DUTERTE OKS GRADUAL RESUMPTION OF TOURISM

MANILA — President Duterte has allowed the gradual resumption of tourism

activities in the country following the decision to place many key cities

and provinces under modified general community quarantine from Sept. 1 to

31.

The move is in line with efforts to reboot the economy, presidential

spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said yesterday.

According to Roque, the Chief Executive has directed the Department of

Tourism (DOT) to strengthen its cooperation with local government and

provincial units to make sure that all necessary precautions and quarantine

protocols are in place once local tourism activities are resumed in their

areas.

“The President’s marching order is to gradually reopen the economy,

including the tourism sector, with the assurance that health and safety

measures are in place,” he said.

The DOTÂ’s move to reopen Baguio City for tourism is being worked on this

month following DuterteÂ’s nod, Roque said.

“Having said this, the national government, through the Department of

Tourism, is working in concurrence with the local government units (LGUs) as

they determine when tourism operations would resume in their respective

areas,” Roque said.

“A good case in point is Baguio City with a September reopening target

schedule,” he said.

“We must, however, emphasize that there must be proper and close

coordination between the national government and the LGUs regarding the

implementation of health and safety protocols when travelling,” Roque said.

WHO SAYS 'WILL NOT ENDORSE' COVID-19 VACCINE IF NOT SAFE, EFFECTIVE

GENEVA, Switzerland — The World Health Organization insisted Friday it would

never endorse a vaccine that has not proven safe and effective, amid

concerns over the rush to develop a jab for COVID-19.

Across the globe, governments are hoping to deploy a vaccine as soon as

possible against the virus, which has infected well over 26 million people,

killed hundreds of thousands, upended millions of lives and wreaked havoc on

the global economy.

Under normal procedures, test administrators must wait for months or years

to verify that vaccine candidates are safe and efficacious.

But as the pandemic continues to take a devastating toll, there has been

massive pressure to roll out a vaccine quickly, sparking concerns that

testing standards could be lowered.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus insisted that was not the case.

"WHO will not endorse a vaccine that is not effective and safe," he told a

virtual briefing.

He also took issue with the so-called anti-vax movement that has been

stoking fears about the vaccines in development.

They might be able to "build narratives to fight against vaccines, but the

track record of vaccines tells its own story," he said.

There are currently more than 30 candidate vaccines being tested on humans,

with at least eight in final-stage Phase III trials, which typically involve

tens of thousands of people.

"It is a very optimistic scenario because there's a huge field of

candidates," WHO's chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan told Friday's

briefing, emphasising that only around 10 percent of candidate vaccines

succeed.

GOV'T TO SET SEND-OFFS FOR STRANDED NEXT WEEK; 440 ON TAGUIG STREETS BROUGHT

BACK TO NCR ADDRESSES

MANILA - The governmentÂ’s Hatid Tulong program will set by next week the

next wave of send-offs for individuals seeking to go home to their home

provinces but have been stranded in Metro Manila during the COVID-19

lockdown, an official said Saturday.

This, as over 400 stranded individuals who have been staying outside the

Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City while awaiting trips home were brought

back to their transient homes in Metro Manila.

“Tutukuyin din namin ang mga rehiyon at mga probinsya kung saan ang mga LSI

(locally stranded individuals) ay aming pauuwiin para naman mapaayos namin

ang pag send-off sa kanila dahil ito na po ay sa napag-ayunan ng mga LGUs at

technical working group kung ano 'yung petsa sila tatangap ng kanilang

kababayan,” said program’s lead convenor, Assistant Secretary Joseph Encabo.

Encabo said between 2,400 and 2,500 have registered for the program and are

awaiting trips home.

In an interview on ABS-CBN's Teleradyo, Encabo appealed to stranded

individuals to coordinate first with the local government unit of their

hometowns instead of going to send-off areas and waiting it out on the road.

“Ang panibagong proseso namin para ma-validate ang isang LSI ay 'yung LSI

mismo ang kokontak sa LGU nila kung saan sila uuwi sa pamamagitan ng

kanilang kamag-anak o kaibigan o barangay officials na 'yung pangalan nila,

numero at complete address ay isusumite sa receiving LGUs whether provincial

o city,” he said.

He said the LGUs would give them the consolidated and validated list of

their respective stranded residents.

GOVERNMENT TALKING WITH US, RUSSIA VACCINE MAKERS

MANILA — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Foreign Affairs Secretary

Teodoro Locsin Jr. and a representative from the Office of the President

were set to meet yesterday with two foreign manufacturers of COVID vaccines

as part of efforts to secure vaccines for the country.

This was confirmed yesterday by Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario

Vergeire, who said the officials were meeting with Pfizer representatives to

discuss “arrangements” for securing vaccines being developed by the New

York-based pharmaceutical giant.

“We have a meeting with Pfizer this afternoon, together with the Office of

the President,” Vergeire said at a press briefing yesterday.

She said the government was also meeting with representatives of the Russian

government and the manufacturer of Sputnik V vaccines yesterday afternoon.

Details of the meetings were not immediately available.

2ND FILIPINO SURVIVOR FROM CAPSIZED FREIGHTER RESCUED OFF JAPAN

MANILA - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday night confirmed

that a second Filipino survivor was found from the cattle ship that capsized

off Japan.

The Filipino crew member of the Panamanian-flagged vessel Gulf Livestock 1

was found alone in a life raft, the agency said in statement.

"He is conscious and able to walk," the DFA said, adding they are

withholding the name of the survivor without prior consent.

The 30-year-old Filipino was spotted several kilometers from Kodakarajima, a

remote island in southwestern Japan.

The man, identified as a deckhand, was reached by a patrol boat and was

alone in the raft, the coast guard said.

The DFA also said another crew member recovered at sea early Friday "has

been confirmed as deceased by a doctor."

"Considering the condition of the remains, a confirmation on the identity

could not be made," it said.

The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka

and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), the agency said, will

continue to coordinate the situation with the Japanese Coast Guard, ship

owner and the manning agency to extend support for the Filipino sailors and

their families.

PALACE SAYS IT WON'T PUBLISH APPOINTMENT PAPERS OF DUTERTE EXECS

MANILA — Malacañang has stopped releasing copies of appointment papers and

is leaving it up to officials to decide whether to make their appointments

public.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque revealed that such a policy exists as he

was answering questions about the appointment of Dante Gierran as president

of Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

"As to the appointment of Gierran, well, we used to post it, but now, our

policy in the OPS (Office of the Presidential Spokesperson) is itÂ’s up to

the appointed official to post it if they want," Roque said at a press

briefing Thursday.

"We just confirmed that an appointment has been made and we did not have to

confirm it because the President himself announced to the Philippines that

attorney Gierran is the next president of PhilHealth," he added.

The Palace spokesman was asked to react to Gierran's claim that he has not

received his appointment papers.

Roque said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea is behind the policy.

"I do not know. IÂ’ll ask the Executive Secretary because apparently itÂ’s the

Executive Secretary that said itÂ’s enough we confirm appointments, we donÂ’t

have to post appointment papers," he said when asked whether Malacañang

could retain the policy of releasing appointment papers.

"There is still transparency because we confirm the appointments. But the

appointment paper itself is addressed to the appointee, so itÂ’s up to the

appointee if he wants to release that," the Palace spokesman said.

CENSUS WORKERS TO CONFORM WITH PROTOCOLS

MANILA — As thousands of workers visit homes for the conduct of the 2020

Census of Population and Housing, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)

assured the public that they would conform with public health standards and

social distancing requirements amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Interviewed on One News / TV5’s “The Chiefs” on Thursday night, PSA chief

statistician Florante Varona said respondents could accommodate the census

enumerators only outside their doors or in their frontyard instead of

inviting them inside the house to minimize the risk of coronavirus disease

2019 (COVID-19) infection.

He noted that on their part, enumerators would also wear personal protective

equipment such as face masks and shield and observe proper social

distancing.

Respondents would also be given various options for responding to the

survey. They could complete the 15-30 minute face-to-face interview with an

enumerator, schedule a phone interview, or complete the survey online.

They may also request the enumerator to leave the survey form so they could

accomplish it in their own time and have the enumerator pick up the

accomplished form. This questionnaire consists of eight pages and 53 items.

Varona said enumerators would not force their way into barangays without the

clearance of village officials.

Areas under temporary lockdown would be skipped until such time when

clearance can be given to the PSA to proceed with the census.

The 2020 Census of Population and Housing started Sept. 1. It was originally

scheduled for conduct in May but was postponed because of the lockdown.

For the entire month of September, enumerators hired by the PSA would engage

households in a survey lasting between 15 minutes to 30 minutes.

3 BAGONG MEDIAN BUS STOPS BUKAS NA SA EDSA BUS WAY

MAYNILA - Magagamit na simula ngayong Sabado ang tatlong bagong median bus

stops ng EDSA Bus Way sa North Avenue, Quezon Avenue at Nepa Q-Mart.

Sa kanilang pagbubukas, madaragdagan ang mga lugar kung saan papayagang

sumakay at bumaba ang mga pasaherong bumabaybay sa EDSA Bus Way.

Ang mga ito ay dagdag sa apat na median bus stops, o mga sakayan na nasa

gitna ng EDSA, na una nang binuksan sa Guadalupe, Ortigas, Santolan at Main

Avenue.

Ayon sa Department of Transportation (DOTr), magiging mas madali at maayos

ang pagbaba at pagsakay ng mga pasahero sa mga nasabing lugar.

Sa kabuaan, magkakaroon ng 29 bus stops sa EDSA Bus Way. May 15 dito ay

kumpleto na at ang iba ay unti-unting bubuksan.

Samantala, pinapaalalahanan ng DoTr ang mga motorista na tanging mga bus at

emergency vehicles lamang ang maaring dumaan sa EDSA Bus Way at

ipinagbabawal din dito ang mga kaskaserong bus drivers.

PHILIPPINES BAGS BEST DIVING AREA AWARD IN TOKYO

MANILA — The Philippines continues to sustain global interest for its diving

offerings as a number of the countryÂ’s top diving spots raked in overseas

awards and recognition, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported.

In a statement, the DOT said the Philippines received the award as the Best

Overseas Diving Area in the Marine Diving Awards 2020 held recently in

Tokyo.

“Garnering 814 out of the 3,572 total votes cast by subscribers of the

Marine Diving Magazine, the Philippines was number one for the first time in

the Overseas Diving Category. The magazine cited the Philippines as ‘a first

pick for many diving lovers,’” the DOT said.

The award was given in ceremonies at the Marine Diving Fair 2020 in the

district of Ikebukuro in Tokyo.

“This award is a testimony that diving is more fun in the Philippines, with

each underwater paradise offering a unique adventure and experience to

behold, and return to. Our underwater landscape is a colorful kaleidoscope

of nature’s living jewels, one that divers cannot find anywhere else,”

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

Marine Diving Magazine cited the diving sites in Cebu, Bohol, Moalboal and

Busuanga which are teeming with whale sharks, snappers, dugong, other big

fishes, large schools of sardines and long mackerels, and other rare and

endemic species.

The magazine said the countryÂ’s diving sites captured the hearts of many

divers and made them want to revisit the Philippines.

“And with its easy access from Japan and reasonable tour prices, the

Philippines is no doubt a first pick for many diving lovers,” it added.

THE REST

========

COVID-19 CASES IN PH BREACH 230,000

MANILA — The Philippines logged 3,714 additional COVID-19 cases on Friday,

bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Philippines to 232,072.

This is based only on the test results of 93 out of 113 laboratories, with

20 laboratories failing to submit their reports on time.

Almost half or 1,797 of the additional cases are from the National Capital

Region, followed by Negros Occidental (390), Batangas (248), Laguna (247)

and Cavite (150).

While NCR and nearby provinces usually top the list of provinces with new

COVID-19 cases, the DOH earlier said the increase in COVID-19 cases in

Negros Occidental is largely due to locally stranded individuals.

QUEZON CITY RECEIVES HANDWASHING FACILITIES, FACE MASKS

QUEZON CITY — The Quezon City government has teamed up with private

corporations and non-government organizations to ramp up its fight against

COVID-19.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday led the inauguration of four new

hybrid handwashing facilities from the Manila Water Foundation and received

face masks for senior citizens from the local chapter of the Philippine

Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI-QC).

“The city is facing a long war with COVID-19. We have survived the first six

months under lockdown, and we have done well in controlling its spread and

protecting our people. But we intend to do better,” said Belmonte.

The new hybrid handwashing facilities are located at the city hall, Quezon

Memorial Circle and the super health centers in Murphy and Kamuning.

The foundation also rehabilitated two others in the city as part of its

“WASH in Pandemic” project, which aims to promote handwashing as a primary

defense against the spread of the virus.

In addition to having accessible sinks for children and persons with

disabilities, the facilities also have a potable water supply available for

the public.

LOOK: VICO SOTTO LEADS BLOOD LETTING DRIVE IN PASIG

MANILA - Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto led the city's blood-letting drive on

Friday, donating his own as he called on others to support the campaign.

“Napakasakit mawalan ng mahal sa buhay dahil sa kakulangan ng dugo sa blood

bank,” Sotto said on his Facebook page.

The mayor lamented that fewer people have been donating blood during the

COVID-19 pandemic. And despite the city's regular blood-letting drive, many

are still apprehensive about it.

“Because of this, we are stepping up our blood-letting drives. Dapat mauna

tayong mga kawani ng pamahalaan,” he said.

Sotto was joined by City Administrator Jeron Manzanero, City Health Officer

Dr. Joseph Panaligan and Pasig City General Hospital Director Dr. Paulo

Roman Castro Jr.

The drive will run every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to

12:00 noon at the Plaza Bonifacio.

“Kung malusog po tayo at kaya natin, mag-donate po tayo!" he said.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

TRENDING: KATHRYN-DANIEL LOVE TEAM TURNS 9

MANILA -- KathNiel fans celebrate!

Kapamilya stars Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo are celebrating their

9th anniversary as love team on Friday, September 4.

Padilla's mother Karla Estrada took to Instagram to thank the fans for their

love and support.

Bernardo's mother also shared her message to the couple and their fans.

On Friday, fans of the love team showed their support to their idols as the

hashtag #9YearsWithKathNiel became the trending topic on Twitter in the

Philippines.

Bernardo and Padilla started their partnership when they were paired in the

hit youth-oriented show "Growing Up" in September 2011.

In August 2018, after years of speculation on the status of their

relationship, the two finally confirmed that they are a couple.

Currently, Bernardo is preparing for a new TV project, while Padilla is set

to do a digital concert.

MACOY DUBS CONFIRMS LLOYD CADENA'S DEATH

MANILA — Internet personality Lloyd Cadena reportedly passed away, his

official Facebook account announced.

He was supposed to turn 26 on September 22.

"It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the untimely

demise of our beloved brother Lloyd Cafe Cadena," his official Facebook page

wrote in a now deleted post, screenshot by The STAR.

"May he be remembered for all the joy and laughter he shared with everyone.

My family and I ask for your prayers, respect, and privacy during this

time," the post added.

The reason of death of the famous YouTube vlogger and book author, however,

was not disclosed. Rumors said that he died of cardiac arrest or even novel

coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but these have not been confirmed.

Lloyd's friend, another vlogger Macoy Dubs, confirmed the sad news on

Twitter.

Since becoming a YouTuber in 2010, Cadena had over three million subscribers

due to his funny challenges and antics about his friends and daily life. His

last vlog is about washing his new car in his new home with his friends.

International singing superstar Mariah Carey sent her condolences to the

family of departed YouTube star Lloyd Cadena.

In her official Twitter account, the award-winning singer said Lloyd will be

missed.

"So sad. RIP Lloyd, you will be missed. Sending my prayers to his family and

friends during this difficult time," Mariah wrote.

Lloyd was known as Mariah's biggest fan. His Twitter cover photo showed the

international superstar.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES SEP 4

FINAL

    1    2    3    4    T

team logo 1 Bucks 0-3    30    27    30    13    100

team logo 5 Heat 3-0    29    21    25    40    115

GAME 3: MIA LEADS 3-0

SCORING LEADERS

B. Lopez MIL

22 PTS, 6 REB, 0 AST

J. Butler MIA

30 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST

FINAL

    1    2    3    4    T

team logo 4 Rockets 1-0    29    34    22    27    112

team logo 1 Lakers 0-1    28    27    24    18    97

GAME 1: HOU LEADS 1-0

SCORING LEADERS

    J. Harden HOU

36 PTS, 2 REB, 5 AST

    A. Davis LAL

25 PTS, 14 REB, 1 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 48.62

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

He knows not his own strength that has not met adversity. - Ben Jonson