Kalinga Provincial Hospital to open its first kidney dialysis center

Cordillera, - The Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH) will open it institution-based dialysis center to provide kidney patients access to dialysis treatment on October.

The dialysis center, which will be an added facility of KPH is made possible because of the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) of Department of Health (DOH) with the goal of improving the delivery of basic, essential and as well as specialized health services by making health facilities more advanced to make it more responsive to the needs of its people.

The DOH Central Office will provide the dialysis machines while the provincial government allocated P8M for the construction of building.

Raymond Palicas, administrative officer V said that the dialysis center, located at the back of the Ambigaton Pharmacy will have 10 machines and is expected to be utilized by kidney failure patients in the province.

He also said that the dialysis center which measures 15x24 square meters will also feature a nurse area, waiting station, doctor’s quarter, a diagnostic laboratory, and will operate 24/7 and cater to emergency dialysis procedures.

Palicas also mentioned that as part of the mandatory requirements before a License To Operate is issued by DOH, the KPH will hire a nephrologist on a contract of service, four dialysis nurses while two of their current nurse staffs will be trained for dialysis.

‘’The hospital will not charge our patients with any amount for the procedure and will make it sure that all laboratory procedures needed by them such as complete blood count (CBC), serum creatinine, electrolytes check and Hepa profiling will be available, he informed.

Palicas also said that they are now working on the needed documents for the accreditation to Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhiHealth).

‘’KPH is aware that kidney failure cases in the province are increasing and this dialysis center will offer immense help for patients undergoing lifetime dialysis treatment. They need not to go to other dialysis centers situated outside the city because KPH has same exact services and is ready to offer the best treatment possible,’’ he ended.

Asked why just now that KPH has built a dialysis center, Palicas replied that budgetary requirement is the biggest consideration in the upgrading of medical facilities. This means that huge financial resource must be available to support construction expenses and wages of additional workforce. He also said that the situation was aggravated by the absence of nephrologist in the province.

Meanwhile, Frances Reggie Ramirez, nurse II of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said that 39 patients were undergoing lifetime dialysis treatment in 2016.

The figure does not include those suffering from kidney failure but who are not able to get treatment.

She also disclosed that there were 31 deaths in 2016 due to kidney-related diseases which ranked 4th leading cause of mortality in the province.

Ramirez said that their office has no exact figure yet as to kidney failure cases for this year but certainly, the figure is close to 39.

Seventeen year-old Roneliani Istak from Malin-awa, this city who endures a twice weekly dialysis treatment was thankful for the coming of the dialysis center in KPH which she described a great relief.

Istak, in a text message confirmed her transfer to KPH once the center is operational. (Darwin S. Serion/Tabuk City Information Office)

source: Tabuk City Kalinga Official FB page. 

Read More

U.S. to hire Filipino teachers to fill the massive teacher shortage problem - report says

learningpolicy.org

In a recent article published by NBC News, it discusses the massive teacher crisis  many American schools are facing and the "new creative policy solutions they see is by importing instructors/teachers from foreign countries.

One country of their choice in the Philippines because Filipino teachers from the country's best schools speak fluent English.

"The Philippines has been an ideal country for schools facing shortages to turn to. Teachers in the country's best schools speak fluent English (it's one of the nation's two official languages, stemming from its status as a former U.S. territory) and the national school system is similar to the American one, allowing teachers to more easily have their credentials and certifications transferred."

The shortage of teachers in the U.S is worsening according to the report and many schools are taking actions into their own hands in order to fill the gap.

An education think tank that analyzed federal education data, revealed nearly 300,000 positions in public schools districts alone need filled. Their is a shortage of nearly over 1,000 positions if compared to the over 196,000 certified teachers who will make up the teaching force.

Experts believe the crisis is due the low interest of teachers to take the job because they are unhappy.

Even despite of increasing the salaries of teachers, but still no one in interested so the solution of hiring teachers overseas has seems to be fitting.

One public school in California has employed over 12 teachers from the Philippines to teach mix of special education and science subject for the school year 2016-2017 and have hired six more Filipino teachers just last week.

Filipino teachers who work in the U.S. mainland are given a non-immigrant visa category known as J-1 visa designed to promote cultural exchanges.

The salary given to them is much higher compared to the salary they get in the Philippines. This is one of the reasons many Filipinos desire to find work overseas rather than in their home country.

A small job placement agency in California is currently running a business of recruiting Filipino teachers to work in America has said it has successfully recruited over 200 teachers ready to work for the upcoming school year.

Schools that are looking for teachers turn to the agency for help. They will be connected with interested Filipino applicants thru skype wherein they will conduct interviews and request for teaching demonstration.

One school school in Arizona decided to hire 11 Filipino teachers after seeing videos of their teaching skills and their credentials.

The Philippines is home of the most skilled and highly educated teachers in the world. They possess total dedication and passion for their craft, - the reasons many countries wanted to hire them.

If America is facing massive teacher shortage at this moment in time and employing Filipino teachers is on top of the solutions, then they are on the right track.

Because wherever you put Filipino teachers, their passion and dedication for their sworn duty will make them successful.

Read More

Honest Baguio taxi driver hands back forgotten cellphone to owner

Photo courtesy: Baguio Pulisya Kwatro

Baguio City, - An honest taxi driver has made another big contribution to the city of Baguio for being a tourist friendly place after returning a passengers's lost mobile phone. 

Mr. Renato Campos Hafalla, driver of a Taxi with plate number AYU 595 personally turned-over the cellphone to Xyrah Basillio and Carlo Matig-a, visitors from Bacolod and Bohol Province.

According to a post from Baguio Pulisya Kwatro, Basillio and Matig-a "boarded a wagon type taxi and when they alighted, the IPhone 5S of Ms. Basillio fell down unnoticed. They reported the incident to Police Station 4. Personnel of station 4 under the direct supervision of the Station Commander PCO Dexter I. Ominga assisted said visitors. They flagged down a taxi and advised the driver to inform other taxi drivers through radio if they happened to find cellphone inside their driven taxi and to return the same to its owner or turn-over it to the police station." 

The report also said, they tried to contact the number of the lost phone and someone replied and identified his name as Renato Campos Hafalla, the driver of the taxi cab. 

He immediately went to Station 4 at Bokawkan to personally return the lost Iphone to the owner. 

Mr. Renato Campos Hafalla  was given appreciation by many netizens commending him for his action. 

Read More

BSU alumnus goes international in SEA GAMES 2017

Photo Courtesy: Junell Mark Bautista

Junell Mark Bautista, a University graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Physical Education played for the National Football team of the Philippines. The team competed in the 29th South East Asian Games on August 14-30, 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Bautista plays as one of the defenders for the national men’s team.

“I am grateful for the opportunity. It is my biggest dream in my football career to compete in the SEA Games,” he said.

Bautista, who graduated in July 2017 was awarded as the University Athlete of the Year. He was also an active varsity player of BSU’s Football Club during his college years.

READ ALSO: Young chess gold medalist from Apayao chosen for Chess Competition in Indonesia

“BSU ti maysa nga nag mold ken nangtulong kanyak nga agmature iti panag ayayam ko. Ditoyak met lang nga nasurwan nu kasanu nga agbalin nga leader gapu ta napadasak met nga nagcoach kadagiti ubbing idi member ak ti BSU Football Club”, (BSU is one who molded and helped me mature in playing football. It is also where I learned how to become a leader since I tried coaching children when I was a member of the BSU Football Club).

Bautista noted that a varsity player in college must learn the discipline to be able to balance his studies and his extracurricular activities.

Photo Courtesy: Junell Mark Bautista

“Every student-athlete must trust his/ herself and believe that he/she can do anything. We ( student-athletes) should never give up. We should not waste our skills because of any kind of vices”, he emphasized.

After five games in bracket B, the Philippines concluded their feat in the SEA Games with a 2-3 streak, beating Cambodia and Timor Leste and losing against Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Bautista will continue his football career in the Philippine Football League, as a member of the Davao Aguilas Football Club (DAFC).//DSEmok

source: http://www.bsu.edu.ph/content/bsu-alumnus-goes-international-sea-games-2017

Read More

Rotary Club of Baguio to conduct Free Dental, Optical and Medical Mission on Sept. 1, 2017

Baguio City, - The Rotary Club of Baguio together with other partners will be conduction free dental, optical and medical mission on September 1 starting at 9 AM to 3 PM at the Rooftop, Abanao Square Mall. 

According to the information posted of RCB's Facebook page, the mission is a joint project by Rotary Club Baguio and Abanao Square with the participation of several institutions like the Rotaract Club of SLU, Integrated Philippines Association of Optometrist. Inc - Baguio-Benguet Chapter, UB School of Dentistry Alumni Association and Big Sound FM. 

The joint project is expected to provide free services like medical consultation, dental services, eye check up and a lot more. 

Read More

Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian: The youngest chess gold medalist from Cordillera

Photo courtesy: Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian's FB 

Cordillera, - A young athlete Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian of Luna, Apayao was chosen to play in the inaugural Indonesia-Philippines Goodwill Chess Matches on September 9 - 13, 2017 in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

Sebastian who was awarded the 2015 ASEAN chess gold medalist and consistent Palarong Pambansa athlete was selected by Asia's first Grandmaster Eugene Torre to be part of the 8-member team who will represent the country in the upcoming chess tournament in Indonesia

Torre said that Sebastian was endorsed by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP due to her excellent performance in the 2017 National Age Group Chess Championship held in Cebu City last May, according to a local magazine. 

Sebastian is the only player outside Manila who was included in the list to play against talented chess players of Indonesia. 

She will be playing in the 12 years old and under category together with other young stars of the Philippines who will be playing in other categories. 

Meanwhile, the parents of Sebastian have expressed their appreciation that their daughter was selected to be part of the Philippine team. 

They were surprised and couldn't believe Torre, the well admired chess living legend called them and announced the inclusion of Sebastian considering that there are also other talented players in the country. 

"It is an honor for us and our Province that Mhage has been selected among the equally talented woodpushers of the country. It is always our desire and Mhage's dream to consistently represent the Philippines in international competition." Sebastian's parents said. 

Read More

Only in Baguio: Where former drug users are training to become professional boxers.

Baguio City, - Not all drug users end up killed on the street, some of them are in jail, some of them are hiding and some of them are turning their lives around through boxing.

Boxing has long been known to have help those with drug addictions to turn their lives around and make changes in their ways. Some of the famous boxers in the world including Tyson and Manny Pacquiao were known to have used illegal drugs before becoming a world champion.

In Baguio, seven drug surrendees took the challenge to be trained to become a boxer and prove that there are better things to do in life than drugs.

A boxing tournament dubbed "Boxing at the Park: Laban sa Pagbabago" set on September 2 at the People's Park will feature amateur bouts  participated by seven drug surrenderees.

This event is organized by the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) in an attempt to help those drug surrendees have a chance to improve and learn something beneficial for themselves and the community rather than ruining their lives with illegal drugs.

Over-all winner in the contest will have a chance to be trained as a professional boxer.

"This could be their ticket in becoming professional boxers someday and hopefully turn their back against drugs," BCPO city director Ramil Saculles said in a report by sunstar.com.

Saculles is optimistic that this initial boxing event will entice more drug surrenders to take up sports.

Boxing coach Tarjhon Mero believes the surrenders have a bright future as he says they are taking up their boxing practice very seriously.

source: sunstar.com.ph/baguio

Read More

Heroism of 3 Igorot SAF troopers recognized to serve as inspiration to fellow policemen

Baguio City, - Three Igorot cops who were members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police were given special recognition during the SAF memorial day held in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City on Friday. 

PO1 Moises Kimayong Jr. (PNP-SAF) from Ifugao Province, PO3 Alexis Mangaldan from Bangued, Abra and PO2 Tirso Mantalaba from La Trinidad, Benguet were given the traditional ringing of bells to honor their sacrifice to the country. 

Both Kimayong and Mangaldan were killed in action in Marawi City while Mantalaba died in a shootout in an anti-drug operation in Patikul, Sulu on September 24 of last year. He was a member of the 24th Special Action Company of the PNP-SAF based in Sulu. 

READ ALSO: Ibaloi PNP-SAF presented exemplary award by President Duterte

The gallantry displayed by these Igorot SAF troopers serves as an inspiration among the policemen to do more in the campaign against crime and illegal drugs which are being pushed by the Duterte administration. 

SAF commanders assured that full benefits and recognition from the PNP and the government will be given to the family of the SAF troopers. 

The heroism and sacrifices of these men in uniform will never be forgotten. 

Read More

State-of-the-art coffee trading center to rise in Kalinga

Cordillera, - Good news to all coffee growers and farmers in the province of Kalinga because a state-of-the-art coffee trading center is going be built this year.

The building of the P2.4 million worth trading center which is funded by the Department of Agriculture's Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) is expected to be completed by December this year, according to Philippine Information Agency website.

The center will have a sorting and storage section for consolidation services as well as some equipment like mechanical dryer, conveyor and others. It can accommodate around 75,000 kilograms of coffee beans per month.

Coffee growers from different municipalities of Kalinga can bring their coffee beans to the center for sorting and storage.

"With the construction of this facility, I challenge the members of the Kalinga Coffee Cluster (KCC)

to be strengthened and united for as long as the KCC exists, the operation of the trading center will carry on," said Provincial Project Management and Implementing Unit Head Engr. Domingo A. Balikan.

The Kalinga coffee is one of the most popular choice of coffee lovers in the country and abroad because it is organically produced.

Countries in the Middle East prefer Kalinga coffee because of its acclaimed original aroma and blend that is not present in the taste of other coffee brands.

The Kalinga brewed coffee with its renowned "Kalinga Taste" is the major product of the province under the One Town One Product (OTOP) program.

The brewed coffee is a product of roasted ground coffee beans usually comes from the blend of three varieties -- robusta, arabica, and exelsa.

With the building of the trading center, coffee growers can increase the quality of their coffee and will have a place where they can market their coffee products.  

Read More

Lepanto National High School bags this year's Gawad Kalasag Award

Cordillera, - Lepanto National High School (LNHS) located in the Municipality of Mankayan is this years's regional Gawad Kalasag champion in the public-rural school category.

The Gawad Kalasag Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance is an annual recognition scheme of National DRRM Council that encouraged the participation of various stakeholders in crafting and implementing DRRM-related policies, strategies and programs to protect or shield the hazard prone communities from the adverse effects of natural and human-induced calamities.

"Gawad" is a Filipino term for award and "Kalasag" stands for Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan.

LNHS emerged as the champion this year with an average evaluation rate of 86 percent surpassing the 80 percent rating requirement of the board from all the 20 entries in the region.

The school will receive a plaque and P50,000.

LNHS is among the public schools Lepanto Mining Corporation has been supporting over the years. The company is providing school materials and equipment for teachers and students like books, computers and other school needs.

"The Cordillera region is no stranger to calamities.. Lepanto therefor has to proactively and continously improve its disaster preparedness and management programs for the company, its employess and the community. The Gawad Kalasag award of LNHS attests to Lepanto's commitment to preserve and protect its community, especially the children and the students in its in-camp schools," said LCMC Vice President and Resident Manager Thomas Consolacion.

Read More