Mandaue to reopen 2 isolation centers if COVID-19 cases continue to rise
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines – The Mandaue City government will reactivate its two isolation units if the city’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases will continue to rise. For the past days, the city has logged double-digits of new COVID-19 cases. Yesterday, February 18, the city recorded 60 new cases of the virus. The Norkis Park Isolation […] The post Mandaue to reopen 2 isolation centers if COVID-19 cases continue to rise appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Australian man charged with sex crimes against 91 young girls
An Australian former childcare worker sexually abused 91 young girls in a "chilling" spate of crimes across 15 years, police said Tuesday after charging him with 1,623 separate offenses, including rape. Seasoned detectives have described it as one of Australia's "most horrific" child sex abuse cases, with a scale of offenses "beyond the realms of anyone's imagination". "I know this news will seem unfathomable, and I know there will be many questions," said Assistant Federal Police Commissioner Justine Gough. "There is not much solace I can give to the parents and children who have been identified," she added. Included within the 1,623 charges are 136 counts of rape, 110 counts of sexual intercourse with a child younger than 10 -- a charge used instead of rape in some Australian jurisdictions -- and 613 counts of making child pornography. Investigators have been hunting for the 45-year-old man since discovering a cache of child pornography photos and videos being shared on the dark web in 2014. But their efforts had been mostly fruitless until they made an unexpected breakthrough in August last year -- matching visual clues in the background of the material to a childcare center in the city of Brisbane. While the man was initially charged with just three offenses, Gough said the gravity of his "heinous" alleged crimes emerged as police sifted further through his computer and phone. Police believe the man filmed or took pictures of "all" his alleged crimes -- and eventually cataloged more than 4,000 photos and videos of abuse. New South Wales Assistant Police Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said it was one of the most horrific cases he had ever seen. "It's beyond the realms of anyone's imagination what this person did to these children," he said. "I can only say, you try not to be shocked after a long period of time in the police, but this is a horrific case." Young girls targeted Police said the abuse happened at 10 different childcare centers between 2007 and 2022 and exclusively targeted "prepubescent girls" -- some as young as one year old. While 87 of the 91 victims were from the Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales, police believed four other unidentified children were abused while the man worked overseas for a brief spell between 2013 and 2014. Police said they were now working with international crime agencies to find those children, without revealing which country they were targeting. "We have been working tirelessly since August last year to identify the children in the alleged child abuse material," Gough said. Police said the man had passed the stringent series of background checks needed to work at childcare centers in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. Queensland's Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Col Briggs said detectives had first been tipped off in 2021, but had been hamstrung by a lack of evidence. "There was insufficient evidence to take action against any person based on evidence available at the time," he said. Given the sheer volume of child abuse material that needed to be documented, a dedicated task force of about 35 staff was called in to work on the investigation. The man, who has not been named by police, is scheduled to face court in Queensland on August 21. Once those proceedings are finished, he will be extradited to New South Wales to face further charges. The post Australian man charged with sex crimes against 91 young girls appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Son takes up Dad’s unfinished business
Expectations are high on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as he bared yesterday his accomplishments after one year in office. It won’t be surprising if many Filipinos will compare Marcos to his predecessor this early or even to his late father who is regarded by loyalists to be the GOAT leader of their generation. The reality, however, is that nobody is perfect and that there are persistent national challenges that outlasted past presidents and now face the current leader. When Marcos’ father officially assumed the presidency on 30 December 1965, he was confronted with huge government debt, inefficient agriculture, smuggling, lawlessness, rising prices and corruption. A year later, in his second State of the Nation Address delivered at the Legislative Building in Manila on 23 January 1967, the elder Marcos touted his progress in tackling those issues. “We confronted the problem of smuggling, as it was never done before by the national government. We paid no attention to the cynics who said that smuggling could not be eradicated or even diminished. Today, the popular surveys point to the success of the anti-smuggling drive as the premier achievement last year,” Marcos Sr. boasted in his second SoNA delivered 56 years and almost six months ago. The late president partly attributed to his administration’s expanded campaign against technical smuggling the higher collection of the Bureau of Customs during the period of January 1966 to January 1967 compared to the first year of his predecessor’s generated BoC revenues, P47 million against P30 million. In turn, the increased BoC collections boosted total government revenues in 1966 by over 12 percent or nearly P251 million to P2.3 billion from over P2 billion in 1965. Smuggling, however, endured after Marcos, his five successors, and now his son, whose fight against the enduring menace is focused on agricultural smugglers blamed for the rise in red onion prices to an unbelievable P720 per kilo in December. The current President has tapped the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation to find and prosecute the economic saboteurs. Taking bull by horns The elder Marcos said in his 1967 SoNA that the Philippine Constabulary, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and BoC were reorganized to root out corrupt personnel, including removing 80,000 casual employees. Of the latter, only those who had not been linked to cases of dishonesty or inefficiency were re-employed. The son, meanwhile, is also dealing with the same problem by institutionalizing online transactions, through the eGov PH Super app, to prevent the general public from being exposed to red tape, fixers, and extortionists in government. “We intend to keep prices down by increasing the production of prime commodities, especially rice and corn. We hope to be self-sufficient within a few years,” Marcos Sr. said in the 1967 SoNA. Marcos Jr. is addressing the same problem based on his own SoNA. “Ang mga pautang at financial assistance sa mga magbubukid at mangingisda ay magiging institusyon at patakaran ng aking administrasyon (Loans and financial assistance to farmers and fishermen will become an institution and the rule of my administration),” he said in his first SoNA. The concurrent agriculture secretary also mentioned modernizing farming through new technologies; expanding aquaculture, piggery, and poultry; building a national network of farm-to-market roads; and reviving the Kadiwa centers. Kadiwa is back and last 7 July, Marcos Jr. condoned the P57.65 billion in unpaid amortizations of 610,054 agrarian reform beneficiaries who till more than 1.7-million hectares of farmland. “Under existing agrarian laws, each agrarian reform beneficiary has to pay the cost of the land given to him in 30 years with six percent interest,” the President said. “It’s time to free them from this debt.” Relieved of the burden of debt, the ARBs can now channel their resources towards food production. Admittedly, perennial problems have endured despite the best efforts of past administrations to solve them. This cannot be misconstrued as a failure of leadership, but rather as unfinished business that existing and future presidents will have to assume and try to finish. The post Son takes up Dad’s unfinished business 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......»»
Marcos: War on drugs to continue — but with ‘new face’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the country's fight against the illegal drug problem continues under his helm. "The campaign against illegal drugs continues—but it has taken on a new face. It is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, to curb drug dependence among our affected citizenry," said Marcos during his second State of the Nation Address. Marcos mentioned that the government has effectively launched the "Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan" or BIDA Program, and established additional 102 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers nationwide. The government, he added, will relentlessly continue its fight against drug syndicates by "shutting down their illegal activities and dismantling their network of operations." "Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed. I will be accepting their resignations," the President said. Marcos vowed to install individuals with unquestionable integrity, and who will be effective and trustworthy in handling the task of eliminating the drug problem--which he described as a "dreaded and corrosive social curse." "We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government," he added. Shortly before Marcos delivered his SONA, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed hope that Marcos will pay attention to the illegal drug problem in the country during the remainder of his term. “Konting pansin lang. Sana mapansin lang ‘yung drug situation (Just a little attention. I hope the drug situation will be taken care of),” Dela Rosa said in an interview with reporters. Asked if the government is lacking the courage to fight the drug problem, Del Rosa said: “Iba talaga ‘yung manggaling sa pinaka-chief executive ‘yung pagpansin sa drug problem (It is really different if the chief executive himself will pay attention to the drug problem).” On the other hand, Dela Rosa said he believes Marcos will continue supporting the push for the mandatory revival of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps in the Philippines. “He already mentioned the ROTC [program] during his first SONA. The ROTC bill is still pending, but I will continue pushing for it,” he added. Newly installed Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen Romeo Brawner Jr. has expressed his full support for the revival of the mandatory ROTC. Brawner earlier vowed that ROTC will be implemented accordingly and professionally by well-trained military handlers should it becomes legally mandatory. The military chief said the AFP will make sure that the cases of hazing, as well as physical and verbal abuse and other malpractices related to the ROTC in the past, won’t happen again in the future. “The AFP is preparing for proper and relevant conduct of the program in the future,” said Brawner. The post Marcos: War on drugs to continue — but with ‘new face’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoH’s thrust: Delivering quality healthcare for the very poor
Teodoro Javier Herbosa received a call from the Office of the President about a year after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assumed the Presidency. The caller from the Palace said the President would like to see him in Malacañang, but it was not made clear what the former would like to meet with him about. The night before his meeting with the President, Herbosa wrote an 8-point agenda about what he’d like to do in the department, just in case he’d be asked to be Health Secretary. [caption id="attachment_161645" align="aligncenter" width="1057"] DoH Secretary addresses officers and members of the Rotary Club of Manila during the Club’s Third Weekly Membership Meeting (Rotary Year 2022-2023) at the Manila Polo Club last Thursday, 20 July. At the presidential table are (from left) Dr. John Cenica, Dr. Brix Pujalte, RC Manila President Rafael Mm Alunan III, Past District Governor Obet Pagdaganan, Dr. Paul Kho and Carlos Buendia. Secretary Herbosa spoke about his priority agenda which includes the delivery of quality primary and universal health care services to the people, giving attention to health care worker issues, modernizing health care through telemedicine and new technologies, and taking care of Filipinos’ mental health, among various other urgent concerns[/caption] On the day of his meeting, he and Department of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, who was then DoH OIC, were asked to go inside one of the rooms in the Palace. The President entered, sat them down, thanked Vergerie and told her, “You can finally rest Undersecretary Vergeire, I’ve found my DoH Secretary.” “It was as simple as that. The President turned his attention to me and said these are what I’d like you to do in; he started giving me instructions, he didn’t even asked me if I wanted the job,” Herbosa, recalled before officers and members of the Rotary Club of Manila in its meeting at the Polo Club last Thursday. All it probably took for the President to decide Herbosa was his man for the DoH was to take one look at Herbosa’s impressive curriculum vitae. The pandemic national task force adviser in the previous administration, Herbosa brings to his job at the DoH vast experience and expertise in healthcare systems, public health, hospital administration, emergency and disaster medicine Recounting his first meeting with the President, Herbosa said his first instruction, among others, was to take care of the very poor and indigenous peoples in isolated and disadvantaged areas. “That’s something that you and other Rotary Clubs do around the country — providing primary care in your missions,” he said. Other immediate tasks he was given was to exit from Covid-19; cure tuberculosis, and address HIV which, Herbosa said there’s about 50 new cases daily, with some victims as young as 15-years-old. In terms of Covid, the President has just officially lifted the state of public health emergency in the country due to Covid-19. On the delivery of quality health services, Herbosa said his thoughts on the matter are aligned with the President’s vision which has just been made manifest in the multispecialty medical center project soon to rise within the Clark Freeport Zone. It will be built by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the Clark Development Corporation, the Department of Health, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and Enrique Razon’s Bloomberry Cultural Foundation. The center, with pediatric, renal, cardiovascular and oncology units, will be the first of several similar facilities to be built on some 17 sites across the country. Expected to be completed before the President ends his term in 2028, the DoH will run the centers. Visiting the site at Clark last 17 July, the President said, “We will establish rural healthcare units, barangay centers, botika de barangay… We will go back to that idea. All of these things we are putting together so that when it comes to fundamental healthcare for our countrymen, we can say that such is readily available to them.” “That’s exactly what we will rebuild, that’s what we will be spending for,” Herbosa told Rotarians at the RC Manila Meeting at the Polo Club last week. “That’s the thrust of the current administration in terms of healthcare in this country - making quality health services accessible to as many Filipinos as possible.” Based on his track record, there is little — if any — doubt of Herbosa’s accomplishing what he’s been tasked to do by the President, and in an exemplary manner that would be of substantial benefit to country, and the people. The post DoH’s thrust: Delivering quality healthcare for the very poor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl cinema in the first year of BBM
Here, we look back at the state of the Philippine film industry since he took the seat of power 13 months ago. When President Marcos Jr. became the 17th leader of the nation, the country was on the brink of the “new normal.” The campaign elections even saw multitudes of crowds in the streets, the Filipinos’ political passion overpowering the fear of a Covid-19 infection. Covid-pandemic viewing By May 2022, the month of the presidential campaigns, the Department of Health said the country was at “minimal-risk case classification” with an average of only 159 cases per day. By June 2022, when the President took his oath, 69.4 million Filipinos had been fully vaccinated. Along with the country, the Philippine film industry started healing. On the same month, the country went under Covid-19 Alert Level 2, with 50-percent allowed capacity in indoor cinemas. Live film festivals The Marcos administration saw the return of Filipino film festivals in theaters. On Marcos’ fifth month as president, the QCinema International Film Festival, with the theme “in10City,” held hybdrid screenings — in-person and online. The Metro Manila Film Festival in December 2022, six months into the new presidency, went full force in cinemas for the second time during the pandemic. Earlier, in 2020, during the Duterte administration, the festival was held online for the first time, and the following year, in December 2021, after level alert measures in the Philippines were relaxed, the MMFF finally went back to the cinemas. However, only around 300 cinemas (down from the usual 900) were allowed to screen the MMFF entries. Meanwhile, the 18th edition of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival was held from 5 August to 31 October 2022 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in select mall cinemas and online. But what made a mark during the Marcos administration’s first year was the inaugural edition of the 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival. The SMMFF was held in Metro Manila and throughout the Philippines. Organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in partnership with the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines, the first MMFF was supposed to be held in 2020, but was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023, held from 8 to 18 April 2023 with the theme “Tuloy-tuloy ang Saya,” the summer festival featured eight entries and, like its December counterpart, even held a Parade of Stars. About Us But Not About Us by Jun Lana, produced by The IdeaFirst Company, Octobertrain Films and Quantum Films, emerged as the first Best Picture of the summer festival. [caption id="attachment_161372" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] About Us But Not About Us by Jun Lana[/caption] The Film Development Council of the Philippines’ sixth edition of its own mini-film festival, held during the Marcos administration’s third month, headed back to cinemas, offering free access to award-winning classic films of the new National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts at TriNoma Cinema in Quezon City and in all Cinematheque centers nationwide (Manila, Iloilo, Negros, Davao and Nabunturan). CCP closes for renovations On 1 September 2022, CCP president Margarita Moran-Floirendo announced during a hearing of the Senate committee on cultural communities, that The Cultural Center of the Philippines — home to the Cinemalaya festival — will close its doors starting January 2023 for renovation and structural retrofitting works, and will reopen in March 2025. This marks the first time that Cinemalaya, on its 19th year, which has the theme “ilumiNasyon,” will be held at various venues inside the adjacent Philippine International Convention Center, from 4 to 13 August 2023. The rise of political films With the country deeply driven by polarized political views, the Marcos administration saw a war between political commercial films. [caption id="attachment_161370" align="aligncenter" width="1800"] ‘MAID in Malacanang’ stars Cristine Reyes, Diego Loyzaga and Ella Cruz. | Photograph courtesy of viva[/caption] On 29 July 2022, Darryl Yap’s period drama Maid in Malacañang, touted as “the most controversial film of the year,” was released to packed cinemas. The movie, about the Marcos family’s last three days in Malacañang Palace before they were forced into exile, premiered at SM North EDSA and was released nationwide on 3 August 2022. Yap, who passionately campaigned for Marcos, became a controversial filmmaker with the release of his Marcos film. Leni Robredo supporters tried to boycott the film, with some Filipino movie critics exposing themselves as heavily political and non-neutral with their reviews, accusing the film of propaganda and historical revisionism. The attempt to quash the movie’s release failed and it became a box-office hit, with producer Viva Films releasing a statement that it earned a whopping P21 million on its opening day and P63 million three days after its release. It was the first time in Philippine cinema history that local theaters nationwide saw a deluge of moviegoers lining up to watch a movie on the big screen, mostly driven by political affiliation. Another unsuccessful political attempt to diminish the film’s release was Vince Tañada’s re-release of his Martial Law film Katips to counter Maid in Malacañang. Tañada’s film eventually won Best Picture at the Famas Awards. MIM actress Ella Cruz’s remark during a press conference, that “history is like tsismis,” further fanned the flames of political debate online. Eight months later, in March 2022, Viva released Yap’s second installment in his Marcos trilogy, Martyr or Murderer, which now focused on Ferdinand Marcos and the assassination of Ninoy Aquino. Two anti-Marcos movies rose to combat the film — Joel Lamangan’s Oras de Peligro, released on the same day, and Tañada’s movie adaptation of his musical play Ako Si Ninoy, released one week earlier. Movie buffs, political analysts, film critics, the press and social media influencers dove into feverish commentaries on the three films, and Philippine cinemas were ignited and, for a while, became alive with social discourse. New FDCP head On 21 July 2022, Tirso S. Cruz III officially assumed his position as the head of the country’s national film agency, the Film Development Council of the Philippines. He replaced Liza Diño, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as FDCP chairperson on 12 August 2016. [caption id="attachment_161368" align="aligncenter" width="736"] FDCP chair Tirso Cruz III. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FDCP[/caption] Cruz, a veteran actor, said that the target of the FDCP under the Marcos administration was to support local films, not just in Metro Manila, but also from regional filmmakers. He also professed support for film students and highlighted archiving as part of the FDCP’s agenda, with 42,000 materials in its archives to be salvaged. MTRCB In September 2022, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board released a statement addressing the controversy about its proposal to expand its jurisdiction to online streaming services like Netflix, Vivamax, Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms. The MTRCB said it was responding to multitudes of complaints from parents and other concerned groups demanding that the agency regulate movie and TV online platforms to protect children from harmful viewing. The Marcos administration has seen a continuous boom in streamers, which began during the pandemic, with Vivamax becoming one of the leading local streamers due to the popularity of Filipino sexploitation films. On 23 February 2023, MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio expressed her gratitude to Senators Francis “Tol” Tolentino, Grace Poe and Sherwin Gatchalian for the separate bills they filed that would amend and expand the board’s mandate. “We welcome the move to amend the charter of the MTRCB as it will allow the agency to adequately adapt to changes in technology and the ever-evolving needs of the viewing public and our other stakeholders,” Sotto-Antonio said before the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media chaired by Senator Robinhood C. Padilla. Eddie Garcia Act In January 2023, the chamber passed through voice voting House Bill 1270, or the proposed Eddie Garcia Act, at the House plenary session. [caption id="attachment_161367" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] HOUSE Bill 1270 has been proposed in honor of the late actor Eddie Garcia. | Photograph courtesy of gma-7[/caption] Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte authored the bill, which aims to provide workers in the movie, television and radio entertainment industry opportunities for well-paid employment and protect them from economic exploitation, abuse and harassment, as well as hazardous working conditions. The bill was named after the late veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who died in 2019 after suffering a neck injury while shooting the television series Rosang Agimat, produced by GMA Network. According to Villafuerte, productions would go from 16 to 24 continuous work hours per set and would rush productions to save costs. The proposed law mandates that normal work hours of the worker or talent shall be eight hours a day; overtime work should not exceed more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period; and the total number of work hours shall not exceed 60 hours in a week. Paul Soriano Relatively unknown to most Pinoy moviegoers, filmmaker Paul Soriano was put on the limelight as the man behind the President’s advertisements — way back from campaigns since Marcos started out as vice governor, and then, governor of Ilocos Norte, up until his senatorial campaign, and eventually his campaign for the vice presidency and presidency. [caption id="attachment_161371" align="aligncenter" width="781"] PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on Creative Communications Paul Soriano. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ig/PAUL SORIANO[/caption] Of course, the opposition in the film industry predictably canceled Soriano, the blood nephew of First Lady Liza Cacho Araneta-Marcos. Dolly de Leon It was also during the BBM era that Filipina actress Dolly de Leon gained international fame for her performance in the 2022 Cannes Palme d’Or winner Triangle of Sadness. [caption id="attachment_161366" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Dolly de Leon gained international fame for her performance in the 2022 Cannes Palme d’Or winner ‘Triangle of Sadness.’ | Photograph courtesy ofig/dolly de leon[/caption] The 54-year old film, television and theater actress made history by becoming the first Filipino actor to be nominated at the British Academy Film Awards and Golden Globe Awards. Filipino movie fans and critics, having been exposed to global content since the rise of the streamers, plus the proliferation of self-published movie reviews, are generally still disappointed with the output and system of the Philippine film industry, but filled with hope that, with full support from the government, Philippine cinema will finally become truly internationally competitive, sustainable and recognized. The post Phl cinema in the first year of BBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Thousands flee Greek island fires as southern US swelters
Around 30,000 people were moved to safety on the Greek island of Rhodes where a wildfire burned on Saturday, while people in the southern United States struggled under a record-breaking heatwave. Tens of millions of people have been suffering through intense heat this summer and the world looks set for its hottest July on record. As temperature records tumble, experts have pointed to climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels, arguing that global warming is playing a key role in the devastating heat. On the Mediterranean island of Rhodes, where a wildfire has been blazing for days, boats carried 2,000 people to safety from beaches in the east of the popular tourist island. Greek fire service spokesman Vassilis Varthakogiannis told Skai TV: "This is not a fire that will be over tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. It'll be troubling us for days." Three coastguard ships led more than 30 private vessels in the evacuation, while a Greek navy boat was heading to the area. Island officials arranged for dozens of buses to take people to safety, but where fires had cut off road access, others had to walk. Authorities have opened up gyms, schools and hotel conference centers to serve as makeshift accommodation, while firefighters battle the blaze. In Athens, the foreign ministry said it had activated its crisis management unit to facilitate the evacuation of foreign citizens due to the ongoing forest fires. Greece is fighting dozens of forest fires 11 days into a heatwave that has seen temperatures soaring above 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Meteorologists have warned it could be the longest hot spell the country has ever seen. - 80 million Americans sweltering - Across the southern United States, about 80 million Americans will swelter in temperatures of 41C and above this weekend, the National Weather Service said. The southwestern city of Phoenix, Arizona hit 46C on Saturday, extending a record-breaking streak to 22 consecutive days of highs above 43C. Tourists have been flocking to Death Valley National Park, which straddles California and Nevada, to post selfies with a temperature display outside the visitor centre. Many are hoping to see it break a world record of 56.7C, which was set in July 1913 but was likely the result of a faulty measurement, according to several meteorologists. Further north, in Canada, which has been suffering wildfires that left Montreal blanketed in smog, torrential rain hit the eastern province of Nova Scotia, cutting off roads and threatening to burst a dam. Four people were reported missing, including two children who had been in a car engulfed by flood waters. Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 active wildfires were burning across Canada, with 11.3 million hectares scorched this season by the deadly blazes. Across the border in the US state of Washington, a wildfire burned more than 12,000 hectares (30,000 acres) in less than a day. - Hottest month - July 2023 is on track to be the hottest month -- not only since records began, but also in "hundreds, if not thousands, of years", said leading NASA climatologist Gavin Schmidt. The effects cannot be attributed solely to the El Nino weather pattern, which "has really only just emerged" and isn't expected to strengthen until later in the year, he added. El Nino is associated with the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. Schmidt said the trend of extreme heat was expected to persist, "and the reason why we think that's going to continue, is because we continue to put greenhouse gases into the atmosphere". The exceptional temperatures in Greece also meant key tourist sites such as the Acropolis closed during the hottest part of the day. A 46-year-old man was reported to have succumbed to heatstroke on the central Greek island of Evia after being admitted to Chalkida hospital. Staff there said cardio-respiratory failure following exposure to high temperatures appeared to have been the cause. Emergency health officials told the state broadcaster they had admitted at least 38 heatstroke patients in the last three days, while hospitals were also seeing cases of fainting and other heat-related conditions. Greece is just one of many countries battling a prolonged spell of extreme heat around the globe in recent days. burs/jj/acb © Agence France-Presse The post Thousands flee Greek island fires as southern US swelters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lacuna rolls out jabs for seniors, health workers
The local government of Manila announced that it will now be administering bivalent vaccines designed to protect against both the original Covid-19 virus and the Omicron variant for healthcare workers and senior citizens. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna disclosed on Sunday that the vaccines will be available starting 10 July at 44 health centers in the city. Healthcare workers and senior citizens who have completed their primary Covid-19 vaccination along with their first and second booster shots are eligible to receive the bivalent vaccines. Lacuna stressed that the city government of Manila is maintaining its “open policy,” which means that even those residing outside of Manila may avail of the shots if they belong to the eligible groups qualified as such by the national government. She also appealed to health frontliners and senior citizens of Manila to avail of the bivalent vaccine, saying it will spell extra protection for them and their families as she stressed the need for health workers to provide added protection to the patients they handle on a daily basis. The rollout of the bivalent vaccines in Manila comes as the city is experiencing a slight increase in Covid-19 cases and Lacuna said that the city government is taking steps to mitigate the spread of the virus, including increasing testing and contact tracing. The post Lacuna rolls out jabs for seniors, health workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. issues malaria alert
Five recorded cases of locally acquired malaria, the first in 20 years, prompted the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a health alert on Monday. Four cases of the mosquito -borne illness were confirmed in the counties of Sarasota and Manatee in the state of Florida and one in Cameron County, Texas, the CDC said in its health alert. “All patients have received treatment and are improving,” CDC said. Malaria is a serious and potentially fatal disease transmitted through the bite of an infective female anopheline mosquito. It can also be transmitted congenitally from mother to fetus or to the neonate at birth, through blood transfusion or organ transplantation, or through unsafe needle-sharing practices. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, myalgias, and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur, according to CDC. For most people, symptoms begin 10 days to 4 weeks after infection, although a person may feel ill as early as 7 days or as late as 1 year after infection, CDC said. “Malaria is a medical emergency and should be treated accordingly,” it added. The health alert enjoins authorities to be on the lookout for additional cases and to implement mosquito control measures, according to health agency. CDC warned that Anopheles mosquitoes found in much of the US can transmit the disease if they feed on an infected person. “The risk is higher in areas where local climatic conditions allow the Anopheles mosquito to survive during most of or the entire year and where travelers from malaria-endemic areas are found,” CDC said. “Prompt diagnosis and treatment of people with malaria can prevent progression to severe disease or death and limit ongoing transmission to local Anopheles mosquitos,” it added. The last locally acquired malaria case in the US was in 2003 when eight cases were identified in Palm Beach County, Florida, according to the CDC. Almost all cases of malaria in the country are imported by people who have traveled from countries with malaria transmission. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, approximately 2,000 cases of mostly travel-related malaria were diagnosed in the US each year; approximately 300 people experienced severe disease and 5 to 10 people with malaria died yearly. The post U.S. issues malaria alert appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go joins Baybay City’s 16th Charter Day celebration
On a momentous occasion during the 16th Charter Day Celebration of Baybay City, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go was officially declared as the adopted son of Leyte through Resolution No. 2020-337 passed on 24 April 2020, and formally granted on Friday, 16 June. The resolution recognizes Go's deep friendship, unwavering support, and invaluable contributions to the province and its people. In his speech, Go expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the city. The senator commended the city for its beauty, highlighting its scenic charm and allure. “Maraming salamat sa inyong oras! Happy 16th Charter Day o Anniversary sa inyong siyudad. Napakaganda ng Baybay City,” he said. He emphasized his willingness to continue contributing to the city's progress by exploring projects that would further enhance the city's development. “Ako, kung ano ang makakatulong dito, amin bisitahin ang inyong boardwalk. Kung anong proyekto ang makakatulong sa inyong syudad, masaya rin ako na maging parte sa pag-unlad ng inyong siyudad,” he said. Expressing his joy at being a part of Baybay City’s journey towards advancement, Go also praised the ongoing projects in the city for their positive impact on the citizens. He then emphasized that it is not the people who should express gratitude to him, but rather, he who should be grateful for the opportunity to serve the people. Through the resolution, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan recognized his steadfast commitment to public service, noting that real progress and recovery have always been the outcomes of his dedicated endeavors. The resolution also highlights Go's exceptional efforts in assisting Leyte. Notably, his instrumental role in establishing a medical laboratory to handle COVID-19 cases and the establishment of Malasakit Centers at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center and the Ormoc District Hospital were emphasized. These centers serve as a one-stop shop for core agencies providing medical and financial assistance to indigent and financially incapacitated patients. Meanwhile, Go remains resolute in his commitment to improving the accessibility of healthcare services and expanding the construction of more public health facilities throughout the country. During his visit to Baybay City, he visited the ongoing construction of the highly anticipated Super Health Center in the city, which is 90% complete. Go also took the opportunity to inspect the Baybay City boardwalk, a project in which he played an instrumental role as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. Go has also been instrumental in supporting other projects in the province. To further improve the health services in the province, Go also sponsored and successfully pushed for the passage of Republic Act No. 11567, increasing the bed capacity of EVRMC. Furthermore, he was instrumental in the enactment of RA 11566, converting the Schistosomiasis Control and Research Hospital into the GBTRGHSC. Go likewise supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Alangalang, Babatngon, Carigara, Dagami, Isabel, Jaro, La Paz, Leyte, and Tolosa; construction of the Merida Community Hospital; construction of flood control structures in Alangalang, Javier, Tanauan, and Tolosa; and acquisition of dump trucks for the local governments of Isabel and Villaba, among others. After his visit to Baybay City, Go proceeded to Ormoc City. There, he extended assistance to various sectoral groups, including those affected by a fire incident. Additionally, he conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Ormoc District Hospital, ensuring its effective operation. Furthermore, in collaboration with Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomes and Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomes, Go conducted an inspection of various funded sports facilities in the city. One of the notable projects Go inspected was a Pentathlon facility, which included a fencing hall. During his visit, Go participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official opening of the fencing hall. The post Bong Go joins Baybay City’s 16th Charter Day celebration appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NDRRMC: Restive Mayon displaces 10K families
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Friday reported that some 9,947 families or 38,391 individuals residing in 26 villages in Bicol Region have been affected by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay province. In its latest situational report, NDRRMC said 5,125 families or 18,584 individuals are currently occupying 27 evacuation centers, while the rest are being sheltered by relatives or friends. The NDRRMC stressed these numbers are still subject to change as validations are ongoing. The Office of Civil Defense said it has extended additional assistance to the provincial government of Albay, providing 3,200 sacks of rice and other relief items for the communities affected by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano. Also distributed were tarpaulin rolls, N-95 face masks, family food packs, hygiene kits, pelican cases, a portable water filtration unit and a water filtration truck to Albay to assist residents in the affected areas. Albay Governor Edcel Lagman earlier received the supplies from Defense Secretary and NDRRMC Chairperson Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and OCD administrator and NDRRMC executive director Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno. In a television interview on Friday, NDRRMC spokesperson Raffy Alejandro said there are no reported injuries or casualties yet amid Mayon's unrest. "As long as nobody is inside the permanent danger zone, we don't expect any casualty… But the challenge really is how to maintain or manage the evacuation centers because this is where we might have problems,” he said. Alejandro said they are closely monitoring the situation of evacuees as the NDRRMC initially received reports of diarrhea cases from occupants of evacuation centers. The Department of Health has likewise recorded cases of respiratory problems among evacuees. “We have to prevent outbreaks of diseases, problems in terms of health and sanitation," Alejandro stressed. The post NDRRMC: Restive Mayon displaces 10K families appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mayon simmers; funds assured
State volcanologists reported that Mayon Volcano produced fewer rockfalls and volcanic earthquakes on Thursday. Two volcanic tremors and 306 rockfall occurrences were recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology between 5 a.m. Wednesday and 5 a.m. Thursday. The volcano recorded 309 rockfall events in the previous update, along with seven volcanic temblors. Mayon, however, showed a modest rise in sulfur dioxide flux, going from 149 tons per day to 193 tons per day. Since 8 June, the volcano has been on Alert Level 3 due to “potential explosive activity happening within days or weeks,” according to Phivolcs. Volcanologists said the volcano’s unrest may continue for a few months based on observations and past eruptions. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. yesterday vowed quick response to Mayon’s unrest and the needs of the thousands of evacuees. Marcos pledged funds and other assistance to the affected province of Albay on the sidelines of a Department of Trade and Industry forum. “Whatever is needed, we will have to provide. Many people are already helping, all agencies are already engaged in their rehabilitation efforts, in the support for the evacuees,” he said. The government, he said, “must be sensitive” to the needs of the province during the emergency as each municipality faces different difficulties in carrying out quick response operations. He spoke about the elderly who need to take their medication, workers who had to leave their employment, and the children and parents whose mental and physical health are affected at the evacuation centers. “I think in terms of actual funding, I think, as far as I know, we have a budget for that but my instruction to them is to assess thoroughly, and not just keep giving money,” Marcos said. “You have to check what their problems are so we can fix them, and if it takes cash then that’s well and good, but sometimes it’s not cash,” he added. He instructed Cabinet officials to “take the load off” Albay in terms of quick response funding as Mayon’s restiveness may last from 45 to 90 days. “If it takes cash, then that’s good. Well and good. But sometimes, it’s not cash. We have been discussing what to do about the hampered education of the children; they cannot go to school. These are other issues are basically not quantifiable but they are important,” Marcos said. “The issues of the mental health of those children, even the parents. We need to think about them because what they are going through is really difficult. So we have to give all the support that we can,” he added. Latest data from the National Risk Reduction and Management Council showed that 9,167 families or 37,682 individuals were forced to evacuate due to Mayon’s restiveness. Of the number, 17,914 were counted as displaced persons staying in the 25 activated evacuation centers or temporary shelters. The remainder are staying with relatives or friends. The Philippine Army has conducted humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations for 15,000 evacuees from Albay’s 23 barangays since 10 June. The government has so far provided more than P37.3 million to assist affected residents. The Office of Civil Defense said it has extended additional assistance to the Albay government, including the provision of 3,200 sacks of rice and other relief items such as tarpaulin rolls, N95 masks, family food packs, hygiene kits, pelican cases, portable water filtration units, and a water filtration truck to Albay to assist residents of affected areas. The post Mayon simmers; funds assured appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
35 cases of respiratory problems recorded amid Mayon unrest
In a message to reporters, the DOH said there were 35 cases with cough, colds and sore throats at evacuation centers in Albay......»»
Senate greenlights Regional Specialty Centers Act
The Senate on Monday passed on third and final reading the Regional Specialty Centers Act as 24 senators agreed to pass the measure, which is one of the priority measures in the Common Legislative Agenda of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council. Senate Bill 2212, sponsored by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, seeks to establish regional specialty centers in all regions of the country. “These regional specialty centers are a way for us to bring medical services closer to our countrymen, especially the poor,” Go said. The centers will provide specialized medical care, such as cancer treatment, heart care, and kidney care, to Filipinos who live in far-flung areas and will also be equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed with highly-trained medical professionals. In his manifestation, Go said that the passage of the bill is a “major step” in improving the country’s healthcare system, adding that the centers will “make quality healthcare more accessible to Filipinos, especially those who live in rural areas.” Go also thanked his colleagues in the Senate for their support of the bill. He said that the passage of the bill is a “testament to the commitment of the Senate to improving the lives of Filipinos.” The bill aims to establish up to 53 specialty centers throughout the country by 2028, in an effort to decentralize the services of specialty centers such as the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, the Philippine Heart Center, the Lung Center of the Philippines, and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute which are all located in Manila. Zubiri, meantime, stressed that the approval of the measure in the Senate is a “fulfilment” of his promise during last year’s campaign. Meantime, Go has reiterated his support for the re-imposition of the death penalty in cases involving heinous crimes related to illegal drugs as he stressed that there is a need to instill fear in criminals and highlighted the devastating impact of drug-related offenses on countless innocent lives and families. He added that the death penalty, if implemented, can be a deterrent to heinous crimes. Go said that there should be consequences for those who take the lives of others. The senator then highlighted the efforts of former president Rodrigo Duterte to combat the illegal drug trade and the ensuing problems it brought to society. According to Go, when drugs flood the streets, crime and corruption inevitably follow. The post Senate greenlights Regional Specialty Centers Act appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lacuna appeals: Get your kids jabbed
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna reiterated on Sunday her call to parents and guardians to have their children or wards vaccinated, saying that those given primary vaccination among kids aged five to 11 has not even reached 50 percent of the targeted number which is 168,446. Lacuna also called on senior citizens to have themselves vaccinated either with primary or booster shots and for adults aged 18 to 59 to get boosted, especially since they are the ones who are most fond of always getting out. The mayor made the appeal citing the recent continued rise in the number of Covid-19 cases based on figures that she receives from the city’s health cluster. “Vaccination is still the solution. The cases of infection are increasing, so we need to protect our children,” Lacuna said. Citing records, the Manila mayor stressed that while the number of senior citizens who have gotten their first dose was at over 95 percent, the number has gone down to about 86 percent when it came to booster shots, with only 60 percent recorded for the first and 20 percent for the second booster. In the case of kids belonging to the five to 11 age group, the number of those who have been given primary shots is yet to reach 50 percent. While figures are better in the case of minors aged 12 to 17 who have registered 100 percent for the primary shots, only 10 percent availed of the first booster. Adults aged 18 to 59 meanwhile, registered more than 100 percent for the first and second dose. However, the number went down to 65 percent for the first booster and declined to a measly eight percent for the second. She also added that her appeal is also directed to those who are considered as “high risk individuals” such as senior citizens, pregnant women, the immuno-compromised and those with comorbidities. Lacuna said that the city government is still offering free Covid-19 vaccination at all of its health centers. She urged residents to take advantage of this offer and get vaccinated as soon as possible. The post Lacuna appeals: Get your kids jabbed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go wants to decongest National Center for Mental Health
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go highlighted the urgent need to improve the National Center for Mental Health and to ensure that all Filipinos have access to proper healthcare. During a public hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Health on mental health on Tuesday, 9 May, Go, who chairs the committee, raised concerns regarding the need for decongestion of the NCMH. “The state of the National Center for Mental Health is in need of utmost attention and improvement to preserve the basic right of all Filipinos to health care,” said Go. “How can we decongest NCMH in order to improve its current state? Where can we transfer recovered patients who have nowhere to go?” he added. The senator also emphasized the need to provide appropriate intervention and care for admitted patients while also looking into the cases of those who are already considered ‘fit’ to be discharged but have nowhere to go or no family to go back home to. “Is the DSWD capable to accommodate them in halfway houses? Kawawa naman. Alam niyo masarap mabuhay sa mundong ito, isang beses lang tayo dadaan, bigyan po natin sila ng halaga, yung buhay nila. Ma-enjoy naman nila after being committed doon sa mga hospital facilities,” Go said. Go also asked concerned authorities to look into the present referral system for patients with pending cases. He cited that some patients admitted to the mental health hospital who are facing cases in court must be properly assessed to determine whether they should remain in NCMH or be tranferred to other facilities. “What should be the proper referral system for patients with pending cases? Dahil nababalitaan ko marami pong mga may kaso na nandodoon pa sa mental health (hospital),” said Go. “Bakit sila nako-commit doon? Ngayon, kung pwede na silang lumabas, magaling na sila, maaari bang ibalik na po doon sa kulungan para ma-decongest naman po itong mga mental health facilities natin?,” he added. Health authorities during the hearing responded to Go’s concerns, highlighting the protocols in place to determine whether someone has a mental illness, including a neuropsychiatric screening test. Patients who are committed to mental hospitals with a court order are already considered to need psychiatric treatment, and mental health professionals assess their fitness for trial or the need for further treatment. Those deemed mentally competent will face trial for their actions. In a separate interview at the Senate after the said hearing, Go addressed the allegations of corruption at NCMH, stating that if there are reports of wrongdoing, an inquiry can be done and referred to the Blue Ribbon Committee. Meanwhile, the senator also emphasized the importance of providing proper care to patients in the NCMH, including providing them with the necessary medication and nutrition. “Ibigay po sa kanila what is due to them. Tao po itong mga pasyente, kahit na may problema sila sa mental health. Paano gagaling kung ‘di ibibigay sa kanila ‘yung nararapat na gamot at pagkain na naayon po sa kanila. Tulungan po natin, mahalin po natin ang mga pasyente natin,” he said. Go, an advocate of improved mental healthcare, has filed Senate Bill No. 1321, or the proposed “Specialty Centers in Every Region Act of 2022”. The bill aims to establish specialty centers in select DOH-hospitals across the country, with mental health services as one of the specialties offered. Additionally, Go has filed SBN 1786, which would require public higher education institutions to establish Mental Health Offices on their campuses. He also serves as co-author of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s SBN 379, otherwise known as the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which aims to provide mental health services, emotional, developmental and preventive programs, and other support services in the basic education level. Meanwhile, one of the key initiatives he pushed for in the 2023 budget is the improvement of benefit packages of the PhilHealth. According to Go, the 2023 budget includes a special provision for the improvement of benefit packages of PhilHealth including mental health packages. This provision is crucial given the sharp increase in mental health issues and the inaccessibility of mental health services. “Mayroon pong P1.86 billion ang DOH for mental health medicines, under the 2023 national budget. Mayroon din pong P12 million budget for mental health awareness and hotline,” Go shared. “We have consistently advocated for increased funding for medical (mental) health programs. For example, in 2021, the DOH was granted an additional P384 million for its mental health program, while in 2022, an additional P200 million was allocated for the same purpose,” he cited. The post Bong Go wants to decongest National Center for Mental Health appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manila heeds DoH’s 2nd booster order
The local government of Manila has announced the rollout of its Covid-19 second booster shot vaccination drive for the general population. Mayor Honey Lacuna’s spokesperson, Atty. Princess Abante, said the opening of the vax drive to all was announced by the city’s top executive, herself a doctor, during a “Kalinga sa Maynila” event in Sta. Cruz. All of the city’s 44 health centers would accommodate everyone, 18 years or older, for booster shots, according to the Manila Health Department. The move was in line with a directive from the Department of Health for local government units to provide the general population access to Covid-19 boosters, excluding children aged 5 to 17. Under its guidelines, the DoH allows all healthy adults to receive their second booster shot six months after their first booster. “Covid-19 vaccines are available in all of the 44 health centers of the City of Manila from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kindly bring the QR code from manilacovid19vaccine.ph,” Abante said. She added that six vaccine candidates are needed before they could open a vial to prevent wastage, she added. Lacuna has been calling on those qualified to get either their primary or booster shots, stressing that “vaccination is still the solution” against Covid. The mayor has cautioned Manilans against letting their guard down, as she expressed concern about the rising cases of Covid in the city recently. The post Manila heeds DoH’s 2nd booster order appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lacuna to seniors: Get jabbed
The local government of Manila on Sunday is appealing to senior citizens in the city to get their Covid-19 jabs at health centers across the city as virus cases are still on the rise amid the easing of restrictions. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna stressed that while vaccinations in the city have reached a high of 86.9 percent when it comes to the city’s elderly citizens getting the primary shots, the number of senior citizens that have taken the second booster shot is only at 20.60 percent. When it comes to the 18-59 age group, Manila has already exceeded 100 percent. The mayor explained that while 10 kids are needed for just a vial of Covid-19 vaccine, it is only six in the case of senior citizens. “We are urging our senior citizens to get their secondary vaccine shots,” Lacuna said. “We are also encouraging those who have not yet availed of the free Covid-19 vaccine to get jabbed. Lacuna lamented that the Department of Health already opened the second booster to the general population and yet, the senior citizens who have been prioritized along with health frontliners and those who are immunocompromised, would not avail of it. The lady mayor — who is also a doctor — said the city is just awaiting the guidelines from the DoH regarding the deployment of second booster shots as she stressed that there is a sharp rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the city compared to the figures in the past few weeks. Citing records gathered by the city government, Lacuna said that the positivity rate in Sta. Ana Hospital alone is at 5.45 percent. Lacuna expressed hope that the city may already be able to give the second booster shots to the general population by the coming week. The post Lacuna to seniors: Get jabbed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US records nearly 3,600 cases of monkeypox
HOUSTON, Texas - Nearly 3,600 cases of monkeypox have been reported in the US as of Tuesday, with at least one confirmed case in almost every state, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).On the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Biden administration is currently.....»»