KWF at CHR, Nagpulong hinggil sa Filipino Sign Language (FSL)

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Nagpúlong ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) at Komisyon sa Karapatang Pantao (CHR) hinggil sa mga programang maaaring gawin kaugnay sa R.A. 11106, The Filipino Sign Language Act.

Kasáma sa púlong ni Tagapangulong Arthur P. Casanova ang mga opisyal ng Komisyon sa Karapatang Pantao na sina Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-Latoc at Asec Atty. Amifaith Reyes, Commissioner of the focal area for Persons with Disabilities. 

Inilatag ng KWF ang sumusunod ngunit hindi limitado sa proyekto, polisiya, at International Day of Sign Languages ng ahensiya hinggil sa FSL.

Kasama sa mga paksang napag-usapan sa púlong ay ang pagkakaroon ng plantilla position para sa mga FSL interpreter sa darating na panahon/ at mga hámon sa usapin ng Civil Service Exam para sa mga FSL interpreter partikular ang language barrier. Ang usapin ng language barrier ng mga bingi sa Civil Service Exam ay idudulog ng KWF sa CSC upang mabigyan ng patas na pagkakataon ang mga bingi.

Dumalo rin sina Lourdes Zorilla-Hinampas, Punò ng KWF Sangay ng Lingguwistika at Aplikadong Lingguwistika (SLAL), Earvin Pelagio, Focal Person ng KWF Yunit ng FSL, Aimee Bechaida, Executive Assistant (EA) ng Tagapangulo, at Lovely Batta, Administrative Assistant (AA) sa opisina ng Tagapangulo ng KWF. 

Ang RA 11106 ay nagtakda sa KWF bilang tanggapang magsasagawa, mag-uugnay, at magtataguyod ng Filipino Sign Language (FSL) bilang pambansa at opisyal na wikang senyas.

Review of Incognito TV series: A Stylish Thriller That Stumbles in Execution

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The much-hyped Incognito TV series promised an electrifying experience, blending espionage, mystery, and drama into a cinematic spectacle. But did it deliver? Well, that depends on whether you value style over substance.

Let’s get one thing straight: Incognito is visually stunning. The cinematography is top-notch, with sleek camera work, striking lighting choices, and a moody aesthetic that pulls you in. Every frame is crafted to impress, making it clear that the production team poured serious effort into creating a visually immersive experience. But beyond the stunning visuals, does the show hold up?

Unfortunately, this is where Incognito starts to unravel. The screenplay is riddled with awkward dialogue and forced exposition, often spoon-feeding the audience instead of letting the story unfold naturally. Plot twists feel more like sudden detours rather than well-crafted surprises, leaving little emotional impact. It’s frustrating to see a show with so much potential falter because of weak writing.

The acting doesn’t help, either. While some performances are passable, others feel wooden and unconvincing. Certain key characters lack depth, making it difficult to connect with their struggles. Instead of drawing us into their world, the performances often pull us out of the moment, reminding us that we’re just watching actors go through the motions.

All in all, Incognito is a textbook case of style over substance. It delivers eye-catching cinematography but fails to provide a compelling narrative or memorable characters. If you’re looking for something visually appealing to put on in the background, this might work. But if you’re after a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, you might want to look elsewhere.

Would I recommend Incognito? Only if you’re in it purely for the aesthetics. Otherwise, you’re better off watching something with both beauty and brains.

Beware: Your Valentine's Mug Might Be Brimming with Toxic Love

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Valentine's Day is a time to express affection, often through heartfelt gifts like ceramic mugs adorned with romantic messages. However, recent findings suggest that some of these love-themed mugs might harbor hidden dangers in the form of toxic heavy metals.

EcoWaste Coalition's Alarming Discovery

In a recent investigation, the EcoWaste Coalition purchased 15 Valentine-themed ceramic mugs from various retail shops in Makati, Manila, and Quezon City, with prices ranging from ₱45 to ₱189. Using a handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, they tested these mugs for heavy metals, particularly cadmium and lead. The results were concerning: 11 out of the 15 mugs contained cadmium and/or lead, with cadmium levels ranging from 172 to 795 parts per million (ppm) and lead levels from 3,362 to 15,400 ppm. Notably, a mug bearing the message "Happy Valentine’s from the one you love" had the highest cadmium content at 795 ppm, while another with a multicolored heart design registered the highest lead content at 15,400 ppm. 

Health Implications of Cadmium and Lead Exposure

Both cadmium and lead are toxic metals with no beneficial role in the human body. Lead exposure can adversely affect multiple organ systems, including neurological, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, hematological, and reproductive systems. Cadmium exposure, on the other hand, can lead to kidney damage, skeletal and respiratory issues, and is classified as a human carcinogen.

Global Concerns and Regulatory Standards

The issue of heavy metals in ceramic ware isn't isolated. A study by Hong Kong's Consumer Council found that 43% of tested ceramic bowls and cups released lead and cadmium when used at room temperature. While the detected levels were below international safety standards, the presence of these metals raises concerns about long-term exposure. 

Guidelines for Safe Mug Selection

To ensure the safety of your loved ones, consider the following tips when selecting a ceramic mug:

Inquire About Manufacturing Details: Ask sellers if the mug has been properly manufactured and tested for safety.

Opt for Plain Designs: If information is unavailable, choose plain white mugs or clear glass mugs, as they are less likely to contain harmful glazes.

Explore Alternative Gifts: Consider other gift options if you cannot confirm the mug's safety.

A Call to Manufacturers

The EcoWaste Coalition advocates for the elimination of cadmium and lead in ceramic mugs and other food-contact materials. Their findings indicate that technology and raw materials are available to produce safe, non-toxic mugs. Manufacturers are urged to prioritize consumer health by ensuring their products are free from hazardous substances. 

Conclusion

This Valentine's Day, let your gifts be a true reflection of your love—thoughtful, safe, and free from hidden dangers. By staying informed and making conscious choices, you can ensure that your tokens of affection bring joy without compromising health.