by magnolia_eic | Apr 18, 2010 | Announcements, National News
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reminds the public to check the validity of their passports and renew them six months before expiry to avoid the hassle of getting a replacement in light of increased passport applications especially during the summer season.
A passport is valid for five years, but airlines and countries require passports with validity of six months prior to the expiry date.
Currently, the DFA charges P950 for regular processing (20 working days) and P1,200 for expedited processing (10 working days). For those applying in the DFA’s regional consular offices (RCOs), another four days is added for transport of the passport booklet from Manila to the RCO.
The DFA also reminds passport applicants to avail of the appointment system to ensure quick and comfortable service. Walk-in applicants are discouraged.
The DFA further reiterates that securing an appointment online is free of charge. It is warning the public against unscrupulous individuals charging applicants P200 fee for securing for them online appointments.
Applicants can check the passport requirements and secure an appointment at www.passport.com.ph or by calling hotline (02) 737-1000. They may also call the DFA helplines at telephone numbers (02) 831-8971, (02) 551-4437, (02) 551-4402, (02) 834-4855 and (02) 834-4424. (PIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | Apr 14, 2010 | Announcements, Headlines, World
Beijing, China — A 6.9-magnitude earthquake has hit the remote province of Qinghai in Northwest China.
Earthquake details:
Magnitude 6.9
Date-Time
* Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 23:49:37 UTC
* Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 07:49:37 AM at epicenter
* Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location: 33.271°N, 96.629°E
Depth: 10 km (6.2 miles) set by location program
Region: SOUTHERN QINGHAI, CHINA
Distances: 240 km (150 miles) NNW of Qamdo, Xizang (Tibet)
375 km (235 miles) SSE of Golmud, Qinghai, China
520 km (325 miles) SSE of Da Qaidam, Qinghai, China
1905 km (1190 miles) WSW of BEIJING, Beijing, China
Location Uncertainty horizontal: +/- 6.6 km (4.1 miles); depth fixed by location program
Parameters: NST= 73, Nph= 73, Dmin=654.4 km, Rmss=1 sec, Gp= 50°,
M-type=teleseismic moment magnitude (Mw), Version=7
Source
* USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
Click here for more updates on earthquakes from the USGS
by magnolia_eic | Apr 13, 2010 | Announcements, Headlines, Health and Medicine, National News
HEALTH Secretary Esperanza Cabral reiterated on Monday that all drugstores and hospital pharmacies should comply with the Government-Mediated Access Price (GMAP) program of the government to help ease the burden of the poor in accessing medicines.
In August 2009, the DOH through its regional Centers for Health Development and in coordination with various agencies and institutions, implemented the first round of GMAP and the Maximum Drug Retail Price (MDRP).
On March 31, another set of 98 products were offered for price cuts under the GMAP initiative by eleven (11) manufacturing firms.
Penalties imposed on violators are based on Republic Act No. 9502 (Cheaper Medicines Law) and its Implementing Rules & Regulations.
As of April 6, 123 drug retail outlets and hospital pharmacies in Metro Manila (78 drugstores and pharmacies) and other regions (45) were found to have violated the MDRP and GMAP since their implementation in August last year. As a consequence, these outlets have already been issued Cease and Desist Orders. Administrative fines ranging from P1,000-P50,000 per drug violation for the GMAP and MDRP have been imposed. Repeated violations of the GMAP and the MDRP can incur penalties of as much as P50,000-P5,000,000 with accompanying suspension or revocation of their Licenses to Operate, depending on the gravity and extent of the violation. (PIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | Apr 13, 2010 | Announcements, National News, World
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal Arroyo left Monday for Washington D.C. to join 43 other world leaders attending the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) hosted by the United States government.
Under the invitation of U.S. President Barack Obama, President Arroyo and the 43 other Heads of State will sit down for the two-day summit to discuss the threat posed by illegal diversion of nuclear materials and to develop steps to secure vulnerable nuclear materials; combat nuclear smuggling; and deter, detect and disrupt attempts at nuclear terrorism.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said the group will also focus on “promoting nuclear security at the national, regional and global levels.”
The Philippines is a staunch supporter of global efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism with millions of Filipinos living and working in many parts of the world.
The NSS comes ahead of the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference which the Philippines will preside at the United Nations headquarters in New York in May. (PIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | Apr 13, 2010 | Announcements, Health and Medicine, World
Washington — A study released Monday, has shown that certain food combinations, such as fish, fruit, and nuts are linked to a reduced risk of contracting the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, published in the online edition of the journal, Archives of Neurology, also found a link between a decrease in the risk of Alzheimers to fewer consumption of high-fat dairy products, red meats, organ meats and butter.
Click here for full article
by magnolia_eic | Apr 13, 2010 | Announcements, Election 2010, Headlines, National News
Manila, Philippines — Speaker Prospero Nograles has confirmed plans of bolting the Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats coalition for a possible alliance with Presidentiable Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party.
Nograles is running for mayor in Davao City against Vice mayor Sara Duterte, daughter of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
An source from Philippine Daily Inquirer who asked not to be named said he saw orange t-shirts inside the Nograles’ residence last Saturday.
Nograles considers the Nacionalista Party as a “viable option” who could end the spate of killings in the province.
Click here for full article from Inquirer.net
