DOST extends clinical study on VCO as COVID-19 cure
The clinical trials on virgin coconut oil as a cure for COVID-19 being conducted by the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital have been extended beyond the six-month timeframe......»»
Solon bats for expansion of motorcycle taxis outside Metro Manila
A House lawmaker has voiced his support for expanding the government's allotment of motorcycle taxis outside Metro Manila as the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board is set to greenlight the participation of more players in its pilot study......»»
Stop motorcycle taxi expansion, Marcos urged
Various transport groups yesterday appealed to President Marcos to stop the expansion of motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila amid the impending decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board o authorize several companies as players in the pilot study......»»
Singaporean embassy in India extends Holi wishes, shares images of celebrations in Barsana
New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): As Indians across the world geared up to ring in the festival of colours, the Singaporean embassy in the national capital extended its greetings for Holi, wishing that the festival would bring peace and joy to all. It also shared mesmerising pictures of Holi celebrations in one of India's oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites, Barsana, in Uttar Pradesh. A post on the official X handle.....»»
Go extends aid to Muntinlupa fire victims
In observance of Fire Prevention Month, Sen. Bong Go and his Malasakit Team distributed aid on March 21 to almost 1,000 families in Alabang, Muntinlupa who were affected by a recent fire......»»
Jodi Sta. Maria tinamaan ng COVID kaya hindi nakarating sa party ni Mr. M
MAY balidong rason pala si Jodi Sta. Maria kaya hindi nakadalo sa “Night of 100 Stars” tribute para kay Johnny Manahan na kilala bilang Mr. M. Hindi raw totoo na binawi ang imbitasyon kay Jodi dahil mas pinaboran daw si Claudine Barretto sa event. Tinamaan daw ng COVID-19 si Jodi. Nasulat namin dito sa BANDERA ang.....»»
Singaporean embassy in India extends Holi wishes, shares images of celebrations in Barsana
New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): As Indians across the world geared up to ring in the festival of colours, the Singaporean embassy in the national capital extended its greetings for Holi, wishing that the festival would bring peace and joy to all. It also shared mesmerising pictures of Holi celebrations in one of India's oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites, Barsana, in Uttar Pradesh. A post on the official X handle.....»»
Pagasa debunks ‘three days of darkness’ hoax
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) dismissed claims that the Earth will experience three days of darkness due to passing the “Photon Belts” starting April 8 as false. The state weather and astronomy bureau said Friday there is no scientific evidence to support the claim. “DOST-PAGASA would like to.....»»
Why Trump May Benefit from Truth Social Stock Market Merger
A recent study has shed light on the negative effects of excessive screen time on children’s development. Researchers have found that children who spend extended.....»»
Hong Kong, Philippines work to enhance relations
Filipinos are slowly beginning to travel back to Hong Kong following continued efforts by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office to woo tourists from the Philippines, as well as renew and improve trade and economic ties between the two nations following the COVID-19 pandemic......»»
Asian Study Reveals Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals Found in Personal Care Products from the Philippines
In a press briefing in time for the observance of World Consumer Rights Month, BAN Toxics, a chemical and waste management NGO, discloses the findings of recent laboratory testing indicating the presence of parabens, triclosan, and triclocarban, classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), in personal care products sold in the country. The result underscores potential health risks for.....»»
4 PH medicinal herbs for gout, pain relief pass clinical trials
MANILA, Philippines — Back in the 1970s, the government had a dream of providing cheap medicines for Filipinos, especially the poor, who are often left out of health care. Dr. Cecilia Lazarte, director of the Institute of Herbal Medicine of UP Manila’s National Institutes of Health, stressed in 2020 the importance of research on the.....»»
Valentine’s Day tips for talking about money as a couple
NEW YORK (AP) — Money might not be the most romantic topic for Valentine’s Day, but talking about finances with your significant other is a key element of a healthy relationship. Money problems are one of the most common reasons couples separate, said Emily Simonian, head of clinical learning at Thriveworks, a mental health company......»»
‘Things will progress’: Djokovic finds his groove in Australian Open
Dragged into dogfights in the first two rounds, Novak Djokovic finally gives a masterclass in clean and clinical tennis, picking apart Tomas Etcheverry in his 100th match at Melbourne Park.....»»
Delightful discovery: Wilbert Rossas a sensitive singer-songwriter
If you need (or want) to balance off JK Labajo’s roaring, moaning, shrieking, cussing singing in his latest blockbuster single “Ere”, go for Wilbert Ross’ EP album Lampara, recently released by Viva Music on major music platforms. An actor just like Labajo, Ross emotes pain, loss and acceptance of one’s dire straits with restrained anger and without cursing. Ross wrote four of the six songs in the album — none of which, by the way, is titled Lampara. The album’s title is really an announcement of Ross’ intention for his music and lyrics to be a guiding light for the multitude, so to speak. The album’s lead song is “Handa Ako,” which he performs serenely with indie singer Mika Salamanca. “Byahe Ng Buhay”, meanwhile, takes listeners on a lyrical journey through life’s ups and downs. “Dramatic Actor” combines melodious vocals with a touch of drama. “Benteng Ukit” could have been rendered in a frenetic, howling style, but, sorry, that’s not Ross’ style of singing. The song is about self-inflicted wounds, and Ross wrote it during a bout with clinical depression at the height of the pandemic. The two other cuts in the album are “Nakangiti” and “Andito Lang Ako.” It was as a contestant at ABS-CBN’s singing contests Tawag ng Tanghalan of It’s Showtime and Pinoy Boyband Superstar that Ross took his first steps into showbiz. He was in his teens, fresh from Davao, and still using the surname “Rosalyn,” which seems to be the surname of his stepfather. Ups and downs At the recent media launch for Lampara, Ross shared that his Chinese biological dad left the family during Ross’ childhood. His mom is Indonesian. His biological dad passed on two years ago, but Ross got to meet him as a grown-up once or twice. The tall, soft-spoken, very articulate (in Tagalog) Wilbert began to use “Ross” as a showbiz surname when he was recruited to join the second batch of the singing and dancing boy group Hashtags for It’s Showtime. Ross said he has been writing songs for years now and recording them as a soundtrack for some of his acting assignments, such as the Puregold supermarket chain’s web series Ang Lalake sa Likod ng Profile which ended last July. He has no love life at this point, he said, which seems to be a requirement in Pinoy showbiz to sustain interest in an actor’s career. And the stars have to write about the ups and downs of their romances on their social media accounts. Labajo’s shrieking songs of pain would have sounded senseless if he and ex-girlfriend beauty queen Maureen Wroblewitz did not publicly hint about the agonies wrought by their soured relationship on their social media accounts. Ross the actor also wants to be known as a singer-songwriter. He has a marked supporting role in Viva Films’ Nokturno, topbilled by Nadine Lustre. Viva submitted the movie for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival but it failed to make the cut. There’s another singer-songwriter who roars and howls about her angst: Cool Cat Ash, whose real name is Ashley Aunor. She’s the daughter of Lala Aunor, a member of the “Apat na Sikat” group of teen idols in the ‘70s. Perfect timing It’s perfect timing that the QCinema International Film Festival is being held in November. The festival screens a good number of foreign films that were released to critical acclaim sometime this year or last year. The next big showbiz event that comes after it is the Metro Manila Film Festival, during which only Filipino movies are shown all over the country. The MMFF usually presents only eight films, but this year there are 10 official entries. Those who love foreign films can have their fill of world cinema (60 films this year!) before the MMFF fills the theaters with all-Filipino fare for 10 days during the holiday season. The QCinema International Film Festival, now on its 11th year, runs 17-29 November. The opening film is the Golden Lion winner in this year’s Venice Film Festival, Poor Things. The post Delightful discovery: Wilbert Rossas a sensitive singer-songwriter appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solon lambasts ‘conflict of interest’ as private firms leading ASF vaccine trials
A lawmaker on Wednesday grilled the Bureau of Animal Industry for allowing private suppliers to lead vaccine trials on African Swine Fever. In a Senate hearing on Wednesday, BAI Director Paul Limson admitted that they are just “monitoring” the field trials. Limson's remarks came after Senator Cynthia Villar mentioned that the BAI should be leading the trials to make more independent assessments of the vaccines. “Justify niyo nga sa akin bakit ninyo ginagawa, kasi ako nasho-shock (Can you justify it to me why are you not doing it because its shcoking me). You don't think there is a conflict of interest?" Villar, who chairs the Senate panel on agriculture, asked Limson. Limson cited the Food and Drug Administration guidelines stating that "the initiation, management, and or financing of clinical trials" is the responsibility of sponsors—these could be individuals, companies, institutions, or organizations. the FDA guidelines also allow sponsors to tap Contract Research Organizations to conduct the trials. Meanwhile, Villar also criticized the private suppliers of vaccines for apparently hastening the process even if there are no approved vaccines for ASF yet. She then suggested that the budget should be realigned first in the indemnification of hog raisers affected by the disease while waiting for the approval of ASF vaccines. The Department of Agriculture-BAI has earlier asked the Food and Drug Administration to certify a Vietnam-made ASF vaccine for its immediate distribution in the country. It was followed by the bureau’s endorsement to the FDA for the issuance of a Certificate of Product Registration—which will allow the commercial release of the vaccine in the country. On June 2, BAI Assistant Director Arlyn Vytiaco said they have recommended the AVAC doses—which have been proven "effective" - following the completion of safety and efficacy trials in at least six areas in Luzon. Vytiaco noted that 100 percent of the hogs who were vaccinated during the trials produced antibodies, and showed "no ill or side effects.” However, the BAI was still requesting the FDA for the CPR of the vaccine. The first ASF case was detected in the Philippines in 2019. Villar lamented that “lack of vaccine or effective treatment has made the control of the disease very challenging.” The post Solon lambasts ‘conflict of interest’ as private firms leading ASF vaccine trials appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad
Overseas Filipino Workers, or OFWs, are indeed modern-day heroes. They help boost our economy, but more importantly, they help uplift the lives of their families to give them a better future and also showcase Filipinos' talents, skills, and work ethic to the world. I was in London, United Kingdom last week for an official trip upon the invitation of the British Group Inter-Parliament Union. Led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and co-head of delegation Senator Grace Poe, we embarked on several meetings aimed at strengthening relations of the Philippine Senate with our counterparts in the UK parliament to exchange best practices in policymaking while enhancing bilateral relations, fostering economic security, exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries, and promoting the welfare of Filipinos working there. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I also expressed my gratitude to the UK for donating vaccines during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, we thanked them for other development assistance extended by the UK to the Philippines and for their help in strengthening the Bangsamoro Region. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, I also maximized the visit to highlight efforts in promoting the welfare of more than 200,000 OFWs in the UK, particularly the more or less 40,000 Filipino nurses working there. We were able to raise to the UK policymakers the concerns of Filipino nurses regarding their rights to proper benefits, just compensation, and a safe working environment. We should be proud of Filipino medical frontliners in the UK, particularly nurses who are among the world’s finest. Take, for example, May Parsons, a Filipina-British nurse who became known globally for administering the first COVID-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial and receiving the UK's George Cross Award. I have co-sponsored a Senate resolution earlier recognizing and commending her achievement. After our official meetings, I met with a group of OFWs, some of them were fellow Dabawenyos, Filipino Muslims, Ilonggos, and Ilocanos, among others. The stories they shared were proof of how resilient our OFWs are. Despite their sacrifices, homesickness, and worries about their families in their hometowns, they maintain their cheerfulness and positive outlook. I brought some good news to our OFWs by informing them about the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through Republic Act No. 11641, a legislation for which I am proud to be one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate. This measure streamlines the organization and functions of all government agencies related to overseas employment and migration to better address the needs and concerns of migrant workers. I have also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital and ensure its continuous operation in San Fernando City, Pampanga, primarily intended for OFWs and eligible dependents. More importantly, a Malasakit Center is operational there to help reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. The establishment of the DMW, the OFW Hospital, and its own Malasakit Center are just a few of our dreams that are now realities for Filipinos to benefit from. These are testaments of our commitment to promote the welfare of migrant workers and their dependents. However, we acknowledge that there is more work to be done. That is why we continue to listen to their concerns, serve them to the best of our abilities, and pursue initiatives to further their cause. I have also filed SBN 2414, which seeks to establish OFW wards in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals if enacted into law. While our efforts continue to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos abroad, our commitment to serve Filipinos facing challenges in their communities remains unwavering. This week, we had groundbreaking ceremonies for Super Health Centers in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Brgy. Labangon in Cebu City; Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur; and in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Through the collective efforts of DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, we continue to advocate for establishing more community health facilities to help bring public health services closer to those needing medical attention. We have also assisted 1,000 indigents in Llanera, Nueva Ecija, with the office of Cong. Jose Padiernos; 500 members from various sectors in Barangay Mintal, Davao City; 1,900 in Caloocan City, with the office of Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy. In Cebu City, we also distributed aid to 1,700 residents of the South District with Congressman Edu Rama; 450 in Nagcarlan, Laguna, with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador; and 333 in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, in collaboration with the Malasakit@Bayanihan group. We also aided 1,000 United Senior Citizens Association members of Quezon City, with Congresswoman Mila Magsaysay, Senator Robin Padilla, and private sector volunteer organizations. My office also extended additional aid to 93 displaced workers in Lumban, Laguna; 210 in Pilar; 217 in Carmen and Batuan in Bohol. DOLE also gave qualified beneficiaries temporary employment. We also supported 200 scholars during their TESDA Orientation in Daet, Camarines Norte. There are also 43 residents of Davao City and nine in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, who were victims of fires and 32 victims of flooding in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. They were provided separate assistance and the livelihood kits they received through the DTI program, which we advocated for before and continue to support. We also supported 283 victims of past fires in Cagayan de Oro City by giving separate aid in addition to the emergency housing assistance received from the NHA through a program we pushed for so that they could buy materials like nails, roofing, and other necessities for home repairs. My office also provided immediate help to victims of recent fires, such as 50 families in Baseco, Manila City, and 11 families in Brgy. Alabang, Muntinlupa City. No one is exempt from facing life’s hardships. However, our OFWs have shown us how resilient Filipinos can be. Let us learn from them and, more importantly, do our part in uplifting their lives by advocating for their welfare, promoting their rights, protecting their families, and providing the genuine public service they deserve. The post Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOH chief seeks higher pay for psychologists, psychiatrists
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa yesterday urged the Civil Service Commission to review the requirements being asked of clinical psychologists and psychiatrists in order to practice their profession......»»
PSAC paves way for health deal
The Private Sector Advisory Council from the Healthcare Sector, or PSAC-Health, with the Department of Health, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc., signed a memorandum of agreement with President Bongbong Marcos as a witness to facilitate employment for underboard BS Nursing students. During their degree, these students will become CHED-certified and work as Clinical Care Associates in healthcare industries. “The Clinical Care Associates Upskilling Program, formalized through the Joint Administrative Order 2023-0001, is a groundbreaking endeavor, and I am confident that it’s a program that will help address the lives of healthcare workers in the country today,” President Marcos said. PSAC-Health has worked with DOH, 55 private hospitals, seven public hospitals, and CHED, along with 19 Higher Education Institutions, to implement the Joint Administrative Order in response to the country’s critical shortage of qualified nurses. “To the underboard nurses out there who are contemplating what to do next: I call on you to apply for this program and embrace the support being wholeheartedly given to you by the government and the institutions we represent,” Marcos added. Strategic interventions implementor “The Commission commits to working with other government agencies and PSAC to implement all the strategic interventions that President Bongbong Marcos approved in a whole-of-government and whole-of-the-nation approach,” said CHED Chairman Julian Prospero de Vera III. “I am confident that this policy would be extremely impactful as it addresses the problems and obstacles and allows our current registered nurses to focus more on high-value-added roles and functions,” PSAC Healthcare Sector Lead Paolo Borromeo said. On 19 July 2023, Chairman Prospero de Vera III of CHED and Secretary of Health Teodoro Herbosa ceremonially signed and launched JAO 2023-0001, also known as the “Implementing Guidelines for the Nurse Workforce Complementation and Upskilling Program for Clinical Care Associates. “This landmark initiative resulted from a collaborative effort between the government and the Private Sector Advisory Council Healthcare Sector Group.” Implementing the JAO showcases the power of government and private sector collaboration. The PSAC-Health has played a vital role in shaping the Nurse Workforce Complementation and Upskilling Program, ensuring its alignment with the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. Leading hospitals and higher education institutions, including Healthway Medical Network, Metro Pacific Hospitals Inc., Mt. Grace Hospitals Inc. and the Philippine Private Hospitals Association Inc. have pledged their commitment to the Clinical Care Associates program by participating in the MOU signing event. Higher education institutions such as Our Lady of Fatima University, Far Eastern University, St. Paul University Philippines, Trinity University of Asia, National Teachers College and National University are also pivotal partners in shaping the future of healthcare in the Philippines through this program. The post PSAC paves way for health deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PSAC paves way for agreement with DOH, CHED, and PHAPi with PBBM
The Private Sector Advisory Council from the Healthcare Sector (PSAC-Health), together with the Department of Health (DOH), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPi), signed a memorandum of agreement with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a witness to facilitate employment for underboard BS Nursing students. During their degree, these students will become CHED-certified and work as Clinical Care Associates in healthcare industries. “The Clinical Care Associates Upskilling Program, formalized through the Joint Administrative Order [2023-0001], is a groundbreaking endeavor, and I am confident that it’s a program that will help address the lives of healthcare workers in the country today,” President Marcos said. PSAC-Health has worked with DOH, 55 private hospitals, seven public hospitals, and CHED, along with 19 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), to implement the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) in response to the country's critical shortage of qualified nurses. “To the underboard nurses out there who are contemplating what to do next: I call on you to apply for this program and embrace the support being wholeheartedly given to you by the government and the institutions we represent,” Marcos added. "The Commission commits to working with other government agencies and PSAC to implement all the strategic interventions that President Bongbong Marcos approved in a whole-of-government and whole-of-the-nation approach," said CHED Chairman Julian Prospero De Vera III. “I am confident that this policy would be extremely impactful as it addresses the problems and obstacles and allows our current registered nurses to focus more on high-value-added roles and functions,” said PSAC Healthcare Sector Lead Paolo Borromeo. On 19 July 2023, Chairman Prospero De Vera III of CHED and Secretary of Health Dr. Teodoro Herbosa ceremonially signed and launched JAO No. 2023-0001, also known as the "Implementing Guidelines for the Nurse Workforce Complementation and Upskilling Program for Clinical Care Associates (CCAs)." This landmark initiative results from a collaborative effort between the government and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Healthcare Sector Group. Implementing the JAO showcases the power of government and private sector collaboration. The PSAC-Health has played a vital role in shaping the Nurse Workforce Complementation and Upskilling Program, ensuring its alignment with the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s administration. Leading hospitals and higher education institutions, including Healthway Medical Network (HMN), Metro Pacific Hospitals Inc. (MPHI), Mt. Grace Hospitals Inc., and the Philippine Private Hospitals Association Inc. (PPHAPI), have pledged their commitment to the Clinical Care Associates program by participating in the MOU signing event. Higher education institutions such as Our Lady of Fatima University, Far Eastern University, St. Paul University Philippines, Trinity University of Asia, National Teachers College, and National University are also pivotal partners in shaping the future of healthcare in the Philippines through this program. [caption id="attachment_191577" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Private Sector Advisory Council Lead Convenor Sabin Aboitiz (left) with President Marcos and PSAC Healthcare Sector leads[/caption] The post PSAC paves way for agreement with DOH, CHED, and PHAPi with PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Healthcare professionals essential to better healthcare system — PBBM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said that healthcare professionals are critical to the success of the government's goal of overcoming the handicaps of the healthcare system. During the launching of the Clinical Care Associates Upskilling Program at the President's Hall in Malacañan Palace, Marcos emphasized the importance of addressing the nursing shortage in the country. "It is important that we meet their needs and the need for more of them swiftly," the President said. He also called on underboard nurses to apply for the program and embrace the support being wholeheartedly given to them by the government and the institutions that it represents. "We will continue striving until such a time that our Filipino professionals choose to work in their own country, and be known for providing excellent service here at home, just as much as we are known for being exemplary healthcare providers in the rest of the world," the President said. Under the CCA Upskilling Program, underboard nurses will be allowed to work in hospitals and other healthcare institutions while attending tutorials and classes to review for the Nurse Licensure Examination. The program collaborates with the government, the private sector, and higher education institutions. Marcos Jr. said that the CCA Upskilling Program is a testament to the government's commitment to improving the healthcare system in the country. He also thanked the Private Sector Advisory Council Healthcare Sector Group for their participation in the formulation of the program. "The CCA Upskilling Program is a groundbreaking endeavor that will help address the life of healthcare workers in the country today," President Marcos said. "It will also reaffirm the unified efforts of our agencies, hospitals, and higher education institutions to prepare our nursing graduates for their board exams and their chosen career paths," Marcos added. The post Healthcare professionals essential to better healthcare system — PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»