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Friday, December 01, 2017

Virtual Volunteer: An Online Platform For OFWs And Their Families From Red Cross

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What is in the Virtual Volunteer
On the platform, users can find practical information and advice from Red Cross, such as:
What they need to know before they leave the country (how to find local support in their destination, documents to bring, practical advice in the Philippines and in countries of destination, tips and more);
Know information at destination (emergency contacts, where is the embassy, who they can call for help); and
Information on what services are available for family members back home, offered by Red Cross and others, and connects people at any stages of migration with relevant services.

PRC has also provided the following services:
Psychosocial Support Program: OFWs and family members can contact the Red Cross for psychosocial support to cope with possible changes brought about by overseas employment of a family member;
Home and School Visits:
Visit of Red Cross personnel to the family of OFWs to ensure the family is doing alright in the absence of the OFW;
Crisis Intervention: Support to OFWs’ families who are in crisis situations;
Restoring Family Links: Reconnect family members who have lost contact with a loved one;
Ambulance Service: Ambulance service for returning OFW in need will be provided from the airport to the nearest hospital within Metro Manila;

and
Referral: Refer people in need to other organizations for services which are not within the scope of the Red Cross services.

Virtual Volunteer will also provide frequently asked questions to be read by the OFWs when facing difficult situations.

More than 12 million Filipinos are working and living abroad as Overseas Filipino Workers. The growing volume of labor migration from the Philippines has increased the incidence of problems and challenges faced by migrants and their families. PRC, has been supporting OFW cases eversince through its Welfare Service by assuring that humanitarian assistance reaches the OFWs and their families. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) launched its first Virtual Volunteer web platform in the Philippines. In collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Virtual Volunteer, the latest digital platform, offers to support the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families by relaying useful information before considering working abroad, and while they work overseas, they provide links with services which are available. The Virtual Volunteer, is a source of verified local information from any connected device, provides information for migrants safety and health on their migration. It provides OFWs and family with information, likewise to PRC volunteers enabling them to engage with local communities, contributing in delivering essential knowledge to people throughout the country. Developed by the IFRC and tech giant IBM, the web platform has already been operational in Greece and Sweden where it has been availed by almost 30,000 people. Sponsored Links What is in the Virtual Volunteer On the platform, users can find practical information and advice from Red Cross, such as: What they need to know before they leave the country (how to find local support in their destination, documents to bring, practical advice in the Philippines and in countries of destination, tips and more); Know information at destination (emergency contacts, where is the embassy, who they can call for help); and Information on what services are available for family members back home, offered by Red Cross and others, and connects people at any stages of migration with relevant services. PRC has also provided the following services: Psychosocial Support Program: OFWs and family members can contact the Red Cross for psychosocial support to cope with possible changes brought about by overseas employment of a family member; Home and School Visits: Visit of Red Cross personnel to the family of OFWs to ensure the family is doing alright in the absence of the OFW; Crisis Intervention: Support to OFWs’ families who are in crisis situations; Restoring Family Links: Reconnect family members who have lost contact with a loved one; Ambulance Service: Ambulance service for returning OFW in need will be provided from the airport to the nearest hospital within Metro Manila; and Referral: Refer people in need to other organizations for services which are not within the scope of the Red Cross services. Virtual Volunteer will also provide frequently asked questions to be read by the OFWs when facing difficult situations. For information you can contact: Philippine Red Cross Hotline: 143 Trunkline: +63 (02) 790-2300local 916 Email: lifeline@redcross.org.ph/ welfare@redcross.org.ph Here are the three steps to access the Virtual Volunteer: Step 1: Connect to internet or wifi; Step 2: Visit www.virtualvolunteer.org; Step 3: Get help and be informed Source: PIA Migration report shows that more than 12 million Filipinos are working and living abroad. The growing volume of labor migration from the Philippines has increased the incidence of problems and challenges faced by migrants and their families. “People going abroad do not usually know where to seek information and what available services they have. The right information can help them avoid falling in situations of abuse, exploitation, or traffickers. This web platform is a key in saving lives and building resilience. Having information easily accessible through a connected mobile phone is an easy, light way to prepare before going to a new country and access information once at destination,” said PRC Secretary General Atty. Oscar Palabyab. PRC, since day one, has been supporting OFW cases through its Welfare Service by making sure that humanitarian assistance will be delivered to the OFWs and their families. “I always envisioned that one day, our OFWs will no longer have to leave the Philippines and their loved ones for better work abroad. More time with family means stronger relationship,” said Gordon. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) unveils its first-ever Virtual Volunteer web platform in the Philippines at the PRC Tower Penthouse, Mandaluyong City. Together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Virtual Volunteer, the newest digital platform, offers support to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their family members by providing useful information before considering migrating, while in abroad, and linking up with available services. “The number of migrant workers has become so significant. The problem has become so big that we have to start where we can win. Information is as vital as food, water, medicines, and clothes. Objective and timely information is something that the migrants could lean on after leaving their homes and families,” said PRC Chairman Richard Gordon. The Virtual Volunteer, a source of verified local information from any connected device, aims to provide information to keep migrants safe and healthy at all stages of migration, provide information to OFWs and family members on available services, and provide information to PRC volunteers to help them engage with communities locally, contributing to delivering essential knowledge to people in every corner of the country. It also provides reliable and unbiased information on what to do in case of emergency while in abroad, how to prepare for a new life abroad, and how to protect themselves from traffickers and abuse at any stage. The web platform, developed by the IFRC and tech giant IBM, has already been rolled out in Greece and Sweden where it has been used by almost 30,000 people. With the campaign, “Gabayanihan: Gabayan. Bayanihan. Kahit saan. Kahit kailan,” the launching ceremony will highlight the importance of the web platform in delivering information to OFWs and those planning to go abroad. Sponsored Links What is in the Virtual Volunteer On the platform, users can find practical information and advice from Red Cross, such as: What they need to know before they leave the country (how to find local support in their destination, documents to bring, practical advice in the Philippines and in countries of destination, tips and more); Know information at destination (emergency contacts, where is the embassy, who they can call for help); and Information on what services are available for family members back home, offered by Red Cross and others, and connects people at any stages of migration with relevant services. PRC has also provided the following services: Psychosocial Support Program: OFWs and family members can contact the Red Cross for psychosocial support to cope with possible changes brought about by overseas employment of a family member; Home and School Visits: Visit of Red Cross personnel to the family of OFWs to ensure the family is doing alright in the absence of the OFW; Crisis Intervention: Support to OFWs’ families who are in crisis situations; Restoring Family Links: Reconnect family members who have lost contact with a loved one; Ambulance Service: Ambulance service for returning OFW in need will be provided from the airport to the nearest hospital within Metro Manila; and Referral: Refer people in need to other organizations for services which are not within the scope of the Red Cross services. Virtual Volunteer will also provide frequently asked questions to be read by the OFWs when facing difficult situations. How to contact us: Philippine Red Cross Hotline: 143 Trunkline: +63 (02) 790-2300local 916 Email: lifeline@redcross.org.ph/ welfare@redcross.org.ph Here are the three steps to access the Virtual Volunteer: Step 1: Connect to internet or wifi; Step 2: Visit www.virtualvolunteer.org; Step 3: Get help and be informed Putting together information in the hands of OFWs and their families is a necessity to cross communication barriers and to allow access to more relevant services. (PRC) Source: PIA Advertisement Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Advertisement Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO

For information you can contact:
Philippine Red Cross Hotline: 143
Trunkline: +63 (02) 790-2300local 916
Email: lifeline@redcross.org.ph/ welfare@redcross.org.ph

Here are the three steps to access the Virtual Volunteer:

Step 1: Connect to internet or wifi;

Step 2: Visit www.virtualvolunteer.org;

Step 3: Get help and be informed
Source: PIA

Migration report shows that more than 12 million Filipinos are working and living abroad. The growing volume of labor migration from the Philippines has increased the incidence of problems and challenges faced by migrants and their families. “People going abroad do not usually know where to seek information and what available services they have. The right information can help them avoid falling in situations of abuse, exploitation, or traffickers. This web platform is a key in saving lives and building resilience. Having information easily accessible through a connected mobile phone is an easy, light way to prepare before going to a new country and access information once at destination,” said PRC Secretary General Atty. Oscar Palabyab. PRC, since day one, has been supporting OFW cases through its Welfare Service by making sure that humanitarian assistance will be delivered to the OFWs and their families. “I always envisioned that one day, our OFWs will no longer have to leave the Philippines and their loved ones for better work abroad. More time with family means stronger relationship,” said Gordon. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) unveils its first-ever Virtual Volunteer web platform in the Philippines at the PRC Tower Penthouse, Mandaluyong City. Together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Virtual Volunteer, the newest digital platform, offers support to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their family members by providing useful information before considering migrating, while in abroad, and linking up with available services. “The number of migrant workers has become so significant. The problem has become so big that we have to start where we can win. Information is as vital as food, water, medicines, and clothes. Objective and timely information is something that the migrants could lean on after leaving their homes and families,” said PRC Chairman Richard Gordon. The Virtual Volunteer, a source of verified local information from any connected device, aims to provide information to keep migrants safe and healthy at all stages of migration, provide information to OFWs and family members on available services, and provide information to PRC volunteers to help them engage with communities locally, contributing to delivering essential knowledge to people in every corner of the country. It also provides reliable and unbiased information on what to do in case of emergency while in abroad, how to prepare for a new life abroad, and how to protect themselves from traffickers and abuse at any stage. The web platform, developed by the IFRC and tech giant IBM, has already been rolled out in Greece and Sweden where it has been used by almost 30,000 people. With the campaign, “Gabayanihan: Gabayan. Bayanihan. Kahit saan. Kahit kailan,” the launching ceremony will highlight the importance of the web platform in delivering information to OFWs and those planning to go abroad. Sponsored Links What is in the Virtual Volunteer On the platform, users can find practical information and advice from Red Cross, such as: What they need to know before they leave the country (how to find local support in their destination, documents to bring, practical advice in the Philippines and in countries of destination, tips and more); Know information at destination (emergency contacts, where is the embassy, who they can call for help); and Information on what services are available for family members back home, offered by Red Cross and others, and connects people at any stages of migration with relevant services. PRC has also provided the following services: Psychosocial Support Program: OFWs and family members can contact the Red Cross for psychosocial support to cope with possible changes brought about by overseas employment of a family member; Home and School Visits: Visit of Red Cross personnel to the family of OFWs to ensure the family is doing alright in the absence of the OFW; Crisis Intervention: Support to OFWs’ families who are in crisis situations; Restoring Family Links: Reconnect family members who have lost contact with a loved one; Ambulance Service: Ambulance service for returning OFW in need will be provided from the airport to the nearest hospital within Metro Manila; and Referral: Refer people in need to other organizations for services which are not within the scope of the Red Cross services. Virtual Volunteer will also provide frequently asked questions to be read by the OFWs when facing difficult situations. How to contact us: Philippine Red Cross Hotline: 143 Trunkline: +63 (02) 790-2300local 916 Email: lifeline@redcross.org.ph/ welfare@redcross.org.ph Here are the three steps to access the Virtual Volunteer: Step 1: Connect to internet or wifi; Step 2: Visit www.virtualvolunteer.org; Step 3: Get help and be informed Putting together information in the hands of OFWs and their families is a necessity to cross communication barriers and to allow access to more relevant services. (PRC) Source: PIA Advertisement Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO

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About 10% Out Of Over 700,000 Filipino Youth At Risk Due To Anti-dengue Vaccine?

About 700,000 youth is now at risk after the manufacturer of an anti-dengue vaccine said that using the medicine with people who did not previously infected with the virus could cause severe diseases. Sanofi, the manufacturer of the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia which was first approved in the Philippines disclosed the result of their research that the vaccine is only effective with people who were previously infected by the deadly virus. However , using it with those who were not infected by the disease could seriously harm them. Sponsored Links The vaccination program was facilitated by then Department Of Health head Janette Garin using the P3.8B budget allocated by the administration of former president Benigno Aquino, III. The program was continued by Health Secretary Pauleen Ubial. Recently, after the statement from Sanofi, Health Secretary Francisco Duque halted the vaccination until further recommendation by the World Health Organization which is expected to come out by the second week of December. Advertisement However, the vaccine was approved by the World Health Organization before it was implemented by DOH in the Philippines. Former Health Secretary Garin said that the implementation of the vaccine is also based on WHO recommendation and this has been followed in other countries who are using the same vaccine against the deadly dengue virus. The dengue vaccine experiment was completed after 3 years of intensive tests. The Department of Health was among those which secured the vaccines which needed three consecutive shots for full immunization. Meanwhile, Senator richard Gordon said that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will revive the investigation regarding the DOH purchase of the controversial vaccine after its manufacturer disclosed about the possible health risk of Dengvaxia to those who had received the vaccine without being infected before by the virus. In September 2016, the committee conducted a hearing about the alleged "midnight deal" involving the purchase of the medicine during the Aquino administration in spite that the vaccine is still undergoing tests and yet to be guaranteed to be safe. Gordon warned the agency but the former administration still pushed on experimenting and gave the vaccine to initially 280,000 children. According to Senator Gordon's timeline, it is pointed out that: —On November 14, the DOH considered the national vaccination program followed by a documentation on July 2015. —December 2, 2015, former President Aquino had a meeting with Sanofi while he attended the Climate Change Summit in France followed by the approval for the vaccine by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD)on December 2015. — December 29, 2015, the Department of Budget and Management has released a sum of P3.5 billion from the government savings, hence, it doesn't went through the Congress. Gordon said that the government indeed swiftly acted to prevent Filipino children from being affected by the deadly dengue but it should also carefully consider that hastening the administering of the vaccine, which at that time lacks the assurance of its safety, could put their health at risk. Sanofi studies revealed that the vaccine is only effective to those who were already infected by dengue before being injected with the vaccine, otherwise, it could cause severe diseases. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO

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The vaccination program was facilitated by then Department Of Health head Janette Garin using the P3.8B budget allocated by the administration of former president Benigno Aquino, III. The program was continued by Health Secretary Pauleen Ubial. Recently, after the statement from Sanofi, Health Secretary Francisco Duque halted the vaccination until further recommendation by the World Health Organization which is expected to come out by the second week of December.

However, the vaccine was approved by the World Health Organization before it was implemented by DOH in the Philippines. Former Health Secretary Garin said that the implementation of the vaccine is also based on WHO recommendation and this has been followed in other countries who are using the same vaccine against the deadly dengue virus.

The dengue vaccine experiment was completed after 3 years of intensive tests. The Department of Health was among those which secured the vaccines which needed three consecutive shots for full immunization.

Meanwhile, Senator richard Gordon said that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will revive the investigation regarding the DOH purchase of the controversial vaccine after its manufacturer disclosed about the possible health risk of Dengvaxia to those who had received the vaccine without being infected before by the virus.

In September 2016, the committee conducted a hearing about the alleged "midnight deal" involving the purchase of the medicine during the Aquino administration in spite that the vaccine is still undergoing tests and yet to be guaranteed to be safe.

Gordon warned the agency but the former administration still pushed on experimenting and gave the vaccine to initially 280,000 children.
According to Senator Gordon's timeline, it is pointed out that:

—On November 14, the DOH considered the national vaccination program followed by a documentation on July 2015.

—December 2, 2015, former President Aquino had a meeting with Sanofi while he attended the Climate Change Summit in France followed by the approval for the vaccine by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) on December 2015.

— December 29, 2015, the Department of Budget and Management has released a sum of P3.5 billion from the government savings, hence, it doesn't went through the Congress.

Gordon said that the government indeed swiftly acted to prevent Filipino children from being affected by the deadly dengue but it should also carefully consider that hastening the administering of the vaccine, which at that time lacks the assurance of its safety, could put their health at risk.

Sanofi studies revealed that the vaccine is only effective to those who were already infected by dengue before being injected with the vaccine, otherwise, it could cause severe diseases.

Duque said 733,713 children from Central Luzon, the region of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, and Metro Manila were administered Dengvaxia. Eight to 10 percent or about 70,000 children have not had dengue yet, the DOH added.

Update*
According to Health Secretary Duque, the extent of the possible damage among those who had the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia is about 10% translated to about 70,000 children out of the total 733,713 from different parts of the country.
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