Senior citizens need not show prescription for OTC drugs

 

FDA CLARIFICATION Complaints about pharmacies requiring a doctor’s prescription for seniors buying over-the-counter medicines have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to issue a clarification. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

By: Dexter Cabalza - Reporter / @dexcabalzaINQ

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:50 AM March 01, 2024

Senior citizens do not need to present a prescription from their physicians to get the mandated 20-percent discount they are entitled to when buying over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, including vitamins and food supplements, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The clarification made under FDA Advisory No. 2024-0429 and signed by FDA Director General Dr. Samuel Zacate was issued on Wednesday. It was addressed to all drug outlets, hospital pharmacies and healthcare professionals to avoid confusion.

According to the FDA, Administrative Order No. 2012-0007-A of the Department of Health (DOH) states that those age 60 and above are not required to get a doctor’s prescription to avail themselves of a 20-percent discount in “the purchase of OTC medicines.”

Under the DOH administrative order, medicines are defined as “prescription and nonprescription/over-the-counter drugs, both generic and branded, including vitamins and mineral supplements medically prescribed by the attending physician and approved by the [DOH and FDA], which are intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of human disease or sickness.”

The 20-percent discount privilege for seniors is provided for under Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.Requirements

Citing the law, the FDA noted that in order to avail themselves of the discount, seniors or their representatives can present any form of identification (senior citizens ID card, passport or document) showing their birthday. They must also bring their purchase slip booklets for recording purposes (name of OTC medicine purchased, quantity, when and where it was purchased).

In an earlier radio interview, FDA spokesperson Pamela Angeline Sevilla said they had been receiving complaints from the elderly about pharmacies asking for doctors’ prescriptions when purchasing OTC drugs.

“This should not be the case, because it is clear in the law that when buying OTC items, the only documentary requirement that senior citizens need to present is their senior citizen ID or any ID proving their senior status,” she added.

The FDA instead urged pharmacies and similar establishments to assist and educate the elderly in distinguishing between prescription and OTC drugs to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

“Let’s help our seniors instead of asking them for a prescription even if we know that the medicine they are buying is OTC and does not need one in the first place,” Sevilla said.

To determine whether a medicine is a “prescription drug (RX)” or OTC drug, the public can access verification.fda.gov.ph/ALL_DrugProductslist.php. which lists down all of the nearly 30,000 FDA-registered human medicines available.

Senior citizens can also file complaints before the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs in their respective local government units against pharmacies that do not comply with RA 9994.

The FDA warned that establishments which fail to honor the 20-percent discount on medicines for the elderly face imprisonment ranging from two to six years, plus a fine of P50,000 to P100,000 for the first offense.

Their business permit, permit to operate, franchise and other similar privileges may also be revoked by authorities.

If the offender is a corporation, partnership or company with a similar structure, its officials such as the president, general manager, managing partner or such other officer charged with managing its business affairs shall also be held liable.

Sea Outcasts: How Filipino Tribes LIVE in Deadly Seas 🇵🇭 - Full Documentary

Andrew Fraser

89.7K subscribers

1,554,014 views Feb 18, 2024

This edit is our documentary spotlight of the seafaring people we encountered on our latest series to the Philippines. Journey with us as we delve into the lives of the Sama, Bajau, and Tausug peoples, as well as the pioneering crab farmers of Manila Bay. Their stories, told through our lens, reveal the ingenious ways they've adapted to life on the water. It's a captivating exploration of survival, cultural vibrancy, and the deep-rooted connection between these communities and their environment.

Globe empowers youth creativity at CCP’s Pasinaya Festival 2024

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 1, 2024 06:34 AM 

AT A GLANCE

• The partnership transformed the largest multi-arts festival in the country into a digital and creative spectacle, proving that technology and arts can come together to create unparalleled experiences for all.

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The Globe Hangouts bus enabled the youth to fuel their passion with various innovative and art activities during the Pasinaya Festival.

Globe has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the aspirations of young creatives and celebrating artistic innovation through its latest collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for Pasinaya Festival 2024.

The partnership transformed the largest multi-arts festival in the country into a digital and creative spectacle, proving that technology and arts can come together to create unparalleled experiences for all.

Held on Feb. 2 to 4 at the CCP Complex, Pasinaya Festival 2024 offered an "experience-all-you-can, pay-what-you-can" scheme, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in a diverse array of over a hundred shows, screenings, workshops, and activities spanning music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, and literature.

"Globe remains committed to nurturing the youth, offering them opportunities to learn and improve their skills from an early age. The Pasinaya Festival showcased a variety of workshops and performances across disciplines, reflecting the breadth of creativity we support. Our partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines for this festival is just the beginning of the creative partnerships we aim to build this year," remarked Giv Florida, Director and Head of Globe Prepaid.

In line with Globe's mission to empower the next generation of creators, the company's support for Pasinaya 2024 was multifaceted.

Through Globe Hangouts, festival-goers were treated to an array of enriching activities, from virtual reality (VR) on the Hangouts Bus to designing their own tote bags with Dripsplash PH.

Likewise, attendees were able to sign up for GoWATCH: Art Animation Masterclasses for free, ensuring that even those who missed certain talks could catch up via the Globe Hangouts website. 

Globe also facilitated discussions with members of Graphic Artists Philippines and Philippine Graphic Artists to share insights on their communities, community-building efforts, and how the company has supported their creative endeavors.

Those who wanted to make a difference also had the opportunity to positively impact the lives of families facing involuntary hunger by donating their Globe Rewards points to the Hapag Movement via the GlobeOne app.

Globe’s support expanded beyond just experiences to include essential technological infrastructure. Provisioning a robust network played a crucial role in enabling the seamless live streaming of various festival activities and providing outstanding connectivity for all attendees.

Pasinaya Festival 2024 seamlessly aligns with Globe's "Go Lang Nang Go" core message, motivating young individuals to engage deeply with their interests, seek out new experiences, and navigate the complex yet rewarding path of self-discovery.

Globe is dedicated to being a pillar of innovation, enabling Gen Z creators driven by passion to pursue their interests and achieve significant milestones through platforms designed for genuine self-expression. Watch out for updates from Globe on similar events and activities.

YUME Sets the Stage for A More Rewarding Music Experience for Filipino Music Listeners

Manila, Philippines: Newly launched global music brand YUME is set to launch a series of roadshows in top Asian cities, including Manila, Cebu, and Davao to introduce its suite of services, which includes rewarding music listeners whenever they stream music on the YUME platform.

Revolutionizing the Music Landscape

Officially launched on January 28, 2024, YUME has onboarded over 1000 users and approximately 200 artists, all drawn to its distinctive music publishing and streaming experience. Music copyright holders can enjoy expedited discovery, better royalties management, career-enhancing tools, and unique global opportunities. Musicians can also publish with YUME for free, which makes the platform appealing to independent artists. Music listeners, on the other hand, are not left behind. With a YUME premium subscription, members can enjoy multiple income streams whenever they stream content or invite others to the community.

A Dream for Music Enthusiasts 

Music streaming is among the top internet activities for Filipinos, with the number of music streamers forecasted to reach 6.3 million in 2027, largely due to the country's high internet penetration rate and increasing smartphone usage. Music streaming is also among the top influencers when it comes to music discovery. YUME is poised to take advantage of the growing interest of Filipino users by offering a unique rewards system.

Fintech guru and CTO Anthony Yap defines the brand’s offering: "We aim to create a platform that transcends the mere enjoyment of music - we want to make YUME a product that provides a benefit rather than just an expense.” Compared to other streaming platforms, YUME premium members can enjoy earning rewards that can be traded for merch discounts, early access content, brand partner rewards, or even cash. Premium members accumulate streaming points when they consume content on the platform and earn substantial commissions by inviting others to join the dynamic YUME music community. YUME also offers a profit-sharing program, which augments members’ earnings.

Serial entrepreneur and YUME’s CEO Edward Bruce Ybañez is positive that the platform is set for worldwide adoption. "Our business model is designed to empower individuals of all ages, ensuring that anyone with a mobile device can earn income anytime, anywhere.” 

A Great Advantage for Musicians

Eric Lagrimas, Publishing Director and Berklee Music alumni, expressed his excitement about how YUME changes the music industry for the better.  "YUME represents a paradigm shift for independent artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their music to a captive audience while rewarding engagement," Lagrimas emphasized. By publishing unsigned artists on the platform, users are incentivized when they listen to new music. This creates a great advantage for artists onboarded on YUME - with potentially thousands of listeners streaming daily on the platform within the quarter, published songs on the platform are in for sure discovery, and potentially, virality.

Musicians can then take advantage of their unique position, which is immediate access to their listeners. Johann Bontuyan, YUME’s president, audio engineering authority, and recording studio proprietor from Cebu, emphasized this unique appeal, stating, "When it comes to redefining streaming and music, only YUME Music offers a platform where music lovers can connect, collaborate, and earn simultaneously. Our innovative approach will reshape your streaming experience." 

A Lasting Impact for Musicians and Music Listeners

Distinguished live concert producer and company’s Chief Visionary Officer Jason Purino highlighted YUME's overarching mission, emphasizing its commitment to fostering transformative experiences. "Our core values and ethical principles are the cornerstone of our venture, setting us apart in the industry. I am eagerly anticipating the positive impact YUME will have on people's lives."

YUME is currently on a roadshow across major cities in the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand, culminating in a grand launch event in Dubai. This global initiative highlights YUME's commitment to making its mark on the international music landscape. To learn more about the platform or to join the roadshow, visit www.yume.global.

PRESS CONTACT

Jason Purino

jpurino@yume.global

DEUTSCH-PHILIPPINISCHE BEZIEHUNGEN (XII) - German-Philippine Relations (XII): German Unsung Heros in Philippine Missions - Deutsche und unbesungene Helden in philippinischen Missionen

  

In the early decade of the 20th century, Germans came to the Philippines not only individually but even in groups. Unlike the Christian missionaries who had arrived in the Philippines already in the 17th century, these Germans, unsung heroes of the Philippine missions, were members of different religious congregations, wich responded to the urgent appeal of Pope Leo XIII to rescue the Philippines from religious disorder as Father Hermogenes E. Bacareza taught me 40 years ago and how he wrote it down in his publications.

The Benedictine Nuns from Tutzing, Germany

On August 15, 1906, five German Benedictine Sisters arrived in Manila: Sisters Ferdinanda Hölze, Wilfrieda Müller, Cresentina Weser, Alexia Rudenauer, and Petronila Keller. They belong to to the Congregation of Tutzing in Bavaria.

The influence of these Sisters on Philippine education can be seen in many schools they had founded in so short a period. St. Scholastica's College in Manila in 1906 and many more - the last school accepted by Benedictine nuns before the death of their foundress, Mother Brigitta, in 1929.

Moreover, the first German Benedictine nuns from Tutzing are best remembered by many Filipinos for their introduction of formal music education  in Western techniques in the Philippines. One of them, Sister Baptista Battig, founded the  St. Scholastica's College School in 1907. The school is historically significant, since it considered the pioneer music school in the Philippines, built ten years before the UP Conservatory of Music was founded. It introduced the Filipinos to classical piano music because Filipino music students came to appreciate classic works of Schumann. Schubert, Mozart, Brahms, Bach, Beethoven and many other great composers.

(Helene) Baptista Battig

Before Sister Baptista entered the Benedictine convent in 1902, she was an exceptional concertist and piano teacher in Breslau, Silesia.. She studied music in her hometown and later in Berlin under the famous Ludwig Deppe, who had been a pupil of the great Franz Liszt. Sister Baptista personally gave concerts which initiated the Filipinos to the works of the great German composers.  The secret of Sister Baptista lay in her meticulously handling her piano students. She always reminded the students that "playing with weight" is the secret to produce fine sonorous singing tone.

All music schools in the country directly or indirectly trace their beginnings to Sr. Battig who introduced Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Schumann, Schubert, Brahms, Chopin et al, their works, to quote Celine Olaguer Sarte, forming the backbone and the glory of piano literature. Way back in 1933, as the zealous, pioneering Sr. Battig marked her 25th year of piano teaching in the Philippines, she wrote: “Great is my desire to see the dear children of the East rise in the musical world to the same level as those of the West. May all my earnest endeavor bear fruit and lead to a plentiful harvest; and may my profound desire be realized some day.” There is absolutely no doubt that Sr. Battig’s desire has been more than fulfilled.

The excellence of St. Scholastica's College in the field of music is evident from its graduates , many of whom had excelled in the field. Among its graduates who had been active as music teachers, concert pianists and directresses of music schools: Eugenia and Marcela Agoncillo, Dolores Heras, Pura Lacson-Villanueva and Leonor Laperal-Arce - just to mention a  few.

(To be continued with the First German SVD Missionaries)

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Zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts kamen Deutsche nicht nur einzeln, sondern sogar in Gruppen auf die Philippinen. Im Gegensatz zu den christlichen Missionaren, die bereits im 17. Jahrhundert auf den Philippinen angekommen waren, waren diese Deutschen, unbesungene Helden der philippinischen Missionen, Mitglieder verschiedener Religionsgemeinschaften, die dem dringenden Appell von Papst Leo XIII. folgten, die Philippinen vor religiösen Unruhen zu retten wie Pater Hermogenes E. Bacareza mich vor 40 Jahren lehrte und wie er es in seinen Publikationen niederschrieb.

Die Benediktinerinnen aus Tutzing, Deutschland

Am 15. August 1906 trafen fünf deutsche Benediktinerinnen in Manila ein: die Schwestern Ferdinanda Hölze, Wilfrieda Müller, Cresentina Weser, Alexia Rudenauer und Petronila Keller. Sie gehören zur Gemeinde Tutzing in Bayern.

Der Einfluss dieser Schwestern auf die philippinische Bildung lässt sich an vielen Schulen erkennen, die sie in so kurzer Zeit gegründet hatten. St. Scholastica's College in Manila im Jahr 1906 und viele weitere – die letzte Schule, die von Benediktinerinnen vor dem Tod ihrer Gründerin, Mutter Brigitta, im Jahr 1929 angenommen wurde.

Darüber hinaus sind vielen Filipinos die ersten deutschen Benediktinerinnen aus Tutzing vor allem für die Einführung einer formalen Musikausbildung in westlichen Techniken auf den Philippinen in Erinnerung geblieben. Eine von ihnen, Schwester Baptista Battig, gründete 1907 die St. Scholastica's College School. Die Schule ist historisch bedeutsam, da sie als Pioniermusikschule auf den Philippinen gilt und zehn Jahre vor der Gründung des UP Conservatory of Music erbaut wurde. Es führte die Filipinos in die klassische Klaviermusik ein, weil philippinische Musikstudenten klassische Werke Schumanns zu schätzen lernten. Schubert, Mozart, Brahms, Bach, Beethoven und viele andere große Komponisten.

Helene (Baptista) Battig

Bevor Schwester Baptista 1902 in das Benediktinerkloster eintrat, war sie eine herausragende Konzertistin und Klavierlehrerin in Breslau, Schlesien. Sie studierte Musik in ihrer Heimatstadt und später in Berlin bei dem berühmten Ludwig Deppe, der ein Schüler des großen Franz Liszt gewesen war . Schwester Baptista gab persönlich Konzerte, die die Filipinos mit den Werken der großen deutschen Komponisten vertraut machten. Das Geheimnis von Schwester Baptista lag in ihrem sorgfältigen Umgang mit ihren Klavierschülern. Sie erinnerte die Schüler immer daran, dass das „Spielen mit Gewicht“ das Geheimnis ist, um einen feinen, sonoren Gesangston zu erzeugen.

Alle Musikschulen des Landes führen ihre Anfänge direkt oder indirekt auf Sr. Battig zurück, der Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Schumann, Schubert, Brahms, Chopin und andere vorstellte, ihre Werke, um Céline Olaguer Sarte zu zitieren, und das Rückgrat und den Ruhm von bildeten Klavierliteratur. Bereits im Jahr 1933, als die eifrige, bahnbrechende Sr. Battig ihr 25. Jahr als Klavierlehrerin auf den Philippinen feierte, schrieb sie: „Mein Wunsch ist groß, die lieben Kinder des Ostens in der Musikwelt auf das gleiche Niveau aufsteigen zu sehen wie …“ die des Westens. Mögen all meine ernsthaften Bemühungen Früchte tragen und zu einer reichen Ernte führen; und möge mein tiefer Wunsch eines Tages in Erfüllung gehen.“ Es besteht absolut kein Zweifel daran, dass Sr. Battigs Wunsch mehr als erfüllt wurde.

Die Exzellenz des St. Scholastica's College auf dem Gebiet der Musik zeigt sich an seinen Absolventen, von denen viele auf diesem Gebiet hervorragende Leistungen erbracht haben. Zu seinen Absolventen, die als Musiklehrer, Konzertpianisten und Leiterinnen von Musikschulen tätig waren: Eugenia und Marcela Agoncillo, Dolores Heras, Pura Lacson-Villanueva und Leonor Laperal-Arce – um nur einige zu nennen.

(Fortsetzung folgt mit den Ersten Deutschen SVD-Missionaren)

Pagasa: Davao region, parts of Soccskargen to experience scattered rains

Davao Region and some parts of Soccsksargen are expected to experience overcast skies with scattered rain showers due to the trough or extension of a low pressure area and the easterlies, state meteorologists forecast on Tuesday.

Lea Salonga, Tabernacle Choir expected to repeat viral performance at choir’s 1st Philippine concert

Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo - Philstar.com

February 27, 2024 | 10:22am

MANILA, Philippines — Following a successful and viral performance with The Tabernacle Choir in December 2022, acclaimed Filipina Broadway singer and actress Lea Salonga reunites with the internationally-renowned choir for its first ever concert in the country, the second stop for the group’s “Hope” world tour.

“Lea Salonga is a friend that we value very much,” choir president Michael Leavitt said in a press conference in Conrad Hotel Manila yesterday. 

“We performed together at Christmastime of 2022. I think that performance was well-received in the Philippines, so we’re very excited repeating the experience,” Leavitt said of the choir’s performance videos with Salonga that reaped millions of views on YouTube.

“When the choir presented their invitation to perform with them in their concert in the Philippines as part of their world tour, it’s an invitation we said yes to pretty immediately after the experience working with Mack (the choir’s music director Mack Wilberg) and everyone two Christmases ago,” Lea said at the presser.

“It was memorable not only from personal standpoint. I remember feeling, this is something I really, really can’t forget. And I don’t know if there are many artists to have performed one time with the choir. So this is a big bonus to be able to do it again, and to be able to do it in our country, is also special… I’m very excited to be doing this again.”

Apart from heavy Manila traffic, Lea hopes the choir would be able to adjust to Philippine weather.

“I hope the choir would adjust to the humidity very quickly, and the heat. But I think definitely, the warmth (of the Filipino) people would be felt by everyone (in the choir),” she assured. 

Besides Lea, Filipina YouTube sensation Ysabelle Cuevas will also join the choir as guest artist in two performances in Mall of Asia Arena on February 27 and 28, which are in total expected to draw around 18,000 spectators. 

Although the choir’s first ever live shows in the country are exclusively by-invitation only, the performances would be streamed on YouTube and other platforms days after the concerts.

“Being here with the Tabernacle Choir, having listened to them my entire life is incredibly scary to me but I just know that this is going to change my life,” said Cuevas. “The thing I did to kind of overcome that fear is to take myself out of the equation and let the spirit, let the moment take its course and be as purposeful and present as I can be, and yes, just enjoy the moment…”

Wilberg said the local concert would present “something for everyone.”

“There would some classical music, there would be some folk music, and of course, hymns are a big part of what we do…”

According to him, even the songs that Lea would be singing are what they call as both “sacred and secular” as there would be a certain level of spirituality that can be felt from her performance. 

“She’s not singing to your brain. She’s singing to your soul. And every generation would feel that,” Leavitt said of Lea as a performer.

“It’s a great honor for us to be in the Philippines for the first time. And I had to say, the hospitality and warmth of everyone we’ve been in contact with, whether it’s the hotel, those who are involved, the audiences. I think it’s unparalleled in our many world travels… I hope that we somewhat could share all the beauty and warmth that we got from all of you. Thank you very much!” — Photo, videos by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

Manila concludes National Arts Month with 'Obrang Manileño, Bayan'

BY DIANN IVY C. CALUCIN

Feb 27, 2024 10:16 AM 

Photo Courtesy of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila

The local government of Manila will conclude its celebration of National Arts Month with the holding of a day-long activity dubbed as "Obrang Manileño, and "Obra ng Bayan," on Thursday, February 29.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan is inviting the public to join the activities that will be held at the Kartilya ng Katipunan starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday.

She said the whole-day affair will be done under the leadership of the city's Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) headed by Charlie Dungo and the Liga ng mga Barangay-Manila under its president, Councilor Lei Lacuna. 

Various forms of art will be featured during the event, including the "Tintang Manileno" tattoo artists; "LaraJuan" photography; "Guhit Pinta" paint artists; "Cine Kartilya" films and "Sayawit" song and dance performances.

"Inaanyayahan ko po kayo, kung wala kayong gagawin,  buong araw ito bilang pagtatapos ng arts month.  Iba't-ibang medium of art ang  inyong matutunghayan (I invite you, this is a whole day event as we end the arts month. You can enjoy different mediums of art)," the mayor said.

"Marami tayong magagaling sa Maynila na gumagawa ng obra na nagta-tattoo. Para maalis na din ang stigma na ang tattoo ay masama.  Actually, it is also a form of art at maraming Manileños ang magaling mag-tattoo (We have a lot of talented people in Manila who do tattoo works. We have to get rid of the stigma that tattoos are bad. Actually, it is also a form of art and many Manileños are good at tattooing)," she said.

Councilor Lei said "Makiindak sa musikang dala ng Sayawit, maantig sa pelikulang handog ng Cine Kartilya, magpinta nang malaya sa Guhit Pinta, ipakita ang husay sa pagpitik sa LaraJuan at tunghayan ang ibat ibang kulay sa Tintang Manileno (Let's dance to the music of Sayawit, be moved by the film offered by Cine Kartilya, paint freely in Guhit Pinta, show your flicking skills in LaraJuan, and explore different colors in Tintang Manileno)."

PBBM's compassion for senior citizens on full display with new law, says Tulfo

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

  

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AT A GLANCE

• President Marcos' signing into law Monday, Feb. 26 of the Expanded Centenarians Act places on full display his compassion toward elderly Filipinos, says House Deputy Majority Leader ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo. 

ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook, MANILA BULLETIN) President Marcos' signing into law Monday, Feb. 26 of the Expanded Centenarians Act places on full display his compassion toward elderly Filipinos. 

Thus, said House Deputy Majority Leader ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, who was one of the many celebrators following the enactment of Republic Act (RA) No.11982. 

Under the new law, senior citizens will soon be getting a P10,000 cash gift upon reaching the age of 80 and every five years thereafter (85, 90), until the age of 95. 

Upon reaching 100 years old, the beneficiary will still receive the P100,000 bonanza that's in the original language of the bill. 

“This goes to show na talagang may malasakit ang ating pamahalaan sa mga kababayan nating senior citizens. Maraming salamat po sa ating Pangulo sa pagbibigay importansiya sa mga matatanda nating kababayan,” Tulfo said in a statement. 

(Our government truly has compassion for our senior citizens. Thank you to our President in giving importance to our elderly citizens.) 

Tulfo, along with his fellow ACT-CIS Party-list nominees Reps. Jocelyn Tulfo and Edvic Yap, were co-authors of the newly-signed RA No.11982. 

This new law for seniors expands the coverage of RA No.10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, which entitles Filipinos aged 100 years old to a cash gift of P100,000. 

The law has been pursued by ACT-CIS solons since the precvous 18th Congress in a bid to give additional benefits for senior citizens. RA No.11982 also creates an Elderly Data Management System to identify seniors eligible to avail of the benefits of the law.

The European Union provides €500,000 to assist floods victims in the Philippines

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Feb 27, 2024 09:06 AM

  

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The European Union has allocated €500,000 (over 30 million Philippine pesos) in response to widespread flooding and landslides that left large parts of Mindanao inundated since late January. The aid will address the immediate needs of 12,000 people in some of the worst-hit, isolated areas in the southern region. 

"A series of unexpected heavy rainfall caused thousands of families in Mindanao to lose their homes, livelihoods and belongings," said EU Ambassador Luc Véron. "The EU funding will support our humanitarian partners in delivering crucial assistance to the most vulnerable, ensuring they can cover their basic needs in this time of crisis."

The assistance will help EU humanitarian partners already on the ground to deliver vital aid to those most in need. The aid will focus on providing emergency food and livelihood support, as well as ensuring affected families have access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and education.