Issues of the day

Safety at Construction Sites

By now, the accident at the Eton building construction site in Makati is old news. But to the families who lost their loved ones as a result of that accident, the news will never go stale.

I hope that this serves as an eyeopener for all who are in the construction business. Wherever you go in this country, you see buildings and houses being built with hardly enough safety precautions in place. To many, it seems that the reminder posted at the entrance of sites saying “No Hard Hat, No Entry” is enough. But it isn’t!

First off, I don’t think construction workers in this country wear protective clothing while they work. I understand the almost thread-bare shirts because the heat could stifle them if they wear anything thicker, but slippers while they work? What about gloves and proper carrying cases for their tools?

There’s usually netting and mesh all around the construction site, and the ABS-CBN News article about the Makati incident mentions an Eton representative saying that there was mesh around the building and that’s where the unfortunate victims fell on. But the mesh and netting isn’t for catching people is it? Those are not meant for the safety of construction workers. Those are meant to catch falling debris. So yes, it’s a safety net. But it’s not for the workers’ safety, but the safety of passersby and adjacent structures.

If there are laws or regulations about construction work then they need to be reviewed, and implementing guidelines need to be formulated and rolled out. The safety of the workers should be ensured. I don’t think they are paid nearly as much as they should be, so the least that can be done is to lessen the risk they take every time they go to work.

My first Barangay Elections

On Monday, it was my first time to participate in barangay elections as a voter. In years past, I was campaigner and supporter, and precinct tambay during the counting. This year, I was a voter.

I had work that day but I went out on my lunch hour just to vote. I was not going to let this election pass without showing support for my uncle, who ran and won a seat in the council as Barangay Kagawad. Three years ago, I had this to say about the elections. Today, what can I say?

The voting experience was a lot more pleasant than the May 2010 Computerized National Elections. I was in and out of the precinct in ten minutes, maybe even less. Kuya already took note of my voter number at my precinct so I didn’t have to check anything when I got there. I just told the BEI what my number was, they found me quickly and gave me my ballot. It was a bit disturbing though that she noted the precinct number and voter number at the back of the ballot. That doesn’t make the vote anonymous does it? Hmm. Oh well.

I did not vote for a barangay captain because there was only one candidate and I don’t really like him. In fairness, he won an awarded last year for being one of the best in QC, but I don’t know the details of that award. Seems like a lot of people received it too anyway. I know nothing of the criteria. I’ve just never really liked him even before he went ahead and became my uncle’s opponent in the election 3 years ago. It’s sad that no one went up against him, not even my uncle. They say its because he and his people have money, and if you’re not prepared to fight that way, then no campaigning will ensure your win. Sad.

I also heard that money flowed again on the night before Monday’s elections. Despite that, my uncle was able to snag the last post in the council. It’s really disappointing that he was only number 7, but we’ll take that win anytime. It was a clean win. I just hope that eventhough he’ll be the only one there who won’t be from the barangay captain’s roster, that he gets to handle projects and still be able to serve.

(You will notice a barrage of posts from me today, I have a deadline for linking up YESTERDAY and I’m catching up. I hope you read all posts that come up 🙂 )

Free Rice!

I noticed an image that wasn’t rendering properly on my sidebar so I clicked on it to follow the link. It was the banner for FreeRice. The banner probably stopped working when they relaunched the site recently and I never noticed. Goes to show that I don’t regularly visit the advocacy sites that I sport on my sidebar 🙁

So Free Rice is a game site launched by the UN World Food Programme where you can enhance your vocabulary and every correct answer is matched with a donation of a hundred grains of rice. So tonight, I’ve donated 1000 grains for answering 100 questions in a row. Funny how the words I learned today (as in I wasn’t sure what they meant at first) all start with ‘cr.’

crone = hag
cretin = imbecile
crotchety = irritable

Explore around the site and you can see that there’s an option to switch subjects too, I have yet to try that.

I tried looking for the new location of the banners but couldn’t find them, not even from the main WFP website. So I emailed the people behind the website about it. I hope the banners come back soon because it’s one tool we can use to spread the word.

Speaking of spreading the word…

The Breast Cancer Site

October, apart from being the Children’s Month supposedly, is also known as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So pink is hip this month. Click this badge daily to help fund free mammograms. All it costs for you is one click per day 🙂

After clicking at the Breast Cancer site, check out the other links at the top of that page and show your support for other causes too such as Hunger, Child Health, Literacy, and also Rain Forest and Animal Rescue.

I’ve shopped at those stores in the past too and wish I still had the baller IDs I purchased from them years ago.

I’ve spent a few minutes this evening planning my newest blog, a health-themed one. I’ve got a few post topics already but I haven’t gone round to actually writing them and tweaking the template. I definitely have to launch in October though. For that new blog, I’m thinking of just scheduling posts so it would be low maintenance but still get updated regularly. That should have been my strategy for the Newbie Photographer from the beginning too.

So although you’ll be expecting a lot of weight loss related posts on the new blog (maybe even info on the different methods like hCG shots Austin), I’ll also be talking about other things that promote good health and this includes environmental issues and concerns. I’m really excited for this new project and hope it takes off soon. 🙂

Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People!

Received this in my inbox just a few minutes ago, and I would be more than happy to pass along the information 🙂

Click on the photo to get to the Petition page, and add your e-signature.

The sexual trafficking of children and young people is one of the most heinous crimes that exist in the world today. Let us support ECPAT-Philippines, and it’s partners, in their work to put an end to this. ECPAT also works with various organizations to give assistance for victim/survivors of child trafficking.

I worked with ECPAT as a youth volunteer for many many years. When I started to work (after college), my very first job was with one of its partner organizations, the Asia ACTs Against Child Trafficking. It’s wonderful to know that companies like The Body Shop are now supporting local groups in their advocacies. Head to your nearest TBS stores and make your purchase count towards the eradication of sex trafficking of women and children!

Cervical Cancer Vaccine

Video lifted from Pia Magalona’s Multiply site, as a teaser for their campaign to raise awareness of the Cervical Cancer vaccine. Their clothing line FMCC has Laban ni Maria shirts.

Since the availability of an anti-cervical cancer vaccine in the country was announced, I have wanted to avail of the shots. Yesterday, while waiting at the OB-GYN’s clinic, I finally got to ask the doctor’s assistant for info on them. The vaccine is administered in three shots within 6 months of the first one. Each shot costs either PhP3,500 or PhP4,500 depending on the brand. The difference, according to the lady, was that the more expensive one prevents the strain causing genital warts as well, while the other doesn’t.

The cost is considerable, but if you weigh it to the fact that you get protection from cervical cancer, then it does seem worth it. I wonder though, can anyone recommend another hospital or doctor that may be offering the same vaccines at a lower cost?

I could have asked at the Medicard clinic, but they would refer me to another OB-GYN in the same building. I feel a bit disloyal having to go to someone else, haha. SmileSo if you’ve had your shots from a different clinic or doctor at a lower cost than what was quoted here, would you please be so kind as to give me a recommendation? I would appreciate it.

Why is important to get the Cervical Cancer vaccine?

An article from the Mayo Clinic website mentions that in the US alone, 40% of those diagnosed with this disease die. In the Philippines, about a third of those infected do not get well. Cervical Cancer also strikes at any age, could be when a woman is still young and about to start a family.

There are two types of vaccine available, both blocks HPV types 16 and 18 which causes about 70% of cervical cancer cases (source). One of them, Gardasil, also blocks types 6 and 11, which though not associated with Cervical Cancer, are associated with genital warts and mild Pap test abnormalities. I guess this is what the doctor’s assistant was referring to as the more expensive brand and if so, I don’t see anything wrong with going with the one from GSK.

Who should be vaccinated?

Girls as young as 10 years old may already avail of the vaccine. This is recommended so their immune system sets in before the virus and the cancer even has a chance to step in and develop.

I encourage girlfriends to consult their doctor soon, and avail of the cervical cancer vaccine. This can even be our ‘bonding’ activity. Let’s go together, and then do something fun after the shots. Smile

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