Tag: news

Megarahe Sale in Alabang Hills on September 28 and 29

Megarahe Sale in Alabang Hills on September 28 and 29

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The Alabang Hills Village Association, Inc. (AHVA) announced that the annual Megarahe Sale: Ukay-Okay will be held again this year precisely on September 28 and 29 at the Community Center inside Alabang Hills, Muntinlupa City.

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Specifically speaking, Megarahe Sale is a community oriented shopping event that emphasizes the concept of garage sales. The difference is that sellers can use one large community venue to sell their products, hence the words “Megarahe Sale”. The large venue set-up spares the neighbors from the common hassles (pedestrian and vehicular traffic, lack of parking, vehicular pollution) that come with the holding of a garage sale at a house.

At the Megarahe Sale, buyers can look forward to products for sale like bags, clothes, shoes, slippers, books and other household items. The AHVA confirmed that there will also be some stalls of food and beverages set up.

With regards to non-residents who want to visit and shop at the Megarahe Sale, the AHVA personnel confirmed to me that they are welcome to visit and all they need to do is just follow the rules when entering the village. This means non-resident motorists whose vehicles don’t have AHVA-issued car stickers can visit, drop a driver’s license at the village gate, receive a pass and enter.

The Megarahe Sale has been going on for many years now and that alone makes it clear it is a successful village event.

For more information, call landline numbers 850-8254 and 850-9631.

 

 

 

Idolaters Will Not Inherit The Kingdom of God Unless They Repent, Disregard Their Idols and Submit To Him Willingly

Idolaters Will Not Inherit The Kingdom of God Unless They Repent, Disregard Their Idols and Submit To Him Willingly

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I am a faithful Christian who got saved by Jesus through His Holy Instrument just over a year ago. I am no longer a prisoner of religion and no longer am I a lost soul. I am free to worship Father God and His Son Jesus. I left behind the useless acts of worshipping people, worshiping man-made objects, following rituals (that have little or nothing to do with the Holy Bible) and doing repetitive prayers.

Truly, the Christian life specifically requires reading the Holy Bible and applying its lessons in life, praising the Lord, seeking and following His plan which was written even before the beginning of time.

We live in a screwed-up world. A world so divisive, there are many people who drifted so far away from the Lord and the sad news is that those people do not even realize they are spiritually lost. I’m not just talking about the non-believers but also the people who are trapped by religion.

Religion is mean and frustrating. It comes with a whole bunch of rules, traditions and rituals that truly hinder a person from establishing true faith and a true relationship with the Lord. Among the many hindrances that come with religion is idolatry.

Idolatry, in its simplest form, is the act of worshiping an idol. In the context of the Holy Bible, idolatry is the worship of an image or a created object or someone (a person). Truth behold, idolatry is a sin and no matter what religious leader would say to defend it, it is truly a sin and there is no exception for it!

The people who commit idolatry are idolaters. You worship a picture or a statue or a person you find charming? That makes you an idolater and also a sinner in the eyes of God whom we should all be worshiping directly and trust fully. Consider the following scripture.

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, not covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6: 9-10 (NKJV)

Now this is not the first time I discussed how idols hinder people from establishing faith and trust in the Lord. The purpose of this article is to go even deeper about idols and why they are not only worthless but are elements that lead to sin.

In this messy world we live in, there are still many people who are trapped by religion and its rituals and that means they believe that God is not approachable. These unfortunate people have been misled and oriented by their religious leaders into believing that worshiping idol (be it a handcrafted object or an image or a person who is supposedly holy) is necessary to connect with the Lord. It’s simply not true!

The worshiping of a statue, or a painting or some man-made object is unnecessary. And then there is the religion-based belief imposed on people that they should see God in their worship leader which requires them to worship that particular mortal person just to connect to the Lord. This one is also unnecessary and not true.

The truth is God is approachable and He does not require believers to worship an object nor a person just to connect to Him. Worshiping the Lord should be direct (with the guidance of a worship leader who does NOT require worship of him) and free from the obstruction of idolatry!

Apart from worshiping the Lord, people (whether they trapped by religion or unbelief) are vulnerable because they easily get charmed by people whom they find charismatic, heroic and capable of making reforms happen for their benefit. A person trapped by religion who thinks he’s worshiping God through idols, can always fall for the charm of another person whom he perceives to be a carrier of hope and change that would feed his selfish desire. Above it all, these acts of idolatry make one a sinner in the eyes of the Lord!

If you are someone who had to look up to idols to worship God, be aware that you’ve been moving down the wrong path all this time. Learn from the following scriptures from the Holy Bible.

Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.

Galatians 4: 3-8 (NKJV)

You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image – any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Exodus 20: 3-6 (NKJV)

Do not turn to idols, nor make for yourselves molded gods: I am the LORD your God.

Leviticus 19: 4 (NKJV)

Assemble yourselves and come; Draw near together, You who have escaped from the nations. They have no knowledge, Who carry the wood of their carved image, And pray to a god that cannot save.

Isaiah 45: 20 (NKJV)

Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy.

Jonah 2: 8 (NKJV)

See? The holy scriptures I just shared above are clear and definitive. We don’t need idols at all! We don’t need to do any idolatry! We don’t need to worship people to connect to God who is truly approachable and we are truly free to not only worship Him directly but also repent to Him directly, thank Him directly and converse with Him directly. We don’t need those statues, statuettes, paintings, drawings, and all those other religious ornaments that are truly unholy.

On the topic of idols, an idol is not limited just to man-made objects, images and people. Even things like alcohol, drugs, sex, a relationship, a vehicle, a computer, a smartphone, a very immersive video game or computer software, a highly interactive artificial intelligence and a home can also become idols in the sense that they will take you away from the Lord. You prioritize playing a very immersive video game like Fallout 4 (where you create a character and literally live a 2nd life within the game) over praying to the Lord and reading the Holy Bible? That is offensive already to Him. As God Himself said, He is indeed a jealous God and that means we must prioritize Him with our time and attention!

To understand this, take time to read this scripture.

“Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘You have seen all the calamity that I have brought on Jerusalem and on all the cities of Judah; and behold, this day they are a desolation, and no one dwells in them, because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke Me to anger, in that they went to burn incense and to serve other gods whom they did not know, they nor you nor your fathers. However I have sent to you all My servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying ‘Oh, do not do this abominable thing that I hate!’ But they did not listen tor incline to their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense to other gods. So My fury and My anger were poured out and kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as it is this day.”

Jeremiah 44: 2-6 (NKJV)

Those were God’s words above. That was His anger against His own people because even though His prophets did their best, the people refused to listen and ultimately, they disobeyed God. God’s wrath is not to be taken lightly and we can all avoid it by destroying the idols! No more worshipping objects and people! No more spending ourselves on vices or hobbies that take us apart from the Lord! We need to reform ourselves, change our lifestyles, repent to God for the idolatry committed and then dedicate ourselves to Him.

Along the way, there is the need for each and everyone of us to be born again. To learn about becoming born again, read the words of Jesus in John 3: 3 and follow the subsequent verses. Take note that in order to receive the Holy Spirit from the Lord and become a new creation, becoming born again is essential! You can also refer to the prayer on becoming born again at the end of my previous article about trusting God and disregarding idols.

So it is clear once again that we do not need religion, we don’t need idols and we don’t need rituals. Idols are clearly unholy! What we need is faith and a relationship with the Lord who is truly approachable. To be born again, one must willingly accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Along the way, reading the Holy Bible and applying its lessons on our respective lives is essential.

The path with the Lord is clear! Idolaters will not inherit the kingdom of God. The saved souls will.

Thank you for reading. If you find this Christianity article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

Las Piñas City Completes Clearing Operation Ahead of Deadline

Las Piñas City Completes Clearing Operation Ahead of Deadline

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PR sept 4
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda T. Aguilar (left) supervises the voluntary demotion of Police Community Precinct (PCP) 6 in Barangay Talon IV during the clearing operation to rid the sidewalks of obstruction. With Mayor Aguilar is City Engineer Rosabella A. Bantog (center), who was instructed to look for an area to relocate the station. Mayor Aguilar reported 100% completion of the clearing operation before the September 29 deadline. Also in photo were: Mark Anthony Santos, city chief of staff and City administrator Rey Balagulan. (photo issued by Las Piñas Media Team)

The City Government of Las Piñas announced on September 4 that it has accomplished 100% completion of road clearing operations well ahead of the September 29 deadline that was set for all local government units which received orders to clear the roads and sidewalks of obstructions.

Mayor Imelda T. Aguilar has directed the city’s Task Force Kaayusan and officials in the city’s twenty barangays to continue monitoring the cleared and demolished areas, even after the deadline at the end of September, to ensure that no new obstructions or illegal structures would block the roadways and pedestrian lanes

“We have finished clearing the major roads of any obstruction including illegally parked vehicles and vendors, even during the first month operation, although we did not immediately announced it since we have been doing this before the President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive,” Mayor Aguilar said.

The mayor personally supervised the voluntary demolition of Police Community Precinct (PCP) in Barangay Talon IV which was partly occupying the sidewalk during the initial week of the clearing operation.

Several service utilities have also been warned and directed to hasten all their excavation works which contribute to sidewalk obstruction.

Mayor Aguilar added that the city’s clearing operation was a continuing campaign in line with the effort of the city to address the traffic gridlock along Alabang-Zapote Road which is the only main thoroughfare of Las Piñas.  

“We have also written several homeowners in private villages and subdivisions along the Friendship Route, the city’s alternate route, to voluntarily remove illegally parked vehicles and plant boxes along the sidewalks so pedestrians can use them,” she added.

Previously, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued an order to local government units to clear roads of obstruction. On August 1, Mayor Aguilar met with the heads of the barangays and warned them of extreme consequence if they fail to clear their respective areas of obstruction and illegal structures.

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Source – Las Piñas Media Team

Parenting Session for Expats To Be Held At Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) on September 21

Parenting Session for Expats To Be Held At Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) on September 21

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Parenting Session for Expats To Be Held At Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) on September 21

On September 21, Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) will be organizing an exciting event where expat parents can learn and share their experiences raising children in the Philippines.

Set to start at 10AM up to 12PM is the event titled “Adaptation: How to help your Child Assimilate in the Philippines” which will be held at the Southville main campus in BF International, Las Piñas City. SISC will offer opportunity for families new to the Philippines to learn from experts how to help their children grow and succeed in a new environment.

Featuring presentations by Southville’s International Baccalaureate Coordinator, Mr. John Wraith and Southville International School Affiliated with Foreign Universities Associate International Education Specialist/Business Development Officer and Southville Expat Parent, Mrs. Arjumand Nageen Ahsan, this event will be a chance to share experiences between families and make new connections. There will also be an open forum to be facilitated by SGEN Communication Director, Mr. Daniel Steel.

With is diverse community of international students, Southville International School and Colleges nurtures learners to achieve and uphold academic and values excellence. The academic institution reiterates its commitment to provide the highest-quality, national and international standards of education to all students. They also recognize that expat families face distinct challenges and have created this event as a way for our community of expat learners, teachers, and families to share their insights.

To learn more about the event and to reserve a free slot, contact us at +632 825-6374 local 100 or email them at pr@southville.edu.ph. The Facebook event is located at https://www.facebook.com/events/486445762175779/

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Muntinlupa Mayor Shares City Government’s Best Practices in National Nutrition Council’s Forum

Muntinlupa Mayor Shares City Government’s Best Practices in National Nutrition Council’s Forum

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The City Government of Muntinlupa announced yesterday that its achievements on nutrition as well as interventions serve as a benchmark in combatting malnutrition for other local government units in the country.

During the National Nutrition Council’s (NNC) LGU Mobilization Forum held at Asian Institute of Management Conference Center, Makati City on August 23, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi shared the City Government’s best practices and also underscored the importance of good governance.

Fresnedi said upon learning the survey on malnutrition among local government units (LGUs) in NCR last 2014, the City Government revived the City Nutrition Committee and expanded its membership, including coordination with different stakeholders such as DEPED to have a collaborative effort.

“The NNC report served as a wake-up call to all of us leaders in the City. We saw the urgency to address this issue and immediately launched inter-sectoral interventions,” the mayor noted.

The Muntinlupa City Nutrition Committee conducted site visits in communities and ensured services were received by target beneficiaries. Cooking video demonstrations of healthy meals and infomercials were posted in various social media platforms while feature articles on nutrition interventions and promotion of proper nutrition were also published in community newsletter Lingkod Bayan.

The City Government also intensified NNC’s National Nutrition Promotion for Behaviour Change to instill right values on nutrition care among parents, pregnant and lactating women, children as well as adolescents through Pabasa sa Nutrisyon and the conduct of community assembly dubbed as Pulong-pulong sa Usaping Tamang Nutrisyon at Kalusugan in different puroks.  Further, additional Nutritionists and Barangay Nutrition Scholars were hired to augment the city’s nutrition program.

Health, nutrition, and wellness are part of the local 9-Point-Agenda of Governance and 6-year Comprehensive Development Plan, including the Executive-Legislative Agenda to ensure sustainability of programs.

As a result of these initiatives, the prevalence of stunting was reduced from 8.0% in 2016 to 1.3% in 2019 while children suffering from wasting has gone down from 1.8% to 0.3%. In addition, the prevalence of underweight children was reduced from 1.7% in 2016 to 0.9% while overweight and obesity decreased among 0-59 month-old children from 2.8% to 0.6%.

Mayor Fresnedi expressed his thanks Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Federizo for their assistance in the conduct of trainings, forums, advocacies and the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation in Muntinlupa for the previous years. He encouraged all LGU representatives to champion healthy and active lifestyle in the communities and to work together towards achieving zero malnutrition rate in the localities.

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Southville Calls for Top Outstanding Students, Awards Scholarships (PRESS RELEASE)

Southville Calls for Top Outstanding Students, Awards Scholarships (PRESS RELEASE)

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Southville Calls for Top Outstanding Students, Awards Scholarships

Southville Global Education Network (SGEN) through Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) and South SEED-LPDH College (SSLC), is conducting its annual Search for T.O.P.S. (Top Outstanding Performing Students) Program. The search is open to graduating public and private Grade 12 high school students from all over the country who belong to the top 10% of the school’s graduating class.

The T.O.P.S. is SGEN’s contribution to the efforts of the Department of Education (DepEd) in inspiring students to become achievers and make them enhance their academic and leadership potentials as well as their character, values, their talents in arts, and sports by way of recognizing student-achievers in high school.

At stake for the Top 20 is a college scholarship (major prize).

Applicants should submit a recommendation letter from their high school principal and accomplish application form downloadable at http://www.southville.edu.ph. Deadline of submission of forms and requirements will be on September 15, 2019. The competitive assessment will be on September 28, 2019. Awarding will be on November 29, 2019.

For inquiries, please look for Mr. Roman Baluyot or Ms. Elyds Reyes at the SISC PR Office or call (02) 825-2358/(02) 825-6374 loc. 100, 829-1675 or email at pr@southville.edu.ph for more information.

SISC and SSLC are known for the high passing rates in their PRC licensure examination.

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Note: This was a press release issued by Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) located in BF International, Las Piñas City, Philippines. This PR has been added to this website’s dedicated section of South Metro Manila news and developments.

 

Senior Citizen Files Complaint Versus BF Homes Food Joint Over Refusal To Give Him Mandated 12% VAT Exemption (UPDATED: August 24, 2019)

Senior Citizen Files Complaint Versus BF Homes Food Joint Over Refusal To Give Him Mandated 12% VAT Exemption (UPDATED: August 24, 2019)

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Prominently displayed along Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City is this sign emphasizing Philippine senior citizens’ entitlement to 20% discount and exemption from 12% value-added tax.

Are you a senior citizen whose benefit under the national law was denied by a local business? Are you aware of the benefits for senior citizens under Republic Act Number 9994 (Full title: An Act Granting Additional Benefits and Privileges to Senior Citizens, further amending Republic Act No. 7432, As Amended, Otherwise Known As “an Act To Maximize The Contribution Of Senior Citizens To Nation Building, Grant Benefits And Special Privileges And For Other Purposes. Short title: Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010) whenever you purchase food and/or beverage in a restaurant?

Why did I ask you these questions and mentioned RA 9994? It’s quite simple – a senior citizen in BF Homes, Parañaque City filed a formal complaint against a certain food joint which refused to grant him his exemption from the 12% Value-Added Tax (VAT) when he dined at the said joint.

Here is the story with details from documents I acquired.

On June 10, 2019, Jose Luis Matti and his daughter dined at a restaurant (clue: a burger joint whose business name will be revealed in due time) along Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City. He ordered food and drinks and, under law, the discounts are limited only to food and drinks he ordered for his consumption as he is a senior citizen

The problem was that, according to Matti, the restaurant applied the 20% discount for senior citizens and yet denied him his mandated benefit of exemption from the VAT. In his June 17, 2019 letter addressed to restaurant’s owner, Matti said that the restaurant personnel he encountered on June 10 claimed they were instructed (by the owner) not to give him the 12% VAT exemption. Photocopies of the receipts were included on the said letter.

As a result, Matti filed a formal complaint against the restaurant at the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs of Parañaque City (OSCA-Parañaque) urging officer-in-charge Dante Pacheco to take action against the food joint (as per his July 12, 2019 letter to Pacheco received by the said office).

A hearing between Matti and the food joint’s owner will happen very soon at OSCA’s office at Parañaque City Hall.

I visited the restaurant along Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes to try to meet the owner and get feedback directly from him but the personnel told me over the counter that their boss was out of town.

Understanding the legal aspect

It is stated under RA 9994 (Rule IV, Article 7) that senior citizens shall be entitled to the grant of twenty percent (20%) discount and to an exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), IF APPLICABLE, on the sale of the goods and services covered by Section 1 to 6 of this Article, from all establishments for the exclusive use and enjoyment or availment of senior citizens.

Section 3 (Rule IV, Article 7) includes restaurants, hotels, recreational centers, places of leisures and funeral services with regards to the above mentioned 20% discount and VAT exemption.

Item b (under Section 3, Rule IV, Article 7) focuses on restaurants. It states that the discount shall be for the purchase of food, drinks, dessert, and other consumable items served by the establishments offered for the consumption of the general public.

Item c states for Dine-in services under paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 3, and Section 4, paragraph 2 of Article 7, the privilege must be personally availed of by the senior citizen as defined under these Rules, and no proxies or authorization in favor of another person who is not a senior citizen will be honored.

Item e states Food, drinks and other consumable items provided in Section 3 (a) and (b), and Section 4, paragraph 2 of Article 7 purchased by the senior citizen shall be processed separately as an independent transaction from his/her non-eligible companions to ensure that it is his/her exclusive consumption and to enable computation of the 20% discount and the exemption from the Value Added Tax (VAT), which only the senior citizen is entitled to.

However, if the group of diners is composed entirely of senior citizens, all of whom present valid senior citizens IDs, each shall be entitled to a 20% discount and exemption from Value Added Tax.

Conclusion

This is an ongoing community development and if any breakthroughs happen, an update will be posted.

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UPDATE!

The hearing between Mr. Matti and the restaurant at the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs of Parañaque City (OSCA-Parañaque) at City Hall scheduled for August 20, 2019 did not push through due to the absence of the restaurant owner.

As such, the hearing will have to be rescheduled.

The restaurant accused in this conflict is Big Brat Burger.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE: AASHPI 20th National Convention in Tagaytay City on August 28-30

PRESS RELEASE: AASHPI 20th National Convention in Tagaytay City on August 28-30

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AASHPI 20th National Convention in Tagaytay City on August 28-30

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The Asian Association of School Human Resource Management and Development Practitioners, Inc. is pleased to announce its upcoming 20th National Convention with the theme, “Building People: Leading the Future.” The convention will be held at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City on August 28 to 30, 2019.

As the academe faces the rapid changes and the profound impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), there is a strong need for school administrators to proactively shape and upskill their people. Prominent speakers were invited to share the best practices vital in attaining competitive advantage in the academe.

Mr. Gerry Plana, FPM (President, PMAP) will talk about Building People: Leading the Future; Mr. Yu Ming Chin (Executive Director, Viventis Search Asia) will discuss Leadership Skills of the Future: Are You Technologically-Adept?; Ms. Sarah McLeod (CEO.Integrator.Managing Director, Q2HR Solutions) will share Building a Robust Culture of Innovation; Atty. Joseph Noel M. Estrada (Managing Director, Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA)) will discuss the Recent Laws Affecting the Academe; Ms. Lirio Mapa (Vice President, Center for Leadership and Change, Inc.) will discuss The 4 Roles of Great Leaders (A Franklin Covey Leadership Program);  Atty. Willie Santiago (Director, Diaz Murillo Dalupan & Company) will talk about the TRAIN Laws and their Impact in the Academe; and Dr. Ronaldo Motilla (Consultant, ILAW Center, Miriam College) will discuss Developing Evidence-based Mental Health Programs for a Healthier Workforce.

For more details, you may call the Asian Association of School Human Resource Management and Development Practitioners, Inc. at (02) 825-3985 | (0917) 662-6782; email us at aashpi.org@gmail. or visit http://www.aashpi.org.ph.

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Las Piñas City Mayor Warns Barangay Leaders About Failure To Clear Their Areas of Obstructions

Las Piñas City Mayor Warns Barangay Leaders About Failure To Clear Their Areas of Obstructions

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The many heads of the barangays in the meeting spearheaded by Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar (facing them from the background). (photo credit: Shawnette Ramos)

Recently the City of Las Piñas made waves in the national news. This was because Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar issued a warning to the leaders of twenty barangays of extreme consequence if they fail to clear the respective areas of obstructions and structures that are illegal.

During a meeting held on August 1, the mayor met with the barangay chairpersons from the city’s two districts and laid down the City Government’s plan action to rid all roads and sidewalks of illegal vendors, illegally parked vehicles and overlapping structures, including those unfinished excavations by various service utilities.

“You will be accountable to me if you fail to implement the rules that endanger the lives of our fellow Las Piñero,” Mayor Aguilar told the barangay leaders.

Along with the other Metro Manila city mayors, Mayor Aguilar committed to the 60-day period given by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año to clear the metro roads of obstructions.

But prior to the DILG directive, the mayor already convened Task Force Kaayusan last month which immediately conducted clearing operations in the city to address concerns on traffic and road hazards. The task force is composed of the Estate Management and Development Office (EMDO), City Engineering Office, the local Philippine National Police, the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), and spearheaded by the Mayor’s Office.

“These obstructions must be permanently rid from our main road, which is the Alabang-Zapote Road, as well as the inner roads must likewise be cleared of any obstacles. Let us give back the sidewalks to the pedestrians and the roads to motorists,” the mayor said.

She also requested the City Council, through Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery (the mayor’s daughter), to review the existing ordinances on obstruction and public order and safety.

Overall these developments reflect the City Government of Las Piñas response to the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) that public roads used for private ends should be reclaimed. Duterte also ordered DILG Secretary Año to suspend mayors or governors who refuse to comply.

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Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) to tackle Youth Suicide

Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) to tackle Youth Suicide

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BFSK

Recently at the developing community of Masville in Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City, a 21-year-old man died by suicide by hanging himself to death in a residence. The reason? Because he broke up with his girlfriend.

This was revealed to me by Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) chairperson Mariel Tumang during my exclusive interview with her on the topic of youth suicide.

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Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) chairperson Mariel Tumang.

To put things in perspective, Tumang stated that the age definition of youth under the Reformed SK system is 15 to 30-years-old. The guy who took his life is therefore identified as a youth and was already working. On July 20, Tumang attended the man’s funeral at his family residence and the experience reminds her that the SK has a responsibility to ensure that youth suicides would be prevented.

“We had one project with Kagawad Rocel Espino who handled the barangay committee on education which includes youth. The project she created was the youth camp and it was organized at a local school,” Tumang said. “Many young people attended and they shared problems and concerns. We at the SK will adapt that kind of project.”

In preparation for the planned youth camp, the BFSK chairperson and the kagawads will have to do some research as well as make presentations in seminars. A youth orientation activity done by Barangay BF Homes Kagawad Espino was held recently which educated many youth participants. This, of course, sets a model of guidance for the BFSK as part of their preparation for the planned youth camp which, as of this writing, still has no date nor a venue finalized.

“We also have the mental health awareness counseling program planned at the SK. Right now we are still discussing as to when we could organize it,” Tumang stated. “I really want to organize the mental health awareness program and youth camp soon as I learned many helpful lessons from a seminar at Paranaque City Hall.”

The said seminar was about mental health awareness and by participating in it, Tumang said she realized the many factors that contribute to suicide such as depression, insecurity, uncertainty and the like. Even words can hurt a person and even cause him or her to get depressed.

“That was a very engaging seminar the discussions were very in-depth. I learned so much from it and I believe we can really help the local youth,” she said.

Tumang added that Kagawad Espino taught her that youth struggle as they grow up and get educated. The struggles include being unable to open up and speak out about their concerns, being fearful about others judging them, and the like. There are also those who are a lot more vulnerable or more sensitive than meets the eye.

“Because words can be painful, some jokes cracked at youth hurt them very deep inside reaching to the point of cracking under social pressure, becoming stressed or, even worse, they begin to think about suicide,” Tumang said.

To put suicide in perspective, it was reported in Business Mirror that in the year 2012, a total of 2,550 cases of suicides (all ages) in the Philippines were registered according to Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Herminigildo Valle.

The BFSK chairperson plans to have the youth camp (and hopefully the mental health awareness counseling program) push through sometime this September. However pulling it off remains challenging due to budgeting, the time management of activities and getting valuable resources.

The Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay BF Homes is reaching out to generous members of the public who wish to donate to them (cash or in kind) for the purpose of organizing the youth camp and its campaign to prevent youth from dying by suicide.

To inquire or give something, communicate directly with BFSK Chairperson Mariel Tumang at Barangay BF Homes hall along Elsie Gatches street in Parañaque City.

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UPDATE! (September 3, 2019)

The Barangay BF Homes Youth Camp is indeed coming and already efforts are being made on preparing it. This was announced by Barangay BF Homes Kagawad Rocel Espino during the Youth Forum held at the Phase 1 Gym along Pilar Banzon street in BF Homes subdivision on August 31.

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