Fast ‘Yolanda’ recovery impresses UNDP exec

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Jan 112014
 
Fast ‘Yolanda’ recovery impresses UNDP exec

A survivor of “Yolanda” breaks into a smile of relief as she welcomes a care package from President Aquino at the Palo municipal hall in Leyte province. FILE PHOTO It’s unheard of in international humanitarian circles: Communities either flattened or swept away by one of the world’s strongest typhoons, losing their loved ones and most everything they own, are rebuilding their homes and going  back to work, eager to start anew just two months after the disaster. To Yuri Afanasiev, senior recovery coordinator of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the speed by which people in the communities ravaged by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) on Nov. 8 last year are recovering is encouraging. “We have never seen a recovery happen so quick. And many of us have been in many different disasters,” Afanasiev said. Afanasiev, the UNDP resident representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is leading his agency’s early recovery mission in the communities destroyed by Yolanda in central Philippines. He flew to the Philippines as part of the United Nations’ “surge” or rapid deployment of specialized personnel for major emergencies. Yolanda is one of four Level 3 emergencies in the world, the highest in the UN disaster scale. The others are the humanitarian crises spurred by conflict in South Sudan, the Central African Republic and Syria. “For the UNDP to be speaking to you about ongoing field early recovery operations essentially at the end of the second month is unheard of,” Afanasiev told the Inquirer in an interview on Read More …

Praises keep coming for honest Filipino cabbie

 News
Jan 102014
 
Praises keep coming for honest Filipino cabbie

By Bert EljeraINQUIRER.net US Bureau 5:09 am | Saturday, January 11th, 2014 Nev. Senator Harry Reid’s letter to Filipino-American cab driver Gerardo Gamboa. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Bert Eljera LAS VEGAS – Accolades continue to pour in for Gerardo Gamboa, the Filipino-American cab driver who found and returned $300,000 in cash left behind by a passenger in his taxi. The latest praises came from Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and Sen. Harry Reid, the U.S. Majority leader, who both hailed the Filipino-American for his honesty and as example to the community. Sandoval praised Gamboa in a personal letter to the taxi driver, saying his honesty should be emulated. Reid, who is particularly close to the burgeoning Filipino-American in Nevada, said in returning the money, which he could easily keep for himself, Gamboa showed a “positive example in the community.” “Your action was a wonderful demonstration of citizenship and integrity, and the impact of your story in our community is admired and appreciated,” Sen. Reid said in a Dec. 27 letter to Gamboa. Gamboa became an Internet sensation when his story went public on Dec. 25, and was readily picked up by the international press, particularly in the Phlippines. The 54-year old Gamboa, a 13-year cab driver in Las Vegas, chose to return the $300,000 cash left behind by a professional poker player, who had asked to remain anonymous, even though he provided Gamboa a $10,000 reward. Gamboa, who is from Mabalacat, Pampanga and Silay City, said the money was tempting, for a split second, Read More …

Green groups welcome ban on lead in toys, other products

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Jan 102014
 
Green groups welcome ban on lead in toys, other products

MANILA, Philippines—Environmental groups on Friday welcomed the ban on the use of lead in a wide range of consumer products including toys and cosmetics, even as it urged the government to ensure its strict enforcement. “We are kind of late here. Many of our neighbors have already banned it,” Abigail Aguilar, toxic substances campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, told AFP. “The reason why it was banned is because of the noise that the civil society has created on the impact of lead,” she said. The metal is used to make batteries, matches, metal alloys, paint, putty, ceramics, insecticides and explosives, among many others. It is also used extensively in plumbing. The widespread use of lead has caused extensive environmental contamination and health problems in many parts of the world, according to the World Health Organization. The poison affects multiple organs and the health burden is borne mostly by developing countries, even as other countries have reduced its use in petrol, paint, plumbing and solder. The Philippines earlier banned the use of lead in fuel in 2001. But Aguilar said the government has been unable to enforce a ban on other hazardous chemicals. Between 1997 and 2004, the environment department issued similar chemical control orders on cyanide, asbestos and mercury, she said. “The tricky part now is how to monitor this (lead ban) to make sure it will really be enforced,” Aguilar added. The ban, which covers a wide range of consumer products from toys and cosmetics to water pipes, school Read More …

PH seeks break for exports from ‘Yolanda’-hit areas

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Jan 102014
 
PH seeks break for exports from ‘Yolanda’-hit areas

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines is seeking duty-free access into the United States of export products from “Yolanda”-hit areas to help drive the local economy as devastated provinces began recovery and rehabilitation efforts. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. made the remarks at a recent conference at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC, citing the arrangement that the United States had forged with Haiti to bolster the latter’s economy following the devastating 2010 earthquake. “Similar to what the United States did following the Haiti earthquake, the Philippines is looking at possible trade preference for products from Haiyan-affected areas,” Cuisia told a forum on the role of the US military, government and private sector in helping typhoon recovery in the Philippines. In his audience were the US state department, military and aid officials, representatives from nongovernment organizations and corporate donors. Cuisia said the Philippines is “looking at arrangements” to allow duty-free entry of selected goods from Yolanda-hit areas, particularly Central Visayas, “for a limited period of time.” The ambassador also renewed his call for sustained support from the United States and the international community, noting how the Philippine government’s comprehensive recovery and rehabilitation plan, the Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda plan, still needs some $8.2 billion (about P360.8 billion). Ally, partner “There is much work to be done, and in the spirit of the alliance and partnership we have shared, we continue to count on your Read More …

Maryland Fil-Am leaders to host laugh-in for ‘Yolanda’ rehab

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Jan 092014
 
Maryland Fil-Am leaders to host laugh-in for ‘Yolanda’ rehab

The cast and crew of “FNL at the FAC” OXON HILL, Maryland—To start the new year on a lighthearted noted, Filipino-American community leaders will host “FNL at the FAC” or “Friday Night Laugh-In” at the Filipino American Center (FAC).” The event is billed as an evening featuring amateur comedians, storytellers, psychiatrists, magicians and a variety of local entertainers, to be held on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. at the center on 7500 Livingston Road in Oxon Hill, MD. Launched last year as a pilot, FNL will return to raise funds for survivors of Supertyphoon “Yoland” (international name: Haiyan). “Our community has been through so much pain and loss lately, notably the tragic deaths of friends and loved ones and the devastation in the Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan,” says FNL producer Mya Talavera Grossman. “That’s why we need to fortify ourselves with laughter and humor and stay healthy so we can be productive and creative in facing the challenges ahead,” she adds. In a format patterned after TV’s popular talk shows, FNL will feature special guests including child psychiatrist Marilou Tablang-Jimenez, medical director of the Montgomery County Crisis Center. A mental health professional with sterling credentials, Dr. Jimenez will talk about “releasing those feel-good endorphins that are so essential to wellness and good mental health.” Featured band Tutubi. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Co-hosted by Manila Mail columnist Jon Melegrito and Abe Lobo, board chairman of the National Philippine Multicultural Center Foundation (NPMCF), the comedy show will also feature an “Open Mike” segment, Read More …

Fil-Am young professionals launch scholarship

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Jan 092014
 
Fil-Am young professionals launch scholarship

INQUIRER.net US Bureau 9:01 am | Friday, January 10th, 2014 San francisco—The Young Filipino Professionals Association (YFPA) will kick off its first scholarship program for promising young Filipino students who aspire for college degrees, on the evening of Jan. 18 at the historic I-Hotel Manilatown Center. The organization is celebrating 11 years of “fostering professional connections, ideas and expertise to support and engage Filipino professionals in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.” The theme for this year’s celebration is “Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders.” The keynote speaker for the celebration will be Filipino entrepreneur and engineer Dado Banatao, who has been dubbed the “Filipino version of Steve Jobs” because of his trailblazing science and technology work in the early years of Silicon Valley. The versatile Allan Manalo will be the emcee. He wears many hats in the field of entertainment as a Filipino writer, producer, director and stand-up comic. There will be performances by Kulintronica, which blends the traditional, ancestral sounds of the Filipino instrument kulintang with the urban beats of Electronica. Ro Birco, a multi-instrumentalist who will be accompanying on the piano, will also showcase his traditional kundiman singing skills. Also performing is the group, immaj, a talented R&B/pop vocal trio. Kristian Kabuay, artist, educator and entrepreneur, will also have Baybayin (Philippine Script) live art demonstrations. Regina Finuliar, YFPA President, states, “The night will be special because attendees will not only be supporting YFPA and our initiatives, everyone there that night will be raising funds to help those students who Read More …

Fil-Am led health center gets $6M NY state grant

 News
Jan 092014
 
Fil-Am led health center gets $6M NY state grant

INQUIRER.net US Bureau 9:00 am | Friday, January 10th, 2014 NEW YORK—A Filipino-American led community center is one of 37 recipients of funding from the New York State Department of Health’s safety net program. The Department of Health’s Vital Access Provider/Safety Net Program, Phase II, awarded APICHA Community Health Center more than $6 million last month. The department recognized as an essential institution that fulfills the healthcare needs of underserved populations throughout the city. The program is aimed at transforming the state’s healthcare system and increasing the availability of better health services for New Yorkers. Safety net funds were awarded to hospitals, nursing homes, free standing clinics and home health establishments that have financial difficulties but are critical in the delivery of quality healthcare to communities across the state. “We applaud the New York State Department of Health for acknowledging the essential role of organizations like APICHA have in addressing the need of healthcare access of New York’s most vulnerable communities,” says APICHA CEO Therese Rodriguez. “Our decades of experience providing HIV prevention and care services have prepared us to be part of the solution to achieve the goals set by the New York State Department of Health of providing quality, cost-efficient healthcare,” Rodriguez adds. For the past 23 years, APICHA has promoted awareness of and care for people living with HIV/AIDS in New York City. The center has grown from an HIV/AIDS coalition for Asians and Pacific Islanders (APIs) to a health home that opened a Trans Health clinic Read More …

UNICEF hopes resumption of classes will bring normalcy to ‘Yolanda’-hit areas

 News
Jan 072014
 
UNICEF hopes resumption of classes will bring normalcy to ‘Yolanda’-hit areas

By Bong LozadaINQUIRER.net 9:03 pm | Tuesday, January 7th, 2014 In this aerial photo taken on Nov. 9, 2013, and released by the Philippine Air Force, a ferry boat is seen washed inland from a massive storm surge caused by Typhoon Haiyan, in the city of Tacloban, central Philippines. AP FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations Children’s Fund hopes the resumption of classes in areas affected by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international codename: Haiyan) will be a spring board to speed up rehabilitation, a statement said. UNICEF together with international organizations Save the Children and INTERSOS supported the Back to Learning campaign of the Department of Education and Department of Social Welfare and Development that saw the re-opening of schools on Monday. “UNICEF’s objective is to ensure that children affected by Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ return to quality learning as quickly as possible,” said Angela Kearney, officer-in-charge of UNICEF Philippines. According to the UN arm, schools have become safe havens for both teachers and children and once school started, the daily routine has helped restore a sense of normalcy. “It’s our hope that children returning to school and day care centers will have a sense of routine and have a safe place during the day to be with friends where they can continue to learn and enjoy safe play,” said Dr. Luisa Yu, DepEd Director for Region VIII. UNICEF hopes that once the children are back in school, parents will have more time to rebuild their livelihood. As of January 6, the Read More …

ILO: More job creation program needed in Yolanda-hit areas

 News
Jan 072014
 
ILO: More job creation program needed in Yolanda-hit areas

TANAUAN, LEYTE Supertyphoon “Yolanda” survivors in this town wait for the distribution of food items from a helicopter in this photo taken two days after Yolanda struck. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/JOHN CHUA MANILA, Philippines—The International Labor Organization has launched a program aimed at providing emergency employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities in areas devastated by Supertyphoon Yolanda. “Since ‘Yolanda’ (international name Haiyan) struck on 8 November, the ILO supported the Department of Labor and Employment in creating over 20,000 jobs under the emergency employment program,” said Lawrence Jeff Johnson, Director of the ILO Country Office in the Philippines. Johnson said that his organization has reached out to 100,000 people during the initial phase of the rebuilding efforts in 2013. “But more needs to be done to provide access to safe and decent work that includes ensuring minimum wages, sound occupational safety, skills development and social protection in line with national laws,” Johnson said. Aside from guaranteed social security and health insurance, the ILO has equipped its workers with masks, hats, gloves, boots and long sleeved shirts to minimize the risk of disease and injury. Of the estimated 5.9 million jobs lost or suspended due to “Yolanda,” the ILO estimated that 2.6 million were in vulnerable employment and living near the poverty line even before the typhoon. Plea for decent jobs   Workers in vulnerable forms of employment, mostly drivers and operators in Tacloban, called for the prioritization of decent jobs after Supertyphoon “Yolanda” nearly took out the sense of normalcy in the Read More …

Global disasters killed more, cost less in 2013

 News
Jan 072014
 
Global disasters killed more, cost less in 2013

Associated Press 7:45 pm | Tuesday, January 7th, 2014 In this Dec. 20, 2013 photo, a restaurant of Joseph Bonavitacola is filled with local villagers in Tacloban, Philippines. The Italian businessman, who has lived in the city for 20 years with his Filipino wife, reopened the place less than three weeks after Typhoon Haiyan devastated about 4,000 businesses. Only about 5 percent have reopened, officials say. AP BERLIN — The German insurance company Munich Re says some 20,000 people died in natural disasters last year, about twice as many as in 2012. Most of the deaths resulted from Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda in Manila) that hit the Philippines, Vietnam and China in November with a loss of almost 6,100 lives. This was followed by floods in India that killed about 5,500 people in June. Munich Re’s annual disasters report released Tuesday found that the economic cost of natural catastrophes was lower last year. Some 880 events cost about $125 billion, with insured losses of $31 billion. This compares with costs of $173 billion and insured losses of $65 billion in 2012. The costliest natural disasters were summer hailstorms in Germany, floods in Central Europe, and storms and tornadoes in the United States. RELATED STORIES: Philippines launches $8.17B Haiyan rebuilding plan Barack and Michelle Obama send sympathies to Yolanda victims In typhoon’s wake, Christmas infused with tragedy Follow Us Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get Read More …

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