10:57 a.m. May 8, 2024

San Pedro City Congresswoman Ann Matibag of Laguna province first district is calling for a comprehensive Congressional Inquiry into the Local Police Leadership in every City and Municipality, particularly the San Pedro City Police Force.

In her strong privilege speech last Monday (May 6, 2024) on the House floor, the LaguNanay of the City of San Pedro expressed her fear not just for her family but for every citizen in San Pedro City due to the anomalous assignments and unjust actions coming from a directive given to the police force in her city.

As a mother to three young children, she is appalled by the incredulous incidents that only strike fear which opposes the function and sworn duty of the police force.

She cited a series of troubling incidents, including the reprimand of an officer for assisting her during a crowded event, an excessive show of force during an arrest, and the alleged misuse of police resources for personal security and political interference.

“These incidents paint a disturbing picture of a force seemingly beholden to the whims of a few, jeopardizing the safety and security of the very community it’s sworn to protect,” Matibag said.

She highlighted concerns about the current selection process for police leadership, which relies heavily on recommendations from local officials.

“A private army and security serve the interests of a select few, whereas a police force serves the community at large,” she explained. “The latter is accountable to the public and its actions are subject to scrutiny.”

Matibag called for a review of the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998 to ensure a more independent and meritocratic selection process.

The inquiry will invite representatives from the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), the Department of the Interior and Local Government, legal experts, and other stakeholders.

“The strength of a society lies in its institutions. The integrity of these institutions is paramount. When the police force acts as a private army, it erodes this integrity, leading to a loss of public trust,” she concluded.

As the LaguNanay of San Pedro, Congresswoman Ann Matibag hopes the inquiry will lead to reforms that ensure the San Pedro City Police Force and the Philippine National Police serve and protect all Filipinos with fairness, justice, and professionalism.

“Sa gitna ng takot at pangamba, narito ako, ang inyong LaguNanay at Kinatawan sa Kongreso, upang tiyakin na ligtas at mapayapa ang atingbayan. Ipaglalaban ko ang ating karapatan para sa patas na proteksyonat seguridad para salahat at hindi lamang para sa iilan. Maninindiganako sa pagbibigay ng Magandang Bukas para sa bawat isa sa atin.” Matibag said.

She will stop at nothing until a justice and equality is given to all citizens and that the protection and welfare of every San Pedronense is secured and prioritized.

9:24 p.m. May 7, 2024

Second class municipality Morong in Rizal Province is now the very first local government unit in the Philippines with a first-class, next generation emergency response and public safety system to respond to emergency calls and ensure the protection of its residents.

Morong Mayor Sidney Soriano, Vice Mayor Jose Fred Feliciano and other key municipal officials signed an agreement with NGA Philippines (NGA) the local subsidiary of multinational corporation NGA 911, LLC headquartered in California, USA in April last year to provide Morong with world-class and complete solutions for emergency communication and public safety services.

NGA is known globally as the innovator of emergency calling technology, and the leader in Next Generation 911 (NG911) emergency communications worldwide. The NGA NG911 system is built on the industry standards adopted by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) in the United States and the European Emergency Number Association (EENA).

Monday, May 6, Morong local officials led by Mayor Sidney Soriano and NGA Philippines Country Head Robert Llaguno led the Go Live activation of the Morong Disaster, Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Command Center in Sitio Paglabas, Barangay San Pedro in Morong. Present at the Go Live event were Department of Interior and Local Governments Undersecretary Juan Victor Llamas, Rizal Congressman Emigdio P. Tanjuatco III, Rizal Provincial Governor Nina Ricci Ynares and Emergency 911 National Office Executive Director Francis Fajardo.

Now the local government of Morong is ready to respond accurately and efficiently to disasters, accidents, medical emergencies and other distress calls, using the NGA NG911 state of the art digital technology that can save lives and property in the fastest possible time.

“I welcome you all to the inauguration of the Morong, Rizal Emergency 911 Command Center with Next Generation Advanced technology — the very first in the Province of Rizal, the first in the country and in Asia. It has always been our utmost desire to be able to respond to emergencies and crisis situations, effectively and efficiently so that we can provide good public service to the people. Today is the culmination of that dream,” Mayor Soriano said.

NGA Philippines Country Head Robert Llaguno said Morong’s investment in the emergency NGA911 system presently used in the United States pioneers the use of technology in the country that will revolutionize the way and speed with which the LGU can handle emergencies.

“All 911 calls to the Morong DRRM Command Center are now fully recorded and conference and transfer facilities are now seamless,” explained Llaguno. “There is more efficient dispatch and coordination, because IoT capabilities enhance situational awareness that include CCTV streams, GPS location and other early warning devices that can now be integrated to the system.”

Llaguno said the activation of 911 as Morong’s emergency number is aligned with Executive Order 56 of 2018 that institutionalized 911 as the emergency hotline and nationwide emergency answering point replacing Patrol 117.

“It will not only give Morong, Rizal a shorter 911 dialing code compared to the usual 10-digit cell number of responders. By utilizing the NGA NG911 system, the LGU will also be able to pinpoint with high accuracy the location of the emergency call and associate the same with the closest responders to provide a more immediate response.”

Personnel of the Next Generation Call Handling System of Morong will be trained by NGA and the Emergency 911 National Office. Specialized telephone equipment provided by NGA will be used by dispatchers to answer 911 calls and text messages, with the call handling equipment plotting the 911 call or text on a map and pinpointing the location of the caller or emergency. The command center runs 24/7.

The technology, used in the United States, has changed the face of emergency communications by using internet protocol (IP) technology to transmit voice, text and video messages between callers and emergency responders. It can provide real-time data on the location and condition of callers, which can help first responders make more informed decisions in emergency situations.

Other LGUs in the country have been briefed on the capabilities of the technology with some already set to follow Morong’s lead.

12:36 p.m. April 24, 2024

Siam Cement Group (SCG), a pioneer in the construction material industry and the number one brand in Thailand, showcased during the 2024 Construction Exhibit (CONEX) some of its ground-breaking product innovation, sustainability, and durability, bringing a new perspective to convention attendants and industry peers.

As a prominent player in the construction industry and a home solutions provider, SCG has demonstrated its adaptability to recent market trends, considering consumer demands, longevity, and environmental preservation, making the brand inclusive and holistic. 

SCG ensures that its products follow the necessary standards, like the Green Choice Award, which is given to products and services certified to be less environmentally harmful. 

“In SCG, we are currently pushing for eco-friendly products. This is something that we really want to emphasize and we are really passionate about improving,” said SCGM President Bancha Chaiprom who also highlighted how the Philippine market is a strong venue because of their affluence to climate concerns and because of their constant exposure to its adverse effects, like intense heat or extreme rainfall. 

Showcase green innovations and design trends 

In recent years, SCG has placed a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and durability in its product development efforts. Additionally, SCG is the first in Thailand to self-certify the environmental friendliness of its products and services using an eco-label ‘SCG Green Choice’, giving buyers an assurance that these products are truly friendly to the environment and safe to their well-being by providing clear information, product knowledge, and attributes of the labelled products.

Now, at Conex, we are thrilled to showcase some of our ground-breaking products that exemplify these principles. SCG Conex is an annual event that serves as a premier platform for unveiling the latest advancements in construction materials, technologies, and design trends.

As SCG positions itself as a home solutions provider, homeowners can find eco-label products for decorative products with SmartWood and the newest C-Channel product, roofing with SCG concrete roof and Shinkolite, ceiling and walls with SCG SmartBoard, AAC with SmartBlock and insulation with SCG Stay Cool. Each product is carefully produced to meet green standards by omitting harmful ingredients or designed to promote sustainability within homes. 

The SmartWood is a unique product from SCG that combines green, durable, and innovative aspects, and satisfies all ceiling, wall, and floor applications. It’s asbestos-free to maintain a healthy space and lessen environmental pollution while promoting durability to serve as an alternative for natural resources like wood. 

Moreover, SCG also designed the SmartBoard ULTRA, a revolutionary fiber cement board that combines the best of both worlds: strength and flexibility. This product solves the common fiber cement issue, like edge cracking. It can also withstand extreme conditions, moisture, and impact. 

Another green insulation solution from SCG to keep homes cool is the SCG Staycool, which is designed for ceilings, and reduces heat using HydroProtec technology to repel water and moisture to help prolong insulation performance. The natural insulation within their spaces will also enable homeowners to cut energy consumption and costs. 

One product that also stands out is the SCG C-Channel Plus. This innovative solution mimics the functionality of steel beams but with numerous advantages. Constructed from fiber cement, the C-Channel Plus is lightweight, weighing five to six times less than real steel. This characteristic not only facilitates easier handling but also potentially lowers installation costs, making it a compelling choice for various construction projects.

Another notable product is Shinkolite, a renowned brand of transparent acrylic roofing sheets manufactured by SCG Chemicals, a subsidiary of the Siam Cement Group in Thailand. Shinkolite has emerged as a preferred option for contemporary construction endeavors, thanks to its exceptional blend of aesthetics, functionality, and longevity. Its transparent nature allows for ample natural light, enhancing the ambience of indoor spaces while maintaining durability and weather resistance. Shinkolite stands as a testament to SCG’s commitment to delivering high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern construction projects.

Besides the C-Channel Plus and Shinkolite, consumers can also find a lightweight and innovative building material called SCG SmartBlock. The primary advantage of SCG SmartBlock lies in its cellular structure. It consists of lightweight, air-filled bubbles that significantly reduce weight compared to standard concrete. Despite its lightness, SCG SmartBlock boasts impressive strength and durability. Moreover, the air bubbles trapped within the material create excellent insulation, keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer during the cold season, all while contributing to energy savings, allowing for a greener, more comfortable home.

Furthermore, SCG also offers the SCG Facade, which isn’t a single product but an umbrella term for SCG’s range of facade solutions made available by their subsidiaries, SCG D’COR and DECAAR by SCG. These solutions combine aesthetics with functionality to enhance the exterior of a building.

Coinciding with the company’s bid for easy-installation products, they have a technical team that consumers can consult with from the design phase and before installation to get the best results possible.

“We also recently launched the Smart Academy to teach contractors how to properly install our products, is available nationwide through dealers and online,” said President Bancha. 

The products’ durability reduces the need for frequent replacements or repairs, minimizing the environmental impact associated with construction activities over a building’s lifespan. President Bancha also emphasizes how SCG uses recycled plastic materials in its products to reduce environmental waste. 

As Thailand’s number one home solutions provider, SCG continues to produce innovative, eco-friendly, and durable products to cater to their market’s preferences and stay updated with the latest trends in construction.