Beware of Toys
NCW
WARNING: Some gift toys may be hazardous to your children’s
safety.
Please be reminded that some of the toys being sold in the market
(especially during this Christmas season) may be inferior products
that do not comply with international and government safety
standards.
The proliferation of cheap, imported toys in the malls,
supermarkets, tiangges, etc. makes it imperative for the DTI and
consumer groups to strictly monitor its sales. It must be noted
that there are unscrupulous manufacturers who use toxic substances
in the manufacture of their toys without giving due consideration
to the consumers specifically the children who will be playing
with it.
Moreover, many of these manufacturers fail to properly label their
toy products. For example, there should be visible warnings for
toys that contain small parts, as they pose a choking hazard and
therefore not recommended for children below three years old.
The Consumer Act of the Philippines or R.A. No. 7394 under the
“Product labeling” provision requires that each type of toy should
have a different warning label. That is why toys that don’t have
safety label should be considered misbranded and should be banned
or withdrawn from the market at the manufacturer’s expense.
Recently, Senate Bill 658 or the Toy Safety labeling Act of 2004
was filed by Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. The proposed law would require
toys intended for children to be marked by clear safety warnings,
and instructions for its use. Senator Villar said his proposal
would strengthen the existing provision on product labeling in the
Consumer Act.
Meantime, while waiting for this law to be passed, consumers
should be vigilant and must be aware of the possible dangers these
toys may bring to their children.
***
The Naga Consumer Watch (NCW) commends Mr. Michael V. Padua of the
Naga College Foundation for his exemplary dedication in tracking
typhoons in the past weeks, and providing the public with timely
and accurate weather updates.
I was personally amazed by Michael’s dexterity in analyzing the
weather condition while deftly giving credible forecasts. Because
of his passion in tracking the typhoons, Michael is helping the
government inform the public in making the necessary preparations.
If I remember it right, Michael is the son of architect Francisco
“Junie” Padua Jr of Country Bankers-Naga and former Emy
Villanueva. Ms Emy is the amiable daughter of the late Dr. Melchor
Villanueva, the founder of the Naga College Foundation.
As a little boy, Michael and his siblings tagged along with their
father while the lodge meeting of the Theosophical Society was
being held every Sunday. Junie heads then the local chapter of
Theophists that includes Vic Hao-Chin, Toy Abainza, Cesar Gumabon,
Prof. Lucio Teoxon, Prof. Carlos Ojeda, Dr. Peńa and the late
Jimmy Espinas and Pete Pimentel.
I am sure Michael made his parents proud.
***
The City Government of Naga once again proved how a pro-active and
dynamic LGU can mitigate the anxiety and hardship of its
constituents in time of calamities. Realizing the inadequacy and
untimely weather updates provided by the PAG-ASA weather station,
the City Government initiated the establishment of the unofficial
Weather Monitoring Center making Naga City as a reference point
for the approaching typhoons. Through the expertise and high-tech
tracking facilities of Michael Padua, the public will be informed
about the weather condition on-time through Radio Mindanao
Network-DWNX and other radio stations.
Similarly, the evacuation of residents from the danger zones and
flood-prone areas allayed fears of possible loss of lives. All
throughout the duration of the calamity, mayor Jess remained at
the helm of the rescue and relief operations utilizing government
and non-government resources. The City Hall is on a 24-hour alert
for any eventuality.
It was also during this hapless time that we observed the goodness
of men. We commend the countless citizen volunteers, civic
organizations, and business establishments who made their presence
felt. In particular, we recognize the generosity of the Robertson
Group of Companies, Atlantic Bakery, Graceland, FLC Foundation to
name a few. Likewise, kudos to the indefatigable members of the
Naga White Fire Volunteers for providing potable water supply to
thousands of families. We apologized if we failed to mention you,
or your groups who one way or another contributed something or who
have been a good Samaritan during this time. We Bicolanos have apt
words for it: “DIOS AN MABALOS.”
***
In the column “Roses and Thorns” Alejandro R. Roces stated, “
Today people use the expression “tighten one’s belt” to denote
sacrificing one’s self for the future. But former President
Diosdado Macapagal during his entire term called it simple living.
This is what we should all do. Live simply as possible and use
whatever we save for two things: to further the development of the
nation, and help alleviate the plight of the disadvantaged “.
(Philippine Star, November 23, 2004)
Will President GLORIA Macapagal emulate her father, and also made
him proud?
***
QUOTABLE QUOTES
Look up and not down; look forward and not back; look out and not
in; and lend a hand. –Edward E. Hale
“ Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone,
especially to our brothers and sisters.” - Galatians 6:10
