FDA exempts 17 more medicines from VAT

BY DEXTER CABALZA

NOVEMBER 26, 2024

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added 17 more medicines to the list of health products exempted from value-added tax (VAT), making these more affordable to Filipinos.

Under FDA Advisory No. 2024-1618, signed on Nov. 22 by Director General Samuel Zacate, the regulatory body endorsed to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) an exemption from the 12-percent VAT for eight medicines for diabetes, four medicines for cancer and three for mental illness.

Under BIR rules, the effectivity of the latest VAT exemption starts on Nov. 25, when the FDA made the updated list public.

This is the sixth time this year that the FDA updated its list of VAT-exempted medicines. Under the law, the FDA must provide an updated list 30 days before the beginning of every quarter.

Tumors, disorders

Included in the latest VAT-exempt drugs are Degarelix (80 milligrams and 120 mg) used for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer in patients requiring male hormone deprivation therapy; and Tremelimumab (25 mg/1.25 mL and 300 mg/15 mL) used to decrease the tumor growth for different types of cancer.

Also on the list are different doses and forms of Sitagliptin and Linagliptin (5 mg), which are used with other medications to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Medicines for mental illnesses that are now VAT-exempt are Clomipramine Hydrochloride (25 mg), used to treat symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder; Chlorpromazine (200 mg), used to manage and treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and acute psychosis; and Midazolam (15 mg), used for inducing sleepiness and easing anxiety before surgery or other procedures.

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Cancer med delisted

The FDA, however, removed Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (5000 IU) as a VAT-exempt cancer medicine, saying that it is used for “treatment of anovulatory infertility or oligo-ovulatory and superovulation in women, and treatment of hypogonadism, cryptorchism and delayed puberty associated with insufficient gonadotropic pituitary function in male. Hence, it is not classified as treatment for cancer and shall be delisted from the subject list.”

The listed medicines were in addition to the more than 2,000 drugs indicated for the prevention and management of diabetes, hypertension, cancer, high cholesterol, mental illnesses, tuberculosis and kidney diseases, which were exempted from VAT under Republic Act No. 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or Train Act, and RA 11534, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act.

A searchable database of all the “VAT-Exempt Health Products” can be accessed at verification.fda.gov.ph.

Scientists say world's largest coral found near Solomon Islands

 

Handout photo shows a diver swimming over the world's largest coral located near the Pacific's Solomon Islands Manu San Felix for National Geographic Pristine Seas via AFP

Agence France-Presse 

SYDNEY, Australia — Scientists say they have found the world's largest coral near the Pacific's Solomon Islands, announcing a major discovery "pulsing with life and color."

The coral is so immense that researchers sailing the crystal waters of the Solomon archipelago initially thought they had stumbled across a hulking shipwreck.

"Just when we think there is nothing left to discover on planet earth, we find a massive coral made of nearly one billion little polyps, pulsing with life and color," marine ecologist Enric Sala said.

The standalone structure had been growing for some 300 years, the researchers said, formed from a "complex network" of tiny coral polyps.

It was distinct from a coral reef, which is made from many distinct coral colonies, they explained.

Measuring 111 feet wide and 104 metres long, the team said the "mega coral" was three times bigger than the previous record holder — a coral dubbed "Big Momma" in American Samoa.

"While Big Momma looked like a huge scoop of ice cream plopped down on the reef, this newly discovered coral is as if the ice cream started to melt, spreading forever along the seafloor," said lead scientist Molly Timmers.

It was longer than a blue whale and was thought to be "so colossal" that it could "be seen from space."

The coral was discovered at the southeastern tip of the Solomon Islands in an area known as the Three Sisters. It was spotted by a National Geographic team embarking on a scientific expedition in the region.

Hotter and more acidic oceans have drained the life from corals in many of the region's tropical waters, including Australia's famed Great Barrier Reef. But this latest discovery offered a small glimmer of hope, the research team said.

'Beacon of hope'

"While the nearby shallow reefs were degraded due to warmer seas, witnessing this large healthy coral oasis in slightly deeper waters is a beacon of hope," said coral scientist Eric Brown.

The lush rain forests and pristine waters of Solomon Islands have long been celebrated for their ecological diversity.

Wildlife observations made in Solomon Islands in the 1920s helped prove a key part of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

"There is so much to learn about the richness of marine life and the ocean ecosystem, but this finding opens doors of knowledge," said top Solomon Islands official Collin Beck.

"More scientific research is needed to better understand our rich biodiversity and our planet."

Why you need to shower even if it's freezing

Don’t let the cooler temperatures stop you from practicing basic hygiene

BY POCH EULALIA

Nov 26, 2024 02:16 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Germs tend to thrive in colder climates due to how the cooler weather slows down mucus passage through our noses. 

Illustration from Freepik

As the ’ber months come in full force, the thought of taking a shower in the cold weather can feel intimidating at times. There’s the added step of having to heat up water or otherwise face the wrath of an ice-cold bath. As tempting as it is to skip the daily rinse, here are five reasons why you ought to wash yourself even during the cooler season.

 

Your skin needs to stay healthy 

Cold weather can be harsh on the skin. It can cause flaking, dryness, or irritation. Showering daily helps keep our bodies clean by ridding it of dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria. Germs tend to thrive in colder climates due to how the cooler weather slows down mucus passage through our noses. This leaves an opening for viruses to enter our bodies.

 

Boost immunity and circulation

While maintaining cleanliness is the primary goal of taking a shower, it also benefits our overall health.  Taking a warm shower can help in blood circulation. This is vital as the colder seasons can affect how our blood vessels function due to the low temperatures and reduced movement. Having good circulation also helps in letting oxygen and nutrients flow better within our body. We also fend off the likeliness of catching a seasonal illness when our circulation is improved. 

 

 Providing relief to the body

Taking a warm shower can act as a natural therapy for your body to recover from the stiff joints and muscle soreness caused by the cold. As such, this lets your muscles loosen up and feel more relaxed throughout the day. This leads to less stress overall and allows your body to function properly.

 

Improved mood 

Taking a shower can be a meditative process for some. As the cold weather brings longer nights and higher likelihood of staying indoors to keep warm, there’s a higher chance for us to be affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or the “winter blues.” Use your time in the shower to reflect on the good memories and letting yourself get lost in the gentle rain of water on your body. Keeping a regular shower schedule allows you to feel more at ease and have a daily routine to look forward to and keep your mind focused on other things.  

 

Better sleep quality

Who here enjoys a nice bath before going to sleep? After a long day, it can be relaxing to just rinse yourself off and blow off some steam. Having a warm shower before bedtime allows your body to ease itself into a relaxed state and prepare it for a well-deserved rest. When our sleep quality is at its best, so too is the performance of our body.

The witches of Oz take flight: A review of ‘Wicked: Part I'

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Nov 25, 2024 02:12 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The movie brings us back to the Land of Oz, but this differs from the technicolor world of Dorothy's journey. I 

(Image courtesy of Universal Pictures Philippines)

By Jolo Flores

Surprisingly, this movie defies my expectations. And it's only the beginning!

Wicked: Part I has soared from stage to screen after nearly two decades. This first installment of the two-part adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical did justice to the spellbinding story while setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion. 

The movie brings us back to the Land of Oz, but this differs from the technicolor world of Dorothy's journey. Instead, it's a tale of friendship, power, and destiny as the narrative focuses heavily on Elphaba's struggles as a misunderstood outcast due to her green skin and innate magical abilities and her unlikely bond with Glinda, the charismatic and ambitious socialite before respectively becoming the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch.

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba delivers a profoundly emotional and layered performance, especially with her standout rendition of “Defying Gravity,” which closes the film, both visually and vocally. Ariana Grande-Butera as Glinda is equally captivating, bringing depth and complexity to the character that offers a nuanced portrayal beyond the bubbly exterior. Her performance of “Popular” provides comic relief while hinting at Glinda’s inner insecurities.

The supporting cast also left an impression. Jonathan Bailey's Fiyero brings charm and mystery to his role as the love interest caught in the witches’ orbit. Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible exudes menace, while Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard adds a subtle layer of charisma and manipulation. Without giving away, there are appearances from a few familiar faces in Oz’s wonderful land.

The production design of this film is stunning, especially the dazzling Emerald City. The film's use of practical effects and CGI strikes a balance between realism and fantasy, creating an immersive world thanks to the vision of director Jon M. Chu. 

The film takes time to establish the characters and relationships. While this allows for a deeper connection, some moviegoers may find the pacing slower than expected. I felt the running time as I watched the movie, especially with the duration of its musical moments.

Nonetheless, this magical journey through Oz is only halfway complete, but ‘Wicked: Part I’ promises an unforgettable flight that will leave audiences eagerly waiting for the story's second half. That said, I am going to give this movie…8/10!

GMA Network scores multiple wins at the 46th Catholic Mass Media Awards

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Nov 26, 2024 07:55 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• For TV shows, the multi-awarded public affairs program “Kapuso Mo,Jessica Soho” won the trophy forBest Public Service Program. 

A Constitution named Freedom The interim Charter under Cory Aquino

Media giant GMA Network further showcased its media excellence across television, radio, and online, earning nine honors at the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) held last Nov. 20.

For TV shows, the multi-awarded public affairs program “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” won the trophy for Best Public Service Program.

Earning accolades as well for the Network were “The Voice Generations” for Best Entertainment Program and “Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law” for Best Drama Series/Program.  

Taking home the Best Adult Educational/Cultural Program award was the weekend program “Agripreneur.”

GMA Regional TV’s “One Mindanao” and long-running drama anthology “Magpakailanman,” meanwhile, received a Special Citation for Best News Program and Best Drama Series/Program, respectively.

Under the radio category, “DZBB Super Serbisyo, Trabaho at Negosyo” of Super Radyo DZBB 594 KHZ, hosted by AVP for Radio News and Operations and Programming Norilyn Temblor and James “Tootie” Aban, was named the Best Business News. 

Rounding off the list of recognitions for the Network were two awards given to GMA Integrated News. "A Constitution named Freedom: The interim Charter under Cory Aquino," written by Llanesca Panti and Hana Bordey, won Best News Coverage in the print category. At the same time, "Wombs for Rent" by Marco Romas took home the Best Investigative Report award. Both stories were produced by GMA News Online.

The CMMA, organized by the Archdiocese of Manila, recognizes entries from radio, press, advertising, television, or film that uphold Filipino and Christian values. 

The Power and Impact of Good Listening

By Klaus Döring

“Listening is not the act of hearing the words spoken; it is the art of understanding the meaning behind those words.” –Simon Sinek

Speaking is a critical life skill that we’re taught from birth. In fact, effective speaking and communication skills are so highly valued in our society that there are thousands of courses on the topic as well as myriad opportunities to earn degrees in communications, all the way up to a Ph.D., with a focus on critical thinking, public speaking, media, and writing skills to prepare students for careers in influential industries such as journalism, law, public relations, speechwriting, and all forms of administration (Bouchrika, 2024; Hamilton, 2023).

Do you sometimes feel like this, my dear readers, that you want to discuss something, but the people opposite to you simply cannot listen to you? Sometimes, I would love to tell them, "first, learn to listen"!

Sherrie Bourg Carter Psy.D., High Octane Women said: "Listening is an acquired skill that requires focus, patience, and daily practice. Good listening skills can be more valuable, effective, and productive than good communication skills. Good listeners provide a safe space for speakers to fully share their message without judgment or critique".

So what about the skill of listening? Where and when is that taught? The unfortunate answer is that listening, although arguably even more critical to effective and productive interpersonal, organizational, political, and global communication, is rarely taught. Absent possibly a few therapy-related graduate courses, you’ll be hard-pressed to find courses on the topic of listening, nor is it a skill that most parents or educators encourage children to practice as they’re learning to navigate the nuances of communication and relationships. Yet, how can we expect to think critically and make the best-informed decisions if we don't really know how to listen?

Listening is indeed the key in effective communication. A person does not have to speak all the time to be the smartest person in the room. Lack of listening may result in frustration, disappointment, and resentment in our relationships. When we listen, we are able to create stronger emotional connections with people.

Many times during my teaching, I was happy when my students had one or more questions for me - so, I can listen to them first. Active listening promotes mindful thinking, which can reduce anxiety and depression in students. It can also help students build relationships because as they engage themselves in conversation, their peers are more likely to view them as open and interested.

However, every time you use active listening, it gets a little easier. It can help you to navigate through difficult conversations. More than that, it helps improve overall communication, builds a better understanding and ultimately leads to better relationships with family, friends and co-workers too.

Listening is an active process by which we make sense of, assess, and respond to what we hear. The listening process involves five stages: receiving, understanding, evaluating, remembering, and responding. Not only in school or at the workplace. But especially talking about the workplace: Listening helps managers to solicit feedback and proactively find out about problems before they escalate. It's also the only way for management to get to know people as individuals and ensure that they feel genuinely valued.

Listening and the supreme gift of wisdom belongs together. You can only become a wise person, if you know how to listen. Do you still remember the university lectures in your old student days once upon a time? Anybody can become wise, Proverbs says. Wisdom is not reserved for a brainy elite. Becoming wise requires self-discipline to study and humbly seek wisdom at every opportunity. And allow me to repeat: and, first, learn to listen.