VP: Prioritize workers with comorbidities
VP: Prioritize workers with comorbidities.....»»
Double pay for workers reporting on Holy Week
Workers nationwide may opt to enjoy a long holiday break or hefty pay this Holy Week......»»
2 activists kidnapped in Pangasinan
The Commission on Human Rights has called for a search for two environmental rights defenders and church workers who were reportedly kidnapped in Pangasinan last weekend......»»
200 brgy workers, children affected by DavNor floods receive assistance
200 brgy workers, children affected by DavNor floods receive assistance.....»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 25 March 2024
Senate eyes probe of resorts within the slopes of Mt. Apo Following the controversy involving the establishment of a resort reportedly within the famed Chocolate Hills in Bohol province, Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committees on Energy and Migrant Workers, is setting his sights on the resorts located on the slopes of Mt. […].....»»
Braving the Heat
BRAVING THE HEAT. Workers install a platform in front of the San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City on Monday, 25 March 2024. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that the city's heat index reached 43 degrees Celsius at 1 p.m. the same day. The platform is in preparation for Easter Sunday's "Salubong" mass. MindaNews photo.....»»
Is your salary enough?
The most awaited day for employees is the 15th of the month. On this day, the ATMs become the popularly sought-after machine for salaried employees and workers who must eventually remit their hard-earned cash to their homes......»»
Workers hold pro-wage hike rally today
Workers will mount a protest action today to push for the immediate granting of salary increases whether through legislation or wage order......»»
Golden Haven launches international campaign for OFWs
Golden Haven, the country’s leading memorial park developer, has launched its GO! International campaign, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to help overseas Filipino workers secure their financial future......»»
Nexperia workers decry mass ‘lay-offs’, claim union-busting
The lay-offs are set to begin while Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations are underway. The post Nexperia workers decry mass ‘lay-offs’, claim union-busting appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Workers seek Church help on wage hike
The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) is seeking the intervention of the Catholic Church for immediate passage of the pending P150 legislated nationwide wage hike......»»
OFW aspirants told: Engage with licensed recruitment agencies only
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The regional director of the Department of Migrant Workers in Central Visayas (DMW-7) warned aspiring Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to engage with only legitimate and licensed recruitment agencies. Lawyer Karl Arriola, DMW-7 director, told CDN Digital that even if he was a lawyer, he still subscribed to the doctors’ advice: Prevention.....»»
Munti active cases down to 1
The local government of Muntinlupa City on Tuesday revealed that total active cases of Covid-19 in the city is now down to one. According to the City Health Office, an active case was recorded from 1 to 7 August 2023 — a significant decrease compared to the total two cases logged from 25 to 31 July. Data from CHO showed that the only remaining active case is registered in Barangay Ayala Alabang while the other eight barangays in the city now have zero active cases. The local government said that there were 10 patients who recovered this week while no deaths were recorded. In the past two weeks, the CHO reported 34 deaths recorded including 12 in the past two weeks. The administration of bivalent Covid-19 vaccines was finished by the city government last 31 July to healthcare workers, senior citizens, adults with comorbidities, pregnant and overseas Filipino workers scheduled for deployment within the next four months. The post Munti active cases down to 1 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Journey of a lifetime
It is more than religious. One embarks on a journey because the Holy Book mandates the performance of a pilgrimage once in a lifetime. It is a basic pillar of one’s religion. It is strictly obligatory with few practical and reasonable exceptions, like being physically weak, financially incapable, or sick with comorbidities. One has to perform it to be true to one’s faith. But other factors at play pull one back to the Holy Shrines and the next thing one knows, desire and eagerness develop into an obsession. And one keeps returning — which many do not understand. Dear readers, I refer to the Islamic injunction for believers to perform the hajj to Holy Mecca. A one-time pilgrimage is obligatory and satisfies the Koranic prescription, but many make it a habitual annual journey to the Holy Shrines at Mecca, Masjed el Haram, and Madinah, Masjed el Nabawe, all situated in the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the reason why the present Monarch has the official title of “Custodian to the two Holy Mosques.” I have gone on a pilgrimage several times and I have lost track of how many. When I was Ambassador to Egypt, concurrently non-resident Ambassador to Sudan, every time I visited Sudan I had to travel by air through Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, because there was no direct flight to Khartoum, Sudan. Travel by land was impractical for safety and security reasons. And during most stopovers in Jeddah, I performed the Umrah pilgrimage (a non-obligatory undertaking but encouraged by Islam). The frequent exposure to the desert lands developed in me a fondness for the terrain, the sand dunes, the barren mountains, and the cuisine and culture. I often found myself searching for the noisy ambiance of throngs performing the back-breaking rituals, emulating what the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham to non-Muslims) and Mohammad, PBUH, practiced during the pilgrimages of their time. Strangely, I missed the mild shoving and pushing by people of different colors and origins performing the rituals. I missed likewise the crowds speaking diverse languages, struggling to understand each other through sign language. Psychologists must have an explanation for this. The self-discipline of people avoiding inflicting harm on another impressed me. The brotherhood under ummah Islamiyah must have taken deep root in their psyches. It gave me a modicum of glee to see people bonded by a common belief fraternizing with each other and offering food and whatever they had to comfort strangers. Can one imagine the chaotic setting putting together millions of devotees in one place and at the same time, as religion dictates? It must be a nightmare for the Royal Kingdom to manage the multitude. This itch to perform the pilgrimage frequently for Islam and experience the unique milieu must have thrived in my genes. My mother, a devout Muslim to a fault, may Allah SWT embrace her in Jannatul Firdaus or heaven, was so obsessed with performing the pilgrimage to Holy Mecca that she would save every peso for years just to give way to her heart’s desire. And this tradition, if not fixation, has infected my female siblings who have not missed every opportunity to perform the pilgrimage. As I write this piece, I am on my third day at Holy Mecca and have just performed the Umrah rituals, which are capped by the cutting of the hair. The missus and I were invited to participate in the annual program of the Kingdom dubbed “Guest of the King.” With the kind indulgence of my readers, I will do a series in my forthcoming columns as a 101 for non-Muslims. Offhand, the Kingdom has dramatically undergone a cultural and religious transformation since the assumption of His Majesty, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman. The modification of the cultural and religious status quo was, as described by ulamas (Muslim scholars) and jurists, undertaken cautiously to avoid any offense to established Islamic Shari’ah and norms. Meaning, they were done along the teachings of the Holy Koran and Hadith al-Shariff (traditions of Holy Prophet Muhammad, PBUH). They were progressive steps towards reform and a brighter future for the Kingdom. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Journey of a lifetime appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM lauds healthcare workers for sacrifices during height of pandemic
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday thanked the healthcare workers for the sacrifices they made during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Chief Executive commended their efforts as he witnessed the launch of the bivalent vaccination at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City. In his speech, Marcos acknowledged the tireless efforts of the healthcare workers and credited them with saving millions of Filipino lives. “I can speak of this intimately as I was a victim and that’s why I know the condition that patients felt and what a relief and what a godsend your care was to all of those who had suffered from Covid-19. So, once again, thank you, thank you, thank you very much for all that you did,” Marcos said. Addressing the nation on the path to recovery from the global pandemic, Marcos said that the “prayers have been answered” as he noted the significant decrease in cases and less severe symptoms since the introduction of vaccines. “The symptoms are no longer as severe as before, and the threat posed by the delta and omicron variants has diminished,” Marcos said. However, he urged the Filipinos not to be complacent against the virus and highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, particularly those with severe comorbidities and senior citizens. Recognizing the need to re-examine preventive measures, Marcos Jr. emphasized the significance of vaccination in safeguarding the population. “We must not let our guard down. We have to continue implementing programs like the bivalent vaccination campaign to protect our vulnerable sectors, especially the elderly," Marcos said. Marcos Jr. also expressed confidence that with science-based strategies and a whole-of-society approach, the risks associated with new variants could be managed effectively. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by vaccines in combating the virus and stressed the government's commitment to eradicating severe diseases caused by Covid-19. During the event, President Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to the governments of Lithuania for their generous donation of the country's first batch of bivalent vaccines. He also extended his appreciation to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) for their ongoing assistance in the Philippines. The President called upon every Filipino to contribute to the fight against Covid-19 by staying updated on their vaccinations. He emphasized that getting vaccinated was not only for personal well-being but also for the protection of families and the entire population. "Government-assisted vaccines, including bivalent doses, are free for every Filipino. Let us continue fortifying our efforts to protect the public against health risks," President Marcos Jr. stated, commending the Department of Health (DOH) and local government officials for their dedication to the vaccination campaign. Marcos then urged the nation to remain steadfast in the fight against not only Covid-19 but all infectious diseases. He emphasized the importance of discipline, cleanliness, and cooperation in overcoming the remaining challenges posed by the pandemic. The President expressed his belief that the Filipino society would emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity. As he concluded his address, President Marcos Jr. encouraged everyone to take part in the bivalent vaccination program, stating, "Let us get vaccinated to prevent illness and return to work swiftly. Together, we will build a healthier and more prosperous Philippines." The post PBBM lauds healthcare workers for sacrifices during height of pandemic appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoH disowns hypertension ‘cure’ report
The Department of Health has disowned an article circulating online claiming to have found a cure for hypertension. In an advisory released on Saturday, the agency clarified that the said post is not in any way or form approved, affiliated, or recommended by the DoH and its attached agencies. Thus, it stated that healthy habits and lifestyle, including proper nutrition and exercise, can help stem non-communicable diseases and comorbidities like hypertension. “Be sure to regularly have check-ups and consult your physician to help supplement and keep sickness at bay,” the advisory read. The DoH then reminded the public to source information only from legitimate sources and platforms. Despite declining deaths from hypertension complications from 48,000 in 2021 to 35,000 in 2022, according to DoH research, the said illness was still considered the fifth leading cause of death in the Philippines last year. The post DoH disowns hypertension ‘cure’ report 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: Continue health protocols even after global health emergency lifting
Despite the lifting of the global health emergency status of COVID-19 by the World Health Organization, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has emphasized the need for Filipinos to continue observing basic health protocols, reminding them that although the status has been lifted, the threat of COVID-19 still exists. In an ambush interview after personally aiding residents in Batangas City on Monday, May 8, Go highlighted the need to be cautious and vigilant in the face of the ongoing pandemic, and to continue following health protocols such as wearing face masks when possible especially in public places, and more importantly, getting vaccinated. “Mas importante po sa akin ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Habang nandiyan po ang banta ng COVID, habang nandiyan ang sakit na COVID, ‘wag tayong maging kumpyansa. Marami pong paraan na maagapan natin ito (The life and health of every Filipino is important to me. As long the threat of COVID remains, let's not be complacent. There are many ways for us to stay safe),” he said. Go acknowledged that the lifting of the global health emergency status is a step toward returning to a more normal way of life. However, he stressed that the country cannot afford to let its guard down and become too complacent in the fight against COVID-19. “As Chair ng Committee on Health sa Senado, huwag pa rin tayong maging kumpyansa, tinanggal lang po ang pagiging world health emergency natin para unti-unti na tayo sigurong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay (The global health emergency was lifted to allow us to slowly return to normal life), ” reiterated Go. On 5 May, the global emergency status for COVID-19 was lifted by the WHO, over three years since it was initially declared. However, WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan said that "that battle is not over", adding, "We still have weaknesses and those weaknesses that we still have in our system will be exposed by this virus or another virus. And it needs to be fixed." The Department of Health responded favorably to the WHO's announcement, affirming that “this is an acknowledgment of our effective and collaborative COVID-19 response and concerted efforts to fully recover and re-open our economy.” Meanwhile, the senator also encouraged everyone to get vaccinated, and to get booster shots when they are eligible to better protect themselves from the virus. “Marami pong paraan na maagapan natin ito. Pabakuna kayo, kung qualified kayo sa booster, magpa-booster kayo. Nandidiyan lang po ang bakuna. Mas protektado po tayo kapag bakunado at ‘yan po ang tanging susi o solusyon para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa ating normal na pamumuhay (Please get yourselves vaccinated; if you are qualified for a booster shot, get a booster shot. We're better protected if we're vaccinated, and it's the only solution so we can go back to our normal lives),” he stressed. “Hinihiling ko rin sa publiko na pangalagaan ang mga nakatatanda at may comorbidities. Kung hindi naman ito sagabal, magsuot pa rin tayo ng mask dahil hindi natin alam kung may dala tayong sakit pag-uwi sa pamamahay natin. Kung mahal natin ang ating mga magulang, mga lolo at lola, mas mabuti nang mas protektado tayo para mas maproteksyunan din sila dahil mas delikado kapag sila ang nagkasakit (I ask the public to protect the elderly and those with co-morbidities. Let's still wear face mask because we may bring diseases when we go home. If we love our parents and grandparents, it's better to keep ourselves protected so we can also protect them, because they're more prone to getting sick),” he also advised earlier. Go emphasized the sacrifices and learnings from the past three years during the pandemic must not be put to waste and efforts must continue to build a healthier and more resilient nation. “Halos tatlong taon na tayong nakikipaglaban sa COVID-19 pandemic. Huwag nating sayangin ang ating naging mga sakripisyo kontra rito. Patuloy tayong mag-ingat upang tuluyan na tayong makabangon mula sa krisis (We've been fighting the pandemic for nearly three years. Let's not waste our sacrifices. Let's continue to keep safe so we can finally overcome this crisis),” he said earlier. During the celebration of National Health Workers Day last 7 May, Go once again expressed his gratitude to all medical frontliners who have served and sacrificed in order to save lives during the pandemic. “Ang dapat nating pasalamatan ay ang ating mga frontliners. Hindi natin mararating ngayon ito lahat kung hindi dahil sa ating mga frontliners -- mga doktor, medtech, nurses, lahat down to hospital utility, salamat sa inyong sakripisyo lalo na nung panahon ng pandemya (We should all thank our frontliners. We wouldn't have reached this point without our frontliners -- the doctors, medtech, nurses, down to the hospital ulitility people, thank you for all your sacrifices especially during the height of the pandemic),” he expressed. #### The post Bong Go: Continue health protocols even after global health emergency lifting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOH: Vulnerable groups to be prioritized in rollout of bivalent jabs
The Department of Health on Thursday said it will prioritize the healthcare workers, senior citizens and individuals with comorbidities in the rollout of bivalent jabs. .....»»
Adults under 50, without comorbidities, can get their 2nd booster shots — Cebu City Health Dep’t
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Adults under the age of 50 and without comorbidities can now be vaccinated with a second COVID-19 vaccine booster. This was revealed by Dr. Daisy Villa, head of the Cebu City Health Department, in a statement from the Cebu City Public Information Office. “We started nga ang naay comorbidities lang. […] The post Adults under 50, without comorbidities, can get their 2nd booster shots — Cebu City Health Dep’t appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
People troop to cemeteries in Cebu City on eve of All Saints’ Day
CEBU CITY – People started visiting various cemeteries here on the eve of All Saints’ Day on Monday, Oct. 31. BRIG. Gen. Roderick Alba (right), chief of the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas, inspects a cemetery in Cebu City on Monday, Oct. 31. (Calvin D. Cordova) With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions and improved weather, authorities are expecting cemeteries to draw huge crowds visiting their departed loved ones in observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2. Brig. Gen. Roderick Alba, chief of the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO 7), said they are not limiting the number of people who can visit cemeteries after the local government units imposed a more relaxed Covid-19 protocols. Alba said they would only encourage senior citizens, children, or those with comorbidities to wear face masks when visiting cemeteries. In Cebu City, strict protocols in cemeteries are being enforced as those who will be caught littering, spitting, and smoking will be fined P500 to P2,000. Alba led the inspection of some cemeteries in Metro Cebu on Monday. Alba said police will ensure that prohibited items such as sharp objects, bladed weapons, illegal drugs, sound system, and alcoholic beverages will not be brought inside the cemetery. He said the police are being aided by force multipliers in ensuring peace and order in cemeteries. “We have volunteers and force multipliers from inter-agency and even private organizations,” Alba said in an interview at the Calamba Cemetery, the biggest public cemetery here. Police said at least 60,000 people are expected to visit Calamba Cemetery. As of 9 a.m. Monday, the PRO 7 had yet to record contraband confiscated in cemeteries......»»