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Media Bureau
August 27, 2008

FREE CATARACT REMOVAL FOR MANILANS

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim signed this morning a memorandum of agreement with Hospital of Infant Jesus (HIJ) in Laon–Laan in Sampaloc; the Ospital ng Tondo; Rotary Club of Manila and Manila Medical Society for the provision of free ophthalmology services, including cataract removal, to the city’s constituents, especially the less fortunate, for a period of one year.

The project will give particular attention to patients coming from the Ospital ng Tondo’s - Out Patient Department (OPD) and emergency room and referrals from hospitals outside Manila in line with the month-long celebration of Sight Saving Month, “Libreng Operasyon at Konsultasyon sa Mata.”

Although Ospital ng Tondo – Out Patient Department (OPD) can admit patients for minor operations right there, major operations shall be done at the HIJ which has the latest technology and facilities. 

Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) president Romeo B. Batino said his group will help source funds for the operation of cataract patients while Hospital of Infant Jesus (HIJ) will provide the Ospital ng Tondo the list of rotating accredited ophthalmology residents and consultants involved in the project.

The project started last 1997 during the second term of Mayor Lim and was resumed last year. The consultation schedules of Ospital ng Tondo – OPD are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 2p.m. to 4p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 8a.m. to 4p.m.

Officials present at the MOA signing were: HIJ president/ CEO Dr. Rolando S. Songco; Dr. Pura Caisip, HIJ director; Dr. Teodoro Martin, Director of Ospital ng Tondo; RCM current president Batino; Manila Medical Society past president, Atty. Leo Olarte, M.D.; former Labor Secretary, Bienvenido Laguesma and Jacinto S. Bautista, project director of RCM Sight Preservation Committee. (Henry Santiago, Manila Media Bureau)

Media Bureau
August 27, 2008

2 NEW “MOBILE” COURTS FOR THE MANILA CITY JAIL

Through the intercession of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, businessman Enrique Razon donated two container vans that had been customized into a judge’s sala for use of the Manila City Jail.

The donation is an offshoot of the successful launch last July 9 of the Justice On Wheels Project of Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno in a bid to decongest the city and municipal jails all over the country with majority of the inmates having overstayed and over-served their sentences because of delays in court trials.

Razon has signed the deed of donation but the actual turnover of the “mobile courts” to the City of Manila with Chief Justice Puno, Mayor Lim and Mr. Razon is slated for next week.

The vans which had been customized with windows and an executive chair for the judge, conference and work tables and chairs for conducting trials are worth P500,000. 

The JOW project is designed to declog the Manila City Jail and other holding facilities in the country through swifter dispensation of justice to inmates, releasing those 70 years old or more and those whose cases have been pending beyond the prescribed period of penalty for their offenses. 

The JOW was also launched at the Manila Youth Reception Center and will be operating in the City of Manila for the next three months after which it will do the rounds of other city and municipal jails of the country. 

The Manila City Jail holds 4,602 male inmates of which 268 are Muslims (when its capacity is only 2,500) and 912 female inmates (when the capacity is only 30 female inmates).

Puno asked the judges to speed up the trial of cases because inmates who stay longer at the detention centers become “victims of injustice,” a view which Mayor Lim deeply shares since speedy justice is one of his priority agenda. (By; Manila Media Bureau)

Media Bureau
August 23, 2008

LIM LAUNCHES PHASE 1 OF EXPANDED BAY CLEAN UP

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning launched Phase 1 of the Expanded Manila Bay Clean Up project, a collaboration of the City of Manila with Land Bank of the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the 101st Squadron of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Manila Yatch Club.

The program launched at the catch basin near the United States Embassy is aimed at ensuring the sustainability of cleaning up and protecting the Manila Bay.

Together with Gilda Pico, president/CEO of Land Bank, the Mayor signed the Memorandum of Agreement to carry out Phase 1 of the project together with partners namely the DENR, PCG and Manila Yatch Club.

The Mayor thanked Land Bank for its initiative to start the bay clean up, which though tirelessly being undertaken by the City of Manila early each morning, ends up being mired with debris and trash of all kinds within the day.

"Kaya nga po nandiyan ang mga track ng basura sa umaga sa pangunguna ni Col. Carlos Baltazar, na siyang hepe ng Department of Public Services (DPS), 3 track po ang nahahakot na basura dito araw-araw, ang mga taga DPS ay nandito para hakutin ang mga basura na nagkalat, hindi lamang dito nanggagaling ang mga dumi o basura kundi sa iba pang karatig lugar, mabuti na lamang at mayroon tayong mga mababait at ginintuang puso at tunay na nagmamalasakit sa Lungsod ng Maynila," the Mayor said. (Everyday three tracks from the Manila Department of Public Service, headed by retired Col. Carlos Baltazar, are here to collect the trash from the bay that was removed by his employees. And we do this without much funfare. It's a good thing that the City of Manila has allies like Land Bank to help us in these efforts).

"Sana po itong ginagawa ni president Pico ay pamarisan ng iba pang bangko na naririto sa Ermita, na sila ring apektado sa kagandahan ng Baywalk at Manila Bay.Kung kayo ay dumadaan dito sa Baywalk mapapansin po ninyo, pinipilit naming pagandahin ang Baywalk. Iyan pong seawall kung mapapansin ninyo ay nilagyan namin ng mga lighting para naman maging maliwanag at maganda ang Baywalk. Yan po ang mga ginagawa namin para mapaganda at lalong mapaliwanag ang kagandahan ng nasabing lugar," the Mayor added. (I hope that the initiative of president Pico will be matched by all other bank locators in Ermita so that we can enhance the beauty of Baywalk. As you notice we have added lighting to the seawall to add beauty to the place.)

The Manila Yatch Club helps us with the clean-up while the funds for gasoline will be provided by LandBank of the Philippines for the daily haul of our tracks. As you know everything involves costs and we are fortunate to have a lot of supporters for our projects. In return for Land Bank's support, all the accounts of Manila are placed in Land Bank to help it expand its operations.

The Mayor enjoined all the citizens to clean the surroundings as this will affect everyone's health at the same time making the place attractive to foreign and local tourists when they see the Baywalk clean and pleasing to the eyes.

"Right now we are in the process of starting clean-up of Ermita, Malate, Vito Cruz and the boundaries of Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue and P. Burgos, which are teeming with sidewalk vendors," the Mayor said.

"We can not wage an all out campaign against vendors as this is their livelihood and we do not have jobs to give to them if we ask them to leave at the same time. But the point is, they are truly eyesores," the Mayor added.

"If you go to other countries, you will not find vendors in their sidewalks, which is what I want to do in Manila. But I expect resistance and I told my people not to go hard on the vendors yet. I hope that other offices in Ermita-Malate will follow the example of LPB president Pico by helping the city with its problems of providing livelihood," the Mayor said.

He asked the nearby residents to properly dispose their garbage and to keep their surroundings clean, especially the Baywalk for a beautiful environment.

The other signatories to the MOA were: Erlinda Gonzales, OIC of the DENR Manila Bay River Basin; Joseph Dy, Squadron Commander of the 101st PCG Auxilliary; Commodore Valerio Tyron Kalaw of the Manila Yatch Club, Corazon Davis and DENR Regional Executive Director. DPS Chief retired Col.. Baltazar witnessed the signing. (By Jenny Berenguer, Manila Media Bureau)


Media Bureau
August 23, 2008

CITY HALL RESPONDS TO A SENIOR CITIZEN’S COMPLAINT

A short item that appeared last month in the column of retired Gen. Ramon Farolan in a major daily elicited an immediate action from Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, who ordered the City Hall Legal Office to look into the complaint.

On orders of Mayor Lim, City Legal Officer Atty. Renato de la Cruz wrote the concerned fastfood store of its violations to Republic Act 9257 to RA 9257 ( granting special benefits and privileges to senior citizens).

Soon after Kentucky Fried Chicken at SM City Manila made corrections in its adoption of law. 

Lim then wrote the complainant in Farolan’s column, Benjamin Angeles that “when we inspected the premises a few days thereafter, we found that KFC had complied with what our City Legal Officer demanded in to do.”

“We hope to be of further service to you and the rest of the senior citizens,” the Mayor’s letter to Angeles last July 30, 2008 said.

CLO Atty. De la Cruz, in his letter to KFC SM Manila Branch, that “you have placed a signage at the entrance of your store stating the limitations of the rights of senior citizens who want to enjoy the mandated food discounts which conditions amount to the curtailment of their rights.”

He said that KFC’s grant of 20 percent discount for purchase of P150 or more runs counter to Section 4 of RA 9257 which puts “no limit of purchase to avail the 20 percent discount.”

He also said KFC treats senior citizens “as second rate patrons as you do not have separate or priority counter for them.”

Under the law, you should provide a separate or priority lane for senior citizens so that they can be prioritized in paying for their orders as a manifestation of respect to the elderly and in compliance with their rights mandated under Section 4.

De la Cruz asked KFC to desist from pursuing these violations within 24 hours from receipt of his letter by removing the signage and replacing it with one that prominently specifies the rights of senior citizens.

He also asked KFC to provide separate or priority lane for senior citizens and to do away with the filling up of forms and eliminating purchase limits in availing of the 20 percent discount.(By: Manila Media Bureau)

Media Bureau
August 22, 2008

LIM HONORS DEAD THOMASITES IN NORTH CEMETERY

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney jointly paid tribute to the 61 Thomasites, or the first American teachers dispatched to the Philippines during the American occupation to teach Filipinos the English language and American culture and civilization.

After laying a wreath to the buried Thomasites in North Cemetery on the occasion of their 107th death anniversary, the Mayor lamented how “despite the commitment and patience to communicate to a people who knew no English and their difficulty to adjust to a humid climate, the Thomasites’ presence in the Philippines was downgraded by American politicians in their country claiming that the predominant language used then was Spanish.”

“Politicians are the same all over the world. Perhaps they did not know what they were talking about because the Philippines became known as the only English speaking country in Southeast Asia, not Spanish speaking and this success can be attributed to the sacrifices of the 61 Thomasites (of 540 who came in by a cattle boat that was then named Thomas),” the Mayor said.

Not only did the Thomasites succeed in teaching the English language to the Filipinos but also a deep love for American culture, products and tradition, the Mayor said.

He lamented though that the current English speaking skills “have fallen below expectation” which is the Mayor said he ordered Manila School Superintendent Dra. Maria Luisa Quiñones to emphasize on the teaching of English so that the Philippines will regain its reputed proficiency in the English language.

“Let us remember the good things and forget about the bad things. Better to be positive than negative,” the Mayor stressed

Aside from Mayor Lim and Ambassador Kenny, present at the North Cemetery Thursday were National Historical Institute Executive Director Ludovico Badoy; Gemma Cruz-Araneta, OIC of the Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau; Dra. Quiñones; Msgr. Jesus Norriel Bandojo, parish priest of San Roque Parish in Blumentritt; Philippine Navy Capt. Wilfredo Landicho and teachers and high school students from the Manuel L. Quezon; Felipe Calderon; Abad Santos; Torres; Ramon Magsaysay and Esteban Abada. (By Jenny Berenguer, Manila Media Bureau) 



Media Bureau
AUGUST 21, 2008

LIM HONORS NINOY AQUINO

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning led city officials in paying honor to the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.. at his 25th death anniversary calling him a hero like Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini and many more who have shed their lives for the country.

The Mayor said most of the students assembled for the wreath laying ceremonies “may not even be aware of the sacrifices that Ninoy Aquino went through for our country.”

“People die everyday and we just let it go like that, but there are certain deaths which place a mark on the minds and hearts of our people as the death of Senator Ninoy Aquino,” the Mayor stressed.

Ninoys hardships under the Marcos dictatorship and his unrelenting advocacy for good, clean and honest government that led to his death showed us that the Filipino is worth dying for, he added.

Lim laid a wreath at the Ninoy Aquino monument along Bonifacio Drive in Intramuros which was attended by the late Senator’s son, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino; Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, National Historical Institute Chairman Ambeth R. Ocampo, NHI Executive Director Ludovico Badoy; former Senator Heherson Alvarez, secretary of Ninoy Aquino Movement-SERVE; Ramon Pedrosa of the August Twenty One Movement (ATOM); descendant Len Len Aquino Oreta; Christopher Carrion of EDSA People Power Commission; Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila president Atty.Adel Tamano; Councilor Lou Veloso

Gemma Cruz Araneta, OIC of the Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau; the department heads, school superintendents and students from Araullo High School; Manila Science High School, PLM and CCM and city employees.

Aquino was a leading oppositionist who was assassinated at the Manila International Airport (now named after him) upon his return to Manila from the United States . His death catapulted his widow, Corazon Aquino, to the presidency, replacing Marcos. (By Jenny Berenguer, Manila Media Bureau) 




Media Bureau
August 21, 2008

LIM LIGHTS UP PLAZA MORIONES IN TONDO

As part of his goal to ensure peace and order and provide open parks for recreation of Manila residents, Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led city officials in switching on the newly-installed lights at Plaza Moriones in Tondo to serve as recreational center.

"Ang amin pong ginagawa ay ilawan ang mga public plazas para sa gabi ang ating mga anak, apo, pamangkin at asawa ay may lugar na mapagpapasyalan na maliwanag at magandang tingnan ang kapaligiran, dahil alam po ninyo pag madilim ang isang lugar nandiyan po ang mga mangilan ngilan na walang iniisip kung hindi maghasik ng kaguluhan at labagin ang katahimikan. Kaya po itong mga ilaw na ito ay makakatulong para sa kaayusan at kapayapaan ng ating lugar," the Mayor said. (What we are doing is lighting up public plazas so at night our children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews and wives will have a peaceful and beautiful place to go to for relaxation and socializing. As you know a dark place is conducive for criminals to prey on innocent people).

This is just the start. We have programmed to light up all streets, thoroughfares, including the entire stretch leading to North Harbor and all children's parks. We will be adding more playground equipment here because right across at Mary Johnston Hospital and Plaza Morga you already have a playground, the Mayor told hundreds of residents assembled to witness the lighting.

He said that at Plaza Morga he will put up the monument of Gen. Mariano Sakay, a hero who also shed his life for the country but whom no one remembers. 

The Mayor said he has asked City School Superintendent Dra. Ma. Lourdes Quiñones to require all city schools and the two tertiary schools--- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and City College of Manila—to require the teaching of the lives of Filipino heroes "so that the students will always remember their contribution to our country."

Last March, the Mayor lit up Plaza Dilao in Paco and prior to that the Jones Bridge and the entire stretch of C.M. Recto to Carriedo as part of his drive to flush out criminal elements from the city and make them easy catch for the police. .

Accompanying the Mayor at Plaza Moriones were: City Administrator Jesus Jay Marzan, Chief of Staff Ricardo de Guzman, City Engineer Armand Andres and Barangay Chairman and kagawads of Tondo. (By Jenny Berenguer, Manila Media Bureau) 




Media Bureau
August 21, 2008

LIM TELLS UAP TO HELP RESTORE MANILA’S OLD GLORY 

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim reiterated Wednesday night his appeal to the country’s architects to help the city and the National Historical Institute preserve and restore Manila’s “old glory” in its historical sites and structures “that are crying out for attention and resurrection.”

In his keynote address before the joint induction of officers/turnover ceremony of the United Architects of the Philippines District B-2 at the Manila Pavilion Hotel, the Mayor said “preserving historical sites is preserving the best parts of our history and heritage.”

“Please help me teach the younger generations to appreciate Manila ’s old glory and structures and not to look at them as old, decrepit buildings. Every chipped portion of an old building, the cobblestone walkways, the green moss between bricks are all silent witnesses to our rich history,” the Mayor said.

He said that no less than Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe has called architecture “frozen music.” And as Ernest Dimnet said: “of all the arts, it is the one which acts the most slowly but the most surely on the soul,” the Mayor stressed.

“We simply can not have a world without architects,” he added.

He said the challenge to UAP’s 24,000 members is to “build edifices that capture the essence, beauty and character of the Filipino. Now is the time to leave the mark of the Filipino in public works and facilities. If you are able to do this, then truly the Filipino has arrived.”

He cited notable Filipino architects like Juan Nakpil, national artist for architecture; Leandro V. Locsin, who helped shape modern Filipino architecture; Pablo Antonio, Juan Arellano, Bobby Manosa, Carlos A. Santos-Viola who built churches all over the country and Jose de Ocampo, who designed the Antipolo Church.

With a membership of 24,000, I would say that if you are evenly distributed in over 7,000 islands of the country, we would at least have three architects per island. With that kind of configuration, we should have the most ultra modern skyline in Asia , he said.

He said that nothing is more beautiful than “awe inspiring structures that reflect the vivacity, the warmth, the prestige, dignity and beauty of the Filipino.” (By: Manila Media Bureau)



Media Bureau
August 20, 2008


CITY HALL BANS “DISTRACTIVE” ACTIVITIES FOR 4 SUNDAYS OF SEPTEMBER ALONG TAFT AVENUE 



The City of Manila asked the owners of bars, restaurants and fastfood chains along Taft Avenue, fronting De La Salle University (DLSU), from engaging in “distractive activities” and playing loud music during the conduct of bar examinations on the four Sundays of September 2008.

Responding to the letter of Supreme Court Deputy Clerk of Court and Bar Confidant Ma. Cristina B. Layusa to Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Rafaelito Garayblas wrote the owners/operators of all restaurants, eateries, boarding houses and concerned business establishments enjoining them “from allowing school groups, fraternities and those involved in the bar operations from holding activities and gatherings, partying, playing loud music and engaging in drinking sprees in front of your establishments or parking spaces.”

“Strict compliance hereof is, therefore, enjoined and any violation shall be a ground for the revocation of your permits,” Garayblas said.

Layusa recalled her previous year’s requests which Mayor Lim granted by ordering the strict prohibition of such distractive activities near DLSU where the bar exams were held for four Sundays of September.

“Likewise for the past years, the portion of Taft Avenue, particularly the stretch of Quirino to Vito Cruz, has been closed to traffic, per approval of the MMDA. Despite this, its southbound area, specifically fronting McDonald’s Taft under the LRT station, has always been utilized by school groups and fraternities as send-off sites for bar examinees,” Layusa told the Mayor.

Often, she added, said school groups and fraternities put up tents and park vans/trucks in said area obstructing the gates of DLSU and delaying the entry of bar examinees and court and bar personnel.

“In this regard, may we request that no permits to occupy said area be given to said school groups and fraternities,” Layusa said.

She also sought the Mayor’s help to stop the “Oblation Run” conducted by the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity every last Sunday of the bar examinations. “We have received numerous complaints not only from the bar examinees but also from their parents and guests as regards the unnecessary noise and obscenity of the said oblation run,” she added.

Garayblas gave notices of such prohibition to business establishments to Director Nelson Alivio of the Bureau of Permits and to Gen. Roberto Rosales, Director of the Manila Police District.




Media Bureau
August 19, 2008


MANILA CELEBRATES LUNG MONTH

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led city officials and residents of Tondo in celebrating the Lung Month, particularly reminding all those present to take care of their bodies, through proper nutrition, so that the tuberculosis virus will not affect them. 

"It is important for us to keep in shape. How can we take care of our children if we are sick. How can we be productive if we are afflicted with tuberculosis," the Mayor told hundreds of residents assembled at the Sto. Nino de Tondo Medical and Indigency Center Inc. this morning.

The Mayor said Manila residents can readily seek medical attention, hospitalization and even free medicines from any of the four city-run hospitals and 49 health centers. "We have very good doctors and nurses to take care of you there," he said.

Present at the Launch of the Lung Month Celebration are Dr. Michael Voniatis and Dr. Katsunori Osuga, WHOʼs Representatives; Dr. Rosalind Vianzon, National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) Manager, Department of Health; Dra. Marie Lorraine Sanchez, OIC City Health Officer. The program was sponsored by Research Institute of Tuberculosis (RIT) and Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association (JATA). 

TB, though a highly contagious virus that can be spread through coughing and sneezing, can be treated with current medicines, which the Mayor said is available for free to the indigent residents of the city.

It can affect anyone, child or adult, especially those with weak immune system. Prolonged exposure to untreated TB sufferer exposes one to infection. The symptoms of TB are: low grade fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough, although some people may not have visible symptoms.

TB patients are advised to cover their mouths and noses when coughing and to take all the TB medicines diligently as prescribed by physicians, or their affliction will not be eliminated. (By Jenny Berenguer, Manila Media Bureau)




Media Bureau
August 16, 2008


LIM LAUNCHES LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM FOR TAYUMAN 

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim launched Friday a skills training center to train student residents of Tayuman, Tondo who dislike going through formal college education but want to acquire technical skills needed to get employed or start their own businesses in the future.

The launch of the courses to be offered in the center was held at the Capulong covered court in Barangay 151 of Tayuman, District II of Tondo, and was attended by Roland Lim, Chief Manila Barangay Bureau; Fely E. Onanad, OIC Manila Manpower Development Center; Norberto Manalad, Barangay Chairman of Barangay 151; and a hundred of residents in Capulong, Tondo. The courses offered are hotel and restaurant services; massage therapy; curtain making; throw pillow making; cooking & food processing; baking, beauty culture. Services that residents can avail of in the center from students undergoing training are free haircut, manicure, pedicure, massage and hair spa.

A project of Manila Department of Social Welfare OIC Jay de la Fuente, the center will train those who do not want to read books and go through 4 years for a college degree but would still want to acquire skills that they can be productive in and earn from either as employees or mini entrepreneurs, Mayor Lim said. 

The Mayor said that despite increasing the budgets of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and City College of Manila each year of P50 million, “the reality is that not all young people want to read a book and go to college. That is why I opened the Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Technical Vocational School at Barrio Magsaysay, Tondo in coordination with the TESDA and I am now opening this center for young residents of Tayuman.

“Some people just want to acquire skills and start their business repairing appliances or electronic gadgets, massage therapy, dressmaking, tailoring and even cooking,” the Mayor stressed.

He said the Manila DSW also provides interest-free loans of P1,000 to P5,000 for those wanting to put up their small businesses in the city so that people can make ends meet especially when the economy is bad.

“We also provide free hospitalization, medical care and medicines to city residents because we believe that this will be a great help to our constituents,” the Mayor said.

“We are giving you the services and governance that you pay for. After all, your taxes help us fund these services that other people need. That is what public service is all about,” the Mayor said. 

The Mayor also said that Cong. Benjamin “Atong” Asilo has asked his permission to put up a building in the plaza near Pritil Street, where a health center and mini city hall can better serve the residents. “There are doctors, nurses and other health workers there to attend to you next week. You can also get your birth certificates, cedula and other important documents right there, instead of queuing at City Hall,” he said. (By Jenny Berenguer, Manila Media Bureau)


Media Bureau
August 15, 2008

DON’T SMOKE, LIM TELLS STUDENTS


Don’t smoke. Smoking is a silent poison that can lead to slow death.” 

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim gave these stark reminders to students and the youth at the launch this morning of the “Death Clock” program by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, the City of Manila and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines beside the Park & Ride terminal in Lawton.

The Mayor said even as a student he did not dare learn to smoke because he knew of the perils of this “addictive habit” which “would lead you closer to La Loma and the North and South Cemeteries.”

The program involves an educational campaign using the giant electronic billboards enumerating the ill effects of tobacco and the addictive smoking habit.

Duque for instance said that 240 Filipinos die of smoking related diseases everyday and the government spends at least P118 million treating tobacco users. Put more simply, a Filipino dies from smoking related diseases every 6 minutes.

The Mayor said he is surprised to see a lot more young ladies smoking nowadays as against the males, which used to be the only users of tobacco in his time. He said he gets turned off seeing ladies and women smoking.

He said that campaigns on regulating tobacco use have been part of proposed resolutions during his time at the Philippine Senate, and even in the lower house.

The electronic billboards will be placed at Lawton near City Hall; Mercury Drug in Plaza Miranda, Quiapo; UST, Sampaloc; and in EDSA Guadalupe, Makati City and La Salle Greenhills in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City.

Such campaigns will also be put in electronic billboards in Cebu City; Davao City’ Legazpi City; Sorsogon City; San Jose, Oriental Mindoro; Santiago, Isabela; Baguio City’ Cabadbaran City; Iriga City; Umingan, Pangasinan; Talisayan, Misamis Oriental and other cities and towns of the country. (By Jenny Berenguer, Manila Media Bureau). 



Media Bureau
August 14, 2008



LIM TELLS IBP TO HELP THE POOR GET JUSTICE


Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim today appealed to the members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to help the poor get justice because “we have a number of prisoners who have more than served their sentences, but because of the slow grind of the wheels of justice, they remain behind bars, away from their families 

“Your roster continues to grow every year and that is a good sign that we will not be lacking in good litigators who will help speed up the administration of justice,” the Mayor said.

Represented by retired Sandiganbayan Justice Rodolfo Palattao at the IBP, Mayor Lim said he has earned the monicker “kilabot against criminals” because of his strict adherence to the dictum “the law applies to all, otherwise, none at all.”

He recalled the recent launch of Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno’s “Justice on Wheels” project in Manila aimed at decongesting the jails and detention centers.

"The city needs volunteer lawyers who will selflessly give of themselves to these poor people who are behind bars and who have lost hope in ever seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” the Mayor said.

He urged the lawyers to help the Supreme Court “further oil the wheels of justice so that these will run without a creak and smoothly on the paved road to justice and fairness.. It’s the least that we can do.”

“We can’t idly sit by and let our people suffer. They have suffered long enough,” the Mayor said. 

He said that when he does the rounds of the people in the poorest sections of the city, “I see their blank stares, how much they are lacking in life that they have to risk life and limb just to beg for sustenance.”

“We see people ignoring them. We see children roaming the streets aimlessly. This is because, in most cases, one or both parents are languishing in jail for a felony, most probably theft or robbery,” the Mayor lamented.

He said the poor finds hope in the administration of justice. “They bank their hopes on us legal practitioners to defend them. How can we let them down,” the Mayor quipped.

“Let us find it in our hearts to impart a lesson on fairness and justice. You hold the torch of the truth, you have to keep it burning,” the Mayor concluded.(By:Manila Media Bureau)



Media Bureau
August 13, 2008

CITY HALL CLOSES DOWN ASUNCION MARKET


City Hall of Manila ordered the immediate closure of the Asuncion Market-Asuncion Freshfood Depot Inc. along Zaragosa Street in Tondo, Manila for operating without the necessary Mayor’s Permit, Municipal license for wet and dry private market and for operating without franchise as a private market from the local city council.

The closure order, signed on August 7, 2008 by Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Rafaelito M. Garayblas also cited Asuncion market’s failure to get fire safety inspection certificate, electrical inspection clearance and sanitary permit, aside from not having garbage fee receipts for approximately 200 stalls at P15 per stall.

“Our records show that despite final notice served on August 1, 2008 you have not settled/complied with the above-noted deficiencies,” Garayblas said.

In view thereof, your business establishment is hereby ordered closed effective immediately.

Garayblas issued a memorandum to District Special Project Unit (DSPU) Commanding Officer Col. Alex Gutierrez “to cause the immediate closure of Asuncion Market-Asuncion Freshfood Depot Inc. for failure to secure the necessary permit and license for the operation of their business.”

Asuncion Market sits on 1,841.15 square meters of property owned by Maxima Tinoco de Cruz and previously ran by her company. 

The City of Manila by virtue of Resolution No. 193 authorized her company to operate Asuncion as a public market May 1954. The resolution was signed by then Mayor Arsenio Lacson.

Without informing City Hall, Tinoco de Cruz’ honorary chairman, Angelina Alejandria, entered into a 5-year lease with New Antipolo Entrepreneur Development Corp.’s president Loreto Roque on April 1, 2007 (expiring March 31, 2012). Roque is the second majority shareholder of NAEDC,

For it to operate as a public market under the NAEDC, it has to first secure a city council resolution so it can be given a franchise to operate as such, explained Atty. Renato de la Cruz, City Legal Officer. 


Media Bureau
August 11,  2008

MPD TO LAUNCH LIM DISCIPLINE ZONE 3 BY SEPTEMBER


The Manila Police District will launch its third Lim Discipline Zone before September along the entire stretch of Quezon Boulevard until the boundary at Chinese cemetery in La Loma.

This was reported by Gen. Roberto Rosales, Chief Superintendent of MPD, during the regular Monday department heads and chiefs of offices (DEHECHO) meeting as he urged the department heads to take a look for themselves at the success of the Lim Discipline Zones 1 and 2. 

Rosales said, the policy of zero obstruction is being strictly enforced by the MPD-Philippine National Police in the Lim Discipline Zones 1 where all forms of obstructions like vendors, parked vehicles and other eyesores are removed along the main thoroughfare. Thus, motorists and commuters now have an easy time traveling these areas.

Lim-Discipline Zone 2 program covers the Bonifacio Monument in Divisoria along Claro M. Recto and Discipline Zone 1 is in Tayuman.

Discipline Zone 1 was launched last May 26 while Discipline Zone 2 was launched in July.

Part of the conditions for putting up discipline zones are: the perimeter must be kept clean at all times; operators must be active witnesses to crimes committed near their areas and in cases of pickpocket and snatchings, the business operators must cooperate and report such incidents to the police immediately or they will be asked to leave the area, Rosales said.

“We want to maintain the discipline zones as clean and orderly as possible by involving all the stakeholders to become active partners of City Hall and MPD,” Rosales said.


Media Bureau
August 11,  2008

NO MORE HAWKERS PERMITS FOR MALATE &RECTO AREAS


The Manila Hawkers Office, headed by (ret.) Col. Carlos Baltazar will no longer be issuing any hawkers permits for the Malate- Ermita and C.M. Recto (from Legarda Street to Dagupan) areas to return to the pedestrians the sidewalks that have long been denied them by the vendors.

Baltazar said no vendors will be allowed along the sidewalks and side streets of major thoroughfares. Affected are hundreds of ambulant vendors who sell along the sidewalks and by the sides of the streets.

"Stubborn ambulant vendors (or those using bilaos) who will still insist on selling in these areas even without the proper hawkers tickets will risk having their goods confiscated and face imprisonment for such violation,” Baltazar said.

“My office has given the vendors ample notice about our non-renewal of hawkers permits and if they still will insist on selling in these areas we will not hesitate to apply the law on them,” Baltazar said.

He said he also stopped the issuance of hawkers permits along Recto Avenue since two weeks ago simultaneously with the MMDA sidewalk clearing operations.


Media Bureau
August 8,  2008

MANILA’S LITTLE LEAGUE GIRLS OFF TO MICHIGAN 

The multi-awarded Manila Little League girls softball team left Thursday night for Michigan, USA to compete in the World Championship from August 8 to 17, 2008. The team beat Indonesia for the top slot last July 6 to 12, 2008 at the Philippine Asia Pacific Tournament held at Guanzhou, Peoples Republic of China and prior to that at the Philippine series held at Ayala Alabang Country Club last April 6, 2008 against four teams. 

The team called on Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, who was represented by Chief of Staff Ricardo de Guzman as the Mayor was preparing to leave for the Beijing Olympics.

Bidding the team farewell, de Guzman said the employees and officials of City Hall will pray that you will must exert your best effort to win the game for the country and for your beloved city.

The Mayor, gave the team P20,000 pocket money which was handed by de Guzman to head of delegation, Robert Evangelista.

The Manila Little League players is composed of 14 players (11 from Adamson University, 2 from the University of the East and one from University of Santo Tomas). They will compete in Kalamazoo, Michigan in the Girls Softball World Series against 10 teams from other countries.

The coaches are Filomeno Codiñera Jr., head coach and Ana Maria Santiago, Sheirylou Valenzuela and Cloiene Muyco.

The players are: Maricar Barrientos (shortstop); Felixwinda Custodio (pitcher/outfield); Marissa dela Cruz (shortstop/outfield); Erica Escanuela (pitcher/outfield); Mary Chris Gidalanon (outfield); Anavic Jugos (first base); Melanie Laserna (pitcher/outfield); Nina Jenny Pangilinan (pitcher/outfield); Elma Parohinog (catcher/outfield); Elna Parohinog (second base/outfield); Marjory Respondo (catcher/outfield); Yrrla Jean Rojo (catcher/outfield); Harlyn Joy Tubongbanua (third base) and Genalyn Rose Ytario (pitcher/outfield). (By: Jenny Berenguer)

Media Bureau
August 6,  2008

GOOD GOVERNANCE IS ABOUT GENUINE PUBLIC SERVICE

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning lectured to his student callers from the University of Sto. Tomas and Centro Escolar University about good governance. 

“Ang lahat ng nanunungkulan sa pamahalaan ay sinusunod ang kanyang sinumpaang tungkulin. Andyan lahat nang trabaho, na maglilingkod ng malinis at mahusay, hindi mag-aabuso. Ang iisipin lamang niya ay yung kapakanan ng mamamayan ng lungsod hindi yung pangsarili niyang interes o kaya pampulitikal na interes. Yan ang good governance. Walang corruption at maibibigay ang katahimikan at kapayapaan sa particular na jurisdiction,” the Mayor said. (Those who render government service must abide by the oaths they took to serve in their best capacity, without abusing their position. They must always remember the interest of the public they vowed to serve without corruption and ensuring the peace and security of their respective jurisdictions. That is genuine public service and good governance.)

The Mayor said his current programs just follow through his previous programs during his first term as the head of the city. 

Lim said: “During my first term in 1992, Manila had only one hospital—Ospital ng Maynila. In my second term, I put up three other hospitals—Gat. Andres Bonifacio in Tondo, Ospital ng Tondo and Ospital ng Sampaloc. All these hospitals offer free medical services, operations and medicines to city residents. But we also provide this service even to the indigent non- residents.”

The Mayor said that two more hospitals will be opening soon—before 2010. The first in District 3 and the other in District 6. 

“College education is provided free to students through Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (for scholars) and the City College of Manila, founded in 1995, for average but poor students of Manila,” the Mayor said.

“Pinagpapatuloy ko lang ang mga programang naiwan ko nung first term ko tulad ng kampanya sa droga. Naging successful kami sa pag spray paint ng mga bahay ng mga pusher, noong unang term ko,” the Mayor stressed. (We followed through our programs against drugs which in my first term was successful with spray painting the homes of drug pushers).

“Pati na rin ang kampanya namin sa prostitusyon. Naipasara namin ang 250 nightclubs sa Manila kaya na-save namin yung mga kabataan mula sa probinsiya na inalukan ng trabaho rito sa Maynila ayun pala ay prostitusyon,” he added. (Our campaign against prostitution succeeded in saving children from the provinces who were lured into working in the city without knowing that they were getting into prostitution). (By Jenny Berenguer, Manila Media Bureau)



Media Bureau
August 5,  2008

MAYOR LIM AWARDS EYE GLASSES TO VISION-IMPAIRED STUDENTS


Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning awarded free eyeglasses to 117 vision-impaired schoolchildren of Gen. Maximino Hizon Elementary School along J. Abad Santos Avenue in Tondo.

The glasses, donated by the First Metro Investment Corp., forms the second phase of the company’s efforts to alleviate the vision problems of students from grades 1 to 6, most of whom could not afford to buy a pair for their everyday use. The first phase was last July 3 when the company brought eye experts to conduct check ups and refraction for the students in the same school. “Bigay Liwanag” is the first corporate social responsibility (CSR) project of First Metro Investment Corp.

Though suffering from hoarse voice, Mayor Lim thanked First Metro Investment officials, led by its president Francisco C. Sebastian, for their generous donation, which would help improve the reading capability and the grades of the elementary students.

Many of the students have been suffering from vision impairment and difficulty in reading for over a year. The normal vision is 20-20 but the children’s vision were said to be at 20-40.

An additional 50 pairs of glasses will follow in the next few months, Sebastian said.

Prior to the distribution of glasses, the Mayor told the recipients: “Sana bigyan ninyo ng halaga ang ibibigay sa inyo ng First Metro Investment Corp. dahil malaking tulong ito sa pagbabasa ng libro at paggawa ng homework.” (Give importance to the glasses you are about to receive from First Metro Investment Corp. as it would greatly help you in reading books and doing your homeworks.)

He reiterated his appeal to the students to “magaral, magaral, magaral. Yan ang magiging susi ninyo hanggang sa high school at college.”

School principal Remia Guevarra thanked Mayor Lim for all his assistance to the city-run public schools in giving school supplies and other important items to the students. (By Henry Santiago and Jenny Berenguer, Manila Media Bureau)


Media Bureau
August 5,  2008

LIM HONORS PANFILO O. DOMINGO

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning paid tribute to Panfilo O. Domingo, past chairman of the University of the East, who passed away 40 days ago while undergoing dialysis. He was 83. .

The Mayor called P.O. as a “man of integrity, a rarity in today’s society. Kung buhay lang siya hanggang 2010, gusto ko siya maging kandidato,” the Mayor said. 

“Wala na siyang kamukha sa ating lipunan ngayon. We need people like P.O,” the Mayor said.

The Mayor said P.O. Domingo supported him in every way—morally and emotionally “even when I first ran as Mayor of the City of Manila.”

The Mayor obtained his bachelors in business administration and law from UE’s predecessor, the Philippine College of Commerce and Business Administration, and finished his advanced ROTC courses, which qualified him for higher police and military positions.

The Mayor enjoined the faculty that attended the 40th day rites to “teach the values and virtues that PO Domingo left and impart these to your students so that PO Domingo’s legacy will not disappear.”

Tearful and at the same time suffering from hoarse voice, the Mayor recalled his college years at the PCCBA where he, P.O. Domingo and former Food Minister Jesus Tanchanco became very close as students.

Tanchanco said PO Domingo “singlehandedly saved the University from total ruins.” Tanchanco is now the executive director for marketing of the UE system (which consists of UE Manila, UE Caloocan and UERMMC).

Under P.O. Domingo, the Philippine National Bank—then a wholly-owned government bank—became a world-class bank, Tanchanco said. (By Marilyn Siglos, Manila Media Bureau)

Media Bureau
August 4,  2008

DOH LAUDS MANILA FOR LOW DEATHS ON DENGUE CASES

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III congratulated Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim for the low deaths arising from dengue cases in the city with only 0.2 percent from January 1 to July 19, 2008.

Duque called on Mayor Lim last Friday at City Hall, where he said: “Ako’y natutuwa sa napakababang fatality rate ng dengue cases dito sa maynila, malayo sa average na 1%. Ito’y nagpapakita lamang na well-managed ang inyong departamento.” (I’m so happy to report the low death rates from dengue in the city, which speaks of how well managed your department is).

He said despite the 180% increase in the number of cases from previous years, the City of Manila was able to prevent the recurrence of this deadly disease compared to other cities in Metro Manila like Valenzuela City with dengue cases rising to 560%; Caloocan City, 461%; Quezon City, 300% and Pasay City with 205%.

Duque said Manila’s continuous implementation of 4Ss anti dengue campaign (namely search and destroy, self protection, seek immediate treatment and saying ‘no’ to indiscriminate fogging, intensive information dissemination and regular spraying operation in barangays with clustering of cases) made it succeed in reducing the scourge of dengue in the city.

In turn, Mayor Lim told Duque that health care is another top priority of my administration aside from education and peace and order. “Kaya nga nagkaroon ang maynila ng apat na public hospital na libre ang pagpapamot ng mga pasyente, meron pang itatayong dalawa sa mga susunod na taon.” 

He said the four city-run hospitals give medical attention even to non residents in spite of the city’s P1.4 billion budget deficit.

Duque thanked Mayor Lim for the overwhelming welcome of City Hall to him. “Sa pagbibisita ko sa mga siyudad dito sa Metro Manila, sa Manila City Hall lamang ako nabigyan ng napakainit na pagsalubong, dahil sinalubong pa ako ng banda ng musiko”, Duque added. 

The secretary told Mayor Lim he will help check on DOH’s available funds to help Manila in its health care program. Duque immediately went to visit Barangay 20, Gate 20, Area H in Parola, Tondo. (By Henry Santiago, Manila Media Bureau)


Media Bureau
August 4,  2008

CITY EMPLOYEES TO GET 10% PAY HIKE STARTING JULY

Despite the grouchy weather, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim this morning gave the best news for thousands of City Hall regular employees: The funds to cover for their 10 percent hike beginning July 1 are now ready for release.

“First priority ang salary adjustment kasi nga sa kahirapan ng panahon ngayon, mahal ang mga bilihin. Ayaw naman namin na mangutang pa kayo,” the Mayor told City employees during the regular Monday flag ceremony.

The Mayor said he has signed a lot of notices of adjustment and asked the employees to just follow up their adjustments with their paymasters for the immediate release of their pay adjustments for last month.

He urged the employees to “work your best and you will be given whatever compensation is due you by law or executive orders. “

He stressed that all payments must be made on the 15^th or 30^th of each month.