We Cannot Afford The Buyout

The government wants to buy out the Metro Manila Line 3 (MRT) to take over its operation. Their target date is First quarter of this year. But it is impossible if they do that because as of now they had a complaint from Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC). This company filed a suit in arbitration tribunal in Singapore against the Philippine government for throwing all of their rights. The government signed the 1999 BLT agreement that the MRTC. MRTC private shareholders has the right to operate the MRT and they have also a right to choose contractor for the train development.questioning the government: why they gave a contract to Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co.? Without any proper consultation on their side; but Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya that said that they are not worried, they are very confident that the buyout will happen.

Your baby’s precious CORD blood can save his precious life

As mothers, you will do anything for your child.  Even way before they are brought into this world, your instincts kick in and you tirelessly worry about your baby.  You want to learn everything there is to learn and more importantly, you want to protect them from anything and everything that can harm them be it the common cold or a fever; and if you had your way, you would gladly get sick for your child.  And your anxiety is not without reason, since there are many childhood diseases that can be harmful or even fatal to children. 

Mobilizing to Improve Healthcare Systems in Rural Areas

First Row, L-R: Asec Gerardo Bayugo, ZFF BOT Daniel Zuellig, ZFF President Ernesto Garilao, ZFF Chairman Roberto Romulo, ZFF BOT Reiner Gloor, ZFF BOT Kasigod Jamias, ZFF BOT David Zuellig, ZFF BOT Dr. Esperanza Cabral

Second Row, L-R:  Hinatuan Mayor Candelario Viola, Magsaysay Mayor Rommel Dela Torre, Cataingan Mayor Wilton Kho, Mandaon Mayor Kristine Salve Hao, Matuguinao Mayor Melissa Dela Cruz, Tinambac Mayor Ruel Velarde, Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo Coro II, San Fernando Mayor Eugenio Lagasca, Jr.

Weak health systems, poor health-seeking behavior, absence of adequate road infrastructure, and lack of transportation facilities prevent Filipinos living in rural communities from accessing quality healthcare services, according to eight municipality mayors from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).

In a colloquium hosted by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) titled "Bridging Social and Health Inequities: The GIDA Experience," the mayors who also stand as their respective municipality's health leaders shared health challenges experienced by GIDA residents, as well as the reforms implemented to address those health gaps with the help of their local communities and ZFF.

Bid or No Bid

 The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has declared a failure of bidding for the P2.2-billion maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) after no bidders showed up.

MRT-3 and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) spokesman Hernando Cabrera said the government is now reviewing the terms of reference of the three-year maintenance contract due to the issues raised by prospective bidders.