Think twice: Fast-food chain expansion linked to surge in kidney disease, says NKTI

BY ZEKINAH ELIZE ESPINA

 So, there’s a newly-opened drive-thru or fast-food restaurant near your area. 

(Pixabay)

While fast food is indeed convenient, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) on Monday, Feb. 19, warned that a significant increase in kidney disease cases was attributed to the rapid expansion of fast-food chains across the country.

NKTI Executive Director Dr. Rosemarie Lequete, in a press conference, said that over 200,000 individuals are currently undergoing dialysis --- with a 17 percent annual increase in dialysis patients attributed to the growing presence of fast-food establishments. 

“Nagdadamihan ang ating fast-food [chains]... mas dumarami rin ang pasyenteng nagkakaroon ng kidney disease na nagda-dialysis (As our fast-food chains are increasing in number ... there is also a growing number of patients suffering from kidney disease undergoing dialysis),” Lequete said. 

Lequete highlighted that despite the appealing taste of fast food, many are unaware of its lack of nutrition due to ingredients like high salt content and instant flavorings, which the current generation favors.

“Sa ngayon kasi marami tayong mga fast-foods, so masasarap talaga ‘yan kasi talagang maraming asin, niluto sa mantika, deep fried so malutong kaya masarap (We have a lot of fast-food options, they really taste good because they are heavily seasoned with salt, cooked in oil, deep-fried, so they're crispy and delicious),” Lequete said. 

However, Lequete emphasized that as these establishments [fast-food chains] multiply, so do the instances of dialysis patients.  

"Dialysis centers are now popping up left and right, with perhaps around 1,000 dialysis centers all over the country," added Lequete.

Lequete noted that people's lifestyle nowadays is mostly about take-out and delivery. However, she stressed that it is better if people prepare their food --- freshly cooked or cooked at home --- so that it is not too salty and oily. 

She noted that this is very important, especially for people who are already suffering from kidney diseases. 

“Kapag may sakit sa kidney ang isang tao, ang diet talaga ay more on gulay (When someone has kidney disease, the diet really focuses more on vegetables),” Lequete said. 

“Ito ang ating ina-advocate na main source ng protein and carbohydrates, siyempre mayroon din dapat na fish and chicken (This is what we advocate as the main source of protein and carbohydrates, of course, there should also be fish and chicken included),” she added. 

Lequete said that for patients with kidney disease, dialysis is just a bridge toward transplantation. However, she noted that only a few patients get transplanted per year --- with 400 patients a year in NKTI. 

In the same press conference, NKTI lamented the significant shortage of organ donors and urged potential donors to assist those in need

Making social justice a living reality

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Feb 20, 2024 00:09 AM

  

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Today, Feb. 20, marks the observance of the World Day of Social Justice, which was initiated by the United Nations in 2007. The theme for this year’s campaign is Global Coalition for Social Justice: Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances, underlining the imperative need for countries to share resources and best practices that will enable a faster pace of development for less developed economies.

Social Justice is the overarching theme and integral part of the agenda in the thematic clusters of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This is mirrored in the manner in which Social Justice is depicted in the Philippine Constitution’s Declaration of Principles and State Policies, as follows: 

“Section 10. The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development;  Section 11. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.” (Article II).

In Article XIII, 19 sections are devoted to an articulation on how social justice will be propagated in the spheres of human rights, labor, agrarian and natural resources reform, urban land reform and housing, health, women’s welfare, and people’s organizations.  

Human rights is clearly prioritized. There is a separate section devoted to the creation of a Commission on Human Rights.

Poverty alleviation is also a dominant theme. The late former President Ramon Magsaysay once declared: “Those who have less in life should have more in law.” Two arenas in the fight for poverty are marked out by the Constitution: agrarian reform and urban land reform, recognizing the imperatives for a targeted response to the unmet needs of millions of Filipinos who are languishing in the bottom rungs of the economic pyramid. 

At Cabinet level, there is a Department of Agrarian Reform that oversees the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law. Within a year after taking office, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed into law  the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, fulfilling his promise to enact a law condoning the farmers' unpaid debts.

The Presidential Commission on the Urban Poor was created through Executive Order No. 82 signed by the late former President Corazon Aquino on Dec. 8, 1986. On March 29, 2012, President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Executive Order No. 69 transferring the PCUP to the Office of the President and conferring Cabinet rank to its chair.

How has the country fared through these past decades of government-led initiatives to make social justice a living reality in all its dimensions?

According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Philippines is on track to attain upper middle income status by 2025; that is, per capita gross national income is $4,256. But this is a mathematically derived figure. In late January 2024, OCTA Research revealed that self-rated poverty was reduced slightly in the fourth quarter of 2023, to 11.9 million poor families or 300,000 less families than the previous figure of 12.1 million. Given that the average household size is 4.1 people, even the lower poverty figure would still translate to 48 million Filipinos.

Hopefully, the post pandemic recovery efforts will bring about an accelerated pace of economic development that would make social justice a living reality in our land.

Sprinter Kristina Knott shatters PH indoor record in Arkansas race

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

Feb 19, 2024 03:32 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Fil-American sprinter Kristina Knott kept her Paris Olympics campaign alive after breaking the Philippine indoor record in women’s 200 meters at the Arkansas Qualifier in Fayetteville, Arkansas over the weekend.

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Fil-American sprinter Kristina Knott kept her Paris Olympics campaign alive after breaking the Philippine indoor record in women’s 200 meters at the Arkansas Qualifier in Fayetteville, Arkansas over the weekend.

Kristina Knott resets the women's 200m indoor record at the Arkansas Qualifier over the weekend. (File Photo)

The 2020 Tokyo Olympian clocked 23.57 seconds to shatter the four-year-old national mark of 23.90sec set by Zion Corrales-Nelson at the MPSF Championships in Seattle, Washington.

However, Knott’s performance could only put her at sixth overall behind Madison Whyte, who timed 23.01sec. 

Niesha Burgher and Jassani Carter timed 23.09sec and 23.19sec for second and third places, respectively.

The 28-year-old Knott, a double gold medalist at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, is gunning for a return trip to the Olympics after competing in Tokyo where she timed 23.80sec in 200m outdoor event and failed to advance.

She was known to break the long-standing 33-year-old national outdoor record in the women’s 100m set by Lydia de Vega-Mercado at the 1987 SEAG by clocking 11.27sec at the 2020 Drake Blue Oval Showcase in Des Moines, Iowa.

So far, only pole vaulter EJ Obiena has qualified to Paris from the Philippine track and field team.

Why sustainable tourism is important

When planning a trip, consider the environmental aspect.

BY POCH EULALIA

Feb 19, 2024 01:50 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Take only memories, leave only footprints. — Chief Seattle

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 Summer season is just around the corner! Most of you have likely started mapping out all your dream destinations for the year. But before you book those flight tickets, consider thinking about the environmental aspect first. When planning your trip, it’s best to opt for locations that follow sustainable practices. Here are some of the reasons sustainable tourism can benefit both the traveler and the destination.

 

A deeper understanding of the culture

For travelers to understand the beauty of a destination, it’s best to immerse themselves in the community’s local cultures. By seeking out authentic cultural experiences, travelers will find a better appreciation of the area. Visit areas locals frequent and try dishes the destination is known for. Perhaps one of the best ways to experience this is through visiting tourist attractions handled by indigenous people. After all, indigenous folk act as the protectors of our ancient rituals, keeping traditions alive while caring for the environment around them. We can also show our support by purchasing from local artisans rather than buying from tourist trap establishments.

 

Preserving the natural beauty

When traveling, always consider if the destination has sustainable practices in place to ensure the natural beauty of the place is kept un-
touched. For instance, when island hopping, do the boats you ride have containers for trash to ensure no waste is left on the islands? Think
about the impact you have in the areas you visit. When going on a hike, always bring containers to take your trash with you. For beach lovers, think twice about collecting any sea shells you see in the sand. By taking these home, you are also taking away potential homes for crustaceans residing on the beach. Opt for activities that encourage wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and minimized carbon emissions. 

 

Boosting the quality of life for residents

Sometimes tourism can act as a double-edged sword. It can promote the beauty of the area, bringing in more crowds to help boost the economy and improve the quality of life for locals. At the same time, it brings the lurking danger of over-tourism. One need only look at the effects over-tourism had on Boracay that led to its sudden shutdown back in 2018. Conditions on the island worsened to the point that an algae bloom, which researchers claim is a sign of pollution and water deterioration, took over the island’s once pristine waters. To avoid over-tourism is simple, take the road less traveled by. Rather than visiting the usual destination hot spot, seek out adventure by going to lesser-known areas that are welcoming visitors. Who knows, you might even find the next Siargao or El Nido just waiting to be discovered!

Film great Tikoy Aguiluz passes away

BY NEIL RAMOS

Feb 19, 2024 02:02 PM

  

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Filmmaker Amable "Tikoy" Aguiluz VI has passed away.

This was confirmed by his family Monday, Feb. 19, via a statement.

Tikoy was the co-founder of the UP Film Center.

He served as its assistant director until 1990.

He first gained notice via the 15-minute documentary "Mt. Banahaw, Holy Mountain," which won for him the Silver Trophy at the prestigious Young Filmmakers of Asia Festival.

His first full-length feature was "Boatman" released in 1984. 

Other notable works include "Balweg" (1985), "Segurista" (1996), "Rizal In Dapitan" (1997), "Tatsulok" (1998), "Tatarin" (2001),"Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" (2011). 

In 2003, the French government awarded Aguiluz the Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Letrres prize for his contributions to Philippine cinema.

Philippine Fairy Tales (XXII) - Philippinische Märchen (XXII): THE ESCAPE OF JUANITA - Juanita's Flucht

Have you heard of the terrible Tic-balan,

A tall and thin and very black man,
With terrible teeth and a horse's head,
And covered with hair that is long and red?
He lives in the awful Balete tree,
And to pass the place you must say "Tabi";
If you do not, the Asuang comes at night,
And throws big stones till you die of fright.

Now once there lived in Santa Cruz town
A little girl known as Juanita Calaon;
She was gentle and sweet and as good as could be,
And she always bowed low to the Balete tree.

One day to the forest alone she did roam
To get some good wood for the fire at home;
She gathered some twigs that she found on the ground,
And all of them fast in a bundle she bound.

Then happy and free, with the pack on her head,
She followed the road that back to town led.
She sang as she walked, and so happy was she
That alas! she bowed not to the Balete tree.

All at once then she heard a most terrible roar,
And the Tic-balan fierce through the air seemed to soar.
He seized poor Juanita, and quick as could be
He shut her inside of the Balete tree.

Two days passed, and when the girl failed to come back,
Her parents went out, and no friends did they lack
To help in the search, for the whole pueblo came,
And loudly they shouted poor Juanita's name.

At last when they thought that the search brought no good,
One man found Juanita's neat bundle of wood;
He called the good news, and as more came to see,
Loud knocking was heard in the Balete tree.

Then many were frightened, but many were brave,

And wondered by what means the girl they could save;
For they knew that it must be Juanita who knocked,
And that inside the Balete tree she was locked.

Soon they ordered that candles and music be brought,
And a crucifix holy was what they next sought;
And when all was ready they closed round the tree,
While they prayed to the true God to set the girl free.

They lighted the candles and then the band played,
And Juanita's mother, who was not afraid,
Advanced with the crucifix held in her hand,
And tapped with the cross on the evil tree grand.

Then a roar shook the forest and chilled all their hearts,
And the awful Balete split into two parts;
Then they saw in the center, as each big half fell,
Their darling Juanita all smiling and well.

She ran from the tree to her fond mother dear,
While the band played and every one gave a loud cheer;
Then back to the pueblo they danced in delight,
And kept up their singing through all the long night.

Still there to this day lies the Balete tree,
But no more do the people that pass say "Tabi."
And the spirit no more can molest any man,
For God has more power than the fierce Tic-balan.

+++

Haben Sie vom schrecklichen Tic-Balan gehört,

Ein großer, dünner und sehr schwarzer Mann,

Mit schrecklichen Zähnen und einem Pferdekopf,

Und mit langen und roten Haaren bedeckt?

Er lebt in dem schrecklichen Balete-Baum,

Und um den Ort zu passieren, muss man „Tabi“ sagen;

Wenn Sie dies nicht tun, kommt der Asuang nachts.

Und wirft große Steine, bis du vor Angst stirbst.

Jetzt lebte einst in der Stadt Santa Cruz

Ein kleines Mädchen namens Juanita Calaon;

Sie war sanft und süß und so gut wie nur möglich,

Und sie verneigte sich immer tief vor dem Balete-Baum.

Eines Tages wanderte sie allein durch den Wald

Um gutes Holz für das Feuer zu Hause zu besorgen;

Sie sammelte einige Zweige, die sie auf dem Boden fand,

Und sie alle schnell in einem Bündel, das sie gebunden hatte.

Dann glücklich und frei, mit dem Rucksack auf dem Kopf,

Sie folgte der Straße, die zurück in die Stadt führte.

Sie sang beim Gehen und war so glücklich

Das leider! Sie verneigte sich nicht vor dem Balete-Baum.

Plötzlich hörte sie ein schreckliches Brüllen,

Und das wilde Tic-Balan schien durch die Luft zu steigen.

Er packte die arme Juanita, und zwar so schnell wie möglich

Er schloss sie in den Balete-Baum ein.

Zwei Tage vergingen, und als das Mädchen nicht zurückkam,

Ihre Eltern gingen aus und es mangelte ihnen an keinen Freunden

Um bei der Suche zu helfen, kam das ganze Pueblo,

Und laut riefen sie den Namen der armen Juanita.

Als sie schließlich dachten, dass die Suche nichts Gutes brachte,

Ein Mann fand Juanitas hübsches Bündel Holz;

Er verkündete die gute Nachricht, und als noch mehr Menschen kamen, um sie zu sehen,

Im Balete-Baum war lautes Klopfen zu hören.

Dann hatten viele Angst, aber viele waren mutig,

Und fragten sich, mit welchen Mitteln sie das Mädchen retten könnten;

Denn sie wussten, dass es Juanita sein musste, die klopfte,

Und dass sie im Balete-Baum eingesperrt war.

Bald befahlen sie, Kerzen und Musik mitzubringen,

Und ein heiliges Kruzifix war das, was sie als nächstes suchten;

Und als alles fertig war, schlossen sie sich um den Baum,

Während sie zum wahren Gott beteten, er möge das Mädchen befreien.

Sie zündeten die Kerzen an und dann spielte die Band,

Und Juanitas Mutter, die keine Angst hatte,

Vorwärts mit dem Kruzifix in der Hand,

Und klopfte mit dem Kreuz auf den bösen Baumflügel.

Dann erschütterte ein Brüllen den Wald und ließ alle ihre Herzen erschauern,

Und der schreckliche Balete spaltete sich in zwei Teile;

Dann sahen sie in der Mitte, als jede große Hälfte fiel,

Ihre geliebte Juanita lächelt und ist wohlauf.

Sie rannte vom Baum zu ihrer liebevollen Mutter, Schatz,

Während die Band spielte und alle laut jubelten;

Dann zurück zum Pueblo tanzten sie voller Freude,

Und sie sangen die ganze lange Nacht hindurch.

Noch heute steht dort der Balete-Baum,

Aber die Passanten sagen nicht mehr „Tabi“.

Und der Geist kann niemanden mehr belästigen,

Denn Gott hat mehr Macht als der wilde Tic-Balan.

 

Davao, Caraga infra damage tops P1B after floods, landslides

View from an aerial inspection in Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro on February 7, 2024.

Philstar.com

February 19, 2024 | 1:38pm

Presidential Communications Office

MANILA, Philippines — Damage to infrastructure due to floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Davao and Caraga regions has reached more than P1 billion, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Monday. 

The floods and landslides impacted 216 facilities, bringing the cost of infrastructure damage to P1.19 billion.

An additional 1,762 houses were also reported damaged by the NDRRMC.

Agricultural damage in Davao and Caraga, meanwhile, was estimated at P558.25 million. Around 19,000 farmers and fishers in those two regions were affected. 

According to the disaster agency, over 1.56 million people from Mindanao were impacted by the floods and landslides. Of the figure, 210,740 were displaced from their homes.

NDRRMC reported that the death toll has risen to 98. It also said that 35 people were injured, while eight were missing.

However, a separate count by the provincial government of Davao de Oro showed that 98 dead bodies were recovered following a massive landslide in Brgy. Masara, a gold-mining village in Maco town. Eight individuals remained missing.

Last week, the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice called on the government to declare a state of climate emergency in Mindanao as floods, landslides and drought affect communities in the country’s south.

Golden Tigresses stun Lady Bulldogs in straight sets to open UAAP campaign

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

Feb 18, 2024 06:25 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• University of Santo Tomas began its post-Eya Laure era with a stunning straight-set victory against powerhouse National University, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, to pick up their opening-season win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

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University of Santo Tomas began its post-Eya Laure era with a stunning straight-set victory against powerhouse National University, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, to pick up their opening-season win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In a battle of early contenders and last season’s semifinal pairing, the Golden Tigresses' collective effort became the key in pulling off the massive upset over their previous Final Four tormentor.

 

UST stuns NU in straight sets. (UAAP Media)

UST playmaker Cassie Carballo’s balanced distribution led four players to a double-digit outing with 20 excellent sets on top of six points off two blocks and four crucial services aces made in the third frame.

Rookie Angge Poyos posted a team-high 16 points built on 13 attacks and three blocks, while Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido contributed 12 markers apiece off a combined 24 kills.

Margaret Banagua provided a 10-point performance with seven points and three blocks.

Locked at 14-all in three closing chapter, the Golden Tigresses unleashed a 6-0 run highlighted by Carballo in the service area.  

Although NU came within one, 22-21, through a powerful hit from the back row by Vange Alinsug, Alyssa Solomon committed an attack error off a faulty set by Camilla Lamina before Perdido and Jurado finished off the Lady Bulldogs.

Interestingly, it was UST that ended NU’s 20-game winning stretch last season in the early eliminations before they squared off in the Final Four.

Despite losing Laure and Imee Hernandez to the pro, the Golden Tigresses are in safe hands as Jurado and Perdido continued to step up.

Meanwhile, Solomon and Alinsug carried the fight on the losing end with 16 and 11 points, respectively, as NU opened its season with a sorry loss.