Showing posts with label Philippines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippines. Show all posts
RP’s improvement in corruption index doesn't mean much?
This year’s report by the Transparency International on corruption perception has placed the Philippines in a better position. From last year’s 141st ranking in a field of 180 sovereign states, the country placed 139th, an improved corruption index for 2009. RP's rank is shared by Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Belarus.
Trailing in the bottom end of the list are nations with the strongest corruption perception--- Iraq, Myanmar, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Somalia. These are countries which have worrisome peace and order problems.
It is unlikely that the improved rank of the Philippines opens a significant dent against its culture of corruption. However, the perception that graft abates in the islands is a bright spot---a source of consolation. It points to an opportunity for for advancement. Sadly, by indications, corruption still threatens RP's progress and stability.
High in the list of less corrupt countries are New Zealand, Denmark, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, and Finland.
The United States slid down from 18th to 19th place raising concerns of growing dishonesty especially in the business sector. It is unsure if what Pres. Barack Obama plans will effectively combat corruption.
The healthcare reform bill Obama supports has avoided the issue of fraud in medical services and reimbursements. The economic difficulties in the US have spawned the rise in corporate crimes which erodes trust and stifles development. (Photo Credit: Donnali) =0=
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Donations sought for this year’s 1 billion hungry people worldwide
The World Food Program (WFP) disclosed that for this year, an unprecedented number of hungry people will reach 1 billion. This translates to about 1 in 6 individuals getting hungry everyday. The United Nations (UN) organization asked people from rich countries to help in its online campaign for the poor by donating $1 dollar a week (www.wfp.org//1billion).
According to Josette Sherran, executive director of WFP, though governments worldwide have traditionally helped in beefing up funds to feed the poor, the present economic decline required that the private sector must assist in the anti-hunger effort.
A world food summit is scheduled in Rome, Italy to seek solution(s) for the increased hungry people. Countries like Germany, Britain, Italy, France and Japan are said to have withdrawn from their pledges in raising $20 billion this year. The fund is supposed to be used to prop-up agriculture in poor countries (http://www.avaaz.org)
Poverty in the Philippines
In spite of the over-hyped anti-poverty gains made by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo, economist Cielito Habito of the Ateneo de Manila University in a recent forum said 35% of Filipinos are estimated to have fallen under the poverty line.
In spite of the economic gains of businesses, the ranks of the financially marginalized continued to expand ---- making it hard for the country to meet the UN-conceived millennium development goal of cutting poverty to half its rate by year 2015.
Experts blamed the failure of government officials to address the long-standing problems of the economy. Although the Philippines posted some economic growth, the living condition of the poor was still getting worse. Most of the growth was centered in the National Capital Region (Manila)leaving behind the poor Filipinos in the provinces and countryside. (PHoto Credit: mykworks) =0=
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Local drug companies share only 1/3 of the RP’s pharmaceutical business
Of the P115 drug industry in the Philippines, the majority, about 2/3, is controlled by foreign companies. Only a third of the drug market is cornered by Filipino drug manufacturers.
Of the Filipino drug companies, United Laboratories (Unilab) gets the highest share (22%) being the leading producer of generic medicines in the country. Smaller companies only capture 10% of the market.
Willy Fabroa, director of the Philippine Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industries Inc. had this to say:
“In the case of Mercury Drug, the country’s largest drugstore chain distributes 3,000 essential drugs made by foreign drug firms and only 500 generic brands from local drug firms. “Kaya wala talagang kalaban-laban ang generics sa drugs mula sa innovators.” ----Manila Standard Today (08/06/09, Ramos Araneta, M.)
Therefore, there is room for expansion of local drug manufacturers, particularly in the production of generic medicines. However, it needs capital to compete with the multinational drug companies. The development of a local drug industry has been a long-time need of Filipinos who are saddled by high cost of medicines. (Photo Credit: Lynnticular) =0=
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New National Artists Named for 2009
Recognizing outstanding Filipino men and women in various fields of artistic pursuits, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo named the following as national artists of the Philippines:
1. Manual Urbano (Manuel Conde)---Film and Broadcast
2. Lazaro Francisco---Literature
3. Federico Aguilar Acuaz---Visual Arts, Painting, Sculpture and Mixed Media)
4. Cecilia Guidote-Alvarez---Theatre
5. Magno Jose Carlo Caparas---Visual Arts and Film
6. Francisco Manosa---Architecture
7. Jose Pitoy Moreno----Fashion Design
Executive Sec. Eduardo Ermita announced the selection of the 7 outstanding individuals who will get the highest award for their exemplary contribution in their line of endeavor. They will receive cash reward, life insurance and monthly pension as part of their recognition. (Photo Credit: Photobunny)=0=
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UP Ibalon to Assist in Launch of 31st National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Month
The whole month of July, the Philippines celebrates the 31st National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Month. Launching activities shall be held in various venues in Naga City on July 1, 2009-- the first time that NDPR launching events are held outside the National Capital Region.Dr. Josephine Robredo-Bundoc, in-country Director at the Philippines Walking Free clinic and consultant at the UP-PGH Department of Rehabilitation Medicine is this year's Coordinator of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Month. Dr. Bundoc is a native of Naga City and the younger sister of city mayor Jesse Robredo.
The day starts off at Plaza Quezon in downtowm Naga at 7:30 in the morning with "Disability Walk…. towards Independence." Two hundred persons with disabilities from the 14 municipalities of Metro Naga will be “ walking hand in hand “ with their able-bodied fellow Bicolanos as a manifestation of unity and support towards activities, programs and issues towards upliftment, independence and empowerment of the disabled.The walk ends at SM City Naga lobby in Barangay Triangulo where another activity, “ Talents…. Enabled!,“ shall be held. Amputees who have regained their mobility with use of limb prostheses shall showcase their dancing skills;the hearing-impaired shall sing on key; and the the wheelchair-borne will gracefully sashay in tempo.
Medical and Rehabilitation Services, themed, "From Objects to Subjects :Towards Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Society" follow. Free medical services will be provided to the disabled while lay fora pertaining to wellness and disability prevention will be conducted to their caregivers and health providers.The day culminates at the Naga City Civic Center with a lecture from a deaf-blind lawyer from Finland, Atty. TRiku Virtanen, who will talk on the legal, academic and socioeconomic issues of Independent Living ,Human Rights and full Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
Members of UP Ibalon Bicol, Dr. Bundoc's co-alumni at the University of the Philippines, assist her in this momentous event.
June 3, 2009: Philippine Swine Flu Update
The 22nd case of H1N1 flu in the Philippines was confirmed in a 21 year old foreign student prompting the De La Salle University in Manila to close temporarily on June 4 to 14 as a measure to contain the disease.
As of June 3, 2009, the WHO tally puts the number of swine flu infections to 19, 273 and 117 deaths in 66 countries. About half of the number of cases have been confirmed in the United States. (Photo Credit: Bendicte Desrus)
UPDATE: On June 4, 2009, 6 more positive H1N1 flu sufferers were reported by Dr. Francisco Duque III of DOH, bringing a total of 28 people having contracted the disease. =0=
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H1N1 flu cases in RP jump to a total of 6
The Department of Health (DOH) announced 4 more Filipinos testing positive for the H1N1 flu bringing the number of cases to a total to 6 of May 27, 2009. Two of the four got their illnesses after attending a wedding in Zambales where the infected Taiwanese woman and her child were present.
A one-year old girl from USA also exhibited signs and symptoms of flu 5 days after her arrival on May 19, 2009. Another is a 13 year old boy who became ill after a trip from Hongkong.
The increase in swine flu cases is a cause of concern knowing that the virus is highly transmissible. With the anticipated opening of classes in the Philippines, the public is advised to take the needed precaution to avoid the disease.
In a tally of the World Health Organization (WHO) as of 06:00 GMT, 27 May 2009, the number of those who contracted the disease has reached 13,398 in 48 countries. It has caused death to 95 people.(Photo Credit: Benedicte Desrus) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: "2nd H1N1 flu case reported in the Philippines" Posted by mesiamd at 5/25/2009; "RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection" Posted by mesiamd at 5/22/2009
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2nd H1N1 flu case reported in the Philippines
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Because of the time lag between the exposure to influenza and the moment manifestations of the infection arise, it’s only now that the 50-year old Filipina who arrived as a balikbayan from USA is confirmed as the second case of swine flu infection in the country. The first case is a 10 year-old child who also came home from a trip abroad. She is reported to have fully recovered from the illness.
The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) announces the woman tested positive for the H1N1 virus though it appears that she has been recovering since she experienced having cough and fever, one day after her arrival from USA.
“Since monitoring started on May 1, the DOH has placed 105 individuals under observation, with 88 already being found negative and 15 have pending laboratory test results.”---Malaya (05/23/09, Naval, G)
Though there is no reason to panic, the viral infection that has affected close to 12,000 individuals in 43 countries is a source of concern. The new strain of viral infection has the capacity to kill and is still under study. Nobody knows how the virus with a propensity to mutate and assume more virulence will behave when it spreads in different countries as the seasons change.
Preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering one’s nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, avoiding hand contact with people as advised by the Department of Health are in place.
The World Health Organization urges nations to push for pandemic preparedness and advices pro-active fight against the disease while only a few individuals have been stricken ill of the disease.(Photo Credit: CDC)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection " Posted by mesiamd at 5/22/2009
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Because of the time lag between the exposure to influenza and the moment manifestations of the infection arise, it’s only now that the 50-year old Filipina who arrived as a balikbayan from USA is confirmed as the second case of swine flu infection in the country. The first case is a 10 year-old child who also came home from a trip abroad. She is reported to have fully recovered from the illness.
The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) announces the woman tested positive for the H1N1 virus though it appears that she has been recovering since she experienced having cough and fever, one day after her arrival from USA.
“Since monitoring started on May 1, the DOH has placed 105 individuals under observation, with 88 already being found negative and 15 have pending laboratory test results.”---Malaya (05/23/09, Naval, G)
Though there is no reason to panic, the viral infection that has affected close to 12,000 individuals in 43 countries is a source of concern. The new strain of viral infection has the capacity to kill and is still under study. Nobody knows how the virus with a propensity to mutate and assume more virulence will behave when it spreads in different countries as the seasons change.
Preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering one’s nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, avoiding hand contact with people as advised by the Department of Health are in place.
The World Health Organization urges nations to push for pandemic preparedness and advices pro-active fight against the disease while only a few individuals have been stricken ill of the disease.(Photo Credit: CDC)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection " Posted by mesiamd at 5/22/2009
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RP lagging behind Asia’s competitive nations
As the country focuses on the risque sex video scandal of plastic surgeon Hayden Kho and starlet Katrina Halili, we get distracted from significant national issues like the latest corruption charges against high ranking military men ---allegedly pocketing millions of pesos intended for soldiers in the 2007 US-RP Balikatan exercises. The "Euro Generals Scandal" which involved the embarrassing money laundering of high ranking Filipino military officers discovered by Russian authorities in Moscow has been forgotten.
Now, consistent with these scandals, a report which impacts on every Filipino tells of the floundering global competitiveness of the country. It’s the kind of bad news that we rather not talk about. This year RP placed a dismal 43rd out of 57 in the World Competitive Yearbook released by the Swiss Business School.
“Among 12 Asian countries on the list, the Philippines got the poorest ranking with Hong Kong considered as the world’s second most competitive country, next to the United States. Singapore ranked 3rd; Japan, 17th; Malaysia, 18th; China, 20th; Taiwan, 23rd; Thailand, 26th; Korea, 27th; India, 30th; Kazakhstan, 36th, and Indonesia, 42nd.
The Philippines’ competitiveness grade regressed the past five years having been ranked 40th in 2005, 42nd in 2006, 45th in 2007 before improving to 40th last year.
The economic performance of the country deteriorated progressively since 2005 when it was ranked 36th, 45th in 2006 and 2007, and 42nd last year.
On government efficiency the Philippines was ranked 42nd, on business efficiency, 32nd and infrastructure second to the last at 56th. ”---Daily Tribune (05/21/09, del Callar, MP)
The reason given for the fall in RP's ranking is graft and corruption. So we tell ourselves what’s new? The data above are very disconcering. We have enough black-eyes to deal with.
As long as we don’t do something about corruption, with our economic stagnation, morale and moral decline will continue. Even the United Nations (UN) has warned us that lack of government oversight on foreign aid and the national budget, paves way to graft which weakens the government. (Photo Credit: Stormcrypt)=0=
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RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection
Based on the tally of the World Health Organization (WHO,) the swine flu spreading throughout the world has reached 11,168 and 86 deaths as of May 22, 2009. This coincides with the first case confirmed in the Philippines which joins at least 38 countries having the disease.
The Department of Health (DOH,) reported that the swine flu-positive 11 year-old girl identified by the laboratory of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine(RITM) arrived on May 18, 2009 from USA and Canada where many swine infections have been reported. She is presently quarantined in an effort to contain the virus from infecting the general population.
“The government will conduct contact tracing to identify and diagnose individuals who might have come into contact with the infected girl. Health authorities will also check the plane boarded by the girl for traces of the disease.”--- GMA TV News.com (05/21/09 Balagtas-See, A)
Advising the public to be calm and be mindful of the preventive measures advised by health authorities, the DOH reminds the public of the need for vigilance. Filipinos must not be complacent as the virus easily mutates; it has the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality which can affect the nation's economy. Pharmaceuticals are still on the process of making a the H1N1 flu vaccine, but it will take a few months before it will be available. =0=
World Health Organization (WHO) Tally of H1N1 Flu Infection
As of 06:00 GMT, 22 May 2009
Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005)
Country----Cumulative total-----Newly confirmed since the last reporting period-
--------------Cases---Deaths----Cases-----Deaths
Argentina------1------0-----------0---------0
Australia-------7------0-----------4---------0
Austria---------1------0-----------0---------0
Belgium--------5------0-----------0---------0
Brazil-----------8------0-----------0---------0
Canada--------719----1-----------0---------0
Chile-----------24-----0-----------19--------0
China-----------11-----0-----------3---------0
Colombia-------12-----0-----------0---------0
Costa Rica-----20-----0-----------0---------0
Cuba-------------4------0-----------0---------0
Denmark---------1------0-----------0---------0
Ecuador---------8------0-----------7---------0
El Salvador-----6------0-----------0---------0
Finland----------2------0-----------0---------0
France----------16-----0-----------0---------0
Germany--------14-----0-----------0---------0
Greece----------1------0-----------0---------0
Guatemala------4------0-----------0---------0
India-------------1------0-----------0---------0
Ireland----------1------0-----------0---------0
Israel------------7------0-----------0---------0
Italy-------------10-----0-----------0---------0
Japan-----------294---0-----------35--------0
Korea-----------3------0-----------0---------0
Malaysia--------2------0-----------0---------0
Mexico----------3892---75---------0---------0
Netherlands-----3------0-----------0---------0
New Zealand-----9------0-----------0---------0
Norway-----------3------0-----------0---------0
Panama----------73-----0-----------4---------0
Peru--------------5------0-----------2---------0
Philippines------1------0-----------1---------0
Poland-----------2------0-----------0---------0
Portugal---------1------0-----------0---------0
Spain------------113----0-----------2---------0
Sweden----------3------0-----------0---------0
Switzerland------1------0-----------0---------0
Thailand---------2------0-----------0---------0
Turkey-----------2------0-----------0---------0
United Kingdom--112----0---------3---------0
USA--------------5764---9-----------54--------1
Grand Total----11168---86--------134-------1
Cumulative and new figures are subject to revision
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Pacquiao KOs Hatton in 2 Rounds
Put to rest the doubts that Manny Pacquiao won against Oscar de la Hoya because the latter was too old. This time Pacquiao sent a young and strong Ricky Hatton into the canvass twice before knocking him out less than 10 seconds remaining in the second round of their battle for the IBO and Ring Magazine's Junior Welterweight title in Las Vegas.
The Pacquiao-Hatton fight was dubbed as the battle between East and West, Hatton being UK's boxing hero and Filipino Manny Pacquiao, the current pound-for-pound king, having a whole nation in his corner. Filipinos all over the world rejoice over Pacquiao's latest victory. The predominantly English crown was stunned at the ease with which their champion get demolished.
Some analysts believe that this loss marks the end of Hatton's boxing career. Pacquiao's career meanwhile remains as bright as ever. The Pacman, as widely speculated, takes on the winner of the July fight between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez.
EU will closely watch how RP uses foreign aid
Most likely because of the unchecked corruption of countries like the Philippines that the European Union (EU) decided to closely watch how aid money is used by recipient countries. Those who would be uncooperative run the risk of losing their financial aid.
“It is necessary to have clarity on what the government will do with the funds. We are now in the process of restructuring our aid. We want to make it visible and transparent and see for what purpose was it used.”----said Koos Richelle, European Commission’s Director General of the EuropeAid Cooperation Office. Daily Tribune (04/22/09, Del Callar MP)
The European Union including other big donors for development like the US, Australia, and Japan are concerned and want to know if their help to poor countries like the Philippines benefit the intended recipients. They are demanding for tangible results.
The administration of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo is looked upon by the Filipinos as the most corrupt. Early this year, World Bank (WB) disclosed the bid-rigging which occurs in its road projects. The revelation has blacklisted three Filipino and four Chinese companies involved in the anomaly which implicated Jose Miguel Arroyo, the husband of the president. (Photo Credit: Mikey G Ottawa)
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UPCAT---The Movie Links UP Ibalon And UPAA
There is a bunch of inspired members common to UP Ibalon Alumni and the UP Alumni Association of Camarines Sur. Inevitably, both organizations teamed up when the latter brought the premiere of UPCAT --the Movie to Naga City on Feb 28, 2009.
UPCAT--the Movie is an independent film that features upstart talents: Felix Roco, Hiyasmin Neri, Director Roman Carlo Olivarez, scriptwriter Alfred Reyes, and producer Joselle Acuña.
According to Director Roman Carlo Olivarez passing the UP College Admissions Tests (UPCAT) has become a common symbol of hope and dreams of the Filipino youth in their quest for intellectual excellence, a commodity that young people appreciate more personally as tough global competition stares then right in the face in the 21st century. This Communication Arts graduate of La Salle says he has no intention of creating a mystique around UPCAT, but its compelling symbolism is so significant and so timely UPCAT deserves to be a movie title. (You can view our video interview with Director Roman Carlo Olivare at our other website www.upibalon.com).
The UP Ibalon Bicol is happy to have supported the premiere of UPCAT---the Movie in Naga City, indirectly cheering up independent film makers and teaching the Filipino youth to dream.
Producer Joselle Acuña, also a UP alumna, promises to be back to Bicol for a sequel to UPCAT. She likes Bicol to be the setting and she likes to feature stories of real-life UP graduates. (You can view our video interview with Joselle at our other website www.upibalon.com).
Many Ibalonians of course have life stories worth telling. (Mighty be prepared to tell your story).
Acknowledgment: All photos in this post courtesy of Director Roman Carlo Olivarez, who had his Nikon digital SLR camera handy all the time.
Go to our other website www.upibalon.com for more photos and videos related to this activity.
UP Ibalon with Physicians for Peace in Naga City
The Physicians for Peace gave out free wheelchairs to pre-screened indigents in Naga City. UP Ibalon Bicol was a partner in this project and may act as conduit for future donations by the Physicians for Peace, an international charity organization headed by a Fil-American, Dr. Juan Montero.
This partnership of the UP Ibalon and the Physicians for Peace came as a result of the efforts of Dr. Josephine (Jenny) Robredo-Bundoc, a UP Ibalon alumna and currently a world consultant of the physicians' group. Jenny is the younger sister of UP Ibalon Bicol president, Butch Robredo and Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo.The wheelchairs were pre-fabricated and the UP Ibalon members had the fun of their life assembling the equipment. The activity was a satisfying spiritual experience for Ibalonians, having been exposed to disabled while having the capability to offer help, however small.
Having grassroot reach in the city's 27 barangays, the members of the Kapisanan ng Sangguniang Barangay Kagawad (KSBK) Naga City chapter had searched for recipients. Lolit Nantes heads the KSBK as President.The City Social Welfare Department further screened the recipients.
Watch the video above and share the fun.
Job Outlook 2009: Nurses in USA still in demand, but not in the Philippines
Unemployment is rampant as the economic meltdown continues in America. The joblessness in the world's largest economy is in all time high and still rising. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) January 20, 2009 issue reports the discouraging job loss of 2.6 million last year. Yet, in spite of the alarming unemployment sweeping America today, healthcare sticks out as among the few bright spots in work opportunities. The US healthcare sector posted gains of 419,000 jobs, mostly for nurses in 2008.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the trend is expected to continue till 2016 as Americans grow older and need more medical services. Last year, registered nurses posted 168,000 job placements to cope with the nationwide shortage. The availability of health care jobs including those in home care and nursing homes proves that employment in this sector is relatively recession-proof. Expansion of work opportunities is expected in less intensive training courses like pharmacy and medical assistantships.
This could have been welcoming news for Filipino nurses who seek work opportunities abroad. But with current US visa restrictions and slowing of recruitment of foreign applicants, the need for local healthcare workers in USA doesn’t translate into more foreign nurses getting jobs at this time. There is an emerging nativist US sentiments sparked by the economic downturn which further dampens the interest in hiring nurses from abroad.
There are about 88,750 nurses who took the Philippine board exam in November last year. The 50% (more or less) who will pass and get licensed will add to the nurse unemployment problem which is currently estimated to number about 400,000. The high joblessness rate in the country opens more opportunities for exploitation among these professionals and the government seems inutile in solving it. (Photo Credit: AllwaysNY; Uberdoog)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: "As nursing jobs become scarce, 88,750 brace for the next board examination" Posted by mesiamd at 11/12/2008; "Job prospects for nurses decline" Posted by mesiamd at 6/02/2008
With 17, 000 islands, Indonesia shares maritime woes with the Philippines
The stormy weather sucked in the Indonesian ferry Tertai Prima and disappeared in the sea on Sunday, January 11, 2009. Two days after the 700-ton (635-metric ton) inter-island vessel which plied the route in a country with 17,000 islands sank, an undetermined number travelers, part of at least 250 passengers and 17 crew onboard, had been missing and accounted for.
“The Teratai Prima, which radioed that it was in trouble just before dawn Sunday, capsized about 30 miles (50 kilometers) off the coast of western Sulawesi. It was headed for Samarinda on the Indonesian side of Borneo.”---AP (01/12/09, Ahmad, Y)
There are reports many are still alive waiting for a rescue. Horrid tales of those who survived spoke of children and elderly drowning in the fierce waters brought by cyclone Charlotte. Thirty four (34) were so far rescued and 40 escaped. Of the dead, the Indonesian government promised $2,400 each, a measly sum for each life lost that could have been more valuable and productive. In December 2006, similar sinking occurred in Java-Borneo area killing nearly 2/3 of the 600 passengers.
This story is shared in more grim terms by us Filipinos who live with 7,000 islands.
It brings recall of the woeful maritime tragedies that occur in our waters with frequency and lethality greater than in Indonesia. Most of these sea accidents in both countries are blamed on inclement weather, poor supervision and negligence of maritime and government officials, overloading, equipment failure, human error among others. We call on our respective government authorities to do something more than the status quo to prevent the next boat sinking waiting at the bend. We could just look back at some of our blogs below that stress this point. (Credits: Mauritius100's; Lorca56)
RELATED BLOGS: "23 drown in another ferry boat mishap" Posted by mesiamd at 12/15/2008; "May barko na naman na lumubog!" Posted by mesiamd at 11/26/2008; "RP’s maritime disaster Ferry boat sinks in Masbate killing 40" Posted by mesiamd at 11/04/2008; "Princess of the stars: a harvest of blame and shame" Posted by mesiamd at 11/08/2008; "A Sorry Maritime Safety Record Indeed In The Philippines" Posted by myty555 at 11/09/2008 =0=
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Top 10 leading causes of death: Philippines (2003) & USA (2005)
Ten Leading Causes of Mortality Philippines, 2003
---------------------------------------Male-----Female-----Total--Rate^--Percent*
1. Heart Diseases----------------38,677---29,019-----67,696--83.5--17.1
2. Vascular System Diseases--29,054---22,814-----51,868--64.0--13.1
3. Malignant Neoplasm----------20,634---18,664-----39,298--48.5--9.9
4. Accidents-----------------------27,720---6,246------33,966--41.9--8.6
5. Pneumonia---------------------15,831---16,224-----32,055--39.5--8.1
6. Tuberculosis, all forms-------18,367---8,404----- 26,771--33.0--6.8
7. Symptoms, signs and abnormal
clinical, laboratory findings,
NEC---------------------------------10,740---10,623-----21,363--26.3--5.4
8. Chronic lower resp. dis. -----12,998---5,907------18,905--23.3--4.8
9. Diabetes Mellitus--------------6,823----7,373------14,196--17.5--3.6
10. Certain conditions
originating in the
perinatal period-------------------8,397----5,725------14,122--17.4--3.6
Source: The 2003 Philippine Health Statistics
* Percent share from total deaths, all causes, Philippines
^ Rate per 100,000 population
Last Update: January 11, 2007
US Mortality 2005
-----------------------------------------Number of Deaths-------------% of all deaths
Heart Disease--------------------------652,091------------------------------26.6
Cancer----------------------------------559,312------------------------------22.8
Cerebrovascular Disease------------143,579-------------------------------5.9
Chronic Lower Resp. Dis. -----------130,933-------------------------------5.3
Accidents (unintentional) ------------117,809-----------------------------4.8
Diabetes mellitus-----------------------75,119------------------------------3.1
Alzheimer’s Disease -------------------71.599------------------------------2.9
Influenza & Pneumonia----------------63,001------------------------------2.6
Nephritis*-------------------------------- 43,901-----------------------------1.8
Septicemia-------------------------------34,131------------------------------1.4
*Includes Nephrotic Syndrome and Nephrosis
Source: US Mortality Data, 2005, National Center for Health Statistics, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009
What is striking in these two tables is the primacy of heart diseases as the top cause of death in both the Philippines and USA. This includes congenital heart problems such as hereditary valvular and septal anomalies; acquired heart illnesses like ischemic, coronary, hypertensive, cardiomyopathic, and infectious conditions are included.
However, in a new report on Dec 10, 2008, cancer is noted to be on the rise. It is expected to top the list of disease killers by the year 2010. The main cause given is the unabated use of tobacco---resulting to an increasing incidence of lung and respiratory malignancies particularly in developing countries.
One notes the exceedingly high accident mortality rate in both countries---deaths that are basically preventable. The vehicular-injuries mortality in the Philippines is strikingly more than 4x in males, those who ply the streets as drivers and travellers.
Greater than 2,000 children are killed every day, or about 830,000 every year, from injuries sustained in preventable accidents, a United Nations’ report said.---PDI (12/11/08, Uy,V)
If #7 NEC in the Philippine data means necrotizing enterocolitis and #10 refers to perinatal diseases, they indicate high mortalities in newborns and children which isn't reflected in the US data.
Tuberculosis, a treatable old chronic infectious disease still comes as #6 in the Philippines while in USA, Alzheimer's disease, a degenerative illness of aging ranks high as the 7th leading cause of death.
The disparity of these data serves as a guide on the current healthcare planning and services respective countries must offer. Most of these top killers are preventable in which educational campaigns and proper medical care have significant roles. (Photo Credits: SterlingArtz; Poodle boi)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "The Death Clock and the Dangers of Smoking" Posted by mesiamd at 10/22/2008' "Cancer races as the #1 disease killer in 2010" Posted by mesiamd at 12/11/2008
Journalist killings continue
The death toll of journalists being killed in the Philippines continues to rise. On the early hours of December 9, 2008, Muriel Leanilo, a tabloid columnist of “Bagong Balita” was slain by an unidentified gunman who walked away from the site of the crime in Aurora, Boulevard, Quezon City. The motive of the killing wasn’t known.Following the shooting death of another journalist less than a month ago, Leanilo was rushed at Quirino Memorial Medical Center but was pronounced dead on arrival. His companion, Christina Valldolid, was seriously hurt. A taxi driver who saw the murder said the assailant walked away after the incident.
Cold-blooded slaughter has been a common occurrence in the Philippines. The administration of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo appears helpless in stopping the crimes which earn bad reputation for the country. Apologists of the government can’t say that the unsatisfactory national human rights and freedom records are "perceptions" only. There is an obvious lack of justice. Unhalted murders suggest political instability which may worsen in time. (Photo Credit: Campino Castillejo)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: “Another gruesome journalist’s slay” Posted by mesiamd at 11/17/2008; "RP’s 2008 Press Freedom Rank: 142nd out of 173 nations," Posted by mesiamd at 10/26/2008; "Deteriorating Human Rights Record: another journalist shot dead in Camarines Sur," posted by mesiamd at 08/16/08.)
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"Asocena": more than 70 dogs for food
In cultures where dogs are celebrated as pets, security aids, rescue workers, guards, loyal companions, and friends, one can be horrified to know how they are slaughtered for food by humans. In spite of the risk of diseases like rabies, in many places in Asia like in China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, dogs are raised and killed for food. Stray mongrels are snared and cooked as "delicacy" even if it's against the law. Every so often we hear of hapless dogs bound for slaughter. The horrendous plight of these animals before dying is appalling. This is exactly what is reported by Julie Aurelio of PDI (12/04/08) of more than 70 canines intercepted in a van in SM North Edsa Manila. It's in the nick of time that the dogs have been rescued before they become "aso" which means dog and "cena," supper.
The police arrested Ernesto Zapata and companion Jason Ortega who said the canines came from Laguna and are headed Baguio City for sale. The Philippine Society of Cruelty of Animals took custody of the confiscated dogs, 20 of which are pregnant. Let’s be kind to animals. (Photo Credits: Tibble) =0=
Camarines Sur farmer's 444 kilometer march to Malacanang
There is sympathy elicited by the pictures of about 50 poor farmers from Banasi, Bula, Camarines Sur who embarked on a march to press their demand that Malacanang reverse the order of Executive Sec. Eduardo Ermita which kept them out of the land awarded to them 11 years ago under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
The basis of Ermita’s decision was that the 123 hectare property previously owned by the Fajardo family of Baao Camarines Sur didn’t qualify to be awarded to the farmers because it was used for grazing cattle, instead of agriculture. This led to the revocation of the certificates of land ownership award (CLOA,) of 57 farmers who were beneficiaries of the land distribution. Ermita’s decision ignored the earlier Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) rulings in 1999 and 2007 which favored the planters.
Started on November 17, 2008, the 444 kilometer walk includes 82-year old Pobleo Clavero, the oldest of the group of farmers who wants to leave his 1.7 hectare land to his grandchildren when he dies. Their leader, Jess Bergantin, says they have to resort to what the agricultural workers from Sumilao, Bukidnon did a year ago to get Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo’s favorable decision. The group are still negotiating the dangerous winding highway towards Manila where they hope to get a solution to their land problem.
The case of the Fajardo Estate farmers shows the limitations of the CARP, which continues to pose problems to farmers 20 years since the program was started. Though there have been successes in the awarding of land to worthy beneficiaries, many however are blocked by landlords and the system of CARP implementation. The bureaucracy of the DAR that impedes the acquisition of land, the reversals of award decisions like the Sumilao and Fajardo Estates, the controversial land use, conversions (i.e. subdivisions) and funding of the program are among the problems that stand on the way for the full CARP implementation. For lack of education and know-how, many farmers have no sufficient means to make their acquired land productive. About half of the beneficiaries end up not tilling the soil, decreasing productivity, and illegally selling the land.
As I watched the photos of the Fajardo Estate farmers marching from Banasi, Bula Camarines Sur, I could only think whether their lives had improved since CARP was instituted. Braving the wind, sun and rain, some who walked barefoot were very tired, their calloused feet endured the searing heat of asphalt in the highway; others had their skin abraded by friction caused by cheap sandals they wore. From their faces, I could guess most of the farmers had meager education preventing them from fully understanding their legal rights under the land reform program. Their looks made me suspect their financial position didn’t improve. They had been as poor as the days when CARP wasn’t part of their lives. Photo Credit Pakisamagallery)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "Nuns abducted in Kenya, farmers from Camarines Sur march to Malacanang & the US national debt of $10,664,871,159,771.01 bogs the nation"Posted by mesiamd at 11/28/2008
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