8 women power songs from Filipina artists

 KZ Tandingan

Everyone loves a good song, more so when they inspire and move listeners toward self-discovery and betterment.

In celebration of Women's Month, Tarsier Records shares eight tracks that champion the strength, vulnerability, and individuality of Filipinas and embolden them to shine in their own ways:

1. KZ Tandingan's "Winning" KZ Tandigan's second international single empowers listeners to 'take the high road' and push themselves to strive and succeed by themselves. Its music video also bears out-of-this world visuals highlighting how KZ rules her 'queendom' with her individuality.

2. Allen&elle's "Call You" Filipina duo allen&elle talk about the importance of seeking help when in need in their dancey gospel-soul track. It emphasizes the value of prayer as "our way to call for help from God" in the midst of day-to-day struggles.

3. Relden's "couldn't speak" The song is artist's message to the people who tried so hard to bring her down. She wrote it at a time when she felt like she couldn't stand up for herself so she would turn to dance to release her emotions.

4. Daze's "Magic" Pampanga-born Daze celebrates and embraces her femininity in the 80s-inspired, familiar yet fresh-sounding R&B song. The modern soul, upbeat track conveys the exciting feeling of pursuing intimacy and warmth with someone you deeply love.

5. Sab's "Happy You Stayed" Sab dedicated her song "Happy You Stayed" to her close friends who stayed with her. The indie-pop track is all about thankfulness for the people who are still present in her life regardless of the different journeys they have to take.

6. Yuzon's "Oh My Days" The song is a dream-pop soundtrack to thinking of better days. Written at the height of the quarantine, it brings hope and stirs enjoyment in new passions and self-discovery. The artist dedicates "Oh My Days" music video to female skaters all over the world.

Kiana V

7. Kiana V's "5:30" The track captures the initial stages of love where there is a desire to get to know someone a little bit better. The soulful summer track evokes vulnerability and, at the same time, willpower to pursue love.

8. "Heal" (various artists) A collaboration among Filipina artists Jayda, Jona, Kyla, KZ, Lesha, Moira Dela Torre, and Xela, Indonesian singers Rinni Wulandari and Yura Yunita, Malaysian artists DOLLA and Shalma Eliana, Singaporean talents Haneri and Haven, and Thai artist Valentina Ploy, Heal is a track that encourages healing during difficult times.

La Niña ends – Pagasa

By Arlie O. Calalo

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has declared that the cold weather called La Niña, which has led to a number of tropical cyclones in the country, has ended after over a year.

However, this does not mean that El Niño or warm weather has begun.

"Most of the climate models predict that ENSO- neutral (neither La Niña nor El Niño) is favored from March through June this year with an increased likelihood of a transition to El Niño thereafter," according to Pagasa Administrator Vicente Malano.

Although La Niña has ended, Malano said its lingering effect may still result in above-normal rainfall conditions in the coming months, which may lead to heavy rainfall, floods, flash floods, and rain-induced landslides in some highly vulnerable areas.

On one hand, El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could result in dry spells and droughts in some areas of the country, he said.

In its advisory, Pagasa said the country will experience a gradual shift of wind systems as the northeast monsoon locally known as "amihan" is predicted to wane and the easterlies will become predominant this March.

Other weather systems still likely to affect the country are the ridge of high pressure areas (HPAs), low pressure areas (LPAs) and convergence zones, it said.

The state-run weather agency has predicted that at least one tropical cyclone will likely occur within this month.

Generally, most parts of the country may experience near to above-normal rainfall conditions except for some provinces over the western section of Northern Luzon and the northern part of Palawan that may receive below-normal to way below-normal rainfall within March, Pagasa said.

The Manila Times partners with DZRH radio

 

MEDIA PARTNERSHIP (From left) Ruperto S. Nicdao, Jr., president of the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC); The Manila Times Chairman and CEO Dante 'Klink' Ang 2nd; and lawyer Rejie Jularbal, DZRH station manager, sign a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to create more and better content for a wider audience. The partnership between two of the oldest and respected media groups was formalized on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, at the MBC Building, home of DZRH, in Pasay City. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

By Christian Crow Maghanoy, Manila Times

February 24, 2023 

(UPDATE) THE Manila Times and Manila Broadcasting Company's (MBC) DZRH radio on Thursday signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to create more content for two of the oldest and most respected media companies in the Philippines.

Manila Times Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dante "Klink" Ang 2nd said the partnership hopes to "tap each other's expertise" to produce better content.

Lawyer Rudolph Steve Jularbal, DZRH station manager, said "collaboration is the key now — the more content creators get together for collaborative creation, the better it is for everyone." The agreement was signed at the MBC Building, home of DZRH, in Pasay City.

The tie-up will provide a more comprehensive coverage of key national events, particularly the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 30, Ang and Jularbal said.

DZRH and The Times' qualitative content will "fill each other's gaps" in terms of its online and real-time presence for listeners and readers.

"We can make use of their (Times) content. Same way as far as we (DZRH) can share our content," Jularbal said.

"We are helping each other and covering national affairs has become a very expensive endeavor and there are gaps in any organization, so this is where the partnership comes in," Ang said.

Ang said the composition of stories from DZRH and The Times will be the area of collaboration, particularly the crafting of reliable news which will also battle the proliferation of fake news online.

"I think at the end of the day, people will have to rely on sources like MBC, DZRH and The Manila Times that are reliable, believable, factual and complete," Ang said.

For Jularbal, the collaboration provides limitless possibilities in delivering content to the public.

Ang said it was an "initial step" in bringing the partnership forward.

"MBC will have to see kung nakakadagdag ba kami (if The Times is useful to them), and certainly I think we will be happy if the partnership will be long-term. But then we (Times) don't want to impose ourselves on them. Small steps muna," Ang said.

The collaboration will make sure "that the Filipino people is better informed through reliable sources like MBC and The Manila Times about things that are happening around the country and around the world," Ang said.

Despite the fire that razed the MBC compound in 2019 and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, DZRH never stopped regular operations, Jularbal said.

This is the second collaboration between The Times and DZRH. The first was the joint coverage of the 2022 elections.

The MoA is good until Dec. 31, 2023

Germany, UK join opposition to Chinese 'aggression' in WPS

By Bernadette E. Tamayo, Manila Times

February 16, 2023

GERMANY and the United Kingdom (UK) have joined three more countries in expressing serious concern over the alleged harassment of a Philippine Coast Guard vessel by a Chinese Coast Guard ship in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Japan, Australia, and Canada had voiced their apprehension on the reported aggressive behavior of CCG against a PCG vessel which was on a re-supply mission to BRP Sierra Madre stationed in Ayungin Shoal.

German Ambassador to Manila Anke Reiffenstuel, on Tweeter, said, Germany "shares serious concerns about intimidatory action against Philippine vessels" in the West Philippine Sea or South ChinaSea.

"We call to refrain from any conduct that increases tensions. All states must abide by UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)," she said.

"The 2016 Arbitral Award is final and legally binding," Reiffenstuel stressed.

In a separate tweet, the British Embassy in Manila said, "The UK supports and joins the Philippines in expressing our serious concern regarding the intimidatory actions towards lawfully operating Philippines vessels in the South China Sea. These dangerous acts are in violation of international law."

"The UK is unwavering in our position on UNCLOS and that the 2016 arbitral decision is final and legally binding," the embassy added.

In a landmark ruling on July 12, 2016, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration found no legal basis for China to use its "nine-dash line" as basis for claiming the South China Sea but China refused to honor the ruling.

The said arbitral award recognized the Philippines' sovereign rights in its 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone in the WPS, which is part of the South China Sea.

Manila on February 14 protested the recent "aggressive" action of the CCG in the WPS when it used a military-grade laser against a Philippine ship that was on a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal.

Davao Norte boosts tourism activities

By Ruth Palo, Manila Times

DAVAO CITY: The Davao del Norte provincial government has recently launched a program aimed at boosting the tourism industry and economic activities in the province.

The program dubbed #DavNorTravels is a flagship initiative of Gov. Edwin Jubahib's administration, with the goal of showcasing the natural and cultural beauty of Davao del Norte to both local and international tourists.

"DavNor Travels is not just a tourism program but a step towards making Davao del Norte a destination of choice for tourists and investors alike. With this program, we aim to create new job opportunities, stimulate local businesses and boost the local economy," Jubahib said.

With its diverse cultural heritage, breathtaking natural wonders and rich history, Davao del Norte has much to offer to tourists, and through the #DavNorTravels, both local and foreign tourists alike get to experience the province's best.

"Our goal is to make Davao del Norte a hub for tourism and economic growth, and I am confident that with the support of our local government units, the private sector, and the community, we can achieve this. I invite everyone to visit Davao del Norte and experience its rich culture, beautiful landscapes and warm hospitality."

Jubahib alongside other provincial officials led by provincial tourism officer Noel Daquioag, visited the famous tourist and emerging destinations in the towns of Santo Tomas, Talaingod, New Corella and Panabo City, among other areas.

The province's contingent was also joined by local government officials, business leaders and community members. It can be recalled that the Jubahib administration funded several tourism-related infrastructures in various local government units in a bid to position the province as a prime tourism destination in the Davao Region.

In 2023, the Jubahib administration funded P3.84 million to operationalize Davao del Norte's Sustainable Tourism Development Program to boost the tourism industry and stir economic activities in the province.

The tourism industry in the province is classified as sun and beach tourism, diving and marine sports tourism, education and agri-tourism, sports tourism, MICE, events tourism, cultural tourism, and ecotourism.

The province has identified three major areas of destination where people can visit and go.

These are the Island Garden City of Samal with its white sand beaches, diving sites, and water sports, the vast banana plantations in the mainland and the highland journey in nature and culture that include waterfalls, rivers, springs, and lakes at the towns of Kapalong, New Corella, Asuncion, San Isidro and the Ata-Manobo Cultural village in Talaingod.

With its commitment to sustainable tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage, the #DavNorTravels program is poised to become a game-changer for the province and its people.

Davao town receives P1M for prefab coffee storage

By Ruth Palo

DAVAO CITY: The regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has turned over P1 million to the local government unit (LGU) of Bansalan in Davao del Sur for the construction of a prefabricated coffee storage in Sitio Gagpang, Barangay Alegre in the town.

The project aims to ensure coffee quality and available supply for marketing.

In a turnover ceremony on Wednesday, January 18, in Davao City, DA 11 regional executive director Abel James Monteagudo said the project is part of the intensified support of the agency for coffee farmers in the Davao Region.

"Coffee beans from the foothills of Mt. Apo are regarded as one of the best in the country and even made headlines as they have won the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition since 2018," Monteagudo added.

With this project, according to him, the number of local and international buyers could increase and there is a need for postharvest facilities to help the coffee farmers meet the required quality and demand.

He said a postharvest facility determines the quality of coffee cherries as every step of postharvest activities can cause significant quality loss and lead to a lower market price.

Global Peace Festival set in Clark

By The Manila Times

THE Global Peace Foundation will host the Global Peace Festival 2022 on December 1 to 3 at Clark Global City in Pampanga with the theme "One Family Under God: A Vision for a World of Freedom and Peace."

The event, which was launched on Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel in Clark, Pampanga, will gather thousands of global peace advocates from all over the world. It will provide them with a platform to exchange best practices and build multisector collaborations to promote long-term peace and development.

The Philippine national motto will be highlighted at the event — Maka-Diyos, Maka-tao, Makakalikasan at Makabansa (For God, People, Nature and Country). The phrase expresses a collection of four essential Filipino principles, each of which is linked to the others.

"It is exactly in times of uncertainty that a clear vision is needed to provide solutions to the many vexing problems of our age," Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, chairman of the Global Peace Foundation, said in his speech.

The three-day event will feature three major programs — the Service Learning Program, Global Peace Leadership Conference and the Global Peace Festival.

The Service-Learning Program focuses primarily on young people and addresses local issues in celebration of International Volunteers' Day through simultaneous service project missions by women and the youth.

The Global Peace Leadership Conference is a high-level strategic event that aims to build networks of key leaders and address critical issues on education, women, corporate social responsibility, religious freedom, peace and security, and the media.

The Global Peace Festival, meanwhile, will be the highlight of the event. It aims to inspire, motivate and activate a global network of people to work together to realize the dream of One Family Under God.

The famous KPop co-ed group K.A.R.D, PPop Girl Group BINI and the Filipino Autotelic will perform live and free of charge during the peace concert.

The main organizer, Global Peace Foundation, is an international nonsectarian, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established in 2009. It aims to promote an innovative, values-based approach for peace motivated by the idea of One Family Under God.

The Global Peace Festival was first launched in the Philippines in 2007.

'Davao Bar exams successful, peaceful'

By Ruth Palo

DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) spokeswoman Maj. Catherine de la Rey said the four-day Bar examinations which concluded on Sunday were conducted successfully and smoothly, with no reported security mishaps.

A total of 705 aspiring lawyers took the exams on November 9, 13, 16 and 20 at the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Senior High School Campus in Bangkal this city.

AdDU was one of the three testing sites in Mindanao for the bar exam.

This was the second time that multiple sites across the country were used for the Bar examinations.

De la Rey, in an interview aired over the Davao City Disaster Radio, said full coordination among the sectors involved yielded favorable results.

"There really was coordination among the security and safety cluster, school administration, and members of the Supreme Court who came to Davao from Manila to conduct the examinations," de la Rey said.

"We are happy to report that from November 9 up to the fourth round of examinations yesterday, November 20, the Mindanao-wide Bar examinations had been conducted peacefully here in Davao City," she added.

The security measures implemented for the exams were proven to be successful, said de la Rey, as the DCPO recorded no arrests or violations of security protocols enforced all over the city.

De la Rey thanked the security cluster for the cooperation of the general public, the examinees, and the members of the Supreme Court for the successful commencement of this year's Bar exams.

Sultan Kudarat bomb blast kills 1, injures 11

By Al Jacinto 

ZAMBOANGA CITY: A powerful bomb explosion ripped through a passenger bus on Sunday, November 6, and killed one civilian and injured at least 11 others in Tacurong City in the southern Philippine province of Sultan Kudarat.

The air-conditioned bus, owned and operated by Yellow Bus Line, came from Kidapawan City in North Cotabato province, and was carrying dozens of passengers when the bomb went off.

No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the midday blast in downtown Tacurong, but previous attacks had been largely blamed on local pro-Islamic State extremist groups.

It was unclear how the bomber was able to sneak the improvised explosive in the bus or what type of device was used in the attack.

In May this year, a bomb also exploded inside a Yellow Bus Line unit in downtown Koronadal City in South Cotabato province and injured at least two persons.

The improvised explosive went off at the engine bay of the bus.

Two drivers of motorcycle taxis tailing the bus were injured in the explosion.

The bus originated from Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province.

No group had claimed responsibility for that attack, even after a bomb explosion in April also ripped through another provincial bus owned by Rural Transit of Mindanao in Parang town in Maguindanao province and wounded several passengers.

The attack happened in the village of Making where the bus made a stop at a roadside eatery.

The bus was on its way to Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte from Cotabato City when a powerful explosion was heard.

In January, a bomb also exploded near a fruit stand and a ticket booth in North Cotabato's Tulunan town where a Yellow Bus Line was picking up passengers.

The powerful blast killed a civilian and wounded 7 others.

The blast came a day after pro-Islamic State terrorists detonated a roadside bomb in the town of South Upi in neighboring Maguindanao and killed one civilian.

The military blamed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for the bombing.

Maguindanao has been divided into the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.

DoH braces for disease outbreaks

By Red Mendoza November 3, 2022 

Residents of Barangay San Juan-1 remove debris of thick mud from their houses due to deep flooding brought on by Typhoon Paeng in Noveleta, Cavite, on 31 October 2022. (PHOTO: MIKE ALQUINTO)

THE Department of Health (DoH) braced for an outbreak of diseases following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm "Paeng" (International name: "Nalgae").

DH Epidemiology Bureau director, Dr. Alethea de Guzman, said that with many families staying in evacuation centers, officials expect outbreaks of respiratory and flu-like cases, vector-borne disease ssuch as dengue and chikungunya, measles and rubella, skin diseases, and noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension.

She said that the DoH has prepared health education and promotion materials to prevent these diseases and prepositioned logisitics such as doxycycline for post-exposure prophylaxis; aquatabs; Campolas or Cotraximole, Amoxicillin, Mefenamic Acid, Paracetamol, Oral rehydration salts, Vitamin A, and Skin ointment; and hygiene kits.

Health Emergency Management Bureau director Dr. Bernadette Velasco said that prior to the landfall of Paeng, the DoH prepositioned nearly P104.72 million worth of assorted drugs, medicines, medical supplies and commodities.

Velasco said that the DoH has deployed nearly P7 million worth of medicines, medical supplies and hygiene kits to Western Visayas, in Mandurriao, Iloilo, and to the Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to Maguindanao Province and Cotabato City. 

In Tacloban City, a cholera outbreak killed five and afflicted 426 others, the DoH regional office said.

Of the 426 suspected cholera cases, 34 have been confirmed through the department's rapid diagnostic testing, Jelyn Lopez-Malibago, DoH regional information officer, said in a phone interview.

At least 213 individuals have been confined in public and private hospitals in the past two weeks.Confirmed deaths from severe diarrhea include a 12-year-old boy from Santo Niño village; a three-month-old boy from Abucay village; a 71-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman, both from Calvary Hill; and a three-month-old girl from Santo Niño village. Cases were also recorded in the villages of Palanog, San Roque, Diit, New Kawayan, downtown area, San Jose district, Utap, and Calanipawan.

Among the top diseases reported in evacuation centers in Western Visayas were skin diseases and open wounds and bruises, while the top diseases reported in hospitals in the same region were acute and upper respiratory infections and acute gastroenteritis.

Velasco gave assurances that there are enough medicines and other commodities to be deployed in the affected areas, while telemedicine services are also available through the DoH's partners or the National Patient Navigation and Referral Center (formerly the One Hospital Command Center).

'Davao is ready for full in-person classes'

Educational materials are ready for face-to-face classes in Davao public schools in this undated photo from the city government. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

By Ruth Palo November 1, 2022 

DAVAO CITY: Over 1.3 million elementary and high school students in public and private schools in Davao Region are ready to resume full face-to-face (F2F) classes starting Wednesday, November 2.

Department of Education Region 11 (DepEd 11) spokesman Jenielito Atillo said that it's all systems go for the full implementation of in-person classes in public and private schools.

Atillo however said private schools were given the prerogative to have in-person classes or to continue with the alternative learning modalities.

Data from DepEd 11 showed that 1,206,291 public school students in the region will be going back to school, while private schools will welcome 136,236 learners.

"Let us not worry about the implementation of the very strict protocols because that is one major requirement actually. This is the number one requirement that we require from public schools and even private schools, the strict implementation of the health and safety protocols," Atillo said.

He added there were private schools that decided to employ face-to-face learning because parents requested it."Many parents really want face-to-face education to be implemented, that is why they seek for schools implementing the face-to-face learning modality," he said.

Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Angel Sumagaysay, meanwhile, said the city is in close coordination with the DepEd, Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Task Force (TF) Davao, and Civil Security Unit, including the City Transport and Traffic Management Office to secure the opening of physical classes.

The city is also ready to implement the "Oplan Balik Eskwela," Sumagaysay said.

He added security personnel will be deployed not only in the poblacion but even in other far-flung areas like Marilog and Paquibato districts.

DoT reintroduces PH Tourism Awards

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

By Moises Cruz, Manila Times

THE Department of Tourism (DoT) relaunched the Philippine Tourism Awards (PTA) to promote the growth of tourism in the country and to encourage local government units to use tourism as a tool for economic development.

"The PTA aims to recognize tourism-related establishments and individuals whose seasoned expertise and commitment have innovatively and creatively projected the Filipino culture and the Filipino brand," Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said.

The five main categories for the Philippine Tourism Awards are Institutional, Creative, Individual, Destination of the Year, and Special Awards.

Every category will have a matching subcategory.

The institutions that are deemed to be the greatest in their fields in knowledge, professionalism, and the caliber of their facilities and services will get Institutional Awards.

The purpose of the Creative Awards is to recognize the expertise and insights of people and organizations in their marketing, advertising and promotion activities while taking into account the originality and factual presentation of information.

Individual Awards are given to people working in the industry directly or indirectly who uphold high standards of customer and client satisfaction.

The Destination of the Year Award will be given to a specific travel destination in recognition of its commitment to the growth and marketing of the tourism sector via the collaborative efforts of the business and local government sectors.

The Special Awards, on the other hand, will be presented to an individual or a private entity that has advanced the interests of the tourism sector and whose contribution has improved travel in the Philippines.

Marcos pledges to reboot tourism

"Through the Philippine Tourism Awards, we will also be identifying the best practices of local government units, to further encourage them to adopt tourism as a means to stimulate the local economy and herald our distinct culture and heritage," Garcia-Frasco said.

The PTA marks the beginning of the tourism sector's resurgence as the country anticipates fewer travel and health regulations in the near future.

Sara calls for end to 'culture of racism' for lasting peace

By Kaithreen Cruz

September 22, 2022

IN observance of the United Nations International Day of Peace, Vice President Sara Duterte emphasized the need to end the pervading culture of racism for meaningful and lasting peace for all.

She explained that racism "carves painful words that linger through generations — resulting in a cycle of violence inflamed by raging hate of a race against another race."

She pointed out the universality of the fight to be recognized, respected, and accorded equal rights as a nation with diverse cultures, traditions, and religions.

"We have a moral obligation to end racism and address the web of violence interlocking around the culture of hate that threatens to overcome us, injure us, and break us apart as a community," Duterte emphasized in her message.

She said that hate should not be allowed to poison people's differences, nor allow it to overpower unity as a community that respects each other.

Rather, she urged people to tap on those differences to ensure that everyone can freely exercise their cultural and other fundamental rights recognized by international laws.

"May we be unrelenting in our mission of engaging all groups and sectors in all our endeavors — ensuring that we build an inclusive society. I trust that Filipinos will support the campaign against racism in the spirit of unity, peace, and progress for our country," Duterte added.

Air pollution worse in Metro Manila

COVERED IN HAZE Smog blankets parts of Metro Manila as seen from a spot in Antipolo City on June 29 2021. Phivolcs chief Renato Solidum said the haze is caused by pollution from vehicles and not from Taal Volcano, which has been emitting thick smoke as high as three-kilometers from its main crater over the last few days. FILE PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

By Bella Cariaso, Manila Times

Air pollution in Metro Manila has worsened with the opening of businesses, an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said on Friday.

The DENR's Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Director William Cuñado said that during the implementation of Covid-19 restrictions, all the monitoring stations in the National Capital Region (NCR) registered green which meant good air quality.

Because of the lockdowns, only 10 percent or 35,000 of the 350,000 vehicles in the NCR were allowed to operate.

"During the pandemic, there was a reduction of 90 percent in volume of the vehicles plying within Metro Manila. Because of this, there was a dramatic reduction on air pollutants. There was a good quality of air because of the small volume of vehicles. Almost all the stations had green color, meaning to say, that we had good quality of air within Metro Manila," Cuñado said.

However, as pandemic restrictions eased, a gradual change in the air quality was noticed.

"Now that the vehicles allowed outside are almost the same compared to the volume we have prior to the pandemic, from green, we have monitored yellow or even orange colors," Cuñado said.

Yellow signifies fair air quality while orange means air quality can be unhealthy for sensitive groups such as those with respiratory problems like asthma.

"The air pollution could aggravate their ailments," Cuñado said.

He added that air pollution is high during heavy traffic in a particular area.

"This is the accumulation of gases discharged in a certain area, especially if there is a high concentration of people that are moving and there is heavy traffic. There is an increase in the particulate matters and other substances," the official said.

PHAP backs Marcos on affordable medicines

By Ed Paolo Salting, Manila Times

THE Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) said it is supporting the call of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for cheaper medicines and affordable health care for Filipinos.

In a statement, the PHAP, which represents the research-based medicines and vaccines manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the Philippines, also welcomed the President's directive to align health protocols as well as to strengthen cooperation with the private sector to enable full capacity for businesses.

"As a science-driven industry, PHAP is supporting the reopening of the economy through the research and development of diagnostics, vaccines and medicines, and ensuring that they are available in the country," the statement read. "Its members are also vigorously working with the government for a stable supply of life-saving treatments amid global challenges."

The organization is partnering with the government to help protect frontliners and communities affected by the pandemic, and continues its information campaign on the value of vaccination.

The PHAP also supports Marcos' call for healthy competition in the industry in order to bring down the cost of medicines for all Filipinos. Marcos initially made the announcement after meeting with the Indian ambassador to the Philippines where he said he was encouraging local pharmaceutical companies to explore joint ventures with their Indian counterparts, particularly in the area of generic medicines and therapeutics.