2
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
NEWS
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019
Start planning vacations: Palace bares list of 2020 holidays
P
resident Duterte has proclaimed 10 regular and nine special non-working holidays for next year to allow Filipinos to plan their vacations ahead. Proclamation No. 845, signed by President Duterte on (Nov. 15), will allow Filipinos to spend more quality time with their families, Malacañang said. The regular holidays are Jan. 1, or New Year’s Day; April 9, Araw ng Kagitingan;
April 9 and 10, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, respectively; May 1, Labor Day; June 12, Independence Day; Aug. 31, National Heroes Day; Nov. 30, Bonifacio Day; Dec. 25, Christmas Day and Dec. 30, Rizal Day. The special non-working holidays are Jan. 25, Chinese New Year; Feb. 25, EDSA People Power Revolution; April 11, Black Saturday; Aug. 21, Ninoy Aquino Day; Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day; Dec. 8, Immaculate Conception and Dec.
31, last day of the year. The additional special non-working days are All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2 and Dec. 24, day before Christmas. Declaring Nov. 2 and Dec. 24 as additional special non-working holidays nationwide “will strengthen family ties by providing more time for the traditional All Saints’ and Souls’ Days and Christmas Day activities,” the proclamation read. The holidays for the observance of Eid’l
Fitr and Eid’l Adha will be issued after the approximate dates for the Islamic holidays are determined based on the Islamic calendar or the lunar calendar, or on Islamic astronomical calculations. “The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos should inform the President of the actual dates on which these holidays will respectively fall,” Malacañang said. —Philstar
Lower prices of life-saving medicine seen next year
H
ealth authorities are hoping the prices of more than 100 lifesaving drugs will be cheaper by 50 percent next year. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III is optimistic that President Duterte will issue by yearend an
executive order lowering the prices of 120 drugs for cancer and other conditions. “I think, although I do not control the schedule of the President. But of course after he signs it, there will be a 120-day allowance before the EO takes effect,”
Duque said. He said the 120-day allowance would provide the pharmaceutical industry time to unload their stocks. The proposed executive order, Duque said, is being finalized. “We will have to ensure that the public consultations are
complete and concluded so there will be a better, higher confidence as to the content of the draft EO,” he said. Last month, the DOH announced that it would submit to the President a list of 120 drugs for the imposition of maximum drug retail pricess (MDRP). The DOH said prices of selected medicines are expected to have a mean reduction of 56 percent from the prevailing market prices once the EO is signed. The proposed list covers 120 drugs for catastrophic conditions such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic lung diseases and neonatal diseases. It also covers high cost treatments for chronic renal disease, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Meanwhile, Duque rejected an offer of the Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) to voluntarily cut down the prices of medicine, instead of the government coming out with a new MDRP. “The offer is full of good intentions. But whether those intentions will translate into actual benefits to our people is something that is not clear,” Duque said. He said the government could not just rely on PHAP and its member-companies to cut down prices of medicine. “While they would be willing to cut down their prices, they admitted they could not control how the retailers would structure the pricing,” Duque said. PHAP executive director Teodoro Padilla earlier said it would be better for the DOH and the industry to work together than for the government to control the prices of medicine.—Philstar
PH ranks 8th among travelers’ favorite countries
T
he Philippines is eighth among the most favorite countries in the world at the annual Condé Nast Traveler awards outranking popular destinations such as Italy and Japan. The country was named in the New York-based luxury and travel magazine’s Top 20 Countries in the World by around 600,000 readers who registered for the 2019 survey. It scored 90.63, a little lower than Indonesia which topped the list at 92.78 points.
Here are the countries that earned a spot at the Condé Nast Traveler readers most favorite countries around the world. 1. Indonesia
92.78
11. Turkey
90.15
2. Thailand
92.37
12. Japan
89.74
3. Portugal
91.94
13. Mexico
89.7
4. Sri Lanka
91.79
14. Tanzania
89.62
5. South Africa 91.59
15. Israel
89.54
6. Peru
91.28
16. Colombia
89.41
7. Greece
91.18
17. New Zealand 89.11
8. Philippines
90.63
18. Ireland
89.08
9. Italy
90.62
19.Cambodia
89.03
10. Vietnam
90.46
20. Croatia
88.83
The list of winners was released on October 7, 2019. In the same Readers’ Choice Awards, Boracay was named the best island in Asia, with Palawan also ranking 4th in the same category. he travel magazine described Boracay “as close to a tropical idyll as you’ll find in Southeast Asia, with gentle coastlines and made-for-Instagram sunsets”. “Fold in a thriving nightlife scene, and you have one of the top tourist spots in the region,” it added. (PNA)
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
3
eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019
Pagcor resumes medical aid to poor families
M
edical care costs an arm and a leg, and is beyond the reach of most Filipinos. The good news is that a government agency is reviving its program to help defray part of the high cost of treatment and medication. Philippine Gaming Amusement Corp. (Pagcor) announced that it would resume accepting medical assistance requests, but the applications will have to be endorsed first to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for verification.
In a statement, Pagcor said it would verify with the PCSO if the applicant had been issued a guarantee letter. The gaming regulator will start accepting walk-in applicants for medical assistance on Nov. 18. “The primary objective of enhanced Pagcor and PCSO coordination is to maximize aid given to each patient and to harmonize the systems of both agencies,” Pagcor said. “Under the arrangement, Pagcor will be able to tap the assistance of [the] PCSO, which has more human and organizational
resources and experience in processing requests for medical assistance,” it added. Responsible data sharing Pagcor said the arrangement was an “interim measure” for responsible data sharing between the two agencies. On Nov. 13, the government-owned and -controlled corporation said it would temporarily stop accommodating financial aid requests after a couple submitted to Pagcor fake documents for fictitious medical cases. The two were arrested by officers from
the Manila Police District in an entrapment operation. They were charged with falsification of public documents but released from custody. Pagcor said that it would still pursue legal actions against the couple. The gaming regulator is mandated to fund sociocivic projects in the country. Its office on United Nations Avenue in Manila accepts walk-in applicants from Monday to Thursday. It also has lanes located in hospital financial assistance centers.—Inquirer
LRT-1 mobile app launched for commuters, local tourists
T
he Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) on (November 19) officially launched the ikotMNL mobile app for passengers of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) -- the country’s first one-stop app for train commuters and tourists alike. The app, available for both iOS and Android devices, features real-time train arrivals and departures, fare information, crowd information in all stations of the LRT-1, safety reminders, passenger advisories, news and announcements, a chatbox for customer concerns, and a feedback form to help the LRMC improve train service and passenger experience. LRMC Communications and Customer Relations head Jacqueline Gorospe, president and CEO Juan Alfonso, and Information
Management and Technology head Randy Sac pose for a photo during the launch of the ikotMNL mobile app at the Islas Pinas food hall in Pasay City on Tuesday (Nov. 19). (Photo by Raymond Carl Dela Cruz) During its launch in Pasay City, LRMC president and chief executive officer (CEO) Juan Alfonso said that aside from physical improvements of the LRT-1 such as the recent expansion of EDSA Station and ongoing construction of the LRT-1 Cavite extension project, digital solutions to make travel easier for commuters is also a priority of the private rail transport concessionaire. “We aim to bring transport convenience closer to passengers and be their partner in traveling through Manila,” Alfonso said. Aside from serving as an information hub
for commuters, LRMC Communications and Customer Relations head, Jacqueline Gorospe said the ikotMNL app also promotes local tourism by featuring tourist spots, local restaurants, “food trip” or hangout spots, shopping malls and thrift markets in areas along the LRT-1 route. “Basically, it encourages everyone to rediscover Manila, visit the nearby tourist spots,” Gorospe said. The mobile app is also set to be upgraded through a planned partnership between LRMC and beep card for a QR code fare system, as well as tie-ups with merchants to turn the ikotMNL app into a transport, tourism, and lifestyle app in one package. “We’ve spent a considerable amount of time and effort into making the ikotMNL app
the best it can be and this early, we already have more features in mind to add to the app,” Gorospe said. During the event, the official also announced a partnership with both telecommunications giants Globe Telecom and Smart Communications for the provision of free WiFi services in all 20 stations of the LRT-1 which are already available, with plans to also roll out free WiFi services aboard all LRT-1 trains. Alfonso also said four new trains for the LRT-1 would arrive by the third quarter of next year. In October, the LRMC announced that the right-of-way acquisition for the LRT-1 Cavite extension project was almost complete and was on-track for partial operability by end of 2021.
4
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
NEWS
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019
DOH urged to take measures amid ‘Black Death’ plague resurgence in China
I
n case you haven’t seen the news, one of the most dreaded and deadly diseases in medieval times recently infected people in China: the Black Death. On November 13, Wednesday, two people in the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia were reported to undergo treatment for the disease, after eating the raw kidney of a marmot, a local health remedy, according to CNN. About 50 million in Europe died from
Black Death in the Middle Ages. How does one get the plague? It’s caused by bacteria and spread through flea bites of infected animals. It has three forms: the bubonic plague, where the lymph nodes become swollen; the septicemic plague, where blood is infected; and the pneumonic plague, where the lungs are infected. There’s no vaccine yet for Black Death, but antibiotics can help prevent complications
and even death if administered early on. Why is it called Black Death? That’s because it would turn infected people’s limbs black. Although the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention have reassured the public that an outbreak is highly unlikely, local officials like Rep. Rufus Rodriguez from the second district of Cagayan de Oro City have been urging the Department of Health (DOH) to implement
protocol safeguarding the Philippines from the possible entry of the disease, considering the influx of Chinese nationals daily. Rodriguez is asking Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to ask the Chinese government to implement a quarantine in the affected regions. The Bureau of Immigration (BIR) estimates that 3.12 million Chinese nationals have entered the country from January 2016 to May 2018 alone.
Some Pinoys abroad turn to vaping against medical research findings
I
n attempts to ditch their cigarette smoking habits, some Filipinos abroad turn to vaping despite medical research findings showing that the convenient, “clean” alternative to cigarettes has
harmful effects on users. “Hindi ako makatakbo ng maayos noon nung nagyoyosi pa ako. Now, I started vaping, nakakatapos na ako ng isang laro ng basketball kasama mga friends ko.
Hindi lang isang laro, dalawang laro pa,” said Randolf Francisco, 28, a service crew in Salmiya, Kuwait. In an interview through Messenger in October 28, he also told GMA News Online
that he has not fallen ill —except for common diseases —since he turned to vaping. “I only had usual illnesses like fever, cough, and cold. Yun lang gawa din kasi ng klima dito. Aside from those illnesses, wala ng mas malala pa,” the member of the “Filipino Vaping Community-Kuwait” added. Ransel Ladera, 36, an in-room dining staff at a casino hotel in Macau, Japan is even co-owner of vape shop “Vapouria Vape Hauz.” VAPING Continued on Page 15
Duterte orders total ban on use, import of e-cigarettes
P
resident Rodrigo Duterte on (November 19) ordered the total ban on the use and importation of vaping devices or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in the country. Duterte made the decision, as he acknowledged that the vapes are “not good for humans”. “I will ban it, the use and the importation. I hope everybody is listening. Paki-relay na lang. You know why? Because it is toxic. And the government has the power to issue measures to protect public health and public interest,” the President said in a press conference held at the Palace’s Heroes Hall late Tuesday night. “Ang cigarette, they confirm chemical there. That’s not good for humans. It’s deadly, it’s nicotine. It induces a habit, habit for me, and it is toxic, and it kills people… Now, itong vaping, sabi nila (they said vaping) is electronic. Don’t give me that s***,” he said. Duterte issued the directive, following the first reported case of an illness related to vaping in the country. The Department of Health (DOH) on November 15 confirmed that a 16-year-old girl from Central Visayas who has been using e-cigarettes for six months is allegedly suffering from electronic cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI). The girl, who allegedly complained of “suddenonset severe shortness of breath,” met the case criteria of EVALI upon evaluation, based on the guidelines of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaping devices, which vaporize a solution that users inhale, does not use tobacco leaves, unlike regular cigarettes. E-cigarette became popular among Filipinos who assume that it was a healthier alternative for puffers who want to quit smoking. Arrest violators Around one million Filipinos are using e-cigarettes, the DOH has noted.The President said he would soon sign an executive order (EO) that would formalize his directive to stop the use of vaping devices nationwide. But despite the presence of an EO, Duterte said he can already order the arrest of those who continue using e-cigarettes. IMPORT Continued on Page 7
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
5
eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019
DOH issues zero open defecation policies
T
he Department of Health (DOH) issued two new policies to achieve zero open defecation (ZOD) for all barangays by 2025, and to curb the high prevalence of diseases caused by lack of toilets nationwide. Health Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo said the Philippine Approach to Sustainable Sanitation (PhATSS) and the national standards on the design, construction, operation and maintenance of septic tank systems have been signed and already set for implementation. Bayugo said having a sanitation facility is not a luxury, but a necessity for every household. “Many Filipinos can buy their cellphones but their households do not have proper toilet facilities. Maybe you can also prioritize the dignity of your family,” Bayugo pointed out. Bayugo said the DOH came out with the new standards to ensure that all barangays nationwide have toilets, and to guide local government units (LGUs) in monitoring whether establishments and households are complying with proper construction and management of septic tanks. “The reason why we handed these new policies to the local government units (LGUs) is to guide them in monitoring if individual houses and other establishments are up to standard,” Bayugo said in an interview. ISSUES Continued on PAGE 19
Nabighani ang masungit na amo at pati dalawang Kano nabighani
S
i Maria Biaco, matagal nang nagtatrabaho dito sa Taiwan ay nagkaroon ng magandang karanasan ng dahil sa paggamit ng sexual na pabango na gawa sa England, upgraded version Dream Love 1000. Nabasa niya mula The Migrants ang mga testimoniya ng mga kababaihan na nakaranas ng pagiging epektibo nito. Nahikayat siya na bumili ng nasabing pabango mula sa EEC Elite Mart sa halagang NT$560 lamang. Naging palagian na niya itong gamit tuwing bago lumabas ng bahay. Minsan, araw ng kaniyang day off ay napadaan
Maria Biaco
siya sa harapan ng dalawang Amerikano, nadinig niyang nasambit ng mga ito na,”smells so good” pagkalampas sa mga ito at napuna niyang nakasunod pa ang tingin ang mga ito kahit nakalayo na siya. Napangiti na lamang sapagkat batid na epekto ng pabangong Dream Love 1000.
Ang kaniyang mga amo ay napansin niyang naging malumanay kung magsabi ng utos sa kaniya, dati ay palautos at masusungit ang mag-asawa ngunit mula ng gumamit siya nito ay naging mabait na sila. Napuna din niyang panay ang titig ng among lalaki sa kaniya at isinama pa siya sa pagsundo ng alaga mula sa school. Habang nasa loob sila ng kotse ay panay ang komento ng amo na ang bangu-bango niya at nasabi pang siya ay sexy kahit may asawa na. Ngumiti at nagpasalamat sa amo, naiisip niya na talagang epektibo ang pabango.
6
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
NEWS
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019
Paano matanggal ang eye bags? W
orried ka ba sa eye bags mo? Kahit anong ganda kasi ng skin mo, magmumukha kang mas matanda at laging haggard. But there are ways para matanggal sila. Narito ang summary ng interview ng PEP.ph with dermatologist Ma. Cricelda Rescobar-Valencia. Types and causes of Under-eye pouches Ayon kay Dr. Valencia, ang eye bags ay isang klase ng pouches under the eyes. Iba rin ito sa dark circles or puffy eyes. Dark circles Ang kadalasang nagkakaroon ng dark circles around the eyes ay iyong mga “mas
bata” o more or less ay 25 years old. Ang pangunahing sanhi nito ay genes. Aniya, “Mostly iyong mas bata, complain nila iyong dark circles, iyong maitim iyong ilalim ng mata. “So dark circles are usually caused by genetics. Sometimes nasa lahi lang talaga iyong maitim ang mata. “Usually, ito iyong even ang upper eyelid and lower eyelid, parehong dark. “Idagdag mo pa iyong mga taong, alam mo iyon, iyong non-atomic differentiation, may mga tao talaga na mas malalim ang mata. “Iyong mga Arabian descent, mga ganoon. So puwede rin iyong cause.” Puffy eyes
Isa pang type ng under-eye pouch ay ang tinatawag na “puffy eyes. Ayon kay Dr. Valencia, ito ay simpleng pamamaga ng mata na maari ring mawala as you go through your day. Kadalasan, you get puffy eyes paggising mo sa umaga o kapag ika’y puyat. “Puffy eyes naman is iyong swelling around the eyes. Cause naman noon is lack of sleep, water retention from eating salty food, and drinking too much liquid before going to sleep. “Di ba mapapansin mo rin kapag after natin magising sa umaga, parang mas maga iyong mata. “It’s because iyong pag-blink ng eyes, aids in the lympathic drainage. So kapag gabi, pagnatutulog tayo, syempre hindi
333
$
Want to get rid of your eye bags because they make you look tired and old? Try cold spoon or slices of cucumber.
naman nag-bi-blink iyong mata, right? “So hindi maka-circulate iyung water around it properly. So paggising mo, medyo maga pa siya tapos as the day goes longer, nawawala na siya.” Bukod dito, puffy eyes can be caused by allergies gaya ng atopic dermatitis or eczema, pati na rin ang ilang bisyo gaya ng paninigarilyo at kadalasang pag-inom ng alak. Diin ni Dr. Valencia, “You drink alcohol, you smoke a lot. “’’Tapos (puffy eyes) can also be because of allergies, when you have atopic dermatitis (eczema)...iyong bahing nang bahing kasi madalas nilang i-rub at kusutin ang mata.” Yung eye bags ay sanhi ng paglaylay ng under-eye area dahil sa aging. Nagsisimula ito as early as 25 years old. Dr. Valencia expounds, “Meron kasing dark circles, puffy eyes, saka meron talagang eye bags, iyong talagang malalaki, iyong parang may maleta sa ilalim ng mata. “Iyon naman is because of aging, because of the skin’s elasticity. “So usually, nag-i-start iyon 25 years old. “Habang tumatagal, bumababa na iyong structure under the eyes and also iyong mismong skin texture mo. “Since nagninipis na siya, bumababa na iyong collagen saka iyong elastin content (elastic tissue) in the skin, mas nagiging lawlaw na siya.” Dagdag pa ni Dr. Valencia, aging causes the fats and skin under your eye to sag. Aniya, “Iyong eyelids kasi natin are the thinnest skin sa katawan natin. So as we age kasi, nagninipis pa siya lalo. “And also iyong fat, there are fats kasi supporting the under-eye area, e. “As we age, iyong fat na iyon kumokonti, so bumabagsak na rin iyong area under our eyes.” Tulad ng puffy eyes, ang pagpupuyat, allergies, smoking, and drinking can contribute sa pag-develop ng iyong eye bags. Ani Dr. Valencia, “So dagdagan mo pa iyun, lack of sleep, alcohol, smoking, saka if you have allergies, if you rub your eyes frequently puwede siyang magkaroon ng dark discoloration under your eyes.” Pantanggal ng dark circles Kung mayroon kang dark circles, makakatulong ang mga under-eye creams, which can help lighten your skin. She expounds, “For dark circles, since ang problem mo diyan is more of pigmentation saka iyong blood supply around the eyes, you can apply mga topical medications that contain hydroquinone, iyong whtening agent na ginagamit even for melasma, mga pekas, peklat. “Tapos you can also apply topical medications that contain Vitamins A, C, and E. These can also lighten the undereye area. Mild pa sila so those can’t irritate the eyes.” Bukod sa hydroquinone, Vitamins A, C, and E, sabi rin ni Dr. Valencia na mabisa ring ingredients ang caffeine at retinoids sa pagtanggal ng dark circles. “You can also apply topical medication with caffeine, iyong nasa kape,” she says. “Kasi caffeine is a strong vasoconstrictor parang pinapasikip niya iyong daluyan ng blood around the eye, so as a result, nagiging less congested iyong mata.” You can also apply yung mga retinoids. Kasi ganoon rin a, pampa-smoothen ng mga wrinkles.” Marami sa mga creams na ito ay matatagpuan sa mga department stores at drug stores nationwide. Ngunit ang paalala ni Dr. Valencia, siguraduhing basahin ang mga ingredients na nakasulat sa bibilhin mong produkto. EYE BAGS Continued on Page 7
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
7
eec
DECEMBER 2019
Lawlaw na taba at maumbok na bilbil nabawasan
M
atagal nang nagtatrabaho dito sa Taiwan si Yolanda Romero at curious sa kung anong dapat gamitin para magkaroon ng flawless, white skin complexion. Gumamit din ng whitening cream para mawala ang dark spots. Minsan habang nagbabasa ng EEC Now magazine ay nakita niya ang before at after photos ng mga Pinay na nagkaroon ng magandang kutis at sexy na katawan dahil sa paggamit ng upgraded Dream Love 1000 5 in 1 body essence lotion, gawa sa England na may 3D hologram silver seal. Pagkadating ng Linggo ay pumunta siya sa EEC Elite Mart upang bumili nitong produkto
Yolanda Romero (Before) sa halagang NT$590 lamang. Pagkauwi ay ginamit niya ang lotion sa paraang pagpahid ng paikot sa mukha at paitaas sa buong katawan ng dalawang
NEWS
beses sa isang araw pagkatapos maligo ng maligamgam na tubig. Nagulat siya sa araw-araw na pagbabago sa kutis at katawan, sa loob ng dalawang buwang tuloy-tuloy na paggamit. Naalis ang pekas at dark spots sa kanyang mukha. Lumambot, kuminis, pumuti at naging younger-looking ang kanyang balat. Nabawasan ng 10 lbs. ang kaniyang timbang, ang dating 28 inches na baywang niya ay naging 26 inches na lamang. Pati sa balakang ay nabawasan siya ng 1 inches at 2 inches naman sa kaniyang mga braso. Hindi Yolanda Romero (After) masidlan ang tuwa ni Yolanda sa malaking pagbabago sa kanya na maranasan din nila ang kahangadulot ng lotion at inirekomenda hangang epekto ng lotion. niya ito sa mga kaibigan para
Nearly half of Pinoys expect better life in 2020
N
early half of adult Filipinos expect to have better lives in the next 12 months, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said in its recent survey. The poll, taken from Sept. 27 to 30, also found 46 percent of adults who expect their personal quality of life to improve in the next 12 months (personal optimists), and five percent expecting it to get worse (personal pessimists), for a net
personal optimists score of +41, classified as “excellent.” This used to be +42 in June and +47 in March, all classified as excellent (+40 and above). The net personal optimists score dropped from +42 (excellent) in June to +40 (excellent) in September in balance Luzon. In the Visayas, it went down from +37 (excellent) to +32 (excellent). In Metro Manila, it went up from +44 (excellent) in June
to +48 (excellent) in September. It remained at +46 (excellent) from June to September in Mindanao. Meanwhile, the survey showed 36 percent of adult Filipinos saying their lives improved, termed by SWS as gainers, and 25 percent saying their lives worsened (losers) in the last 12 months. This gives a net gainers score of +11, from +13 in June and +17 in March, all classified as very high (+10 to +19).
The September 2019 survey also found 41 percent of Filipino adults who foresee an improved Philippine economy in the next 12 months (economic optimists) against 12 percent saying it will worsen (economic pessimists), for a net economic optimists score of +28. This used to be +33 in June and +35 in March, all classified as excellent (+20 and above). —Philstar
IMPORT Continued from Page 4 “Mabuti pa ang sigarilyo kasi (Ordinary cigarettes are better because) they confirmed toxic thing that causes harm to people. Nakalagay diyan ‘yung nicotine (It mentions nicotine). Itong (The) vaping,
it contains nicotine and other chemicals that we do not know. It has not passed the FDA Food and Drug [Administration],” he said. “Better stop it because I will order your arrest if you do it in a room. I am now ordering the law enforcement agencies to arrest anybody vaping in public. That is like
smoking. You cannot do it inside a room. That’s full of s***. You contaminate people na hindi pa pala panahong mamatay (who do not deserve to die early),” Duterte added. n May 16, 2017, Duterte signed EO 26, which provides for the establishment of smoke-free environments in public and
enclosed places. n a bid to guarantee the right of every Filipino to “breathe clean air,” EO 26 requires the establishment of designated smoking areas that may either be an open space or an enclosed area with proper ventilation. —PNA
EYE BAGS Continued from Page 6 “There are multiple topical undereye treatments. Pero you just have to be careful and you just have to read the label kasi mababasa mo naman kung ano iyong active ingredients,” saad niya. “So if you look at the ingredients list in a product, kung ano iyong pinakanauna sa listahan, iyon ang pinakamarami siya (na content).” Pantanggal ng puffy eyes Kung ikaw ay mayroong puffy eyes dulot ng water retention o pagpupuyat, inirerekomenda ni Dr. Valencia ang paggamit ng jade rollers. “Jade Rollers, okay naman siya for puffy eyes kasi iyong coolness from the rollers helps in improving the congestion around the eyes. Hindi advisable, though, when it comes to dark circles and eye bags dahil hindi pa siya proven scientifically. And since puffy eyes can also be caused by smoking, inirekomenda ng dermatologist na baguhin ang lifestyle. Sabi niya, “Since it’s because of vices and allergies,
kapag ganoon naman, madali naman, you just have to make lifestyle changes.” Pantanggal ng eye bags When it comes to eye bags, it is advisable na mag-undergo ng invasive derma treatments para ma-address ang loss of collagen, elastin, and fat. Dr. Valencia details, “Mas invasive iyong treatment mo. “You can have blepharoplasty para matahi siya or you can do energy-based treatments, radio frequency or mga RF na tinatawag. “Puwede rin iyong mga high intensity ultrasound o mga HIFU o di kaya mga Ulthera na tinatawag, iyon yong brand name niya. “(These are) energy-based treatments that can promote iyong collagen remodeling saka iyong cell turnover ng skin, so kahit papaano, medyo magta-tighten iyong skin mo.” Dagdag pa ni Dr. Valencia, “You can also do chemical peels pero this should be done by a boardcertified dermatologist kasi the skin is a very sensitive area and iyong peel kasi, since natutuklap iyong lumang skin, lumalabas iyong bagong balat. “It promotes cell turnover
or cell renewal pero it has to be performed by a certified dermatologist. “Saka usually, ang chemical peel on the eyes, imagine mo lalagyan ka ng asido sa mata, so it can also do serious effects.” Paano maiwasan ang pagkakaroon ng under-eye pouches Importanteng magkaroon ka ng beauty regimen para sa dark circles, puffy eyes, at eye bags. Ayon pa kay Dr. Valencia, you should start “as early as 25 years old.” Aniya, “Kasi once you reach 25 years old, iyong decrease in collagen and elastin, exponential na siya. “Especially accelerated na siya when you reach your 50s, hindi na rin ganoon kaganda iyong repair ng balat. “Kasi kapag bata ka, okay lang mag-party-party ka ng gabi, okay lang kasi the skin will repair itself. “Pero kapag tumanda ka, mas mabagal na or mas mahirap na iyong healing capacity ng skin mo.” So ano ang mga dapat gawin to keep your eyes look fresh and relaxed? First, apply cool compress using a spoon, cloth, cucumber or tea bags for 15 minutes every
other day. Dr. Valencia details, “You can do cool compresses with gentle pressure under the eyes, sitting upright, so hindi nakahiga. “Puwede kang kumuha ng spoon o kaya tela, puwede ring cucumber. “You just put it on the eyes for mga 15 minutes. Ganoon lang... “You can do it every other day or if you’re puyat from last night.” “Puwede ka ring kumuha ng tea bags kasi tea bags have green tea which is an antioxidant. “It also has caffeine which is a vasoconstrictor para maiwasan ang venus constriction mo.” Inirerekomenda rin ng doktora ang changes sa pagtulog, pag-inom tubig, at paninigarilyo. Aniya, “When you sleep, try to sleep upright so water won’t accumulate in your eyes. “And then you take water. Hydrate yourself para hindi ka mag-puffy eyes. “’Tapos avoid ka lang ng alcohol, less salt intake, lessen your smoking.” Payo rin niya para sa mga allergies, “Kung alam mo naman you have a history of atopic dermatitis, you have to prevent it para hindi rin bumalik ang pamumula ng mata mo. —Pep.ph
8
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
NEWS
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019
Balikbayan tips and travel checklist for vacationing ofws
F
lying home to the Philippines soon? Looking forward to reuniting with your loved ones to celebrate the holidays? As the excitement for your homecoming builds up, so is the stress that comes with all the preparations. With all the things balikbayans have to take care of before their trip back home, it’s easy to forget those that really matter for that much-awaited vacation. Keep these OFW and balikbayan tips in mind to make the most out of your short stay in the Philippines during the holiday season. 1. Set a Reasonable Budget and Stick to It You don’t have to be unreasonably stingy when you’re back home. After all, you’ve been working so hard and fighting homesickness abroad to provide for your family. As a generous provider, you’d want to treat them to a grand salo-salo, shopping spree, out-of-town trip, or anything that will make them happy. Even so, it’s still important to plan your expenses before you go back home, so you won’t overspend and get broke even before you return to your overseas employer. To set your budget, list down all expenses, such as for shopping, family getaways, and emergencies. Then set aside money for them and bring home just that amount. 2. Inform Only Your Loved Ones Of course, relatives and friends you haven’t seen in a long time would be happy to know you’ll be returning to the Philippines. But you don’t have to post about it on social media before you leave. If everyone knows you’ll be coming back home, expect to be bombarded with invitations to parties here and there, as well as sponsorship and solicitation requests. And then people might get hurt when you turn them down. To avoid causing hurt feelings, keep your homecoming as discreet as possible. Especially if you’ll be on a short vacation, share the news only with your closest family and friends—those who are really worth your time while on vacation. If you want to update everyone about your vacation on social media, do it when you’ve already left the country. You don’t owe anyone an explanation, but you may choose to explain a bit why you decided to keep your homecoming a private affair.
3. Provide Accurate Details of Your Arrival Unless you plan to surprise your loved ones, let them know the exact information regarding your arrival to the Philippines as soon as you have it. This will give them enough time to prepare for your homecoming and pick you up at the right time and location. Don’t forget to share these important details before your trip: lDate of arrival lName of airport and terminal number lAirline and flight number lExpected arrival time lEstimated number of luggage and boxes you’ll bring (so your loved ones can arrange for a proper vehicle to pick you up) 4. Book an Airbnb Accommodation Instead of a Hotel Room Airbnb has become a popular option among OFWs and balikbayans who are on a short vacation in the Philippines. It offers
Vacation Essentials l Cash (just enough for your entire stay) l Light and comfortable clothes (for the whole duration of your stay) l Pasalubong for each of your closest family and friends l Travel Bags and Organizers Compression bags or vacuum bags – To keep things organized and more compact in your suitcase l Duffel bags – Extra storage for souvenirs from the Philippines l Anti-theft bag or money belt – To avoid theft while shopping in Divisoria and other crowded areas
cheaper and more varied accommodations than hotels. You can rent a budget-friendly one-bedroom or two-bedroom unit or even an entire house that can accommodate the whole family. 5. Don’t Bring Prohibited, Expensive, and Unnecessary Items It’s important to know which things you can’t bring with you on your trip back home. Before you start packing, check the list of prohibited items in the Philippines (1), which include weapons, explosives, and sharp objects. Also, it’s safe and practical not to bring expensive things like jewelry, highend gadgets, branded bags and clothes, and other luxury items. To spare more space in your luggage, determine the items you can buy cheap or get for free in the Philippines and thus will not bring. For example, towels and toiletries are usually available in the hotel or in the home you’ll be staying in. 6. Save Some Space in Your Luggage While packing for your trip, make room in your luggage for gifts, souvenirs, and even Filipino snacks you’ll be bringing from the Philippines to your host country. Bring enough vacuum bags to maximize the space in your luggage.
7. Prepare a To-Do List for Your Balikbayan Itinerary Make a list of the places you want to visit, dishes you want to try, people you want to see again, and all the activities you want to do when you get back home. Then send the list before your arrival to the family member who’s in charge of preparing your homecoming itinerary. Ask to see the schedule in advance, so you’ll know what to expect. Having your balikbayan itinerary ready before you come back home ensures that you maximize your short stay in the Philippines. Manage your expectations, though, as you won’t likely do everything on your wish list due to time constraints. 8. Avail of Benefits Under the Balikbayan Program Arriving balikbayans enjoy benefits under the Balikbayan Program (3), including travel tax exemption, visa-free entry to the Philippines for a year (for foreign passport holders), and duty-free shopping privileges (4). Those perks apply also to immediate family members (foreign passport holders) who are traveling to the Philippines with you. So take advantage of the balikbayan privileges, especially if you’re married to a non-Filipino. To avail of the benefits, just present your valid passport if you’re an OFW or old Philippine passport/NSO birth
certificate if you’re a former Filipino citizen.
9. Get an OEC Online Don’t forget to secure an OEC before your scheduled return to your employer. Getting an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) sounds like a pain in the neck, what with the long queues at the POEA office. But that has become a thing of the past. OFWs can now do it online via the Balik Manggagawa Online Processing System or BM Online. This saves not just time but also money on travel tax and terminal fee exemptions. If you’ll be staying in the Philippines for five days or less, you can get an OEC at the Labor Assistance Counter of the airport in Manila, Cebu, or Mindanao.
10. Update your SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth Records So that you can avail of benefits from these government agencies without any hassle or complication, make time for visiting their offices to update your membership information as an OFW. It’s also a good opportunity to check and update your SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth contributions. 11. Review and Update Your Savings, Investments, and Insurance Policies Your vacation in the Philippines is the perfect time to manage your finances and make sure they’re in order. Check your bank accounts, investments, and insurance policies to see if they’re still active or if you need to update them or open new accounts. Look for more investment opportunities to grow your money and prepare for retirement. There are good government-backed savings programs for OFWs like the Pag-IBIG MP2, SSS Flexi Fund, and PERA investment. You may also attend OFW training and seminars to improve your financial knowledge or learn how to start a business. If you have enough capital, you can apply for a franchise business while you’re on a holiday break, and let your family manage it when you’re abroad. Most importantly, don’t leave without making sure you and your family have ample life insurance coverage. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your family is protected financially should any medical emergency happen.
12. Say No When Necessary As an OFW, it’s easy to get pressured when people ask you for gifts, pasalubongs, dole-outs, and whatnots. Some may even approach you to borrow money. Others would want a piece of your time by inviting you to reunions, drinking sessions, or any event. Although it makes sense to
Travel documents Place your documents in an organizer or envelope for easy access instead of putting them into your luggage. It’s also a good idea to bring photocopies of your travel papers just in case the original copies get lost or damaged. Just one of the many balikbayan tips you need to keep in mind. l Flight tickets or boarding pass (including a return ticket to your host country) l Hotel booking confirmation receipt or voucher (if applicable) l Unexpired passport (or a travel document for those without a valid passport but need to travel to the Philippines due to an emergency e.g., death in the family, medical reasons, legal reasons, etc.) l Work visa or work permit l Employment contract, employment certificate, or offer of employment l Company ID l Recent payslips l OFW e-Card and/or any valid ID l Seaman’s Book (for sea-based OFWs) Immigrant visa or permanent resident card (for Filipino immigrants)
accommodate several requests (as people don’t get to see you often), you don’t have to give in to every demand. Know your limits— if people are stepping onto your boundaries, have the courage to say no.
13. Pamper Yourself Yes, you deserve it! Don’t forget to include some me time in your itinerary. You’ve been working abroad for the past couple of years. Why not take your vacation as an opportunity to treat yourself to a massage, facial, spa treatment, or hair makeover? Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy your time bonding with your loved ones! 14. Pre-Departure Checklist for Vacationing OFWs Before you pack for your trip back home, take the time to list down everything you need to bring. It’s easier to sort and organize your stuff that way. Here’s an OFW travel checklist you can refer to before and while packing your bags, so you won’t leave anything behind. Take these along with our balikbayan tips! Final Thoughts Excited to come back home? You deserve this vacation. Just make sure to take note of these balikbayan tips for a smooth and hassle-free trip to the Philippines. —MoneyMax.ph
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
9
eec
FEATURE NEWS
DECEMBER 2019
2019 Taiwan Cup Taiwan Immigrants Football Competition opening
Kids team at the TIFL Taiwan Immigrant Football League By William Yen Focus Taiwan A friendly immigrant football competition between eight teams comprised of migrant players was launched in Taipei on Sunday (November 17), with hundreds of people gathered at a local sports stadium for the opening ceremony and to watch the first four games. The opening ceremony of the 2019 Taiwan Cup Taiwan Immigrant Football Competition featured a march past, during which the participants, mainly of migrant workers and immigrants, represented their teams in bold brightly colored uniforms. One of the competing teams, Guanyin FC, a football team made up of entirely Indonesian workers from Taoyuan’s Guanyin District was supported by Fajar Nuradi, director of the Indonesian Citizens Protection and Social Cultural Department at the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (IETO) in Taipei.
T
At the opening ceremony OFWMITT showcase Mark Lester's creations as they represent the Philippines.
Guanyin FC are the current champions of the Indonesian Football League in Taiwan held earlier this year and are at the Taiwan Cup to represent Indonesia, Fajar said. “This event promotes the friendship of all migrant workers in Taiwan, so we will all get to know each other and make friends in a very positive environment,” Fajar told CNA. Other teams in the competition are Vietnamese teams, FC Viet Nam in Taiwan and Hai Duong FC, Thai team LiChing, Team Gambia, mixed nationality teams, Taipei A.F.C and Taichung Savages FC, and a team from National Taiwan Sport University in Taoyuan. The opening ceremony also featured a presentation of 14 costumes designed by artist Taoyuan Filipino factory worker Mark Lester Reyes, who has become a household name among the Filipino community in Taiwan for his artistic talent and designs using recycled materials. “Even though there are no Filipino teams
he season 4 of AFACE was held Nov. 17, 2019 at Big City in Hsinchu City from 2 pm - 9 pm is a charity event, the proceeds will be donated to one of their artists Jeffrey Ofalsa, who is suffering from lung failure. A total of 40 candidates (20 male / 20 female), showing the spectacular collection designs and styles of Marvin Garcia collections, a Filipino Designer. Mario Subeldia’s collection of gowns also hit the runway for the auction as well as the paintings of one of the AFACE artists, parties interested to buy Mario work of art, just feel free to contact him on his Facebook Page. Film Director Dexter Macaraeg will be doing an Indiefilm to be shoot here in Taiwan, the announcement for the special screening on the documentary film about OFW life in Taiwan will be announced later. Assistance to National Mr. Nestor Mayo received a painting from Mario Subeldia as a gift of appreciation for the support MECO is given to Mario. Stay tuned for the next AFACE Season 5 to be held in April 2020.
in the competition, I hope to still bring the spirit of the Philippines to the opening ceremony with my collection,” Reyes said. The two-week competition aims to help people of all nationalities break down barriers and create mutual understanding and friendship through football, said Karen Hsu (徐瑞希), founding chairwoman of nongovernmental organization Global Workers' Organization, Taiwan, who organized the event. “Many migrants who come to Taiwan only socialize with people from their own countries because of the language barrier but many of them grew up playing football in their home countries,” she said, adding that
Michelle Tan Sofronio Firma
Sudanese team the sport can promote interaction between people of different heritage. The competition kicked off Sunday at Taipei Municipal Stadium with four games in the preliminary rounds, while the semifinal and final will be held on Nov. 24 at Taoyuan Qingpu Football Field. This is the third year the Taiwan Cup has been held after events in 2015 and 2018.
Mike Munoz Ruby Huang
Pritzel Tag-at
Mark Francis Magat Bayani
AFACE: Kill the runway Season 4
The board of judges composed of 7 judges: 1. Mr. Woosa Hung (CEO of Gear Film UN UNICEF Video Director); 2. Dr. Condrada Apostol (Owner of Above Aesthetic Center); 3. Ms. Vlada Romanova (Model / TV Actress from Russia); 4. Mr. Peter Kertesz (Actor / Model from Slovakia); 5. Annie Kuan (Founder of 1095 Culture Studio); 6. Director Dexter Macaraeg (Award-winning filmmaker); 7. Ms. Kim Rodriguez (GMA 7 Network Actress). Photo courtesy of Mario Subeldia FB Page
Photo exhibition highlights talent of migrant Filipino workers By William Yen, Focustaiwan he talent of overseas Filipino workers was highlighted (October 27) at a free photography exhibition in Taipei depicting the lives of migrant workers. The “Turning Point: Taiwan” exhibition, being held Oct. 24-30 at Taipei’s Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, is showing roughly 300 photos that chronicle the journeys of
T
migrant workers, featuring images of their hometowns and their working environments. One of the highlights of the exhibition includes some 30 works by Joan Pabona, a prize-winning Filipina photographer and former domestic helper. Born in the Philippine province of La Union, Pabona went to Singapore in 2008 and then to Hong Kong in 2013 to work as a domestic helper. While still holding
her job in Hong Kong, she won second prize for a photo titled “Sacrifice” at the National Geographic Wheelock Properties Youth Photo Competition 2017. The black-and-white image, which was shot while Pabona was cleaning windows, shows an aerial view of a worker in a hard hat among safety nets used for scaffolding. “I felt a connection to the scene, because that worker
was working so hard to give a greener pasture to his or her family,” she told CNA. However, it was one of her prior photos, titled “Solitude,” shot in 2016 in Hong Kong, of a woman sitting alone in the dark next to a beam of light that gave her the inspiration to pursue photography, Pabona said. HIGHLIGHTS Continued on Page 11
10
eec-elite.com
NEWS
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019
Attention, balikbayans: check out this must-visit museum
Transportation tips for 2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival unveiled
I
1. That's all about Paskong Pinoy
3. Have a good mood with the sea of flowers of the 2019 Taoyuan Flower Festival
Are you flying back home to the Philippines for Christmas? If you want a break from the usual kain-tulog routine, drop by Lakbay Museo’s Paskong Pinoy Village for a holiday tour you won’t forget. Priced at P699 (P799 for walkins) this tour will take you ~*around the Philippines*~ in less than two hours! Even entering the museum is so much fun: by jeep, plane, or vinta! In this 1,000-square-meter indoor venue, you’ll be able to participate in a tinikling dance-off, coffee-smelling, vinegar-tasting, watch a puppet show, and of course, take lots of photos! And if that isn’t cool enough, there’s a giant kanin bowl in the museum because we all know "RiceIsLife! Lakbay Museo even has their own Banaue Rice Terraces. Lakbay Museo is located at G/F S Maison at Conrad Manila, Pasay City. —cosmo.ph
Immerse yourself in the sea of flowers by visiting the annual Taoyuan Flower Festival which takes place Yangmei District, Taoyuan City from Nov. 23 to Dec 8, 2019. It will be a collection of 5 fields and a fairytale fantasy art installation and let the visitors enter the romantic purple flower sea. The organizer will create 5 hectares of purple flowers in Yangmei, which is like a beautiful purple sight. At the same time, the organizers have created four major fairy tale art installations, as well as activities such like musical concerts. In addition to good shooting, there are also food offerings around the corners. The 2019 Taoyuan Fairy Flower Festival When: November 23 to December 8, 2019 Address: No. 239, Sec. 3, Yanghu Rd., Yangmei District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan (opposite to Shanghu Police Station) —pinoyformosa.com
2. Christmasland Sea of Lights in Taiwan to Open This Coming November 15th
4. Experience snow at Kaohsiung Dream Mall and feel the Christmas atmosphere
The organizer of the 2019 Christmastland recently announced that it will open on November 15th, 2019. The location is still located in the Civic Square of Banquiao. It also plans lighting shows, fairs, and superstar concerts to accompany the guests through romantic and lively winter nights. The New Taipei Happy Christmas City is the most important event in New Taipei City at the end of each year. It is also selected by Japan as the “first place for Christmas overseas travel destinations.” Every day from 17:30 to 22:00 every half hour will have a light show, but the details of the light show have not been announced. In addition, this year’s organizers will also plan activities such as Childlike Carnival, Visionary, Geisha Market and Christmas Superstar Concert and as the details will be announced later but from November 15th, visitors will be able to go to the Civic Square. Walk into the sea of lights and experience the most romantic hristmas spot in Taiwan. —pinoyformosa.com
Christmas in Taiwan is more than just a family gathering. There are parties, concerts, and even the shops are open during the holiday as malls turn into Christmas decoration like the Dream Mall in Kaohsiung. Christmas is coming, the Kaohsiung Dream Mall has been romantically lit up and this year has a Las Vegas theme, colorful neon lighting. Artificial snow will also be around the area that will create a more Christmas atmosphere. Decorations include Purple Wish, Las Vegas, Star walk and many more, the decorations will lit up starting November 15, 2019 until January 03, 2020. Dream Mall Kaohsiung is located at No. 789, Zhonghua 5th Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City.
6. Taipei 101 fireworks show to showcase upgraded LED lighting and to feature animation The much awaited event of the new year in Taipei is theTaipei 101 New Year’s Day countdown fireworks sho w. It will include an upgraded LED lighting system, featuring animation by the Taiwan Bar Studio, according to the Taipei 101 officials as reported by Central News Agency. The show’s visual impact will be upgraded to 140,000 LED lights comprising the T-Pad wall, which covers the exterior of Taipei 101 from the 35th to the 90th floor, per Taipei Financial Center Corp. Meanwhile, Taiwan Bar Studio is the creator of different popular Taiwan-themed designs including the Formosan black bear character “Beeru.” The length of the fireworks show will be as the same of the previous years. According to Taipei 101 official, viewers should expect something different. Taipei 101 firework display is a yearly treat of the iconic building to the local and visitors of Taiwan, last year it shows its gratitude by welcoming different nationals into Taiwan. —pinoyformosa.com
5. Taiwan’s Jiaoxi Township to open Hot Spring Night Market
Jiaoxi Township is Taiwan’s popular hot spring haven and is up to open a new night market in mid-December. Jiaoxi Township is located in northeastern Taiwan’s Yilan County, and when you say hot spring this place is the perfect one and will be good if ot matched with night market. The new night market will help Jiaoxi retain tourists who
would otherwise go to night markets in other townships, according to a official. The Jiaoxi Hot Spring originates at the foot of a hill behind Fuchung Temple at Deyang Village, Jiaoxi Township. Among them you would see the most historic “Jiaoxi Hot Spring,” which is quite rare in Taiwan for its occurrence on a flatland. —pinoyformosa.com
n under three months, the 2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival will kick off in Taichung. The main exhibition area will be set in Houli Horse Ranch & Forest Park Area from Feb. 8 to 23. The lighting ceremony of the secondary exhibition is scheduled to take place in Wen-Xin Forest Park between Dec. 21 and Feb. 23. The director of the Transportation Bureau of Taichung City Government, Yeh Chao-fu, said that the Lantern Festival will have a number of shuttle buses running between the Houli Railway Station and the main exhibition area. As soon as visitors get off the train, they can go straight to the main display. On weekends, 10 shuttle bus routes will be taking visitors directly to the secondary exhibition area. The 2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival’s main exhibition area, Houli Park, is located next to the Houli Railway Station. Director Yeh pointed out that the visitors can take the train to Houli Railway Station, which is right next to the main exhibition. For people who live in southern Taiwan, they could take the high-speed rail to Taichung station, which is connected to Xinwuri Railway Station by 10 minutes’ walk, and transfer to Houli Railway Station. For those who live in northern Taiwan, they could get off at Miaoli HSR Station, take a 5-minute walk to Fengfu Railway Station, and head to Houli Railway Station. The recommended route will save you time and money on transportation. The secondary exhibition area will take place in Wen-Xin Forest Park, near Daqing railway station. Director Yeh said that the people could head to Daqing Railway Station by train and get off to take bus route 800. If you take the high-speed rail, please get off at Taichung station and take bus route 800 on the first floor of the station. In addition, there are currently eight bus routes around the secondary exhibition area, including routes 5, 53, 73, 89, 157, 356, 359, 800. The city government has urged the bus operator to increase the number of route 800 buses in hopes of effectively transporting the crowd to Wen-Xin Forest Park. Yeh pointed out that during the Lantern Festival, traffic control will be carried out on the roads around the exhibition area. All parking lots are designed to be far from the park, visitors are advised not to drive. If you still planned to drive, there are several parking lots with shuttle bus connections, including Shengang, LIHPAO Discovery Land, Maple Garden, Taiyuan Parking Lot, Dali Sports Park, Shalu Station, and North Shuinan Parking Lot. The city has planned two transit stations, Houli East station and Houli Horse Ranch station, as well as eight free shuttle bus routes near the main exhibition area. Also, two additional shuttle bus routes which connect South Shuinan Parking Lot and Xiangshang Parking Lot to the secondary exhibition are available on weekends. UNVEILED Continued on Page 14
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
11
eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019
Sorsogon holds Guinness world record for largest Filipino folk dance
S
orsogon province is now the holder of the Guinness World Record for the largest Filipino folk dance exhibition. Guinness World Record adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar confirmed during the closing ceremony of the Kasanggayahan Festival 2019 that Luzon’s southernmost province performed the world’s largest Filipino folk dance involving 7,127 folk dancers. “I’m very happy to say that with 7,127 people, you have broken the record, this is a new record for the Largest Filipino Folk Dance,” Dangarikar said, adding that this made the Sorsogon folk dancers “officially amazing.” In the same occasion, the provincial government of Sorsogon was commended by the Cultural Center of the Philippines for the province’s “great contribution” in the promotion of Filipino culture and the arts. Governor Chiz Escudero expressed gratitude to those who painstakingly shared their talent, skills and all the efforts in making the Pantomina sa Tinampo attempt successful. “An award na ini an para saindo gabos (This award is for all of you). More than the record, bigger than the record,
Swapnil Dangarikar of India, official adjudicator from Guinness World Records, hands the award to Governor Francis Escudero. Photo from Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Office
was what we saw a couple of months ago, a few weeks ago, kada oficina nagpapraktis, umuulan umaaraw nagpapraktis (every office do rehearsals, rain or shine),” Escudero said. “Pribadong sector, pampublikong sector man, nakita nating nakiisa sa isang mataas na pangarap para sa ating lalawigan. Nasungkit man natin ang record o hindi, sa totoo lang panalo na ang lalawigan sa ginawa na pagtulong ng bawat isa sainyo, (We have noted that both the private and the public sector participated in this towering dreams
for our province. Having achieved the record or not, our province is still a winner because of your individual contibutions.)” he added. The Pantomina sa Tinampo, an annual street dance event in Sorsogon, is one of the highlights of the yearly Kasanggayahan
Festival (A life of prosperity Festival) . This year marks the 45th year of Kasanggayahan Festival with the theme “Kada Sorsoganon, Magdanon” which means “Every Sorsoganon should help”. —Pia.gov.ph
offerings for travel business management,” the DOT said in a statement. “The public is hereby warned to be vigilant in dealing with these entities as there can be no guarantee on the reliability and legitimacy of their products and services,” it reminded. The DOT said there are only select training centers that accredited to offer courses on putting up travel agencies and other tourism-related services.
Further, all travel agencies/ tour operators, including online bookings, are covered under the DOT Accreditation Law requiring accreditation before issuance of business permits, it stressed. “Noncompliance to the provisions thereof is punishable by law,” it warned. According to DOT, entities with valid and existing accreditation with them have informative websites and/or online pages
bearing the DOT’s Quality Seal and their corresponding Accreditation Number with validity. For a complete list of DOT-accredited enterprises, the public are encouraged to visit the DOT’s website at www.tourism.gov.ph. For further information, concerned individuals may also contact Jose Tolentino, DOT Standard Monitoring and Enforcement Division at 459-5200 loc. 216. —PNA
TOP VIEW. Over 7,000 people participated in the record-setting folk dance performance Photo from Department of Tourism. (Inset) Gov. Francis Escudero and wife actress Heart Evangelista take a bow after the performance. Photo from Department of Tourism
DOT warns public vs. non-accredited travel businesses
T
he Department of Tourism (DOT) warned the public against non-accredited entities engaged in travel and tours, airline ticketing and other travel businesses. “Recently, various reports have been received by the Department of Tourism on the proliferation of non-accredited entities advertising services in different social media platforms for airline ticketing, travel and tours arrangement, hotel booking, and training
Joan Pabona, a Filipino, who has worked as a domestic helper in Hong Kong for 6 years and now a prize-winning photographer, plans to quit and turn her passion into her profession. (Right) Pabona’s photograph Sacrifice won second prize in a National Geographic competition. Photo: Joan Pabona
The "Turning Point: Taiwan" exhibition, being held Oct. 24-30 at Taipei's Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, showing 300 photos that chronicle the journeys of migrant workers. Another highlight of the exhibition is Philippines-inspired clothing made by Taoyuan Filipino factory worker Mark Lester Reyes, who has become a household name among the Filipino community in Taiwan for his artistic talent and designs.
HIGHLIGHTS
Continued from Page 9 “During that period, I asked myself what my purpose is in life, because as a domestic worker busy with work, I realized that I was so lonely,” she said. “So through photography, I wanted to show the emotions and feelings of a migrant worker.” Finishing her contract with her Hong Kong employer in October, she is now a full-time photographer based in her home province, Pabona said. She was invited to the exhibition to give a talk on her works and also give a workshop on photography.
Another highlight of the exhibition is Philippines-inspired clothing made by Taoyuan Filipino factory worker Mark Lester Reyes, who has become a household name among the Filipino community in Taiwan for his artistic talent and designs. After a workrelated accident in March 2014 that gave him chemical burns on his body and face, he started to use make-up to cover his scars, Reyes said. Through his use of make-up, many people started to ask him for tips and advice on make-up for fashion shows and events, which led him to find his new-found talent, Reyes said. “It was then that I started
to ask my friends who were competing in (fashion) contests if I could also make their costumes, which they agreed to,” Reyes said, adding that he graduated from a vocational course in visual arts in high school. His creations, which are known for their use of recycled materials thrown out by factories, quickly became famous throughout the Filipino community, Reyes said. is gowns were also showcased at celebrations for the 120th anniversary of Philippines independence in 2018 in New Taipei. “I want to showcase and represent the Filipinos in Taiwan,” he said.
The “Turning Point: Taiwan” exhibition was organized by the non-governmental organization One-Forty, which was established in 2015 to focus on vocational training for migrant workers in Taiwan to give them skills they need in their home countries after they finish working in Taiwan. A total of 6,279 people have visited the exhibition since its opening, according to One-Forty. There were a total of 714,291 migrant workers from Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam in Taiwan as of the end of September, according to Ministry of Labor statistics. —Focus
12
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
NEWS
F
2 golds for Pinay lifter in Asian tilt
V
anessa Sarno of the Philippines captured two gold medals and one silver medal, while fellow Filipinos Chariz Macawli and Rosegie Ramos took home a silver and two bronze medals in the 2019 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships late Thursday in Pyongyang, North Korea. Sarno copped her first gold medal in the 71-kilogram (kg) in the youth women’s class after making a total of 209 kg and her second one in the 91 kg in the snatch. North Korea’s Ju Hyang U settled for silver with 204 kg, while Nigora Suvonova of Uzbekistan ended up with a bronze after lifting 192 kg. Ju and Suvonova finished with the silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the snatch of the 91-kg class. Sarno, 16 and a native of Bohol, earned a silver medal in clean and jerk after lifting 118 kg in the 91-kg category. Ju won the gold with 119 kg and Suvonova tallied 108 kg for the bronze medal. Macawli bagged the silver medal (116 kg total and 66 kg in the clean and jerk) in the 40-kg youth women’s division and the bronze medal (50 kg in the snatch), while Ramos took the bronze in the women’s 49kg class after hoisting 76 kg in the snatch. Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz was elated by the accomplishments of the young Filipino weightlifters. “I’m happy for their achievements and I want to salute them for doing their best in training [and in the] competition, and for representing the Philippines well,” Diaz told The Manila Times on Saturday in an online interview. She said she believes that these
eec
DECEMBER 2019
Pinay Scientist discovers what could be the world’s largest Caldera in the Philippines
ilipina marine geophysicist Jenny Anne Barretto has discovered what could be the largest caldera in the world, according to CNN Philippines. The New Zealand-based Pinay published the finding in a paper with scientists Ray Wood and John Milsom. They named the caldera, a large volcanic crater typically formed due to a major eruption, the Apolaki Caldera after the Filipino mythical god. They discovered it in the Philippine Rise, previously known as Benham Rise, a 13-million-hectare region below sea level on the northeast side of the
eecelite
archipelago. The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute shared the scientists’ findings on Facebook. They said the Apolaki Caldera “may be the world’s largest known caldera with a diameter of ~150 km. For comparison, [the Yellowstone, one of the Earth’s largest calderas], is only about 60 km.” In the paper, the scientists said the caldera’s features indicate a “volcanic history consisting of both quiet and explosive eruptions.”
Angkas CEO one of Asia’s young trailblazers
A
ngeline Tham, service folded in the founder and Philippines. chief executive of She continues, “Angkas on-demand motorcycle was our answer taxi service Angkas, to motorcyclists’ has been recognized as reputation of being one of the 400 best and reckless drivers. And brightest leaders in Asia now, that notion is for “coming up with slowly diminishing.” a solution to Manila’s Tham is working traffic jams.” towards offering free Angkas founder and training for 18 million chief executive Angeline bikers nationwide. Tham is one of Asia’s The app also boasts best and brightest efficiency in giving Angkas founder and chief executive motorcyclists a decent trailblazers in 2019. Tham joins Asia Tatler’s Angeline Tham is one of Asia's best means of livelihood. and brightest trailblazers in 2019. Generation T 2019 list, With the heavy which recognizes some demand of Angkas of Asia’s innovators in the realm of various among commuters, some of the company’s industries including entertainment, food biker-partners make a living three times the and beverage, retail, sports, and technology, above minimum wage, or about P1,500 per among others. day. According to Asia Tatler, “Angeline found The Singapore-born entrepreneur believes a way around Manila’s constant heavy that because of this “Angkas has no longer traffic with on-demand motorcycle taxi become a consumer-centric service. This service: Angkas. The app has already been is a platform that wants to empower every downloaded more than 2 million times and single person involved.” is one of the top transportation modes of “Whenever we receive an award or get choice for people living in cities across the invited to speak, it just further proves Philippines.” Angkas’ integrity as a public service. As Asia Tatler also cited Angkas’ 99.99-plus much as we are humbled with these, the percent safety record. challenges always await,” states Tham. “Before Angkas, people were relying on Angkas is currently on a six-month pilot run habal-habal to cut travel time in half, which until the end of this year. The Department really has no certainty of safety while the of Transportation said data from the pilot drivers are unidentified,” shares Tham implementation will be used in drafting the who left Grab after its motorcyle-hailing bill on legalizing motorcycle taxis.
Philippines’ Cyrille Payumo is Miss Tourism International 2019
Filipino weightlifter Vanessa Sarno, center, leads the way in the 2019 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships Thursday in Pyongyang, North Korea. weightlifters could be potential Olympians. “Syempre, kayang kaya nila (Of course, they can do it), but they have to believe first, then work hard and be smart),” Diaz added. Meanwhile, Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) President Monico Puentevella said the SWP is now looking forward not only to the Tokyo Olympics next year, but also to the 2024 Paris Olympics. “This is part of our long-term program for Paris 2024 Olympics. If we can beat a Korean in their own turf, we must be doing something good. Thanks to your prayers and to PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) for giving us their full support,” Puentevella told The Times in a text message. Weightlifting has given the country a big hope of ending its gold medal drought in the Olympics after Diaz’s surprising feat in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, where she won a silver medal. She also bagged an Asian Games gold medal in 2018 in Indonesia. —Manila Times
T
he new M i s s To u r i s m International is a Filipina. The country’s bet, Cyrille Payumo, was crowned Miss Tourism International 2019 during the coronation night on Friday, November 8, at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Cyrille bested 38 other contestants to win the fifth Miss Tourism International crown for the Philippines, at the pageant held at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa. Aside from winning the crown, Mutya Pilipinas announced on Facebook that the beauty titlist from Porac, Pampanga, also won Best in National Costume. Cyrille’s stunning Filipiniana gown was designed by Rich Sabinian. Other winners at last night’s pageant were Gabriella Patricia Mandolang of Indonesia, Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International; Kateryna Kachashvili of Ukraine, Miss Tourism Global; Joanna Babynko of Poland, Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International; and Chan Sotima of Cambodia, Dreamgirl of the Year International. Cyrille was not the original choice for the international competition.
She placed first runner-up in the 51st Mutya Pilipinas pageant last August. She replaced the country’s original representative, Mutya Pilipinas Tourism International Tyra Goldman, who was not allowed to compete after the organizers rejected her for having dual citizenship. Cyrille is the latest Filipina to win the Miss Tourism International crown after Jannie Loudette Alipo-on (2017), Angeli Dione Gomez (2013), Rizzini Alexis Gomez (2012), and Maria Esperanza Manzano (2000). —PEP.ph
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
13
eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019
Pinoy-made ‘Pinyapel’ wins environment and sustainability award in New York
Pinoy Bretman Rock won Beauty Influencer of 2019 at People’s Choice Awards
B
retman Rock, born Bretman Rock Sacayanan, is one of the biggest stars of the internet. The Hawaiibased Pinoy beauty vlogger won the Beauty Influencer of 2019 award at the annual E! People’s Choice Awards on November 10 at Barker Hangar, Santa Monica, California. Walking alongside the hottest movie stars, TV personalities, musicians and influencers at the #PeoplesChoiceAwards, influencer of the year Bretman Rock owned the red carpet. The charismatic YouTuber, currently boasts a following of 6.73 million subscribers. Bretman rose to viral popularity several years ago with a video of him dancing and also playfully smacking his sister on the head. His followers found their brother-sister dynamic entertaining — and quickly Bretman rose to influencer stardom. But aside from being know for his comedic genius, the youtuber is well known for his jaw-dropping makeup skills. But even the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood red carpet did not overshadow what was really on Bretman’s mind and in his heart. Days before his big recognition at the People’s Choice Awards, Bretman lost his father, who passed away in the Philippines. Devastated, Bretman almost backed out of attending. But instead of taking time for himself, Bretman decided to come to the awards show to celebrate his dad — and the love and acceptance he had always received from him. The 21-year-old makeup guru thanked his fans and dedicated the award to his father: “I want to dedicate this award to my dad who has always supported and loved me unconditionally,” he wrote. “I love you so much and I will always be grateful for allowing me to express myself and defended me whenever haters said anything. Hawaii Filipino This one is for Youtube sensation you Papa. I hope Bretman Rock is I make you this year's Beauty the proudest,” Influencer of the Year. Bretman added.
F
ilipino-made specialty paper coined as “Pinyapel” is definitely one for the books as it receives recognition in New York City. On October 24, DTI-DCP announced on its Facebook page that the Pinoy innovation was officially named as a Wood Pencil Awardee in the D&AD Future Impact Awards, an annual event that recognizes world-changing projects. Derived from the words pinya (pineapple) and papel (paper), Pinyapel is the brainchild of the collaborative efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), Cagayan de Oro Handmade Paper, Nature’s Fresh and Ideatechs Packaging Corporation. CDO Handmade Paper Crafts has made it its mission to produce and promote “100 percent natural, treeless paper.” With this goal in mind, it was CDO Handmade Paper Crafts founder Lolita “Luchi” Cabanlet’s entrepreneurial mindset to always be on the lookout for innovative ideas that led her to find opportunity in utilizing pineapple leaves. “Luchi believes that when you are in the wearables and homestyle business sector, product development needs to be a way of life,” DTI said in its official press release.
Cabanlet’s idea came to fruition in collaboration with DCP, an attached agency of DTI which focuses on research and development projects that can help put Philippines on the global innovation map. CDO’s Handmade Paper and DCP tapped Nature’s Fresh to source discarded pineapple leaves from the company’s pineapple farm. It was a win-win situation for the farm as the production of Pinyapel not only lessens agricultural waste, it also drives additional revenue. During the presentation of its 2020 proposed budget in the Senate, DTI put a spotlight on Pinyapel and has recognized its role in helping increase the livelihood of farmers. From there, Ideatechs Packaging Corp. worked to transform the pineapple paper sheets into sustainable packaging
products such as paper cups and paper bags. CDO Handmade Paper Crafts has also incorporated Pinyapel in its decor designs. Revolutionizing packaging Environmental groups have renewed their call to manufacturers to come up with better packaging designs. According to Zero Waste Europe, plastic production has increased 20-fold since the 1960s and in 2015, packaging is at the forefront of plastic production. Also in 2015, Philippines was named the third top ocean polluter of plastics. Recycling not enough: Groups call for waste prevention amid global plastics crisis With the launch of Pinyapel, DTIDCP said it hopes to “combat the growing problem on non-biodegradable plastic” calling the innovation as the “future of packaging.” DTI-DCP highlights Pinyapel’s water-resistant characteristics making it a viable food packaging alternative. As a Future Impact Awardee, DCP said it will “undergo a mentoring and training program designed to accelerate pinyapel’s development to deliver tangible impact in their category area within 12 months.” Pinyapel will officially receive the Wood Pencil Award on November 6 in New York City. —ABS-CBN News
Pinoy-made Pixar short film Float makes history
A
Filipino American makes history with a 7-minute animated Pixar short film titled Float. This marks the first time that Disney-Pixar Studios released a Pinoy-made CGI animated film featuring Filipino characters. Pixar made this historic move in time for Filipino-American History Month. The story revolves around a father and son, and how the father deals with his son who is different from other children because of his ability to float. Pixar Animation Pinoy Pixar fans were ecstatic when Filipino-American director Robert Rubio revealed on Twitter that he is spearheading a Disney Pixar short film called Float (rignt photo) which features two Pinoy characters. Studios writer/producer Bobby The Last Airbender. He then transferred to just wondering from this clip” Rubio says about his project, “It’s Rubio wrote: “Hi Hugh! In your scenario based on my personal relationship with my Pixar where he had the chance to work on son.” “I know we don’t all look alike, but at Up, Brave, Monsters University, Inside Out, I am single without children, so then this story would not exist! #PixarFloat is inspired the same time, I wanted traits that I had so Incredibles 2, and Toy Story 4. His short film Float is now available as by my son! And since it is MY story it only that it at least felt authentic,” he said in a recent interview with the American news one of the SparkShorts on the Disney+ app felt appropriate to make the characters that was launched on November 12, 2019. #Filipino! Since I am Filipino. Thanks for outfit, ABC 7 News. In Float, a father discovers that his son is your question!” The short film Float has The animated characters draw different from other kids in the most unusual touched the lives of those from other cultural inspiration from Rubio and his son. “As a Filipino-American and it being way. To keep them both safe from judgment, minorities. A Twitter user using the handle Filipino History Month, I am super proud Dad covers him and keeps him out of sight— @Cherry_LA tweeted: “I’m not Filipino but it’s a story that that this is coming out, and we are making but when his son’s ability becomes public, Dad must decide whether to run and hide or anyone can see themselves in. A lot of people history,” said the storyboard artist. get short with their kids when worried or Rubio started out wanting to work to accept his son as he is. The short film is part of Disney Pixar fearful. You packed a lot in this short and as a comic book artist. For 9 years, Rubio worked at Walt Disney Feature Animation as SparkShorts, an experimental initiative watching the making of spoke so much to me. a traditional artist and storyboard artist. He designed to let Pixar employees tell personal Our assumption that White is the default.” In response, Bobby wrote: “I’m so glad worked on films such as Pocahontas, Tarzan, stories. Using his Twitter account, Rubio answered a question from a netizen using that the story resonates beyond Filipinos! I and Treasure Planet. He also became part of Nickelodeon the handle @Wendall4808: “so if Bobby was wanted everyone to enjoy #PixarFloat! Thank Studios where he served as an assistant single man with no children he would not you @cherry_LA #DiversityAndInclusion” director and storyboard artist for Avatar: bother with making this film pinoy leads ? —Pep.ph
14
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
NEWS
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019
POEA: Recruitment agencies to face sanctions for filing inaccurate report status of OFW
R
ecruitment agencies that are found to be filing incomplete and inaccurate reports regarding the status of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) will now be facing sanctions from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Written on the advisory No. 30, Series of 2019, POEA Administrator Bernard P. Olalia said some recruiters are still submitting incomplete reports to their office. “Incomplete reports are deemed by this administration as not as compliant to POEA Memorandum Circular No. 12, Series of 2018, POEA rules set the compliance period and if there is significant event involving OFW, report must be submitted within five days,” Olalia said. “Noncompliance herewith warrants the institution of appropriate disciplinary actions and imposition of corresponding penalties provided under the rules,” Olalia added. For OFWs, it is advised to check properly the status of recruitment agency, check their license and if they are registered in POEA. It always advised by the POEA to beware against illegal recruitment.
Duterte wants government transactions settled by December 10
A
fter ranting that the government has been too slow or is even at a standstill in the delivery of services to the people, President Duterte issued an order for all government offices to finish all transactions and ensure that there is no work pending by Dec. 10. “I am so frustrated. Government is too slow and is even hardly working,” Duterte told government officials who were called to Malacañang for the Regional Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) meeting. The President has instructed all departments and government offices to either approve or disapprove all pending transactions by Dec. 10. “Lahat, lahat, lahat (All, all, all),” the President was quoted as saying as he expressed frustration over slow government service. Duterte gave the marching orders to the respective agencies, directing all government departments and agencies to take action on all matters pending before them. “And they must be done before Dec. 10. Either they approve or disapprove,” he said. The Chief Executive complained that it seems a lot of things are pending in the various government offices and that the service he wanted to reach the people has not been moving fast enough. “It irritates him and he wants things done fast and his marching order is get everything done,” a source told The STAR.
The House Committee On Labor is asking Malacanang Palace to consider a proposed four-day work week
T
he House Committee On Labor has begun talks on two laws that would allow the implementation of a four-day work week to lessen the already burdensome traffic situation in Metro Manila. According to a report from ABS-CBN, Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte and Baguio Representative Mark Go are suggesting a compressed work week in their House Bill 1670 and 1904, respectively. Baguio Representative Go said during deliberations held on November 13, “The flexibility in work arrangement could help ease the worsening traffic.” Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante Jr. suggested that Malacanang should consider the feasibility of implementing a four-day work week during the holiday season. He said, “This could also serve as a trial period to assess if such a scheme can work long-term.” As reported by Manila Bulletin, Deputy Speaker Villafuerte’s House Bill 670 “seeks to amend Article 83 of Presidential Decree 442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines.” His measure removes the limit on normal work hours to a flexible work duration. Meanwhile, Baguio Representative Go’s House Bill 1904 seeks to increase normal work hours per day under a compressed work week scheme. House Minority Leader Abante cited as an example Microsoft Japan’s four-day work week which had positive effects as it increased productivity by almost 40 percent. He said, “If it worked there, it could work here. We have an enormous problem and we need to consider drastic measures to address it.”
OFW group, recruiter slam pre-deployment SSS contributions
A
n overseas Filipino worker (OFW) advocacy group and a labor recruiter voiced their dissent against a requirement that OFWs should solely shoulder their SSS contributions and make several payments before they would be permitted to work abroad. In a press statement, LBS E-Recruitment Solutions President Lito B. Soriano complained that the government requirement for OFWs to pay pre-deployment SSS contributions, as well as Philhealth and PAG-IBIG contributions, would “only promote suffering, hardships” and create “another Calvary to climb.” Soriano added that making the OFWs make several monthly contributions before being considered SSS members was “repressive.” Marcia Sadicon, the President of the Advocates and Keepers Organization of OFW (AKOOFW), also opposed the SSS, Philhealth and PAG-IBIG mandatory contributions as a pre-requisite for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Similarly, recruitment consultant and migration expert Emmanuel Geslani said that the SSS and the other government institutions should not make the OFWs their “milking cow.” According to RA 11199 or the “Social Security Act of 2018,” all land-based OFWs were to solely shoulder their SSS monthly premiums.
Bello tells OFWs: Be entrepreneurs
F
ilipino household workers who were repatriated from Kuwait arrive at Manila’s international airport, Philippines, 21 February 2018. According to media reports, Cebu Pacific (CEB) airlines provided airlift support for at least 396 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were repatriated from Kuwait. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III has advised seafarers and other Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) to go back to the Philippines and start their own business. This was his message during the 2019 NRCO-ISP Business Plan Competition on November 8. The competition is an annual search for the best business proposals among seafarers. In his message read by Undersecretary Renato Ebarle, Bello assured seafarers that the government, together with the private sector and nongovernment organizations, is always ready to help OFWs towards productive reintegration. The competition aims to provide start-up capital, training, and mentoring for the winners and their proposed businesses. Seafarer Gary Esguerra was hailed as this year’s winner for his “green” slippers business proposal. Esguerra aims to replace disposable slippers, commonly provided by hotels and resorts, with ‘greener’ slippers made from abaca residue as soles and by incorporating seeds inside the slippers. He also said the slippers will decompose easier compared to the regular disposable slippers. Esguerra received P500,000 as start-up capital.
“One of the first things I did was to look for a place, because I know that the Filipinos don’t have a place of their own." — Fr. Joy
Filipino-American priest opens doors for migrant workers in Taiwan
I
n 2003, when Filipino-American priest Father Joy Tajonera was sent by his Catholic society Maryknoll to central Taiwan’s Taichung City, the first thing he set out to do was to find a safe space for migrant workers. “One of the first things I did was to look for a place, because I know that the Filipinos don’t have a place of their own,” he told CNA. “Having a safe in-door space where migrant workers can pray, attend mass, relax, learn new skills and find sanctuary in times of distress meant that they won’t have to be on the streets on their days off.” There are a total of 714,291 migrant workers in Taiwan as of the end of September, with Filipinos being the third-largest group, behind Indonesians and Vietnamese, according to the Ministry of Labor. As most of the migrant workers either live in dormitories provided by their workplace or with their employers, they are often left without a place to meet or socialize with friends. Many resort to sitting down with friends in groups in the foyers and outdoor plazas of train stations or public areas on their days off. Tajonera was born in Manila in 1959 and earned a degree in Political Science from the city’s Far Eastern University, before immigrating to New York in 1982, where he helped provide counseling and vocational training to adults and worked as a social worker at Brooklyn Hospital in New York between 1985 and 1994. Tajonera’s affinity for Taichung and its migrant workers runs deep. He spent a year and a half in Taichung in 1998 teaching English to medical students before returning to the United States to complete his Master of Divinity degree in Chicago in 2001 and becoming a priest in New York the following year. After being ordained as a priest, he requested to be assigned to Taichung in 2003 to serve migrant workers in the city. In 2004, Tajonera created the Ugnayan shelter
UNVEILED Continued from Page 10 Yeh also reminded that during the Lantern Festival, temporary parking is not allowed, and illegal parking is strictly prohibited. The public is urged to take highspeed rail, Taiwan Railway, buses, and free shuttle buses to enjoy the lanterns. The Transportation Bureau of Taichung City Government said that the municipal government has applied for transportation subsidies of more than NT$
in Taichung’s Tanzi District to provide a safe haven for migrant workers. The shelter has provided beds to around 1,000 people since it was established. The people who ask for his help are often Filipino workers who were suddenly removed from their jobs, or Filipina wives who have separated from their Taiwanese husbands, Tajonera said. “This is one of the women’s rooms,” Tajonera said, as he showed CNA a tidy and well-ventilated room that had five doublebunk beds lined against the wall with clean sheets and bedding. “We find there are around 18 people staying at the shelter on any given day, some people stay for one day, some for a year, it varies,” he said. “But we also do not give a time limit. It depends on their situation and their needs.” But displaced workers and divorced women are not the only people Tajonera helps. He has also dealt with some extreme cases. Five years ago, a Filipina reached out to him for help through social media after she became a victim of human trafficking and was forced to work in a brothel in Miaoli County, Tajonera said. He gave her instructions on how to find him, Tajonera said. “After arriving in Taiwan to work for a month or two, one of her co-workers, who were mostly Vietnamese, could see that she was in distress and helped her to escape,” Tajonera said. After she escaped to the shelter, authorities from the National Immigration Agency and the police came to collect her the next day and help her catch the human traffickers. Tajonera now operates a church, vocational training school, and a shelter in the city. The funding and support for his services to the migrant workers come from a number of sources, including Maryknoll, worshipers who donate money during mass, the Philippine representative office in Taiwan and local Taiwanese living in the community. OPENS Continued on Page 15 34 million from the central government. Besides, the city government submitted the “2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival Shuttle Bus Funding Application “ and the “2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival Shuttle Bus Plan” to the Tourism Bureau and the Directorate General of Highway, MOTC respectively. The plans give explanations of transportation planning, traffic connection, parking lots, traffic control aimed at providing people with perfect transportation connection services. —Chinapost
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
15
eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019
'Balikbayan box ng Pasko'
alaking katuwaan ang nadarama ng mga mahal sa buhay kapag nakatanggap ng Balikbayan Box galing sa abroad pagdating ng Pasko. Karaniwan imported goods ang laman gaya ng candies, chocolates, snacks, coffee, tea o cereals. Mga gamit gaya ng sapatos, pabanggo, damit, cosmetics, books, DVDs, stuffed toys, games, o electronics. Kasama rin ang mga gamot at vitamins. Ang Balikbayan box ay bunga nang pagmamahal ng nagpadala sa pinadalhan. Bagay na pinaghirapan, dugo, pawis at luha. Pinaglabanan ang lungkot, mga abuso, hirap at pasakit. Kasama rin ang pag-aalala, pagtitipid at pagtitiyaga upang makapagpadala ng katuwaan sa mga mahal sa buhay. Kabayan, alam mo ba na ang Diyos ang nagpasimula ng balikbayan box nuong unang Pasko? Ano? Paano nangyari iyon? Ganito... Ang Balikbayan box ng Diyos. Ibinalot ng Diyos ang Bugtong Niyang Anak sa Katawan Tao at ipinadala nuong unang Pasko. Imported mula sa langit. Balikbayan sapagkat nuong una pa lamang, kasama nang Diyos ang tao sa hardin ng Eden. Subalit naputol ang relasyon gawa ng pagsuway ng tao sa utos ng Diyos (Genesis 3). Mula nuon, nawalay ang tao sa Diyos. Ngunit plano ng Diyos na ipanumbalik ang kanyang bayan sa kanya. Ganito pa nga ang paki-usap ng Diyos sa kanyang bayan sa Hosea 14:1, “Manumbalik ka Israel kay Yahweh na iyong Diyos. Ang pagbagsak mo ay bunga ng iyong kasamaan.” Mula nga nuon ay naging marupok at mahina ang loob ng tao bunga ng kanyang kasalanan. Naging natural at normal sa mga sumunod na henerasyon ang magkasala. Kaya nga hindi mo kailangan turuan ang
mga batang magkasala. Kaya nga kailangan pang paluin kapag “matigas ang ulo” upang ituwid. Dahil sa kasalanan, naging baluktot ang isipan ng tao kaya nagdurusa sa mga maling desisyon sa buhay. Pinahina ng kasalanan ang emosyon kaya’t madaling tamaan ng lungkot, di mapigil na galit, selos, inggit, o kayabangan at iba’t ibang bagabag sa buhay. Pinahina nang kasalanan ang katawan kung kaya’t madaling dapuan ng iba’t ibang klase ng karamdaman gaya ng cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, pneumonia, at iba pa. Pansinin mo ang historya ng tao. Sa kabila ng umunlad ang teknolohiya at kaalaman, na-resolba ba nang tao ang kanyang relasyon sa kapwa? Patuloy ang hindi pagkakaunawaan ng tao sa isa’t-isa. Sa mag-asawa na lang, hindi maiwasan ang mag-away at salungatan. Basahin mo ang mga pahayagan, patuloy ang masasamang balita. Ginagamit pa nga ang mataas na teknolohiya sa iba’t ibang masamang gawa gaya ng mga cyber crimes sa pagnanakaw ng identity, hacking, o phishing. Blackmail, e-banking fraud, e-shopping fraud, business email fraud, Internet pornography, romance scam, ransomware attack, social media deception, at marami pang iba. Lalo pang sumasama. Kaya nga Diyos na ang gumawa ng paraan upang maipanumbalik sa Kanya ang sangkatauhan. Ipinahayag ng Propeta Isaiah, “Dahil dito si Yahweh mismo ang magbibigay sa inyo ng palatandaan: Maglilihi ang isang dalaga at magsisilang ng isang sanggol na lalaki at tatawagin sa pangalang Emmanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Sa wikang Hebreo, ang kahulugan ng pangalang Emmanuel ay Kasama natin ang Diyos. Ganito ang patutuo nang alagad na si Juan tungkol sa balikbayan box na ipinadala sa Pasko, “Naging tao ang Salita at nanirahan sa piling namin. Nakita namin ang kaluwalhatiang tunay na kanya bilang kaisa-isang Anak ng Ama. Siya ay puspos ng kagandahang-loob at ng katotohanan” (Juan 1:14). Ang laman ng balikbayan box ng Pasko ay “Kagandahang loob” sapagkat kailangan gamutin ang kasamaang loob ng tao (Mark 7:21-23). Laman rin ang “Katotohanan” sapagkat namamayani ang
kasinungalingan at kakorapan nang tao. Ito ay sapagkat alipin ni Satanas ang tao. Ganito ang pahayag ni Apostol Pablo sa kalagayan ng tao ngayon, “Noong una’y patay kayo dahil sa inyong mga pagsuway at mga kasalanan. Sinusunod ninyo noon ang masamang takbo ng mundong ito, at napailalim kayo sa pinuno ng mga kapangyarihan sa himpapawid, ang espiritung naghahari sa mga taong ayaw pasakop sa Diyos” (Eph. 2:1-3). Nais nang Diyos putulin ang kapangyarihan ni Satanas laban sa tao. Pagibig ng Diyos ang nagbunsod upang ipadala ang kanyang balikbayan box sa pamamagitan ng pagsasakatawang tao ni Jesus. Bakit kailangan pang magsakatawan tao ng Anak ng Diyos? Una, Ganito ang pahayag at paliwanag ng Biblia, “ Dahil sa ang mga anak na tinutukoy niya ay tao, naging tao rin si Jesus at tulad nila’y may laman at dugo. Ginawa niya ito upang sa pamamagitan ng kanyang kamatayan ay mawasak niya ang diyablo na siyang may kapangyarihan sa kamatayan. Sa pamamagitan din ng kanyang kamatayan ay pinalaya niya ang lahat ng tao na buong buhay nila’y inalipin ng takot sa kamatayan” (Heb 2:14-15). Ikalawa, kailangan magsakatawang tao ang Anak ng Diyos upang mag-alay ng sariling buhay. Ganito ang pahayag ng Biblia sa Heb. 2:17-18, “Kaya’t kinailangang matulad siya (Jesus) sa kanyang mga kapatid sa lahat ng paraan. Upang siya’y maging isang Pinakapunong Pari na mahabagin at tapat na naglilingkod sa Diyos at nag-aalay ng handog para mapatawad ang mga kasalanan ng tao. At ngayo’y matutulungan niya ang mga tinutukso, sapagkat siya man ay tinukso at nagdusa.” Bilang Pinakamataas na Saserdote, kumatawan si Jesus para sa tao sa harap ng Diyos duon sa templo sa langit (Hebrews 5:13) at inihandog ang sarili bilang alay na tupa kapalit ng kasalanan ng tao (Hebrews 10:118). Sa ginawang sakripisyo ni Jesus, malaya na muli ang tao na makalapit sa Banal na Diyos (Hebrews 10:19-25) at tuloy maibalik ang naputol na relasyon sa Diyos. Kung may Elite Express Sea Cargo na
taga-hatid nang balikbayan box sa Pilipinas, ang naghatid naman ng Balikbayan Box news sa mga pastol sa parang ay anghel at ganito ang sabi, “Huwag kayong matakot! Ako’y may dalang magandang balita para sa inyo na magdudulot ng malaking kagalakan sa lahat ng tao. Isinilang sa inyo ngayon sa bayan ni David ang Tagapagligtas, ang Cristong Panginoon” (Lucas 2:10-11). Jesus ang ibinigay na pangalan sa sanggol na ipinanganak nuong unang Pasko. Ang ibig sabihin ng pangalan ay “Diyos na Tagapagligtas” (Mateo 1:21). Paano naman matatanggap ang balikbayan box ng Diyos? Kapag tumanggap ng balikbayan box, karaniwan ay pinapi-pirma ang tatanggap o kina-uukulan. Ganito ang pahayag ni Juan, “Sapagkat gayon na lamang ang pagibig ng Diyos sa sangkatauhan, kaya’t ibinigay (ipinadala) niya ang kanyang kaisa-isang Anak, upang ang sinumang sumampalataya sa kanya ay hindi mapahamak, kundi magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan” (Juan 3:16). Kailangan sumampalataya sa “Balikbayan Box” ng Diyos (Kay Jesu Cristo). Ang pagtanggap ay gagawin taos sa puso sapagkat alam mo na ang pasalubong na ito ay ang tanging paraan para mapatawad ka sa kasalanan mo at siyang kaligtasan mo sa kapahamakan sa impiyerno. Wala ng ibang balikabayan box pa ang dapat mong sampalatayanan liban kay Jesu Cristo. Maraming fake na balikbayan box ang kumakalat gaya nang iba’t ibang relihiyon, denominasyon, o ano mang gawa lamang ng tao na nagpapanggap na daan sa langit. Hindi sila ang namatay sa krus. Si Jesus lamang ang namatay sa krus, kaya kay Jesus ka nararapat sumampalataya. Si Jesu Cristo ang magbibigay sa iyo ng buhay na walang hanggan (Juan 1:12; 5:24; 6:47; Acts 2:37-38). Iyan ang pasalubong ng Diyos sa iyong Pasko. Pero huwag mo nang intayin mag-expire ang pasalubong ng Diyos sa iyo. Tanggapin mo na ang balikbayan box ng Diyos ngayon na. O ano? Merry Merry Christmas!
OPENS Continued from Page 14 “My Taiwanese neighbors would bring money and leave it on the staircase because they know I feed a lot of people,” Tajonera said. He does not ask big corporations for funding because he feels if they really wanted to help they would have helped already instead of being asked or begged, Tajonera said. He also does not receive funding from the Taiwanese government, Tajonera said. “Working with the migrants is a real joy. It is not a work in the sense of nine to five, but the mission to walk side by side with the migrants and the Taiwanese,” Tajonera said. He describes his mission as: “To pray and to give hope especially in difficult situations and to help when they need help (by offering)
advice and sanctuary. To be the voice when they are voiceless. To give them courage and help them not to despair because of poverty, broken heart, problems at home, or working in difficult, dirty and dangerous jobs.” At the shelter during the tour Tajonera gave, the people being helped were also busy helping out. A long-term resident, 51-yearold Filipina, identified only as Julianne, said she has been living there for around 10 years. She found herself with no place to stay when she was separated from her Taiwanese husband of 12 years. She helps out at the shelter by preparing meals and is responsible for cooking lunch and dinner for people at the shelter, Julianne said. “I have decided to keep staying here over the years because I really enjoy the companionship and the
environment the shelter provides,” she said. “The people here are like my family.” Another resident at the shelter, a 31-year-old Filipino, identified only as Romar, said he was fired from his factory job about two months ago for smoking in a non-smoking area after he had already received a warning for a similar issue. The dismissal from his work meant that he also had to leave the company-provided dormitory. He is staying at the shelter while he awaits a transfer to another job. Even though the majority of people who come to Tajonera are Filipinos, he says he accepts and helps everyone regardless of race, adding that he also helps refer distressed migrant workers of other races to shelters who can speak their language so that they can get the proper support they need.
Tajonera said he does not put a capacity on the number of people that need his help. “The migrant worker becomes a commodity (in Taiwan), but that is not how we should treat people. We should treat people with dignity and respect, because all of us are the same, whether we are rich or poor, Christians or not, Taiwanese, immigrants or new immigrants,” Tajonera said. Luckily, Tajonera is not alone in providing a safe space for migrant workers in distress because there are some 15 organizations that also operate migrant worker shelters, which are scattered around Taiwan. But the question remains unanswered if these shelters are enough to help those among the over 700,000 migrant workers in the country in times of ne ed. —Taiwan News
VAPING Continued from Page 4 “I started vaping in late 2009. Vaporium pa ang tawag nun. OFW na ako nung nadiscover ko ang vaping,” the member of the Macau Vapers Club revealed in an interview via Messenger in October 29. Ladera just stopped in 2011 because vape sellers can hardly be found in his host country. “Madami na din ako nadidinig na hindi maganda tungkol sa vaping [so] I became a skeptic about the health benefits it
can give smokers.” But he said he resumed vaping in 2015 since he wanted to quit smoking. “After three months of vaping again, medyo lumuwag ang paghinga ko. Nabawasan din ang withdrawal syndrone ng pag-stop ko sa paninigarilyo.” “Now I have my own shop as part of my continuous belief in vaping. I’m also a part of the Macau Vapers Club and we are proud that the number of vapers keep on increasing and that only means a lot of people who want to
quit smoking look into vaping as an effective alternative for tobacco smoking.” But OFWs should refrain from vaping as well, the chairman of the Council for Control of Tobacco and Air Pollution (CCTA) and a member of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) has said. “There is no such thing as ‘less cancer’ or ‘mild cancer.’ It is like choosing whether to jump from the 10th floor of a building or on its 5th floor for in the end the outcome is the same,” said Dr. Glynna Ong-Cabrera, who also practices at the
Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) and Capitol Medical Center (CMC), in an email interview with GMA News Online late in October. She also pointed out that vapes, otherwise known as electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), can also lead to bronchiolitis obliterates or popcorn lungs, lipoid pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. It can cause inflammation and a form of tissue damage known as oxidative stress, too, deteriorating blood vessel health. —GMA News
M
16
eec-elite.com
NEWS
eec
Migrant workers in Taiwan demand abolishment of broker system
V
Beyond Meat's burgers and sausages are made from pea protein because customers didn't want to eat more soy or gluten.
Scammers target Filipino workers in Taiwan
T
hree major Taiwanese and Filipino groups of scammers have allegedly swindled NT$24 million from Filipino workers in Taiwan after persuading them to make fake investments through Facebook. Police in Taiwan have recently dealt with several cases of Philippine housekeepers and nursing workers being defrauded out of large sums of money. In one case, a Filipina lost NT$3 million over a few days and was confronted by co-workers and friends who had lent her the money, according to Mirror Media. One of the victims told reporters that the leaders of the three major groups — Totugn Jevy A Redidon, Vivian Catapang, and Liezl Corderom — previously operated as illegal remittance companies and would often post information about financial investment opportunities with interest as high as 50 percent. She added that most of the fraudsters worked as caregivers, so they had more free time to contact their targets via social media. The police have located a Taiwanese female suspect surnamed Chung (鍾) among others. The deputy chief of Taichung Police Precinct, Hsieh Chihyuan (謝志遠), encouraged Filipino workers in Taiwan to use banks and reputable financial organizations when sending their salaries back home. —Taiwan News
Taiwan nonprofit opens Philippines branch
N
onprofit organization Taiwan Fund for Children and Families opened a new branch Nov. 13 in the city of Mandaluyong in the Philippines, spotlighting efforts by local charities to reach out and provide assistance overseas. The location is the organization’s seventh abroad following centers established in Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Eswatini, Vietnam, Cambodia and Jordan, in that order. It is set to benefit around 10,000 Filipino children. At the opening ceremony, TFCF’s Chairman Chao Li-min said the move underscores the group’s commitment to helping underprivileged children and disadvantaged families beyond its base in central Taiwan’s Taichung City. This includes providing nutritious meals and school textbooks to ensure a healthy living environment and real opportunities for educational advancement, he added. According to Michael Peiyung Hsu, head of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, the branch will serve as a beacon for Taiwan’s humanitarian care in the region while strengthening links with local social welfare institutions. TECO is also currently engaged with nongovernmental organizations on various projects, Hsu said, citing support for World Vision Philippines in tackling child malnutrition in Eastern Visayas, as well as backing rice donations by Hualien County-headquartered Tzu Chi Foundation. Founded in 1938, TFCF’s mission is to provide families and children with better opportunities in life. To date, it has helped over one million people. —Taiwan Today
Group tickets to E. Taiwan available for 3-month presale
T
he Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) announced Saturday (Nov. 9) that group tickets for 10 train lines will be available for pre-booking beginning Tuesday (Nov. 12). It is hoped that the tickets, which will be available for purchase up to three months in advance, will make Taiwan’s railways more convenient and bolster tourism in the eastern part of the country, according to CNA. Group tickets are currently pre-sold two months to 20 days before departure, according to TRA regulations. In order to help groups of travelers, especially foreign tourists, plan their trips, the TRA decided to allow groups to purchase tickets for 10 select train routes up to 3 months in advance: The 10 train routes are as follows: Taipei to Hualien: No. 212, 241 (Tze-chiang) and No. 71, 72, 73, 74 (Chu-kuang) Taipei to Taitung: No. 410, 439 (Tze-chiang) and No. 81, 82 (Chu-kuang) —Taiwan News
ARC number format to be changed in October next year
A
eecelite
DECEMBER 2019
Taiwan convenience store trials veggie burgers eggie patties from Beyond Meat started selling on Wednesday (Nov. 20) at FamilyMart, according to CNA. Veggie burgers and other vegan foods have been largely unsuccessful in the fast food industry to date. Beyond Meat is one of the companies that have saved plant-based food items from completely failing, said Business Insider. Beyond Meat started collaborating this year with Burger King and KFC to provide plant-based burger patties and chicken nuggets. MOS Burger and TGI Fridays have also started selling veggie burgers in Taiwan, reported CNA. Beyond Meat’s Beyond Burgers are made of non-GMO peas and beetroot and have two times more iron than regular beef. FamilyMart said, according to CNA, they will see how well the product sells before deciding if it stays on shelves in the long term.
EEC Elite Express
government plan to change the format of the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) number to match that of the national identification card is to be implemented in October next year, the National Development Council (NDC) said. The issue of the ARC format has been a troubling one for foreign nationals in Taiwan and has been raised many times by foreign chambers of commerce, NDC Minister Chen Mei-ling said at the European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan (ECCT), which was releasing its annual position paper. On the ARC and Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC), the number, which comprises two letters and eight digits, will be changed to one letter and nine digits like the one on national IDs, Chen said. ECCT chief executive officer Freddie Hoeglund said the chamber welcomed the change, as it would give foreign nationals greater access to online services, which often do not accept the current format. “This is something actually that we have been driving for over 10 years,” he said. “These issues are very difficult to push forward because it expands over all government agencies and also within the private sector.” When the plan takes effect next year, about 1 million ARC and APRC holders would be issued the new numbers, Ministry of the Interior statistics showed. They include 690,000 migrant workers, 30,000 foreign professionals and 300,000 foreign spouses of Taiwanese who have not yet obtained national IDs, the data showed. —Taipei Times
M
igrant workers from Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines staged separate protests in Taipei on Sunday to demand the abolishment of all placement agencies and the enforcement of a compulsory government-to-government hiring system. The protesting workers, holding streamers and placards reading “Abolish the brokerage system, we want G2G” (government to government) in their own languages, rallied outside the Indonesia Economic and Trade Office (IETO) to Taipei, the Manila Cultural and Economic Office (MECO) and the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office (VECO) in Taipei. “The brokers do not help us in times of need, but they continue siphoning off our hard-earned salaries, which are supposed to be sent home to our families,” said a Filipino worker Tommy during the protest. Even though direct-hiring programs exist between Taiwan and several labor-exporting countries in Southeast Asia, job vacancies are still often controlled by placement agencies and brokers, said Meriam Hsu, a social worker with the Taiwan International Workers’ Association (TIWA). As a result, migrant workers in Taiwan who want to extend their contract or need to change employers are charged transfer or “job buying” fees of NT$35,000 (US$1,139) to NT$80,000, which is against the law in Taiwan, Hsu told CNA. In the Philippines, labor laws state that fishermen and caregivers who apply to work abroad need not pay a placement fee, while factory workers only have to pay a fee equivalent to one month of salary, but in most cases the law is ignored, she said. The direct-hiring scheme will not work unless these governments abolish the manpower broker system, Hsu believed. On Filipino protesters’ demand to abolish the broker system, Cesar Chaves, director of Labor Affairs of MECO, told CNA the issue depends on Taiwan’s government. “It needs to be initiated by the Taiwan government. We have to respect Taiwan’s law,” Chaves said. He said there is already a direct hiring program between the Philippines and Taiwan called the Special Hiring Program for Taiwan (SHPT), and it is up to employers to decide whether or not to utilize the program. Vietnamese worker Thieu Van Loi said his countrymen are charged as much as US$7,000 before they can come and work in Taiwan, even the law does not allow a fee of more than US$4,000 for services and placing
them with a Taiwanese employer. Aside from that, they are required to pay brokers NT$1,500 to NT$1,800 in monthly service fees after arriving in Taiwan in exchange for service that is far from satisfying, he said. The protesters urged Taiwan’s government to figure out why these problems still exist despite the passage of supposedly labor-friendly measures, such as the amendment of Article 52 of the Employment Service Act in 2016. The legislation eliminated the requirement that foreign laborers have to leave Taiwan for one day upon expiration of their employment permit before re-entering the country to start on a new contract. It was supposed to save migrant workers from being charged another placement fee, but many brokers continue to exploit migrant workers by playing with loopholes in the law, according to protesters. Meanwhile, Hsueh Chien-chung (薛 鑑忠), a section chief at the Workforce Development Agency under Taiwan's Ministry of Labor, said most employers in Taiwan still prefer to hire migrant workers through brokers or placement agencies because of the greater convenience. Employers prefer to work through brokers and have them handle all the paperwork, screen the workers and handle any problems such as sickness or injury while the workers are in Taiwan. In the direct hire programs, governments only provide pools of people, but it is up to the companies to select the workers by video interviews or traveling abroad to select workers personally. Hsueh said Taiwan’s government understands the demands of migrant workers, but the free market also plays a role because employers have the choice of how they want to hire workers. Issues related to transfer fees are not likely to be discussed in a near future, Hsueh said, but he warned that brokers who demand placement fees from migrant workers will be fined 10 to 20 times the amount they collect and their agency will face closure if proven guilty. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Labor in August 2017, placement agencies or brokers in Taiwan are not allowed to collect placement fees from migrant workers. They are only allowed to charge service fees ranging from NT$1,500 to NT$1,800 per month. —Focus Taiwan
Upgraded YouBike service to start trial run in Gongguan shopping area
A
n upgraded system of the public bicycle rental service provider YouBike will undergo a trial run in the Gongguan shopping area in Taipei in January as the city prepares to replace all current YouBike bicycles, officials said (November 18). There will be 1,250 bike stands installed in the area, the most popular YouBike hotspot in the country, to accommodate 500 new bikes, said Liao Yun-ling (廖苑伶) of the city government's Department of Transportation. The city will study user behavior from the test run to adjust its plan to launch the “YouBike 2.0” system citywide from late 2020, Liao said. The new service will feature smart
control panels on the bikes themselves, meaning that users can proceed with the rental process directly with an Easycard or by reading the QR code on the bikes, Liao said. Moving the operating system from the bike stands to the bikes themselves means that the stands will take up less space, which is necessary to build a more comprehensive network, she explained. While there are already 13,000 YouBikes served by around 400 stations in Taipei, there is still room for improvement in the density of bike stops, Liao said. UPGRADED Continued on PAGE 17
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
17
eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019
Foundation raises funds to hire teachers from Taiwan in Manila school
A
Taiwan-Philippines foundation said Sunday that it has raised more than 10 million pesos (US$197,604) in donations that will be used to recruit instructors from Taiwan to teach Mandarin Chinese at a school in Manila. Speaking at a Sunday reception, TaiwanPhilippines Educational Development Foundation (TPEF) President Kao Shih-cheng (高士誠) said the plan was conceived earlier this year to address a shortage of Chineselanguage teachers at Chiang Kai-shek College (CKSC), established by Chinese Filipinos in 1939. Many young people today in the
Philippines are unwilling to start a career teaching Chinese, mainly because of what they perceive as a profession that doesn’t pay that well, Kao explained. Ma Li-ling (馬儷 玲), who is director of the Office for Chinese Academic Instruction at CKSC, recalled once having talked to one of her graduating students about whether she would be interested in staying to teach at the school, but she rejected the offer on the basis that the pay was too small. The student said she would rather work in the service industry for a more attractive salary, Ma said. The TPEF head expressed hope that
the fund will help bring talented instructors from Taiwan to fill the gap, while also helping promote traditional Chinese character learning at the school. According to the TPEF, the donation was made possible through the assistance of the Culture Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines as well as Taiwanese expatriates in the country. Yu Cheng-tsai (尤正才), who heads the Taipei economic and cultural office there, told CNA Sunday that a starting Chinese-language teacher in the Philippines typically receives an average monthly salary of 20,000 pesos,
which is comparable to that of an average starting salary of a schoolteacher in the Philippines. However, this paycheck makes it difficult to recruit experienced teachers, let alone those with a post-graduate degree, Yu said. Salary aside, every newly recruited teacher from Taiwan will be eligible to receive a monthly stipend of 15,000 pesos, he said. The stipend will come from the donated fund, Ma said, adding that she hopes that in the future, local Chinese-language teachers at the school will also receive the same benefit. — Chinapost
aiwan and the Philippines negotiated several key issues involving the welfare of Filipino workers in Taiwan at an annual labor meeting in Taipei on (October 28), but agreement was reached on only a limited number of topics. At the Taiwan-Philippines Joint Labor Conference, being held for the eighth year, the two countries covered such issues as outstanding medical expenses, fishery worker hiring fees, jobs at Taiwanese dairy farms, and caregiver training. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor, the Philippines agreed to set up contact
channels in northern, central and southern Taiwan so that its office in Taiwan can assist local authorities resolve any outstanding medical expenses incurred by Philippine workers in Taiwan, including those who absconded from their workplaces. The two sides also agreed to continue discussing issues related to fees incurred in the hiring of Filipino fishery workers to protect the interests of both employers and employees, the ministry said. The fees in question include brokerage fees, which the Philippines suggested should be covered by Taiwanese employers
instead of the Filipino worker. Regarding an announcement earlier this year that Taiwan’s government will allow local dairy farms to hire migrant workers, the MOL said the two sides will continue to hold talks to iron out the details so Filipinos can work in the sector. The two sides also discussed the training that caregivers have to go through before arriving in Taiwan, and the Philippine side agreed to hold tours of such courses for Taiwan’s delegation next year at the 9th Taiwan-Philippines Joint Labor Conference in Manila. As for the Taiwan side, the MOL said it
will continue to improve work-related safety measures so as to guarantee the welfare of Filipino migrant workers. The meeting was led by the MOL and included representatives from the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei. Officials from Taiwan’s foreign ministry, Council of Agriculture and immigration agency also took part in the bilateral meeting. ccording to MOL statistics, 156,248 migrant workers from the Philippines were in Taiwan as of the end of September. —Focus Taiwan
UPGRADED Continued from PAGE 16 The new system will also be more ecofriendly, as the service interface will use built-in solar energy panels on the bicycles instead of being powered by underground wires through
the stands, according to Liao. The bikes, to be painted white and yellow, will also carry GPS and use an automatic locking system instead of traditional locks, and for the first time will be introduced into the grounds of National Taiwan University, she added. However, the
new system will not be compatible with the existing one, Liao said, acknowledging that this will cause confusion and inconvenience for users. The city government will install the new stands alongside the existing ones, so that users will have two options. For stops without
sufficient space to park enough new bikes, she said, the government will install several new stations on a smaller scale near the current stations. “The point is to make the bikes more accessible from everywhere in the city,” she said . —Focus Taiwan
Taiwan, Philippines discuss key issues at labor meeting in Taipei
T
18
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
SHOWBITS NEWS Pinoy boy group na SB19 pasok sa Billboard ‘Next Big Sound’ chart
N
agawang pasukin ng Pinoy pop group na SB19 ang ang isa sa mga pinakamataas na pwesto sa Billboard chart na nagtatala ng artists dahil sa bilis ng kanilang pagsikat. Para sa linggong ito, nasungkit ng Filipino group ang ikaanim na pwesto sa “Next Big Sound” chart ng Billboard. Ayon sa Billboard, repleksyon ang listahan ng “mga artists na pinakamabilis umangat SB19, the members are Sejun, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin sa nagdaang linggo, sa lahat ng is trained under ShowBT, a Korean entertainment company social music sites, na inaasahang that branched out to the Philippines. makakatamasa ng pagsikat sa hinaharap, na sinusukat ng Next Big Sound.” Sinundan ng SB19 ang Korean pop group na A.C.E., na nasa ikalimang pwesto, habang numero uno naman sa linggong ito ang grupong BIA. Ang grupo, na kinabibilangan nina Sejun, Stell, Ken, Josh at Justin, ay sinanay pa sa bansang South Korea, at mina-manage ng isang Korean entertainment company. Kasalukuyang #5 trending sa Twitter ang hashtag na #SB19onBillboardNBS habang sinusulat ang balitang ito. Pinasalamatan naman ng SB19 ang lahat ng kanilang supporters sa bagong tagumpay. “A’TINs! No words can describe how thankful we are for this great news. Thank you so much for supporting our dreams and believing in us. Everything seems possible with you,” sabi nila sa kanilang Instagram account. Nangako naman silang lalong pag-iigihan ang kanilang pagsusumikap at ikinatuwa ang lahat ng nagbahagi ng kanilang kwento sa pamamagitan ng mga liham. “It warms our hearts to know that you find comfort, happiness and motivation through our music. Let’s GO UP together!” sabi pa nila. Matatandaang binulabog ng grupo ang social media nitong taon sa biglaang pagsikat ng awitin nilang “Go Up” noong Setyembre.
Anak ni Lorna na si Rap, pinagbantaan ng fans ni Kisses
I
siniwalat ng anak ni Lorna Tolentino na si Rap Fernandez na nakatanggap na ito ng mga pagbabanta mula sa fans ng aktres na si Kisses Delavin. May kinalaman ito sa mga unsettled bills ng aktres sa condo unit sa Imperial Palace Suites, Timog Ave. corner Morato Ext., QC.na ipinaupa sa kanya ni Rap. Sa panayam nina Lolit Solis, Cristy Fermin at Mr. Fu kay Rap ay sinabi nito na hindi porket iniidolo ng mga tao ang isang artista ay agad na dapat nilang suportahan ito kahit mali ang kanilang ginagawa. “Medyo foul nga, e. Gusto kong i-report. “Pero... parang hindi ko alam kung fans ba niya talaga iyon o mga nanggugulo lang. “Parang wala siyang basis, e. Parang hindi niya alam iyong actions... “Parang mahirap iyong kakampi ka sa tao na idolo mo, nang walang basehan sa rason, ganoon. “Kumbaga, parang blind faith lang na, ‘Ay, idol kita! Kahit mali ka, ipaglalaban kita!’ Ganoon.” Aminado si Rap na nagkamali siya na nagtiwala siya sa panig ni Kisses nang hindi ito pumayag na pirmahan ang kanilang kontrata dahil sa istriktong mga probisyon. Ayon kay Rap, nang sumabog ang water valve ng condo unit ay bigla na lamang umalis si Kisses doon nang hindi pa bayad ang utility bills para sa Setyembre at Oktubre. Dahil diyan ay pina-stop payment ng ina ni Kisses na si Mommy Carrie ang mga tseke para sa Nobyembre at Disyembre. Kinokontak noon ni Rap ang mommy ni Kisses kaugnay sa naiwang utility bills para sa mga buwan ng Setyembre at Oktubre pero dedma ito. Ipinunto ni Rap na kung nabayaran lang ang renta para sa Nobyembre at Disyembre ay ito na sana ang gagamitin niya na pambayad sa mga naiwang utility bills ng aktres sa condo habang ang sobra naman ay kanyang ibabalik. Samantala, tumanggi naman si Manay Lolit, manager ni Lorna, na makipag-usap sa Triple A management ni Rams David na may hawak ngayon sa career ni Kisses mula nang lumipat ito mula sa ABS-CBN Star Magic para pag-usapan ang mga hindi bayad na utility bills.
Ai-Ai delas Alas, nakasakay na sa pinipilotong eroplano ni Gerald
H
indi nangyari ang binitiwang salita noon ni Ai-Ai de las Alas na sasakay lamang siya sa eroplano na paliliparin ng kanyang asawa na si Gerald Sibayan kapag piloto na ito ng isang commercial flight. May pinanggagalingan ang nararamdamang kaba ni Ai-Ai dahil bukod sa baguhan na piloto si Gerald, may acrophobia siya o fear of heights. Pero noong nakaraang November 14, bumiyahe si A-iAi sa Subic, Olongapo para harapin ang kanyang mga kinatatakutan—ang pagsakay sa eroplano na paliliparin ni Gerald. "Very proud ako para kay Gerald dahil Ikinuwento ni Ai-Ai na kinakabahan siya, panay natupad ang pangarap niyang maging ang dasal, at pahid ng Tiger Balm bago siya piloto at natuto siyang magpalipad ng sumakay sa eroplano. Pero nabawasan ang lahat eroplano sa sandaling panahon" — Ai-ai ng kanyang mga agam-agam nang makita niyang relaxed na relaxed si Gerald. Kuwento niya, “Almost thirty minutes kami na lumipad. “Habang nasa ere kami, tinitingnan ko si Gerald at sumisilip rin ako sa bintana ng eroplano para makita ko ang mga nangyayari sa labas. “Very proud ako para kay Gerald dahil natupad ang pangarap niyang maging piloto at natuto siyang magpalipad ng eroplano sa sandaling panahon. “May kinalaman ang pagpapapayat ni Gerald sa pagpapalipad ng eroplano dahil gusto niyang maging physically fit siya,” lahad ni Ai-Ai. Ibinahagi ni Ai-Ai sa Cabinet Files ang video for posterity ng unang pagsakay niya sa eroplanong pinalipad ni Gerald. Samantala, hindi na itutuloy ni AiAi delas Alas ang pagbubuntis sa 2020. Napagdesisyunan na nga raw nilang mag-asawa na hindi na muna siya magka-baby dahil nga sa kalusugan niya at ang magiging baby nila ni Gerald.“Isang gabi, nagkaroon kami ng konting tampuhan na hindi naman ano…nagkaroon kami ng parang bull session na sabihin ko lang kung ano yung gusto mo. Isa yun sa pinag-usapan namin,” kwento ni AiAi. Apat na taon na kasing organic lang ang kinakain ni AiAi dahil sa kanyang sakit na Psoriasis. Gumaling siya sa sakit na iyun, pero dapat na ma-maintain niyang organic ang kinakain para hindi bumalik at may mga allergies pa siya. Medyo maselan at mahirap kung may ipinagbubuntis siya. Bukod pa riyan, aminado naman siyang hindi na siya bata, kaya ipagpaliban na lang daw muna nila.
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019
Planong showbiz comeback ni Bong Revilla via 'The Gift' binatikos
N
agbigay ng iba’t ibang reaksyon at opinyon ang mga netizen matapos umugong ang balita ng planong showbiz comeback ni Senador Bong Revilla sa pamamagitan ng pag guest sa GMA drama series na “The Gift” ni Alden Richards. Napabalitang magbabalik sa GMA Network si Revilla, siya umano ang magiging host ng isang weekly show na mala-Kap’s Amazing Stories din na naging programa niya sa Kapuso Network noong 2007. Ni-repost ng veteran OPM singer ang isang tweet kung saan ibinabalita ang balak ng GMA na bigyan uli ng proyekto sa TV si Bong. Kalakip nito ang kanyang caption na, “PERA PERA PERA lahat. Ok Lang sa inyo na maging role model siya ng kabataan? C’mon GMA. You can do better than this.” Dagdag pang reaksyon ng singer, “Why would a franchise ALLOW this? That is the bigger question. They have social and corporate responsibilities. Their airwaves belong to the Filipino people.” Nag-trending ang hashtag na #NoToBongRevillaOnTheGift dahil sa pagdedebate ng mga netizen tungkol dito. May nagsabing makakasira lang ang mambabatas sa show ni Alden habang may nag-comment na hindi dapat kuwestiyunin ang pagbabalik showbiz ni Revilla dahil bago ito naging politiko ay isa itong magaling na aktor. “I vowed to support my fave in any way I can but I would never EVER trade my values and moral stand for anything. This is me setting my limits as a fangirl.#NOToBongRevillaOnTheGift #TheGiftConflict” Nagbigay rin ng kanyang matapang opinion ang sikat na Spoken Word artist na si Juan Miguel Severo: “Lol. Alden is a decent guy. GMA better not subject him to the certainly unpleasant experience of working with a plunderer. Malalang backlash ba ang hanap ninyo? #NoToBongRevillaOnTheGift” Marami rin ang bumatikos at nagiwan ng maaanghang na mensahe sa mismong IG account ng entertainment columnist at talent manager na si Lolit Solis dahil sa pangbabash nito sa mga umaalmang fans ni Alden Richards. “Lolit at your age, you should have learned a lot of lessons. remember your take
it take it scam which you masterminded? but sadly, you didn't. Hindi sa pera lang nabubuhay ang tao. bumalik ka sa Panginoon para masave ka.” “MORE IMPORTANTLY, I AM A LEGITIMATE AND THINKING FAN OF ALDEN RICHARDS WHO LOVES MY COUNTRY.” “Hindi porke fan ng isang artista, aalisin na ng fan ang dangal, prinsipyo at respeto sa sarili. Hindi lang pera ang mahalaga. Hindi lahat ng tao nasasarapan kumakain ng galing sa nakaw. Iba kayo…iba sila.” “We are fans of Alden and we also support the #NoToBongRevillaOnTheGift. Naniniwala kami na hindi akma ang values ng show sa sa imahe na meron si Bong Revilla. We are very sorry to inform you, hindi kami nagpatrend lang para inisan ka, pero para protektahan ang show at si Alden.” “Gagamitin niyo lang ang show para linisin at pagandahin imahe niya sa mga tao for political purposes. Hindi po gamit si Alden. Tao siya. Kung gusto maglinis ni Bong Revilla ng pangalan niya, wag sa show ni Alden or sa serye. Sa korte niya linisin pangalan niya. “ Pinaalalahanan naman ni Senador Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa si Senador Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. na bigyang prayoridad ang kanyang trabaho sa Senado kaysa pagbabalik sa telebisyon. “Depende how he manage his time. First and foremost he is a senator, pangalawa na ang pag-aartista. So priority niya dapat trabaho niya dito. Alam niya ‘yan,” pahayag ni Dela Rosa sa mga reporter nang hingan ng reaksiyon hinggil sa pagbabalik showbiz ni Revilla. Si Revilla ay nagbida noon sa Idol ko Si Kap (2000—2005) at naging host ng Kaps Amazing Stories (2007-2014), na parehong ipinalabas noon sa GMA 7. Payo pa ni Dela Rosa, binoto umano si Revilla ng taumbayan kaya’t hindi niya dapat pabayaan ang kanyang trabaho sa Senado. “Binoto siya ng taumbayan para maging senador, so priority niya ito (pagka-senador). Yung pag-aartista kaya niyang i-manage, alam niya ‘yan,” sabi ni Dela Rosa. Nakulong ang senador na si Bong Revilla sa kasong plunder and graft charges dahil sa pork barrel scam pero nakalaya rin noong December, 2018.
No firm budget set for national ID system
T
he National ID rollout next year has not been allocated specific funding in the 2020 Budget and financial support will depend on any fresh revenue or loans raised by the government. Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph G. Recto said the proposed 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA) does not provide “programmed funds” for the Philippine Identification System ID (PhilSys ID). “There is zero funding for the project in the programmed portion of the proposed national project. What is provided is a P2.4 billion in ‘unprogrammed appropriations’ which at best, is a tentative allocation dependent if new loans or revenue will be raised,” he said in a statement. The P2.4 billion will cover the registration of 6.3 million Filipinos next year, less than half of the government’s goal of 14 million for 2020. Mr. Recto said the lack of funding will
“trigger a domino effect” and set back the timetable for the National ID system. The target of 14 million is the number of Filipinos due to be registered in 2020, followed by 57 million, including 5 million overseas Filipinos in 2021, and 49 million in 2022, including 5 million more overseas Filipinos. “To meet this deadline, 4.3 million registrants must be processed every month by the 5,000 registration kits in mobile and fixed registration centers,” Mr. Recto said. The National ID project is authorized by Republic Act No. 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act. The project entered pilot testing in September and will run until next month. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said that the PhilSys IDs will be issued beginning April next year. The BSP was tasked to print the cards over the next three years. —Business World
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
19
eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019
Duterte defends P50-M SEA Games cauldron
P
resident Rodrigo Duterte defended the P50-million cauldron that would be used for the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, attributing its high price to the fact that it was the creation of a national artist. Duterte made the statement after Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon questioned the propriety of spending such an amount on a project that will only be used once, when there were so many other worthy projects with long-term impact – like classrooms – that needed funding. “You know, there can never be corruption in that situation because you commissioned a national artist,” Duterte said in a press conference late Tuesday night, November 19, referring to the late National Artist for Architecture Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa. Owing to its design by Mañosa, the President claimed it was impossible to
estimate what an “appropriate” cost would be since it was a “product of the mind.” “You cannot estimate how much nalugi ka (you lost) because it’s the rendition of the mind of the creator. Kung ‘yan singil niya sabihin niya ‘wag mo bilhin kung ayaw mo. ‘Yan ang presyo ko (If that is the price he is asking for, he will say don’t get it if you don’t like my price),” he said. Duterte likened it to commissioning a painter who one “could not debate with” on the price of an artwork since it was the artist’s rendition. “You impose what is big or small there, you begin to criticize the efforts of people there. Following the wishes of the person who made it and that person is valuable because he created something which you want to portray after,” he said.
Why this matters. The P50-million cauldron to be used for a torch lighting ceremony at the 30th SEA games has been under the scrutiny of lawmakers at the Senate. Drilon questioned the large expense for the object which would only be used once, as he pointed out the funds could have been used to build 50 classrooms instead. “I am not even talking about overpricing. I’m talking about propriety,” Drilon said. According to Drilon, the breakdown of costs for the cauldron is as follows: P4.4 mil. for the design of the Mañosa P13.4 mil. for the cost of the cauldron’s foundation P32 mil. for the construction of the cauldron itself. Aside from the P50-million cauldron, the SEA Games’ budget continues to face
questions in Congress with P1.5 billion worth of funds not undergoing public bidding and impractical spending. Justifying the expense: Like Duterte, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano defended the millions spent for the structure, saying it was a “work of art.” Cayetano is the chairman of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), a sort of private foundation led by government officials and specificially created to handle the games. “While some people see it as a cauldron, we see a monument. We see the athletes, we see the burning flames that represent hope and the fighting spirit. We think it is just appropriate,” said Cayetano. Drilon earlier said he will file a resolution after the SEA Games to ask for a Senate probe into the “extravagant” expenses. – Rappler.
Manila traffic world’s worst: Waze
M
anila remains as the world’s worst city for drivers, according to traffic navigation software and application Waze. On average, it would take almost five minutes for a motorist to travel one kilometer by car in the Philippine capital. At 4.88 minutes per kilometer on the average, Waze said this was the worst globally in terms of traffic. This is worse than Bogota, Colombia where it takes four minutes to travel one kilometer, and Jakarta, Indonesia where it takes 3.83 minutes to drive the same distance. They were followed by Sao Paulo, Brazil at 2.43 minutes and Tel Aviv, Israel at 2.38 minutes. “Based on the city versus city comparison numbers, Manila is still the worst city for traffic in the world,” Waze Philippines country manager Sarah Rodriguez said. Waze data showed that the September figures in Manila are lower than in previous months. In June, for example, the average travel time in the Philippine capital was 4.97 minutes per kilometer. It slightly went down in the following months, to 4.92 minutes in July and 4.91 minutes in August. Traffic congestion in Metro Manila is expected to worsen as the Christmas season nears. “Based on the numbers of each month, we see seasonality. June to August are the worst for traffic apart from Christmas because people are traveling for summer holidays,” Rodriguez said.
ISSUES Continued from PAGE 5 e said the PhATSS policy will guide LGUs on how to track the sanitation situation of each community and take supportive action to ensure that no one is left behind without access to a sanitary toilet. Bayugo stressed the need for the implementation of the new regulations to stop contamination of rivers due to poor management of septic tanks which could lead to spread of diseases like polio. “We encourage all local government units to prioritize sanitation. Having proper sanitation largely affects the health, nutrition, education and security of Filipino children and women,” he pointed out. He said prioritizing sanitation is a must, including those living in remote and geographically isolated areas, and in indigenous communities. According to Bayugo, poor sanitation contributes to stunting and malnutrition, as repeated diarrhea and other infections in the gut affect children’s capacity to absorb the nutrients from the food they eat. Bayugo said the act of defecating in open spaces such as fields and bodies of water also puts children and women at risk of sexual harassment and abuse. Based on DOH data, only 11 percent or 4,625 of all barangays nationwide have been certified ZOD, a status wherein the whole community has abandoned the practice of defecating in fields, bushes and bodies of water, and already use toilets. Results of the 2017 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey, on the other hand, showed that nearly six percent of Filipinos still do not have toilets and are most likely practicing open defecation, while another 19 percent use unimproved sanitation facilities, which include poorly designed septic tanks. —Philstar
H
20 NEWS
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019
eec-elite.com
DECEMBER 2019
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
eec
21 NEWS
22 NEWS
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019
eec-elite.com
DECEMBER 2019
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
eec
23 NEWS
24 NEWS
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019
eec-elite.com
DECEMBER 2019
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
eec
25 NEWS
26 NEWS
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019
eec-elite.com
DECEMBER 2019
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
eec
27 NEWS
28 NEWS
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
29
eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019
EEC SERVICE STATIONS
Stations marked with
are open from 9am-9pm every 5th and 10th of the month
ZHONGSHAN ( ) ● ●
Mon-Sat : 8:30AM-9PM Sun : 8AM-9:00PM
Tel.: (02) 2267-7676
Tel.: (02) 2908-6793
No. 4, Lane 22 Minzu St., Tucheng Dist., New Taipei City
No. 516-35, Zhongzheng Road, Xinzhuang Dist., New Taipei City 新北市新莊市 中正路516號之35
●
No. 39, Zhongshan North Road, Sec. 3, Taipei City 台北市中山北路3段39號
WUGU Tel.: (02) 2299-9191
Mon - Sun: 9AM-10PM
新北市土城區民族街22巷4號
No.1, Lane 86 Wugong 3rd Road, Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City 新北市新莊區五工三路86巷1號
●Mon-Sun : 9:00AM-9:00PM
No.51, Zhenqian St., Shulin Dist., New Taipei City 新北市樹林區鎮前街51號
●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM
No. 2-12, Lane 48, Zhongzheng Rd., Taoyuan City 桃園市中正
路48巷2號之12
NEILI Tel.: (03) 435-2182
ZHONGLI Tel.: (03) 422-5959
●Mon-Sun :9AM-9PM
●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM
No. 30, Zhongzheng Road, Zhongli City, Taoyuan County 桃園縣中壢市中正路30號
No. 903, Zhonghua Rd., Sec. 1, Zhongli Dist., Taoyuan City
桃園市中壢區中華路一段903
Tel.: (03) 597-8686 ●Mon-Sat : 8AM - 9PM ●Sun :8-12; 17-21
No.169, Ren-le Road Hukou Township, Hsinchu County 新竹縣湖口鄉鳳凰村仁樂路169號
MIAOLI 2-TK
Tel.: (037) 370-570 ●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM
No. 847, Zhongzheng Rd., Miaoli City, Miaoli County 苗栗縣苗栗市中正路847號
SHALU
●Mon-Sun : 8:30AM-9:30PM
No. 83-1, Wenhua 2nd Rd. Guishan District, Taoyuan County 桃園市龜山 區文化2路83之-1號
No. 372,(03) Taoying Road Tel.: 367-4658 ●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM Taoyuan City Taoyuan County No. 372, Taoying Road 372號 桃園縣,桃園市桃鶯路 Taoyuan City Taoyuan County 桃園縣,桃園市桃鶯路372號
GUANYIN Tel.: (03) 476-1281
●Mon-Sun :9AM - 9PM
No. 567, Zhenggong Road, Sec. 1, Guanyin Dist., Taoyuan City 桃園市觀音區成功路１段567號
No. 174, Zhongshan Rd. Sec. 2, Hukou Township, Hsinchu County 新竹縣湖口鄉中山路 二段174號
MIAOLI STATION - 3
MIAOLI -1
Tel.: (037) 272-172 ●Mon-Sun : 9AM - 9PM
No. 93, Zhongzheng Road, Miaoli City 苗栗市中正路93號
ZHUNAN
Tel.: (037-260-293)
Tel.: (037) 551-605
No.4, Zhanqian, Miaoli City, Miaoli County 苗栗縣苗栗市站前4號
No. 119 Zhongshan Rd, Zhunan Township, Miaoli County 苗栗縣竹南鎮中山路119號
●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM
TAICHUNG CITY
Tel.: (04) 2635-2601
Tel.: (04) 2227-1100
Tel.: 04-2688-9115
No. 24-1, Datong St., Shalu Dist., Taichung City 台中市沙鹿區大同街 24號之1
No. 32, Li-chuan East St., Central Dist.,Taichung City 台中市中區綠川東街32號
No. 14, Jianggong Road, Dajia District, Taichung City 台中市大甲區蔣公路14號
●Mon-Sun: 9AM-9PM
TEPZ
Tel.: (04) 2535-8888 ●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM
No. 480-3, Sec. 2, Zhongshan Road, Tanzi District, Taichung City 台中市潭子區中山路2段480之
DALIN
●Mon-Sun :9AM - 9PM
DOULIU
Tel.: (05) 533-2190 ●Mon-Sun : 9AM-10PM
No. 114, Minsheng Road, Douliu City, Yunlin County 雲林縣斗六市民生路114號
TAINAN
Tel.: 05-295-1119
Tel.: (06) 223-8260
No.19-1, Huzhu Com’ty, Dalin Township, Chiayi County 嘉義縣大林鎮互助社區19-1號
No. 184, Zhongshan Road, Tanzi Dist., Taichung City 台中市潭子區中山路184號
●Mon-Sun: 9AM - 9PM
YONGKANG
Tel.: (06) 201-5660 ●Mon-Sun: 9AM-9PM
No. 1102-1, Wangxing Road, Yongkang Dist., Tainan City 台南市永康區王行路1102-1號
●Mon-Sun :9AM-9PM
RENDE
Tel.: (06) 270-2212 ●Mon-Sun: 9AM-9PM
No. 180-1, Zhongshan, Rende District, Tainan City 台南市仁德區中山路180-1號
CHIAYI
Tel.: (05) 225-2928
●Mon-Sat :10:30AM - 9PM ●Sun: 9AM - 9PM
No. 216, Linsen West Rd. East Dist., Chiayi City 嘉義市東區林森西路216號
TAINAN-TK
Tel.: (06) 222-7281 ●Mon-Sun: 9AM-9PM
No. 31, Gongyuan S. Road, North District, Tainan City 台南市北區公園南路31號
NEPZ Tel.: (07) 364-0036 ●Mon-Sat :9AM-7PM ●Sun: 9AM-6PM
No. 563, Dexian Rd., Nanzi Dist. Kaohsiung City 高雄市楠梓區 德賢路563號
DALIAO
DEXIAN
Tel.: (07) 787-8310
Tel.: (07) 360-1381 (07) 360-1383
No.1, Lane 101, Gangyan Rd., Gangshan Dist., Kaoshiung City 高雄市岡山區岡燕路101巷1號
No. 1235, Guangming Rd., Sec. 1, Daliao Dist., Kaohsiung City 高雄市大寮區光明路一段1235號
●Mon-Sat: 11AM-8PM ●Sun: 9AM-8PM
●Mon-Sun: 9AM 7PM
No. 108, Dexian Road, Nantzu District, Kaohsiung City 高雄市楠梓區德賢路108號
Solution to last issue
9 8 5
5 1 3 9 8 4 6 7 2
6 9 4 2 5 7 8 3 1
8 7 2 6 1 3 5 4 9
4 6 9 8 3 2 1 5 7
2 8 1 7 4 5 3 9 6
7 3 5 1 9 6 2 8 4
3 4 7 5 6 1 9 2 8
9 2 6 3 7 8 4 1 5
1 5 8 4 2 9 7 6 3
EEC Now would like to inform our beloved readers that this will be the last printed issue of our magazine. We would like to thank our readears, advertisers and sponsors for their support and patronage for 10 years. For everyone who wants to continue checking out new products, promotions and services please visit our EEC website and EEC Official FB Page or EEC service station near you. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and may everyone have a happy & blessed 2020. Once again thank you very much!
●Mon-Sun :9AM - 9PM
GANGSHAN Tel.: (07) 622-9903 ●Mon-Sat :12PM-9PM ●Sun : 9AM-9PM
3 5
Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3 x 3 square. Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3 x 3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusive
ANNOUNCEMENT
●Mon-Sun: 9AM-9PM
DAJIA
9 2 8 4 3
5 8 1 4 1 5 7 3 6 8 4 2 6
●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM
HUKOU TRAIN STATION
HUKOU
HSINCHU CITY
Tel.: (03) 327-8181
1 3
5 2 6 2 9 7
Tel.: (03) 367-4658 GUISHAN
TAOYUAN Tel.: (03) 331-1899
●Mon-Sun: 9AM - 9PM No.22, Zhongxing Road, Yangmei Dist., Taoyuan City 桃園市楊梅區中興路22號
No. 54, Zhongzheng Road, East Dist. Hsinchu City 新竹市東區中正路54號
Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM
LINKOU
Tel.: 02-8687-3570
PUXIN Tel.: (03) 482-2876
●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM
●
SHULIN
●Mon-Sat : 10am-2pm / 5pm-9pm ●Sun : 9AM-9PM
Tel.: (03) 526-2550
XINZHUANG
TUCHENG
1 6 4
4 7
Taipei City Foreign Workers
Tel: 02-25502151
Consultation Service Center Kaohsiung City Foreign Workers Consultation Service Center
Fax: 02-25507024 Tel: 07-8117543 Fax: 07-8117548
Taipei County Foreign Workers Tel: 02-89659091 Consultation Service Center 02-89651044 Taoyuan County Foreign Workers Consultation Service Center
Fax: 02-89651058 Tel: 03-3344087 03-3341728 03-3322101 ext. 6812 Fax: 03-3341689
Language English Thai Indonesian Vietnamese Fire Dept. and Ambulance Service Police Local Directory Assistance (Mandarin) Long Distance Directory Assistance (Mandarin) Directory Assisance (English) Protection Hotline
Service Line 0800-885885 0800-885995 0800-885958 0800-017858 119 110 104 105
106 113
FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES IN TAIWAN Manila Economic and Cultural Office
Thailand Trade and Economic Office
No. 55/57, Zhouzi St., Neihu District, Taipei City Tel: 02 2658 8825 10F, No.151, Xinyi Rd, Sec. 3, Taipei,Taiwan Tel: 02- 25811979 Fax: 02- 25818707
Indonesian Economic and Trade Office
Tel: 02-87526170 Fax: 02-87523706 Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office Tel: 02-25043477 Fax: 02-25041761
6F., No. 550, Ruiguang Rd., Neihu Dist. Taipei City
No. 3-1, Ln. 69, Songjiang Rd. Taipei
30 NEWS
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019
eec-elite.com
DECEMBER 2019
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
eec
31 NEWS
32 NEWS
eec-elite.com
EEC Elite Express
eecelite
eec
DECEMBER 2019