Comelec's collaboration with TikTok to prevent fake news

In an era where the digital landscape is as influential as the physical, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Philippines is taking a groundbreaking step to safeguard the sanctity of its electoral process. At a recent press conference, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia announced a significant partnership with TikTok, the global social media powerhouse, marking a pivotal move in the fight against misinformation and disinformation within the digital realm and attended by Ms. Peachy Paderna, Public Policy Manager of TikTok Philippines with Comelec Spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco.  

Amidst a backdrop of challenges and controversies facing Comelec, Chairman Garcia heralded this collaboration as a "breath of life" for the commission. The initiative is seen as a beacon of hope in combating fake news, especially in the lead-up to the crucial 2025 elections. This partnership underscores a mutual commitment to ensuring that voters receive accurate information, thereby protecting not only candidates and political parties but, most importantly, the electorate at large.

The genesis of this partnership was a series of discussions between Comelec officials and TikTok's top leadership in the Philippines, focusing on the pervasive issue of misinformation. TikTok's ability to rapidly verify content and distinguish between genuine and fake news stood out as a critical asset in these talks. The platform's proactive approach and technological capabilities offer an unprecedented opportunity for Comelec to leverage this digital tool at no additional cost.

This collaboration is not just about utilizing TikTok's verification mechanisms but also about embracing social media's role in modern campaigning. Recognizing that future electoral battles will increasingly be fought online, Chairman Garcia sees this partnership as essential for ensuring fair play in the digital arena. The goal is clear: to eliminate "the undesirables" from social media discourse, particularly those spreading falsehoods that could undermine electoral integrity.

As we look towards 2025 and beyond, this initiative between Comelec and TikTok represents more than just a tactical alliance; it signifies a strategic shift towards embracing digital solutions in safeguarding democracy. By addressing misinformation head-on, Comelec is setting a precedent for other electoral bodies worldwide to follow.

Chairman Garcia's announcement has been met with widespread approval from various stakeholders who see this as a vital step forward in ensuring that voters are informed, engaged, and protected from misinformation. As we inch closer to another election cycle, this partnership stands as a testament to Comelec's commitment to upholding electoral integrity in every arena—be it physical or digital.

In conclusion, this innovative alliance between Comelec and TikTok paves the way for a more informed electorate and a cleaner electoral process. It is a bold move towards redefining how election integrity is maintained in the age of social media—a move that could very well shape the future of democratic processes not only in the Philippines but around the globe.

Chairman George Erwin Garcia demonstrated "Mock Election Exercise"

In an unprecedented move to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the upcoming 2025 elections, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Garcia spearheaded a comprehensive mock election exercise across the nation. This proactive approach marks a significant milestone in the Philippines' electoral process, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to democracy.

The mock elections, a first of its kind under Chairman Garcia's leadership, were meticulously designed to test and refine every aspect of the voting process. From the remote barangays to the bustling cities, over 100 transmissions were successfully sent from precincts to municipal and city canvassing centers, then onto the central server. But it didn't stop there; these results were also transmitted to various critical nodes including PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting) computers, NAMFREL (National Movement for Free Elections) servers, media outlets, as well as majority and minority political party servers, before finally reaching the central and backup servers.

Chairman Garcia's vision was clear: to ensure that every Filipino voter's voice is heard accurately and securely. "Our goal is not just to conduct elections but to ensure that these elections are credible, transparent, and inclusive," stated Garcia in a press briefing following the mock elections.

The exercise was not just about testing technical capabilities but also about building trust with the electorate and among political stakeholders. By involving entities like PPCRV and NAMFREL, COMELEC showcased its commitment to transparency and impartiality. The transmission of results to party servers also emphasized a dedication to fairness, allowing all parties immediate access to vote counts.

Moreover, this ambitious project tackled logistical challenges head-on. The successful transmission of 100 results from Municipal Board of Canvassers (MBOCs) to Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOCs), and another 100 from PBOCs to the National Board of Canvassers underscored COMELEC's readiness for next year's electoral marathon. 

This initiative has set a new benchmark for election preparedness in the Philippines. It reflects a significant leap forward in addressing past criticisms related to election management. "What we've accomplished today is just the beginning. We will continue refining our systems and processes based on what we've learned," assured Chairman Garcia.

The mock elections have indeed been a revelation. They have shown that with diligent preparation, robust technology, and collaborative efforts across all sectors of society, the Philippines is well on its way to conducting one of its most transparent and efficient elections in history.

As Filipinos look forward to casting their votes next year, they can take comfort in knowing that COMELEC, under Chairman George Erwin Garcia's stewardship, is leaving no stone unturned in safeguarding their electoral rights. It's a testament to democracy in action—a beacon of hope for fairer, cleaner elections in the Philippines and beyond.

Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat for your unwavering faith in our democratic process!

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Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia of the Commission on Elections ensures Field Personnel for National and Local Elections to be well trained

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) gears up for the upcoming National and Local Elections (NLE) by initiating a series of comprehensive training programs for its field personnel. Chairman George Erwin Garcia recently announced the schedule of the NLE trainings, emphasizing the critical role they play in ensuring the smooth and efficient conduct of the elections.

The NLE trainings, commencing on January 27 and extending until May, are designed to equip field officials with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively carry out their duties. The first phase of the training, set to take place at Diamond Hotel, will focus on Training of Trainers, with subsequent sessions dedicated to various aspects such as deployment, finance, contingency planning, and the utilization of essential materials and peripherals.

Chairman Garcia emphasized the significance of these face-to-face briefings, highlighting that this would be the final opportunity to provide comprehensive training before the elections. The trainings will also extend to certifiers from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), encompassing vital areas such as Geographic Information (GI) operations and the Automated Centralized Canvassing and Consolidation System (ACMCCS).

The training schedule outlined by Chairman Garcia paints a clear picture of the meticulous preparations being undertaken by Comelec. The upcoming months will witness a flurry of activities aimed at preparing field personnel for their roles in the electoral process. From Training of Trainers phases to specialized sessions for DOST certifiers and various stakeholders, the comprehensive training program reflects Comelec's commitment to ensuring a well-prepared and capable workforce for the upcoming elections.

As highlighted by Chairman Garcia, the NLE trainings will cover a wide array of topics, including technical support, certification processes for electoral boards, engagement with vulnerable sectors such as persons deprived of liberty (PDL), indigenous peoples (IP), and persons with disabilities (PWD), as well as specialized training for law enforcement agencies.

The meticulous planning and execution of these training programs underscore Comelec's dedication to upholding the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process. By equipping field personnel with the necessary expertise and knowledge, Comelec aims to ensure that the NLE is conducted with utmost professionalism and adherence to established protocols.

With a busy schedule ahead, encompassing multiple phases of training leading up to the elections in May, Comelec remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a well-prepared and capable workforce. The comprehensive NLE trainings stand as a testament to the dedication of Comelec in ensuring that its staff is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. These trainings encompass a wide range of areas, including voter education, technology utilization, and election administration, all aimed at preparing the workforce for the upcoming elections in May.

The Largest Pharmaceutical, Medical & Healthcare Exhibition on February 25-27

 

February 22, 2025

Philippine Pharma & Healthcare, the Largest Pharmaceutical, Medical & Healthcare Exhibition in Philippines will be taking place from 25 – 27 February, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center, Manila, Philippines. The exhibition will be the gateway to the South East Asian Business Community in Philippines. It is the premier exhibition series in this sector in the South East Asian region.

The international expo provides an immense opportunity to capture the untapped market of the South East Asian Region through Philippines. The show is organised by ACE Group. It is one of the shows in the umbrella of upcoming shows being organised in the ASEAN region.

𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐂 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐯𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 “𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲”

 

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

PARAÑAQUE CITY – The National Authority for Child Care (NACC), the country’s central authority on administrative adoption and alternative child care renewed its commitment to its mission and advocacy during its third anniversary celebration at Parañaque City, Monday, January 20. 

In 2022, the 18th Congress enacted R.A. 11642 or the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act creating the NACC as a one-stop quasi-judicial agency under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to formulate policies and implement programs and services on administrative adoption and alternative child care. 

R.A. 11642 further streamlined all government programs and services on the declaration of a Child Legally Available for Adoption, Domestic Adoption, Inter-Country Adoption, and other forms of alternative child care such as foster care, kinship care, and residential care. 

“As we celebrate the NACC’s third year anniversary, it is my hope and prayer that we renew our commitment to our shared mission of placing every child and individuals in need of adoption and alternative care with suitable, secure, nurturing and their forever families,” said NACC Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada in a statement. 

“True to our mantra that every child matters, let this be our reminder to reach every child and every family, wherever they are, as hard as it can be, or as impossible it may seem. No child should be left behind,” emphasized Usec. Estrada. 

“Since the NACC’s establishment of NACC in 2022, we continue to build our institutional capacity – evident in the 16 Regional Alternative Child Care Offices (RACCOs) now accessible to all of our kababayans responding to their concerns,” said Usec. Estrada. 

Since 2022, the NACC reported that it was able to place a total of 968 children for domestic administrative adoption and inter-country adoption – with issued Decrees of Adoption of 629 and 154, respectively. From 2023 to 2024, 1,069 children were declared legally available for adoption. 

Through the Foster Care Program, 1,108 children are provided care by 927 licensed foster care parents. A subsidy is provided to 871 foster care children from Php8,000 to Php10,0000 monthly – depending on their medical condition. Forty-three children are survivors of Online Sexual Abuse/ Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) while 154 are children with special needs, and 75 are foundlings. 

“We take pride in the linkages and partnerships we were able to forge across the country with 503 LGUs and 130 local chief executives and almost 1,000 child welfare professionals through our “LeaGUe of Heroes Campaign” launched during the First National Congress on Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care. We shall continue to do so, with the dedication and hard work of our 636 child welfare and public administration experts at the NACC – all committed to the fulfillment of our mandate, explained Estrada. 

The LeaGUe of Heroes” further paved the way for 89 LGUs entering into partnership with the NACC in the implementation of administrative adoption and foster care. 

During the anniversary celebration, the NACC also honored 60 NACC employees holding both plantilla and non-plantilla positions for their exemplary service, suggestions, inventions, accomplishments, behavior and loyalty that contribute to efficiency, economy and improvement in government operations.

 

Officers of the NACC Employees Association also took their oath before NACC Usec. Estrada.

COMELEC headed by Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia Acts Swiftly in Response to Supreme Court TROs Ahead of 2025 Elections

**Manila, Intramuros** – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has announced its full adherence to the Supreme Court's issuance of Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) concerning cases of local candidates for the upcoming May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections. This move underscores the commission's commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process, amidst the challenges posed by legal disputes.

The TROs pertain to three specific cases:

1. Marie Grace R. David v. Commission on Elections (GR No. 277720)

2. Mary Dominique A. Onate v. COMELEC and Myra Georgina L. Arevalo (GR No. 277698)

3. Aldrin B. Sta. Ana v. COMELEC and Arturo P. Mendoza, Jr. (GR No. 277731)

In response, COMELEC has taken immediate action by halting the printing of ballots, conducting an inventory, and disposing of six million already printed ballots, alongside amending the candidates' database as required by these TROs.

The timing of these orders aligns with COMELEC's current efforts to implement necessary changes in various election systems such as the Election Management System (EMS), Automated Election System (AES), Consolidated Canvassing System (CCS), and Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS). These adjustments are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

As part of its contingency measures, COMELEC has scheduled the Trusted Build of the AES for Monday, January 20, 2025, at Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila. This will be followed by the generation of new ballot face templates and their subsequent serialization on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the COMELEC Warehouse in Binan, Laguna.

These steps are indicative of COMELEC's proactive approach to mitigating any impact on election preparations due to these legal challenges. The commission is eager to resume ballot production promptly to make up for lost time and ensure that election materials are ready well in advance of Election Day.

COMELEC's assurance to the Filipino people is clear: despite these unforeseen hurdles, it remains fully capable of managing and overcoming these issues without compromising the smooth conduct of the forthcoming elections.

The commission's swift compliance with the Supreme Court's directives reflects its dedication to upholding electoral laws and regulations while ensuring that all logistical and technical aspects of election management are effectively addressed.

As we move closer to May 12, 2025, COMELEC's actions today will play a pivotal role in reinforcing public confidence in the electoral process — a cornerstone of democratic governance in the Philippines.

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Healthcare Waste Project Drives Zero Waste Practices in Hospitals and Facilities

 Press Release

17 January 2025

The Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project (HCW Project) held a forum today in celebration of International Zero Waste Month, highlighting the need to promote Zero Waste practices and principles in the healthcare sector, foster collaboration, and address challenges in implementing sustainable waste management solutions.

The event, dubbed “Zero Waste for Health: Advancing Sustainability in Healthcare Facilities,” was conducted simultaneously in three regions where the HCW Project is being implemented: Region 2, Region 8, and the National Capital Region, with a centralized online program. It was attended by healthcare professionals and waste management staff from partner hospitals of the HCW Project, along with local government representatives from their surrounding barangays and cities. The participating hospitals included Quezon Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) in Quezon City, Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) in Tuguegarao City, and Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City.

According to Jam Lorenzo, BAN Toxics Deputy Executive Director and Manager of the HCW Project, Zero Waste is a concept that needs to be promoted in waste management systems as traditional approaches, such as focusing too much on recycling, no longer adequately address the increasing volume and complexity of healthcare waste, as well as the global waste crisis.

“Healthcare waste management remains a rapidly growing problem in need of urgent action, such as incorporating Zero Waste principles, which include waste minimization and ensuring environmentally sound practices and technologies are in place in hospitals and healthcare facilities.”

The HCW Project aims to improve healthcare waste management in the country with a special focus on reducing the release and emissions of hazardous substances from healthcare waste. The five-year project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is being implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) as the national lead agency, with the environmental NGO BAN Toxics serving as the executing entity.

The celebration of Zero Waste Month every January began in 2012 in the Philippines, when the youth sector presented a Zero Waste Manifesto. On May 5, 2014, Presidential Proclamation 760 was signed, officially designating January as Zero Waste Month. The first international celebration of Zero Waste Month took place in 2023, led by the international environmental organizations such as Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) and Break Free From Plastic (BFFP).

The DENR-EMB’s theme for this year’s Zero Waste Month centers on the cooperation and collaboration of the informal, private, and public sectors to encourage partnerships in reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.

During the forum, Dr. Michelle Reyes, M.D., Sustainability Officer of Healthcare Without Harm (Asia), delivered a presentation on Zero Waste principles and practices in healthcare facilities. She provided actionable examples for moving forward, such as purchasing safer and more sustainable products, reducing plastic use, and identifying items that can be minimized or eliminated.

Representatives from the QMMC, CVMC, and EVMC discussed their waste management challenges and best practices. Notable practices at QMMC include mandatory training and orientations for personnel on waste management, use of reusable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), implementation of digitalization for waste collection data, urban gardening for composting, and a rainwater collection system.

A common concern across all partner hospitals is the insufficient waste storage facilities, further worsened by inefficient or delayed collection of general waste by Local Government Units.

Meanwhile, BAN Toxics shared the initial results of a Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception (KAP) survey conducted in the three partner hospitals in November of last year as part of the HCW Project. The survey, which covered 923 respondents, sought to evaluate the awareness levels of hospital patients and visitors, as well as surrounding communities, regarding healthcare waste management.

While all three hospitals have waste management and segregation programs, they face common challenges, particularly the lack of awareness about waste segregation and waste characterization among patients and visitors. QMMC has relatively higher awareness due to local ordinances, such as the Plastic Bag Ban and Single-Use Plastics Ban in Quezon City, which have supported more effective waste reduction systems. though insufficient availability of color-coded bins and containers remain a problem. 

At EVMC, in addition to these challenges, uncollected hospital waste is a growing concern. In CVMC, improper dumping of hospital waste in surrounding areas, coupled with limited funding for waste management, further exacerbates the situation. Across the hospitals, misconceptions about waste minimization, inadequate information dissemination, and insufficient training on proper waste segregation and hazardous waste disposal worsen the problem. This underscores the need for improved awareness and infrastructure to manage healthcare waste effectively. Respondents also preferred sourcing information from Barangay Leaders (LGUs) alongside healthcare providers.

Following the presentations, an open forum allowed attendees to engage with experts and peers, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and addressing pressing issues. In the afternoon session, an open discussion between the hospitals and local government units offered an opportunity to share insights from the KAP survey results.

To conclude the event, attendees participated in a partnership pledge to support Zero Waste principles in Healthcare Waste Management. This collective commitment symbolized a significant step toward fostering sustainable waste management across the healthcare sector.

Contact Person:

Thony Dizon

09178322616