Boosting Road Safety Campaigns and Initiatives Amid Pandemic

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Sec. Art Tugade called for cooperation and solidarity in the promotion of road safety during the Recognition of Road Safety Partners by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 1 today, 20 May 2021.

Attended by more than 70 local government units (LGUs) in Region 1, the virtual recognition is in commemoration of Global Road Safety Week and is part of the Decade of Action for Road Safety.

In his message, Sec. Art Tugade stressed that road safety is one of the important campaigns of the DOTr with as many as 12,000 Filipinos losing their lives every year to road crashes according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

For Region 1 alone, according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), almost 1,500 road crashes were recorded in 2020. Some 3,700 individuals were also involved in road crashes. Of those involved in road crashes, 177 were killed.

“Hihintayin pa ba natin na mahal natin sa buhay ang maaksidente, masugatan o mamatay? Kailangan bang makurot tayo ng tadhana? ‘Wag po. ‘Pagkat masakit ang mawalan ng mahal sa buhay. Meron ‘ho akong anak na namatay. Ang sakit pong bitbitin. He was then 12 years old, he should have been 46. But up to now, the pain and the hurt of realizing that my loved one is lost is bothering me, has been haunting me,” Sec. Art Tugade said.

“Ayaw ko na unworthy ang mga sasakyan. Ayaw ko ang driver na walang disiplina. Ayaw ko ang mga pedestrian na hindi sumusunod sa batas. Pag dumating si kamatayan at mahal natin sa buhay ang tamaan, malulungkot at maghihinagpis tayo. ‘Wag nating antayin ‘yun. Tama na ang mga aksidente. Tama na ‘yung patay. Tama na ang pag violate sa rules and regulations. Safety is important. Safety is non-negotiable,” the DOTr Secretary added.

Moreover, Sec. Tugade said local leaders have a bigger responsibility in advancing the safety and welfare of their constituents. He also urged the local chief executives of Region 1 to further push for road safety through strengthened cooperation with the DOTr and its attached agencies.

“Anuman ang gawin ng Kagawaran kasama ang LTO at LTFRB, kung hindi ‘ho makikipag kapit-bisig sa amin ang LGU, mahihirapan kami. Ngunit kung tayo’y magkakapit-bisig, ‘yung mahirap ay magiging madali, ‘yung problema ay mawawala. Kaya importanteng magsama-sama tayo,” the Transportation Chief said.

Meanwhile, Sec. Art Tugade also told LGU officials that the DOTr supports the #Love30 campaign, which calls for motorists to drive at a slower speed, specifically 30 kilometers per hour, in crowded areas.

“Mayroong inilunsad na #Love30. Ito ay isang proyekto ng World Health Organization at United Nations na kung saan kinikilala nila na ang kikitil at tatagpas sa buhay ay ‘yung speed. Sana ho magtulungan tayo, hindi lang LTO o LTFRB, kasama natin ang pamahalaang lokal, kapit-bisig tayo. Because we alone cannot do it but together, with the LGU, we can make a difference,” Tugade stated.

Apart from promoting road safety in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sec. Art Tugade also emphasized the need to strictly adhere to health and safety protocols and understand the importance of vaccination.

“Dapat ‘wag nating kalimutan ngayong panahon ng pandemya – ng COVID-19 ‘yung mga tinatawag na health protocols. Usaren tayo ti (Gamiting natin ang) facemask. Usaren tayo ti (Gamiting natin ang) face shield. Maintain natin ‘yung social distancing. Haan tayo mangan (‘Wag tayo kumain), haan tayo ag sao (‘wag tayo magsalita), haan tayo duratatot habang agbyabyahe (‘wag tayong makipag-usap habang nagbibyahe) tayo on public transportation,” Sec. Art Tugade said.

What Are the Top 10 Places to Visit in the World?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As you all should know by now, the world is a big place and full of endless unique vacation spots to enjoy a memorable and awe-inspiring holiday. But when it comes to choosing your next travel destination, you really are spoiled for choice and it can be difficult to make a decision. The best places to visit in the world is a subjective matter and depends on exactly what you want from your trip. You might be looking for a relaxing beach holiday, a romantic break in the top 10 cities to visit in Europe such as Paris, Rome, or Athens, or to experience one of the many great wonders on planet Earth. To try to make it easier for you, we’ve tried to narrow down some of the most beautiful places in the world to visit as a tourist.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Alongside Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, this iconic mountain in Japan is undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring natural formations on the planet. Over a million tourists climb its snowy slopes every year to watch a spectacular sunrise from its summit. But even if you are not in the mood for a hiking holiday, a holiday to the area surrounding Mount Fuji is well worth the effort just to snap a selfie in front of the famous landmark, especially during the Japanese cherry blossom season. Just be aware you will need to apply for a Japan visa from the Philippines before planning your trip.

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Anyone who has been lucky enough to experience New Zealand can tell you that the entire country is completely packed with appealing travel destinations, including the huge number of amazing geothermal natural parks on the North Island. However, for one of the most inspiring natural sights in New Zealand, head to Fiordland National Park in the South Island and take a cruise through the deep lakes and towering peaks of Milford Sound.

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

One of the top 10 places to visit in the USA alongside Yellowstone National Park in California and the paradise islands of Hawaii, the Grand Canyon is high on many travelers’ bucket lists, and for good reason. Standing on a high cliff overlooking the mile-deep, 277 mile-long gorge is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can hope to have in your lifetime.

Victoria Falls, Africa

Alongside Niagara Falls on the US-Canadian border, this enormous water curtain that straddles Zimbabwe and Zambia is one of the most spectacular water-based natural features on the planet. A cruise on the Zambezi river to experience the falls at sunset should be included on every travel itinerary for Africa.

Petra, Jordan

If you’re planning on traveling to the Middle East, then you simply must pay a visit to Petra in Jordan. This unique structure, which you might remember as a key location in the Indiana Jones films, consists of a series of tombs and temples carved into striking sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Another breathtaking desert-based attraction, the Great Pyramids of Giza is another world-famous attraction that you really must see up close at least once during your life. If you do plan a sightseeing holiday in Egypt to experience the ancient structures in person, make sure to book a Nile river cruise and visit the spectacular Valley of the Kings near Luxor.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The largest religious site in the world, Angkor Wat is a series of ancient, crumbling temples surrounded by nature. Located just outside of the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia, this breath-taking UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in all of Southeast Asia.

Great Wall of China

One of the most iconic and popular tourist attractions in the world and one of the only man-made structures that can be seen from space, the Great Wall of China needs little introduction. Although it is almost 4,000 miles long, some of the best sections to visit include Jinshanling, Juyangguan, and Mutianyu, all located close to Beijing.

Machu Picchu, Peru

One of the coolest places to visit in the world for an adventure holiday, Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city located high in the Andes mountains in Peru. Although it was abandoned around 500 years ago, the ruins are surprisingly well-preserved, and the 5-day hike up to the city through dense Peruvian jungle is an incredible experience in itself.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Another popular South American destination located in the Andes, the world’s largest salt flat is often considered the number 1 place to visit on the planet for its strange, unique beauty. Bolivia is also on the list of countries Filipinos can visit without a visa, so it’s easy to travel to this natural wonder without having to organize too much paperwork in advance!

Rabiya Mateo is our queen of the universe

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A #MissUniverse is someone who is confident in who she is. A woman who overcome many challenges. A woman who has nothing too much to ask for and I think that is Rabiya Mateo. 

Good day Philippines! Rabiya Mateo is ready to conquer the Universe.

Rabiya is the woman, who stood as a Father and a bread winner of her family. She is a strong advocate of woman empowerment, child growth and development, and educational attainment. She is independent and a responsible citizen. She is phenomenal! 

She has the body, the face, and the heart of a Miss Universe!This beauty screams Universe. I can see her winning the crown, a phenomenal woman who worked hard and gave her all to make the Filipinos proud. 

She is ready to conquer the universe with her regal beauty and burning passion. She will be the next Miss Universe. 

Let's give our full support and love to, Rabiya Mateo — the next Miss Universe.

The day before yesterday, she was crowned as the Ms. Ilo-ilo.

Yesterday, she was crowned as the Ms. Philippines. 

And today is the day where she'll be crowned as the Ms. Universe. 

Rabiya means “Princess” but everyday, she wakes up trying to become the QUEEN of herself. - Rabiya Mateo

Go Ibyang, please remind them why we are a Pageant Powerhouse. May the odds be ever in your favor. 

Let us support our very own Ms. Rabiya Mateo as she will represent the Philippines in Miss Universe 2021. Let's witness her performance as she conquers the world, the universe rather. 

This lady screams power, passion and dedication. May the stars align in her favor. She deserves to be crowned as the next Miss Universe. 

She is a show stopper. I don't know what y'all are smoking but if you can't see that, te mga baghak kamo eh.

We'll be praying for her. We know she worked so hard for this and the she deserves the crown. Go Rabiya and slay that stage. Have fun!!! 

I love how Rabiya plays the mysterious type and doesn't post anything about her before the finals haha i think it's part of their strategy and I'm loving it!

Rabiya, know that the whole Philippines are praying and cheering for you. We always got your back. I know you will mark another history for the Philippine pageantry. All the best, Ibyang! Lavarrrrrn!

Best of Luck Rabiya, win or lose proud na proud kami for you!

Filomoots better hype miss ma'am the way we hype our kpop queens. I mean—

She can step on me please!

NASA has released a new picture of nebula and it looks like the NatCos of Rabiya 

V for VICTORY. V for the 5th crown of Miss Universe Philippines 

RABIYA AngHulingBira

She's ready to conquer the world, the universe rather, that she's confidently beautiful with a heart. 

I pray that all your efforts put into the preparation for @MissUniverse yields fruitful returns for you and your team. ALL THE BEST! MAHAL KA NAMIN!!!!

"Every year, girls make a mistake and think we want the best girl in the runway. Miss Universe does not model, she speaks".

If this is true, just crown her already. 

The sun will shine brightly as she takes home the crown of the universe. 

The last time I claimed that our delegate will bag the Miss Universe Crown was Catriona's time and she did it. And now I'm claiming it again, I know you will shine the brightest in the finals.

SNATCH THE CROWN RABIYA! PARA SA PINAS!

Rabiya Mateo will be the Miss Universe 2020.

"Every woman is a queen. Her wisdom, her strength, her resilience, her compassion – everything that she is can work wonders"