The nation joins the rest of the world in commemorating the second Global Day Against Pain tomorrow, Monday, Oct. 17, which aims to draw global attention on the need to address the pain among children with cancer.
With the theme "No Filipino Child Should Be in Pain," the Pain Society of the Philippines (PSP), the local chapter of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), which leads the world observance, will hold various activities, including a walk for a cause from the Museo Pambata to the Rajah Sulayman Plaza, both in Manila, entertainment shows, and a free clinic for consultations dealing with pain in children and adults alike with anesthesiologists, neurologists, rheumatologists, psyciatrists, pediatricians, and other medical experts present.
"The event will be participated in by young cancer patients with their families, PSP members, and other medical societies involved in pain management. We hope to increase public awareness on the different aspects of pain with the objective of improving pain relief in children as we believe that pain relief is a human right," said Dr. Henry U. Lu, president of the PSP.
Lu said it is important "to educate parents, children, and even medical practitioners on the effective methods to lessen pain associated with treatment to minimize potential physical and psychological effects and increase the chances for a successful treatment." (Christina I. Hermoso)
Fake toners, inks seized
Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seized more than R100,000 worth of fake Hewlett Packard (HP) toners and Canon ink cartridges in simultaneous raids of two establishments recently in Zamboanga City.
Agent Joseph Furing of the Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) reported that the raids were conducted following the complaints filed by Canon Kabushiki Kaisha and Hewlett Packard Co.
The IPRD, headed by lawyer Jose Justo Yap, raided the Golden Bell Commercial Inc. located at the Phidco Building on M. Jaldon St., Zamboanga City and Golden Bell Grand Center on Magno St., Zamboanga City.
NBI agents seized 16 units of HP toners and 15 Canon ink cartridges from Golden Bell Commercial Inc. and 11 Canon ink cartridges from Golden Bell Grand Center.
Furing said that before the raid, private investigators from Canon and Hewlett, represented by the Bengzon Negre Untalan Law Firm, conducted surveillance operations and a series of test buys.
On Aug. 4, Furing conducted a confirmatory test buy and surveillance of the two establishments. (Rizal S. Obanil)
2006 town projects bared
STA. CRUZ, Laguna — Three significant community infrastructure projects here will be constructed as 2006 ushers in, this was disclosed by Mayor Dennis Panganiban the other day.
Set for construction in the early part of January 2006 are the Escolapia Building, the transfer outside the town proper of the municipal slaughterhouse, and the conversion of the old market dry goods section into a mall-type two-story building.
The Escolapia Building, when completed, will accommodate other offices of the municipal government which, for the meantime, are using the town hall.
Panganiban, a week ago, conducted a free medical and dental mission, in cooperation with the First Ladies of Laguna and the Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Don Bosco Chapter, and treated more than 5,000 indigent patients who availed themselves of free medicines and free consultations.
The mayor had provided his constituents basic health services, a municipal pharmacy, and assigned health workers who regularly attend to the health needs of the people in the town’s 26 barangays. (Daniel N. Mangaba)
Golez hits police action
Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez condemned yesterday the officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who doused Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. and other political and religious leaders during a rally the other day in Manila.
Guingona and Sen. Jamby Madrigal were among a group of religious and political leaders doused as riot police dispersed anti-government protesters Friday on Mendiola in Manila.
Both were slightly injured when they were doused along with other protesters as they marched near Malacañang.
In a press statement, Golez said, "The PNP officers who hosed should undergo retraining and taught good manners and right conduct and lectured on how to deal with senior citizens of the republic."
The Parañaque solon added, "Their superior officers must accept responsibility. President Arroyo must give a statement whether she condemns, condones, or approves such police action."
