Thank You!!!

18th Manuel L. Quezon Bantayog Awards
Most Outstanding Councilor

Economic Crisis 101

Last night, October 10, 2008, the Quezon City Government had our annual Testimonial Dinner in honor of Quezon City’s Top Taxpayers for the year 2007. This is our own small way of extending our gratitude to those business establishments who have entrusted their precious businesses in our city … as well as being very honest and compliant in paying their taxes. Indeed, these businesses are also the primary reason why from a slump of negative numbers in our account, Quezon City was able to rise high up with surplus of 8.6B – in only a span of 6 years!

Quezon City is currently ranked 7^th among the Asian Cities of the Future (2007) and 2^nd among the Most Competitive Cities in the Philippines. We are growing and developing and expanding more … and we are very confident that your investments in our city will go a long long way.

Last night’s Guest Speaker is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of SM Investment, Inc. Instead of the typical prepared speeches during formal events, Mr. Jose Tan Sio gave a power point lecture and a crash course regarding the current Economic Crisis sweeping the world today. (And because the ballroom was filled with 300++ businessmen, the whole room was QUIET, listening attentively to his lecture!)

Honestly, I do not know jack about economics, business, stocks, bonds and what have you. The closest I got to the stock market was standing like a lost tourist when I was in Wall Street and having my picture taken by the bronze bull! I never cared about economy until now … what with all the hype (and the scare) regarding the financial crisis that started in the US.

Thanks to Mr. Sio. I somehow already have an idea about what happened, what will happen and what we should do! (I was taking down notes as if I was in a classroom while he was giving his speech! Heehee!) Ending his hour long speech, he gave us precious pointers to consider during this Economic downfall.

How to Weather the Crisis

1. BACK TO BASICS

Do not spend more than what you earn. Self explanatory.

2. STAY LIQUID

The economy at present is very fluid. You do not know when the recovery is. It is best to keep your money and stay liquid. Avoid investing in things you are unsure of and avoid getting more debts. Make sure that you have cash for “emergency purposes.”

3. RISK MANAGEMENT

Despite very high finances that they can play around with, SM Investments only concentrated on 4 lines of business : malls and retail, banking and finance, property and corporate social responsibility. People suggested they should expand, but they only focused on things that they are very sure about. Managing risks means investing only in things that you know and understand. When taking risks, make sure that it is geared more towards your advantage.

4. LOW GEARING RATIO

Debt is the cheapest cost of economy, however, it is also a double edged sword. Make sure that your debt to equity ratio is maintained low. (In short, mas marami dapat kita kaysa sa utang!)

5. SUPERVISION AND CONTROL

“Bigness is not always good.” It does not mean that because it is a huge company (eg. Lehman Bros, AIG etc) it is impossible for these corporations to collapse. Lack of control in giving out subprime housing mortages, together with the country’s concept of free economy caused their death. Lesson learned: Businesses should always be coupled with control.

6. STAY CALM AND BE PREPARED

A blog is not enough to narrate the entire meat of his speech! It is best to contact Mr. Sio and ask for a lecture! I learned a lot … and I shall be keeping my notes (written on the dinner menu and on tissue paper).

I left the ballroom with high hopes than with fear.

I know we will get through this!

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

Opening Remarks for the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial – Quezon City

May 18, 2008; 4:00PM, Quezon City Hall Grounds

Never Give Up. Never Forget.

Today, May 18, 2008, together with different groups around the world, we are commemorating the 25^th Anniversary of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. This is one of the first worldwide public events against HIV/AIDS -- a quarter century of remembrance, community mobilization and global solidarity. The theme for this 25^th year Anniversary, “Never Give Up, Never Forget” – reflects the crisis during the time when there was still confusion and misconception about this mysterious disease we now call AIDS, as well as reminds us that we must learn from the past and never give up our collective movement as we enter a new generation with this disease. Right this moment, together with different communities, we shall be lighting an official candle that will light around the world.

This Candlelight Memorial started in 1983 with the theme “Fighting For Our Lives.” There was a mysterious deadly disease spreading amongst the gay community in San Francisco, and at that time, they were receiving no support from the government, and no answers from the medical sector. Four young men who knew they would die within the year decided to put a “face to the disease” by means of coordinating a small vigil and marched down towards San Francisco City Hall. This Candlelight ceremony inspired thousands who are living with AIDS, as well as those who support their cause.

Here in Quezon City, we are commemorating the 7^th time that our beloved city has participated in this vigil. Together with the QC STD-AIDS Council, the QC Government, the DOH, US AIDS and various communities, we are joining hands in battling out HIV/AIDS as well as its related illnesses… by promoting prevention, treatment and care. In Quezon City alone, from 1984 until 2008, we have already recorded 3,101 HIV positive cases. In January 2007 we had 24 cases, and now, January 2008, HIV cases increased to 40 people. It is high time that we prevent the further increase in the number of HIV positive people in Quezon City – and this could only be possible if we work together to try to prevent it.

Sa pagtatapos, nais kong sabihin ang 4 na objectives ng International AIDS Candlelight Memorial …

1. Upang alalahanin at ipagdasal ang mga taong pumanaw na dahil sa AIDS

2. Upang magbigay ng suporta sa mga taong patuloy na lumalaban sa kanilang sakit na HIV o AIDS

3. Upang mamulat ang komunidad na hindi kamuhian ang mga taong may HIV o AIDS … bagkus, ang ika-apat…

4. Nararapat lang na lahat tayo, tumulong upang labanan ang pagkalat pa ng AIDS sa pamamagitan ng tamang edukasyon.

Mula sa QC STD/AIDS council, nais po naming magpasalamat sa inyong pagdalo at pagtulong sa ating napakahalagang misyon.

Mula sa Puso ni Kon. Doray, kapit kamay po tayo tungo sa isang malusong at HIV – free na Lungsod Quezon!

Palarong Pambansa in Puerto Prinsesa

I, together with my fellow councilors from NCR, had the privilege to represent the local government of the National Capital Region at the opening parade of the annual Palarong Pambansa in Puerto Prinsesa last April 20, 2008. The opening ceremony was a huge spectacle with thousands of the best young athletes all over the Philippines ready to bring home medals for their own region.

It was such an honor to lead our NCR athletes and coaches, as they march down the stadium. With almost 7,000 athletes and 8,000 spectators, it was such an experience walking down the freshly applied track oval donned in our blue and gold colors! The speakers kept on echoing the announcement: “The defending champions, the National Capital Region. They are the team to beat!” over and over again … giving our athletes enough confidence and more reason to give their best! Simply surreal.

“The fact that you are already here to represent our region, you are already winners. The best of the best athletes in NCR, and surely you shall prove that you are also the best of the best in our country! Always remember that it doesn’t matter how many times you win, or how many medals you get. What matters more is that you worked hard and gave your all in every competition that you get into. Represent NCR well. We are all proud of you!” – Excerpt from my speech for the kids, the night before the opening.

It was my first time in Palawan by the way. Though I wasn’t really able to use that trip for leisure and enjoy their beaches, I still had so much fun nevertheless! I will be back Palawan … soon!

Top picture (L-R) Councilors Bong Suntay, Bolet Banal, Lex Ibay, Wency Lagumbay, Dante De Guzman and Iyo Bernardo. Middle picture: QC Councilors with Deped Secretary Jesli Lapus and Puerto Prinsesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn. Bottom Picture: With our beloved district supervisors in Q.C.

From Boys to Men

(Disclaimer: Consent was obtained from the patient, as well as his parents,
to take and post this photo online and in the newspapers.)

Summer season means vacation, beaches and relaxation for most of us.

For doctors however, summer time is tule time!!!

For the past few weeks, I have been going around the city jumping from one surgical mission to another, offering my services as a physician to all my politician friends who are sponsoring surgical missions left and right. Aside from my own projects, I have been traversing districts, and even cities, cutting and stitching ‘em tiny soldiers … turning them into generals! … At the rate I am going (or cutting!), I just might consider joining the “bandwagon” and run for Vice Mayor of Quezon City! (wahahahaha! NOT!)

But seriously, joining surgical missions is one of my favorite activities even when I was still a medical student. Since I learned how to circumcise, I make it a point to volunteer in all the missions that my sorority participated in. Now that I am a full fledged non-practicing physician (ha!) … I still make it my duty to participate in all these Tule projets, and even volunteer to help out my politician friends with their projects. This is more of Doray the physician in me than Doray the politician.

All the time and effort invested in helping out in missions is worth everything knowing that this minor procedure would mean a lot to a little boy’s life…

A calling … of turning little boys into men.

Araw ng mga Buntis 2008

In celebration of WOMEN'S MONTH,
I once again had my annual city-wide BUNTIS DAY!
Special thanks to the POGS Capital City Wide and to all the sponsors!

Malusog na bata, Malusog na Bayan