Latest news with #JoyBelmonte
GMA Network
a day ago
- General
- GMA Network
Wanna learn Japanese? The Quezon City Public Library has free online classes
Did anybody say Konnichiwa? The Quezon City Public Library (QCPL) is once again offering free online Japanese language classes beginning on June 19. According to a press statement, the classes are designed for beginners and cover basic grammar, vocabulary, everyday greetings, as well as the basics of writing systems Katana and Hiragana. Classes will be led by instructors and trained volunteers from Jellyfish Education Philippines, Inc., which is QCPL's official partner since the program's launch in 2019. 'The QCPL's Free Online Language Class opens doors of opportunity for every QCitizen—reminding us that in Quezon City, learning knows no limits, and progress begins with knowledge,' QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said in the statement. The classes are free of charge but are limited to the first 500 participants. Interested parties must register through the Facebook page of QCPL. Once registered, they will receive a confirmation email. They must confirm their attendance within 24 hours otherwise, their slot will be given to the waitlisted. Since its 2019 start, the free Japanese language Program has already produced more than 3,500 graduates. It continues to be among the city's most in-demand learning programs. Apart from the two-hour class on June 19, there will be five more rounds of the free Japanese classes this year, according to the QCPL website. — LA, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Health
- GMA Network
QC notes jump in HIV cases after logging 421 from Jan-May 2025
Quezon City on Sunday said it recorded 421 HIV cases from January to May 2025, 7.7% higher compared to the same period last year. In a statement, the Quezon City local government unit (LGU) said there were 391 HIV cases from January to May in 2024. '35% or 149 of those diagnosed with HIV this year are among the Young Key Population or aged between 15-24 years old, 40% of whom are students,' the Quezon City LGU said. The city said 21,000 people took HIV tests from January to May 2025. The LGU added that the 2025 figure is 16.7% higher compared to the same period in 2024, 22.5% more than in 2023, and 60% more than in 2022. 'We are strengthening our testing capacities so that we will be able to find those with HIV and link them to treatment,' Quezon City Epidemiologist Dr. Rolando Cruz said. 'More tests mean more people are aware of their status, and that allows us to respond faster. The first step in fighting any epidemic is information,' he added. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. It can be transmitted through an exchange of body fluids, including blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions. Addressing HIV cases in QC The Quezon City LGU has established several programs to address the increasing cases of HIV in the city of 3.318 million people. This includes the establishment of Social Hygiene and Sundown Clinics in five of its six districts and the opening of the Klinika Talipapa in District 6. These clinics offer free and confidential services such as HIV & AIDS testing, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), counseling, and testing and treatment for other sexually transmitted infections. Klinika Eastwood's 'Drive, Park, and Test' program also allows the public to receive testing from their vehicles. Meanwhile, the Quezon City Service Delivery Network (SDN) refers persons living with HIV (PLHIV) to testing centers and treatment hubs. It is an interconnected system of health facilities, community-based and non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups that helps People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in get the necessary services they need. 'The network supports psychosocial interventions, treatment adherence counseling, and community mobilization, especially in underserved and high-risk populations,' the LGU said. Together with AIDS Support House (HASH), the Quezon City Sangguniang Kabataan launched Hakdaw Kabataan, a program that trains youth leaders to be Community-Based HIV Screening Motivators that raise HIV awareness. 'In 2024, the program trained over 60 young volunteers and tested an impressive 1,940 individuals in the same year,' the Quezon City LGU said. 'With the significant increase of cases among ages 15 to 24, we make sure that all of them are receiving the treatment they need in our city's Social Hygiene Clinics,' Quezon Mayor Joy Belmonte said. Under the 'Bahagi Ka ng Solusyon' campaign, Quezon City residents were also called to actively participate in HIV and AIDS prevention. 'You are not just the most affected, you are also our most powerful weapon. By stepping up, speaking out, and getting tested, you are helping build a healthier, more livable, and stigma-free Quezon City,' Belmonte said. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Philippines' Quezon City bans single-use plastics
The Quezon City government in the Philippines has issued a directive banning disposables and single-use plastics within the City Hall compound and government-run establishments. Effective as of 21 April 2025 through Executive Order No. 3, Series of 2025, the policy covers plastic bags, packaging, cutlery, and containers. The ban includes items such as PET bottles, plastic and paper cups, styrofoam, and disposable dishware. Employees are required to bring reusable eco-bags and containers for purchases made inside and near the compound. Single-use cutlery is also prohibited within the workplace for employees. Visitors may still receive food in disposable packaging, but these must not be brought into the buildings. Food deliveries are allowed, provided that containers are returned to designated recycling booths. Deliveries using plastic packaging are not permitted inside the facilities. The order also reinforces the Quezon City Green Public Procurement Ordinance (SP-3107, S-2021). This ordinance aims to eliminate single-use plastics in city-led events and promote sustainable alternatives. The new policy serves to reinforce existing environmental legislation. To ensure effective and comprehensive rollout of the policy, the Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (CCESD) and the General Services Department (GSD) have conducted orientation sessions. These sessions discussed the policy's provisions and addressed concerns and suggestions of affected concessionaires and stakeholders. Non-compliance by ambulant vendors operating within city premises will result in penalties. City employees and officials found violating the policy may face formal reprimands or memoranda. Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte said: 'Non-biodegradable and single-use plastics take thousands of years to break down, polluting our land and waterways in the process. Studies now show that microplastics have made their way into our food, drinking water, and even our soil, posing serious health risks to our communities. 'Plastic even chokes our marine animals. This is precisely why the city government is pioneering policies and long-term solutions to reduce plastic use and advance sustainability. 'We hope that this policy inspires other government units and private institutions to champion circular economy and sustainability, and to reduce - or avoid - unnecessary plastic waste.' "Philippines' Quezon City bans single-use plastics" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
