The government, through the Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC), is considering a possible alliance with hospitals and universities to develop tropical medicines that could help lower the cost of pharmaceutical products in the country.
Secretary Roberto M. Pagdanganan, PITC president and chairman, said "the expertise of hospitals and universities will help the government in the research and development of cheaper but quality medicines. If we are able to produce our own medicines, treatment packages for various ailments like tuberculosis will be drastically reduced."
Lung Center of the Philippines Director Dr. Juanito Rubio said that while TB is curable, "around two million Filipinos die of the contagious respiratory disease every year because of the absence or insufficient treatment. The cost of treating TB ranges between P300,000 to P500,000 a year," he said.
The PITC, which aims to reduce the cost of medicines by half by year 2010, in partnership with local drug manufacturers, is also negotiating with foreign companies for the production of tropical medicines, particularly for TB and medicines that are already off-patent. (Christina I. Hermoso)
Quezon City ordinance to ban sale of toy guns
An ordinance banning the manufacture, sale, and use of toy guns will be filed by a Quezon City councilor to promote the health and safety and preserve the comfort and convenience of residents, notably minors.
Authored by Councilor Elizabeth "Tita Beth’’ Delarmente, the proposed measure covers plastic pellets used as ammunition.
Delarmente cited Section 16 of Republic Act (RA) 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, which provides that "within their respective jurisdiction, local government units shall ensure and support, among others, health, safety, and comfort of inhabitants.’’
Once approved, vendors of toy guns will be responsible for its disposition.
Section 1 of the proposed measure prohibits the manufacture, selling, and use and purchase and or display of plastic toy guns and pellets as ammunition within Quezon City.
Violators, as gleaned in the measure, shall be penalized by payment of fines and imprisonment.
Delarmente’s proposed ordinance noted that toy guns harm users, notably the youth, who are engaged in war games. (Sel A. Baysa)
Uprooted ‘grass’ burned
CAMP PRESIDENT ELPIDIO QUIRINO, Bulag, Bantay, Ilocos Sur — Local officials and PNP officers headed by Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson and Chief Supt. Alfredo de Vera burned the other day
R16 million worth of marijuana plants uprooted at the boundary of Alilem, Ilocos Sur and Bakun, Benguet.
Presidential Assistant for North Luzon Dr. Enrie A. Mendoza said that the burning of the uprooted marijuana was done inside the PNP headquarters here, witnessed by local and police officers, and some members of the media based here.
The uprooting of the marijuana was a joint initiative by the Ilocos Sur police under Senior Supt. George Regis and the Ilocos Sur Provincial Anti-Drug Association (ISPADA) headed by Senior Board Member Ronald Singson. (Mar T. Supnad)
Senate seen as barrier to training agreement
SYDNEY, Australia (AFP) — Australia said Sunday the Philippines Senate could pose an obstacle to a troop training agreement being negotiated between the two countries.
Defense Minister Robert Hill said he expected details of a counter-terrorism training agreement to be finalized by the end of 2005.
"Then, it will need approval of the Philippine Senate, which might be quite challenging," Hill told Channel Nine television.
The countries are negotiating a "status-of-forces" agreement similiar to that already in place between Manila and Washington, which overcomes constitutional constraints on foreign soldiers’ participation in training exercises on Philippines’ soil.
Hill said Australia wanted to help Philippines forces contain Muslim extremists in the country’s south.
"We think it is in our interest to help the Philippines more effectively meet the threat of terrorism in Mindanao and other parts of southern Philippines because we believe that that is not only a threat to them but also a threat to us," he said.
