December 2012 NLE Results to be released on the last week of February 2013 - PIA
More than 50 thousand board takers of Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE) held December 16-17, 2012 could expect official release of nursing board exam by the last week of February 2013 or by February 26-28, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) said in an article written by Carlito C. Dar last December 20, 2012.
[Update: PRC released December 2012 NLE January 30, 2013 ]
PIA is an agency of the government (pia.gov.ph) created under Executive Order No. 100 with a mission to provide free flow of accurate, timely and relevant information.
"The result of the NLE exam is expected to be released by the Board of Nursing by the last week of February 2013.", Dar said.
If we are going to compute for the total number of days after the last day of exam considering the statement of PIA-CAR, results will be released after 46-48 days. The consideration is December 26-28 are regular days and February 25, 2013 is a special holiday.
Based from the past examinations, results are being released after 40~45 days with more than 60 thousand board takers.
The article reports successful conduct of nurse licensure exam by PRC Baguio Regional Office.
PRC-Baguio Regional Director Teofilo Gaius Sison Jr. said that 7,567 nursing graduates took the NLE: 3,568 took their exam in Baguio City; 1,744 in Dagupan; 1,405 in Cabanatuan; and 850 in Laoag.
The total number of takers handled by PRC Baguio RO is around 15% of 50,183 that took December 2012 NLE- nursing board exam.
The recently held NLE is the second nursing board exam conducted by PRC this 2012. Last August 23, 2012, PRC named 27,823 out of 60,895 (45.69%) new nurses for June-July Nursing Licensure Examination(NLE).
If you find this informative, we encourage that you bookmark this page for more updates. TheSummitExpress will also provide here results of December 2012 NLE exam - list of passers, top 10 and top performing schools. Share now this post on social networks for your co-takers' reference.
 |
| Photo: PIA Logo |
PIA is an agency of the government (pia.gov.ph) created under Executive Order No. 100 with a mission to provide free flow of accurate, timely and relevant information.
"The result of the NLE exam is expected to be released by the Board of Nursing by the last week of February 2013.", Dar said.
If we are going to compute for the total number of days after the last day of exam considering the statement of PIA-CAR, results will be released after 46-48 days. The consideration is December 26-28 are regular days and February 25, 2013 is a special holiday.
Based from the past examinations, results are being released after 40~45 days with more than 60 thousand board takers.
The article reports successful conduct of nurse licensure exam by PRC Baguio Regional Office.
PRC-Baguio Regional Director Teofilo Gaius Sison Jr. said that 7,567 nursing graduates took the NLE: 3,568 took their exam in Baguio City; 1,744 in Dagupan; 1,405 in Cabanatuan; and 850 in Laoag.
The total number of takers handled by PRC Baguio RO is around 15% of 50,183 that took December 2012 NLE- nursing board exam.
The recently held NLE is the second nursing board exam conducted by PRC this 2012. Last August 23, 2012, PRC named 27,823 out of 60,895 (45.69%) new nurses for June-July Nursing Licensure Examination(NLE).
If you find this informative, we encourage that you bookmark this page for more updates. TheSummitExpress will also provide here results of December 2012 NLE exam - list of passers, top 10 and top performing schools. Share now this post on social networks for your co-takers' reference.
Valte reveals newly signed RH Bill RA 10354 -Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012
Office of the president revealed the signed RH Bill RA 10354 law after Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte published statement online via the Official Gazette December 29, 2012. Pnoy approved the controversial law last December 21 according to the official statement.
"Today, Republic Act No. 10354, or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, has been published online in the Official Gazette, after being signed by President Aquino on December 21, 2012. The law will take effect 15 days after its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.", Valte said.
The Philippine Senate and House of Representatives separately approved the RH Bill on third and final reading last December 17.
After two days, RA 10354 was approved by the bicameral conference committee and immediately ratified by the legislative bodies.
"The passage into law of the Responsible Parenthood Act closes a highly divisive chapter of our history—a chapter borne of the convictions of those who argued for, or against this Act, whether in the legislative branch or in civil society. At the same time, it opens the possibility of cooperation and reconciliation among different sectors in society: engagement and dialogue characterized not by animosity, but by our collective desire to better the welfare of the Filipino people."
This is the mark of a true democracy: one in which debate that spans all levels of society is spurred by deeply-held beliefs and values, enriching and elevating public discourse, as we all work together to find ways to improve the lives of our fellow citizens.
See full text here of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 signed by President Benigno Aquino III.
"Today, Republic Act No. 10354, or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, has been published online in the Official Gazette, after being signed by President Aquino on December 21, 2012. The law will take effect 15 days after its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.", Valte said.
The Philippine Senate and House of Representatives separately approved the RH Bill on third and final reading last December 17.
After two days, RA 10354 was approved by the bicameral conference committee and immediately ratified by the legislative bodies.
"The passage into law of the Responsible Parenthood Act closes a highly divisive chapter of our history—a chapter borne of the convictions of those who argued for, or against this Act, whether in the legislative branch or in civil society. At the same time, it opens the possibility of cooperation and reconciliation among different sectors in society: engagement and dialogue characterized not by animosity, but by our collective desire to better the welfare of the Filipino people."
This is the mark of a true democracy: one in which debate that spans all levels of society is spurred by deeply-held beliefs and values, enriching and elevating public discourse, as we all work together to find ways to improve the lives of our fellow citizens.
See full text here of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 signed by President Benigno Aquino III.
Full Text: RH Bill now a law (RA 10354) signed by President Aquino
Manila, Philippines- After fourteen years of waiting for the reproductive health (RH) bill approval into law, President Benigno Aquino III finally signed the Republic Act No. 10354 or "An Act Providing for a National Policy on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health" December 21, 2012.
This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2865 and House Bill No. 4244 was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on December 19, 2012.
Here is the full text of confirmation from gov.ph.
Republic of the Philippines
Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila
Fifteenth Congress
Third Regular Session
Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila
Fifteenth Congress
Third Regular Session
Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-third day of July, two thousand twelve.
[ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10354 ]
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as “The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012″.
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes and guarantees the human rights of all persons including their right to equality and nondiscrimination of these rights, the right to sustainable human development, the right to health which includes reproductive health, the right to education and information, and the right to choose and make decisions for themselves in accordance with their religious convictions, ethics, cultural beliefs, and the demands of responsible parenthood.
Pursuant to the declaration of State policies under Section 12, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is the duty of the State to protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution and equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of women especially mothers in particular and of the people in general and instill health consciousness among them. The family is the natural and fundamental unit of society. The State shall likewise protect and advance the right of families in particular and the people in general to a balanced and healthful environment in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. The State also recognizes and guarantees the promotion and equal protection of the welfare and rights of children, the youth, and the unborn.
Moreover, the State recognizes and guarantees the promotion of gender equality, gender equity, women empowerment and dignity as a health and human rights concern and as a social responsibility. The advancement and protection of women’s human rights shall be central to the efforts of the State to address reproductive health care.
The State recognizes marriage as an inviolable social institution and the foundation of the family which in turn is the foundation of the nation. Pursuant thereto, the State shall defend:
(a) The right of spouses to found a family in accordance with their religious convictions and the demands of responsible parenthood;
(b) The right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development;
(c) The right of the family to a family living wage and income; and
(d) The right of families or family associations to participate in the planning and implementation of policies and programs
The State likewise guarantees universal access to medically-safe, non-abortifacient, effective, legal, affordable, and quality reproductive health care services, methods, devices, supplies which do not prevent the implantation of a fertilized ovum as determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and relevant information and education thereon according to the priority needs of women, children and other underprivileged sectors, giving preferential access to those identified through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) and other government measures of identifying marginalization, who shall be voluntary beneficiaries of reproductive health care, services and supplies for free.
The State shall eradicate discriminatory practices, laws and policies that infringe on a person’s exercise of reproductive health rights.
The State shall also promote openness to life; Provided, That parents bring forth to the world only those children whom they can raise in a truly humane way.
SEC. 3. Guiding Principles for Implementation. – This Act declares the following as guiding principles:
(a) The right to make free and informed decisions, which is central to the exercise of any right, shall not be subjected to any form of coercion and must be fully guaranteed by the State, like the right itself;
(b) Respect for protection and fulfillment of reproductive health and rights which seek to promote the rights and welfare of every person particularly couples, adult individuals, women and adolescents;
(c) Since human resource is among the principal assets of the country, effective and quality reproductive health care services must be given primacy to ensure maternal and child health, the health of the unborn, safe delivery and birth of healthy children, and sound replacement rate, in line with the State’s duty to promote the right to health, responsible parenthood, social justice and full human development;
(d) The provision of ethical and medically safe, legal, accessible, affordable, non-abortifacient, effective and quality reproductive health care services and supplies is essential in the promotion of people’s right to health, especially those of women, the poor, and the marginalized, and shall be incorporated as a component of basic health care;
(e) The State shall promote and provide information and access, without bias, to all methods of family planning, including effective natural and modern methods which have been proven medically safe, legal, non-abortifacient, and effective in accordance with scientific and evidence-based medical research standards such as those registered and approved by the FDA for the poor and marginalized as identified through the NHTS-PR and other government measures of identifying marginalization: Provided, That the State shall also provide funding support to promote modern natural methods of family planning, especially the Billings Ovulation Method, consistent with the needs of acceptors and their religious convictions;
(f) The State shall promote programs that: (1) enable individuals and couples to have the number of children they desire with due consideration to the health, particularly of women, and the resources available and affordable to them and in accordance with existing laws, public morals and their religious convictions: Provided, That no one shall be deprived, for economic reasons, of the rights to have children; (2) achieve equitable allocation and utilization of resources; (3) ensure effective partnership among national government, local government units (LGUs) and the private sector in the design, implementation, coordination, integration, monitoring and evaluation of people-centered programs to enhance the quality of life and environmental protection; (4) conduct studies to analyze demographic trends including demographic dividends from sound population policies towards sustainable human development in keeping with the principles of gender equality, protection of mothers and children, born and unborn and the promotion and protection of women’s reproductive rights and health; and (5) conduct scientific studies to determine the safety and efficacy of alternative medicines and methods for reproductive health care development;
(g) The provision of reproductive health care, information and supplies giving priority to poor beneficiaries as identified through the NHTS-PR and other government measures of identifying marginalization must be the primary responsibility of the national government consistent with its obligation to respect, protect and promote the right to health and the right to life;
(h) The State shall respect individuals’ preferences and choice of family planning methods that are in accordance with their religious convictions and cultural beliefs, taking into consideration the State’s obligations under various human rights instruments;
(i) Active participation by nongovernment organizations (NGOs), women’s and people’s organizations, civil society, faith-based organizations, the religious sector and communities is crucial to ensure that reproductive health and population and development policies, plans, and programs will address the priority needs of women, the poor, and the marginalized;
(j) While this Act recognizes that abortion is illegal and punishable by law, the government shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortive complications and all other complications arising from pregnancy, labor and delivery and related issues shall be treated and counseled in a humane, nonjudgmental and compassionate manner in accordance with law and medical ethics;
(k) Each family shall have the right to determine its ideal family size: Provided, however, That the State shall equip each parent with the necessary information on all aspects of family life, including reproductive health and responsible parenthood, in order to make that determination;
(l) There shall be no demographic or population targets and the mitigation, promotion and/or stabilization of the population growth rate is incidental to the advancement of reproductive health;
(m) Gender equality and women empowerment are central elements of reproductive health and population and development;
(n) The resources of the country must be made to serve the entire population, especially the poor, and allocations thereof must be adequate and effective: Provided, That the life of the unborn is protected;
(o) Development is a multi-faceted process that calls for the harmonization and integration of policies, plans, programs and projects that seek to uplift the quality of life of the people, more particularly the poor, the needy and the marginalized; and
(p) That a comprehensive reproductive health program addresses the needs of people throughout their life cycle.
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. – For the purpose of this Act, the following terms shall be defined as follows:
(a) Abortifacient refers to any drug or device that induces abortion or the destruction of a fetus inside the mother’s womb or the prevention of the fertilized ovum to reach and be implanted in the mother’s womb upon determination of the FDA.
(b) Adolescent refers to young people between the ages of ten (10) to nineteen (19) years who are in transition from childhood to adulthood.
(c) Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEMONC) refers to lifesaving services for emergency maternal and newborn conditions/complications being provided by a health facility or professional to include the following services: administration of parenteral oxytocic drugs, administration of dose of parenteral anticonvulsants, administration of parenteral antibiotics, administration of maternal steroids for preterm labor, performance of assisted vaginal deliveries, removal of retained placental products, and manual removal of retained placenta. It also includes neonatal interventions which include at the minimum: newborn resuscitation, provision of warmth, and referral, blood transfusion where possible.
(d) Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC) refers to lifesaving services for emergency maternal and newborn conditions/complications as in Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care plus the provision of surgical delivery (caesarian section) and blood bank services, and other highly specialized obstetric interventions. It also includes emergency neonatal care which includes at the minimum: newborn resuscitation, treatment of neonatal sepsis infection, oxygen support, and antenatal administration of (maternal) steroids for threatened premature delivery.
(e) Family planning refers to a program which enables couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children and to have the information and means to do so, and to have access to a full range of safe, affordable, effective, non-abortifacient modem natural and artificial methods of planning pregnancy.
(f) Fetal and infant death review refers to a qualitative and in-depth study of the causes of fetal and infant death with the primary purpose of preventing future deaths through changes or additions to programs, plans and policies.
(g) Gender equality refers to the principle of equality between women and men and equal rights to enjoy conditions in realizing their full human potentials to contribute to, and benefit from, the results of development, with the State recognizing that all human beings are free and equal in dignity and rights. It entails equality in opportunities, in the allocation of resources or benefits, or in access to services in furtherance of the rights to health and sustainable human development among others, without discrimination.
(h) Gender equity refers to the policies, instruments, programs and actions that address the disadvantaged position of women in society by providing preferential treatment and affirmative action. It entails fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits and responsibilities between women and men, and often requires women-specific projects and programs to end existing inequalities. This concept recognizes that while reproductive health involves women and men, it is more critical for women’s health.
(i) Male responsibility refers to the involvement, commitment, accountability and responsibility of males in all areas of sexual health and reproductive health, as well as the care of reproductive health concerns specific to men.
(j) Maternal death review refers to a qualitative and in-depth study of the causes of maternal death with the primary purpose of preventing future deaths through changes or additions to programs, plans and policies.
(k) Maternal health refers to the health of a woman of reproductive age including, but not limited to, during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
(l) Modern methods of family planning refers to safe, effective, non-abortifacient and legal methods, whether natural or artificial, that are registered with the FDA, to plan pregnancy.
(m) Natural family planning refers to a variety of methods used to plan or prevent pregnancy based on identifying the woman’s fertile days.
(n) Public health care service provider refers to: (1) public health care institution, which is duly licensed and accredited and devoted primarily to the maintenance and operation of facilities for health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care of individuals suffering from illness, disease, injury, disability or deformity, or in need of obstetrical or other medical and nursing care; (2) public health care professional, who is a doctor of medicine, a nurse or a midwife; (3) public health worker engaged in the delivery of health care services; or (4) barangay health worker who has undergone training programs under any accredited government and NGO and who voluntarily renders primarily health care services in the community after having been accredited to function as such by the local health board in accordance with the guideline’s promulgated by the Department of Health (DOH).
(o) Poor refers to members of households identified as poor through the NHTS-PR by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or any subsequent system used by the national government in identifying the poor.
(p) Reproductive Health (RH) refers to the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes. This implies that people are able to have a responsible, safe, consensual and satisfying sex life, that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so. This further implies that women and men attain equal relationships in matters related to sexual relations and reproduction.
(q) Reproductive health care refers to the access to a full range of methods, facilities, services and supplies that contribute to reproductive health and well-being by addressing reproductive health-related problems. It also includes sexual health, the purpose of which is the enhancement of life and personal relations. The elements of reproductive health care include the following:
(1) Family planning information and services which shall include as a first priority making women of reproductive age fully aware of their respective cycles to make them aware of when fertilization is highly probable, as well as highly improbable;
(2) Maternal, infant and child health and nutrition, including breastfeeding;
(3) Proscription of abortion and management of abortion complications;
(4) Adolescent and youth reproductive health guidance and counseling;
(5) Prevention, treatment and management of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmittable infections (STIs);
(6) Elimination of violence against women and children and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence;
(7) Education and counseling on sexuality and reproductive health;
(8) Treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers and other gynecological conditions and disorders;
(9) Male responsibility and involvement and men’s reproductive health;
(10) Prevention, treatment and management of infertility and sexual dysfunction;
(11) Reproductive health education for the adolescents; and
(12) Mental health aspect of reproductive health care.
(r) Reproductive health care program refers to the systematic and integrated provision of reproductive health care to all citizens prioritizing women, the poor, marginalized and those invulnerable or crisis situations.
(s) Reproductive health rights refers to the rights of individuals and couples, to decide freely and responsibly whether or not to have children; the number, spacing and timing of their children; to make other decisions concerning reproduction, free of discrimination, coercion and violence; to have the information and means to do so; and to attain the highest standard of sexual health and reproductive health: Provided, however, That reproductive health rights do not include abortion, and access to abortifacients.
(t) Reproductive health and sexuality education refers to a lifelong learning process of providing and acquiring complete, accurate and relevant age- and development-appropriate information and education on reproductive health and sexuality through life skills education and other approaches.
(u) Reproductive Tract Infection (RTI) refers to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other types of infections affecting the reproductive system.
(v) Responsible parenthood refers to the will and ability of a parent to respond to the needs and aspirations of the family and children. It is likewise a shared responsibility between parents to determine and achieve the desired number of children, spacing and timing of their children according to their own family life aspirations, taking into account psychological preparedness, health status, sociocultural and economic concerns consistent with their religious convictions.
(w) Sexual health refers to a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free from coercion, discrimination and violence.
(x) Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) refers to any infection that may be acquired or passed on through sexual contact, use of IV, intravenous drug needles, childbirth and breastfeeding.
(y) Skilled birth attendance refers to childbirth managed by a skilled health professional including the enabling conditions of necessary equipment and support of a functioning health system, including transport and referral faculties for emergency obstetric care.
(z) Skilled health professional refers to a midwife, doctor or nurse, who has been educated and trained in the skills needed to manage normal and complicated pregnancies, childbirth and the immediate postnatal period, and in the identification, management and referral of complications in women and newborns.
(aa) Sustainable human development refers to bringing people, particularly the poor and vulnerable, to the center of development process, the central purpose of which is the creation of an enabling environment in which all can enjoy long, healthy and productive lives, done in the manner that promotes their rights and protects the life opportunities of future generations and the natural ecosystem on which all life depends.
SEC. 5. Hiring of Skilled Health Professionals for Maternal Health Care and Skilled Birth Attendance. – The LGUs shall endeavor to hire an adequate number of nurses, midwives and other skilled health professionals for maternal health care and skilled birth attendance to achieve an ideal skilled health professional-to-patient ratio taking into consideration DOH targets: Provided, That people in geographically isolated or highly populated and depressed areas shall be provided the same level of access to health care: Provided, further, That the national government shall provide additional and necessary funding and other necessary assistance for the effective implementation of this provision.
For the purposes of this Act, midwives and nurses shall be allowed to administer lifesaving drugs such as, but not limited to, oxytocin and magnesium sulfate, in accordance with the guidelines set by the DOH, under emergency conditions and when there are no physicians available: Provided, That they are properly trained and certified to administer these lifesaving drugs.
SEC. 6. Health Care Facilities. – Each LGU, upon its determination of the necessity based on well-supported data provided by its local health office shall endeavor to establish or upgrade hospitals and facilities with adequate and qualified personnel, equipment and supplies to be able to provide emergency obstetric and newborn care: Provided, That people in geographically isolated or highly populated and depressed areas shall have the same level of access and shall not be neglected by providing other means such as home visits or mobile health care clinics as needed: Provided, further, That the national government shall provide additional and necessary funding and other necessary assistance for the effective implementation of this provision.
SEC. 7. Access to Family Planning. – All accredited public health facilities shall provide a full range of modern family planning methods, which shall also include medical consultations, supplies and necessary and reasonable procedures for poor and marginalized couples having infertility issues who desire to have children: Provided, That family planning services shall likewise be extended by private health facilities to paying patients with the option to grant free care and services to indigents, except in the case of non-maternity specialty hospitals and hospitals owned and operated by a religious group, but they have the option to provide such full range of modern family planning methods: Provided, further, That these hospitals shall immediately refer the person seeking such care and services to another health facility which is conveniently accessible: Provided, finally, That the person is not in an emergency condition or serious case as defined in Republic Act No. 8344.
No person shall be denied information and access to family planning services, whether natural or artificial: Provided, That minors will not be allowed access to modern methods of family planning without written consent from their parents or guardian/s except when the minor is already a parent or has had a miscarriage.
SEC. 8. Maternal Death Review and Fetal and Infant Death Review. – All LGUs, national and local government hospitals, and other public health units shall conduct an annual Maternal Death Review and Fetal and Infant Death Review in accordance with the guidelines set by the DOH. Such review should result in an evidence-based programming and budgeting process that would contribute to the development of more responsive reproductive health services to promote women’s health and safe motherhood.
SEC. 9. The Philippine National Drug Formulary System and Family Planning Supplies. – The National Drug Formulary shall include hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices, injectables and other safe, legal, non-abortifacient and effective family planning products and supplies. The Philippine National Drug Formulary System (PNDFS) shall be observed in selecting drugs including family planning supplies that will be included or removed from the Essential Drugs List (EDL) in accordance with existing practice and in consultation with reputable medical associations in the Philippines. For the purpose of this Act, any product or supply included or to be included in the EDL must have a certification from the FDA that said product and supply is made available on the condition that it is not to be used as an abortifacient.
These products and supplies shall also be included in the regular purchase of essential medicines and supplies of all national hospitals: Provided, further, That the foregoing offices shall not purchase or acquire by any means emergency contraceptive pills, postcoital pills, abortifacients that will be used for such purpose and their other forms or equivalent.
SEC. 10. Procurement and Distribution of Family Planning Supplies. – The DOH shall procure, distribute to LGUs and monitor the usage of family planning supplies for the whole country. The DOH shall coordinate with all appropriate local government bodies to plan and implement this procurement and distribution program. The supply and budget allotments shall be based on, among others, the current levels and projections of the following:
(a) Number of women of reproductive age and couples who want to space or limit their children;
(b) Contraceptive prevalence rate, by type of method used; and
(c) Cost of family planning supplies.
Provided, That LGUs may implement its own procurement, distribution and monitoring program consistent with the overall provisions of this Act and the guidelines of the DOH.
SEC. 11. Integration of Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Component in Anti-Poverty Programs. – A multidimensional approach shall be adopted in the implementation of policies and programs to fight poverty. Towards this end, the DOH shall implement programs prioritizing full access of poor and marginalized women as identified through the NHTS-PR and other government measures of identifying marginalization to reproductive health care, services, products and programs. The DOH shall provide such programs, technical support, including capacity building and monitoring.
SEC. 12. PhilHealth Benefits for Serious .and Life-Threatening Reproductive Health Conditions. – All serious and life-threatening reproductive health conditions such as HIV and AIDS, breast and reproductive tract cancers, and obstetric complications, and menopausal and post-menopausal-related conditions shall be given the maximum benefits, including the provision of Anti-Retroviral Medicines (ARVs), as provided in the guidelines set by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC).
SEC. 13. Mobile Health Care Service. – The national or the local government may provide each provincial, city, municipal and district hospital with a Mobile Health Care Service (MHCS) in the form of a van or other means of transportation appropriate to its terrain, taking into consideration the health care needs of each LGU. The MHCS shall deliver health care goods and services to its constituents, more particularly to the poor and needy, as well as disseminate knowledge and information on reproductive health. The MHCS shall be operated by skilled health providers and adequately equipped with a wide range of health care materials and information dissemination devices and equipment, the latter including, but not limited to, a television set for audio-visual presentations. All MHCS shall be operated by LGUs of provinces and highly urbanized cities.
SEC. 14. Age- and Development-Appropriate Reproductive Health Education. – The State shall provide age- and development-appropriate reproductive health education to adolescents which shall be taught by adequately trained teachers informal and nonformal educational system and integrated in relevant subjects such as, but not limited to, values formation; knowledge and skills in self-protection against discrimination; sexual abuse and violence against women and children and other forms of gender based violence and teen pregnancy; physical, social and emotional changes in adolescents; women’s rights and children’s rights; responsible teenage behavior; gender and development; and responsible parenthood: Provided, That flexibility in the formulation and adoption of appropriate course content, scope and methodology in each educational level or group shall be allowed only after consultations with parents-teachers-community associations, school officials and other interest groups. The Department of Education (DepED) shall formulate a curriculum which shall be used by public schools and may be adopted by private schools.
SEC. 15. Certificate of Compliance. – No marriage license shall be issued by the Local Civil Registrar unless the applicants present a Certificate of Compliance issued for free by the local Family Planning Office certifying that they had duly received adequate instructions and information on responsible parenthood, family planning, breastfeeding and infant nutrition.
SEC. 16. Capacity Building of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). – The DOH shall be responsible for disseminating information and providing training programs to the LGUs. The LGUs, with the technical assistance of the DOH, shall be responsible for the training of BHWs and other barangay volunteers on the promotion of reproductive health. The DOH shall provide the LGUs with medical supplies and equipment needed by BHWs to carry out their functions effectively: Provided, further, That the national government shall provide additional and necessary funding and other necessary assistance for the effective implementation of this provision including the possible provision of additional honoraria for BHWs.
SEC. 17. Pro Bono Services for Indigent Women. – Private and nongovernment reproductive healthcare service providers including, but not limited to, gynecologists and obstetricians, are encouraged to provide at least forty-eight (48) hours annually of reproductive health services, ranging from providing information and education to rendering medical services, free of charge to indigent and low-income patients as identified through the NHTS-PR and other government measures of identifying marginalization, especially to pregnant adolescents. The forty-eight (48) hours annual pro bono services shall be included as a prerequisite in the accreditation under the PhilHealth.
SEC. 18. Sexual and Reproductive Health Programs for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). – The cities and municipalities shall endeavor that barriers to reproductive health services for PWDs are obliterated by the following:
(a) Providing physical access, and resolving transportation and proximity issues to clinics, hospitals and places where public health education is provided, contraceptives are sold or distributed or other places where reproductive health services are provided;
(b) Adapting examination tables and other laboratory procedures to the needs and conditions of PWDs;
(c) Increasing access to information and communication materials on sexual and reproductive health in braille, large print, simple language, sign language and pictures;
(d) Providing continuing education and inclusion of rights of PWDs among health care providers; and
(e) Undertaking activities to raise awareness and address misconceptions among the general public on the stigma and their lack of knowledge on the sexual and reproductive health needs and rights of PWDs.
SEC. 19. Duties and Responsibilities. – (a) Pursuant to the herein declared policy, the DOH shall serve as the lead agency for the implementation of this Act and shall integrate in their regular operations the following functions:
(1) Fully and efficiently implement the reproductive health care program;
(2) Ensure people’s access to medically safe, non-abortifacient, legal, quality and affordable reproductive health goods and services; and
(3) Perform such other functions necessary to attain the purposes of this Act.
(b) The DOH, in coordination with the PHIC, as may be applicable, shall:
(1) Strengthen the capacities of health regulatory agencies to ensure safe, high quality, accessible and affordable reproductive health services and commodities with the concurrent strengthening and enforcement of regulatory mandates and mechanisms;
(2) Facilitate the involvement and participation of NGOs and the private sector in reproductive health care service delivery and in the production, distribution and delivery of quality reproductive health and family planning supplies and commodities to make them accessible and affordable to ordinary citizens;
(3) Engage the services, skills and proficiencies of experts in natural family planning who shall provide the necessary training for all BHWs;
(4) Supervise and provide assistance to LGUs in the delivery of reproductive health care services and in the purchase of family planning goods and supplies; and
(5) Furnish LGUs, through their respective local health offices, appropriate information and resources to keep the latter updated on current studies and researches relating to family planning, responsible parenthood, breastfeeding and infant nutrition.
(c) The FDA shall issue strict guidelines with respect to the use of contraceptives, taking into consideration the side effects or other harmful effects of their use.
(d) Corporate citizens shall exercise prudence in advertising its products or services through all forms of media, especially on matters relating to sexuality, further taking into consideration its influence on children and the youth.
SEC. 20. Public Awareness. – The DOH and the LGUs shall initiate and sustain a heightened nationwide multimedia-campaign to raise the level of public awareness on the protection and promotion of reproductive health and rights including, but not limited to, maternal health and nutrition, family planning and responsible parenthood information and services, adolescent and youth reproductive health, guidance and counseling and other elements of reproductive health care under Section 4(q).
Education and information materials to be developed and disseminated for this purpose shall be reviewed regularly to ensure their effectiveness and relevance.
SEC. 21. Reporting Requirements. – Before the end of April each year, the DOH shall submit to the President of the Philippines and Congress an annual consolidated report, which shall provide a definitive and comprehensive assessment of the implementation of its programs and those of other government agencies and instrumentalities and recommend priorities for executive and legislative actions. The report shall be printed and distributed to all national agencies, the LGUs, NGOs and private sector organizations involved in said programs.
The annual report shall evaluate the content, implementation, and impact of all policies related to reproductive health and family planning to ensure that such policies promote, protect and fulfill women’s reproductive health and rights.
SEC. 22. Congressional Oversight Committee on Reproductive Health Act. – There is hereby created a Congressional Oversight Committee (COC) composed of five (5) members each from the Senate and the House of Representatives. The members from the Senate and the House of Representatives shall be appointed by the Senate President and the Speaker, respectively, with at least one (1) member representing the Minority.
The COC shall be headed by the respective Chairs of the Committee on Health and Demography of the Senate and the Committee on Population and Family Relations of the House of Representatives. The Secretariat of the COC shall come from the existing Secretariat personnel of the Senate and the House of Representatives committees concerned.
The COC shall monitor and ensure the effective implementation of this Act, recommend the necessary remedial legislation or administrative measures, and shall conduct a review of this Act every five (5) years from its effectivity. The COC shall perform such other duties and functions as may be necessary to attain the objectives of tins Act.
SEC. 23. Prohibited Acts. – The following acts are prohibited:
(a) Any health care service provider, whether public or private, who shall:
(1) Knowingly withhold information or restrict the dissemination thereof, and/or intentionally provide incorrect information regarding programs and services on reproductive health including the right to informed choice and access to a full range of legal, medically-safe, non-abortifacient and effective family planning methods;
(2) Refuse to perform legal and medically-safe reproductive health procedures on any person of legal age on the ground of lack of consent or authorization of the following persons in the following instances:
(i) Spousal consent in case of married persons: Provided, That in case of disagreement, the decision of the one undergoing the procedure shall prevail; and
(ii) Parental consent or that of the person exercising parental authority in the case of abused minors, where the parent or the person exercising parental authority is the respondent, accused or convicted perpetrator as certified by the proper prosecutorial office of the court. In the case of minors, the written consent of parents or legal guardian or, in their absence, persons exercising parental authority or next-of-kin shall be required only in elective surgical procedures and in no case shall consent be required in emergency or serious cases as defined in Republic Act No. 8344; and
(3) Refuse to extend quality health care services and information on account of the person’s marital status, gender, age, religious convictions, personal circumstances, or nature of work: Provided, That the conscientious objection of a health care service provider based on his/her ethical or religious beliefs shall be respected; however, the conscientious objector shall immediately refer the person seeking such care and services to another health care service provider within the same facility or one which is conveniently accessible: Provided, further, That the person is not in an emergency condition or serious case as defined in Republic Act No. 8344, which penalizes the refusal of hospitals and medical clinics to administer appropriate initial medical treatment and support in emergency and serious cases;
(b) Any public officer, elected or appointed, specifically charged with the duty to implement the provisions hereof, who, personally or through a subordinate, prohibits or restricts the delivery of legal and medically-safe reproductive health care services, including family planning; or forces, coerces or induces any person to use such services; or refuses to allocate, approve or release any budget for reproductive health care services, or to support reproductive health programs; or shall do any act that hinders the full implementation of a reproductive health program as mandated by this Act;
(c) Any employer who shall suggest, require, unduly influence or cause any applicant for employment or an employee to submit himself/herself to sterilization, use any modern methods of family planning, or not use such methods as a condition for employment, continued employment, promotion or the provision of employment benefits. Further, pregnancy or the number of children shall not be a ground for non-hiring or termination from employment;
(d) Any person who shall falsify a Certificate of Compliance as required in Section 15 of this Act; and
(e) Any pharmaceutical company, whether domestic or multinational, or its agents or distributors, which directly or indirectly colludes with government officials, whether appointed or elected, in the distribution, procurement and/or sale by the national government and LGUs of modern family planning supplies, products and devices.
SEC. 24. Penalties. – Any violation of this Act or commission of the foregoing prohibited acts shall be penalized by imprisonment ranging from one (1) month to six (6) months or a fine of Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) to One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the competent court: Provided, That, if the offender is a public officer, elected or appointed, he/she shall also suffer the penalty of suspension not exceeding one (1) year or removal and forfeiture of retirement benefits depending on the gravity of the offense after due notice and hearing by the appropriate body or agency.
If the offender is a juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the president or any responsible officer. An offender who is an alien shall, after service of sentence, be deported immediately without further proceedings by the Bureau of Immigration. If the offender is a pharmaceutical company, its agent and/or distributor, their license or permit to operate or conduct business in the Philippines shall be perpetually revoked, and a fine triple the amount involved in the violation shall be imposed.
SEC. 25. Appropriations. – The amounts appropriated in the current annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) for reproductive health and natural and artificial family planning and responsible parenthood under the DOH and other concerned agencies shall be allocated and utilized for the implementation of this Act. Such additional sums necessary to provide for the upgrading of faculties necessary to meet BEMONC and CEMONC standards; the training and deployment of skilled health providers; natural and artificial family planning commodity requirements as outlined in Section 10, and for other reproductive health and responsible parenthood services, shall be included in the subsequent years’ general appropriations. The Gender and Development (GAD) funds of LGUs and national agencies may be a source of funding for the implementation of this Act.
SEC. 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). – Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOH Secretary or his/her designated representative as Chairperson, the authorized representative/s of DepED, DSWD, Philippine Commission on Women, PHIC, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Economic and Development Authority, League of Provinces, League of Cities, and League of Municipalities, together with NGOs, faith-based organizations, people’s, women’s and young people’s organizations, shall jointly promulgate the rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. At least four (4) members of the IRR drafting committee, to be selected by the DOH Secretary, shall come from NGOs.
SEC. 27. Interpretation Clause. – This Act shall be liberally construed to ensure the provision, delivery and access to reproductive health care services, and to promote, protect and fulfill women’s reproductive health and rights.
SEC. 28. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.
SEC. 29. Repealing Clause. – Except for prevailing laws against abortion, any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or is inconsistent with the provisions of this Act including Republic Act No. 7392, otherwise known as the Midwifery Act, is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.
SEC 30. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
(Sgd.) FELICIANO BELMONTE JR.Speaker of the House
of Representatives
of Representatives
(Sgd.) JUAN PONCE ENRILE
President of the Senate
President of the Senate
(Sgd.) MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP
Secretary General
House of Representatives
Secretary General
House of Representatives
(Sgd.) EMMA LIRIO-REYES
Secretary of the Senate
Secretary of the Senate
Approved: December 21, 2013
(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO IIIPresident of the Philippines
2012 MMFF List of Winners Announced; Star Cinema movies reign supreme on box-office
Two days after the successful nationwide showing of 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for eight official entries on mainstream, winners were revealed at awards night held in Meralco Theather, Pasig City December 27, 2012. Mark Meily's 'El Presidente', Brillante Mendoza's 'Thy Womb' and Ruel S. Bayani's 'One More Try' got the big awards this year. Winners of the Cinephone and Feature Films were also announced.
Awarded director Brillante Mendoza was hailed best director by MMFF for "Thy Womb". For second consecutive year, Dingdong Dantes got Best Actor Award for superb performnace in "One More Try".
It was noted that three films this year - "Agimat", "Strangers" and "Sosy Problems" did not received any awards.
Here is the full list of winners for the 38th MMFF:
Mainstream Films Category:
Best Actor: Dingdong Dantes ("One More Try")
Best Actress: Nora Aunor ("Thy Womb")
Best Director: Brillante Mendoza ("Thy Womb")
Best Original Story: "Thy Womb"
Best Screenplay: "One More Try"
Best Supporting Actress: Wilma Doesnt ("Sisterakas")
Best Supporting Actor: Cesar Montano ("El Presidente")
Best Editing: Vito Kahili ("One More Try")
Best Cinematography: "Thy Womb"
Best Production Design: "Thy Womb"
Best Visual Effects: "Shake, Rattle, and Roll 14: The Invasion"
Best Make-up: "El Presidente"
Best Theme Song: Apl De Ap and Jamir Garcia of Slapsh0ck ("El Presidente")
Best Musical Score: Jessie Lasaten ("El Presidente")
Best Sound Engineer: Albert Idioma ("El Presidente")
Best Child Actor: Miguel Vergara ("One More Try")
FPJ Memorial Award: "One More Try"
Most Gender-Sensitive Film Award: "Thy Womb"
Youth Choice Award: "El Presidente"
Best Float: "El Presidente"
MMFF 3rd Best Picture: "Sisterakas"
MMFF 2nd Best Picture: "El Presidente"
MMFF Best Picture: "One More Try"
New Wave Films Category:
Best Full-length Feature: "The Grave Bandits"
Most Gender-Sensitive Film Award: "In Nomine Matris"
Best Director: Tyrone Ancierto ("The Great Bandits")
Best Actress: Liza Dino ("In Nomine Matris")
Best Actor: Allan Paule for ("Gayak")
Special Jury Prize: Quantum Films
Student Short Films Category:
Best Short Film: "Pukpok"
Special Jury Prize: Daniel Bautista of USC
Other Awards:
Male Star of the Night: Joseph Estrada
Female Star of the Night: Nora Aunor
MMDA started the program at 5 pm with delayed telecast on TV5, Philippines third-largest television network. Kris Aquino and KC Concepcion, ABS-CBN artists hosted the awards night.
On the other hand, Star Cinema once again dominates and reign supreme on box office for Comedy movie 'Sisterakas' and good turn-outs for romance drama film 'One More Try'.
"The Wenn V. Deramas-directed film "Sisterakas" continues to rank first in the list of the highest-earning film entries to the yearly film festival, two days since all eight participating movies opened Christmas Day in theaters nationwide.', ABS-CBN news said.
According to MMDA, the comedy film earned P71.2 million for two days of nationwide screening with widened lead over the earnings of "Si Agimat" with P47.4 million.
The Ruel Bayani-directed film, which is also a Star Cinema entry, has grossed P24.3 million in Metro Manila as well as provincial theaters as of Wednesday.
"Sisterakas" has a first-day earnings of P39.2 million ahead of P10 million earnings from "Si Agimat".
The mainstream for the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival are the following: 'The Strangers' from Quantum Films, 'El Presidente' from Scenema Concept Int. Inc., 'Thy Womb' from Center Stage Productions and Solar Entertainment, 'Sisterakas' from Star Cinema and Viva Films, 'One More Try' from Star Cinema, 'Si Agimat, Si Enteng at si Ako' from Imus Productions and GMA Films, 'Sosy Problems' from GMA Films and 'Shake Rattle and Roll 14' from Regal Entertainment Inc.
 |
| Photo: 38th Metro Manila Film Festival |
Awarded director Brillante Mendoza was hailed best director by MMFF for "Thy Womb". For second consecutive year, Dingdong Dantes got Best Actor Award for superb performnace in "One More Try".
It was noted that three films this year - "Agimat", "Strangers" and "Sosy Problems" did not received any awards.
Here is the full list of winners for the 38th MMFF:
Mainstream Films Category:
Best Actor: Dingdong Dantes ("One More Try")
Best Actress: Nora Aunor ("Thy Womb")
Best Director: Brillante Mendoza ("Thy Womb")
Best Original Story: "Thy Womb"
Best Screenplay: "One More Try"
Best Supporting Actress: Wilma Doesnt ("Sisterakas")
Best Supporting Actor: Cesar Montano ("El Presidente")
Best Editing: Vito Kahili ("One More Try")
Best Cinematography: "Thy Womb"
Best Production Design: "Thy Womb"
Best Visual Effects: "Shake, Rattle, and Roll 14: The Invasion"
Best Make-up: "El Presidente"
Best Theme Song: Apl De Ap and Jamir Garcia of Slapsh0ck ("El Presidente")
Best Musical Score: Jessie Lasaten ("El Presidente")
Best Sound Engineer: Albert Idioma ("El Presidente")
Best Child Actor: Miguel Vergara ("One More Try")
FPJ Memorial Award: "One More Try"
Most Gender-Sensitive Film Award: "Thy Womb"
Youth Choice Award: "El Presidente"
Best Float: "El Presidente"
MMFF 3rd Best Picture: "Sisterakas"
MMFF 2nd Best Picture: "El Presidente"
MMFF Best Picture: "One More Try"
New Wave Films Category:
Best Full-length Feature: "The Grave Bandits"
Most Gender-Sensitive Film Award: "In Nomine Matris"
Best Director: Tyrone Ancierto ("The Great Bandits")
Best Actress: Liza Dino ("In Nomine Matris")
Best Actor: Allan Paule for ("Gayak")
Special Jury Prize: Quantum Films
Student Short Films Category:
Best Short Film: "Pukpok"
Special Jury Prize: Daniel Bautista of USC
Other Awards:
Male Star of the Night: Joseph Estrada
Female Star of the Night: Nora Aunor
MMDA started the program at 5 pm with delayed telecast on TV5, Philippines third-largest television network. Kris Aquino and KC Concepcion, ABS-CBN artists hosted the awards night.
On the other hand, Star Cinema once again dominates and reign supreme on box office for Comedy movie 'Sisterakas' and good turn-outs for romance drama film 'One More Try'.
"The Wenn V. Deramas-directed film "Sisterakas" continues to rank first in the list of the highest-earning film entries to the yearly film festival, two days since all eight participating movies opened Christmas Day in theaters nationwide.', ABS-CBN news said.
According to MMDA, the comedy film earned P71.2 million for two days of nationwide screening with widened lead over the earnings of "Si Agimat" with P47.4 million.
The Ruel Bayani-directed film, which is also a Star Cinema entry, has grossed P24.3 million in Metro Manila as well as provincial theaters as of Wednesday.
"Sisterakas" has a first-day earnings of P39.2 million ahead of P10 million earnings from "Si Agimat".
The mainstream for the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival are the following: 'The Strangers' from Quantum Films, 'El Presidente' from Scenema Concept Int. Inc., 'Thy Womb' from Center Stage Productions and Solar Entertainment, 'Sisterakas' from Star Cinema and Viva Films, 'One More Try' from Star Cinema, 'Si Agimat, Si Enteng at si Ako' from Imus Productions and GMA Films, 'Sosy Problems' from GMA Films and 'Shake Rattle and Roll 14' from Regal Entertainment Inc.
ESPN honors Donaire as 2012 'Boxer of the Year'
Leader in sports coverage, ESPN on it's website reveals 'the boxer of the year' award for 2012. Dan Rafael of ESPN.com honors "The Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire for the title.
"It might sound strange, but no, Manny Pacquiao was not the best fighter from the Philippines in 2012. That honor goes to "The Filipino Flash," junior featherweight titlist Nonito Donaire, who had a year for the ages.", Rafael said.
Donaire is a four-division world champion and the reigning WBO, The Ring and WBC Diamond Super Bantamweight Champion before his very busy schedules of 2012. He vacated bantamweight belts this year for junior featherweight fights. Powerful and brainy Nonito set standards for knocking out 2 out of 4 opponents on his elite championship this year.
He is the only fighter in the world who has signed on with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association for random urine and blood testing 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, ESPN said.
Among his contenders for 2012 are Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. of Puerto Rico, South Africa's Jeffrey Mathebula, Toshiaki Nishioka of Japan and Jorge Arce of Mexico.
ESPN also listed Juan Manuel Marquez, Danny Garcia, Robert Guerrero, Leo Santa Cruz, Andre Ward, Carl Froch, and fellow Filipino Brian Viloria as candidates for 2012 'boxer of the year' award.
Last year, it was Andre Ward of America got the highly anticipated title. On the other hand, 'Pinoy Pride' Manny Pacquiao was named 'boxer of the year' for two consecutive years- 2008 to 2009 and last 2006.
 |
| Photo: Nonito Donaire is ESPN's 'boxer of the year' |
"It might sound strange, but no, Manny Pacquiao was not the best fighter from the Philippines in 2012. That honor goes to "The Filipino Flash," junior featherweight titlist Nonito Donaire, who had a year for the ages.", Rafael said.
Donaire is a four-division world champion and the reigning WBO, The Ring and WBC Diamond Super Bantamweight Champion before his very busy schedules of 2012. He vacated bantamweight belts this year for junior featherweight fights. Powerful and brainy Nonito set standards for knocking out 2 out of 4 opponents on his elite championship this year.
He is the only fighter in the world who has signed on with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association for random urine and blood testing 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, ESPN said.
Among his contenders for 2012 are Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. of Puerto Rico, South Africa's Jeffrey Mathebula, Toshiaki Nishioka of Japan and Jorge Arce of Mexico.
ESPN also listed Juan Manuel Marquez, Danny Garcia, Robert Guerrero, Leo Santa Cruz, Andre Ward, Carl Froch, and fellow Filipino Brian Viloria as candidates for 2012 'boxer of the year' award.
Last year, it was Andre Ward of America got the highly anticipated title. On the other hand, 'Pinoy Pride' Manny Pacquiao was named 'boxer of the year' for two consecutive years- 2008 to 2009 and last 2006.
Latest update: 'Quinta' now a tropical depression- PAGASA
Sixteenth storm that enter PAR for 2012, "Quinta" was downgraded to tropical depression Wednesday morning after making 6 landfalls in Visayas region, PAGASA announced. The Philippine weather bureau also released latest update as of 5 pm today.
At 5:00 p.m. today, 26 December 2012, the center of Tropical Depression "QUINTA" was estimated 80 km East of Coron, Palawan (12.0°N, 121.0°E).
Strong to gale force wind is expected to affect the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas.
MIMAROPA and Western Visayas will experience rains with gusty winds. CALABARZON, Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas will have cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. The rest of Visayas and Mindanao will experience light to moderate rainshowers or thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be cloudy with light rains.
The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.
PAGASA updates can be received now on SMS, text ULANREGNAME/ADDRESS/AGE and send to 717-ULAN (7178526) for Smart subscribers only. Visit this website for more updates online.
 |
| Photo: 'Quinta' update, now a tropical depression |
At 5:00 p.m. today, 26 December 2012, the center of Tropical Depression "QUINTA" was estimated 80 km East of Coron, Palawan (12.0°N, 121.0°E).
Strong to gale force wind is expected to affect the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas.
MIMAROPA and Western Visayas will experience rains with gusty winds. CALABARZON, Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas will have cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. The rest of Visayas and Mindanao will experience light to moderate rainshowers or thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be cloudy with light rains.
The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.
PAGASA updates can be received now on SMS, text ULAN
PAGASA issued Philippine Weather Forecast for Christmas Holidays 2012
It's very important to have good weather on Christmas Day to maximize our celebration of this special season in the Philippines. However, PAGASA on December 23, 2012 5:00 am bulletin said that there's a Northeast Monsoon Affecting Luzon and Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
affecting Southern Mindanao. The weather bureau said that it's most likely there's no typhoon on Christmas Day but expects December 25 will be rainy.
Weather Central said that Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao and the regions of Caraga and Davao will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Cagayan Valley and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon will experience cloudy skies with light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy with brief rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail throughout the archipelago and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough.
Strong to gale force wind is expected to affect the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon, Eastern Visayas and Eastern Mindanao.
In a special weather outlook during Christmas holidays (December 21-25, 2012) issued by PAGASA, it says that the tail-end of cold front and Northeast monsoon are the dominant weather systems to affect most parts of Eastern Luzon, Eastern Visayas and Mindanao.
Frequent rains will prevail over the provinces of Surigao, Davao, Leyte and Samar beginning on the 24th and until Christmas day due to the approach of a Low Pressure Area. The eastern section of Northern and Central Luzon will have light rains associated with the Northeast Monsoon. The rest of the country will have good weather conditions apart from passing showers.
Fishing vessels and other sea crafts over the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas are alerted against big waves generated by the monsoon surge with wave heights of 3-6 meters.
Residents living in low-lying areas of Mindanao are advised to take precautionary measures against flash floods and landslides.
No tropical cyclone formation is expected during the outlook period.
 |
| Photo: Weather Bulletin December 23, 2012 5:00 am |
Weather Central said that Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao and the regions of Caraga and Davao will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Cagayan Valley and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon will experience cloudy skies with light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy with brief rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail throughout the archipelago and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough.
Strong to gale force wind is expected to affect the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon, Eastern Visayas and Eastern Mindanao.
In a special weather outlook during Christmas holidays (December 21-25, 2012) issued by PAGASA, it says that the tail-end of cold front and Northeast monsoon are the dominant weather systems to affect most parts of Eastern Luzon, Eastern Visayas and Mindanao.
Frequent rains will prevail over the provinces of Surigao, Davao, Leyte and Samar beginning on the 24th and until Christmas day due to the approach of a Low Pressure Area. The eastern section of Northern and Central Luzon will have light rains associated with the Northeast Monsoon. The rest of the country will have good weather conditions apart from passing showers.
Fishing vessels and other sea crafts over the seaboards of Luzon and Visayas are alerted against big waves generated by the monsoon surge with wave heights of 3-6 meters.
Residents living in low-lying areas of Mindanao are advised to take precautionary measures against flash floods and landslides.
No tropical cyclone formation is expected during the outlook period.
Psy - 'Oppa Gangnam Style' MV reaches 1 billion views on Youtube!
The prediction that 'Psy's Oppa Gangnam Style' music video on Youtube will reach 1 billion views on December 21, 2012 is now a reality. It's official, worldwide dance craze jump up to a record that Nostradamus predicted. Although its December 22 already in Philippine Time but in most part of the world (North and South America), current time is still December 21. It's already a buzz in social media that hitting 1,000,000,000 views relates to 'end of the world'.
Here's the excerpt of Nostradamus prophecy on Doomsday.
From the calm morning, the end will come
When of the dancing horse
the number of circles will be 9.”
"Psy's success is a great testament to the universal appeal of catchy music -- and er, great equine dance moves," Kevin Allocca, YouTube trends manager, said in a blog post. "In the past, music distribution was mostly regional. It was more difficult to learn about great artists from around the world. But with a global platform at their fingertips, people are now discovering and sharing amazing music from all over the planet."
In more than 5 months alone, Psy is considered the Youtube King surpassing total views of Justin Bieber's 'Baby' last November 24. Psy also holds the record of most -like video on Youtube. It enters the Guinness Book of World Records last September 20, 2012 after exceeding the total likes of LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem.
At the time of posting, total Likes is around 6.1 million. It's a triple celebration for Psy definitely.
Along with the celebration of billion views, Youtubers are happy on this great achievement of the Korean rapper. Many says that Gangnam is now road to 2 billion views.
Congratulations Psy and to all K-Pop fans around the world for making the history!
 |
| Photo: Psy-Oppa Gangnam Style hits 1 billion views |
Here's the excerpt of Nostradamus prophecy on Doomsday.
From the calm morning, the end will come
When of the dancing horse
the number of circles will be 9.”
"Psy's success is a great testament to the universal appeal of catchy music -- and er, great equine dance moves," Kevin Allocca, YouTube trends manager, said in a blog post. "In the past, music distribution was mostly regional. It was more difficult to learn about great artists from around the world. But with a global platform at their fingertips, people are now discovering and sharing amazing music from all over the planet."
In more than 5 months alone, Psy is considered the Youtube King surpassing total views of Justin Bieber's 'Baby' last November 24. Psy also holds the record of most -like video on Youtube. It enters the Guinness Book of World Records last September 20, 2012 after exceeding the total likes of LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem.
At the time of posting, total Likes is around 6.1 million. It's a triple celebration for Psy definitely.
Along with the celebration of billion views, Youtubers are happy on this great achievement of the Korean rapper. Many says that Gangnam is now road to 2 billion views.
Congratulations Psy and to all K-Pop fans around the world for making the history!
Apple: iPhone 5 1st Weekend Sales in China Top Two Million
BEIJING, China—Apple on Monday, December 17, 2012 announced it has sold over two million of its new iPhone 5 in China, just three days after its launch on December 14. iPhone 5 will be available in more than 100 countries by the end of December, making it the fastest iPhone rollout ever.
Last December 14, iPhone 5 was unveiled also in the Philippines along with the release in China. No exact figures up to now from the exclusive partners of Apple in the country, Globe and Smart for the total of iPhones sold in the market.
“Customer response to iPhone 5 in China has been incredible, setting a new record with the best first weekend sales ever in China,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “China is a very important market for us and customers there cannot wait to get their hands on Apple products.”
iPhone 5 is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, completely redesigned to feature a stunning new 4-inch Retina® display; an Apple-designed A6 chip for blazing fast performance; and ultrafast wireless technology*—all while delivering even better battery life. iPhone 5 comes with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features including: Shared Photo Streams, all-new Maps app, Passbook® organization and even more Siri® features and languages including Mandarin.
Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.
Last December 14, iPhone 5 was unveiled also in the Philippines along with the release in China. No exact figures up to now from the exclusive partners of Apple in the country, Globe and Smart for the total of iPhones sold in the market.
 |
| Photo: iPhone 5 good sales in China |
“Customer response to iPhone 5 in China has been incredible, setting a new record with the best first weekend sales ever in China,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “China is a very important market for us and customers there cannot wait to get their hands on Apple products.”
iPhone 5 is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, completely redesigned to feature a stunning new 4-inch Retina® display; an Apple-designed A6 chip for blazing fast performance; and ultrafast wireless technology*—all while delivering even better battery life. iPhone 5 comes with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features including: Shared Photo Streams, all-new Maps app, Passbook® organization and even more Siri® features and languages including Mandarin.
Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.
Donaire wins over Arce, stops battle via KO in Round 3
Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire on Sunday Philippine Time knocked-out Mexican boxer Jorge Arce in a fight tagged as Demolition Day held in Houston Texas.
Nonito which is in control of his fight for the world boxing championship knocked-down Arce in Round 3. The latter received second KO at 2:59 seconds at the 3rd round. A solid upper-cut was released by Donaire that caused his fall.
Before this battle, Donaire defeated South African Jeffrey Mathebula last July and Japan's Toshiaki Nishioka in October after taking the title with a split decision last February over Puerto Rico's Wilfredo Vazquez.
Nonito Donaire's record improved to 31-1-0, 20 KOs while Jorge Arce's record now goes 61-7-2, 46 KOs. With Donaire's spectacular win today, he might be a candidate for "Fighter of the Year".
Arce already announced after the fight that he will retirand said he would take care of his family.
Pain of last week was redeemed through Donaire's win. Filipinos are now celebrating for the victory that uplift our pride in the boxing sports. In the same day last week, People's champ Manny Pacquiao was defeated by Juan Manuel Marquez via knock-out at round 6.
 |
| Photo: Donaire wins Demolition Day fight against Arce Photo Credit: AFP/Rappler |
Nonito which is in control of his fight for the world boxing championship knocked-down Arce in Round 3. The latter received second KO at 2:59 seconds at the 3rd round. A solid upper-cut was released by Donaire that caused his fall.
Before this battle, Donaire defeated South African Jeffrey Mathebula last July and Japan's Toshiaki Nishioka in October after taking the title with a split decision last February over Puerto Rico's Wilfredo Vazquez.
Nonito Donaire's record improved to 31-1-0, 20 KOs while Jorge Arce's record now goes 61-7-2, 46 KOs. With Donaire's spectacular win today, he might be a candidate for "Fighter of the Year".
Arce already announced after the fight that he will retirand said he would take care of his family.
Pain of last week was redeemed through Donaire's win. Filipinos are now celebrating for the victory that uplift our pride in the boxing sports. In the same day last week, People's champ Manny Pacquiao was defeated by Juan Manuel Marquez via knock-out at round 6.
Adele, One Direction and Rihanna top Billboard Charts 2012
Billboard.com on mid-December releases the list of chart toppers of 2012 dubbed as "The Best of 2012: The Year in Music". Adele, six Grammy Awards winner and Guinness World Records holder of 2012 holds the top artist of the year, Billboard 200 album and artist and Digital Albums of the Year. Newcomer One Direction topped on New Artist list while Rihanna leads on Hot 100 Artist.
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins better known as Adele success for 2012 is a result of her hit second album titled '21' early of 2011. The album has also helped her receive numerous other awards, including two Brit Awards and three American Music Awards. The album has been certified sixteen times platinum in the UK; in the US the album has held the top position longer than any other album since 1985, and is certified Diamond. The album has sold 25 million copies worldwide.
X-Factor finalist on group category, One Direction topped the Billboard 200 album chart twice this year with their debut, “Up All Night” in March and their second album “Take Me Home” in November, were named Billboard’s top new artist/group, rounding off a stellar year of U.S. success for the band. Last September, the British boyband won 3 awards at the 2012 MTV Music Awards,
Rihanna was named leader on top Hot 100 artist after a year of chart-topping hit singles such as “We Found Love” and “Diamonds” on the Hot 100 chart, which measures top-selling singles each week.
Billboard Charts are calculated using custom formulas collecting sales, streaming and radio play. The complete Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts are available each week, Billboard.com said.
Billboard.com presents more than 100 year-end lists for 2012 (with 440-plus rankings available at billboard.biz/charts and almost 300 in the year-end print magazine, available today). Joining the chart lineup in 2012 was On-Demand Songs. VIEW COMPLETE LIST OF CHART TOPPERS FOR 2012.
 |
| Photo: Adele leads Billboard Chart 2012 |
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins better known as Adele success for 2012 is a result of her hit second album titled '21' early of 2011. The album has also helped her receive numerous other awards, including two Brit Awards and three American Music Awards. The album has been certified sixteen times platinum in the UK; in the US the album has held the top position longer than any other album since 1985, and is certified Diamond. The album has sold 25 million copies worldwide.
X-Factor finalist on group category, One Direction topped the Billboard 200 album chart twice this year with their debut, “Up All Night” in March and their second album “Take Me Home” in November, were named Billboard’s top new artist/group, rounding off a stellar year of U.S. success for the band. Last September, the British boyband won 3 awards at the 2012 MTV Music Awards,
Rihanna was named leader on top Hot 100 artist after a year of chart-topping hit singles such as “We Found Love” and “Diamonds” on the Hot 100 chart, which measures top-selling singles each week.
Billboard Charts are calculated using custom formulas collecting sales, streaming and radio play. The complete Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts are available each week, Billboard.com said.
Billboard.com presents more than 100 year-end lists for 2012 (with 440-plus rankings available at billboard.biz/charts and almost 300 in the year-end print magazine, available today). Joining the chart lineup in 2012 was On-Demand Songs. VIEW COMPLETE LIST OF CHART TOPPERS FOR 2012.
12.21.2012 'end of the world' rumor links to Psy's 'Gangnam Style' and 'Mayan Apocalypse'
On Friday, the rumor about 'end of the world' creates buzz online and have been headlines on different news programs. Psy's worldwide hit Oppa Gangnam Style is now interconnects with Nostradamus prediction of end of the world. On the other side, Mayan apocalypse is also getting popular- is it end of Mayan calendar or end of the world?
In one of the articles written by Nostradamus, it says that:
From the calm morning, the end will come
When of the dancing horse
the number of circles will be 9.”
The passage is now being linked to Oppa Gangnam style video which is predicted to reach 1 billion Youtube videos on December 21, 2012. The 'calm morning' is being described as the theme of Gangnam Style and also refer to Korea which is tagged as "The Land of the Morning Calm". The 'dancing horse' relates to Psy's dance moves. The number of 0 in 1 billion is 9.
As of this writing, official music video of Gangnam Style reached 946,918,789. Few thousands left for billion views. As per checking of the rate of increase of views, per day increment is about 6 million. Computing for the days remaining (as of this posting) and multiplying with the rate, it is about 48 million or 0.995 billion total views by 12.21.2012.
[ Read: Psy - 'Oppa Gangnam Style' MV reaches 1 billion views on Youtube! ]
Michel de Nostredame known as Nostradamus is a French apothecary and reputed seer who published collections of prophecies that have since become famous worldwide. Some of the events he predicted were Princess Diana's death, September 11 Twin Tower Attack and US President Kennedy's assassination.
On the other side, the end of the Earth possibility is also studied by NASA. NASA concludes that 21st December 2012 it will be nothing more than a normal December solstice.
Moreover, NASA has released a video in response to popular theories that the world will end on Dec. 21, 2012, in a supposed “Mayan apocalypse.”
The video says: "If you're watching this video, it means one thing: the world didn't end yesterday."
According to media reports of an ancient Mayan prophecy, the world was supposed to be destroyed on December 21 2012.
"But look around you. The whole thing was a misconception from the very beginning."
Dr John Carlson, director of the Centre for Archaeoastronomy, said the Mayan calendar did not end on that date and that the Mayans had never predicted the world would end then. He iterates that their calendar simply 'rolls over' on December 21 2012.
Other Coincidence Report:
Between December 10 and 22, North Korea is expected to launch a rocket on space to place satellite in orbit.
On December 20, 2012, a day before the allegedly end of the world, Psy is set to perform in the Philippines for one-night Gangnam party at MOA Concert Grounds.
What do you think of the intersection of Religion, Science, and Prophesies, do you feel some fear on Nostradamus predictions and the Mayan apocalypse?Tell us your thoughts.
 |
| Photo: Psy on horse- dance moves |
From the calm morning, the end will come
When of the dancing horse
the number of circles will be 9.”
The passage is now being linked to Oppa Gangnam style video which is predicted to reach 1 billion Youtube videos on December 21, 2012. The 'calm morning' is being described as the theme of Gangnam Style and also refer to Korea which is tagged as "The Land of the Morning Calm". The 'dancing horse' relates to Psy's dance moves. The number of 0 in 1 billion is 9.
As of this writing, official music video of Gangnam Style reached 946,918,789. Few thousands left for billion views. As per checking of the rate of increase of views, per day increment is about 6 million. Computing for the days remaining (as of this posting) and multiplying with the rate, it is about 48 million or 0.995 billion total views by 12.21.2012.
[ Read: Psy - 'Oppa Gangnam Style' MV reaches 1 billion views on Youtube! ]
Michel de Nostredame known as Nostradamus is a French apothecary and reputed seer who published collections of prophecies that have since become famous worldwide. Some of the events he predicted were Princess Diana's death, September 11 Twin Tower Attack and US President Kennedy's assassination.
On the other side, the end of the Earth possibility is also studied by NASA. NASA concludes that 21st December 2012 it will be nothing more than a normal December solstice.
Moreover, NASA has released a video in response to popular theories that the world will end on Dec. 21, 2012, in a supposed “Mayan apocalypse.”
The video says: "If you're watching this video, it means one thing: the world didn't end yesterday."
According to media reports of an ancient Mayan prophecy, the world was supposed to be destroyed on December 21 2012.
"But look around you. The whole thing was a misconception from the very beginning."
Dr John Carlson, director of the Centre for Archaeoastronomy, said the Mayan calendar did not end on that date and that the Mayans had never predicted the world would end then. He iterates that their calendar simply 'rolls over' on December 21 2012.
Other Coincidence Report:
Between December 10 and 22, North Korea is expected to launch a rocket on space to place satellite in orbit.
On December 20, 2012, a day before the allegedly end of the world, Psy is set to perform in the Philippines for one-night Gangnam party at MOA Concert Grounds.
What do you think of the intersection of Religion, Science, and Prophesies, do you feel some fear on Nostradamus predictions and the Mayan apocalypse?Tell us your thoughts.
Smart Trends Better than Globe on iPhone 5 Launch; iPhone 5 now available nationwide
Manila, Philippines - Dominant wireless company, Smart on Friday at exactly 12:01 unveiled the most sought-after smartphone of 2012, the iPhone 5. Christmas Midnight Rush party held at Republiq, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City with a big bang. Twitter Philippines and Worldwide trending topics however was dominated by Smart as 9 simultaneous events happened around the country for the gadget madness.
Sam Oh, television host and a Korean expatriate hosted the main event together with BNO guys and Ramon Bautista.
Particulary, the netizens enjoyed Boys Night Out's lotto game on Twitter in relation to the release of iPhone 5. DJ's Slick Rick (Eric Virata), Tony Toni (Anthony James Bueno) and Sam YG (Samir Gogna) of Magic 89.9 FM administered the crazy game around 7pm, December 13 with millions of netizens had joined the contest. Starting 8PM, #SmartiPhone5BNOLotto captured no.1 trending slot both on local and worldwide. Around 11 PM, a winner who got lucky combi was announced. It's the first time that a free lotto happened on Twitter and served as good marketing strategy to highlight the event just for fun.
Along with #SmartiPhone5BNOLotto, #iLoveSmartiPhone5, #GoForSmartiPhone5 also trends consistently on top. Globe on the other hand scores a little on the trend spots with #GiveMeThatGlobeiPhone5 and #High5forGlobeiPhone5. Marketing department of Globe should work something to trend better. Just for my opinion!
Spotted at the event are famous techno bloggers, celebrities, geeks and early adopters of Smart iPhone 5. They preferred to live more and join more with Smart than Globe's simultaneous unveiling at Glorietta Vibe Makati.
Aside from the main venue of launch, Smart also covers the following locations to experience and bite with the better network: Reserve in Ortigas, Dilingers in Makati, Trilogy Boutique in Alabang Town Center, Jack’s Loft in Eastwood, Penthouse in Cebu City, Starr in Davao City, and the Smart stores located in Greenhills, San Juan, and Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro.
iPhone 5 dubbed as the thinnest and lightest iPhone is now available in Smart and Globe Stores nationwide. Check out iPhone 5 pricing in the Philippines and specs.
 |
| Photo: Smart iPhone 5 is officially and finally out! |
Sam Oh, television host and a Korean expatriate hosted the main event together with BNO guys and Ramon Bautista.
Particulary, the netizens enjoyed Boys Night Out's lotto game on Twitter in relation to the release of iPhone 5. DJ's Slick Rick (Eric Virata), Tony Toni (Anthony James Bueno) and Sam YG (Samir Gogna) of Magic 89.9 FM administered the crazy game around 7pm, December 13 with millions of netizens had joined the contest. Starting 8PM, #SmartiPhone5BNOLotto captured no.1 trending slot both on local and worldwide. Around 11 PM, a winner who got lucky combi was announced. It's the first time that a free lotto happened on Twitter and served as good marketing strategy to highlight the event just for fun.
 |
| Photo: Smart dominates Twitter trending topics on iPhone5 launch in Ph |
Along with #SmartiPhone5BNOLotto, #iLoveSmartiPhone5, #GoForSmartiPhone5 also trends consistently on top. Globe on the other hand scores a little on the trend spots with #GiveMeThatGlobeiPhone5 and #High5forGlobeiPhone5. Marketing department of Globe should work something to trend better. Just for my opinion!
 |
| Photo: Globe iPhone 5 launch at New Glorietta Photo Credit: @michaeljosh |
Spotted at the event are famous techno bloggers, celebrities, geeks and early adopters of Smart iPhone 5. They preferred to live more and join more with Smart than Globe's simultaneous unveiling at Glorietta Vibe Makati.
Aside from the main venue of launch, Smart also covers the following locations to experience and bite with the better network: Reserve in Ortigas, Dilingers in Makati, Trilogy Boutique in Alabang Town Center, Jack’s Loft in Eastwood, Penthouse in Cebu City, Starr in Davao City, and the Smart stores located in Greenhills, San Juan, and Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro.
iPhone 5 dubbed as the thinnest and lightest iPhone is now available in Smart and Globe Stores nationwide. Check out iPhone 5 pricing in the Philippines and specs.
