Metro Manila could see more ‘ups and downs’ in new Covid-19 cases until end-2022 — OCTA

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, Manila Bulletin

(OCTA RESEARCH FELLOW DR. GUIDO DAVID / TWITTER)

OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said that Metro Manila may continue to see a fluctuating number of new Covid-19 cases toward the end of the year.

In an update shared on Twitter on Monday, Oct. 10, David said the seven-day average of new Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila dropped to 863 on Oct. 9, from 1,057 on Oct. 2.

This translates to a one-week growth rate of negative (-) 18 percent.

David also pointed out that Metro Manila’s average daily attack rate (ADAR) dropped to 5.99 per 100,000, which is considered “low.”

ADAR or incidence rate refers to the number of new daily cases per 100,000 population.

“We hope that cases in the NCR (National Capital Region) continue to decrease, but with new subvariants coming in, a wall of immunity that is not solid, and the increasing numbers in other parts of the country, we might expect to see more ups and downs in new Covid cases towards the end of the year,” David said.

In OCTA’s monitoring, Metro Manila’s seven-day positivity rate—or the number of individuals who yielded positive results from among those who have been tested for Covid-19–was recorded at 17.9 percent on Oct. 8, down from a peak positivity rate of 19.1 percent on Oct. 1.

Moreover, the region’s reproduction number—or the average number of secondary infections per infected individual—dropped from 1.10 on Sept. 29 to 0.99 on Oct. 6.

“Healthcare utilization for Covid-19 remained low at 36 percent, while ICU occupancy also remained low at 28 percent—both are as of Oct. 8,” David said.

200 boat operators take part in annual Regatta de Zamboanga

Published October 10, 2022, 7:03 AM

by Liza Abubakar-Jocson

ZAMBOANGA CITY — More than 200 boat operators participated in this year’s Regatta de Zamboanga, an exciting race of colorful vintas or the traditional outrigger boat from Mindanao held along waters fronting RT LIm Boulevard on Sunday, Oct. 9.

More than 100 colorful vintas line up along waters fronting RT Lim Boulevard in Zamboanga City prior to the Regatta de Zamboanga, Zamboanga City’s most exciting boat race.  (Zambo LGU photo)

More than 100 colorful vintas line up along waters fronting RT Lim Boulevard in Zamboanga City prior to the Regatta de Zamboanga, Zamboanga City’s most exciting boat race.  (Zambo LGU photo)

Crowds of Zamboanga residents and visitors came in for the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, forming a long line at the boulevard to witness the traditional boat racing event.

Participants are mostly fishermen who come from Zamboanga city’s coastal barangays who have practiced for several months prior to the race and who have decorated their boats with attractive sails representative of the vintas.

An undefeated champion for several years, Danny Ladja and his assistant from Barangay Sinunuc won this year’s grand prize of P50,000.

Four other winners from the barangays of Sinunuc and Mariki took home cash prizes ranging from P35,000 to P10,000.

This is the first Regatta de Zamboanga held after a two-year hiatus brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

LPA east of Cagayan may develop into tropical depression; another LPA monitored outside PAR — PAGASA

Published October 10, 2022, 8:32 AM

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, Manila Bulletin

(MANILA BULLETIN)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday morning, Oct. 10, said that the low pressure area (LPA) inside the country’s area of responsibility may develop into a tropical depression within 48 hours.

The next tropical cyclone name on PAGASA’s list is Maymay.

In its 6 a.m. weather advisory, PAGASA said the LPA was last seen 450 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City.

It said that the LPA, together with the shear line, will bring moderate to heavy rains over Cagayan, while Batanes, northern portion of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, and Ilocos Norte will have light to heavy rains.

“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in areas with significant antecedent rainfall,” PAGASA warned.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Moreover, weather specialist Obet Badrina said PAGASA is also monitoring another LPA outside the country’s area of responsibility.

As of Monday morning, the LPA was located 1,880 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas and has no direct effect yet on the country.

Be always guided by faith

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

IN the gospel, there is a part where Christ lamented about the lack of faith of the people. “This generation is an evil generation,” he said. “It seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” (Lk 11,29)

We need to understand that faith is the original and ultimate source of truth about everything—about God, about ourselves, about the world and the whole of creation. We need to understand that faith is a gift from God the Creator who wishes to share his knowledge of everything with us who have been created to be like him, his image and likeness, sharers of his divine life and nature.

Faith gives us the overall picture of things. While it has to be learned, and the learning process obviously requires certain stages, not to mention tremendous effort also, we need to understand that the pursuit to have the fullness of faith should be of prime importance to us. We need to do everything to acquire that faith in its fullness.

We have to be wary of our tendency to set aside faith or at least to have recourse to it only from time to time, because we may feel that with our human knowledge brought about by our sciences, technologies, philosophies and ideologies, etc., we can already be on our own and declare some independence from God and from the faith that he gives us.

Part of the problem we have in this regard is that belief that by resorting to faith, we would be undermining our human powers, our capacity to know, our reason, etc. Nothing can be father from the truth. Faith, in fact, requires the full use of our human faculties. It does not do away with them, nor treat them as unimportant. Faith would not be faith if it ignores our reason.

We just have to realize that our reason alone cannot cope with all the reality and the truths that are relevant to us. These are truths that are spiritual and supernatural in character, and therefore are beyond what our human powers can handle.

But despite the limitations of our human powers, we have the capacity to live by faith if only we are humble enough to accept the truths of our faith since they are given to us not just by a human authority but by God himself who reveals himself in Christ who in turns makes himself present and actively intervening in our lives, through the Church and the many instrumentalities in the Church.

For this, we really need to have a living contact with Christ who is the fullness of God’s revelation to us. He is the substance, the content and the spirit of our faith. So, the first thing that we have to do is to always look for him in whatever thing we are thinking, saying or doing.

We need to check our attitudes and dispositions. Do we really look for him, in the manner spelled out by Christ himself, that is, with constancy and determination? Christ said: “Ask, and it shall be given you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Mt 7,7)

What obviously would help is the habit of reading and meditating on the gospel, at least for a few minutes everyday. In that way, we get to know Christ better, and to familiarize ourselves with his words, deeds and reactions to the different situations he encountered. Let’s remember that since he is “the way, the truth and the life,” everything in him will always be a guide to us.

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Is there a language barrier between people in the Philippines?

Bisaya

Proud Bisaya Ko

No matter where you go in the world, communication is key to forming connections with others. And while there may be language barriers that prevent some people from understanding one another, there are always ways to overcome these obstacles. In the Philippines, for example, many people speak English as a second language. This can be helpful for those who are looking to communicate with others from different parts of the world.However, it can also create some challenges. While most Filipinos can understand and speak English, there may be some instances where communication breakdowns occur. But these moments are often just a matter of patience and understanding. By taking the time to listen and be open-minded, we can bridge any language barrier and create lasting connections with others.

Still ‘more fun’ in PH despite post-pandemic effect, says tourism chief

by Jun Marcos Tadios, Manila Bulletin

With the constant recognition being given Philippine tourism as the top destination in Asia, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said on, Friday, Oct. 7, that the country was finally overcoming the post-pandemic upshot of the Covid-19 crisis.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (Photo by DOT)

Frasco made her manifestation during the deliberation of the proposed P3.573-billion budget of the DOT and its attached agencies before the Senate Committee on Finance.

Frasco said they had presented the programs and plans of the DOT to transform the tourism industry into a significant economic pillar through institutional development.

She stated that this was envisioned as the department’s commitment to promoting the direction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“We also presented that we are heralding the Filipino brand to the world by highlighting the best qualities of our country and the Filipino people,” said Frasco.

The DOT chief reiterated that they would continue to promote the country’s tourism capability despite the continuing adverse effect of the global pandemic on the tourism industry.

“While the promotion of the Philippines will not entirely change in the sense that we will continue to market that it is indeed more fun here, we are growing, we are evolving — as the entire world has post-pandemic — to introduce and highlight also the beauty of our culture, the substantial and immersive experience we can offer, and the strength of our identity as a nation,” Frasco uttered.

She thanked the Committee on Finance Subcommittee on Tourism, chaired by Senator Nancy Binay, and all the senators who supported their budget for the fiscal year 2023.

The DOT and its attached agencies and corporations have a total recommended budget amounting to P3.573 billion, which is 27.87 percent higher than this year’s appropriations.

The DOT’s proposed budget has been endorsed to Senate’s plenary for debate.

The Philippines has consistently been hailed as among the best tourist destinations in the world. The latest feat came from the 2022 World Travel Awards (WTA) in Vietnam which proclaimed the Philippines as Asia’s leading dive and beach destination, and Intramuros as Asia’s leading tourist attraction. 

Sarangani seeks to plant 1 M trees in 3 years

by Joseph Jubelag, Manila Bulletin

ALABEL, Sarangani – The Sarangani provincial government launched on Wednesday, Oct. 5, a reforestation program that seeks to plant and grow some one million trees across the province in the next three years.

SARANGANI Gov. Ruel Pacquiao and wife, Jobelle, lead the launching of the One Million tree-planting project in Barangay Bagacay, Alabel, Sarangani on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

Provincial officials led by Gov. Ruel Pacquiao attended the kick-off ceremony of the Sarangani One Million Trees project at the watershed areas of Barangay Bacagay here.

Hundreds of local officials, national government employees, and non-government organizations planted some 1,000 seedlings of iron bamboo and fruit trees, including coffee, langka, durian, rambutan, and lanzones.

Pacquiao urged residents and community stakeholders to take part in the environmental project.

“It could be a long way to go, but with the support of the community stakeholders, we can possibly save the depleting watershed of the province,” he said.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Rolando Tuballes said the provincial government launched the environmental protection program amid a study conducted by the USAID-Safe Water Project that showed that some 20,000 hectares of the province’s forest covers have been degraded from 2015 to 2020.

He said the degradation had caused soil erosion and siltation triggered by perennial flooding.

“The massive tree-planting and tree-growing project for the next three years will intensify the reforestation of the denuded watershed areas which aimed to improve the quantity and quality of the province’s water supply,” Tuballes said.

LTFRB Chair Garafil is new Press Usec, OIC

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos, Manila Bulletin

As the public awaits the announcement as to who would the next press secretary be, Malacañang confirmed that Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairperson Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil is now the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS).

Office of the Press Secretary undersecretary Officer-in-Charge Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil. (LTFRB photo)

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said this a day after President Marcos said that the shortlist for the next press secretary is now down to three people.

In a text message, Bersamin said “yes” when asked if Garafil resigned from her post and will be an undersecretary at the OPS and serve as its OIC, while Marcos has yet to name the new press secretary.

In a statement, Garafil said she resigned from her post on Friday, October 7, after accepting the offer to help the OPS as its Undersecretary and OIC.

“This is a great honor and privilege, and I thank the President for this opportunity to once again work with him in his administration to serve the Filipino people,” she said.

The press secretary post has been vacant since Tuesday, October 5, following the resignation of lawyer Trixie Cruz-Angeles supposedly due to health reasons.

Angeles was one of the officials that the Commission on Appointments (CA) bypassed last week. This came after Bersamin was appointed as the new executive secretary, replacing long-time Marcos ally Vic Rodriguez.

On October 6, Marcos said they would be naming the next press secretary “early next week” after revealing that they had narrowed the list to three people.

While he refused to identify the people on the list, he said that the next press secretary should be a “friend of the media,” preferably a journalist or a media practitioner who can effectively deliver the government’s message to the public.

“Yung kaibigan ninyo (They should be your friend),” he said.

“You need somebody who is very experienced in the… probably a journalist or a media practitioner. Yun naman ang kailangan (That’s what we need),” he added.

Reports surfaced that Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) head of Government Relations Mike Toledo, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) director Gilbert Remulla, and director Paul Soriano were being considered as Angeles’ replacement as Press Secretary.

Chavez confirmed he was being considered for the post and was thinking about it. On the other hand, Toledo is open to returning as Press Secretary. Toledo served in the same position during the Estrada Administration.

Meanwhile, Soriano confirmed to ABS-CBN News that he was being considered but said he preferred to work behind the scenes. Remulla told GMA News Online that he was in the process of “deep discernment,” but he was concentrating on his role in PAGCOR.

Chavez, Toledo, Soriano, and Remulla all have media backgrounds.

Liverpool to host 2023 Eurovision song contest

Published October 8, 2022, 9:28 AM

by Agence-France-Presse

LONDON (AFP) – The Beatles’ home city of Liverpool will hold the 2023 Eurovision song contest next May, the BBC announced on Friday, after Britain stepped in to host the event due to the war in Ukraine.

“It’s Liverpool, 13th May,” said the BBC’s Eurovision show presenter Graham Norton announcing the result live on television after the shortlist was whittled down to Liverpool or Glasgow.

Singer Sonia Evans, who hails from Liverpool and came second for the UK in the 1993 contest, said she was “absolutely over the moon” by the choice.

“We are going to have the biggest party ever,” she said.

“Liverpool has the music history of the whole world. It ticks all the boxes.”

The northwestern English city was famously home to the Beatles as well as a host of other big names from Gerry and the Pacemakers to Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

“A welcoming city with a proud musical heritage, Liverpool will put on an unforgettable show which celebrates the rich culture and creativity of Ukraine,” tweeted British Prime Minister Liz Truss.

Ukraine had been due to host the contest after Ukrainian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra in May won the Eurovision crown, on a wave of support for their country following Russia’s invasion.

The group beat 24 competitors in the finale in Turin with “Stefania”, a rap lullaby combining Ukrainian folk and modern hip-hop rhythms.

“Please help Ukraine and Mariupol! Help Azоvstal right now,” frontman Oleh Psiuk appealed in English from the stage, referring to the port city’s steelworks where Ukrainian soldiers had been surrounded by Russian forces for weeks.

Britain’s entrant Sam Ryder came second with his quirky song “Space Man”.

But despite protests from President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which runs Eurovision, in June ruled that Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of the more than 10,000 people involved in the production and a further 30,000 fans expected to attend.

– ‘You’ll do Ukraine proud’ –
“We did it!” said Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson on Twitter after the announcement.

“Liverpool is honoured to be hosting Eurovision 2023 on behalf of Ukraine… now begins the work on organising the party.”

The BBC confirmed the semi finals would take place in the city on May 9 and 11, with the grand final on May 13.

Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon tweeted her best wishes to Liverpool after Scotland’s second city of Glasgow lost out.

“Congratulations, Liverpool. Gutted for Glasgow, but no doubt you’ll do Eurovision and Ukraine proud,” she wrote.

The government in Kyiv had originally vowed to fight the decision not to allow it to play host but later agreed to a UK-hosted event with a strongly Ukrainian flavour.

Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko said that after “several rounds” of discussion, the EBU had given assurances of an “extremely high integration of Ukrainian context and presenters”.

British prime minister Boris Johnson at the time said that it had been agreed with Zelensky that “wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine”.

“As we are now hosts, the UK will honour that pledge directly -– and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends,” Johnson added.

Eurovision is the world’s biggest live music event, taking in performers from across Europe and Central Asia as well as Israel and Australia.

It will be produced in the UK by the BBC.

In line with Eurovision rules, Ukraine is still guaranteed a place in the 2023 grand final along with the EBU’s “top five” countries: Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

The UK has previously hosted the contest eight times, including four times in London.

The last time was in Birmingham in central England in 1998.

PHILIPPINES RECEIVES DESTINATION OF THE YEAR AWARD AT ASIA-PACIFIC’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS TRAVEL INDUSTRY EVENT

Philippines Receives Destination of the Year Award at Asia-Pacific’s Most Prestigious Travel Industry Event- The Philippines won the prestigious Destination of the Year Award during the 31st TTG Travel Awards 2022 Ceremony and Gala Dinner held at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand on 22 September 2022. Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Millicent Cruz Paredes received the award on behalf of the Philippines.

In her acceptance speech, Ambassador Paredes invited the audience to experience firsthand why the Philippines is the TTG Destination of the Year, and to see, touch and taste for themselves the offerings of over 7,600 islands of the Philippines, with its vibrant culture and the warm hospitality of the Filipino people.

Ambassador Paredes honored the hard work of all the stakeholders of the Philippine travel industry, with the award validating their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to strengthen the Philippine tourism industry. She also praised their resolve to soldier on toward a Philippine tourism industry that is stronger, better and more worthy of the recognition.

The Destination of the Year is awarded to the most outstanding destination for taking proactive steps and initiatives for the development and promotion of the travel industry. This is the second time the Philippines has received the award, having previously won in 2014.

TTG Travel Awards, organized annually since 1989 by TTG Asia, aims to recognize the best in the travel industry across the Asia-Pacific region. This year’s ceremony, held in person after a two-year hiatus, honored winners in three categories: Travel Supplier Award, Travel Agency Awards, and Outstanding Achievement Awards.

At the awards ceremony, Ambassador Paredes was joined by the Philippine tourism delegation composed of representatives from the Tourism Promotions Board and 16 MICE Exhibitors. END

For more information, visit https://www.bangkokpe.dfa.gov.ph  or https://www.facebook.com/PHinThailand/.