SOCIAL MEDIA

Galing Pook Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Local Government Programs for 2022

Wednesday, November 30, 2022


Ten outstanding local governance programs were recognized in the 2022 Galing Pook Awards held at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace last Tuesday, November 22, 2022.





Galing Pook Foundation with its co-presenters SM Prime Holdings Inc., and the DILG-Local Government Academy, and sponsors Cebu Pacific and Airspeed named local government units from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that promote innovation and excellence.


President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended the Galing Pook Foundation for recognizing and incentivizing top performing LGUs. He stressed how strong collaboration between the public and private sector can lead to more meaningful and successful programs that truly benefit the Filipino people.


“The recognition that you give to cities and municipalities inspires them to accelerate their drive towards improvement and it encourages LGUs to adopt practices that make us paragons of excellence in public service. It is necessary for us to underscore the importance of strengthening partnerships between the government and private organizations, such as the Galing Pook Foundation, especially as we bring about meaningful progress in the country.”

Galing Pook Chairperson Mel Sarmiento expressed his gratitude to all the local executives and LGU teams that participated this year: “It’s truly inspiring to see the impact of the work that you do, and I’m sure you’ve brought value to many Filipinos all over the country. Our collaborations bring us closer to realizing our shared vision, na ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino, may simple pero kumportableng buhay.”


The winners of the 2022 Galing Pook Awards were: The Green Wall of Alcala (Alcala, Cagayan); Advancing and Sustaining Good Governance and Community Actions towards Resiliency and Empowerment (Basilan Province); Bataan Public-Private Partnership Programs (Bataan Province);

Balik-Biñan Project: Tourism Development through Heritage Conservation (Biñan City, Laguna); From Black to Green: Fishponds, Eco-Tourism and Full Employment (Brgy. Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal);

Trekking to Unlock Community Ailments and Difficulties (TUCAD) (Goa, Camarines Sur); “I-BIKE” A Program Promoting the Development of the Iloilo City Bike Culture (Iloilo City); Yaru: A Whole-of-Community Approach Towards Disaster Management (Itbayat, Batanes); Libertad Fish Forever Savings Club (Libertad, Antique); and

Basta Piddigueño, AgriHenyo: Consolidated Farm Production System (Piddig, Ilocos Norte).


The 10 winners were chosen from 18 finalists and a record field of 196 applications from different LGUs in the country.


Launched on October 21, 1993, the Galing Pook Awards has recognized 329 LGU programs from 200 LGUs in the country that have been promoted for replication to benefit more communities.
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SM provides learners with environment conducive to learning

More than just an area where students gather to hold classes, a school environment plays a vital role in learners’ cognitive development. Research has shown that with an environment conducive to learning, students increase their attention and focus, and they are more motivated to practice higher-level critical thinking skills.




Adamant to provide students with venues where they can fully hone their skills and knowledge, SM Foundation (SMFI)—the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group—cemented its partnership with the Department of Education (DepED) in 2002 through DepEd’s Adopt-A-School Program.

Through this, SMFI builds SM school buildings in grassroots communities, complete with basic furniture and equipment. More so, SMFI integrates specialized features to each SM school building to address the unique needs of their school recipients—some received rooms dedicated as a guidance office, a clinic, a mini-library, and some even got a water tank and a handwashing facility.

To date, SMFI has turned over more than 100 SM school buildings nationwide with the help of its partners, which share the same aspirations for the Filipino learners and teachers. One of which is the SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) - one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia. Since the project’s inception, over 90 SM school buildings out of the more than 100 were built through the social good collaboration with SM Prime.


Infrastructure for calamity-prone areas


SMFI and SMPH ensure that the SM school buildings incorporate a disaster-resilient design to guarantee the safety of the students, teachers, and other school personnel. Emergency lights at both staircases, and fire and earthquake alarm bells are also installed.

Principal Joji Buelvo, school principal of Basud Elementary School (BES) in Sorsogon City, shared the state of their school community before they accepted the fully furnished SM school building from SMFI and SM Prime in 2021: “Ang aming paaralan ay saksi sa maraming kalamidad. Kaya karamihan ng mga classrooms ay may kalumaan na, ang mga kisame ay malapit na bumagsak—talagang hindi na conducive for learning.”

“But through your [SMFI and SM Prime] donation, our BES learners now have a haven where we can nurture their young minds to be academically-ready and well-rounded members of the community,” Buelvo further expressed.


Addressing classroom shortage




The continuous rapid growth of the country’s population is taking a toll on schools—leaving the students, even the teachers, with overcrowded classrooms which affects learners’ academic performance.

In 2012, the Banisil National High School (BNHS) in General Santos City received its first SM school building. But being the only secondary school in Barangay Tambler, BNHS records a significant increase in their enrollment per year. With this challenge, SM Foundation decided to provide another edifice of hope for the sub-urban Muslim community in 2021, addressing the growing needs of BNHS learners and teachers.

BNHS then principal Shiela Balbon said, “Yung patuloy na paglobo ng population every year ay talagang naging suliranin namin.”

“Pagpasok ng 2020, nagkaroon ng COVID. So naisip ko baka hindi na matuloy. Pero itong SM Foundation, walang pande-pandemya sa kanila. Talagang desidido silang matugunan yung pangangailangan sa classroom ng mga estudyante,” she added.

“Our salute to our longtime partner, SM Foundation and SM Prime, for being so generous and proactive in providing us with school buildings that are conducive to learning. We are so grateful for your extended support to our school amidst the pandemic,” Balbon concluded.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School project. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide.

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UST’s Henry Sy Sr. Hall to boost health education

Pursuing its objective of driving Philippine social development by fostering the youth and the culture of excellence through education, the Henry Sy Foundation, Inc. (HSFI) recently inked a partnership with the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Research and Endowment Foundation to construct a building that elevates health education in the country.




Named in honor of the late SM Founder, the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall of UST will rise on the main campus in Manila to respond to the needs of digital medical education.


The Hall will feature technologically advanced facilities and equipment that complement UST’s teaching, learning, and research practices. Focused on interdisciplinary collaboration in medical studies, it will also house the simulation and research facility of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS).

Paragons with passion


Fr. Richard Gaw Ang, OP, Rector of UST, thanked the Sy family as they work together to provide the best education to future physicians and increase UST’s research productivity to fill the gaps where communities are disadvantaged.


“Your family consists of industry leaders who have visions for the Filipino community. Your choice to support this endeavor of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is a significant stamp of approval to the work and tradition of this medical institution,” Fr. Ang said in a letter to the Sy family.


“Your family’s Patriarch, Henry Sy, Sr., had principles in life that we, as an institution, give our best to also follow. We aim to lead as paragons with passion, integrity, far-reaching and optimistic vision, sensible priorities, and discipline. At the core of this is a deep sense of charity for God, the church, and the nation,” Fr. Ang added.

UST’s future Henry Sy, Sr. Hall


Rising as an intellectual hub for future physicians, the building has a dedicated floor for the Faculties of Medicine and Surgery Research Center and the Medicine and Surgery Graduate Programs and Ethics Review Board. Here, medical education research and various medical-related specialty research will be reviewed and conducted.


The building will include specialized centers, rooms, and laboratories, such as Medical Simulation Centers and Care Ultrasound Institute, and Otorhinolaryngology Laboratory. These will be equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology to develop medical students’ competencies in multiple simulated healthcare settings crossing the human lifespan.





The HSFI is a non-stock, non-profit organization inspired by SM founder Henry Sy, Sr.’s desire to aid educational institutions to drive Philippine social development. Its projects are undertaken in partnership with the SM group and its foundations to honor the SM founder by supporting educational institutions in promoting academic excellence as a key to a brighter future for the youth. Through the years, the foundation established and supported several academic infrastructures, such as the Henry Sy Sr. Primary School Building in Xavier School, Nuvali Laguna; Henry Sy Sr. Innovation Center in Miriam College, Quezon City; NU Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna; NU Nazareth School in Manila; and a Henry Sy Sr. Hall each at Immaculate Conception Academy, San Juan City, and Assumption College.

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FIRST IN MANILA: A 3D Whale Shark billboard and more, all at SM Supermalls


SM Supermalls celebrates not just joyful, but also fun, immersive, and experiential holidays.




This year, SM Supermalls takes you to the deep oceans with SM Megamall’s first-ever 3D Whale Shark LED billboard, see the Northern lights at the Aurora Trail of SM City North Edsa, Sparkle at the Light show and Holiday fireworks at SM Mall of Asia, enter the Golden gateway of SM Aura Premier and explore the outer space at the Mega Space Odyssey.

NORTH EDSA’S AURORA TRAIL


The illuminating lights of the Aurora Borealis is at the North this Christmas. Walk and indulge in a family-friendly immersive experience at the Aurora trail ascending the giant holiday tree with a magical array of lights, forestry, rein-bears & holiday polar express.

MEGA SPACE ODYSSEY & 3D WHALE SHARK





Travel to majestic galaxies in outer space and take photos and videos with your space explorer friends. Experience the first-ever immersive 3D LED tunnel in Manila on October 21 to December 25 at the ground level Mega Fashion Hall (at the back of the Giant Christmas Tree).

SM Supermalls introduces the new 3D technology along EDSA by screening a hyper-realistic 3D Whale Shark at SM Megamall’s LED billboard. Bringing you the first in the Philippines, High-Definition Immersive content at the heart of the bustling metropolis. Netizens are awestruck of a larger-than-life Whale Shark peeking out of a digital billboard spanning over 2,000 square foot. The Mega Whale Shark was first teased on April 27 but customers, tourists and motorists can catch the short preview every 15 minutes starting April 28 at peak hours from 12nn to 10pm daily. Watch out for the new 3D content this Christmas. The Philippines has the 2nd largest population of whale shark in the world at over 1,950.

MOA SPARKLE OF LIGHT SHOW AND HOLIDAY FIREWORKS


Feel the Christmas spirit as you watch the brightest and merriest indoor Christmas tree music and lights show. Be in awe as you watch over one hundred thousand lights set to music. Catch the show DAILY, every hour from 10am to 10pm until end of December at the Central Atrium. Enjoy the most awaited and better than ever fireworks display at the MOA Complex every Friday and Saturday from November to December 2022. Make sure to experience this magical moment with your families and loved ones.

AURA’s GOLDEN GATEWAY and NIGHTS OF DAZZLING LIGHTS




Tucked behind the giant Christmas tree is a golden gemstone-shaped immersive experience. In partnership with global smartphone brand TECNO Mobile, technology and art meet to transport all who enter this enclosure into scenes of an opulent holiday palace and fantastical golden worlds. Simply present PHP 1,000 in single or collected receipts and enter a whole new world filled with glitz and glamour.

The theatrical room isn’t the only technological experience the mall has. Equally spectacular is a choreographed light and sound display at SM Aura Premier’s Skypark at Level 5. Visitors of the Skypark enter a space with tall tree-like sculptures made of strings of lights. As they go through a forest of lights, a jaw-dropping musical show will entrance and excite them. Visitors can stop and enjoy the choreographed audio and visual performance at 7pm on all Sunday nights of December, including December 25 th itself.
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It’s a Happy Christmas at SM Supermalls!

SM Supermalls brings back the excitement in every visit, joy in every sight, and a magical connection in every experience that will make every Filipino’s Christmas happier and brighter.



Ode to outer space: An out-of-this-world celebration starts at SM Megamall


SM officially ushered the holiday season with an out-of-this-world celebration at the Mega & Bright: Christmas in Space 2022 at the SM Megamall on October 20.



The mall’s mega Christmas Tree decked in stars and lights was lit, signaling the start of SM’s nationwide Happy Christmas campaign. And starting October 20 until December, SM shoppers can have a glimpse of the universe through SM Megamall’s Mega Space Odyssey. The 3D LED tunnel transports individuals into space and allows them to view it immersively.



If you missed the SM Megamall Christmas event, there are still more ways to celebrate the joys of the holidays. SM Supermalls has lined up exciting and festive activities just for you and your loved ones! Check out the details below:


More Christmas Tree lighting activities in your favorite SM mall!


Apart from SM Megamall, other premier SM malls will light up their massive 50-foot Christmas trees to share hope, joy, and love with every SM shopper. Check out the dates below so you can drop by your favorite SM mall and watch the lighting of its dazzling trees full of lights, stars, and colorful ornaments.


Santa-approved Christmas Playpark




Witness as your favorite SM mall opens a new world of Christmas with towering centerpieces, functional spaces, and sprawling activities at the Christmas Playpark. Explore the Christmas markets and play areas, and watch out for Santa appearances, character meet and greets, and other surprises! Plus, you also get to have a multisensory experience at the playpark’s light and sound shows, festive eats and holiday treats, and a whole lot more scents and feels that will embrace you in holiday warmth and ambiance.


Sparkling lights to brighten up your holidays


Christmas won’t be festive without lights. Be in awe as you pass by hallways decked with twinkling lights, illuminated tunnels, beaming driveways, and lit parking spaces as they glow at their best.


Dining out al fresco style at the Super Spots decked with lights


SM Supermalls has also created outdoor attractions for that picture-perfect, memorable shopping, dining, and leisure activities for the whole family. At The Podium, shoppers are in for Joie De Vivre with its Holiday Night Cap on October 21-23 and 28-30 at the ADB Al Fresco, and the Food Lab on October 24-30 at the Atrium East Level 2 so everyone can discover new food specials this Christmas. You can also enjoy special treats, promos, and exclusive deals from your favorite restaurants and food merchants at the SM mall near you!


Turn Christmas AReality at SM


Don’t miss out on a phygital Christmas experience as SM incorporates the festive season with Augmented Reality. In SM Megamall, four AR filters have been made available, including Santa Claus, Reindeer, Snowman, and Sparkle. You just need to scan the QR code at the SM mall near you and see the Christmas centerpiece and magical spots come alive!



Check out the Happiness Stations


SM installed various happiness stations where you can create lasting memories with family and friends. Spot the giant bears with lights at Bears of Joy corner, the happiness photo wall, the Christmas tree decors with your family photos, or the huge TV screen where you can watch your recently filmed Tiktok or IG video at your favorite mall.


Make your furbabies feel the happiness and love


Christmas is for the whole family including furbabies! Make them happy and feel loved by joining the Holiday Paw Play Dates and Costume PAWty. You can also flex them at the Christmas photo challenge and win amazing prizes, or shop for them at the Christmas markets. Also, SM Supermalls will be partnering again with organizations for a pet adoption drive so you can help the little ones find a home in time for the holiday.


Unlock a bigger, better, and brighter virtual Christmas Village


SM will reopen its virtual Christmas Village to bring an exciting, engaging, and rewarding holiday experience to Filipinos. Check out https://gosm.link/ChristmasVillage2022 as it goes live from October 28 to January 5 for an awesome augmented reality shopping, dining, and leisure experience. Create your own avatar, e-meet fellow shoppers and SM ambassadors, and enjoy bonding time with your family and friends while playing fun games at the immersive virtual Christmas zones made for you.


Create circles of happiness by buying products for cause-oriented programs




Since it’s the season of giving, you can support cause-oriented advocacies of individuals and organizations by purchasing products that provide opportunities and livelihood to marginalized sectors. For this year’s 100 Days campaign, SM partnered with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote initiative.


“This Christmas, we are sending a message of happiness to every Filipino. With every activity we have for them, we hope to inspire everyone to spread sparks of happiness in their homes and communities as we celebrate this year’s holiday festivities,” said Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls.


A new light of experiences will bring happiness and kindness to every Filipino as SM Supermalls create more magical memories and opportunities to touch other people’s lives this holiday season. Check out www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts to stay updated on the various holiday happenings.
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BPI AIA introduces affordable insurance for everyone via the Messenger App



Insurance firm BPI AIA (formerly BPI-Philam) has introduced “PamilyaProtect,” life insurance protection designed for everyone in mind. Available via Facebook Messenger, PamilyaProtect is a health, life, and accident insurance plan rolled into one to give the whole family the peace of mind they need right now.

“We have always pushed to offer protection products that were inclusive, allowing people from all walks of life to be able to get it quickly and affordably. More and more people need this protection daily. As our mission states, ‘we make sure that insurance is easy to get and easy to have for every Filipino, no matter what class they belong to.’ With PamilyaProtect, that has become reality. Now, insurance is for everyone,” said BPI AIA CEO Surendra Menon.

For less than Php 500 per month, a policyholder can already insure themselves for as much as Php 2 million, with a Hospital Income Benefit for the main insured at Php 1,000 per day of confinement due to sickness or accident and Accidental Death, Dismemberment, and Disablement Benefit. The coverage can also be extended to loved ones, including parents, a spouse or partner, children, or siblings, making it perfect for singles, couples, single parents, and even overseas Filipinos.

“You don’t need to spend a large amount to show your family that you love them. No matter who you are or where you are in life, there are myriad expressions of love and one of them is to secure your family’s future and provide them the most basic protection and medical needs, so that you are all prepared for whatever happens. At BPI AIA, we continuously evolve to empower our customers and give them the confidence to pursue their dreams and ambitions, all while enjoying the present with their loved ones,” said Menon.

PamilyaProtect is for all BPI credit and debit cardholders—they can be insured in less than 10 minutes by simply using their credit card or EMV-enabled debit card.

PamilyaProtect comes in two variants—Plan P1M and Plan P2M—that customers can choose from based on their budget and protection needs. To be eligible, the principal insured must be a BPI customer and is 18-64 years old. Meanwhile, eligible adult dependents are 18-64 years old and minor dependents are 14 days to 21 years old. The plan automatically renews annually.

The launch of PamilyaProtect allows BPI AIA to provide customers an opportunity to secure themselves and their families in a manner and channel that is familiar to Filipinos from all walks of life. This enables them to start their financial wellness journey at an affordable price and live worry-free towards healthier, longer, and better lives.

BPI AIA has always been recognized by the Insurance Commission as a top insurer in the Philippines. It carries over 70 years of local experience and the global strength of AIA Philippines (formerly AIA Philam Life), as well as the 170 years of solid trust and heritage of BPI.

Start securing your future with BPI AIA by visiting the PamilyaProtect Official Facebook Page.

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MERALCO reaffirms support for DOTr infra projects


The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) committed anew its support for the government’s transportation infrastructure development efforts crucial to the country’s pandemic recovery and economic growth. 

In a meeting with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Meralco President and CEO Atty. Ray C. Espinosa affirmed the power distributor’s assistance through continuing pole relocation and energization activities in support of the agency’s ongoing and planned transportation projects geared towards greatly benefiting the public. 

“As the country’s largest power distribution utility, Meralco is cognizant of the importance of stable and reliable electric service in the timely completion and effective operations of DOTr’s infrastructure projects. The government can always count on Meralco’s continued and full support for these initiatives which will help spur the Philippines’ post-pandemic recovery and renewed drive towards economic progress,” Atty. Espinosa said. 

Among the new transportation projects requiring substantial power supply are the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Packages 2 and 3, North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Extension from Calamba to Batangas; MRT-4; LRT-2 East Cogeo Extension; LRT-2 West Extension; LRT-6 Cavite Line A; MRT-7 Extension Project; EDSA Greenways; EDSA Bus Rapid Transit-Busway Concourse; Pasig River Expressway; Southern Access Link Expressway; and Northern Access Link. 

Meralco is also currently undertaking a pole relocation project in support of the ongoing construction of NAIAxEDSA Tramo Connecting Ramp and Skyway Stage 4.

In May 2019, Meralco and DOTr signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) underscoring the parties’ close coordination for the timely completion of Common Station, LRT-1 Cavite Extension, MRT-7, Metro Manila Subway, PNR South Long Haul (from Manila to Sorsogon), and the three phases of North-South Commuter Railway System, namely PNR North 1 (from Tutuban to Malolos, Bulacan), PNR North 2 (from Malolos to Clark, Pampanga), and PNR South Commuter (from Solis to Calamba, Laguna). 

Meralco and DOTr are likewise working together to ensure the timely grant of necessary permits and rights-ofway (ROW), clearances, access and authority for properties within their jurisdiction, in order for Meralco to fully implement the related relocation projects and to continuously operate its electrical facilities.

Since 2020, Meralco has relocated more than 2,500 poles and has energized 21 facilities to support the government’s infrastructure projects.

“We are grateful to Meralco for their renewed commitment to support our projects. Long before these projects become operational, Meralco has been and remains a loyal partner in supplying power critical for these projects to prosper,” DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said.
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Cherise Katriel, Cola Cabalcar and Alyn pull weight on the essence of Christmas with joint single “Pinakapasko”

 

Christmas songs have held a unique place in people’s hearts—thanks to its inherent capacity to promote goodwill and generosity without expecting anything in return.

New recording artists Cherise Katriel, Cola Cabalcar and Alyn understand the assignment and deliver a slice of holiday-themed soul with the release of “Pinakapasko,” a new collaborative track under WATERWALK Records and Sony Music Entertainment.

Exquisitely arranged with girl group harmonies and delicate production, “Pinakapasko” reassures comfort in remembering. According to Cola Cabalcar, the song steers us back to the real reason why the world continues to celebrate the yuletide season annually, and why it’s considered the best gift of all.

“Christmas was meant for celebrating the birth of the Messiah,” says the soul/pop rookie. “To quote our mentor and resident composer Jungee Marcelo, it’s supposed to encapsulate the very essence of God’s plan of salvation via the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. The ultimate Christmas celebration may very well be this: acknowledging and accepting Jesus’ wonderful gift of love.”

Capturing the essence of the Christmas celebration, Marcelo wrote and produced “Pinakapasko” as a way to give thanks to the celebrator and celebrant. More than its life-affirming message, Marcelo brought a contemporary spin to the tradition of making Christmas songs, giving the trio a splash of sunshine, and some wings to take it somewhere else ethereal and vibrant.

Cherise Katriel, in particular, praised the material for its masterful blend of jazzy, R&B rhythms and timeless pop hooks, but repeatedly emphasized that at the core of the extraneous beauty lies the power that its words hold. “It's not a typical Christmas song you're used to hearing,” describes the new artist. “Most people are easily hooked to songs that have a catchy beat or tune, and that is what this song has. But that's just a bonus: when you listen carefully to the lyrics, it will bless you even more.”

Alyn Magadia, another music act responsible for interpreting the song with emotional candidness and restraint, considers the experience as a milestone for her as an artist, and a servant of God. 

“God-willing, I would love to release more original songs or do collaborations with other talented artists, and more performances live only for His glory,” shares Magadia. “I believe that this is one of my purposes — to bless the people with my talent and to showcase the gift He bestowed upon me.”
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New evidence underscores preventive treatment as crucial for asthma management

According to the latest Philippine Consensus Report on Asthma diagnosis and management, approximately 339.4 million people worldwide suffer from asthma.[1] This makes the disease one of the leading causes of years lived with disability globally.1




Like other illnesses, the first step to treating asthma is to establish a proper diagnosis. This is done through an examination of recurring symptoms and the patient's history, or by conducting a spirometry test to look into the airway obstruction further.[2]


Once a diagnosis has been determined, the next step is asthma management. This involves keenly following medical guidance because not all asthma patients take the same medication. Some doctors may prescribe quick-relief medicine to control the symptoms of an asthma attack, while others prescribe long-term medication to help lessen the frequency and severity of the incidents.[3]


After receiving their treatment plan and medication, however, there is a tendency for asthma patients to cease going on annual check-ups.[4] In Why Asthma Still Kills, the National Review of Asthma Deaths' (NRAD) first national investigation of asthma deaths in the UK, they have noted that out of the 195 people who died from asthma during their review period, 57% were not recorded as being under specialist supervision during the 12 months prior to death.4 Behaviors like this may be attributed to many patients’ lack of awareness of their condition.[5]


Additional studies also support this reality, including research on How real patients with severe asthma experience their disease. This study found that its participants underestimated their asthma severity and symptoms, resulting in disease denial and passivity. The participants also noted that they needed a comprehensive understanding of their disease from the beginning.[6]


Knowing these realities makes proper treatment and disease awareness all the more necessary.

New evidence highlights long-term regular treatment as optimal


The latest research by Professor Dave Singh, a professor of clinical pharmacology and respiratory medicine at the University of Manchester, states that the daily usage of Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) treatments, otherwise known as maintenance inhalers, can effectively treat immediate asthma symptoms while also providing sufficient overall disease control.5


“Most may think that inhalers are only necessary during asthma attacks, as opposed to a consistent form of treatment,” says Professor Singh. “By looking at asthma as a chronic disease, patients will be able to view their treatment as a way to address the underlying source of their conditions,” he adds.


Using ICS inhalers on a regular basis has also been found to decrease the number and severity of patient asthma attacks.5 At the same time, it alleviates short-term symptoms like breathlessness, wheezing, or chest tightness,[7] all in all, making it an optimal form of treatment. “We’re optimistic that our research leads to a better understanding of asthma and its ideal treatment forms so that patients and their doctors can work towards improving their condition and long-term outlook,” Singh added.


Supporting Singh’s research is a recently published post hoc analysis of a GSK-sponsored AUSTRI study on the correlation between increased use of a reliever (albuterol) and an increased risk of asthma attacks.8 One of the key findings of the analysis revealed “In patients with a one-year history of exacerbations, ~92% of those treated daily regimen of ICS/LABA did not exacerbate during the treatment period.8


“There are very few studies that investigate pattens of reliever use in patients with a history of severe asthma exacerbations,” said Singh. “These results underline the importance of a maintenance regimen with a combination of [ICS/LABA] in opening new doors to achieving better asthma control for patients with moderate asthma in the Philippines.” Singh ended.




[1] Philippine College of Chest Physicians Council on Asthma. (2019). Philippine Consensus Report on Asthma Diagnosis and Management 2019. Retrieved October 17, 2022, from http://philchest.org/xp/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PCRADM-2019-Exec-Summary-.pdf.


[2] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. n.d. Asthma Care Quick Reference. Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/guidelines/asthma_qrg.pdf


[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, January 30). Asthma - Management and Treatment Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/management.html


[4] Why Asthma Still Kills: The National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD). RCP London May 2014 available from: https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/sites/default/files/why-asthma-still-kills-full-report.pdf

Accessed September 2022.


[5] Singh, D. (2022, March). New Versus Old: The Impact of Changing Patterns of Inhaled Corticosteroid Prescribing and Dosing Regimens in Asthma Management. Springer Open Choice, 39(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-022-02092-7. Accessed 13 Sept 2022.


[6] Urrutia, I., & Resler, G. (2020, July). How real patients with severe asthma experience their disease: An ethnographic study. Atención Primaria Práctica, 2(4–5), 100057. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appr.2020.100057


[7] Have Asthma? Learn how you can improve your health and quality of life. (2022, February 22). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/default.htm
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Space-Ta hosts a listening party for the release of his retro-futuristic album, Flight of the White Rekusas

 Space-Ta

Electronic avant-pop artist Space-Ta threw a listening party at Whitespace Manila on November 18, 2022 to celebrate the upcoming release of his full-length debut album, Flight of the White Rekusasu.

Incorporating genre-blurring soundscapes with intricate beats and retro-futurist production, Space-Ta’s 8-track record blasted through the speakers as the audience enjoyed free-flowing cocktails and drinks against a backdrop of minimalist, underground club scene.

DJ acts Baby Oliv and Red-i complemented the mood of the event with banger-after-banger jams that evoke after-hour rumination in a retro-futuristic set.

A voiceover that hints about the concept behind Space-Ta’s new album, was also played during one of the segments of the program. “In a world where the TIME COUNCIL has countlessly reformatted life as we know it, Space-Ta journeys back in time to explore extinct music genres and bring them back to the planet with the cinematic beauty that they once had,” introduced the VO. “An enigmatic figure in the 2032 music scene, he opposes norms, defends freedom restricted by the powers-that-be, and rediscovers himself as an artist poised to transform the world.”

Flight of the White Rekusasu will be available on digital platforms worldwide on November 25, 2022. The album is set to be released under Lockdown Entertainment—home to several critically acclaimed artists in the Philippines such as Tarsius, Flying Ipis, Assembly Generals, and more.

Space-Ta: About The Artist 

An elusive figure in the music scene, Space-Ta is a time traveler-philanthropist-musician that lives in the year 2032. From a world where the TIME COUNCIL have countlessly reformatted life as we know it, S-T moves back and forth in time to re-establish and reconnect erased music genres that were banned by the TC. 

Like graffiti rivals, S-T re-establishes the undone music by collaborating with past musicians to bring back what was lost while simultaneously rediscovering himself in the process. 

Space-Ta’s story is continually told through music, animation, and various forms of media- all of which are given to his listeners in small doses and through fleeting experiences.
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