Hontiveros Pushes for Better Infant Care in First 1,000 Days

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros today called for better infant care during the first 1,000 days of life.

Speaking before a forum at the Senate organized by the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), Hontiveros said that stronger legislation is needed to help address the country’s challenges in malnutrition and child hunger.

“This is the real and silent war that the government must embark on – the war against malnutrition. This is the real war that must be won,” Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros, who is the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said that under-nutrition remains the underlying killer of children as it makes them vulnerable to bout of infections, low birth weights and wasting.

The senator also said that malnutrition undermines economic development. Citing a 2013 report from the Save the Children International, she said that the country’s economy lost at least P328 billion or the equal of 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to the impact of childhood stunting on workforce productivity and education.

As a response, Hontiveros penned Senate Bill No. 1145, also known as “The Healthy Bulilit Law.” She said that her bill mandates the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to increase nutrition support for all children in the first 1,000 days.

“We are fortunate that we don’t struggle with an inverted population pyramid. But malnutrition and child hunger remain significant challenges. Government must do its part and redouble its efforts to secure a bright future for our nation’s children,” the Senator said.

Aguirre Says Korean Slay Is Indirect Attempt to Destroy Duterte

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Yeah, like a bunch of cops were sitting around thinking "We've got to find a way to stopDuterte," and one said "I know! Let's kidnap and kill a Korean businessman. That oughtta do him in!" - Tony Ahn

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II says the killing is “only an isolated incident” that was being used to tarnish the reputation of the country and in turn undermine public support for President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Mayroong nagsasabi na ostensibly ang binibira rito ay ating Chief PNP ngunit ang latay nito ay sa ating Pangulong Duterte. Hindi magawang siraan ang pangulo dahil napakalaki ng suporta niya, kaya ang ginagawa ay sirain ang PNP," Aguirre said.

To conclude on something that has not been fully investigated yet is a dangerous behavior for a Justice Secretary.

Aguirre gained wide public attention in 2012 during the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona when he was cited for contempt after he was caught covering his ears while being lectured by the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. Now he is allegedly involved in the Chinese gambling tycoon Jack Lam's P50-million bribery scandal involving two Bureau of Immigration (BI) commissioners, namely Al Argosino and Michael Robles. There is also the mention of the names of Charles Calima and Jaime Morente, plus also a retired police general Wally Sombero. Lam is involved in operating illegal online gaming operations without any franchise and permit from PAGCOR.

UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society Proudly Presents 16th Regional Chemistry Olympiad

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For 24 years, the UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society (CHEMOKINESIS), a duly recognized academic organization in the University of the Philippines Los Baños, has been promoting academic excellence and unparalleled service through its various activities.

This February 4, 2017, in cooperation with the Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas-Southern Tagalog Chapter (KKP-ST) and the UPLB Institute of Chemistry, the organization will hold its 16th Regional Chemistry Olympiad (RCO). It is comprised of the following events: Philippine National Chemistry Olympiad (PNCO) Regional Eliminations; Regional Feature Writing Contest, and; Regional CHEM-in-hue.

With the theme “Aquatic Chemistry: Bathing knowledge and drenching strategies to safer and smarter water usage”, the PNCO Regional Eliminations will serve as a venue in selecting the top three (3) high school chemistry wizards who will represent Region IV in the Philippine National Chemistry Olympiad. This event has a quiz proper and laboratory component.

Concurrently, the organization will also be holding its 7th Regional Feature-Writing Contest and 14th Regional Chem-in-Hue, a poster-making contest. Both competitions aim to showcase the skill and artistry of students in presenting Chemistry through literary writing and arts. All activities will be held at Physical Sciences Building, UPLB, College, Laguna.