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Living near green space makes you 2.5 years younger — study
City parks and green spaces help counter the heat, boost biodiversity, and instill a sense of calm in the urban jungle. They also help slow biological aging, with people who have access to green spaces found to be on average 2.5 years biologically younger than those who do not, according to a new study published Wednesday in Science Advances. "Living near more greenness can help you be younger than your actual age," Kyeezu Kim, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral scholar at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, told AFP. "We believe our findings have significant implications for urban planning in terms of expanding green infrastructure to promote public health and reduce health disparities." Exposure to green spaces has previously been linked with better cardiovascular health and lower rates of mortality. It's thought that more physical activity and social interactions are at play, but whether parks actually slowed down aging on a cellular level has been unclear. To investigate, the team behind the study examined DNA chemical modifications known as "methylation." Prior work has shown that so-called "epigenetic clocks" based on DNA methylation can be a good predictor of health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, cognitive function, and a more accurate way of measuring age than calendar years. Kim and colleagues followed more than 900 white and Black people from four American cities -- Birmingham, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Oakland -- over a period of 20 years, from 1986-2006. Using satellite imaging, the team assessed how close the participants' residential addresses were to surrounding vegetation and parks, and paired this data with blood samples taken in years 15 and years 20 of the study, to determine their biological age. The team constructed statistical models to evaluate the results, and control for other variables, such as education, income, and behavioral factors like smoking, that might have affected the results. They found that people whose homes were surrounded by 30 percent green cover within a five-kilometer (three-mile) radius were on average 2.5 years younger biologically compared to those whose homes were surrounded by 20 percent green cover. The benefits were not evenly shared. Black people with more access to green space were only one year biologically younger, while white people were three years younger. "Other factors, such as stress, qualities of the surrounding green space, and other social support, can affect the degree of benefits of green spaces in terms of biological aging," said Kim, explaining the disparities required further study. For example, parks in deprived neighborhoods used for illicit activities might be less frequented, negating the benefits. Next steps might involve investigating the link between green spaces and specific health outcomes, she added. It's also not yet clear how exactly greenery reduces aging -- only that it does, added Kim. Epidemiologist Manuel Franco, of the University of Alcala and Johns Hopkins, called the research a "well-designed study." "We have more and better scientific evidence to increase and promote the use of urban green spaces," added Franco, who was not involved in the study. The post Living near green space makes you 2.5 years younger — study appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Bipolar Support Group,’ first in Cebu, launched in Lahug
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The first community-based mental health support group in Cebu was finally launched at Barangay Lahug in Cebu City to give the grassroots community more access to mental healthcare and education. The “Bipolar Support Group” was established by the Barangay Behavioral Health Unit (BBHU)-Lahug to cater to clients suffering from bipolar conditions......»»
Hi-tech tools buoy growth of Cebu-based waste facility
Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc., a unit of Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., is utilizing newly acquired waste management and resource recovery equipment to expand the capacity of its waste management facility in Cebu. Prime Infra Waste Sector Lead Carla Angelica Peralta said Friday that the company's recent acquisition aids in efficiently sorting the recovery process as well as converting these recovered resources into sustainable fuels such as pyrolysis oil, renewable natural gas, and green methanol. “With new and state-of-the-art equipment coming in, our goal in terms of RDF supply from our Cebu facility is to increase capacity to at least 100 tons per day,” Peralta said. The investments, according to her, also pave the way for the facility's transition to become a semi-automated project. The Cebu facility currently receives and processes around 1,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily. PWS recently started generating low-carbon refuse-derived fuel or RDF from its waste management facility. The waste entering the facility is sorted for recycling — with recyclable materials further classified into RDF material and carefully sorted to ensure quality standards. After shredding, the RDF materials are compacted and wrapped for safer transportation. For Prime Infra President and CEO Guillaume Lucci, harnessing the potential of RDF creates a direct positive impact on the environment and the community. “RDF production in our waste facilities is anchored on Prime Infra’s sustainability agenda to deliver infrastructure that supports the decarbonization goals of our customers and other stakeholders,” Lucci added. As such, the company is also looking to grow its operations by developing other facilities across the country. PWS was established to strategically reduce landfill waste to 20 percent or less through modern waste management and resource recovery solutions. The post Hi-tech tools buoy growth of Cebu-based waste facility appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
9 Works Theatrical to stage ‘Rent’ in 2024
9 Works Theatrical has announced that it will restage the Broadway musical Rent in 2024. Following the successful run of tick, tick… BOOM!, another production by Jonathan Larson will be mounted as the local theater company’s first production next year. 9 Works Theatrical previously staged Rent in 2010 and 2011 with Gian Magdangal as Roger, Sheree Bautista as Mimi, Fredison Lo as Mark, OJ Mariano as Tom, Job Bautista as Angel, Jenny Villegas as Joanne, Lorenz Martinez as Benjamin and Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Maureen. As a teaser, tick, tick… BOOM! cast members Kayla Rivera, Reb Atadero, Khalil Ramos, Tanya Manalang-Atadero, Vien King and Jef Flores sang an excerpt of “Seasons of Love” during the show’s curtain call. “You won’t have to wait 525,600 minutes to catch this musical,” 9 Works wrote on Instagram. The theater company had earlier announced auditions for Rent would take place on 25 to 26 September at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in BGC, Taguig City. Applicants should bring their latest photo, curriculum vitae and should prepare a maximum of 16 Bars of two pop-rock songs in English of varying tempos. They are required to bring their own music sheet or minus one (in a thumb drive or phone). Broadway songs and songs from Rent are not allowed. The registration period is until 11 September. All auditionees must register via tinyurl.com/9wtRENT2024AuditionForm. Applicants who will receive a text message with their assigned time slot must be in the venue at least one hour before their slot. 9 Works is looking for the roles for: 1. Roger (male, tenor, must know how to play the guitar); 2. Mark (male, tenor); 3. Mimi (female, mezzo-soprano, dancer); 4. Angel (male/ transgender, tenor, dancer); 5. Benny (male, baritone-tenor); 6. Tom (male, bass-baritone); 7. Maureen (female, mezzo-soprano); 8. Joanne (female, mezzo-soprano); and 9. ensemble (male/ female, can dance, various vocals). Applicants must be 22 years old and up. Rent, set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, follows a group of friends living in Manhattan’s East Village amid issues of poverty, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS epidemic, social tension and political unrest. It is loosely based on Giacomo Puccini, Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa’s opera La Bohème. It won the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and four Tony Awards the same year including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Score and Best Performance by a Featured Actor. In 2005, director Chris Colombus helmed its movie adaptation with Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Rosario Dawson, Jesse L. Martin and Idina Menzel in the cast. The post 9 Works Theatrical to stage ‘Rent’ in 2024 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go supports new five-year plan to combat malnutrition
Senator Bong Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, expressed his support for the recently launched "Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023 – 2028," and described it as a pivotal advancement in the country's ongoing battle against malnutrition. The plan, spearheaded by Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., was officially unveiled on Monday, 4 September. The senator was keen to point out that this initiative must build upon the solid foundation laid by the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte in addressing hunger and malnutrition while overcoming the adverse effects of the pandemic. Herbosa, who also chairs the National Nutrition Council Governing Board, emphasized the importance of nutrition in the early stages of life. Go echoed Herbosa's sentiments, stating, "Hindi natin maaring balewalain ang nutrisyon ng ating mga anak. If we do, we are setting them up for a lifetime of challenges that could have been easily prevented." Under the Duterte administration, the government enacted several laws and launched various programs aimed at combating malnutrition. Among these were the School-Based Feeding Program, which provided nutritious meals to undernourished public school children, and Republic Act No. 11148, or the "First 1,000 Days" law, which focused on maternal and child health during the earliest days of life. The new PPAN outlines a comprehensive approach to tackling malnutrition, focusing on three major interventions: increasing the availability and access to nutritious food, promoting social and behavioral change for better feeding practices, and improving access to quality nutrition services. These interventions include the establishment of food gardens, regulation of unhealthy food, offering maternal health service packages, and integrated maternal and child health nutrition services. The plan has identified 34 provinces as priority areas for these interventions, including Leyte, Sulu, Negros Occidental, and many others. "This is a comprehensive approach to a problem that has long plagued our nation. With the collective efforts of the government, private sector, and the Filipino people, we can break the cycle of malnutrition and give every Filipino child a chance for a healthier, brighter future,” concluded Go. The post Bong Go supports new five-year plan to combat malnutrition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More job opportunities for QC PWDs
More persons with disabilities have now a chance to work at the Quezon City government with the launching of a program that is part of the city's commitment to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunity to the most vulnerable sectors of society. Under the "Kasama Ka sa Kyusi: Ang Taong May Kapansanan ay May Karapatan at Kakayahan" initiative, the city government will hire a total of 300 PWDs who will be assigned to different departments and offices. "Batid ng lokal na pamahalaan ang hirap na dinaranas ng mga kapatid nating may kapansanan lalo na sa paghahanap ng permanente at disenteng trabaho. Kaya sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, titiyakin natin na mas maraming magbukas na oportunidad para sa kanila na nakaayon din sa kanilang galing at talento," Mayor Joy Belmonte said. Data from the QC Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) revealed that 14 percent or 7,620 of the 54,000 registered PWDs aged 18 to 59 are unemployed as of July 2023. The city government at present has 253 contractual, job order, and permanent employees belonging to the PWD sector, representing 1.2 percent of its total workforce of 17,000. Under Republic Act No. 10524 or the Act Expanding the Positions Reserved for Persons with Disability, at least one percent of all positions in all government agencies, offices, or corporations shall be allotted for PWDs. "Ang QC Government ang mangunguna at magsisilbing halimbawa sa iba pang government agencies at maging sa pribadong sektor sa pagbibigay ng trabaho sa mga PWD. Hindi hadlang ang kanilang kapansanan para maging produktibong mamamayan. Kailangan lang nila ng break o pagkakataon para mapatunayan ang kaya nilang gawin," Belmonte added. To jumpstart the Kasama Ka program, the city government took in a total of 100 PWDs. They underwent interviews and job assessments by the PDAO and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO). After evaluation, the applicants will be assigned to city departments based on their skills and capabilities. According to Belmonte, PWDs who perform well will be given an opportunity to become a contract of service or permanent QCG employees. Apart from employment, the city government is also distributing assistive devices such as hearing aids, eyeglasses, canes, wheelchairs, and walkers. PWDs are also given social welfare assistance, livelihood training, and urban farming starter kits. The QC Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) is also organizing an Inclusivity Summit to encourage the private sector to hire more persons with disabilities in their workforce. A number of private establishments in the city are already employing PWDs like HisBeans Café, Cabalen Group, Shakeys, Pancake House, Overdoughs, Concentrix, and SM Malls. Other companies and establishments have already coordinated with the city to be part of this program. "Patuloy na bumubuo ng iba-ibang programa ang pamahalaang lungsod, sa pangunguna ng PDAO, para masigurong walang naiiwan, at kasama ang lahat sa pag-unlad sa QC," QC PDAO officer-in-charge Deborah Dacanay said. The post More job opportunities for QC PWDs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cyber education, a must
“Digitalization is the call of today, not the call of the future, but of the present. It is here. It is needed, and it is needed today.” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted in his second SoNA his administration’s agenda for all government agencies and local government units to digitalize all their services. He called for the digitalization of payments, business registrations, issuances of permits and licenses, loan applications and revenue collections. The digitalization efforts, he stated, should be made to streamline processes for ease of doing business, combat corruption and make decisions in a data-driven and science-based manner. I commend this push for e-governance and e-commerce by the President. He is right. The digital age is upon us and we must invest in digital technology and infrastructure for our economy to be globally competitive. Cyber Education Law However, the very basic foundation needed for the government’s digitalization efforts should be the investment in human capital. We know that our labor is the country’s biggest asset and the factor that keeps our economy afloat. We export labor, remittances flow, and these in turn fund local consumption. That is why there is an urgent need for us to legislate the incorporation of cyber-education among our population and we must start with our basic education. Investing in cyber-education is not a novel idea. It is a model of development in many advanced countries. As the World Economic Forum or WEF found out in a study, countries like Israel (which currently ranks 8th in the Cyber Risk Literacy and Education Index) show that cyber-risk education and connected institutions can contribute significantly to the national economy by producing more jobs and greater innovation. It concluded that cyber-investment in human resources, i.e., prioritizing cybersecurity education earlier than most and regular assessment of cyber-risk literacy of children and youth at key points in their development and education, is an investment for the future and has been found to have led to a wealth of cyber-related innovation and economic growth among top-ranking countries. The UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Germany, France, and, recently, China, are also investing heavily in cybersecurity education. These countries recognize that cybersecurity education is essential to protecting the digital economy and both public and private digital infrastructure from cybercrimes and cyberattacks. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for cybersecurity education will only grow. Digitalization will positively impact Filipinos’ lives but concomitant negative issues have emerged related to Internet use. Some of the most common cybersecurity crimes and offenses in the world today continue to emerge and develop, some of which President Marcos Jr. mentioned in his speech, such as identity theft, phishing and other online scams. Current statistics also show the vulnerability of Filipino children in the digital space. A recent study claimed the Philippines is a global hotspot for Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children or OSAEC. A sharp increase in possible OSAEC cases has been recorded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, from 1.34 million in 2020 to 3.19 million in 2021, the second highest in the world behind India. In 2018, the Department of Justice Office of Cybercrime received 579,006 cyber tips on the online sharing, re-sharing, and selling of child sexual abuse images and videos. According to the study, sexual exploitation negatively impacts cognitive functioning, as well as mental health, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression; and across the life course, it can negatively impact the physical, psychological, social, educative and economic well-being of children victims. The foregoing examples are just among the many important reasons to introduce cybersecurity education in the K-12 system. We must educate users of technology, especially children, on the potential risks they face when using internet communication tools, such as social media, chat, online gaming, email and instant messaging, to cultivate cybersecurity awareness at the primary school level. Verily, investing in cybersecurity awareness among the young population will have several positive impacts on the Philippine economy and quality of life. The post Cyber education, a must appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Suppress TB, AIDS cases — BBM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said a holistic approach is needed to halt the rising cases of tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus or HIV in the country. In his annual State of the Nation Address, Marcos put forward his concern about the alarming cases of TB and HIV/AIDS in the country. “The whole of society must exert effort to suppress the alarming rise of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS,” he said in his 2nd SoNA. “To stem the tide, the strategic plan is to ensure early diagnosis and treatment and ample testing sites and medications.” Based on the 2022 Global TB Report, the Philippines is one of the eight countries that account for two-thirds of the estimated global TB cases. The Philippines is also one of the countries that contribute to most of the estimated increase in tuberculosis deaths, next to India, Indonesia and Myanmar. Meanwhile, more Filipinos are getting infected with HIV, which could turn into AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome if it remains untreated. In May alone, the Department of Health breached the country’s 2,000 mark on HIV cases. Food stamp program Marcos also mentioned the newly launched Food Stamp Program, which aims to address hunger and nutrition-related issues like stunting and wasting. “The FSP shall complement our nutrition continuity programs, such as the First 1,000 Days program which ensures nourishment for the first three years of a child’s life,” he said. “The Supplemental Feeding Program is for our children attending daycare centers. The K-to-6 Program will feed Kindergarten to Grade 6 public school students, who are suffering from wasting and severe malnutrition,” he added. The President also mentioned the government’s efforts to catch up with the routine vaccinations of Filipino children who missed their immunization vaccines due to Covid-19 restrictions. “As of this year, more than 80 percent of our eligible children have been vaccinated against measles, rubella and polio,” he said. Structural changes Marcos said the country’s healthcare system is “undergoing structural changes.” He noted that public health facilities are being increased, both in number and capability. “Last year, more than 3,400 projects were completed. To improve capacity for specialized medical treatment, specialty centers in various fields are being established and integrated into our government hospitals,” he said. “Last year, an additional 60 specialty centers were opened to the public,” he added. The President also boasted of the government’s success in its effort to lower the cost of basic medicines. “The prices of most important and basic medicines dropped by almost 90 percent,” he said. Meanwhile, he vowed the long-overdue Covid-19 benefits of healthcare workers would be released. “To reward the sacrifices of our health workers from private and public hospitals last pandemic, we are distributing their Covid Health Emergency Allowance and other pending benefits,” he said. Last week, he lifted the Covid-19 emergency in the country through Proclamation No. 297. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the emergency allowance intended for medical frontliners and the emergency use authorization for Covid-19 vaccines will be extended an additional year. According to a United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines report, the still-unpaid benefits of 20,304 healthcare workers stood at P1.84 billion, which is comprised of the One Covid Allowance amounting to P985.6 million, P737.5 million in health emergency allowance, special risk allowance amounting to 16.8 million, and meals, accommodation and transportation benefits totaling P6.7 million. Last October, then Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DoH would need a total of P103 billion to pay for the combined benefits of more than 800,000 healthcare workers involved in the Covid-19 healthcare response. Vergeire said the agency still needs to pay at least P64 billion worth of health emergency allowances intended for health workers under Republic Act 11494, also known as the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. The post Suppress TB, AIDS cases — BBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos wants all-out efforts vs TB, HIV/AIDS
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said a holistic approach is needed to halt the rising cases of tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus or HIV in the country. In his annual State of the Nation Address, Marcos put forward his concern about the alarming cases of TB and HIV/AIDS in the country. “The whole of society must exert effort to suppress the alarming rise of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS,” Marcos said. “To stem the tide, the strategic plan is to ensure early diagnosis and treatment and ample testing sites and medications.” Based on the 2022 Global TB Report, the Philippines is one of the eight countries that account for two-thirds of the estimated global TB cases. The Philippines is also one of the countries that contribute to most of the estimated increase in tuberculosis deaths, next to India, Indonesia and Myanmar. Meanwhile, more Filipinos are getting infected with HIV, which could turn into AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome if untreated. In May alone, the Department of Health breached the country’s 2,000 mark on HIV cases. Food Stamp Program Marcos also mentioned the newly launched Food Stamp Program, which aims to address hunger and nutrition-related issues like stunting and wasting. “The FSP shall complement our nutrition continuity programs, such as the First 1,000 Days program which ensures nourishment for the first three years of a child’s life,” he said. “The Supplemental Feeding Program is for our children attending daycare centers. The K-to-6 Program will feed Kindergarten to Grade 6 public school students, who are suffering from wasting and severe malnutrition,” he added. The President also mentioned the government’s efforts to catch up with the routine vaccinations of Filipino children, who missed their immunization vaccines due to Covid-19 restrictions. “As of this year, more than 80 percent of our eligible children have been vaccinated against measles, rubella and polio,” he said. Structural changes Marcos said the country’s healthcare system is “undergoing structural changes.” He noted that public health facilities are being increased, both in number and capability. “Last year, more than 3,400 projects were completed. To improve capacity for specialized medical treatment, specialty centers in various fields are being established and integrated into our government hospitals,” he said. “In the last year, additional 60 specialty centers have been opened to the public,” he added. The President also noted the government's success in efforts to lower the costs of basic medicines in the country. “The prices of most important and basic medicines dropped from almost 90 percent,” he said. ‘Health Emergency Allowance’ Meanwhile, Marcos also vowed the release of long-overdue Covid-19 benefits for healthcare workers “To reward the sacrifices of our health workers from private and public hospitals last pandemic, we are distributing their Covid Health Emergency Allowance and other pending benefits,” he said. Last week, he lifted the Covid-19 emergency in the Philippines through Proclamation No. 297. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said emergency allowance intended for medical frontliners, as well as emergency use authorization for Covid-19 vaccines, will be extended for an additional year. According to a United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines report, the still-unpaid benefits of 20,304 healthcare workers stood at P1.84 billion, comprising the One COVID Allowance amounting to P985.6 million, P737.5 million in health emergency allowance, special risk allowance amounting to 16.8 million, and meals, accommodation and transportation benefits totaling P6.7 million. Last October, then Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the DoH would need a total of P103 billion to pay for the combined benefits of more than 800,000 healthcare workers involved in the Covid-19 healthcare response. Vergeire said the agency still needs to pay at least P64 billion worth of health emergency allowance intended for health workers under the Republic Act No. 11494, also known as the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. The post Marcos wants all-out efforts vs TB, HIV/AIDS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sydney’s former HIV epicenter close to ending transmission: research
The Inner Sydney district, once the epicenter of Australia's HIV epidemic, is very close to becoming the first place in the world to reach the UN's target for ending transmission of the virus, researchers said on Monday. UNAIDS has set a goal of ending AIDS as a global health threat by 2030, which includes reducing the number of new HIV cases by 90 percent compared to 2010. In inner Sydney, new infections among gay men dropped by 88 percent from 2010 to 2022, researchers announced at the International AIDS Society's HIV science conference being held in the Australian city of Brisbane. Andrew Grulich, an epidemiologist at the University of New South Wales who presented the research, told AFP that "we're very nearly there" some eight years ahead of the 2030 target. Just 11 new HIV cases were recorded in inner Sydney last year, "an extraordinarily small number of infections for what was the heart of the Australian HIV epidemic," Grulich said. Gay men make up an estimated 20 percent of the male population in inner Sydney, and they represent the large majority of the city's HIV cases. Grulich said that several areas in the UK and Western Europe have also seen rapid drops in new HIV cases. But "I don't think anywhere has gotten close to 90 percent," he added. Since Sydney has "virtually" already reached the target, that shows that it is a feasible goal, he said. - Community was 'completely devastated' - However, Grulich emphasized that this does not mean that HIV is close to being eliminated in the city of more than 5.2 million people. "HIV can only be eliminated if we have a vaccine and a cure," he said. And the drop in new HIV cases was far less precipitous in other parts of Sydney. In the city's outer suburbs, new cases have only fallen by 31 percent since 2010, the researchers found. This disparity was due to a much rate higher of HIV testing and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) -- which reduces the risk of transmitting HIV during sex -- in the inner city, Grulich said. He said another cause for progress was that around 95 percent of HIV-positive people in Australia are now on antiretroviral treatment, which suppresses the level of the virus in the blood. Another study announced at the AIDS conference, which was published in The Lancet journal, said that people on antiretrovirals who have low but detectible levels of HIV have almost zero risk of sexually transmitting the virus to others. The Sydney research, which has not been peer-reviewed, was based on data from the New South Wales health department as well as annual surveys taken by gay men about their use of antiretrovirals, PrEP and testing. Grulich said the progress in inner Sydney was particularly significant because "this was a community that was completely devastated in the 80s and 90s -- a few thousand men died in these areas". dl/pvh The post Sydney’s former HIV epicenter close to ending transmission: research appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A sweaty robot may help humans understand impact of soaring heat
What happens to the body when a human gets heatstroke? How can we protect ourselves in a warming planet? To answer these burning questions, Arizona researchers have deployed a robot that can breathe, shiver, and sweat. The southwestern state's capital Phoenix is currently enduring its longest heat wave in history: on Friday, the mercury exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) for the 22nd day in a row, an ominous demonstration of what's to come in a world impacted by climate change. For humans, such heat represents a potentially lethal threat, one that is still not fully understood. But for ANDI -- a one-of-a-kind humanoid robot at Arizona State University -- it's a lovely day out. "He's the world's first outdoor thermal mannequin that we can routinely take outside and ... measure how much heat he is receiving from the environment," mechanical engineering professor Konrad Rykaczewski told AFP. ANDI is "a very realistic way to experimentally measure how a human person responds to extreme climate" without putting people themselves at risk, Rykaczewski says. At first glance, ANDI -- which stands for Advanced Newton Dynamic Instrument -- resembles a simple crash-test dummy. But its epoxy/carbon fiber skin conceals a treasure trove of technology, such as a network of connected sensors that assess heat diffused through the body. ANDI also has an internal cooling system and pores allowing it to breathe and sweat. There are 35 independent thermal zones and, like humans, the robot -- which cost more than half a million dollars to build -- sweats more from its back. Until now, only a dozen or so mannequins of this type existed, and none of them could venture outdoors. They were mainly used by sports equipment manufacturers to test their technical clothing in thermal chambers. Hyperthermia, a 21st-century condition Researchers hope the robot will provide a better understanding of hyperthermia -- that is, when a body overheats, a condition that is threatening a growing proportion of the world's population as a result of global warming. For obvious ethical reasons, "nobody measures core temperature increase while somebody's getting heatstroke," says Rykaczewski. But the effects of heat on the human body are still not fully comprehended. ANDI gives researchers a chance to understand. Accompanied by MaRTy (Mean Radiant Temperature), a mobile weather station that measures the heat reflected by the buildings around it, the robot is taking its first steps outside in Phoenix -- an ideal laboratory in which to prepare for tomorrow's climate. "How do we change what we wear? How do we change our behavioral patterns, and adjust them to temperatures that are of this order of magnitude?" says Rykaczewski. Andi is also infinitely reprogrammable. The research team can make "digital twins of the mannequin to look at different segments of the population," explains Jennifer Vanos, a climatologist involved in the project. For example, the older you get, the less you sweat. Young people will need different protection from athletes or people in poor health. With ANDI, scientists can simulate the thermoregulatory mechanisms specific to each individual. Phoenix, test lab for the future They can also test the robot in a variety of situations. For example, Phoenix is dry -- what about humid heat? How does the human body cope in hot winds? Their research will be useful for designing heat-resistant clothing, rethinking urban planning and protecting the most vulnerable. In Phoenix, which opens dozens of cooling centers for the homeless every summer, their findings could guide the actions of social workers. "How long should a person stay in a cooling center to cool off, so that their core temperature goes down to a level that's safe again? We can answer that question with Andi," says Vanos. The team also dreams of developing low-cost sensors to be used on building sites to adjust working hours according to the heat actually felt on site and the health of the workers -- rather than based on general weather conditions. That could be a "step towards better safety than just these blank recommendations per city, per state, per country," Rykaczewski says. Such specific, tailored solutions could have global impacts, redrawing entire cities. "If the future of Paris looks like Phoenix now, we can learn a lot about how do we design buildings," says Rykaczewski. The post A sweaty robot may help humans understand impact of soaring heat appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malnutrition, hunger shade Phl growth
The Asian Development Bank’s outlook for the Philippines remains unchanged since April, maintaining that the country’s economy would expand by 6.0 percent for the remainder of the year and grow by 6.2 percent in 2024. In April, Kelly Bird, ADB country director for the Philippines, noted that the economy was in expansion mode after the gross domestic product grew 7.6 percent throughout 2022. “It (Philippine economic growth) is expected to moderate this year (2023) from the previous year’s forecast-beating outturn, but will remain on a healthy expansion mode underpinned by rising domestic demand and a recovery in services, particularly tourism,” he said. In the latest update of its quarterly Asian Development Outlook 2023 report, the ADB said domestic demand and services continue to drive growth in Southeast Asia, with many economies in the region, including the Philippines’, benefiting from strong tourism recovery. It said robust investment and private consumption, along with rising employment, growth in production and retail sales, and upbeat activity in private and public construction, is propelling the Philippine economy forward, making the country a strong candidate for the fastest-growing economy in the region in 2023, even surpassing Singapore’s and Vietnam’s. Filipinos look forward to ADB’s forecast that growth will remain strong, albeit slowed by global headwinds, high inflation, and tighter monetary policy. GDP growth should pick up even more as the external environment improves. Hopes are pinned on private consumption and investment to continue to expand, though easing from 2022’s brisk pace while household spending will be buoyed by rising employment and steady remittances from Philippine workers overseas. The bank’s outlook on the Philippine economy should get President Marcos into a pumped-up mood as he gets ready to address the country in his 2nd State of the Nation address on Monday. But ADB’s sobering notes on hunger and malnutrition threaten to dim whatever bright disposition he may have at the moment. In its report, the ADB notes that despite rapid economic growth in recent years, these “impressive gains” along with whatever efforts to reduce poverty have not lowered hunger, particularly among people in lower income levels. The ADB cites data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization indicating the prevalence of food insecurity in the Philippines, averaging 43.8 percent of the total population from 2019 to 2021 with 5.2 percent of the people undernourished. An Expanded National Nutrition Survey in 2021 revealed that under-nutrition rates were “very high,” with 26.7 percent of children under five years old stunted. Among school-age children (5-10 years old), the stunting rate was 19.7 percent and much higher among the poorest quintile at 32.7 percent. Alarming figures indicate that chronic malnutrition and stunting are strongly linked to disease and premature death; they adversely affect crucial stages of development (of children), causing cognitive and behavioral deficits, learning disabilities and ultimately a sub-optimal and uncompetitive labor force. The government’s response, the ADB observed, was short-term measures providing social support to vulnerable groups and temporarily easing import restrictions on some agricultural products. And this note should be of particular concern to the President, who remains unmoved by calls to designate a full-time, hands-on expert thoroughly steeped in agriculture at the agency. These data are also alarming: Agriculture growth in the Philippines has underperformed for the past two decades; it grew 3.5 percent on average annually from 2000 to 2010, then by 1.5 percent from 2011 to 2022; Agriculture’s share of GDP has declined from over 15 percent in early 2000 to an average of 9 percent in the past five years, with one-fifth of employment remaining in agriculture; and today’s Philippine agriculture labor productivity continues to lag behind its peers in the Southeast region. The ADB recommended that government strengthens food security and nutrition through social protection responses. Data on poverty incidence showed it declined from 23.5 percent of the population in 2015 to 16.7 percent in 2018 but rose again to 18.1 percent in 2021 because of the pandemic. As the President prepares to take on another year in office, we hope that the President is aware of the urgencies that need to be effectively tackled in the sector he insists on overseeing and of the sociopolitical costs and the not-so-flattering image the country — and the world — would have of his leadership if he leaves these issues substantially unresolved. The post Malnutrition, hunger shade Phl growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
7 ways tech and AI can help parents raise digitally responsible kids
Kids today have access to information in a way that previous generations never had growing up. The challenge for parents is to help them learn how to be responsible digital citizens. Thankfully, parents also have access to AI-powered apps and devices that can help them safeguard their kids’ online and real-life safety. Tech and AI can provide valuable, accessible and round-the-clock assistance in safeguarding children’s well-being. Here are seven ways tech and AI can help parents raise digitally responsible kids and make parenting a little easier. Making learning about Internet safety more interesting. Besides capturing their attention, it’s also equally important to make sure that kids are interested in what parents are trying to engage them in. If you’re looking for fun, creative ways to teach your kids about Internet safety, try asking Bard, Google’s conversational generative AI chatbot. Simple questions like “What’s a fun way to teach Internet safety to kids?” or prompts like “Interactive websites that teach Internet safety” can provide an entire list of ideas and activities that you can try out with your kids, from book and story recommendations to interactive online games and conversation starters. Monitoring and limiting kids’ online interactions. Tech can help protect kids from potential risks through content filtering based on their age. Tools by Google, for instance, make it possible for parents to monitor their children’s screen time, set limits, and shut off their devices at bedtime. If your kid is under 13, you can download Google’s Family Link to track and control online activity, including text messaging and social media, using your own phone. TikTok’s Digital Wellbeing features also allow you to remotely manage your kid’s TikTok from your phone. Circle Home Plus is a device and subscription service that pairs with your existing router and lets you pause access to the Internet, create time limits and add content filters to all devices on your home network (including WiFi devices), plus manage phones and tablets outside the home. Teaching kids empathy through real-life situations. PLDT Home and Google’s Be Internet Awesome video series features Sam and his AI friend Robo-Berto in fun and enlightening adventures that illustrate how kids can be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online. The songs and situations that Sam finds himself in impart valuable lessons on digital responsibility such as thinking before you click and bullying. In one episode, Sam discovers that forwarding the posts of his friends can hurt them. Using AI tools to raise critical thinkers. AI can analyze web content and online interactions to detect and block inappropriate or harmful websites and social media platforms. It can also identify signs of cyberbullying and harassment and analyze patterns and potential risks by monitoring various data sources. At a young age, children can be trained to think critically about the accuracy of the information they read or watch. Is the story or post backed by credible evidence? AI can help filter information and trace the source of a story and its authenticity. Because they are so used to technology in a way their parents aren’t, kids can learn for themselves how to evaluate deep fake technology when it’s being used to sway or harm their young minds. Keeping yourself informed about your kids’ location. AI-powered GPS and geolocation technologies can help parents keep abreast of their children’s whereabouts. Are they in school, with friends, in the mall? Or are they in a place where they would normally not go? Wearable devices like watches or smartphone apps use AI algorithms to provide real-time location updates and geofencing capabilities. They can also alert parents if their child goes beyond predetermined safe zones. Making homes more secure. Surveillance and security systems are now so advanced that you can monitor your home 24/7 from your phone. AI-powered cameras and systems use algorithms to analyze video feeds to detect unusual behavior, identify potential dangers — like if someone left the door open — and send an alert. Monitoring the family’s health. Tech has made it possible for wearable devices and smartphones to track vital signs and provide health monitoring. They can detect irregularities in users’ sleep patterns, heart rate and activity levels, among many others. When these irregularities are detected in your children, the device will alert you to potential health issues. Assessing children’s development. Apps and online tools use AI algorithms to analyze videos or recordings of a child’s behavior and provide insights on their cognitive, motor and social development. Parents can also use AI-powered scheduling apps to manage their kids’ school routines and homework to simplify the family’s daily schedule. PLDT Home is committed to keeping children safe online and at the same time giving them access to information that helps in their education, well-being, and growth. This contributes to the PLDT Group’s broader commitment to help the country attain UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 16, which promotes just, peaceful, and inclusive societies including the end to abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children. The post 7 ways tech and AI can help parents raise digitally responsible kids appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘End of AIDS’ still possible by 2030: UN
"The end of AIDS" is still possible by 2030, the United Nations insisted Thursday, but cautioned that the world's deadliest pandemic could only be halted if leaders grasped the opportunity. "AIDS can be ended" as a public health threat, the UNAIDS agency said, as it outlined a roadmap of investment, evidence-based prevention and treatment, empowering civil society and tackling the inequalities holding back progress. UNAIDS said ending the pandemic was, above all, a political and financial choice. "We are not yet on the path that ends AIDS," the agency's executive director Winnie Byanyima said, but "we can choose to get on that path". The UN first set out in 2015 the target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Byanyima said the greatest progress on HIV -- the virus that causes AIDS -- was being made in the countries and regions that have invested strongly. She cited eastern and southern Africa, where new HIV infections have dropped by 57 percent since 2010. Botswana, Eswatini, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe have already achieved what is called the 95-95-95 targets. This means that 95 percent of those living with HIV know their status; 95 percent of those who know they have HIV are on life-saving anti-retroviral treatment; and 95 percent of people on treatment to achieve viral suppression -- and therefore highly unlikely to infect others. At least 16 other countries are close to achieving the target. They include eight in sub-Saharan Africa -- the region where 65 percent of HIV-positive people live -- and Denmark, Kuwait and Thailand. 39 million living with HIV In a report, UNAIDS said that two decades ago the AIDS pandemic seemed unstoppable, with more than 2.5 million people acquiring HIV each year and AIDS claiming two million lives annually. But the picture is now dramatically different. UNAIDS said that in 2022, 39 million people globally were living with HIV, of whom 29.8 million were accessing anti-retroviral therapy. Those missing out include 660,000 children. The numbers on anti-retroviral treatment have near-quadrupled from 7.7 million in 2010. Furthermore, 82 percent of pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV had access to anti-retroviral treatment in 2022, compared to 46 percent in 2010 -- which has led to a 58 percent drop in new infections in children. Around 1.3 million people became newly infected with HIV last year -- down 59 percent from the peak in 1995. Meanwhile, 630,000 died from AIDS-related illnesses, and it is still the "number one killer" in countries including Mozambique, said Byanyima. "Overall, numbers of AIDS-related deaths have been reduced by 69 percent since the peak in 2004," the report said. Dependent on action "The end of AIDS is an opportunity" for today's leaders to be remembered as "those who put a stop to the world's deadliest pandemic", said Byanyima. "We are hopeful, but it is not the relaxed optimism that might come if all was heading as it should be. It is, instead, a hope rooted in seeing the opportunity." Funding for HIV fell back in 2022 to $20.8 billion -- around the same level as in 2013, and well short of the $29.3 billion needed by 2025. Laws that criminalize people from key populations, or their behaviors, remain in place in many nations, UNAIDS said, giving the example that criminalization, and stigmatization, of drug injectors prevents them from coming forward for treatment. HIV continues to impact key populations more than the general population, it added. In 2022, compared with adults aged 15-49 in the general population, HIV prevalence was 11 times higher among men who have sex with men; four times higher among sex workers; seven times higher among people who inject drugs; and 14 times higher among transgender people. The post ‘End of AIDS’ still possible by 2030: UN appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Amazon aids SMEs adopt digital trade
Leading e-commerce platform, Amazon Global Selling, on Thursday, announced the set-up of a new remote team to provide dedicated support to local sellers to tap into the opportunities of cross-border e-commerce, reaffirming its commitment to empower small and medium-sized enterprises or SMEs. In a statement, Amazon Global said its team based in Singapore is focused on introducing Amazon’s innovative tools and resources to Philippines-based sellers. “Since Global Selling began to support Philippine sellers three years ago, we have seen more and more local sellers start from zero and gradually build their business on Amazon’s stores worldwide. We are inspired by Philippine sellers and have confidence in their potential,” Anand Palit, head of Amazon Global Selling in Southeast Asia, said. “Meanwhile, we also heard from sellers that they have pain points in developing globally, such as a lack of related knowledge and skills. That’s why we are extending our efforts to set up this dedicated team. With this new team, we will provide insights and resources to support sellers in getting started with Amazon, launching products and building a global band,” he added. High growth potential With the rising adoption of e-commerce and mobile internet, plus an emerging generation of young and tech-savvy users, the company said the cross-border e-commerce landscape continues to show potential growth in the country. According to a research study, B2C or business-to-customer e-commerce export revenue earned by sellers in the Philippines is estimated at P8.7 billion, of which 25 percent goes to SMEs. While based on current e-commerce adoption and export trends, e-commerce export revenues could grow at 9 percent per year to reach P13.4 billion in five years. If SMEs were to accelerate the rate at which they export via e-commerce, the annual B2C e-commerce export revenue could reach P26.9 billion ($555 million) in 2026. An Amazon survey conducted in 2022 among domestic e-commerce sellers and traditional export companies in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines showed that nearly seven in 10 plan to expand to new countries and regions. Almost all (96 percent) who were surveyed will also consider cross-border e-commerce activities in the future, motivated by the opportunity to build a global brand and increase their customer base from overseas. “Amazon is continuously investing in logistics, tools, services, programs and people to foster the growth of sellers. Amazon has built a physical presence in 22 countries and can ship products to customers in over 200 countries and territories. Amazon had more than 400 fulfillment centers across the globe. Through Amazon stores, sellers, including those from the Philippines, can directly reach over 300 million active customer accounts, including more than 200 million Prime customers overseas,” the company statement read. Recently, Amazon also announced that Prime Day will be held on July 11 and 12. During Prime Day, customers will be able to shop for products from top brands and third-party sellers, including many SMEs from the Philippines. Prime Day is not only a celebration of Amazon Prime members but also an opportunity for sellers to gain customers by leveling up their brand awareness and building more sales performance. The post Amazon aids SMEs adopt digital trade appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Study highlights limitations of BMI in predicting death
People classified as overweight though not obese are not at a higher risk of death, according to a new study Wednesday that underscores the clinical limitations of body mass index, long a standard medical metric. The findings, published in the journal PLOS ONE, come as populations in both rich and poor countries are becoming heavier. In the United States, more than 70 percent of adults are defined as either overweight or obese. BMI, which was first described by a Belgian mathematician in the 19th century, is calculated by dividing a person's weight by the square of their height. It is increasingly seen as a crude instrument for measuring individual health. Authors Aayush Visaria and Soko Setoguchi of Rutgers University argued their work showed measures of body composition and body fat distribution, such as waist circumference, are more informative from a health risk perspective. Older studies on the link between weight and death rates drew inconsistent and uncertain results and were mostly focused only on non-Hispanic white adults. In the new work, the researchers drew on data on more than 550,000 American adults from the 1999-2018 National Health Interview Survey and the 2019 US National Death Index. They calculated BMI based on the self-reported height and weight of the participants and gathered data on demographics, socio-behavioral factors such as smoking and physical activity, underlying health conditions, and access to healthcare. More than 75,000 people who were included in the study died during the period of research. After adjusting for other variables, the results showed that people with a BMI between 25 and 30, which is classified as overweight, did not have an increased risk of death compared to people whose BMI was between 22.5 and 24.9. However, the mortality risk rose markedly among people whose BMI was under 20, and those with BMI greater or equal to 30, defined as obese. Obesity carries higher death risk For example, a person with "third degree" obesity, defined as a BMI of 40 or above, but had never smoked and had no history of cardiovascular disease or non-skin cancer, was more than twice as likely to die as an equivalent counterpart with BMI defined as average. The average age of participants was 46. Half were female, and 69 percent were non-Hispanic white. Of those included, 35 percent had a BMI between 25 and 30, and 27.2 percent had a BMI above or equal to 30. "It's a large study with a representative sample which is good," George Savva, a biostatistician at the Quadram Institute in the United Kingdom, told AFP. "The authors have, as far as I can see, done a good job of analyzing the mortality link with baseline weight status." He added it might be the case that diseases linked with higher weight are managed better than they once were, for example, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. "So you would expect the relationship between weight and death to change over time, which potentially is what this is showing," Savva said. The post Study highlights limitations of BMI in predicting death appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids indigent students in Laak, Davao de Oro
Recognizing the vital role education plays in the country's development, Senator Bong Go has committed himself to helping enhance the education system in the country through various proposed legislation. In a video message during his team’s relief activity for struggling students on Monday, 26 June, Go maintained that he advocates for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1864, also known as the Act on Suspending Student Loan Payments During Disasters and Emergencies, which seeks to offer assistance to students who have borrowed loans but face difficulties in repaying them as a result of calamities and other unforeseen crises. Meanwhile, SBN 1359, known as the Act Prohibiting the "No Permit, No Exam" Policy, which Senator Go co-authored and co-sponsored, was passed on its third and final reading in March. The bill aims to penalize the implementation of a policy that restricts students from taking exams or similar educational assessments based on unpaid tuition or other school fees. Go also continues to champion SBN 1360, which aims to broaden the scope of the tertiary education subsidy by making amendments to Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. The proposed legislation strives to offer increased assistance to students who face challenges in financing their tuition and other school fees, including those who are currently not eligible for subsidies provided by the existing law. “Education serves as the foundation for progress and the key to unlocking a brighter future for our nation. It is through education that we can empower our youth, equip them with knowledge and skills, and shape them into responsible and productive citizens,” underscored Go. “Investing in education is an investment in our country's future. When we prioritize education, we invest in the development of human capital, fostering a highly skilled workforce that can drive economic growth and prosperity,” he stressed further. The relief activity was held at the municipal hall, where Go’s team provided relief items, such as shirts, vitamins, snacks, and masks to 700 disadvantaged students. His team also gave mobile phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. “Mayroon ding mga dala na bola ang aking opisina kasi ang advocacy ko po ay sports. Gusto ko po ipagpatuloy po ang kampanya ni (dating) pangulong Duterte na labanan ang kriminalidad at iligal na droga sa pamamaraan na engganyuhin po ang mga kabataan na maglaro na lang ng basketball o anumang larangan ng pampalakasan,” encouraged Go who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports. “Diba mas mabuti na yung busy yung kabataan sa basketball o volleyball o sa ibang palakasan kesa naman maligaw sila sa ibang landas? Engganyuhin po natin silang mag-basketball at mag-volleyball. Get into sports and stay away from drugs,” he urged. Meanwhile, Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also reminded the youth to prioritize their health and even encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center located at Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital branches in Laak, Montevista, Maragusan, and Pantukan; and the Davao Regional Medical Center in nearby Tagum City. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program provides one-stop shops where concerned agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, are brought under one roof to ensure that medical assistance programs are more conveniently within the reach of particularly poor and indigent Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. To date, 158 operational centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH. Go, who is also Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported various infrastructure initiatives in Davao de Oro. He was instrumental in the construction of a multipurpose building in Compostela; the construction of the Monkayo, Compostela Valley - Veruela Road; and the improvement of the public market in Monkayo. Other major initiatives he supported include the construction of the Nabunturan – Maco and Nabunturan - Laak roads; the installation of street lights in Nabunturan; rehabilitation of the local roads and bridges in New Bataan; and the concreting of the local access road in Pantukan The post Bong Go aids indigent students in Laak, Davao de Oro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LGBTQI+ members trustworthy, says survey
A recent survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations revealed that most Filipino adults believe that gays and lesbians possess the same level of trustworthiness as any other Filipino. The private pollster’s First Quarter 2023 Social Weather Survey, which took place from 26 to 29 March coincided with the upcoming nationwide pride marches, which aim to celebrate the freedom to love and advocate for the enactment of the sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression or the SOGIE Equality bill. According to the survey, an overwhelming majority of 79 percent, approximately 4 out of 5 Filipino adults, agreed that “members of LGBTQI+ or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex, are just as trustworthy as any other Filipino” and this figure demonstrates a significant increase compared to a previous SWS survey conducted in September 2013, where only 67 percent of respondents agreed with the same statement. Regarding whether gay individuals or lesbians have made substantial contributions to the progress of society, 73 percent of respondents agreed. In the 2013 survey, only 54 percent of participants agreed with this statement. In addition to the favorable findings regarding attitudes towards gays and lesbians, the survey also revealed that 43 percent of the participants believed that sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, were limited to individuals within that community. Furthermore, the poll indicated that 40 percent of respondents desired for their gay or lesbian family members to undergo a transformation and become heterosexual individuals. Additionally, the survey disclosed that 26 percent of participants held the belief that being gay or lesbian is contagious. Meanwhile, many Filipino adults agreed that “Muslims are equally trustworthy to any other Filipino.” This year’s SWS survey revealed that about 65 percent of Filipinos agreed with the said notion. This is a high jump from September 2013’s 44 percent figure or not even half of the respondents. Based on the 2020 census by the Philippine Statistics Authority, approximately 6.4 percent of the Philippine population identifies as Muslim. As a religious minority within a predominantly Catholic country, some Filipino Muslims have faced challenges such as anti-Muslim comments from politicians and micro-aggressions from non-Muslim individuals. The survey asked 1,200 Filipino adults nationwide about their perceptions about gays, lesbians and Muslims in the country. The post LGBTQI+ members trustworthy, says survey appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SWS: LGBTQ+ trust levels now equal with straight, cisgender
A recent survey conducted by private pollster Social Weather Stations reveals that most Filipino adults believe that gays and lesbians possess the same level of trustworthiness as any other Filipino. The private pollster's First Quarter 2023 Social Weather Survey, which took place from 26 March to 29 March, coincided with the upcoming nationwide pride marches, which aim to celebrate the freedom to love and advocate for the enactment of the sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIE) Equality bill. SWS asked 1,200 Filipino adults nationwide about their perceptions about gays, lesbians, and Muslims in the country. According to the survey, an overwhelming majority of 79 percent, approximately 4 out of 5 Filipino adults, agreed that "gays or lesbians are just as trustworthy as any other Filipino." This figure demonstrates a significant increase compared to a previous SWS survey conducted in September 2013, where only 67 percent of respondents agreed with the same statement. Regarding whether gay individuals or lesbians have made substantial contributions to the progress of society, 73 percent of respondents agreed. In the 2013 survey, only 54 percent of participants agreed with this statement. In addition to the favorable findings regarding attitudes towards gays and lesbians, the survey results revealed that 43 percent of the participants believed that sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, were limited to individuals within that community. Furthermore, the poll indicated that 40 percent of respondents desired for their gay or lesbian family members to undergo a transformation and become heterosexual individuals. Additionally, the survey disclosed that 26 percent of participants held the belief that being gay or lesbian is contagious. Muslims equally trustworthy Meanwhile, many Filipino adults agreed that "Muslims are equally trustworthy to any other Filipino." This year's SWS survey revealed that about 65 percent of Filipinos agreed with the said notion. This is a high jump from September 2013's 44 percent figure or not even half of the respondents. Based on the 2020 census by the Philippine Statistics Authority, approximately 6.4 percent of the Philippine population identifies as Muslim. As a religious minority within a predominantly Catholic country, some Filipino Muslims have faced challenges such as anti-Muslim comments from politicians and microaggressions from non-Muslim individuals. The post SWS: LGBTQ+ trust levels now equal with straight, cisgender appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoH: More supply of HIV drugs coming amid shortage
The Department of Health on Thursday allayed the concerns expressed by people living with human immunodeficiency virus or PLHIV due to the unstable supply of antiretroviral drugs in treatment facilities across the country. In a statement, the DoH said that the current and the incoming stocks of ARV drugs for those with HIV are enough to cover all patients until April 2024. According to the agency, the initial tranche of 58,000 bottles of the DOH-procured TLD is expected to arrive in the country by the end of June. The said tranche is expected to cover all current patients, estimated new enrollees and estimated shiftees based on the updated TLD transition plan until the rest of the tranches. The second tranche of 243,000 bottles is set to arrive by next month while the third tranche of 292,000 bottles will arrive by September 2023. “Further, a reorder of 25 percent of the total procurement (146,000 bottles) will be facilitated to ensure adequate supply until next year,” the DOH said. “Additionally, the DOH will facilitate early procurement for FY 2024 to make sure that there will be no gap in the supplies in the facilities,” it added. The agency issued the statement after Network Plus Philippines, along with its 40 member organizations, called on the Department of Health and the Philippine National AIDS Council to provide a solution to the dwindling supply of ARV treatment drugs in the country. According to the non-government organization, they received reports that PLHIV community members in various regions of the country have been receiving only “one bottle of ARV or even less” when refilling their ARV medications in the HIV treatment facilities. The Health department attributed the reported incidents of low stocks of antiretroviral drugs, particularly Tenofovir-Lamivudine-Dolutegravir, to the “unprecedented increase in the use of TLD among PLHIV prior to the targeted full-scale rollout of the transition from their existing regimens.” “In accordance with the Philippine TLD Transition Plan, treatment-naive patients, as well as those who developed adverse drug reactions in their current regimens (i.e., efavirenz), were prioritized for transition to TLD from 2020 to 2022,” the agency said. “However, as the PLHIV community became more aware of the promising superiority of TLD over other regimens through word of mouth, social media, learning sessions with support groups, and information dissemination by the treatment facilities, there was a notable increase in the uptake of TLD across the facilities,” it added. In an interview with Daily Tribune, Network Plus Philippines welcomed the assurance from the DoH. “We are grateful... because they assured us that there will be a solution regarding our problem with ARV. They assured us that there will be stocks and the supply will be normalized,” said Joseph Honra, executive director of the Network Plus Philippines. Honra emphasized the importance of ARV medications for the PLHIV community, stressing that they will remain vigilant and look forward to the agency's promise being fulfilled. The post DoH: More supply of HIV drugs coming amid shortage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»