DOH ON NEW COVID REPORTING SYSTEM: ‘WALANG MAWAWALANG IMPORMASYON’
MANILA—The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said its decision to focus on data evaluation rather than posting raw information was the reason behind scrapping the customary bulletin of new COVID-19 cases.
According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, the new system would be using the same information as in previous reports.
“We’d just like to clarify na wala pong mawawalang impormasyon doon po sa ibinibigay natin sa ating kababayan,” Vergeire told TeleRadyo.
“Ang gagawin po natin kasi we have assessed na ito pong case bulletin, ’yung pong mga datos na nakapalaoob dito hindi na ho masyadong ginagamit ng mga tao at ’yung main messaging ay hindi po nakukuha masyado.
“So what we will do would be to still retain the numbers but they are going to refer people doon sa COVID-19 tracker and then every day we will be issuing out advisories with the reported cases number plus condensed analysis.
“So ang lalabas po sa amin ngayon ay hindi na ’yung case bulletin ngunit para pong analysis to better guide our public kung ano po ang dapat gawin at ano po ’yung mga nangyayari talaga dito po sa ating bansa with regard to COVID-19.”
The DOH announced that it would stop daily reports on new COVID-19 cases shortly after the Philippines recorded the country’s 4th case of the highly transmissible omicron variant.
Senators have hit the DOH’s decision, stressing that non-stop information about COVID-19 was important.
DUTERTE TO DSWD: PROCURE TARPS, COCO LUMBER TO SHELTER 'ODETTE' SURVIVORS
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday proposed the use of tarpaulin and fallen coconut trees as materials for the temporary shelter of typhoon Odette survivors.
Duterte said in his "soul-bruising" visit of typhoon-battered areas, he saw some survivors sleeping outdoors with only "plastic over their heads."
"Magbili ka ng trapal, the appropriate size for a family of—maybe you target, good for 6 people kasi ang trapal would protect the people from the cold," he instructed the social welfare department in a taped meeting.
"Ako na, and’yan man ‘yan pera siguro, magbili ng ano mga trapal, kaawa ‘yang—If it can be done within 48 hours… you estimate a trapal that covers a family of 6, [for] the areas where wala pa talagang repair na magawa," added the President.
Duterte added that in the island of Siargao, he saw that almost all the coconuts trees were uprooted by the typhoon.
"If there is a sense there, magpabili muna ako ng chainsaw… Doon na lang natin gawin iyong materials," the President said.
"Kung sino iyong may-ari ng mga lands that are planted with coconut tapos natumba, ibigay mo na lang sa kapwa tao mo kasi iyong lumber doon, doon na. Kung sa Siargao, magtayo ng mini-sawmill doon, madali lang," he said.
The President acknowledged though that coconut lumber is "not really advisable to be used."
"But for a temporary [shelter], iyon na lang muna... Pinturahan mo to at least slow down the deterioration until iyong housing makagalaw," he said.
"Ang ano talaga nila ngayon (what they really need right now) is shelter. Food is available," continued Duterte.
HUSBAND OF PH'S 4TH OMICRON VARIANT PATIENT TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID
MANILA - The husband of the Philippines' 4th omicron variant case also tested positive for COVID-19, Department of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reported Tuesday.
The husband is a 37-year old Filipino. Both husband and wife were isolated for 10 days after testing positive. They will be retested again based on protocols, said Vergeire.
On Monday, DOH announced the 4th omicron variant case, a 38-year old female who entered the country from the USA on December 10 via Philippine Airlines flight PR 127.
A sample from the husband will be processed for sequencing to identify its variant.
Their household members are isolated and will also be tested based on protocols, Vergeire added.
BANGKO SENTRAL 'CONFIDENT' IN HITTING DIGITALIZATION TARGETS 'SOONER'
MANILA - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Tuesday it is confident it can achieve its digitalization goals ahead of 2023.
Under its Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap (DPTR), the BSP aims to digitize at least 50 percent of retail payments volume and encourage 70 percent of Filipino adults to open bank accounts by 2023.
“We are confident of hitting the twin goals...With financial digitalization, I am confident that we will achieve the stronger post-COVID economy that we envision sooner rather than later,” said BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said during the recently concluded HSBC Digital Bankers Forum.
“As more Filipinos embrace the convenience of digital payments, we expect the phenomenal growth in digital financial transactions to continue in the years ahead,” he added.
Share of digital payments to the total financial transactions reached 20.1 percent in 2020 from 14 percent in 2019, the central bank said.
Registered e-money accounts hit 138.8 million in 2020 with the total number of transactions at 1.7 billion, data show.
The number of basic deposit accounts reached 7 million with P4.8 billion deposits in the first quarter of 2021, which brought the total number of banked Filipino adults to 53 percent in the period, the BSP said.
As of October this year, at least 1 in 5 payments was already digital, a BSP report said.
DUTERTE AUTHORIZES SERVICE INCENTIVE OF UP TO P10K FOR STATE EMPLOYEES
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the grant of a one-time service recognition incentive to government employees, citing the need to provide assistance to public servants affected by the pandemic and natural calamities.
The giving of incentives to state employees for fiscal year 2021 is contained in Administrative Order No. 45 that Duterte signed on December 24.
In his order, Duterte said the government continues to acknowledge all public servants for their "collective and unceasing participation in and invaluable contribution to the establishment of streamlined government processes and responsive delivery services to the public" especially in the midst of the pandemic.
"It is imperative to provide reasonable incentives and assistance to our public servants who are impacted not only by the pandemic, but also by various natural calamities," the president said.
The one-time incentive shall not exceed P10,000 for each executive department personnel.
DOH: NO MORE COVID-19 CASE BULLETINS ON SOCIAL MEDIA IN 2022
MANILA — The Department of Health announced Monday it will no longer post daily COVID-19 bulletins on social media starting January 1, 2022 in a bid to “streamline public communication.”
Beginning next year, the agency will be providing daily case updates through its website.
“The public tracker, which has been operational since the start of the pandemic, contains all information being provided in the case bulletin and daily situation report,” the DOH said in an advisory.
“Hence, to streamline public communication, the case bulletin and the daily situation report will no longer be issued separately as social media card and as PDF file, respectively,” it added.
The daily bulletin, published on the department’s social media pages and Viber community, contains latest information on new infections, fatalities, recoveries, active cases, positivity rate, and healthcare utilization.
Some members of the Senate balked at the health department's decision, with Senate President Vicente Sotto III casting doubt on reducing avenues for information dissemination in the face of the risk posed by the Omicron variant and an uptick in cases.
'ODETTE' DAMAGE TO AGRICULTURE NEARS P6 BILLION
MANILA — Damage to agriculture caused by Super Typhoon Odette (International name: Rai) is nearly at P6 billion and climbing, the Department of Agriculture said, adding it has been distributing assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the storm.
In a taped briefing aired on Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary William Dar told President Rodrigo Duterte that the typhoon that has prompted the declaration of a state of calamity in six regions in the country has also affected 61,581 farmers and fisherfolk.
Damage has been estimated at P5.79 billion, with fisheries bearing the brunt at P1.8 billion in losses. Losses in rice were at P1.7 billion while the coconut industry lost P1.5 billion to the typhoon.
He said that early warnings given to farmers and fisherfolk before the typhoon hit their areas allowed them to harvest and save around P655 million in crops and produce.
OVER 6,800 SOLDIERS DEPLOYED IN TYPHOON-HIT PROVINCES: LORENZANA
MANILA - Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana said over 6,800 military personnel have been deployed in several provinces devastated by typhoon Odette to help bring relief goods and take part in clearing operations.
In a report presented to President Rodrigo Duterte Monday, Lorenzana said a total of 6,886 military personnel have been deployed 5 regions. Of this number, 2,857 personnel were deployed to Region 13, particularly in Siargao and Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte. Over 1,900 were also deployed in Palawan, 1,172 were deployed to Regions 6 and 7, while 937 were deployed to Samar and Leyte.
A total of 27 military aircraft from the Philippine Air Force are also helping transport relief goods and other essentials to affected areas.
Military aircraft have so far transported a total of 202,405.5 pounds of goods and equipment. A total of 324 stranded individuals have also been transported.
A total of 15 ships were also deployed, with the BRP Ang Pangulo being used as a field hospital in Siargao Island.
"Medical services through the BRP Ang Pangulo. Ito ngayon nasa Siargao ito, to help these people there," Lorenzana said.
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POWER IN ODETTE-HIT AREAS BACK IN 45 DAYS
BACOLOD CITY — It may take 45 days for power to be fully restored in areas in Negros Occidental that were devastated by Super Typhoon Odette, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday.
Power cooperatives in Iloilo as well as in the northern and central part of Negros Occidental dispatched their personnel to the southern part of the province to help raise around 200 electrical posts that were felled by strong winds.
Although some areas in the northern and central portions of the province suffered devastation from the typhoon, it was the southern portion that was hardest hit by Odette.
SOUTHERN LEYTE STILL WITHOUT POWER MORE THAN A WEEK AFTER TYPHOON ODETTE: OFFICIAL
MANILA—Southern Leyte was still without electricity more than a week after Typhoon Odette ravaged the province, a local disaster response official said Tuesday.
As the typhoon destroyed homes and livelihoods across the province, it also left many families in urgent need of assistance, said Danilo Atienza, head of Southern Leyte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
"It is quite challenging how we could sustain the basic, urgent needs of the people considering that our local resources have been exhausted," he told ANC's "Headstart".
In Southern Leyte, Odette displaced around 100,000 people and killed 27 others in its wake. Most houses in coastal communities were destroyed by storm surges and strong winds brought by the typhoon.
"Although our casualty is small because of early preparation and evacuation, the damage wrought by the typhoon was wide-scale," Atienza said.
On Dec. 16, Odette made landfalls in the towns of Liloan and Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte.
ROXAS BOULEVARD TO BE CLOSED FOR 3 MONTHS – MMDA
MANILA — The southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard will be closed to motorists soon for two to three months to give way for rehabilitation works, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced yesterday.
The MMDA said the southbound portion of Roxas Boulevard would be shut down to allow the Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH) to repair a damaged drainage structure in front of the Libertad pumping station in Pasay.
MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos inspected yesterday the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in Tondo in preparation for the road closure.
The MMDA said it has yet to determine if a portion of the southbound direction of Roxas Boulevard fronting HK Sun Plaza would be totally or partially closed to vehicular traffic.
ONLINE BOOKING, VACCINATION CARD KAILANGAN NA BAGO MAKAPASOK SA DOLOMITE BEACH
Muling binuksan sa publiko ngayong Martes ang Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach, habang marami pa ang naka-bakasyon ngayong holiday season.
Pero hindi na tulad ng dati na pwedeng pumasok basta-basta ang mga gustong mamasyal, dahil kailangan nang kumuha ng online appointment ang mga balak pumunta rito.
May QR code na pwedeng iscan at lalabas na ang booking page na magsisilbi na ring contract tracing.
Makatatanggap sila ng email confirmation para sa kanilang schedule, dahil mabibigyan lang sila ng 1 oras para manatili sa baybayin.
Kapag tapos na ang 1 oras, iaanunsyo ito at palalabasin na ang lahat sa hiwalay na designated exit.
Nasa 300 bisita lang ang pwede kada schedule para makontrol ang publiko.
Kaya naman hindi pa masyadong marami ang bisita sa oras na ito kumpara noong una itong binuksan na dagsa ang mga tao at hindi na naipatupad ang physical distancing.
Bawal din ang 11 years old o masbata dahil hindi pa sila bakunado kontra-COVID-19.
Pinapayagan naman ang walk-in kung hindi nakapag-book basta bakunado.
Pwede pang mamasyal dito hanggang Miyerkoles bago muli itong isara sa December 30.
Sa Enero naman na ulit bubuksan ang dolomite beach pagkatapos ng holiday season.
QUEZON MEMORIAL NAMED NATIONAL CULTURAL TREASURE
MANILA — The Quezon Memorial Shrine has been named a National Cultural Treasure, making it the second cultural treasure in Quezon City, the local government announced on Sunday.
Mayor Joy Belmonte thanked the National Museum of the Philippines for the distinction, the highest bestowed by the government on a cultural property.
The distinction makes the Quezon Memorial Shrine the second National Cultural Treasure in the city. The first was Santo Domingo Church in 2012.
“We thank the National Museum of the Philippines headed by director general Jeremy Barns. This distinction is a huge honor and it reflects the colorful history of Quezon City,” Belmonte said.
Republic Act 10066, otherwise known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, defines a national cultural treasure as a “unique cultural property found locally and possesses outstanding historical, artistic or scientific value, which is significant to the nation.”
The shrine, an equilateral triangular structure at the Quezon Memorial Circle, houses a museum and serves as the mausoleum of former president Manuel Luis Quezon and his spouse Aurora.
It was designed by architect Federico Ilustre in 1951.
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
WINNERS: ‘BIG NIGHT,’ ‘KUN MAUPAY MAN IT PANAHON’ LEAD MMFF 2021 AWARDS
MANILA — The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) recognized talents and titles on Monday in its annual awards ceremony, with “Big Night” and “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” taking home the most number of trophies.
Now on its 47th edition, the Christmas holidays festival saw this year its return to cinemas, following the easing of lockdown measures which shuttered mass-gathering venues for over a year.
The “Gabi ng Parangal,” too, gathered the cast and creatives of participating films in Taguig City, after holding the 2020 edition virtually.
Among the major prizes of “Big Night,” about a gay beautician accused of being a drug user, were Best Picture, Best Director for Jun Lana, Best Actor for Christian Bables, and Best Supporting Actor for John Arcilla.
The Yolanda-set “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon,” meanwhile, bagged 2nd Best Picture, Best Actress for Charo Santos-Concio, Best Supporting Actress for Rans Rifol, and Jury Prize Award for Daniel Padilla, among others.
Here is the complete list of winners, in order of announcement:
Best Float: Huwag Kang Lalabas
Best Sound: A Hard Day, Albert Michael Idioma
Best Musical Score: Big Night, Teresa Barrozo
Best Original Theme Song: ‘Umulan Man O Umaraw’ from Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw
Best Visual Effects: Kun Maupay Man It Panahon
Best Production Design: Kun Maupay Man It Panahon, Juan Manuel Alcazaren
Best Editing: A Hard Day, Lawrence Fajardo
Best Cinematography: Big Night, Carlo Canlas Mendoza
Gender Sensitivity Award: Big Night
Creators Jury’s Choice: Kandado
Marichu Vera Perez Memorial Award: Rosa Rosal
Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: Kun Maupay Man It Panahon
Best Screenplay: Big Night, Jun Lana
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: John Arcilla, Big Night
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Rans Rifol, Kun Maupay Man It Panahon
Best Actor in a Leading Role: Christian Bables, Big Night
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Charo Santos-Concio, Kun Maupay Man It Panahon
MMFF Jury Prize Award: Daniel Padilla, Kun Maupay Man It Panahon
Best Director: Jun Lana, Big Night
3rd Best Picture: A Hard Day
2nd Best Picture: Kun Maupay Man It Panahon
Best Picture: Big Night
SPORTS
NBA SCORES DEC 26
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Magic7-27 24 15 21 23 83
Heat21-13 22 20 30 21 93
FTX ARENA, MIAMI, FL
SCORING LEADERS
G. Harris ORL
20 PTS 3 REB 1 AST
C. Martin MIA
17 PTS 5 REB
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Grizzlies20-14 20 29 40 38 127
Kings13-21 24 26 27 25 102
GOLDEN 1 CENTER, SACRAMENTO, CA
SCORING LEADERS
D. Bane MEM
28 PTS 4 REB 2 AST
T. Haliburton SAC
18 PTS 5 REB 7 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
76ers17-16 25 38 29 25 117
Wizards17-16 31 24 17 24 96
CAPITAL ONE ARENA, WASHINGTON, DC
SCORING LEADERS
J. Embiid PHI
36 PTS 13 REB 1 AST
S. Dinwiddie WAS
17 PTS 3 REB 6 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Raptors14-16 34 21 23 21 99
Cavaliers20-13 35 37 46 26 144
ROCKET MORTGAGE FIELDHOUSE, CLEVELAND, OH
SCORING LEADERS
Y. Watanabe TOR
26 PTS 13 REB 1 AST
D. Garland CLE
22 PTS 4 REB 8 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Pistons5-27 30 24 26 29 109
Spurs14-18 38 40 41 25 144
AT&T CENTER, SAN ANTONIO, TX
SCORING LEADERS
H. Diallo DET
28 PTS 3 REB 2 AST
K. Johnson SA
27 PTS 5 REB 1 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Pelicans12-22 18 31 32 31 112
Thunder12-20 32 25 32 28 117
PAYCOM CENTER, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
SCORING LEADERS
J. Hart NO
29 PTS 10 REB 4 AST
S. Gilgeous-Alexander OKC
31 PTS 4 REB 5 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Pacers14-20 27 21 31 26 105
Bulls20-10 33 30 24 26 113
UNITED CENTER, CHICAGO, IL
SCORING LEADERS
C. LeVert IND
27 PTS 4 REB 9 AST
Z. LaVine CHI
32 PTS 4 REB 5 AST
FINAL
1 2 3 4 T
Nuggets16-16 32 32 15 24 103
Clippers17-16 30 25 28 17 100
CRYPTO.COM ARENA, LOS ANGELES, CA
SCORING LEADERS
N. Jokic DEN
26 PTS 22 REB 8 AST
B. Boston Jr. LAC
18 PTS 3 REB 2 AST
INDICATORS
FOREX $1 = P 50.23
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The phrases men are accustomed to repeat incessantly, end by becoming convictions and ossify the organs of intelligence. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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