, the lights do not say anything about Christmas.
    When I left the city for this furlough to the mountain vilage, I saw that every corner seems to speak of Christmas.  The streets, the parks, public buildings, business establishments and residences are full of decors - lanterns of different shapes and colors, the star, the Belen, and texts saying Merry Christmas/Happy New Year.  At night, these are complemented by lights.  The malls and major department stores are offering Christmas sale and other Christmas packages and the people seem to be ready to spend.  Institutions, organizations, neighborhood, and fraternities were having their Christmas parties featuring gifts pegged at expensive peso terms and elaborate food preparations although some claim they have toned it down in deference to recent calamities that struck the nation.  The air and radio frequencies are filled with Christmas music. 
    And at nine days before Christmas, the church bells will start to ring every evening or morning inviting lovers, families, friends, and other church goers to the so-called Misa de Gallo (literally meaning rooster’s masses) and at the same time enjoy native delicacies like arozcaldo, pansit, puto, guinataan and tupig sold outside the churches after the mass.  It is safe to assume that the city folk is internalizing the significance of every decoration,symbol, or routine to their lives although it was Christmas slogan of a most patronized giant establishment says "Everything here is like Christmas" which implies a possible vagueness of the festivities.
    There in the village, the new leaves and flowers springing from trees, shrubs, and grasses, and the seedbeds greening at the rice fields served as the Christmas decorations of the thoroughfares.  Only the public school, the churches, and a few houses had Christmas lanterns.  There were parties too held to celebrate Christmas but homegrown vegetables, fruits, and fowls are the very much sought Christmas gifts.  A few though thinks that items bought from the city are a much better kind.  Food at those parties would usually feature rice cakes, boiled potatoes, boiled rice, meat from poultry boiled with vegetables from the garden and often mixed with sun-dried pork, and fried fish from the pond fields.  These approximates the elaborate food preparation of the city folk although many of them wished they had the food from the city.  There is no church bell ringing for the Misa de Gallo and people willing for a sacrifice got to walk to the next village where the central mission station is for them to attend a mass.      The decors, symbols, and routines here seem to be closer to what has been created for humanity although many wish they can do or at least have semblance to the adornments in the city that human creativity can have.
    I tried to look for fireflies around but there was none.  In my childhood, there was abundance of it such that when they fly around a tree at night, that tree would look like a Christmas tree.  I hope it was because of the coldness of the season that none of them are flying for they love the warm weather but many would say it was because of changes in the environment particularly pollution that made them disappear.  I surveyed the mountainside wishing I could see one.  Then I saw some lights flying although they were not fireflies.  The lights were soaring above the city.  The giant malls must have staged some fireworks to attract more customers to profit from in the guise of celebrating the season of Christmas.
    Then the rain fell so hard. I sat up, gathered my loads and tried to run.  But my feet refused to straighten up.  Then I woke up and the furlough at the mountainside was simply a hallucination. 
Suddenly, I yearned for my hometown which is ten hours away by bus from this town center where I am.  The reality was that I was at I slept while attending a Christmas program.  An intermission was just finished and the next part of the program is a Christmas message from one of the institution’s VIPs.  There was a lull between the two parts as it seemed something went wrong with the sound system.  This allowed me to catch up with the conversation of two guys in front of me..
    Guy 1 was telling Guy 2 that he does not actually believe in Christmas.  His church preacher told him that Christmas is a deception.  The 25th nor any date in December is impossibly the date of the birth of Christ.  He went on to cite the bible verse which states that Jesus, Saviour of man, was born at a time when His parents were going for a civil registration as ordained by a ruler.  It snows in December in the place the Bible tells where Jesus was born.  It would have been impossible for the ruler to ordain something that inconveniences his people, Guy 1 asserted.  Guy 2 appreciated the logic but simply asked Guy 1 if he also believes in climate change.
    The speaker on stage, after the sound-system glitch was fixed, started his message with the line, “Jesus is the reason for Christmas.”  Then went on to elaborate on this but I got more interested with the discussions of Guy 1 and Guy 2.  Guy 1, using the statements of the speaker, raised a point that if indeed Jesus the Saviour is at the center of our lives, why should people venerate Him with a deceptive season.  He further raised the issue on Christmas being of pagan origin including the symbols such as the Christmas tree, and the mistletoe.  Guy 1 was even precise on pagan sources of these things.  Guy 2 agreed that indeed believers of Jesus Christ should not participate in pagan practices.  Guy 2 however asserted that it does not mean people should stop celebrating Christmas for people should instead conquer the season for His glory.  Christians of the past did just that, Guy 2 concluded.
    The speaker went on to say the challenge of seeing Jesus amidst the vagueness of things, and amongst the work of our human hands whether it be coming closer to creation or daring human creativity.  And if the ‘seeing of Jesus’ is experienced, then that is the truth about Christmas. 
    Christmas therefore is not because one religion or some sects support it even if others do not.  It is a human experience, part of living, loving, and even dying.  And as there are various human experiences, there are certainly then many ways of celebrating Christmas.
 
 

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Reason for the season

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO

March L. Fianza

These times when information is as fast as clicking your internet device, the meaning of Yuletide celebrations from December to January with Christmas in the middle, has become so many that they even have doubts about the date of the birth of Jesus Christ.

    Blame that on research based on historical data and stories in the Bible and those told in many other religious reading material and maybe hold Mr. Google responsible too. Christmas sometimes brings back the blues and heartaches as it rekindles the abundant and happy past.     The Yuletide season also becomes sad for some whose loved ones are no longer with them.

    But if recent research could change history that would soon be acceptable or not, I still believe that Christmas, whether it fell on any month of the year, was designed to remind us to love and give to those who have less in life.

    During the Yuletide Season, people would decorate their houses, prepare food and gifts, and be merry. But in the middle of the jolly atmosphere, there are people who are reminded of their lack of material benefits.

    They pity themselves because of their misfortune. Their children peek through fences of rich neighbors partying in the garden and exchanging gifts. They dream that someday they will have food on their table. But while they do not have that, they think that life is unfair and curse it.

    Every time Christmas comes and the New Year approaches, rich and poor children everywhere expect to receive gifts. But the children of the rich and well-off are the ones who are assured of that prospect. And so for every shiny gift that the rich kid receives, the poor child becomes poorer.

    It is quite disturbing when celebrities show off on TV the shiny gifts that they give or receive. The poor who watch these shows certainly find their condition more reduced and feel less fortunate even more.

    We all love to receive gifts, but I sometimes wonder if the practice of gift-giving during Christmas has been implanted wrongly in us since the start of Christianity. It should not have become a tradition in the first place because Christmas and the birth of Christ should not be leveled with the love for material things.

    And so church and community leaders who have the means to explain the good reason for the season should take the lead to correct misimpressions about Christmas and how the birth of Christ should be celebrated.

            ***

Environmental awareness may have compelled Yuletide season followers to shift from using Pine Trees to other plants. This, as far as the Cordillera where Pine Trees grow, is concerned. Today, Christmas trees made of plastic are sold in department stores. But whether the tree was real or plastic, the important thing is that the trees were used to celebrate Christmas.

Christmas trees that were first developed in Germany in the 15th century were traditionally decorated with apples, nuts and other foods, and lighted with candles.

    After the discovery of electricity, the candles were replaced by Christmas lights. Today, a star is placed at the top of the tree to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and a ceramic angel to represent Angel Gabriel.

    In contrast, evergreen trees and wreaths that preceded Christmas trees were used to symbolize eternal life by the Chinese, Hebrews and Egyptians. The Vikings and the pagans in Europe also practiced “tree worship”. After their conversion to Christianity, they still used evergreens in the New Year to “scare away the devil, witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness”.

    My father had his way of using trees. Days before December, he had already looked around for a good size of a Pine Tree from a group of live Pine seedlings. The seedlings have grown naturally on a hill a few steps away from our old house at New Lucban. Then on the first day of December, we woke up surprised to find a tree standing in the living room.

    Years later, we used a Christmas tree cut from a big branch of a wild Guava tree instead of a Pine Tree. There was really no need to sacrifice a young Pine Tree. A Christmas tree does not have to be big but it is better that it is a living tree that has roots and appears to be full of energy so that it can be replanted after it has served its purpose.

    Wishing you a warm and peaceful Christmas. And all the best for the New Year too!

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Teachers Camp Road open / New Baguio Vision

 CITY HALL BEAT

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Teachers Camp has reopened its interior road connecting Leonard Wood Road and South Drive Road to private vehicles starting today until Jan. 13, 2023 from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

    This was upon the approval by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte of Mayor Benjamin Magalong's request to open said inner street as an alternative passage route to ease traffic woes in the area especially during the holiday season.

    The approval was subject to conditions that the scheme be implemented with close monitoring by policemen to ensure the safety and security of the premises, the motorists and pedestrians entering the area.

    This is the third time that the DepEd secretary acceded to the city government’s request for the alternate route opening.  Duterte approved the city’s appeal around the same time last year to address the holiday rush and again last May for the summer vacation activities.

Baguio City Police Office Traffic Enforcement Unit chief Maj. Zacarias Dausen said opening the inner road helps unclog bottlenecks in the area such as Ilusorio Drive and Pacdal Rotunda.

                    ***

The City Development Council  chaired by Mayor Benjamin Magalong ratified the selection of the city’s new vision: “Baguio 2043 – A Creative, Inclusive and Livable City” in its fourth meeting last Nov. 29, 2023.

    The said vision was selected overwhelmingly by the public in an online voting conducted early November.

    The multi-sectoral CDC, a mandatory body responsible for the formulation, management and monitoring of development plans and public investment programs of the city government, approved the new vision through a resolution and submitted the same to the city council for adoption.

    The CDC which is composed of the 128 punong barangays of the city along with the 43 civil society organizations representing the various sectors and stakeholders sectors had been involved in the various stages of the vision  process starting last June.

    Mayor Magalong and the City Planning and Development Office under architect Donna Tabangin said the city made sure that the vision formulation process involved all sectors particularly the health, environment, agriculture, faith-based, senior citizens, indigenous peoples, farmers, cooperatives, women, children, girls, and family, sports, media, youth, professionals, and business and the public in general for an inclusive outcome. The vision's revision is in line with the updating of the city's Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2024-2032 which charts the city’s physical and economic development for the next eight years and the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) 2023-2028, which contains the city's development programs in the next five years.

    Creativity: This suggests a desire for the city to be a hub of artistic and cultural expression, fostering innovation, and supporting the creative industries. It could involve initiatives to promote the arts, cultural events, and innovation hubs, as well as technological solutions or smart systems as new ways of attaining sustainability and resiliency.

The new vision was explained:

    *2043: The year 2043 conveys that the vision is about overcoming the projected onset of irreversible urban decay by 2043 if we have not started putting in solutions to curb it now.

*Inclusivity: The term "inclusive" implies that the city is committed to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their backgrounds, have equal access to opportunities and services. It's a call for social and economic equity and diversity, people-centeredness, accountability, responsive, and progressive governance.

*Livability: "Livable" signifies a commitment to making Baguio a place where residents enjoy a high quality of life, with a focus on factors such as clean air, efficient transportation, green spaces, and a strong community.

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Cholesterol: Good, bad and ugly?

 

WELLNEWS

Victor Dumaguing

All of the above; from a clinical perspective, indeed cholesterol could be good, bad and yes, really ugly. With all the celebratory activities of the Holidays, when it’s impossible to put self-control, discipline and health awareness in one sentence, hopefully, the article puts some sense into the gustatory delights of our dear readers without diminishing their fun of the wonderfuL season. 

    This article is our modest and sincere desire to share with our dear reader basic simple data in understanding and controlling cholesterol, some details were culled from a booklet of the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA)

    Keeping cholesterol levels under control is important for everyone; that means men and women, formed, younger and older folks, people of all ages, with or without heart disease.

Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in the bloodstream and in all of the approximately 75 trillion cells of the adult human body.

    It must be emphasized and stressed that 2/3 of the cholesterol in the body is synthesized, manufactured and formed by the liver. The structural and functional integrity of the membranes or walls or borders of cells is maintained by cholesterol. Cholesterol is an important component in the synthesis of sex hormones and steroid hormones.

    Estrogen is the primary female hormone responsible for development of female sexual characteristics like ovary, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina as well as breast; and on the aesthetic side, lustrous shiny hair as well as clear dewy skin. Progesterone is the secondary female hormone which has a quieting effect of the pregnant uterus allowing for a full-term delivery of the baby within 38-42 weeks.

    Testosterone is the male hormone which is responsible for the spurt of growth of boys into young men during adolescence with obvious increase in height as well as in their reproductive organs, with embarrassing cracking of voice due to enlargement and thickening of the vocal cords. Cholesterol is also needed in the formation of hormones from the adrenal glands particularly its cortex; cortisol which is a stress hormone and aldosterone which helps regulate sodium and potassium levels in the blood.

    The bad side of cholesterol occurs when the person consumes food as well as drinks which exceed the supposed just 1/3 dietary source of cholesterol; the major source of which are meats of animals like beef, lamb and pork.

    Atherosclerosis is the deposition of layers of cholesterol on the inner lining of blood vessels; sometimes called arteriosclerosis referring mostly to the involvement of arteries, which together with the much smaller capillaries are responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body.

    If the situation is not controlled, the deposited cholesterol would eventually evolve from its soft slimy consistency into a semi-gel and finally into a solid hard plaque which now significantly decrease the luminal diameter of the blood vessel thus there would now be physical obstruction to the flow of blood.

    The word “ischemia” refers to a significant progressive diminution of blood flow to a vital organ. The word “infarction” is a worse situation in which there is an acute or abrupt stoppage of life-saving oxygen because the plaque would have already completely blocked the blood vessel.

    Then, the ugly aspect of cholesterol would manifest itself clinically. In the heart, the condition is called CAD or coronary heart disease (coronary arteries are the blood supply of the heart); in the brain, it is called CVA or cerebrovascular accident/apoplexy in the form of cerebral; and in the kidneys-organ which receive 20% or 1/5 of total blood volume (5 liters), there would already signs and symptoms of renal thrombosis.

    It’s easy to have high cholesterol and not know it because initially there may be no symptoms that the person can see or feel, that’s why it’s important to have it measured. As per advice of both AHA and ASA, if you are 20 or older, have cholesterol measured at least every five years. However if other factors put you at higher risks like family history, lifestyle habits (couch potato) and vices like alcohol and smoking on top of a stressful domestic and work environment, then the interval may be shorter.

    A blood test called “lipoprotein profile” measures cholesterol in milligrams per deciliter of blood(mg/dL) Even if you do not have a lipoprotein profile, you should know your total cholesterol, LDL(bad cholesterol) and HDL(good cholesterol)

    Please be reminded that different laboratories may show their results in mg/dL, other labs in millimoles which is standard practice using the SI or System Internacional. Fortunately, with every result, there is a range of normal values for each test, with some lab even putting the letter H for elevated/high. And for a better more accurate lab test results, please consult

Your family physician what preparation to undertake like fasting for how many hours and the best time to be in the lab for blood extraction.

    That said, have a Happy Healthy Holidays

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

 

 

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DTI: Stay vigilant against holiday scams for balikbayan box transactions

 HOLIDAY WATCH

MANILA -- The Department of Trade and Industry-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB) reminded the public to be vigilant especially the Overseas Filipinos (OFs) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) when sending their balikbayan boxes this coming holiday season as influx of shipments is expected.  
    The FTEB implements the accreditation of sea freight forwarders (SFF) as part of its mandate to protect consumers from fly-by-night or unaccredited companies and entities.   
    As of November 2023, the DTI-FTEB has issued 736 SFF accreditation of which 153 are engaged in Balikbayan box shipments.  
    From 2018 to December 2023, the DTI-FTEB received and mediated a total of 520 complaints involving undelivered Balikbayan boxes. The following should serve as tips to the public when dealing with sea freight forwarders:  
    Check the list of Foreign Freight Forwarders and their DTI-accredited Philippine counterparts/agent from the DTI website to validate information:
https://www.dti.gov.ph/consumers/accredited-seafreight-forwarders.  fairtrade@dti.gov.ph  
    Take note of the items not allowed to be sent through balikbayan boxes (e.g., currencies, checks, jewelries, firearms, ammunitions and explosives, etc.)  
    Declare all the contents of your balikbayan box per item and its corresponding value in the packing list.  
    Secure shipping documents such as official receipt, cargo receipt, invoice, Bill of Lading, shippers’ declaration or waybill.  
    Get the name and contact details of the foreign consolidator’s Philippine counterpart or agent-freight forwarder which should be accredited by the DTI.   
    Beware of exceptionally very low rates.  
    Beware of people posing as representatives of consolidators in your place. Ask for proper identification, check with the consolidators if they are an employee or authorized to represent the said companies.  
    Monitor the movement of your cargo from origin to destination.   
    Ask the consolidators on how to procure insurance for your cargoes.  
    Inform your consignee to check your cargo with the Philippine agent even before it arrives.  
DTI-FTEB Director Fhillip D. Sawali reminded the public to transact with accredited SFFs, especially during the holiday season as their legitimacy can be verified.    
    Freight fowarders and firms found to be in violation of existing policies on balikbayan boxes shall be penalized such as imposition of administrative fines, issuance of cease orders, or suspension of cancellation of accreditation pursuant to applicable DTI rules.  
     To ensure the delivery of balikbayan boxes, the DTI reminded the public to frequently visit the following sites:  
https://www.dti.gov.ph/konsyumer/accredited-seafreight-forwarders/ (list of accredited seafreight forwarders and their Foreign Agents sending Balikbayan Box) to get the contact information of Philippine agent-forwarder that should deliver the cargo.  
https://parceltracking.customs.gov.ph/kiosk.php (Bureau of Customs Parcel and Balikbayan Box Tracking System).  The BOC may be reached through BOCCares@customs.gov.ph for inquiries if the shipments are not yet cleared for delivery from BOC.      DTI also urged consumers to report any unlawful acts and/or violations in relation to sea freight forwarding services. Complainants within the National Capital Region may file a complaint supported with documents, such as official receipts, cargo receipts, shippers’ declaration, house bills of lading, or waybills with the DTI-FTEB. Consumer complaints may also be sent through  consumercare@dti.gov.ph email or by calling the consumer care hotline at 1-DTI (1-384).   
 

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Yap helps prepare Benguet athletes for national games

 SPORTS

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Upon learning of their flight, Rep. Eric Go Yap immediately orchestrated a comprehensive support initiative, ensuring that Benguet athletes have the necessary resources to compete at their best in the Batang Pinoy National Games and the Philippine National Games in Pasig City.
    "When I heard of the problems about sending our athletes, hindi tayo pwede mag-turuan, na trabaho dapat ni ganito, or dapat iba yung may responsibility dito. Kapag may kailangan ng tulong, we don’t say yes or no, we should say how and what can I do. These athletes, their parents and coaches are sacrificing, hindi lang para sa pangarap nila, but also para sa probinsya," said Yap.
    Unlike its neighboring city of Baguio, Benguet has only meager resources in sending limited number of athletes in competitions such as Batang Pinoy and the PNG.        
    Yap has arranged for the provision of transportation services for Benguet delegates by providing a coaster that will ferry the delegates from the province to Pasig and back and at the same time, rented 11 vehicles for a day as transport strike has hit Metro Manila on Monday, December 18.    
    The solon is also providing additional meals for the athletes and delegates, and supplying energy drinks to keep the competitors in top form throughout the duration of the events.
    "Kaya binisita natin sila, makita anong sitwasyon nila, kinausap natin yung parents and coaches na nandun, and in our own little ways, tumutulong tayo. Transportation needs, food at magprovide din tayo ng incentives para may dagdag motivation yung mga bata," added Yap.
    Having engaged in discussions with coaches who once wore the same shoes as their proteges, Yap recognizes the echoes of financial strain that resonate through the journey of aspiring athletes saying the lack of adequate financial backing not only affects training and equipment but also hampers the over-all development of potential sports stars.
    "The financial aspect of it has been a perennial problem, I spoke with some of the coaches na they themselves were former athletes, talagang mahirap. Hindi na siya bagong problema.
    Fortunately, ginagawan ng paraan ng local government units natin despite lack of funds. So it should be a collective effort.     There's only so much we can do kaya dapat tulong tulong," Yap said.
    The solon also vowed for substantial incentives—P5,000 for gold medalists, P2,000 for silver, and P1,000 for bronze.
    These incentives not only serve as a reward for their achievements but also as encouragement for future endeavors, fostering a culture of excellence and perseverance among Benguet's budding sports talents.
    Yap also appealed to the organizers of these events to re-think the scheduling of competitions as local government units are also fazed by funding woes.
    "We are also appealing to the PSC, the organizers of this event. Huwag naman sana end of the year nag-oorganize ng ganitong big events. They know for a fact kung gaano kahirap ang pondo ng mga LGUs, at depleted na talaga yan lalo pag patapos na ang taon. And our LGUs are not rich LGUs, unlike big cities and provinces. So kailangan talaga may preparation and proper budgeting para dito. And I heard they (PSC) will give each delegate 600 pesos transportation allowance; I don't think that is enough for a week-long event.  Yung playing venues, sobrang layo sa mga billeting areas. They should make it more systematic and cost-efficient next time," Yap said.
 

 

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Geopolitical Chess: The art and challenges of deterrence strategies

 EDUCATION UNBOXED

Erwin Rimban

TUGUEGARAO CITY -- In the high-stakes arena of global affairs, where nations jostle for influence and strategic advantage, the concept of deterrence emerges as a crucial player in the grand chessboard of geopolitics. This week, let's delve into the art of deterrence, exploring its nuances, historical applications, and the contemporary challenges it presents in shaping geopolitical strategy.
Defining deterrence in geopolitics:
Deterrence, in the realm of geopolitics, is the strategic use of military, economic, and diplomatic tools to dissuade adversaries from taking certain actions. It's the implicit threat that the costs of unwanted actions will far outweigh any potential gains, thus steering behavior toward more desirable outcomes.
Historical perspectives:
The Cold War and beyond:
The Cold War stands as a quintessential chapter in the history of deterrence, where nuclear arsenals and the doctrine of mutually assured destruction shaped the geopolitical landscape. Examining historical instances of successful and unsuccessful deterrence strategies provides valuable insights into the complexities of international relations.
Nuclear deterrence: Balancing power and peril:
The possession of nuclear weapons introduces an unparalleled layer to the deterrence calculus. While nuclear arsenals can deter large-scale conflicts, the delicate balance between showcasing strength and avoiding catastrophic consequences poses a constant challenge in geopolitical strategy.
Regional dynamics: Tailoring deterrence to unique challenges:
Geopolitical landscapes vary widely, and effective deterrence strategies must be tailored to the specific challenges of each region. From the Korean Peninsula to the South China Sea, understanding regional dynamics and crafting nuanced deterrence approaches become imperative in maintaining stability and preventing conflict escalation.
Economic leverage and soft power:
Beyond military might, economic leverage and soft power play pivotal roles in contemporary deterrence. Sanctions, trade agreements, and cultural influence become tools to shape the behavior of nations, demonstrating that the strategic game extends beyond military posturing.
Challenges in the modern era: Cyber warfare and asymmetrical threats:
In the digital age, deterrence faces new frontiers with the rise of cyber warfare and asymmetrical threats. The challenge lies not only in deterring traditional military actions but also in safeguarding against covert cyberattacks and unconventional tactics, requiring a reevaluation of traditional deterrence doctrines.
Multilateral approaches and alliances:
Coordinated deterrence efforts often involve alliances and multilateral agreements. Understanding the dynamics of these partnerships, the reliability of allies, and the potential for collective responses adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitics of deterrence.
    As we unravel the intricacies of deterrence in the realm of geopolitical strategy, it becomes evident that the chessboard of global affairs is ever-evolving. Navigating this landscape requires not only a deep understanding of historical precedents but also an adaptability to the unique challenges posed by the modern era. Effective deterrence strategies, balancing power, diplomacy, and innovation, stand as critical instruments in shaping the course of nations on the world stage.
For comments and reactions, you may send an email to: elrimban@alum.up.edu.ph
 

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Sports as preparation for Christmas

 THOUGHTS AND VIEWS

Fr. Roy Cimagala

CEBU CITY -- Christmas being the birth of Christ our Redeemer, we should be properly prepared for it in both body and soul.     The spiritual preparation, of course, takes precedence over the bodily preparation, but the latter also needs to be given due attention, otherwise our spiritual readiness to receive Christ on Christmas Day would be undermined.
    One good way to make ourselves bodily prepared for Christmas is through sports. If its true purpose is understood and lived well, sports can give us a tremendous help in properly welcoming Christ into our lives.
    We have to understand that sports should not just be a matter of winning in a game or in a race. While that is the immediate intention of anyone who plays, we should go beyond that level and capture the more important purpose of sports.
    Sports should train our body and all its faculties—the senses, emotions, passions, imagination, memory, etc.—to be properly aligned to the true dignity of man which is that of being the image and likeness of God, children of his, sharers of his divine life and nature.
    In short, sports should make us like Christ, the pattern of our humanity and the savior of our damaged humanity. How? By seeing to it that we regard our life here on earth like a sport too, where we have to train ourselves, submitting ourselves to a certain discipline, etc.
    We should echo what St. Paul once said: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly. I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.” (1 Cor 9,25-27)
    This discipline required in sports and in our life is somehow indicated in the readings of the Mass of December 19 where we are told about Samson whose hair should not be cut (cfr. Judges 13,2-7.24-25), and about John the Baptist who would not take strong drinks. (cfr. Lk 1,15)
    The real victory that our sports should give us is not so much a matter of winning a particular game, or of making a lot of points, etc., as in making us more a child of God, filled with love for God and for everybody else, whether we win or lose in a game.
    Aside from a strong sense of self-discipline and submitting ourselves in a continuing training program, an indispensable ingredient of this healthy sporting spirit is the sense of acceptance and abandonment that we need to deliberately cultivate.         This does not come automatically, as if it’s part of our genes. We have to develop them.
    We have to be sport and adventurous in facing the different conditions of our life. And it would greatly help if we too can have an abiding sense of humor. Otherwise, we would just fall into states of sadness, pessimism and despair which actually are unnecessary and are avoidable.
    This we can do if first of all we have a strong and deep faith in God, our Creator and Father. If we have that faith, we know that God holds everything in order through his providence. He takes care of everything, irrespective of how things go. Ours is simply to relate everything to him and to go back to him every time we go astray especially at the end of the day. Email: roycimagala@gmail.com
 

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LTO: No registration, no travel of vehicles January

 Motorists warned 

By Liwayway Yparraguirre

DAGUPAN CITY – The Land Transportation Office warned motorists with unregistered vehicles regarding the strict implementation of the 'No Registration, No Travel' policy starting January 2024 to be implemented nationwide.
    In an interview on Wednesday, LTO-Dagupan District Office Chief Romel Dawaton said registration or renewal of vehicle registration is vital in maintaining the road worthiness of vehicles resulting in ensuring road safety.
    "Unregistered motor vehicles compromise the road safety of road users. Registration of motor vehicles comes along the inspection of road worthiness of the vehicles," he said.
    Dawaton said the LTO central office has issued a memorandum regarding the strict implementation of this policy although this is currently suspended “in the spirit of the Christmas.”
    He said they have also coordinated with the local government units for the registration of their service vehicles.
    Citing Department of Transportation and Communications Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, Dawaton said the penalty for unregistered motor vehicle is P10,000.
    He said vehicle owners may renew their motor vehicle registration two months before due date.
    He said there are about 24.7 million unregistered motor vehicles all over the country.
    Meanwhile, in line with the holiday season, LTO has conducted inspections in transportation terminals to check on the road worthiness of the public transports to ensure safety of passengers. -- PNA
 

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Free condoms set in DOH toilets

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – Free condoms will be made available in all Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region toilets soon to address the rising cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as in the region.

    "Do not be surprised if you see condoms in the toilets of the DOH offices. They are free to the public as part of the implementation of the HIV-free workplace policy of the DOH-CAR," Darwin Babon, DOH-CAR HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome coordinator, told journalists Tuesday.
    Babon said the policy is aimed at ending HIV-related stigma and discrimination in workplaces through constant information and education campaign activities, which include discussions on basic information on HIV/AIDS, modes of transmission and means of prevention, confidential information and privacy, promotion of non-discriminatory and non-stigmatizing attitudes towards people living with and affected with the virus.
    He is hopeful that other offices will also adapt the implementation of HIV/AIDS-free workplace program.
    Citing latest data, Babon said there are 18 new HIV cases recorded in August 2023 alone, 38 percent higher than the 13 cases in the same month of 2022, with three in every 10 cases involving those aged 15 to 24.
    As of end-August this year, 99 new HIV cases were recorded, with 41 of the individuals belonging to the 25 to 34 age bracket, followed by those from 15 to 24 years old, with 34 cases; 35 to 49 years old, 21 and 50 years old and above, three.
    Since the government started to monitor HIV/ AIDS cases in 1984, the region recorded 1,034 cases and 54 percent of these were recorded from 2018 to the present.
    Babon said 81 percent of the 75 municipalities and two cities in CAR have recorded cases.
    He said 98 percent of the cases were sexually transmitted, making it important to advocate for safe sex -- abstinence, loyalty to a partner, or protection using a condom.
    “We are not relaxing with the information campaign because we do not want the illness to take us by surprise. And we will be more aggressive to be able to abet the transmission and protect those who are uninfected,” he added. -- PNA

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SLU commended; now Phl 2nd top law school

BAGUIO CITY -- City officials recently congratulated and commended the Saint Louis University (SLU) for being the second top law school in the 2023 bar examination conducted nationwide.
    In a resolution, city legislators stated that the recent ranking in the bar examination showed and further upholds the commitment and dedication of the SLU School of Law in providing students with quality legal education, honing and training excellent Louisian lawyers to serve the legal profession with utmost competence.

    SLU has been considered an excellent missionary, and transformative educational institution providing quality education not only in the city but also in the whole country.
    Earlier, the SLU School of Law garnered the second spot among 65 law schools for first-time takers for 11-50 bar examinees in the recently concluded September 2023 bar examination conducted in the several testing centers.
    On December 5, 2023, the Supreme Court (SC) announced that out of the 42 SLU School of Law graduates who took the bar examination for the first time, 39 successfully passed, resulting in an outstanding passing rate of 92.86 percent.
    Further, 3,812 out of 10,387 bar examinees passed the rigid bar examination that was administered and supervised by the SC.
    Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the SLU administration and the School of Law for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action.

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1,999 cops deployed in Cordi for X’mas season

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- The Police Regional Office Cordillera deployed more than a thousand cops to ensure the safety and security of the public in observance of the major holiday celebrations and activities from Dec. 16 to Jan. 6, 2023, the regional poli e information office said.
    Based on data from the Regional Operations Division, a total of 1,999 PRO Cordillera police officers were deployed in Cordillera.

    To ensure the safety and security of major thoroughfares, 887 PRO Cordillera cops were deployed for road monitoring including those manning terminals in the region. 
    In places of convergence and commercial areas, 1,082 personnel were deployed to secure public markets, parks, malls, and places of worship. 
    A total of 545 augmented units and force multipliers were also mobilized as part of security and crime prevention measures during celebration of the long holidays, the PIO said.
    PRO Cordillera urged to stay alert and be vigilant to avoid untoward incidents and accidents from happening while enjoying activities prepared for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

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Apayao cops turn ‘superheros’; give Christmas cheer

LUNA, Apayao - Apayao Police Provincial Office officers put on their superhero costumes as they move around the province spreading Christmas cheer to the communities with performances and gifts.
    As part of the Apayao PPO's 'Paskuhan sa Kampo' celebration, the police created the outreach program aimed to share blessings with the local community and make the holiday season extra joyful for the children.

    Wearing their capes and masks, the “superhero cops” distributed a variety of food packs and toys to children and to some residents this Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
    Some of the beneficiaries were kids admitted at the Far North Luzon General Hospital (FNLGHT), learners at the Quirino Day Care Center in Luna, and some residents of Barangay Capanikian in Pudtol.
    During the opening program conducted at the Camp Elias Bulut Sr. in Barangay Santa Lina, Luna, Governor Elias Bulut Jr. and Congressman Eleanor Bulut-Begtang expressed their steadfast commitment to supporting the PNP's programs.
    The two leaders also highlighted their dedication to combating terrorism and addressing incidents of rape within the province, the Apayao Provincial Public Information Office reported.

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Drowned man’s body found in Abra river

By Aldwin Quitasol

LANGIDEN, Abra -- After more than two weeks, search and rescue operatives retrieved the body of a drowning victim at river here in Barangay Quillat morning of Dec. 20.

    Authorities identified the victim as Joseph Borreta, of Agtangao the capital town of  Bangued who was reported missing after he drowned while crossing the river  Dec. 4.    
    For days and weeks, personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Bangued,  Bangued and Langiden police and troops of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 conducted search operations.
    They were aided by the local residents.
    Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices personnel of Langiden, San Quintin and Pidigan towns and Ilocos Sur PDRRM joined the search.
    The operation was led by the Abra Provincial Risk Disaster Management Office.

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