Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition Welcomes the Establishment of the Negros Island Region

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The Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition (SKC) announces its support for the significant step of inaugurating the Negros Island Region. This event follows the signing into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., uniting Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor under one administrative region.

The SKC Negros Island Regional Guild has been a strong advocate for youth empowerment and community development within Negros Island since 2018. The coalition’s efforts are in line with the new region’s goals to improve governance, economic opportunities, and inclusive development.

Governor Bong Lacson of the Negros Occidental has expressed his appreciation for the realization of this goal, stating, “Our belief that the immense potential of Negros Island, Siquijor, and our people can best be realized by becoming one region has driven our efforts and determination through the years.”

The SKC also pays respect to the efforts of Former Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., whose advocacy and leadership were key in the creation of the Negros Island Region. His commitment to the cause continues to inspire the coalition’s mission.

Ellirie Aviles, Founder and Chairman of the Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition, and a proud Negrense from Sagay City, shares his thoughts on this milestone: “As we welcome the start of the Negros Island Region, we at the SKC are energized and ready for the work ahead. This significant moment is not just about the unity and strength of our communities but also about the bright future we see for our youth.”

Magic Alvarado, appointed as the SKC NIR Ambassador, echoes this sentiment: “The establishment of the Negros Island Region opens up a world of possibilities for our youth. As SKC NIR Ambassador, I am excited to be part of this journey towards a more empowered and united community where every young voice can be heard.”

As the Negros Island Region begins this new chapter, SKC NIR Ambassador Magic Alvarado along with the entire SKC invites everyone to join in the call to action: Makialam! Makiisa! Makibahagi! Together, we will amplify young people’s voices and contribute to the region’s path towards effective governance, cultural growth, and socio-economic development.

For more information about SKC initiatives and how to get involved, please email skcnegrense@gmail.com or skc.correspondence@gmail.com.


About Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition

The Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition is a national non-profit organization focused on youth empowerment and advocacy in the Philippines. Since its founding in 2013, SKC has represented over 55,000 young people, encouraging leadership and participation in various developmental areas.

Environmental Group Dismayed Over Continued Sale of Toxic Cosmetic Products in QC

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Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics is urging the Quezon City government, particularly the Quezon City Health Department (QCHD), to take regulatory action against the unwarranted sale of mercury-added skin whitening creams to protect public health from mercury exposure.

In its recent market monitoring, the group purchased and photo documented the sale of FDA-banned cosmetics, namely: Goree Beauty Cream with Lycopene Avocado & Aloevera, Goree Day & Night Beauty Cream Oil Free Total Fairness System and 88 Total White Underarm Cream in beauty shops (kiosks) inside Ever Gotesco Mall in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City. These products have been banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Quezon City enacted QC Ordinance 2767, s 2018, which bans the manufacture, distribution and sale of mercury-containing skin whitening cosmetics in Quezon City.

“We call the attention of beauty shop owners to abide by the existing regulation in the country, and specifically in Quezon City, regarding the prohibited skin whitening products that have been proven to contain mercury, a health damaging toxic chemical,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.

Using a Vanta C Series HH XRF Analyzer, the group screened the products and found mercury concentrations ranging from 5,633 to as high as 29,250 parts per million (ppm), exceeding the allowable limit of 1 ppm set by the FDA, as published in the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive.

According to the ordinance, all manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers, including street vendors, or “tiangge,” and online vendors in Quezon City, must cease and desist from engaging in business activities involving the production and/or trade of mercury-laden cosmetics.

Mercury is among the World Health Organization’s top ten chemicals of major public health concern. It lightens the skin by suppressing the production of melanin and can also remove age spots, freckles, blemishes, and wrinkles. However, its use can lead to rashes, skin discoloration, and blotching. Mercury can enter the body through absorption, inhalation, or ingestion.

The group wrote to the QCHD requesting urgent enforcement action and confiscation of the prohibited beauty products to halt the illegal sale of non-compliant cosmetic products.

BAN Toxics reiterates its call to national regulatory agencies to improve monitoring, analysis, and detection capacities to strictly regulate the illegal trade of banned cosmetics. Strengthening regional cooperation, given the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, is of the same importance, according to the group.

“BAN Toxics, advocating for safe cosmetics, will continue to monitor and swiftly report to corresponding local government offices and the FDA the unwarranted selling of prohibited cosmetic products in the market, including online shopping platforms. The public has the right to know the dangers of toxic mercury and to be mindful of its health effects,” Dizon added.

U.P. SAMASKOM KICKS OFF LIVE A.I.D.S: HYSTERICAL REVISIONISM Tatlumpu’t Apat na Taon ng Makasaysayang Tawanan, Sayawan at Kimmy-nism

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The Longest-Running Campus Comedy Varirty Show in the Philippines is Back!

After five (5) years’ absence in the theater scene due to the restrictions set by the pandemic, the longest-running comedy variety show out of the UP Diliman campus is back!

Live A.I.D.S. (Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng SAMASKOM) or Acts, Improvisations, Dances and Songs, an annual musical-comedy series mounted by talent-laden student organization, UP SAMASKOM, is mounting its 34th edition from July 5 to 7 at the Ignacio B. Jimenez - KAL Theater in UP.

Entitled LIVE A.I.D.S.: HYSTERICAL REVISIONISM: “Tatlumpu’t Apat na Taon ng Makasaysayang Tawanan, Sayawan at Kimmy-nism”, the show will again put a funny but sharp spin on socio-political issues and pop culture, providing witty commentary on Philippine society and adding a comic touch to trending topics and viral content. Interspersed with dances and dazzling production numbers, it promises to make audiences laugh and have fun like never before.

“What started as a mere applicants’ batch project in 1983 is now one of the most awaited events in the Diliman Republic. Each year, Live AIDS always surpasses its previous record number of fans who watch the show,” says Live A.I.D.S Hysterical Revisionism Production Management Mentor, Venice Atienza, who is an alumna of U.P. SAMASKOM and has been part of both the production and creative departments of the show for several years now.

SAMASKOM alumni fill the local entertainment scene, finding fame in front of or behind the camera. LiveAIDS has given rise to the careers of Kuya Kim Atienza, Giselle Sanchez, RS Francisco, Raymond Lauchengco, Wency Cornejo, Ate Glow, Michelle O’ Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas, Mrs. Tan, and KaladKaren, among others.

ABS-CBN’s head of TV Production, Star Magic Chief and Pinoy Big Brother Head Director Laurenti (Loren) Dyogi and ABS-CBN Global Head of Creative Services Ned Legaspi are SAMASKOM alumni.

Live AIDS continuously garners fanatics and avid viewers who have steadfastly sought out the show, including known personalities like Bianca Gonzales, Ricky Lee, Quark Henares, John Lapus, Rajo Laurel, Jigs Mayuga, Tim Yap, and Vice Ganda.

“Live A.I.D.S. and the UP SAMASKOM are platforms where students and alumni members alike are given the opportunity to nurture their talents and skill sets, and essentially nurture them to face the real world,” articulates well-known Filipino drag artist Mrs. Tan, a seasoned dancer and performer of the show.

“This show bolsters one’s talent, skills, and self-confidence. It’s evident in our alumni members,” said Kaladkaren, another UP SAMASKOM alumna and a seasoned performer, veteran writer, production member, and former resident officer.

“With the issues and concerns of the Philippines at present and history distortion as well, it is time to continue the UP SAMASKOM tradition of amusing audiences and making them aware of political and social matters. This year, through the Live AIDS legacy, everyone will hear what Samaskom will say about the current times. This is a show that finds humor on the right side of history”, said Live AIDS Hysterical Revisionism Director, Bill Barrinuevo.

“There is pressure to outdo ourselves every show. This is our comeback show - we want to reawaken our audience as we give them the best show they will ever see. It is terrifying but it is a welcome challenge. UP SAMASKOM is passionate in creating a show that speaks out and entertains at the same time,” he added.

Tickets to Live AIDS Hysterical Revisionism can be bought at https://liveaids.helixpay.ph. For more information, follow @upsamaskom on X (Twitter) and Instagram, and on Facebook at facebook.com/upsamaskom.