BISU joins Philippine Education Mission in Canada

By Leo Udtohan

Dr. Zina Sayson, BISU Vice President for Research Development, Extension and International Linkages together with University International Relations Officer Dr. Francis Delusa have attended the

High-level Higher Education Partnership Mission last June 26-29, 2022 at Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. Contributed photos

Taking part in intensifying the Philippine-Canada education system, two personnel from Bohol Island State University (BISU) joined the recently Philippine Higher Education Partnership Mission to Canada to pursue academic exchanges. 

BISU were represented by Dr. Zina Sayson, BISU Vice President for Research Development, Extension and International Linkages, and Dr. Francis Delusa, University International Relations Officer. 

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Aldrin Darilag recently led a High-level Higher Education Partnership Mission last June 26-29, 2022 at Whistler, British Columbia, Canada in behalf of CHED Commissioner Popoy De Vera to expand opportunities to engage in academic and research partnerships on health sciences, renewable energy, agriculture, engineering and technology, data science and disaster risk management, among others. 

Darilag was accompanied by CHED International Affairs Service Atty. Lily Milla, Deputy Executive Director, Trade Commissioner for Education of the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines Angel Cachuela, International Relation Officers and officials from 17 Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) namely; Benguet State University, Bohol Island State University (BISU), Catanduanes State University, Cavite State University, Central Luzon State University, Eastern Visayas State University, Isabela State University, Leyte Normal University, MAPUA University, Panpacific University, Panpacific University-Tayug Campus, Quirino State University, Romblon State University, Samar State University, Tarlac Agricultural University, Unibersidad de Dagupan and University of the Philippines. 

One of the highlights of the said conference was focused on international university rankings —its methodology, scope and engagement, data sets and global visibility. The world university rankings depend on various indicators such as in teaching, research, citation, industry income and international prospect, Therefore, these indicators additionally help in ranking universities as a top university. 

Dr. Daniel Guhr, the managing director of the Illuminate Consulting Group, spoke about the process of university rankings particularly the various indicators or core data used for rankings.  

Sayson and Delusa were able to accomplished the Letter of Intent (LOI) for Academic Cooperation between the 18 Philippine Higher Education Institutions signed by and between British Columbia Council for International Education. 

The parties intend to propose projects and activities on the following but not limited to exchange of undergraduate and /or graduate students on a reciprocal and balanced basis; mobility of faculty members and researchers; cooperative research and joint project development for external funding support; development and /or delivery of course including online courses; join teaching or supervision of graduate students; joint seminars, conferences, and academic meetings; exchange of scientific information materials that are of mutual interests; development of experiential education abroad programs including short-term summer abroad and field; study programs, internships and practicum. 

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Solons from Bohol showcase 'sacred' rootcrop during Sona

By Leo Udtohan 

Lady Representatives from Bohol province Vanessa Cadorna- Aumentado and Alexie Besas-Tutor proudly wear made in Bohol inspired by a local variety of ubi (yam) during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 25. Photo courtesy: Rep. Vanessa Aumentado

The dress code was barong Filipino for men and Filipiniana dress for women. But some got creative.

Two House representatives from Bohol decided to wear Filipiana inspired by a local variety of ubi (yam) that grows in Bohol soil during the first State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Marcos Jr last Monday, July 25. 

Rep. Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado (2nd district) and Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor (3rd district) wore Filipiniana designed by local designers to "wear their culture" and at the same time to support local talents and products. 

Their ubi-inspired Filipiniana was an indication of cultural and provincial pride.

"Bringing Bohol with me to my first Sona as a Congresswoman. Purple is for wisdom, bravery, spirituality, creativity, dignity and pride. This represents one of our province's products- Ube kinampay and the floral applique which is intricately handpainted represents the rich flora and fauna of our beloved province of Bohol," said Cadorna-Aumentado.

Her gown was designed by fellow Boholano fashion designer EJ Relampagos. 

Our Boholano solons- Reps. Vanessa Cadorna- Aumentado, Alexie Besas-Tutor and Edgar Chatto during Marcos' first State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 25. Photo courtesy: Rep. Vanessa Aumentado

"For so many years I have always been fascinated by the glamour of our heritage and culture. Glamorous Filipiniana gowns paraded at the red carpet of Sona 2022.  It made me more proud not only because our pieces were proudly worn but also because all our other representatives were wearing Boholano designers for supporting our local designers," said Relampagos. 

On the other hand, Tutor wore a banig-ubi inspired Filipiniana designed by homehrown talent  Noel Bompat Estopito. 

"Purplish, ube-colored depicting our ube kinampay of Bohol. Banig-inspired Filipiniana with its intricate work of labor shows as well the intricacies of being a public servant," said Tutor. 

Estopito said the Filipiniana was so far one of the most challenging pieces he had worked with. It took six sketches and hours of conceptualization to come up with a piece that he thought  best represents the province of Bohol and Tutor. 

He said the ensemble was inspired to mimic a freshly cut "ubi kinampay" with its beautiful layers exposed. 

Bohol Reps. Vanessa Cadorna- Aumentado and Alexie Besas-Tutor  with their husbands- Gov. Aris Aumentado and Candijay Vice Mayor Christopher Tutor during State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 25.  Photo courtesy: Rep. Vanessa Aumentado

Both solons said they are supporting Marcos' economic and development agenda.  They said the Sona of Marcos was filled with so much hope and direction for the Filipinos as the legislators will support his leadership.

Bohol is the largest producer of ubi where  different varieties of ubi grow in the soil. However, the "ubi kinampay" variety, the most aromatic, is prized by locals as of the best and highest ubi quality. It is the type of ubi that is usually made into ice cream or ube jam.

The rootcrop is even sacred. According to a tradition, ubi saved Boholanos during the famine and war as alternative to rice since its shelf life is long. Considered as a gift from God, they kiss it when it falls to the ground. 

Newsmakers- lawyer Jamie Aumentado Villamor, Fiscal Ingemar "Pinoy Aquaman" Macarine and Crisiolo Langamen Jr.

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Most memorable lines from our newsmakers (and why we are moved, if we are moved): 

Provincial board member Jamie Aumentado Villamor on the establishment

of specialty hospitals in the region: "Establishment of specialized medical centers such as children, lung and heart hospitals in the Visayas is of strategic importance. We should bring the state of the art services closer to the Boholanos and people in the Visayas. With this, we will be given access to specialized services without burden of added costs such as transportation and logistics. Dako kaayo na tabang natong mga Bol-anon. Our present specialized hospitals mostly sit at Quezon City Metro Manila. I have had the occasions to assist patients from Bohol and all concerns point to the added expenses outside of the hospital bills." 

Fiscal Ingemar "Pinoy Aquaman" Macarine on swimming the Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes of North America:  "The purpose of the swim is to promote marine conservation in the Philippines and a healthy lifestyle. "

Crisiolo Macas Langamen Jr as 8th placer  

in Criminology Licensure Examination. "It's mindset, prayer and sacrifice. Stop saying I wish, start saying I will."

 

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Bohol residents make reusable face masks to help people during pandemic

Hilda Bangalao wore a reusable face mask when she went to Cogon public market in Tagbilaran City on Thursday to buy fish.

Bangalao, 43, said she made her home-made mask since there was no available surgical mask in pharmacies and malls.

A vegetable vendor wears a washable mask as a self- protection and community protection from the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Photo: Leo Udtohan

"It's expensive to buy outside," she said referring to reusable or improvised face masks sold outside for P50-P150.

"Practical lang ko kay para protektahan akong kaugalingon sa virus," she added.

Bangalao and other 1.3 million residents in Bohol were mandated to wear masks after Bohol Governor Arthur Yap in his executive order No. 15 last March required all residents to wear masks upon leaving their homes to fight the coronavirus disease.

Face mask means anything from the reusable, washable or improvised to the disposable masks to be worn at all times, in all public places. 

Now, everyone is wearing face masks amid the outbreak. On streets, in office lobbies, and aboard public transportation, people sport pale-hued surgical and home-made masks.

Although health officials emphasized N95 masks are the only ones known to properly provide real protection, but the world's mask supply is being so rapidly depleted.

While the health front liners are exposed to risk,
there are some residents who are making efforts to sew and give do-it-yourself (DIY) face masks to first responders and healthcare workers who try to arrest the virus.

They are hoping their efforts will bring a small layer of protection to all healthcare workers lacking supplies.

Those who answered the call were fashion designers, couturiers and housewives.

Couple Paul and Rose Ranara (of Rose Paul Silhouette) produce multi-layered face masks and improvised personal protective equipments for free to front-liners.

Fashion designer EJ Relampagos of EJ Relampagos Couture created washable and reusable face masks intended for frontliners in the province.

Relampagos donated 500 reusable masks to frontliners at hospitals,  barangay health workers and quarantine facility team at the old Tagbilaran airport.

“This is my only available resources that I can share at this point in time," said EJ.

Another fashion designers, couple Paul and Rose Ranara of Rose Paul Silhouette, also produced multi-layered masks made from non-woven fabric material like taffeta cloth to the frontliners.

They gave these masks for free to hospitals, provincial Capitol and health centers, and well, neighbors.

Rose said making their mask is painstaking, time-consuming, since aside it is a multi-layered mask, it have pocket for filter and another non-woven layer.

"Just because you're wearing one does not mean you're in the clear... that's why we put together three layers of breathable polyester, non-woven fabric, and waterproof non-woven fabric with an opening to place filters in small, medium and large sizes," explained Rose.

They explained they want to make a difference, even if from their own small ways.

The Ranara couple said they need volunteers to help them produce more masks.

"We have the raw materials and high speed sewing machines but we lack the manpower because most of our sewers already went home to be with their families," said Rose.

Jen and dozens of her fellow nurses in a government hospital are pleading for more personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves and gowns as they continue to grapple with the critical PPE shortages.

Responding to the concerns of the nurses, Rose and Paul made makeshift PPEs for free.

"We work very hard to be of service to you in the midst of this global pandemic. We get dead tired every day because we lack the manpower as many of our sewers couldn't report to work anymore. Thank God we are still left with a few very dedicated employees who never fail us. We feel emotional seeing today's output: PPE COVERALL for our frontliners," Rose said.

Nang Inday, a sewer from Barangay Booy, also made reusable, hand-sewn masks for frontliners for free. But for non-health workers who buy her mask, she sells it for P30.

Bohol-based surgeon April Lumuthang-Froilan said washable mask has limited protection compared to N95 mask.

"These are not N95 masks, but in this time they are better than nothing," said Lumuthang-Froilan who is one of the frontliners at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital.

She also said masks could be helpful in another sense to remind people to protect themselves in this pandemic.

She said homemade masks maybe the last resort for health care providers in places where face masks are not available.

The Bohol Island State University and its Fabrication Laboratory (Fablab) also turned over face shields made from laser-cut acrylic plastic and acetate to resident physicians of Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) which the state university put up to help the medical professionals in the front-lines get the much needed protection from the virus.

Bohol province was first to issue a stay-at-home order and mandatory wearing of mask,  the safest ways to avoid the infection.

Please stay at home to protect the community! 

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Another feather in Marc Batoy’s decorated cap

Wake-uppers:

Seen: Spotted in the US is Bohol's most popular emcee par excellence Gloria Leodivica Araneta. Araneta was spotted in Palto Alto, CA inside the Standford Shopping Center.

Scene: The “mother of the school” (MOTS) is in hot water as parents and residents of the barangay have petition for her removal as MOTS. The petition says “this MOTS has proven on numerous occasions that unfit to perform the position that has been assigned and is paid to do.” The parents also ask the “Mother Colony” (MC) to find a place where MOTS’ toxic attitude is acceptable. A high-ranking official in MC said, “Ay nothing is new! MOTS is our regular client!” Clue: Where is it? South or North?

Scene: The son of a famous businessman has been seen unkempt and wandering around, begging for transportation money. Nothing was heard about this son until lately when unsavory stories started cropping up in the circle making intrigeras tsk-tsking and saying “Sige pa, suyop pa.”  The son’s friends who delivered the goodies are now hiding...

Scene: The First Bohol International Choir Festival is on March 18-22. It will bring together international choir groups from all over the world showcasing each country-participant’s style and showmanship.

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Summer Gimik 2014: Can-uba Beach attracts visitors

Can-uba Beach

Who needs a holiday this summer when the country will be basking in a heatwave? There's only one place we want to be when the sun breaks through---  the beach!

The sand is definitely one of the first elements that come to mind when people think about beaches in Bohol. But is sand really necessary to call a place a beach?

Searching for summer destinations in Bohol for GMA News, my roadtrip has led me discovering Can-uba Beach in Jagna town. It’s a hidden gem in Bohol which is now gaining attention as a summer-getaway.

Well maintained by the residents of barangay Can-uba, this beach is absolutely clean and safe, perfect place for swimming. It doesn’t have sand but have the famous pebbles or marbles (lag-it) so smooth you could triple-skip them across the water’s surface.

Beachgoers can walk along an entire coastline covered in pebbles. Can-uba beach is one of the few beaches in the eastern side of Bohol that are completely made of pebbles or marbles.

Can-uba Beach is a living proof that sand definitely doesn’t make a beach.

Distance: 51 minutes (63 kms) from Tagbilaran City

Location: Barangay Can-uba, Jagna, Bohol

Entrance: Free

Amenity: Cottage available for Php 50

Pasalubong to buy: Calamay

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Students of Bohol Island State University-Main Campus have witnessed a new page in the school’s history following the successful completion of the school’s first automated Supreme Student Government (SSG) elections last Friday, March 14. 

A part-time model and student, Marc Joseph Batoy is considered a heartthrob. So, what’s in a woman that turns him on?  ‘I could find a woman sexy if she walks confidently and has a sense of humor. ’ Courtesy: Marc Joseph Batoy

The automated election was part of the school’s system strategic plan. “Providing an Automated Enrollment Service and Online Payment Gateways to its students/clients has already been proposed as part of Bohol Island State University's Information System Strategic Plan for the period 2014-2016,” said the official BISU page on Facebook.

 “We are both nervous and excited,” said Marc Joseph Batoy, a part-time model and incoming 4^th year Electrical Engineering student.

“Nervous because you really don’t know what to expect, who will win or lose; excited because this is it. We are looking forward to this day,” he added.

Incidentally, Marc Joseph Batoy was running for senator under the Council of Envisioned Students Towards Progress (CESTP).

The partial and unofficial results (as of Friday):

For President: Alvin Alleluya has 2,475 votes against Francis Bukid who has 1,268 votes and Roland Nino Baldo’s 1,031 votes.

For Vice-President, Ian Ray Oclarit has 2,116 votes against Immaculada Leopardas with 1, 478 votes and Cristuto Lagura’s 1,074 votes.

From 15 senators who run, 12 will be chosen, and luckily, Marc is on top 5 with 2, 129 votes.

How was the campaign trail? “It’s okay, worth it ang kakapoy,” Marc revealed. 

What were the girls’ reactions seeing a handsome young man campaigning for senator?

“Not sure, but think nothing!” he said blushing. (How about those eyes and kilig factor?- Bjosh)

Marc is considered a heartthrob. He is a devoted son. He has been so devoted to his studies  that he must have forgotten to attend to his love life, never mind if women of all shapes and sizes from all levels of the social ladder are ready, willing and able to wait and meet him.

Marc shared to VRS that he will make important laws for the studentry. 

“I’m happy because not all are being given this kind of trust to serve my fellow students,” said Marc.

Winning the senatorial race will be another feather to Marc’s decorated cap. He was Mr. Olive-C Bohol 2012-2nd runner up, Mr. Teen-Bohol 2012- 1st runner up, Mr. BISU Main Campus 2012,  Mr. BISU (whole BISU system) 2012, Mr. Regional SCUAA (State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association) 2012 and Mr. National SCUAA 2013-2nd runner up.

A Pisces (March 1), Marc stands 5’9”; weighs 136 lbs.; and wears medium-size shirt and size-9 shoes.

He gives VRS readers an idea of what stuff he’s made of.

What is your favorite subject? Electrical circuits. (Wikipedia says electrical circuit is a network consisting of a closed loop, giving a return path for the current.-Bjosh)

Why do you think education is important? Education is the best investment of life. It opens up dozens of opportunities, provides security, gives better understanding and teaches the lesson of humanity. Education will never leave a person empty-handed.

What is your favorite quote?  Paulo Coelho’s "To live is to experience things, not sitting around pondering the meaning of life."

How do you manage your time in modeling and studying? Studies are really my priority. If there are competitions, shows and practices I see to it that I never leave my studies behind. So, I spare time to finish my tasks in school before going to an event or show or do it right after.

What is sexy to you? Confidence is sexy. Intelligence. Heart and Humor. That goes for man or woman.

What part of your body do you find sexiest? My smile!

What do you find sexy in a woman? I could find a woman sexy if she walks confidently and has a sense of humor.

Status? Single.

What qualities do you want in a girl? Intelligent, family-oriented, sweet and would always makes me smile.

What do you want to achieve? I want just want to be a licensed Engineer.

I hate people…That are not true to their words.

I avoid people….that are insensitive and closed-minded.

My greatest pleasure is...being able to represent region 7 in a national competition.

My worst moment is…when I was betrayed.

My biggest fear is...Failure.

I pray for…my family's safety, my studies and for those people who are affected by the calamities.

The most important person in my life is....my Mother!

 If I were to be reincarnated as an animal I would be…a dog.

My most traumatic experience was...honestly, nothing!

Am I afraid of growing old?... No, growing old is inevitable, I would love to experience diff. things through my years. I'd rather be afraid of not growing up than growing old.

My favorite memory verse is... Matthew 6:33. It says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

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Aumentado feels healthy after fresh cell treatment

Wake-uppers:

 

Scene: Twelve candidates are vying for Miss Jagna 2012 on Sept. 24, 9 p.m. at Jagna gym.

 

VP Binay with Mayor Che

Scene: Vice President Jejomar Binay was in Bohol last Thursday, Sept. 20, to meet with local officials and swear in new members of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). Carmen Mayor Che Toribio- Delos Reyes was sworn in as new member of UNA by VP Binay. Mayor Che will run for governor under the UNA in the 2013 elections, according to VP Binay. Also spotted during the oath taking ceremony were: former Bohol Vice-Governor Julius Cesar Herrera, Dauis Mayor Jimmy Jimenez and his complete slate, Getafe Mayor Cary Camacho and his complete slate, Mayor Eutiquio Bernales with his Vice Mayor Constantino Reyes and 43 barangay captains and kagawads, San Isidro Mayor Jacinto Naraga and his complete slate, former Dagohoy Mayor Sofronio Apat and his complete slate, Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim, Tagbilaran City Vice-Mayor Nuevas Tirol-Montes, Danao Mayor Thomas Gonzaga, Aris Aumentado, Madame Greenie Aumentado, Buenavista Mayor Ronald Lowell Tirol, Maribojoc Vice Mayor Fructuoso Fiel Redulla, Jr. , former Panglao Vice Mayor Pedro Fuertes, Panglao Vice-Mayor Evangeline Lazaro, Mark Leo Monton, Rammel Cagulada and businessman Norris Oculam.

 

Scene: LAUGHTEARS- The OSANG X-perience is on Oct. 13, at the Timeout Grill, La Vista, 5th level of Bohol Quality Mall. Osang who had a spot in X-Factor Philippines will tickle your funny bones. The girls of Bohol’s Top Model 2012 will show their flesh in the lingerie fashion show. Young indie film actor and commercial endorser of Dakki Marcus Cabrera will grace the event. The event is also part of eventologist Mizken's birthday celebration.

 

Seen: Rockstar Princess Yeng Constantino was at the University of Bohol last Thursday. Her concert was part of the UB Days celebration.

 

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Parking spaces become ‘park’ for a day

 

Architecture students of Bohol Island State University-Main Campus parked themselves last Friday, Sept. 21, at the Tagbilaran City Square taking up spaces reserved for cars and transforming them into a mini park with sod, potted plants, benches, chessboard and a bike to make Tagbilaran City greener for a day.

 

Park visitors were offered the chance to have a free picture taking and portrait making. Tweng and his friends also entertained the crowd through fliptop rap battle.

 

The "Park(ing) Day" movement started as a single installation years ago in San Francisco and has become a worldwide event reaching more than 100 cities on four continents.

 

Visit www.facebook.com/ParkingDayBohol for more info.

 

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Stem/fresh cell therapy has become a buzzword these days. Many people claim that the costly but groundbreaking medical procedure can treat various diseases and help slow or reverse the aging process.

 

Aumentado with Boholanos in Germany...

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, former President Joseph Estrada, hairstylist Ricky Reyes, talent manager and host Lolit Solis, actress Lorna Tolentino and former First Lady Imelda Marcos are only among the prominent Filipinos who swear by the healing effects of fresh cell therapy.

 

Marcos still retains her youthful piquancy at age of 83. Estrada, 75, shared that the stem cell therapy made him feel young. On the other hand, Enrile, 88 years old, impressed the public with his sharp mind and memory at the Corona impeachment trial earlier this year.

 

Encouraged by the positive feedback, Rep. Erico Aumentado, 72, who used to suffer from diabetes (his pancreas don’t normally produce insulin), said in a radio interview, he went to Germany last August for fresh cell therapy.

 

Aumentado had already inquired about the fees of stem cell procedure at Medical City and he felt it’s exorbitant. And there’s no guarantee it will lead to better result. With the help of Joey Santos, executive consultant for Villa Medica, a clinic in Germany where celebrities go for the procedure, Aumentado opted to undergo the procedure in Germany to keep healthy.

 

It’s his son Aris accompanied him in Germany during the entire sessions. After a number of sessions, the solon is feeling better. They went to France and stayed for more days where the solon also met some Boholanos there.

 

“While in Lourdes, he had no difficulty walking and climbing up and down a flight of stairs without an aid,” said globetrotter VRS who saw Aumentado at the grotto. “He took everybody by surprise… he is healthy, strong and fresh, very different from the last time I met him in Bohol.”

 

After the therapy, Aumentado hopes to feel healthy and renewed, ready to register his certificate of candidacy as congressman of the second district of Bohol.

 

with son Aris in France

Before Aumentado and other celebrities, several other well-known figures worldwide are said to have tried fresh cell treatments, among them the late English actor Charlie Chaplin.

 

So how is this procedure done? According to ABS-CBN News, Dr. Robert Janson-Muller, who runs a fresh cell therapy clinic, Villa Ludwigshöhe in Germany, was in Manila last week to talk about the possibilities of fresh cell therapy in the wellness sphere.

 

Here are some excerpts of the news (still according to ABS-CBN):

 

Janson-Muller gets his embryonic cells from sheep. He reveals that he is the third generation fresh cell expert in the family, where his grandfather was one of the pioneers of the treatment along with Prof. Paul Niehans, who ministered to many famous names in world history.

 

Janson-Muller made it clear that fresh cell therapy is different from the now controversial stem cell treatment, which aims to replace damaged organs in the body or create one from scratch.

 

He stressed that his methods, which do not promise miracles, have been proven effective by his predecessors for the past 60 years.

 

Janson-Muller proudly said the positive effects of fresh cell therapy on humans. He said the procedure can help patients recover from neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or paralysis after a stroke, as well as chronic liver and kidney diseases.

 

The treatment promises firmer skin, muscle mass improvement, alleviation of menopause-related symptoms, enhanced metabolism, stronger immune system, better memory, and even a progressive sex life. To make the anti-aging treatment more effective, Janson-Muller suggests getting it done between the 40s and 50s.

 

After the treatment, the patient is advised to live a healthy lifestyle (where nicotine and alcohol are discouraged) exercise, good stress management and supplements are also prescribed.  

 

Janson-Muller stressed, however, that fresh cell therapy is neither a “fountain of youth” nor a treatment that can cure cancer or prolong lives that are already in danger, as claimed by others.

 

“Is there a fountain of youth?” Muller asked the audience at the press event. He answered his own query by debunking that age-old pursuit as an illusion. “According to Prof. Paul Niehans, it is not about giving more years to live but make the remaining years worth living.”

 

It is not for everyone, the doctor said, as the procedure is not allowed to be done on pregnant women as well as patients with tuberculosis, malignant tumors in the acute stage, severe psychoses and those displaying strong allergic reactions.

 

Because of the very specialized procedure, fresh cell therapy is quite expensive, something that Janson-Muller himself admits. The initial treatment, which will involve a four-day stay in his state-of-the-art clinic in Germany, costs 12,000 euros or over P622,000.

 

The Medical City and other hospitals in the country like St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig, and the Kidney and Transplant Institute are providing stem cell therapy. A six-month program for stem cell therapy, in the Medical City at least, is priced at around P2.2-P2.5 million for disease-related services, while for the health and wellness (or aesthetic purposes), the therapy is at around P1.4-P1.6 million.

 

(Note:The Philippine Medical Association and the Department of Health have advised the public to be careful about choosing where to go for the procedure. Medical experts claimed that there have yet to hear about clinical studies that would prove that the procedure can treat diseases without negative side effects.)

 

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