The first few years of decentralization of Iloilo hospitals and health care proved too daunting for the provincial government of Iloilo. One of the biggest problems was delivery of health services as the province took over 11 district hospitals and the Iloilo Provincial Hospital. Taking in hundreds of health personnel while offering maintenance and management of the hospitals and health units chewed up a huge amount of the provincial budget, resulting to the depletion of funds for other services and general administration of the Provincial Government.
Before 1991, there was a negative impact from the public regarding the Iloilo provincial hospitals due to insufficient and poor maintenance of the facilities, absence of well-trained medical personnel, and inadequate supplies and other resources. The negative perception remained immediately after decentralization due to further deterioration.
Likewise, the financial assistance of the local government for devolution was primarily intended for personnel expenses and minimal was left for maintenance and operating expenses. Cleanliness and sanitary conditions in provincial hospitals were alarming. Capital outlays were not provided during the first years of decentralization. Only marginal improvements for equipment and facilities were implemented.
The problem of the Iloilo Provincial Government was compounded by the fact that the capacity building of hospital personnel was severely affected and there was no organization for human resource development. The lack of medical personnel to assist the number of patients were insufficient and became worse. The confidence of the public in provincial hospitals deteriorated as well.
The Hospital Operations and Management Service (HOMS) of the Provincial Health Office spearheaded the reorganization of the Iloilo health system. The system was designed to restructure the functional departments of provincial hospitals. Under the new system, hospitals were divided into the following units: Nursing, Clinical, Laboratory, Dietary, Pharmacy, Social Services, and Administrative.
Each of the departments would be tasked to coordinate and manage the provincial hospitals for the purpose of planning, development and management of human resources, operations, and procurement and physical development of both District and Provincial Hospitals. Aside from that, each unit of the HOMS would collaborate with their hospital counterparts in discussing needs and problems, in formulating plans and determining the needed actions to solve problems.
For its part, the HOMS was responsible for clearing problems as well as establishing a link between the hospitals and the Provincial Government while ensuring immediate action regarding the needs and problems of hospital facilities.
With the implementation of the HOMS in 2002, one of its initial moves was to perform a baseline assessment of the conditions of the 11 District Hospitals and the Iloilo Provincial Hospital. The task of assessing the condition of each hospital was provided for as a basic requirement of Administrative Order 70-2 Series of 2002 and Administrative Order 147 Series of 2004 of the Department of Health regarding the implementing rules and regulations of the registration, licensing, and operation of hospitals and other health facilities in the country.
The HOMS Information System served as the benchmark for all other Iloilo hospitals and health care. It established a Data Bank, Hospital Monitoring Tools, and Statistical Report.
The ‘City of Smiles’ does not just brag about the hotels that offer world class service, they are equally proud of the restaurants and bars in Bacolod that serve good food with passion and dedication. There are various Bacolod restaurants to choose from and the dishes range from local to international cuisine to delicacies.
Imbiss Bacolod is a small restaurant but the environment is cozy and laid back. This Bacolod restaurant can be found along Lacson Street in the city itself and it specializes in European cuisine. Imbiss Bacolod has several specialties from delectable imported sausages from Hungary and Germany to authentic Italian pizza recipes such as the Pizza Al Tonno. This Bacolod restaurant understands the Filipino’s love for rice and they’ve managed to incorporate it tastefully into their dishes. Take for instance the Garlic Sausage served at Imbiss Bacolod which is a good match with flavored rice. The Veal Bratwurst is another dish served at this Bacolod restaurant that has rice that is a top choice on their menu list. Imbiss Bacolod serves affordable meals, with prices ranging from Php 110 to Php 300 but the servings are big so it’s good for sharing. Aside from the great European food and the cozy environment, the service personnel are also very friendly and always welcome one with a warm smile at Imbiss Bacolod.
A quick snack that is healthy and nutritious is something that will keep you going and that’s exactly what the Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties offers. Aside from the Jamaican Patties that this Bacolod restaurant serves which are good either with Iced Tea to douse the summer hear or hot coffee for that rainy afternoon, they have interesting yet tasty dishes. Take for instance the Sunny Shrimp Balls that they serve at the Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties which goes really well with sweet chili sauce. Although most of the dishes served at this Bacolod restaurant are somewhat spicy, one can tell the servers to bring it down a notch and for those who like their food incredibly hot, one can also ask them to throw in a bit more chili. The Spicy Chicken is also one of the Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties’ specialties and this is a heavy and filling dish. Other enticing dishes at this Bacolod restaurant are Burger Steak and Cheese Burst. The Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties has a cozy atmosphere and it is found on Main Strip Alley near one of the big schools in Bacolod, La Salle. The Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties offers superior alternatives when it comes to snacks.
Rent fees in the Philippines are skyrocketing high lately, especially in posh districts. There are units in regular vicinities which are reasonably priced, and there are poor units with mismatching rental fees.
How to get over rent fee payments in this country?
Read this.
The unit has been rented and it’s found out too late that it stinks. Units on display often look perfect---until one pays the down payment and starts living in it. The awful discoveries pop up one by one; the sink’s clogged, the roof and the pipes leak, the celing’s a mouse condo, and water comes in the living from somewhere. And the neighbor’s a rock concert queen, besides. So, how does one continue to pay rent with peace with this scenario?
Stay in the apartment unit for 2 to 3 months---that’s the usual advance down payment rent in the country. If the monthly rent is P5,000, the advance is P10,000. So the total for the first 3 months is P15,000. It’s often non refundable. Use up the three-month rent. Get used to the environment for a while. Stay out most of the time. Go on a vacation spree at a friend’s studio. Most important, start scouting for a new unit. Learn from the first experience. Check the “hidden secrets” of every apartment units.
If the apartment unit is okay but the rent is a bit too much, start preparing the rent fee on day one after paying the recent one. Say, the advances have been paid yesterday and one moves in today. Start saving for next month’s rent. If one’s paycheck comes every week, save money for rent each week. If per 15th and 30th of the month, then save for rent accordingly. It’s more tolerable to do this than deduct the whole rent fee outright from a monthly paycheck, or scour for money to pay the whole thing at the time of collection. This gradual saving for rent fee makes the payment seem lighter and less stressful—that’s peace for the tenant.
If the apartment unit’s good enough but the rent seems incompatible with unit quality, a discount may be asked the owner. Discounts or “tawad” applies to many facets of life in the country. Owners are apt to understand it and, with some gentle prodding, may grant some.
An apartment unit rent fee need not add pressure to one’s budgeting challenges. There are ways of preparing rent payments with ease and tranquility.
General Santos is also called as the boom town of Mindanao. This city has become an excellent destination for tourists. They have many beautiful beaches and landmarks. They also have top resorts and hotels. Most of the hotels have excellent services and some are very affordable too. Many guests keep coming back to them because they all make their stay memorable and nice.
1. Dolores Tropicana Resort - This resort is in the town of Tambler in the city. This resort is a franchise company from South Cotabato. The whole resort has a peaceful surrounding where you can enjoy a quiet time to relax from the hectic city life. Many residents like holding special celebrations with them like weddings, business seminars and meetings. There are different types of rooms. They are Taub, Katunggan and Balud rooms. The cost of staying in a room for one night can cost one thousand two hundred pesos up to two thousand eight hundred pesos. Every room has the standard amenities like television, telephone and bathrooms.
2. Days Hotel - This hotel is in the town of Lagao. Many guests like coming back to stay here because the people are reliable. They are also proud of their friendly service. They have good amenities like spacious parking space, deposit boxes for safety and huge conference rooms. A room with one bed costs sixty five dollars up to ninety five dollars. The room with two beds costs seventy five dollars up to one hundred five dollars for one night. Each room has all the amenities like telephones and televisions.
3. East Asia Royale Hotel - This is situated on the national highway. It is known for its elegance and good hospitable staff. They have different room for huge banquets. They also have a center for business. The hotel has its own coffee shop, restaurant and one bar with a pianist. The guests are offered different rooms like superior, standard, deluxe and
suite rooms. Most of the rooms costs one thousand nine hundred fifty pesos and the suites cost three thousand two hundred pesos.
4. Dolores Hotel - This hotel is along the boulevard called Santiago in the city. They have many halls for conventions and other function rooms. They also have their own restaurant. The hotels offer single, matrimonial, family and twin rooms for their guests. The price of the rooms range from five hundred pesos up to nine hundred pesos. The rooms have the standard amenities like telephones, televisions and one bathroom with the shower.
5. Phela Grande Hotel - This was established on the corners of Atis Street and Magsaysay. This is one of the biggest hotels in General Santos. They have a big restaurant, souvenir store and other rooms for different functions. The guests are offered with different rooms like standard, single and family rooms. The price of the rooms varies from nine hundred pesos and two thousand two hundred pesos. The rooms have standard features.
It’s not a surprise that many people make frequent trips to Angeles City regardless of whether they are residents or foreigners just visiting. Angeles City is known as the entertainment center of the Philippines and aside from the many things to see in this thriving city, there are twice as many things to do that will appeal to everyone. If one is planning a trip to Angeles City, take note of the Angeles City transportation that one can take to make moving around much easier and more convenient.
Most of the visitors that make frequent trips to Angeles City are from Manila and this is not surprising since the entertainment center is only an hour or two away from the capital. One can hop on a bus from the terminals in Manila to get to Angeles City and this mode of Angeles City transportation takes at most 2 hours using the North Luzon Expressway. Bus fare is about Php300 per head and this is already an air conditioned bus. The major bus lines that have buses that leave for Angeles City almost every hour are Philippine Rabbit and Victory Liner.
If coming from other provinces such as Cebu, the quickest mode of Angeles City transportation is via plane from Caticlan and the trip is about 45 minutes only. The plane lands at Clark Airport and from here, there are many different types of Angeles City transportation that one can take depending on the budget or preference.
Assuming that one rode a plane to get to Angeles City, one will notice that right outside the airport are buses and jeepneys that will get one to just about anywhere in the city. The jeepney fare is less than Php10 per head while the bus fare would depend on where one is headed and how far it is. There are also tricycles that one can ride within the city itself for short distances.
For those who are feeling less adventurous, another mode of Angeles City transportation is to hire a car or a van. In fact, one can do this with Manila as the starting point and it’s convenient for those carrying a big luggage or those who are traveling in groups. Even in Angeles City, rent-a-car is a common business and this can be attributed to the many visitors that it receives daily. Whatever one’s budget or preference may be, there is sure to be a mode of Angeles City transportation that one can avail of.
One of the popular and advancing provinces in the Philippines, Iloilo offers captivating and alluring tourist destinations to everyone. Because of the attractive tourist spots in the place, many people like to spend their vacation and visit the beautiful sightseeing areas in Iloilo, Philippines. Hence, to offer good and nice accommodations to vacationers, travelers and tourists, the province feature hotels and restaurants where they can sleep, dine, and relax. To have a safe travel and stay in the province, people should refer to Iloilo travel guides for these tools offer information on nice places to visit and exciting activities to do during their stay in the place.
Tourist Spots in Iloilo, Philippines
Iloilo has a rich culture and history, which makes it more attractive to foreigners and Filipino travelers. To have a glimpse at the province’s culture, there are historical and cultural places that people can always visit. Most of these places are featured in Iloilo travel guides so that travelers can have an exciting stay in the province. Hence, three historical tourist destinations in Iloilo, Philippines that are commonly featured in Iloilo travel guides are Plaza Libertad, Old Buildings in Calle Real, and Fort San Pedro. On the other hand, people can also visit religious attractions in the province like the famous Molo Church and Arevalo Church.
Hotels in Iloilo, Philippines
For the comfort and safety of all travelers, Iloilo travel guides also feature hotels, lodges, and inns, in the province where people can sleep. Most of the travel guides offer information on facilities, locations, and accommodation rates of first class hotels in the province such as Iloilo Centennial Resort Hotel and Convention Center, Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, as well as Days Hotel. Meanwhile, to assist tourists who are on tight budget, the guides also offer knowledge on standard class hotels such as Punta Villa Hotel and Resort, La Fiesta Hotel, and Four Season Hotel.
Restaurants in Iloilo, Philippines
In terms of dining, Iloilo travel guides feature the famous restaurants in the province that serve delectable and delicious dishes to everyone. For those who are in search for restaurants that offer international meals, they can always dine at Bourbon Street, David’s Tea House, and Villa Regatta. On the other hand, Iloilo travel guides also offer information on the menus of restaurants that serve Filipino cuisine like Panaderia de Molo, Barrio Inasal, and Casitas. With all the information that Iloilo travel guides share to tourists in the province, they can surely have a remarkable and great vacation in Iloilo, Philippines.
Philippine cities are all bustling with various beehive activities. They all offer good tourism and gear up as best they can to keep a rush of steady inflow of tourists the whole year round. So what more can we ask of Philippine cities? Nothing much. But what’s really needed to truly enjoy them is our careful preparation.
Philippine cities from photos and promotions look perfect enough for any visitor. But just like any other cities in the world, there are some things we need to understand particularly how things work in the streets. If we understand rules and street culture in a Philippine city, we get about 60 to 80 percent assurance of pleasurable trips in them.
First is never be too obvious with how one looks. Tourists, especially foreigners, and first-timers in a city, ought to dress up casually like any other person on routine city travel. Don’t attract attention wearing shorts and shirts with tourism hypes written all over them in Philippine city streets.
Don’t show off expensive dark sun glasses, mobile phones, jewelry, dollar bills, and the like---and careful with that foreign accent, too. Relax with these things in malls, or luxury hotels and restaurants, but not in city streets---or even “just outside” a secure establishment. We don’t want to figure in any city crime scene, much more as a victim. This scenario will demolish all expectations of enjoying Philippine cities.
If foreign accent cannot be disguised, be sure to travel with a local in any Philippine city. Talk as less as possible but always smile. There are many simple Filipino words and phrases easy to learn. It is advisable to learn them a month or so before stepping in a Philippine city. Words like, “Magkano?” (How much?), “Salamat” (Thanks), “Saan?” (Where?), “Para po!” (Please stop the cab or bus or jeepney, I want to get off here), and “Anong oras na?” (What time is it?).
Always use city sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and overpasses for people. Obey all city traffic rules. They’re often the root of city street corruption. Take public rides only at designated locations. Get off on the same. If in a private car, park only in designated parking spaces or lots. Some Philippine city ordinances are fond of car towing.
A sure way of enjoying a Philippine city is knowing city traveling rules and city street culture that applies. Keep out of city street troubles and it will always be smooth sailing trips in Philippine cities.
When it comes to traveling options, there are several forms of Ormoc City transportation that one can use to get to and to get around this high class city in the province of Leyte. What brings a lot of visitors to Ormoc City is not just the beautiful white sand beaches and the warm residents, but also how easy it is to take Ormoc City transportation to get to one’s destination.
The fastest and the first option that one should consider is to take a plane to Ormoc City. This type of Ormoc City transportation can be availed of for about Php1000 if one chances upon promotional offers from domestic airline companies such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Zest Airways. Promotional offers are usually done during off peak season, around June to September. Any other time, flying to Ormoc City could cost about Php3000 if it’s a direct flight. However, one can get cheaper airfare if coming from Manila by flying to Tacloban and from there take a bus to Ormoc City. The bus ride takes about two hours.
For those coming from Cebu, chances of getting a direct flight are slimmer. However, one can fly to Manila and then book a connecting flight to Ormoc City from there. This type of Ormoc City transportation should take about 2-3 hours at most.
Getting to Ormoc City can be done by combination of a plane ride and bus. For instance if one is coming from Angeles City, it’s sometimes necessary to first drive to Manila and from there take a connecting flight to Ormoc City.
Another way to get to Ormoc City is via ferry and this is a mode of Ormoc City transportation that is available to everyone regardless of whether one’s starting point is Ormoc City or Manila. Be prepared to spend around Php2000 when availing of this option.
Once in the beautiful Ormoc City, the most common modes of Ormoc City transportation are jeepneys and tricycles. For short distances and if one wants to avoid frequent stops, a tricycle might just be able to get one to one’s destination faster. Jeepneys on the other hand have designated routes and riding one is recommended for those who are familiar with Ormoc City or if one is simply feeling adventurous. Wherever one might be headed in Ormoc City, there is definitely an Ormoc City transportation that can be ridden to get to one’s destination in the soonest possible time.
Banana trees are among the tropical plants abundant in the Philippines. It is seen in provinces and cities. One of the thrilling tales about them has to do with the world of mysticism. Banana trees may be innocent looking but according to a Philippine tale about them they hide deep secrets of the spirit world.
Banana trees quickly spread around a mother tree. They often grow in clusters, and the tallest tree usually is the mother banana tree. Soon, droplet-shaped hearts blossom on the tips of specific branches around which garlands of young banana fruits sprout. To a Philippine tale, it approaches a time when mystical creatures will haunt the cluster for a chance to grab a most coveted charm stone.
A big, ripe banana heart with blossoming flowers and some midget fruits, according to this Philippine tale, is the apple of numinous creatures’ eyes, and the wonderful charm stone is said to wait a proper, precise time at which it mysteriously drops from the tip of the banana heart. At precisely 12 midnight, the stone charm drops. And when it does, it must be caught by a human mouth before it drops to the ground where it instantly melts. The mystical creatures cannot do anything except grab it from the human who caught it by the mouth. They cannot catch it themselves. So according to this Philippine tale, they will choke him to death.
Any daring human who would bravely stay up till 12 midnight and wait for the stone charm to drop from the banana heart is bound to either end up very powerful against human and spiritual foes, or dead. While waiting he is said to feel eerie sensations and hear the spooky moans of the spirit creatures. Then, when he finally catches the thing in his mouth, this Philippine tale says all the spirit monsters would grab at his neck to choke him into throwing it out. But if he perseveres until about a minute past midnight, the stone charms become his permanent possession.
However, possession of the stone charm brings with it certain curses. Though it may do its possessor some good, it still comes from the dark side and, as this Philippine tale goes, will cost the possessor his soul after he dies.
Banana trees have a secret to keep, and the Philippine tale on this says it is better kept undisturbed. It is wisest to be contently enjoying its sweet, plump fruit and thanking God for it.
The City of Makati has always been known to be a booming commercial district. Almost all the good malls are here in Makati but aside from the convenience of modern living, this city has something else to offer. This city has excellent hospitals and health care providers.
This Makati hospital is located right where it all happens on Ayala Avenue. Makati Medical Center was recently renovated and the creation of a new wing expanded the services that this Makati hospital offers. Makati Medical Center is not a new hospital, in fact it’s almost 4 decades old and the architecture of the former main building will attest to that. However this should not be a reason to dismiss the kind of health care this Makati hospital provides because aside from the state of the art medical equipment that it uses, Makati Medical Center has distinguished doctors and dedicated medical attendants. This Makati hospital offers two different kinds of services: medical and support. Among the medical services offered by the Makati Medical Center are pulmonary diseases, orthopedics, radiology, surgery, dermatology, emergency medicine and the list goes on. Under support services on the other hand, this Makati hospital is committed to making sure their patients come first with nursing services, medical records, pharmacy, dietary, finance and medical education. For a detailed list of the services offered by the Makati Medical Center and the directory of doctors that hold clinic here, simply visit their website www.makatimed.net.ph
Conveniently located at the Glorietta Mall, Patient’s First provides efficient and effective health care by making sure that their patients are attended to promptly and diagnosed using state of the art technology and modern equipment. Patient’s First is a really an outpatient clinic that is right on top of a drug store so this is really a one-stop medical center. The professionals of Patient’s First regardless of whether they are nurses, doctors, or part of the admin, are highly trained. This Makati hospital also has ambulatory health care and offer a very wide range of diagnostic services, medical and dental to name a few. Patient’s First is open everyday of the week from 9am to 8pm and the doctors that hold clinic at this Makati hospital have various specialties so one is assured that one is getting more than just the basic primary health care. Although Patient’s First does not have its own website, their contact number is (02) 451-8888.