MARINA Boosts Social Media Efforts, Capacitates Social Media Officers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) boosts its social media efforts to generate public awareness on the agency’s programs for the development and promotion of the Philippine maritime industry.

“The role of social media is critical and vital to the MARINA’s mission to provide leadership in transforming the Philippines into a major maritime nation. I express my full support to the strategic communications campaign of MARINA. Through efficient dissemination of information, we will be able to build confidence and trust among our stakeholders,” Marina Administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero said.

The MARINA targets to integrate its public assistance services online by capacitating several staff with the necessary skills in handling social media pages. Hence, the staff, noted as social media representatives, underwent a workshop on August 16-17, 2018 in Manila.

In the said workshop, the participants were oriented on proper information dissemination and social media management. Aside from contributing to social media posts, they were also taught how to answer queries received via the MARINA’s official Facebook page.

Hence, through the said capacity-building activity, the dissemination and exchange of information between the MARINA and the public are expected to be faster, more convenient, and more efficient.

Recently, the MARINA has started strengthening its information dissemination to connect and cater to maritime stakeholders through its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

As part of its online campaign, the agency now regularly releases news, photo, and video updates documenting the projects and programs of MARINA regional offices and central office services, specifically on issues concerning maritime safety and security, shipping and ports industry, welfare of seafarers, maritime tourism, and good governance, among others.

Republic Cement Advocates for Stronger Women

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Leading construction solutions company Republic Cement not only innovates for stronger building structures but also advocates for stronger women

In a bid to give back and contribute to the society, leading construction-solutions company Republic Cement Services, Inc., spearheads a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) events under their flagship theme: “Lusog Tibay”.This is part of their dedication to strengthen their partner communities toward building a stronger Republic.

For their latest initiative, Republic Cement Services, Inc.partnered with their ready-mix contractor Dee Concrete Inc. / Premier Ready-Mix, Inc. for the Lusog Tibay Women’s Health Day. The program focused on reproductive health for the women of Pinagbuhatan Pasig, the hometown of Dee Concrete.

“More than being a company that helps build strong and reliable structures, we want to build the nation one community at a time. We can start by empowering our citizens, especially the women that takes care of their families,” shared Nabil Francis, President of Republic Cement Services, Inc.

Held last August 2, 2018 at the Multi-purpose hall and livelihood center of Barangay Pinagbuhatan in Pasig, the program that ran from 7am to 4pm helped about 250 women beneficiaries from the low to middle-income bracket. Pinagbuhatan is the oldest and biggest barangay in Pasig. It has a population of over 170,000 and 55% of which are women.

Republic Cement Services, Inc.opted to raise awareness on crucial issues that affect the country. For instance, Cervical and Breast Cancers are some of the top killers in the Philippines while HIVis also fast-growing.TheDepartment of Health recently reported11,103 new cases of HIV in a span of one year, increasing the numbers to 19.85% from 2016 to 2017. In addition to these health challenges, Family Planning is another problem that the company deemed important to be addressed.

“During the event, we have found out that Cervical Cancer is really not well known in PH. One of our beneficiaries, an 18-year old mother of a 6-month old infant is not familiar with pap smear so she grabbed the opportunity to be screened for free. We are very glad to be of service,” said Ms. Elizabeth Dee, Vice President for Sales of Dee Concrete Inc. / Premier Ready-Mix, Inc.

Ms. Dee, officially opened the event through an inspiring message dedicated to all participants, “Kung semento ang nagpapatibay ng tahanan, ang pamilya ang nagpapatibay ng komunidad,” (If cement strengthens a home, a family is what strengthens a community.) she stressed.

Implementing partners of this CSR event are France-Philippines United Action (FPUA), the Foundation of the CCI France-Philippines; and Friendlycare Foundation.

FPUA was created by the CCI France-Philippines and the French Embassy in the Philippines in 2013 after typhoon Yolanda. Since then, FPUA help companies in developing impactful and sustainable CSR projects in the Philippines. Republic Cement and FPUA have been working together since the creation of the Foundation.

Friendlycare Foundation on the other hand, has been deliveringaffordable health services especially reproductive health focused on Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition and Family Planningsince 1999.

The CSR health mission was likewisesupported by Barangay Captain, MaricarAsilo-Vivero and previous mayor of Pasig Mrs. Maribel A. Eusebio.

Lectures on Family Planning, Cervical Cancer, HIV/STI were given by Friendlycare doctors. Philhealth member benefits were likewisediscussed during the event. Simultaneously, OB/GYN and family planning consultations and pap smear screening were offered.Pap smear is the most common procedure to screen cervical cancer.

Some attendees also won Republic Cement items on various games in the fun and informative program.

On Questions Concerning the Recovery and Clearing Operations of Disabled Xiamen Aircraft

Wazzup Pilipinas!

DOTr PRESS STATEMENT

21 August 2018

Recovering a disabled aircraft is far different from towing a bus or a car. There are technical protocols (ICAO standards) and intervening factors that all international airports observe in recovering a disabled aircraft.

In the case of the recent Xiamen incident, please note that in addition to its size and weight, there were also four (4) tons of unused fuel at the wings that are highly combustible, necessitating extra care to avoid fire or explosion. Apart from passengers, we also think about the safety of the rescuers. 

One false move, the plane might explode.

All procedures as written in our airport emergency plan on aircraft recovery were followed. Unfortunately, the aircraft straddled on very muddy terrain. Adding to the struggle is the uncooperative weather condition—strong winds, and heavy rains.

We had to bring in a high capacity telescopic crane(500t)-rented.

 

As to passengers, please note that airlines are the ones that control and manage the services they render to their passengers. 

The CAB and the MIAA have consistently reminded the airlines to observe the Air Passengers Bill of Rights, which the present administration, CAB/MIAA/CAAP, have improved and refined in the early days of their assumption to office.

All flight cancellations and delays announced by the airlines were echoed by the DOTr, MIAA, CAB, and CAAP in all available communications platforms. MIAA GM Ed Monreal, CAAP DG Jim Sydiongco, and CAB Officials made it a point to call for a presscon atleast six (6) times to explain to the media and the public what the scenario was, and to provide updates on the aircraft recovery and clearing operations.

Habang ang ilan, abala sa pagpuna, kami, abala sa pagta-trabaho.

 

MOVING FORWARD...

As DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said earlier, the Xiamen incident is an eye opener—a reminder for us to revisit the Air Passengers Bill of Rights (APBR), review the intervention protocols between the airlines and the airport authorities, recast our equipment inventory, enhance the training modules we do at the airport in cases of emergencies.

This is likewise a sign that we are correct in  aggressively pushing for the implementation of the DOTr aviation roadmap, which can be summarized into the following:

1. Improve the facilities and structures of existing gateways, such as in NAIA Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4;

2. Construct/establish other primary gateways (e.g. Bulacan and Sangley), which is now being prioritized;

3. Develop/improve/construct various regional/provincial airports (e.g. have all commercial airports night-rated, new airports have been given a facelift such as Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Tuguegarao, San Vicente, etc.; construction of new airports such as in Panglao and Bicol are ongoing, while construction of Bukidnon Airport shall start before the end of this year); and,

4. Establish air traffic control and management systems (We have already completed the CNS/ATM facility, which added 10 more air traffic radars from the existing 3 radars we had when we assumed office)

Again, we, at the DOTr regrets, and are saddened that the incident involving Xiamen Air happened. 

The men and women of MIAA and CAAP labored hard, in “bayanihan”, to solve the problem the best they can.

Also, contrary to intrigues some people are sowing, Secretary Tugade was on top of the situation, giving instructions and initiating coordination with all concerned agencies, and monitoring updates on the incident as early as 1:00AM of August 17. 

Ang pagkakaiba lang ni Sec. Tugade sa iba, hindi sya mahilig magpakuha sa camera habang nagta-trabaho sa mga ganitong uri ng sitwasyon.

The airlines were there in unison. Others offered to help, but, unfortunately, others opted to curse, accuse and malign.

Understandably, this incident has inspired several groups and personalities to give their two cents on the current situation of the NAIA. We appreciate the suggestions and ideas, even criticisms, as they were all being offered in light of a mutual desire to improve the state of air transport in the country.

However, in the meantime, we appeal to the public, and our fellow public servants in government, as well as those from the media and private sector, to work hand in hand with us in resolving this issue. Allow us to work first so that we can address the problem entirely. Accusing, sowing intrigues and maligning our offices and officials will not help at this time.

Thank you.