Dengue cases surge by 56% nationwide—DOH

BY JEL SANTOS

Feb 21, 2025 02:19 PM

  

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(MB FILE PHOTO)

 

Dengue cases nationwide have increased by 56 percent, with a total of 43,732 cases reported from January to February 15, compared to 27,995 in the same period last year, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Friday, Feb. 21.

 

Despite this alarming rise, the health department noted a lower case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0.38 percent, down from 0.42 percent last year.

 

In response to President Marcos’ call for immediate action, the DOH said it has ramped up its dengue control measures, working closely with local government units (LGUs) to combat the outbreak in the most affected regions. 

 

“The high count may be found most in three regions that account for more than half of cases nationwide: CALABARZON (9,113), the National Capital Region (7,551), and Central Luzon (7,362). Seventeen (17) local government units within these regions are dengue hotspots,” the DOH said in a statement. 

 

Despite the overall surge in cases, DOH data indicates a 5 percent decline in new cases in the past four weeks, from 15,904 cases (Jan. 5 to 18) to 15,134 cases (Jan. 19 to Feb. 15). 

 

This was attributed by the health department to the slight improvement in public awareness campaigns, intensified clean-up efforts, and vector control measures.

 

“This welcome change may be due to heightened public awareness and collective action following the recent calls to action,” the agency noted. 

 

“In focus would be the more frequent clean-up drives to search and destroy stagnant water mosquito breeding sites, and misting or fogging in hotspot areas with high mosquito vector load.”

 

LGUs lead dengue response

 

Recognizing the authority of local chief executives to declare outbreaks, the DOH said it is ready to support LGUs in their intensified response efforts.

 

“The Centers for Health Development are also coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to implement necessary preventive measures to combat the spread of dengue,” the DOH stated. 

 

“LGUs have also launched intensive vector control measures and clean-up drives to eliminate mosquito breeding sites,” it added. 

 

To bolster frontline response, the DOH stated that it has prepositioned thousands of Dengue IgG/IgM and Dengue RDT (NS1) test kits to augment on-the-ground logistical needs. 

 

It added that government hospitals and health facilities have also been directed to reactivate dengue fast lanes for expedited triage, diagnosis, and treatment of suspected cases.

 

Children most affected 

 

According to the DOH, the latest data showed that children aged 5 to 14 years old are the most affected by the dengue outbreak, prompting the agency to issue stronger advisories to parents and caregivers.

 

“Parents and caregivers are urged to take protective measures including dressing children in long-sleeved clothes and pants, applying mosquito repellents, using mosquito nets while sleeping, and avoiding mosquito-prone areas,” the agency said.

 

Join 4 p.m. mosquito drive

 

As part of its national campaign, the DOH called on the public to participate in daily efforts to control mosquito breeding grounds.

 

The DOH’s 4 p.m. Mosquito Drive is a nationwide campaign urging Filipinos to take daily preventive measures against dengue-carrying mosquitoes at 4 p.m. when mosquito activity is at its peak. 

 

The initiative emphasizes clean-up drives, eliminating stagnant water, fogging in high-risk areas, and promoting personal protection measures like wearing long sleeves and using mosquito repellents.

 

“WHO itself says: mosquito control remains the main means for the control of dengue. Let’s unite from Batanes to Jolo, every four o’clock, against mosquitoes!” said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.

 

The DOH chief also reiterated that early consultation is key, assuring the public that PhilHealth will cover medical expenses for dengue treatment.

 

“Keep the inside and outside of the house dry - do not allow mosquitoes to breed. Wear long sleeves and pants, use anti-mosquito lotion or spray. Consult early if you have symptoms - don’t worry about the cost, PhilHealth will cover it,” he said.

LET'S CIRCLE BACK ON THIS LATER

When your supervisor tells you he or she will “circle back” on an issue, it means “to discuss it later.” Mike Wolfe, co-founder and CEO of WAM Enterprises in Katonah, N.Y., said that it's one of his most disliked examples of office jargon.

You’re at your desk, and someone says, “Let’s circle back on this later.”

Suddenly, your brain spirals: Do they hate my idea? Did I mess up? Am I about to get fired?! Boom—your internal drama is now in full swing.

Work is stressful enough without turning small moments into epic plot twists.

When we hashtag#overreact, we’re not just exhausting ourselves—we’re also creating unnecessary tension in the workplace.

We’ve all been there. One tiny moment at work—a missed email, a vague comment, or even a weird look—can feel like a major crisis.

But the truth is , most of the time, it’s not nearly as serious as we think.

Thirteen percent of workers called it the most annoying phrase used in the office. In a post discussing “soul-sucking corporate phrases”, Los Angeles Magazine listed circle back as annoying jargon used in the office. Here’s their take on the phrase:

“Why is this so crushing? Maybe because it so instantly rolls off the tongue. It’s used so quickly. Hey, maybe I want to get into it right then and there and I should feel like I can, instead of being thoroughly dismissed, because ideas and thoughts and inspiration come when they come, so don’t tell me to siphon off my creativity, and clip my wings and undermine me automatically and assume you’ll always have a better idea.”

Overreacting at work not only drains your energy, but it can also make the workplace unnecessarily tense.

Here’s a hashtag#cheatcode: Before reacting, pause. Ask yourself, “Is this worth the emotional energy?”

Nine times out of ten, the answer is no.

Breathe, clarify, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself.

Trust me, the office drama dies quickly when you refuse to play the lead role !

LET'S CIRCLE BACK ON THIS LATER? What's your decision?

All reactions:

1Klaus Doring

Cool Smashers, Angels edge foes, take top 2 seedings

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

Feb 20, 2025 06:25 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Creamline fought back from a tight second set before edging a resilient Galeries Tower, 25-15, 26-24, 25-19, to take the No. 1 seeding in the next round of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, Feb. 20. 

Creamline fought back from a tight second set before edging a resilient Galeries Tower, 25-15, 26-24, 25-19, to take the No. 1 seeding in the next round of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, Feb. 20.

Alyssa Valdez flashes her vintage form and finishes with 16 points for Creamline. (PVL Images)

The Cool Smashers displayed their championship caliber anchored on veteran Alyssa Valdez to finish the first-round preliminaries on a high note with a 10-1 win-loss record.

It set them up for a meeting with Nxled after the Chameleons bowed to the Petro Gazz Angels, 25-19, 25-14, 25-17, to finish with the 1-10 mark for the 12th seeding. The Angels, for their part, also finished at 10-1 for the second seed and set up a next meeting with the 11th seed Capital1 Solar Spikers.

Galeries Tower, whose loss also put them at 1-10, but gave them a higher seeding at 10th, arranged a meeting with No. 3 Cignal.

Creamline needed that straight-set victory to seal the top seeding as they entered the match tied with Petro Gazz at the helm, though with a slim set-win advantage 29-27.

The win didn’t come easy, though.

After a dominating opening set, the Cool Smashers found themselves trailing the Highrisers after the Galeries Tower tightened its defense spearheaded by Roselle Baliton and Grazielle Bombita. 

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Jho Maraguinot and France Ronquillo also bannered the Highrisers’ offensive assault, giving them a 22-16 edge.

That turned out to be the Highrisers’ last stand as Valdez conspired with Tots Carlos in finally destroying Galeries Tower’s net defense with their hard-hitting attacks on all angles for eight straight points to grab the 24-22 upperhand.

Maraguinot and Andrea Marzan stopped the bleeding for the Highrisers and tied it at 24-all, but a combination play from Carlos and a down-the-line spike from Valdez sealed the set victory for the Cool Smashers.

From there, Creamline kept that momentum and dictated the pace throughout the third frame en route to the win.

“It was a good game for both sides. Nag-wok yung mga basics namin and we really worked hard on our system these past few days so thankfully, nanalo kami,” said Valdez, who flashed her vintage form by finishing 16 points on 15 kills and one block.

“Every time nagta-time out kami, Coach (Sherwin Meneses) was asking us to get one point at a time. It just so happened the momentum switched on our side so luckily we finished it with a win,” she added.

Carlos paced the Cool Smashers with 18 points built on 16 attacks, while Bea De Leon, Jema Galanza and Pangs Panaga combined for 16 points.

Galeries Tower finished with a 1-10 mark despite Baliton scoring 10 points.

Melai and Robi bring more fun and new flavor as hosts in much-awaited 'Pilipinas Got Talent' comeback

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Feb 21, 2025 11:24 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• As the hosts of the show's 7th season, Robi and Melai will guide viewers through impressive performances and learn the contestants' inspiring stories.

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Robi Domingo and Melai Cantiveros

Award-winning and well-loved hosts Robi Domingo and Melai Cantiveros are set to bring more laughter and energy to the biggest comeback of the world-class talent search "Pilipinas Got Talent."

As the hosts of the show's 7th season, Robi and Melai will guide viewers through impressive performances and learn the contestants' inspiring stories. 

Besides bringing entertainment to audiences, Robi and Melai will have the power to choose their Golden Buzzer act. Joining them as hosts of its online gap show "PGT Exclusives" are Lorraine Galvez and Wize Estabillo. 

Meanwhile, viewers should watch out for the announcement of the newest set of judges of "Pilipinas Got Talent season 7." 

In 1900, Mindanao

 In 1900, Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, was a region with diverse ethnic groups and relatively sparse colonial influence compared to Luzon. The island was home to various indigenous communities, Muslim sultanates, and small settlements. Below is a list of notable locations in Mindanao during that time:

1. Zamboanga

A key Spanish settlement and military outpost, Zamboanga was a strategic location for controlling the Sulu Archipelago and the Moro (Muslim) regions.

2. Davao

A small town under Spanish influence, Davao was beginning to develop due to its agricultural potential, particularly in abaca (Manila hemp) production.

3.Cagayan de Misamis (now Cagayan de Oro)

A growing settlement in northern Mindanao, it served as a center for Spanish missionary activities and trade.

4. Surigao

Located in the northeastern part of Mindanao, Surigao was a small port town with strategic importance for maritime trade.

5. Cotabato

A significant center of the Maguindanao Sultanate, Cotabato was a hub of Muslim culture and politics in Mindanao.

6. Jolo

The capital of the Sulu Sultanate, Jolo was a major center of trade and Islamic culture in the Sulu Archipelago.

7. Butuan

An ancient settlement with a rich history, Butuan was a center of trade and agriculture in northern Mindanao.

8. Iligan

A small town known for its waterfalls and agricultural activities, Iligan was under Spanish influence but retained strong indigenous traditions.

9. Misamis (now Ozamiz)

A Spanish settlement in northern Mindanao, Misamis was a center for missionary work and trade.

10. Dapitan

Known as the place of exile for Philippine national hero José Rizal, Dapitan was a small but historically significant town.

11. Lake Lanao

The area around Lake Lanao was home to the Maranao people and was a center of Muslim culture and resistance against Spanish colonization.

12. Tawi-Tawi

Part of the Sulu Archipelago, Tawi-Tawi was a remote area with strong ties to the Sulu Sultanate.

13. Bukidnon

A highland region inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Bukidnon and Manobo people, it was largely untouched by Spanish colonization.

14. Agusan

A riverine settlement in northeastern Mindanao, Agusan was a center for trade and agriculture.

15. Samal Island

A small island near Davao, Samal was inhabited by indigenous communities and was known for its natural beauty.

16. Basilan

An island province near Zamboanga, Basilan was a center of Muslim culture and resistance against Spanish rule.

17. Lanao

A region surrounding Lake Lanao, it was a stronghold of the Maranao people and their sultanates.

18. Sultan Kudarat

Named after the Maguindanao Sultan Kudarat, this area was a center of Muslim resistance against Spanish colonization.

19. Tandag

A small settlement in the northeastern part of Mindanao, Tandag was under Spanish influence but retained indigenous traditions.

20. Maguindanao

The heartland of the Maguindanao Sultanate, this region was a center of Muslim power and culture in Mindanao.

These locations reflect the diverse cultural, political, and economic landscape of Mindanao in 1900, a time when Spanish colonial influence was waning, and indigenous and Muslim communities maintained significant autonomy.