On Thursday evening, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of March 10, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 42 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 44 new recoveries, and 3 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases slightly increased to 1,244 (from 1,241).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 53,630 (+13 new) – Total recoveries: 51,285 (+35 new) – Total deaths: 1,675 (+0 new) – Active cases: 670
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 17,030 (+6 new) – Total recoveries: 16,463 (+2 new) – Total deaths: 506 (+0 new) – Active cases: 61
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,393 (+7 new) – Total recoveries: 14,830 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 492 (+0 new) – Active cases: 71
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 46,073 (+19 new) – Total recoveries: 42,845 (+7 new) – Total deaths: 2,786 (+3 new) – Active cases: 442
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,244 (from 1,241)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,126 (+42 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 125,423 (+44 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,459 (+3 new)
A total of 1,229 laboratory results were released.
NOTES from DOH-7:
*As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.
Starting today, Petro Gazz is implementing price reductions at the pump until March 13, 2022.
Petro Gazz is offering a PHP5.85 per liter diesel rollback and PHP3.6 per liter gasoline rollback.
Diesel: -₱5.85/L
Gasoline: -₱3.60/L
These were the same increases that oil companies implemented during last Tuesday’s fuel price hikes.
[This is] to minimize the impact [of rising fuel prices] to motorists since we are expecting another round of oil price hike next week,
Petro Gazz
Petro Gazz branches in Cebu:
Brgy. Vito, Minglanilla
Catmon, Cebu
Consolacion, Cebu
Sibonga, Cebu
San Fernando, Cebu
For the ten weeks in a row, fuel prices have risen dramatically, prompting advocacy groups to push for higher fares and subsidies for affected industries.
For almost two years, the Filipino student has been taken away the liberty of enjoying classes face-to-face due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With the threat posed by the deadly disease being spread in close contact, online schooling became an alternative for many Filipino students. This is not to mention that children are also more vulnerable to the said disease, and the risk of transmission is high once they are crumpled in closed spaces such as a classroom setting.
Photo from Unsplash
Air filter technologies are recommended to solve this dilemma, where most have the features of reducing the viral load in the ambient air. But with this type of groundbreaking technology, this is still a challenge financially, particularly to the remote and far-flung public schools.
Developed by the team of Dr. Frank Helleis at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPIC) in Mainz, Germany, an alternative solution using a low-cost but high-efficiency air ventilating system technology is now being studied in the country as it has just recently been available in the region.
Schematic representation of the exhaust air system in a classroom | Photo from Andrea Koppenborg via USC Official Website
This is possible using a transfer agreement arranged by the GreenTech Initiative, a team that focuses on finding alternative environmental solutions, under the Enhanced EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (E-READI), with the support of the European Commission’s Directorates General for Research and Innovation and for International Partnerships.
In partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Universit of San Carlos has proposed to conduct research and pilot-test the air ventilating system designed to reduce the virus load in ambient air under local conditions.
The DOST has managed to secure a funding of up to EUR165T for a 12-month period, which was possible through the research and development program on emerging and re-emerging diseases of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) where upon completion of the tests, ASEAN Member States such as the Philippines will be one of the beneficiaries of the technology.
An example of simple exhaust air system for classrooms | Photo from Elena Klimach via Max Planck Institute Official Website
Entitled “Developing and Implementing Test Beds for Low-cost Ventilation Systems Applicable in Tropical Regions for Risk Reduction of Infectious Aerosol/Virus Transmission”, University of San Carlos’ proposal was selected for priority funding by the DOST PCHRD, in a letter dated October 1, 2021.
The low-cost ventilator system is designed to combat virus transmission in enclosed public spaces such as classrooms through the simple yet dramatic removal of respiratory aerosols, which potentially include coronavirus particles from indoor air. Deliberately designed for practical applications, the end users in mind are those who cannot afford higher technologies that involve air-filtration systems.
Photo from Unsplash
Furthermore, the system will be designed with the usage of readily available materials that are commonly bought in the market. Easy installation of the system was also taken into consideration, which can then be primarily used in open spaces such as classrooms, conference rooms, and sports halls.
Scientists and engineers from the prestigious University of San Carlos will be leading the project locally, with supervision and consultation with Dr. Helleis of MPIC. He will further study the system, perform the necessary modifications and fine-tuning of the design, to quickly adapt it for the tropical conditions and the typical building layouts of classrooms and other open learning spaces in the Philippines.
On Wednesday evening, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of March 9, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 34 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 53 new recoveries, and 2 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases declined to 1,241 (from 1,259).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 53,617 (+18 new) – Total recoveries: 51,251 (+7 new) – Total deaths: 1,675 (+0 new) – Active cases: 691
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 17,024 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 16,461 (+3 new) – Total deaths: 506 (+0 new) – Active cases: 57
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,386 (+2 new) – Total recoveries: 14,830 (+9 new) – Total deaths: 492 (+1 new) – Active cases: 64
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 46,054 (+11 new) – Total recoveries: 42,842 (+34 new) – Total deaths: 2,783 (+1 new) – Active cases: 429
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,241 (from 1,259)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,081 (+34 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 125,384 (+53 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,456 (+2 new)
A total of 1,417 laboratory results were released.
NOTES from DOH-7:
*As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.
To be able to study in the land down under where all kinds of natural wonders, wide-open spaces, beaches, deserts reside and mega cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth is a dream.
Photo from Unsplash
Now that dream can be a reality as Australia Awards, Australia’s international development assistance, offers the next generation of Filipino leaders an opportunity of a lifetime to undertake postgraduate studies and professional development.
Young leaders and aspirants can now pursue their postgraduate studies in Australia’s world-class universities with an Australia Awards Scholarship.
Eligible applicants will be checked for their professional and personal qualities, academic competence, and most importantly, their potential to bring about change and development to the problems of our country and the world.
Sydnew NSW, Australia | Photo from Unsplash
Studies that are prioritized for Filipinos are the following:
• Trade and Economics
• Infrastructure and Smart Cities
• Digital Economy and Cyber Security
• Peace and Development
• Education
• Governance and Public Policy, apil na ang Civil Society, Media, ug Foreign Relations
• Natural Resource Management, apil na ang Maritime, Mining, ug Energy
• Humanitarian and Disaster Risk Management
• Health, apil na ang Public Health ug Mental Health
• Foreign Relations
Take note that they strongly encourage women, people with disability, and other margenalized groups to apply for the scholarship. The program is closely monitored by the Philippines and Australia so you don’t have to worry.
City of perth library and history centre, hay street, perth wa, australia | Photo from Unsplash
Requirements:
• Resident of the Philippines for at least 12 months
• Has at least 2 years’ cumulative work experience
• Not holding another scholarship
• Master’s degree holder (for PhD applicants)
Ready to study in Australia? Then visit their official website for the full details, www.australiaawardsphilippines.org. You can also check their official facebook page Australia Awards Philippines. The application date is February 1, 2022 to April 29, 2022 (11:59PM AEST) so better hurry and apply now.
There certainly is a lot going on in the world but it just solidifies the thought that if you want to do it now then do it.
Just as if you want to travel to Thailand then this is the perfect time. Travel is essential for us humans and now that there are a lot less travel restrictions, Philippine Airlines (PAL) just announced that they are having seven times a week non-stop flights from Manila to Thailand.
Th beautiful country is one of our neighbors and certainly deserves a visit. Its beauty can be seen in their opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins, ornate temples and of course the mouth-watering food and unique floating market.
Where to go in Thailand?
There are just so many places to see in Thailand but here are some must-see places you wouldn’t wanna miss.
Railay Beach- Located in Krabi province, it offers white sand, turquoise-blue water, and the feeling of having found a slice of paradise.
Phi-Phi Islands- These islands contain the most popular resorts in Thailand.
Grand Palace Bangkok- The palace is staggering in both historical significance and craftsmanship.
Khao Yai National Park- Wild Elephants roaming near rivers, exotic birds of prey, monkeys, and plenty of other tropical creatures are here.
Wat Rong Khun- Also known as the White Temple, it is a privately owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai Province.
Travel requirements in Thailand
Fully vaccinated Thai nationals and non-Thai nationals
Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated Thai nationals and non-Thai nationals
Recognized Proof of Vaccination (Certificate of Vaccination)
Negative COVID-19 Test (RT-PCR) Result from DOH-accredited laboratories valid within seventy-two (72) hours prior departure
A negative RT-PCR Test result is MANDATORY for all Thailand Travel Schemes – Test and Go, Sandbox and Quarantine
Note: Travel requirements are subject to change at short notice by the issuing government authority. For full details on additional rules and requirements kindly check here: https://bit.ly/PALTravelsFromPH. Book your flights at www.philippineairlines.com.
The Department of Health – Central Visayas announced on Monday that 4 out of 9 local government units (LGUs) in Cebu are qualified for a downgrade of quarantine classification to Alert Level 1 due to the high vaccination rate among senior citizens.
Ayala Malls | Photo from Unsplash
Mandaue City, Talisay City, Minglanilla, and Cordova have met the required 68 percent criterion.
Vaccination rate:
Mandaue City: 91%
Minglanilla: 80%
Talisay City: 77%
Cordova: 73%
Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City is at 51 percent, Naga City and Liloan at 52 percent, and Consolacion, 51 percent.
Colon Street, Cebu City | Photo from Unsplash
Under Alert Level 1, indoor and outdoor activities are permitted to fill to capacity, and everyone, regardless of age or comorbidities, is permitted to travel intrazonally and interzonally in accordance with basic public health standards.
Region 7 areas – Bohol, Cebu Province, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Negros – are all on Alert Level 2 till March 15.
On Tuseday evening, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of March 8, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 34 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 84 new recoveries, and 7 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases declined to 1,259 (from 1,315).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 53,599 (+18 new) – Total recoveries: 51,245 (+13 new) – Total deaths: 1,675 (+0 new) – Active cases: 679
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 17,021 (+5 new) – Total recoveries: 16,458 (+5 new) – Total deaths: 506 (+1 new) – Active cases: 57
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,384 (+4 new) – Total recoveries: 14,821 (+27 new) – Total deaths: 491 (+0 new) – Active cases: 72
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 46,043 (+7 new) – Total recoveries: 42,810 (+39 new) – Total deaths: 2,782 (+6 new) – Active cases: 451
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,259 (from 1,315)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,047 (+34 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 125,334 (+84 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,454 (+7 new)
A total of 1,505 laboratory results were released.
NOTES from DOH-7:
*As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.
The Department of Finance (DOF) announced on March 1 that Moody’s Analytics upgraded its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines from 5.6% to 6.2% this 2022 as the country continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
Photo from Unsplash
According to the agency, this makes the Philippines the 2nd fastest-growing economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with Vietnam leading at 6.5%. The research arm of the Moody’s Group said the Philippines recovered quickly from a weak third quarter last year with a remarkably strong rebound in the year’s final quarter.
However, research group IBON said “this does not mean that Filipinos are better off” as the country’s higher GDP is “not translating to enough jobs and incomes for ordinary Filipinos.”
Metro Manila | Photo from Unsplash
“There were 3.2 million Filipinos officially reported as unemployed as of November 2021. IBON however estimates that the real number of unemployed may be as much as 5.7 million or more if discouraged and unavailable workers that stopped being counted by the official methodology are also included.” – IBON Research
The unemployed Filipinos are also said to suffer the worst inflation at 4.5% in 2021 compared to neighboring countries like Malaysia (3.2% in December), Singapore (2.3%), Indonesia (1.9%), Vietnam (1.8%), Brunei (1.8% in October), and Thailand (1.2%).
Our country has always been a safe haven for refugees decades ago and even to this day in times of conflict and war.
And with what is happening between Ukraine and Russia, the Philippines will accept Ukrainians fleeing the war in their home country as announced by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra
President Rodrigo Duterte signed an Executive Order 163 last February 28, that institutionalized efforts to protect refugees along with stateless persons and asylum seekers. This is to comply with the Philippines’ obligations under international agreements.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has limited the ability of refugees, stateless persons and asylum seekers to cross borders to seek protection, bringing to fore the need to integrate and institutionalize relevant policies and programs of government agencies and ensure that these communities are properly protected and accorded the widest possible exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms,”
Executive Order 163
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has left hundreds dead and thousands displaced among other economical impacts that can now be felt around the world.
Russia’s invasion will soon have as many as four million refugees from Ukraine according to the United Nations.
Kiev, Ukraine | Photo from Unsplash
Inter-Agency Committee on the Protection of Refugees, Stateless Persons and Asylum Seekers
A body tasked to ensure that relevant services and assistance are given to persons of concern was created by the order aptly called Inter-Agency Committee on the Protection of Refugees, Stateless Persons and Asylum Seekers.
Vice-Chairman: Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista
“His/her application for refugee status will be evaluated in accordance with our laws and the recently signed executive order.” – Department of Justice chief
As of writing though, there is no Ukrainian who has sought asylum in the Philippines yet as it is quite understandable with Ukraine being quite far from the Philippines.
