Earth Hour 2024: DOH commits full participation

By: Luisa Cabato - Reporter / @luisacabatoINQ

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health (DOH) has committed to participating in the 2024 Earth Hour on Saturday (March 23), a worldwide event during which offices, factories, and homes turn off lights and devices to reduce electricity use and alleviate the impact of fossil fuel-induced climate change.

This year’s Earth Hour is set from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Philippines.

In a statement on Friday (March 22), the health department pledged that its staff and employees would take part in the event to help beat last year’s record of over 190 countries and territories cutting electricity use for a total of 410,000 hours.

“Promoting a healthy environment through sustainable practices can improve the health and wellbeing of every Filipino,” the DOH said.

“Pangalagaan natin ang ating kapaligiran at kalikasan. (Let’s take care of our surroundings and environment.) Participating in Earth Hour by turning off non-essential lights even in the comfort of our homes will bring significant benefits [to] achieving safe and quality health for everyone,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa in the statement.

The DOH also noted that the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines has chosen the city of Manila as the main partner and venue for this year’s Earth Hour.

“The iconic landmarks in the city, including the City Hall Clock Tower and Rizal Monument, will switch off non-essential lights for an hour to show their commitment and solidarity in energy consumption,” the DOH statement read.

The DOH added that other cities such as Makati, Baguio, Catbalogan, Ormoc, San Carlos, San Fernando, Santa Rosa, Tagum, Zamboanga City, and Pilar Siargao have also expressed readiness to participate in the event.

First held in 2007, Earth Hour is a yearly event that promotes awareness of global warming and climate change issues by urging the public to switch off non-essential lights and electrical devices for one hour.

SAFE JOURNEY

 

SAFE JOURNEY   Olive ridley sea turtles—an adult and a batch of hatchlings—are given a well-documented sendoff as they inch their way down the beach and toward the sea at Barangay Urbiztondo in San Juan, La Union province, on Wednesday. Attracting a crowd, the release served as the launching activity of the Philippine Experience Program of the Department of Tourism in Region 1. The turtle in the left photo was earlier rescued by the conservation group Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions. —RICHARD A. REYES

The Stands - An Inquirer Sports Newsletter

 

March 22, 2024

The Tigresses remain on top of the UAAP standings.  (MARLO CUETO)

Hey there sports fan, University of Santo Tomas needed a tense fifth set to dispose of Ateneo and keep its record unblemished in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament.  The Tigresses racked up an eighth straight win, just a few days after wrapping up its first-round schedule with a similarly challenging victory over Adamson. UST will be the first to admit that there are a lot of things that still needs polishing with their game and those tough wins against the Lady Falcons and the Blue Eagles were proof of that.  And if the Tigresses need motivation to sharpen their game, they don't need to look far: The two teams they beat in the first round, National U and La Salle, are both eager for payback.  But hey, let's talk about the Tigresses kicks too. For some time now, the team has been rocking Kobe 8s (ProTro Halo), which were customized by artist Chachi Victorino.  Photos of the custom sneakers had gone viral, with players even talking about "Mamba Mentality," the winning philosophy espoused by the late basketball great Kobe Bryant. In fact, news of Bianca Plaza's pair allegedly getting picked off by a delivery rider also made rounds on the Internet, proof that the sneakers have become quite the talk of the volleyball world. In an interview with the Inquirer, Ms. Victorino spoke about the process and challenges of customizing the Tigresses sneakers.

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Chery TIggo is all smiles after pulling off a major upset.  (PVL IMAGES)

Meanwhile... Before we talk of the upset that rocked the PVL, allow us to express our excitement over the country winning the bid to host the 2025 men's volleyball world championship.  Ateneo coach Sergio Veloso, who also handles the men's national volleyball team, is optimistic the event will do a lot of good for the sport in the country.  Anyway, unless you were living under a rock the past few days, you know that Chery Tiggo just pulled off the biggest upset in pro volleyball this year. The Crossovers dealt the Creamline Cool Smashers their first loss after 19 straight victories. For Alyssa Valdez, that upset made Creamline realize one thing: "It's really about time for us to feel [the pain of losing] again so there will be renewed energy and strength." Creamline has since bounced back from the loss, routing league newcomer Capital1.  WIll that rare loss push the Cool Smashers to even greater heights in their title defense? Let's tune in to the games and find out. Or, let us bring you the stories straight to whatever platform you are on.  What we're up to next: The PBA All-Star weekend will be held in Bacolod City and we will have two guys on the ground to bring you the highlifghts from there. We'll also dig in more on the country's hosting of the men's volleyball world championship slated next year. And we'll still keep you updated with everything going on in the UAAP and the PVL. Number of the Week: 9 Number of Olympic gold medals the US basketball team has won so far.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “[T]his is for the Philippines, the country [for which] my heart will always beat proud.” —Maxine Esteban, Filipino-Ivorian fencer, who became the first homegrown female Filipino fencer to qualify for the Olympics.

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There are two items on this newsletter that are answers to our sports trivia quiz that comes out weekly. If you think you can ace our weekly Friday sports quiz, and if you want more sports updates, join our Viber community.  Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. See you next Friday! Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).

4th Impact takes down fundraiser for dogs after backlash from PAWS, netizens

 

By: Hannah Mallorca

INQUIRER.net / 02:45 PM March 06, 2024

The fundraising campaign put up by 4th Impact for their 200 dogs was taken down from GoFundMe’s official website after the girl group received criticism from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and netizens.

On Feb. 28, the female P-pop girl sought to raise funds to put up a “farm lot for our 200 Shih Tzu dogs” on the online fundraising platform. “Our journey with our beloved dogs began with a gift from our fans: five precious Shih Tzus,” Elvira said in the now-deleted post. 

“Over time, our passion for these furry companions led to unexpected blessings, but also unexpected challenges,” she continued. “But as our family of dogs multiplied, so did the need for space and resources.”

The online fundraising campaign, however, drew flak from netizens and the animal welfare group on social media, with PAWS appearing to point to them as “irresponsible pet owners” in one of their posts.

One of the negative comments comes from Instagram user @docgab_veterinarian, who creates veterinary content on social media.

“Ang pagpaparami ng mga alagang hayop through ‘mating’ sa sariling bahay na walang kaukulang permit ay tinatawag na ‘backyard breeding’ at ito po ay illegal. Lalo na kung ang mga ito ay ibinebenta o pinagkakakitaan,” he wrote. “Ang ‘inbreeding’ naman ay ang pagtatalik ng magkapatid o anak at magulang na hayop. Ito ay nagreresulta sa mas mahinang mga anak na kadalasan ay maraming sakit at komplikasyon.”

(Having many pet animals through “mating” in their home without a permit is called “backyard breeding” and it’s illegal. Especially if it’s done to sell and earn money. “Inbreeding,” on the other hand, is the mating between siblings or parent. This results in weak animals who go through sicknesses and other complications.)

“Unlike the irresponsible pet owners in the latest celebrity news, pls never ever let your own pets reproduce as there are already so many dogs and cats in need of homes in shelters, in pounds, and on the streets. Spay and neuter is the way to go,” PAWS wrote on Facebook.

However, as of this writing, 4th Impact’s campaign appears to have been taken down from the online fundraising platform as its contents are “not found.”

Members of the girl group, however, have yet to address the online fundraiser as well.

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 delegates turn up the heat in swimsuit portraits

(from left to right) Cyrille Payumo, Pampanga; Ahtisa Manalo, Quezon Province; Victoria Velasquez Vincent, Bacoor | Images: Facebook/Miss Universe Philippines
 

By: Armin P. Adina

The 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant continues to excite Filipino pageant fans, this time with the release of the official swimsuit portraits of the delegates.

The national pageant organization shared on its official social media accounts the photos of all the delegates to this year’s competition.

The roster already included Kananga’s new representative, Phoebe Arrianana Torita, who replaced Natasha Jung who backed out after the press presentation of the contestants.

Jung had previously competed in the Miss World Philippines and Binibining Pilipinas pageants and was crowned Miss Caloocan a few months before winning the Miss Kananga title.

She had already participated in the official presentation of the delegates to this year’s competition held at the grand ballroom of Hilton Manila at the Newport complex in Pasay City on Feb. 18.

This year’s edition of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant did not accept individual applicants. Delegates must be sent by “Accredited Partners” who are authorized to select the official candidates.

The contenders have either won their respective local pageants, or were appointed by the Accredited Partners.

These partners are responsible for preparing the delegates for the national stage, and providing for all of their needs as they compete for the crown.

This year’s delegates are competing to succeed Michelle Dee, who became the most awarded delegate in the 2023 Miss Universe pageant.

Dee finished in the Top 10 of the competition, topped the fan vote, was the leader in the national costume poll, was one of the three “gold finalists” of the “Voice for Change” initiative by Miss Universe crown provider Mouawad, and received the “Spirit of Carnival” award from Carnival Cruises.

No final date of competition has been announced as of this writing, but the eventual winner will represent the Philippines in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year.

UST rallies past FEU to stay unbeaten in UAAP women’s volleyball

UST Golden Tigresses celebrate during a victory over FEU Lady Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

By: June Navarro - Reporter / @junavINQ

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 10:16 PM March 03, 2024

MANILA, Philippines–University of Santo Tomas rediscovered its deadly form just in time to snatch victory from near defeat at the expense of Far Eastern University, 22-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 15-7, on Sunday night at the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball.

Staring at a probable setback, the Tigresses rose from two sets down and survived another five-setter for the second time around to keep their unblemished record intact after four games.

Angeline Poyos delivered 21 attacks from her game-high 24 points and Margaret Banagua powered her way to 13 points and four blocks, but it was the solid contributions of Xyza Gula and Mae Coronado that helped the Tigresses restore order in a daring comeback.

John Amores receives ‘words of encouragement’ from VP Sara Duterte

Gula fired 12 attacks out of 13 points and Coronado had eight points and three blocks, justifying the decision of coach Kungfu Reyes from plucking them off the bench beginning in the third set.

“We have an old rivalry with FEU and we expected this. Luckily, we were able to recover and play within our system,” said Reyes after the Tigresses negated their 40 errors with another tight win.

Cassie Carballo tossed in 25 excellent sets, Bernadett Pepito had 20 digs and 24 receptions for the Tigresses, who likewise survived defending champion La Salle in a five-setter a week ago.

“We’re down by two, but the determination to win was there. We just fought for every point, for every set,” said Reyes.

Banagua positioned UST in clinching the opening set with a powerful down-the-line kill and followed it up with a block that put them ahead.

But Faida Bakanke punched a crosscourt and deflected Jonna Perdido’s attack, instantly shifting the tide in FEU’s favor. Gerzel Petalio then scored on a push and ended the set with an off-the-block strike.

Jean Asis got into the groove in the second set, delivering four attacks for the Lady Tamaraws in a 7-2 run that reversed the trend.

Errors then mounted for the Tigresses with Poyos and Regina Jurado faltering at set point that accelerated another failed effort.

The Tigresses refused to call it a night though, stealing the third set in a roller-coaster ride that ended on a pair of hits unleashed by Banagua and Coronado.

Gula and Coronado got into the act in the fourth set as the Tigresses weathered FEU’s rally. With UST safely ahead, a perfectly prepared toss that Poyos smashed tied the match, forcing the decider.

Coronado and Gula set the tone for a carnage in the fifth, pushing the Tigresses to an early 4-1 advantage.

“I told her (Coronado) that she should always be ready and she delivered,” said Reyes.

Back-to-back attacks by Poyos, a combination play completed by Jurado and Banagua’s block further widened the gap before Gula capped the night with two straight crosscourt kills.

Sharon Cuneta reminds fans: Money amounts to nothing if we’re unhealthy

By: Anne Pasajol

INQUIRER.net / 11:13 AM March 01, 2024

Sharon Cuneta recalled how she shifted to a healthier lifestyle when she turned 50, saying this decision “changed” her life and improved her well-being.

The Megastar, who has been vocal about her health ordeals, underscored the importance of prioritizing one’s health, through a vlog on her YouTube channel on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

“I lost weight when I decided I really wanted to change my life and my outlook on health, and improve the way I live every day,” she said.

The veteran actress-singer then spoke about how the COVID-19 pandemic served as a “wake-up call” not just for her but for the public as well.

“It showed us the reality of the old saying na gamit na gamit na pero totoo, ‘yung ‘health is wealth,” she stated. “Because kahit nga naman ano ang pag-aari mo, kahit gaano ka kayaman o kaligaya sa buhay mo, kung hindi okay ang health mo or you don’t make it a priority, it amounts to nothing—everything na meron tayo—if we’re unhealthy.”

(It showed us the reality of the old and very common saying: “Health is wealth.” Because whatever you own, however rich or happy you are with your life, if you don’t have good health or if you don’t make it a priority, it amounts to nothing—everything that we own—if we’re unhealthy.)

Opening up more on her realizations during the pandemic, she continued, “Sabi nila, most health conditions are caused by stress so you have to be careful about that.”

“Finding this out really made me appreciate that I thought of shifting to a healthier lifestyle. I was 50 when I made that decision,” she looked back. “I wanted to create a better version of myself and that was exactly eight years ago.”

Cuneta earlier appealed for prayers as she disclosed that some aspects of her body’s condition had worsened, and that she had to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In her most recent health update, she revealed she has been undergoing physical therapy because her leg has been in pain and that she has been limping for more than a month.

Senior citizens need not show prescription for OTC drugs

 

FDA CLARIFICATION Complaints about pharmacies requiring a doctor’s prescription for seniors buying over-the-counter medicines have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to issue a clarification. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

By: Dexter Cabalza - Reporter / @dexcabalzaINQ

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:50 AM March 01, 2024

Senior citizens do not need to present a prescription from their physicians to get the mandated 20-percent discount they are entitled to when buying over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, including vitamins and food supplements, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The clarification made under FDA Advisory No. 2024-0429 and signed by FDA Director General Dr. Samuel Zacate was issued on Wednesday. It was addressed to all drug outlets, hospital pharmacies and healthcare professionals to avoid confusion.

According to the FDA, Administrative Order No. 2012-0007-A of the Department of Health (DOH) states that those age 60 and above are not required to get a doctor’s prescription to avail themselves of a 20-percent discount in “the purchase of OTC medicines.”

Under the DOH administrative order, medicines are defined as “prescription and nonprescription/over-the-counter drugs, both generic and branded, including vitamins and mineral supplements medically prescribed by the attending physician and approved by the [DOH and FDA], which are intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of human disease or sickness.”

The 20-percent discount privilege for seniors is provided for under Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.Requirements

Citing the law, the FDA noted that in order to avail themselves of the discount, seniors or their representatives can present any form of identification (senior citizens ID card, passport or document) showing their birthday. They must also bring their purchase slip booklets for recording purposes (name of OTC medicine purchased, quantity, when and where it was purchased).

In an earlier radio interview, FDA spokesperson Pamela Angeline Sevilla said they had been receiving complaints from the elderly about pharmacies asking for doctors’ prescriptions when purchasing OTC drugs.

“This should not be the case, because it is clear in the law that when buying OTC items, the only documentary requirement that senior citizens need to present is their senior citizen ID or any ID proving their senior status,” she added.

The FDA instead urged pharmacies and similar establishments to assist and educate the elderly in distinguishing between prescription and OTC drugs to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

“Let’s help our seniors instead of asking them for a prescription even if we know that the medicine they are buying is OTC and does not need one in the first place,” Sevilla said.

To determine whether a medicine is a “prescription drug (RX)” or OTC drug, the public can access verification.fda.gov.ph/ALL_DrugProductslist.php. which lists down all of the nearly 30,000 FDA-registered human medicines available.

Senior citizens can also file complaints before the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs in their respective local government units against pharmacies that do not comply with RA 9994.

The FDA warned that establishments which fail to honor the 20-percent discount on medicines for the elderly face imprisonment ranging from two to six years, plus a fine of P50,000 to P100,000 for the first offense.

Their business permit, permit to operate, franchise and other similar privileges may also be revoked by authorities.

If the offender is a corporation, partnership or company with a similar structure, its officials such as the president, general manager, managing partner or such other officer charged with managing its business affairs shall also be held liable.

Ced Domingo brings maturity, composure from Thailand stint

Akari Chargers’ Ced Domingo she rejoins the PVL in the All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

By: Lance Agcaoili - @inquirerdotnet

MANILA, Philippines —Maturity and composure were among the things that Ced Domingo developed most in her first overseas stint where she helped Nakhon Ratchasima accomplish a successful title defense in the Volleyball Thailand League.

“One thing that I really learned coming home from Thailand is my maturity and my composure as an individual because of different kinds of instances in games,” said Domingo in Filipino after her Akari debut ended up with a  25-21, 25-18, 25-12, 25-18 loss to Cignal in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I learned a lot from my teammates like Onuma Sittirak and other legends in Thailand. It’s super nice playing alongside them. I really just can’t wait to apply all the learnings from Thailand here at Akari.”

Domingo, who decided to sign with the Thai team last year, was instrumental in her first overseas stint as the Cat Devil finished the elimination round with a 10-2 record as the No. 2 seed behind Diamond Food, which her team beat in the semifinals round and final.

The 24-year-old middle blocker said she’s lucky to be part of Nakhon Ratchasima as she became the latest Filipino to win a title overseas after Jaja Santiago, who won the Japan V.Cup championship with her former club Ageo Medics in 2021, and Bryan Bagunas who he led Win Streak to a dominant title run last year in the Top Volleyball League in Taiwan.

“I got lucky. It’s a ‘who could have thought’ moment for me because I had no expectations coming there. I just wanted to experience playing in Thailand and come out of my comfort zone to unlock my potential as a player,” Domingo said.

“My teammates are strong and they have the same level of competitiveness and mentality as my former team,  Creamline. I felt that I was in the right team.”

Domingo, who found her new home at Akari, admitted that it’s overwhelming to the changes and transitions but she’s taking the challenge in stride.

“My mindset going back here is adapting Akari’s system and then from there, I will apply my learnings from Thailand,” she said.

UAAP volleyball: Angel Canino has ‘matured’ in her second year, says coach

La Salle Lady Spikers’ Angel Canino in the UAAP volleyball. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

By: Lance Agcaoili - @inquirerdotnet

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle coach Ramil De Jesus believes Angel Canino has become a more mature player in her second year with the Lady Spikers in time for their title-retention bid in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.

Canino fired 14 points built on 11 attacks and three blocks to kick off her sophomore season and jumpstart La Salle’s campaign with a rousing 25-16, 25-16, 25-18 victory over Adamson on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

De Jesus praised the reigning MVP and Season 85 Rookie of the Year for showing her maturity and leadership, following the departure of graduates Jolina Dela Cruz and Mars Alba as well as Fifi Sharma and Justine “I can see that Angel has matured when it comes to playing compared to last season when I handled her just a few months,” De Jesus said after earning his 300th win.

Canino was happy to contribute and show their preseason preparation including a training camp in Thailand but she is taking it one game at a time before thinking of defending their title.

“One game at a time. After this game, we need more work harder and work out the next obstance and challenges one by one,” said the La Salle star.

The Lady Spikers are still continuing to adjust with their current players, who are leaning on new main setter Julia Coronel and libero Lyka De Leon.

Dongallo leads UE past Ateneo in UAAP volleyball women’s opener

 Casiey Dongallo (9) and the UE Lady Warriors celebrate their win over Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

By: June Navarro - Reporter / @junavINQ

MANILA, Philippines–Casiey Dongallo has been augured as the next big thing in college volleyball.

The rookie spiker from Catmon, Cebu was good as advertised, scoring 27 points in her collegiate debut to spearhead University of East’s come-from-behind 20-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-18 victory over Ateneo on Saturday at the opener of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball.

Dongallo capped her heroics by delivering the Lady Warriors’ last three attacks, shattering the hopes of the Blue Eagles from stretching it further to the limit.

“I’m just thankful to my teammates. I cannot have 27 points without them,” said Dongallo, who compiled the most number of points for a rookie in her first UAAP game.

Kizzie Madriaga, Dongallo’s high school teammate from the California Academy, produced 16 excellent sets and libero Angelica Reyes took care of the defensive end with 22 digs.

“I was able to score those points with the help of my teammates and Kizzie. When I got nervous at the start, my teammates were there to back me up,” said the 18-year-old Dongallo.

Lyann De Guzman compiled 18 points and had 16 digs for the Blue Eagles, who lost for the first time against UE since Season 73 back in 2010.

“This is the first time in 14 years. The reason why we came to UE is to make history and this is a part of it. The rest is going to be a process, so it’s going to take a while,” said UE assistant coach Obet Vital.

The Lady Warriors won only six games the past six seasons, winning only one match each last year and in 2022.

“If we win two (this season), we’ve already matched the last two years. It’s going to be a bonus if we win three. It’s a new system that we brought to UE. We’re happy about the win, but there’s a lot of work ahead of us,” said Vital.

Dongallo, one of the most sought-after high school players before committing to UE with Grace Fernandez, Jelaica Gajero and Madriaga, bagged the MVP plum in CAL’s title-winning campaign in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League last year.

The third set was a real nip-and-tuck affair with UE cutting itself loose from the tight contest with less effort by simply watching the Blue Eagles frustrate themselves.

Zey Pacia’s long wallop that sailed beyond the endline shattered a series of deadlocks that ended at 20.

Then, Riza Nogales’ tip created more space for the Lady Warriors before Tuku’s attempt got smothered at set point.

De Guzman actually scored the tournament’s first kill and several plays later finished off their rivals in the first set with an attack that bounced off the fingers of Dongallo before falling in.

Geezel Tsunashima’s series of strikes set the tone for Ateneo’s opening-frame victory, putting them ahead early, 8-3, before Dongallo and Madriaga made the Warriors look better.

But after Takako Fujimoto drove in the first ace of the season, 16-11, the Blue Eagles charged ahead with De Guzman taking control.

Fortunes reversed in the next set as the Lady Warriors shifted the trend in their favor by seizing the upper hand early built on the efforts of Nogales and Yesha Rojo.

Here’s what you’ll need to join the 60th Binibining Pilipinas pageant

 Reigning Binibining Pilipinas winners (from left) Atasha Reign Parani, Anna Valencia Lakirini, Angelica Lopez and Katrina Anne Johnson. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina

By: Armin P. Adina

Here's what you will need to join the 60th Binibining Pilipinas pageant

Avid pageant aficionados had been brimming with anticipation as to when the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) would make its “the search is on” announcement for the 60th anniversary edition. And the wait was finally over after the organization made the call before Valentine’s Day. Now they followed it up with the list of requirements that the aspirants must meet.

Interested applicants will need to download the official application form at www.bbpilipinas.com and submit their accomplished form at the BPCI Office on the 8th floor of Aurora Tower on Gen. Malvar St. at the Araneta City in Quezon City.

The competition is open to Filipino citizens who are born in the Philippines, or have reacquired their citizenship under RA 9225. Those who have also earned natural Filipino citizenship even when they are born outside the Philippines may still join. They may or may not have resided within the Philippines.

Applicants will also need to show their high school or college diploma, present a medical certificate for both physical and mental health and well-being, and a certificate of good moral character provided by a school, church or professional organization.

Ladies also need to bring their photo set cards composed of one close-up and one full body shot. A copy of their birth certificate will also be required.

The deadline for applications is set on March 22, but no final screening schedule has been announced as of this writing.

Bb. Pilipinas is the first and longest-running national beauty pageant in the country. It has produced the country’s most well-loved international beauty queens since its establishment in 1964.

To date, the national competition has collected four wins in the Miss Universe pageant, five victories in the Miss International pageant, two crowns each from the Miss Intercontinental and Miss Globe tilts, and several more triumphs in other contests.

Last year, Bb. Pilipinas queens posted podium finishes in their respective global competitions. Nicole Borromeo was third runner-up in the Miss International pageant, while Anna Valencia Lakirini was second runner-up in the Miss Globe contest.

Angelica Lopez, who was crowned Bb. Pilipinas International during the national pageant’s 59th edition held last year, is scheduled to compete in the 62nd Miss International competition on Nov. 12.

PH to China: Respect, sincerity are key to sea row dialogue

By: Frances Mangosing - Reporter / @FMangosingINQPhilippine Daily Inquirer 

The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Sindangan isblocked by a China Coast Guard vessel during a resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in October. china sea row dialogue

HARASSMENT The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Sindangan is blocked by a China Coast Guard vessel during a resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in October. —GERALDFORD TICKE

China should first stop its hostile actions at sea before it enters into a dialogue with the Philippines, an official of the National Security Council (NSC) said on Tuesday, amid worsening tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The territorial disputes between the two countries have grown more tense this year as Beijing seeks to assert its maritime dominance in the South China Sea.

“Dialogues can only succeed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and sincerity between two sovereign nations. The Philippines is ready to reciprocate provided that the bullying, harassment, and aggressive actions are ended immediately,” NSC spokesperson and Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a statement.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday said China was open to a dialogue, stressing her government was ready to work with the Philippines to handle maritime issues through negotiation and consultation.

But Mao, at the same time, asserted Beijing’s claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including those within the 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.

“China will not weaken in its resolve to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” she said.

“For months, the Philippines has been making provocations on Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) and other issues and drawing forces outside the region into those issues. China is compelled under those circumstances to take necessary measures to firmly respond to it,” she said.

Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal is a low-tide elevation within the Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf, one of the country’s nine occupied features in the Kalayaan Island Group, or the Spratlys. Chinese ships have been harassing resupply vessels to BRP Sierra Madre, the grounded warship that serves as a Philippine military outpost in Ayungin.

“We welcome China’s offer of dialogue, negotiation, and consultation but for it to prosper, China must immediately stop its bullying, aggressive actions, and illegal moves in the West Philippine Sea which seriously undermine… regional peace and security,” Malaya said.

A 2016 arbitral ruling voided China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, but Beijing has refused to recognize the decision.

Root of tensions

According to Malaya, China is “the only country that believes its own propaganda” and no single nation has expressed support for its so-called 10-dash line that supposedly defines China’s territory.

The boundaries set by China overlap into the exclusive economic zones of rival claimants like the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

“The root of all these tensions is its non-adherence to international law, Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), and the 2016 Arbitral Award. As the world has seen, it is not the Philippines that has been engaged in provocations, bullying and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea,” Malaya said.

“It is not the Philippines that has been doing laser pointing, water cannoning, dangerous maneuvers, blocking, swarming, etc. In fact, the Philippines has been very restrained and responsible but the same cannot be said of China,” he said.

Chinese activities against Philippine vessels, harassment of fishermen and other activities “that infringe… upon the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea are clear violations of international law,” he added.

Last week, the top diplomats of the Philippines and China spoke by telephone where they discussed the territorial disputes.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, “noted the importance of dialogue” in addressing the issues of concern.

Wang earlier accused the Philippines of “constantly provoking trouble at sea and undermining China’s legitimate and lawful rights.”

Domestic law

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar, meanwhile, said Beijing was the one “committing all the violations” at sea, in response to accusations by China’s state-controlled newspaper, the People’s Daily, that the Philippines was stirring tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“The Philippines relies on the support of external forces, ignores China’s goodwill and restraint, and repeatedly provokes China’s principles and bottom line,” said the commentary.

But Aguilar, at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program by state-run People’s Television, said: “The Philippines is not provoking conflict. We follow international law and we are only implementing our domestic law, meaning the limits of our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone where we have sovereign rights.”

He accused China of starting hostile actions that sometimes risk collisions at sea.

The Philippines, Aguilar said, is boosting its alliances and has the support of other nations because its claims are backed by international law, including Unclos. —WITH A REPORT FROM REUTERS

Vigilance is better than cure

 

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:03 AM December 10, 2023

Don’t worry, don’t panic. This essentially was the message of the Department of Health (DOH) in addressing concerns over the detected cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae or “walking pneumonia” in the country. The four patients diagnosed with the disease have already recovered, it said, and that such cases were “not new.”

“Only 4 (0.08 percent) of the confirmed [influenza-like illnesses] cases from January up to Nov. 25, 2023 were due to M. pneumoniae or ‘walking pneumonia’ … More than half of confirmed ILI cases were due to other well-known and commonly detected pathogens,” the DOH said in a statement. It noted that one case of mycoplasma pneumoniae was reported in January, another in July, and two more in September.

Three years of anxiety

But who can blame Filipinos for being skeptical, even paranoid, given the DOH’s track record? It has only been a few months since the global health emergency over COVID-19 was lifted and the local economy started to recover, but the public has not forgotten the three years of anxiety and uncertainties marked by the loss of jobs caused by the economic slowdown, and worse, the loss of lives due to the coronavirus. In early 2020, when COVID-19 was first detected in the country, the DOH said it was on top of the situation. It had to take one death—the first death from the coronavirus outside China where it originated—before the government took drastic measures and imposed a travel ban on international flights and, by then, the virus had already spread. The government would eventually impose the world’s longest lockdown.

Indeed, there might be no need to panic since seasonal influenza or the flu is common at this time of the year. There is also the assumption that the government has learned its lessons from the COVID-19 crisis—but apparently not. The DOH reported a 45-percent increase in influenza-like illnesses from Jan. 1 to Oct. 13, or a total of 151,375 cases; however, this has only been highlighted following reports of walking pneumonia in other parts of the world. Moreover, the DOH admitted that some cases may not have been officially categorized as walking pneumonia because doctors administered antibiotics right away and no longer recommended further tests for the patients. Clearly, there is still a lack of transparency in health reporting as well as thorough checking of viruses by health authorities.

No cause for alarm

Mycoplasma pneumoniae, described as an “atypical” bacterium that causes lung infection, has been detected in China, Denmark, France, and the United States, among others. In the United Kingdom, there has been a rise in pertussis or whooping cough, a bacterial infection of the lungs. Health officials have so far found no cause for alarm and these cases have been attributed to normal seasonal increases in viral and bacterial disease and the easing of restrictions that has seen the return of normal public interactions and habits.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae symptoms include fatigue, sore throat or pharyngitis, low fever, chest pain, cough, sneezing, and headache—signs that are similar to other respiratory conditions like bronchitis, flu, and the common cold. Doctors warned that the coughing up of a mix of mucus and saliva can persist beyond seven days, unlike common viral infections that last only five days. The DOH said that while the infection can be mild, vulnerable individuals can be at risk of developing a more severe form of health condition.

The national government has not issued any directive yet but the DOH has advised Filipinos to wear masks again and observe other preventive measures including handwashing, ensuring adequate ventilation, and vaccination. The Bureau of Corrections has reimposed the mandatory face mask policy within its facilities, especially in the New Bilibid Prison, which has major congestion problems that could pose risks to inmates when respiratory infections spread.

Like headless chickens

By now, the government should be proactive in preventing the rise of infectious diseases, checking hospital preparedness, and accelerating vaccination efforts. That bizarre waves of bacterial infections have been observed in other parts of the world warrants the government, particularly the DOH, to be more vigilant and not take chances. We don’t want to see our health system being overwhelmed again and health authorities running around like headless chickens while billions in taxpayer money are lost to inflated purchases and other forms of corruption. The public, too, should do their part. In countries like Japan, wearing a mask has been the default precaution taken at the first sign of flu—that should also be the case here, especially during the busy holiday season when malls are packed making it easy to catch a virus.

COVID should have taught us that we cannot take our health for granted, and taught our government that, indeed, prevention—as well as transparency and extra vigilance— is always more practical and less expensive than cure.

Mindanao folk uneasy amid strong aftershocks

 

SAFER HERE Residents of Barangay Bitoon in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, on Monday set up makeshift shelters in a school ground for fear of staying in their houses, which might give way to strong aftershocks in the wake of Saturday’s magnitude 7.4 earthquake. —ERWIN M. MASCARIÑAS

By: Germelina Lacorte - @inquirerdotnetPhilippine Daily Inquirer / 04:40 AM December 05, 2023

DAVAO CITY — Residents in several areas in Mindanao could not rest after another strong earthquake struck Surigao del Sur on Monday, amid the continuing strong aftershocks from the main magnitude 7.4 tremor that hit off the province’s town of Hinatuan on Saturday.

The aftershocks from the magnitude 7.4 quake were also strong, reverberating in many areas across the Surigao and Agusan provinces, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recording close to 2,000 aftershocks as of Monday.

The series of quakes have prompted many residents in Surigao del Sur, particularly in the town of Hinatuan, to avoid staying indoors and instead move into makeshift tents set up outside their homes and nearby school grounds.

At 3:49 a.m. on Monday, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Cagwait town in Surigao del Sur, at a depth of 30 kilometers (18 miles), some 72 km northeast of the town, the Phivolcs said.

It was felt at Intensity 5 in Cagwait; Intensity 4 in Surigao del Sur’s Tandag City and in Tarragona town of Davao Oriental; and at Intensity 3 in Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City, and in Davao Oriental’s towns of Banaybanay and Lupon and Mati City. This was the second strong earthquake to hit Surigao del Sur and the latest in a slew of strong quakes—all concentrated in the same area—days after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of Hinatuan on Dec. 2.

From the Cagwait quake, the Phivolcs recorded 190 aftershocks, as of 1 p.m. on Monday, ranging from 1.8 in magnitude to 5.7 in magnitude.

Class suspension

On Monday, some local government units in Mindanao affected by the magnitude 7.4 quake called off classes while school buildings and other private and government structures underwent safety inspections.

In Davao City, Acting Mayor Melchor Quitain, who suspended classes in public schools and implemented a work-from-home scheme in all government offices, said it was done to safeguard the welfare of the public. This developed as Phivolcs recorded a total of 1,898 aftershocks as of 1 p.m. on Monday, with magnitude, ranging from 1.4 to 6.6, as monitored by the Phivolcs Bislig City station.

In Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur province, Mayor Kirk Asis suspended classes at all levels, both in public and private schools on Monday to give way for a thorough inspection of public infrastructures and to assess the damage that the city had incurred. Some cracks have been noted in the city’s Catholic church building, while part of Prince Supermarket’s facade had collapsed, following Saturday’s quake.

The Davao del Norte provincial disaster risk reduction and management office also reported the suspension of in-person classes at all levels in the cities of Panabo and Samal Island and the towns of Braulio E. Dujali, Asuncion, Carment, Santo Tomas, and New Corella to give way to building assessment.

In Mati City, Davao Oriental’s provincial capital, Mayor Michelle Rabat suspended all classes in public schools on Monday, even as the 2,697 people who fled their houses after the quake had returned home on Sunday after the Phivolcs lifted its tsunami alert.

In Agusan del Sur, residents asked the provincial and local governments to provide vehicles to fetch students in other areas of Mindanao affected by the Dec. 2 earthquake.

Panicking

Police Staff Sgt. Joseph Lambo of the Hinatuan police said Sunday evening’s strong quake sent people rushing out of their homes again.

“They were panicking due to the memory of the previous night’s quake,” Lambo told Agence France-Presse (AFP). He said police were checking for any further damage or casualties.

Saturday’s quake triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific region and sent residents along the east coast of Mindanao fleeing buildings, evacuating a hospital, and seeking higher ground.

There have been no reports of major damage to buildings or infrastructure so far, disaster officials told AFP earlier on Sunday.

A 30-year-old man died in Bislig City, also in Surigao del Sur, when a wall inside his house collapsed on top of him, said local disaster official Pacifica Pedraverde.

Some roads in the city were cracked during the earthquake and aftershocks but vehicles could still drive on them, she said.

A pregnant woman was killed in Tagum City in Davao del Norte province, the national disaster agency said, without providing details.

Two people suffered minor injuries from falling debris in Tandag City, about 100 km north of Bislig, an official said.

The Phivolcs initially warned of a “destructive tsunami” after the first quake on Saturday, expecting “life-threatening” waves, though none occurred and the warning later ended.

The recent temblors came some two weeks after a magnitude 6.7 quake hit Mindanao, killing at least nine people, shaking buildings and causing part of a shopping mall ceiling to collapse.