DOH: PH's 1st XBB.1.5 case a Filipino with no travel history

Philstar.com

This undated National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH handout photo obtained August 1, 2021, shows a transmission electron color-enhanced micrograph of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles, isolated from a patient.

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s first confirmed case of Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 was a Filipino with no recent travel history, the Department of Health said on Tuesday.

“This is a local detection. There was no history of any type of travel. His exposure is unknown,” Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a briefing. The patient had already recovered after experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19.

Vergeire added that the patient’s close contacts were all asymptomatic.

Experts suggest that XBB.1.5 — an offshoot of the Omicron XBB subvariant — is the most transmissible variant of the virus that causes COVID-19.

The World Health Organization’s rapid risk assessment showed there is moderate-strength evidence for XBB.1.5’s increased risk of transmission and immune escape. However, studies do not suggest any differences in disease severity compared to the original Omicron variant.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control classified XBB.1.5 as a variant of interest.

Monitoring CH.1.1

In the same briefing, Vergeire said the department is closely monitoring CH.1.1, a sublineage currently reported under Omicron BA.2.75.

WHO classified CH.1.1 as a variant under monitoring. It has a mutation seen in the Delta variant, which was found to be more transmissible and potentially more severe than the original strain of the virus that causes COVID-19.

The Philippines has so far detected three CH.1.1 cases.

“We will continuously monitor the situation. There are safeguards such as strengthened surveillance because we’d like to monitor the effects of newer subvariant in the country,” Vergeire said.

In an update sent to reporters, the DOH said all areas in the country have started to show plateauing in recent days. It added that while the decline in intensive care unit admissions has slowed down, the number of severe or critical admissions remains on a downward trend in recent weeks.

The Philippines recorded 1,101 additional COVID-19 infections and 98 fatalities in the past week. There are currently 9,137 active cases.

IBP members set mandatory national convention in Davao City Feb. 16-18

by Jeffrey Damicog, MB

Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) 

After four years, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) is set to hold its first in-person mandatory national convention for lawyers starting Thursday, Feb. 16, in Davao City.

“More than 3,500 lawyers are expected to attend one of the biggest gatherings held by the IBP thus far,” the IBP said in a statement.

It said the event will be held at the SMX Convention Center until Feb. 18.

The IBP, the official national organization of lawyers founded in 1973, will also be celebrating its golden anniversary with the theme “IBP at 50: Looking Back, Moving Forward.”

ADVERTISEMENT

It said the Davao City event will provide “a forum for discussion on the IBP’s former leaders and the significant events and programs that have shaped the IBP, the legal profession, and the rule of law in our nation, as well as how all of these have affected the administration of justice.”

It also said the convention will “cover topics about the IBP’s activities, allowing a chance for the leadership to accept resolutions from the membership during the plenary session on proposals about the IBP, much like any event where the topic of justice is at the center of the debate.”

“Moreover, the 2023 National Convention of Lawyers will also be a chance for the attendees and participants to engage in meaningful discourse with the members of the Supreme Court and the judiciary, in eager anticipation of what the future holds for the IBP and the legal profession as a whole,” it added.

Rising seas threaten exodus of ‘biblical’ scale — UN

by Agence-France-Presse

An aerial photo taken on February 14, 2023 shows the Waiohiki bridge and surrounds inundated by the Tutaekuri River after Cyclone Gabrielle made landfall near the city of Napier. New Zealand declared a national state of emergency on February 14 as Cyclone Gabrielle swept away roads, inundated homes and left more than 100,000 people without power. (STR/AFP)

UNITED NATIONS — The UN Secretary-General warned Tuesday that global warming could force a mass exodus “on a biblical scale” as people flee low-lying communities and called for legal frameworks to be implemented in preparation, especially for refugees. 

“The danger is especially acute for nearly 900 million people who live in coastal zones at low elevations — that’s one out of ten people on Earth,” Antonio Guterres told the UN Security Council.

“Low-lying communities and entire countries could disappear forever… We would witness a mass exodus of entire populations on a biblical scale,” he said.

It is not only small island states at risk as sea levels rise, he added.

Countries such as Bangladesh, China, India and the Netherlands are all in danger, Guterres said, while “mega-cities on every continent will face serious impacts” — from Cairo to Jakarta to Los Angeles to Copenhagen.

ADVERTISEMENT

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says sea levels rose by 15-25 centimeters (6-10 inches) between 1900 and 2018.

If the world warms by just two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) compared to the pre-industrial era, then those levels will rise again by 43 centimeters by the year 2100.

But if it warms by three or four degrees Celsius, sea levels could rise by as much as 84 centimeters, the IPCC says.

The problem must be addressed “across legal and human rights frameworks,” Guterres warned.

Rising sea levels means shrinking land mass, he said, which could drive possible disputes over land and maritime space.

“The current legal regime must look to the future and address any gaps in existing frameworks,” including in international refugee law, he said. 

It must also provide for the future of states that face losing their land territory completely.

Guterres said the Security Council has a “critical” role to play in addressing “the devastating security challenges arising from rising seas.”

The issue has been controversial in the past: In 2021, Russia vetoed a resolution linking climate change and global security, which was supported by the majority of the Council members.

Francis Toral named new head of ABS-CBN News, Nadia Trinidad is News Digital Media head

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Francis Toral

ABS-CBN has appointed Mary Anne Francis Toral as the new head of ABS-CBN News, succeeding Regina “Ging” Reyes who retired on Dec. 31, 2022.

Prior to her appointment, Francis served as ABS-CBN’s News Production head and was instrumental in the successful 2022 Halalan marathon coverage. She also led ABS-CBN News’ DocuCentral group that produced several award-winning documentaries, including “Di Ka Pasisiil,” a documentary on the Marawi siege that won a Gold World Medal in the New York Festivals – World’s Best TV & Films in 2018.

During her tenure as ABS-CBN head of Breaking News and Live Events, Francis was also responsible for the special coverage of the Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines in 2015 and “PILIPINAS 2016,” the Presidential Town Hall Debate held in Pangasinan. 

Dan ‘Baroy’ Morga

Francis, a 25-year veteran of ABS-CBN News, rose from the ranks and produced various programs including “The World Tonight” with Angelo Castro Jr. and Tina Monzon Palma, “Talkback” with Tina Monzon Palma, and “Beyond Politics” with Lynda Jumilla.

She graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Broadcast Communication in 1998. In 2009, Francis was awarded the Benigno and Corazon Aquino Fellowship by the United States Embassy in Manila.

Meanwhile, Nadia Trinidad has been appointed as News Digital Media head, and will now be responsible for ABS-CBN News Online and its digital news properties. Nadia was previously the head of the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) prior to her new appointment.

Nadia Trinidad

She began her career as a reporter and news advisory anchor for Studio 23 and eventually took on bigger roles including being the North America Bureau chief in 2011, News Production head in 2013, and managing director in 2021. Nadia is a Communication graduate of Ateneo De Manila University and holds a postgraduate degree from Stanford University as a John S. Knight Journalism Fellow.

ADVERTISEMENT

She succeeds Lynda Jumilla who retired last Dec. 31 after serving as news digital head for three years. A veteran broadcast journalist, Lynda was named the Marshall McLuhan fellow in 2012 by the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines. She was the anchor of “Beyond Politics” on ANC and previously served as ABS-CBN chief of reporters.

Taking the helm as the new ANC head is Alvaro Dan “Baroy” Morga. He will be in-charge of ANC’s content production and lead its editorial production teams. He previously served as ABS-CBN News’ head of Strategy and New Business. Baroy graduated with a degree in Economics from Ateneo De Manila University.

World’s Most Dangerous Roads | Philippines, Serpentines | Free Documentary

7,428,519 views Jul 4, 2021 #MostDangerousRoads #FreeDocumentary #Documentary

World’s Most Dangerous Roads | Philippines' Serpentines (2014)

Higher bread prices take effect today

by Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, MB

Big bakers will start implementing higher prices on Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal today, Valentine’s Day, almost a week after the Department of Trade Industry announced price adjustments in the suggested retail price (SRP) on basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs).

Jerry Lao, president of the Philippine Baking Industry Group (PhilBaking), said the 450-gram Pinoy Tasty will have a new price tag of P40.50 with P2 price hike per loaf and the ten-piece pack Pinoy Pandesal at P38.50 with P1.50 increase starting today. 

“Effective day of increase is tomorrow,” Lao said, as he explained that the implementation schedule will depend on the cut off date of respective supermarkets that their group members are serving.

Lao, however, said that the price increase granted was only half of the amount they requested since last year with the DTI. This means, he said, they will still pursue the balance of their petition.

“We are going to appeal after the implementation of the first tranche, we will ask them (DTI) when is the next balance,” he said.

At present, he said, bakers are supposed to get P8 price adjustment because the price of flour already went up to P1,050 per bag of 25-kilogram wheat flour from only P800 before August last year. The price of flour went up due to several factors including supply chain disruption due to the Russian war in Ukraine and the depreciation of the peso. The rule of thumb is that for every P40 increase in flour prices is a corresponding P1 price hike in loaf bread.

ADVERTISEMENT

But PhilBaking members sought for a P6 price adjustment for Pinoy Tasty but got P2. They also sought for P3 price increase for Pinoy Pandesal but got only half of what they wanted based on the SRP released by DTI on Feb. 8. The price increase they sought did not yet include higher cost of fuel, sugar, and other ingredients, Lao pointed out.

Demand this year is also very uncertain although the full reopening of classes is expected to boost sales.

Sales in December last year was dismal compared to the previous 2021 as more people went home to the provinces and there was a marked decline in foot traffic at the supermarkets last Christmas season. January and February were also quiet, he said.

Personally though, his company’s Tiffany brand was able to post a 10 percent increase in sales last year.

“Hopefully, sales for the rest of the year would perk up with the opening of classes,” Lao said.

Meantime, the Filipino Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI) President Gerik Chua and past President Henry Ah and other officers announced the much-awaited “Bakery Fair 2023” on March 2, 3 and 4, 2023 at the World Trade Center on hopes to fully revive the baking industry in the country. 

“This is a comeback fair,” said Chua noting that the Bakery Fair 2023 is the first after four years and after the pandemic. “This signals the revival of the Philippine baking industry despite inflation and other challenges,” said Chua.

The “Bakery Fair” is the biennial (once every two years) civic project of the FCBAI to promote and uplift the Philippines bakery industry and support socio-economic development.

The biggest and most star-studded Philippine bakery event, Bakery Fair 2023 has 136 exhibitors covering 10,000 square meters or one hectare of the World Trade Center. There shall also be many educational technical seminars by different top bakery industry-related companies, bakers, chefs and experts.

One of the exciting events of Bakery Fair 2023 is the “FCBAI Bakers Cup Wedding Cake Competition 2023”, which is a comeback after the pandemic and it shall showcase exciting and awesome wedding cake creations of “Kasalang Pinoy” theme. Be mesmerized with the bakers’ amazing creations using fondant, royal icing, gum paste and many more. This is one of the most awaited events of the year, wherein the first prize winner will have a chance to receive a prize worth P80,000 pesos. Winners shall be announced on March 2 and the wedding cakes of finalists shall be on exhibit throughout Bakery Fair 2023.

Another important event in Bakery Fair 2023 is “Angel Cup 2023”. The Angel Cup-Bread Display Competition highlights the making of Bread Showpiece, Artisan Bread, Healthy Bread and Sweet Dough with dough filling.

Love in the time of tech

Published February 14, 2023, 12:05 AM

by Manila Bulletin

For generations, artists, writers, even scientists have tried their best to define “love.” From “love is blind” to “love is a many splendored thing,” humanity’s motivation to wake up and live another day, to become better, to fight for a cause or to stand down for others is motivated in some ways by love. After all, love has many facets — love for a Higher Being, for country, for family and friends, for a partner, and of course, love for oneself.

Today is Valentine’s of 2023. It may be one of the usual Valentine’s of years past but historians in the future may note this year for two things — this is the first post-pandemic Valentine’s; and driven by the pandemic, there is the rise of a “digital love,” which saw more people utilizing online tools and apps to find a partner, express emotions, or even to break relationships.

As this Valentine’s Day is, in the minds of many, at the tailend of the pandemic, we will notice today if some age-old traditions will be revived, retooled, or totally forgotten. Restaurants, hotels, and resorts have reintroduced their Valentine’s menu for couples. So, are there more reservations tonight? Or is cooking at home and date night at the couch more practical due to inflation? Are businesses happier with the Valentine’s bump, or it’s so inconsequential that it’s just business as usual? 

On the aspect of digital love, we have to note that the Gen Z (those born from 1997-2012) are now the “trendsetters” — the segment that advertisers target as they are the future consumers and decision-makers. At the end of the spectrum of Gen Z are the early teeners who have lived their lives with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop beside them 24/7. They are starting to feel and discover what “love” is with their first crushes, celebrity idols, and, with the resumption of face-to-face classes, they see their classmates in a new “light.”

How the Gen Z will express love will be so much different from Millennials. The Gen Z will have all the online tools at their disposal; but will these help? Or impose unwanted expectations? Being gregarious online doesn’t automatically translate to someone being sociable in a physical setting.

The young ones are blessed in a way that in these tech-driven times: Searching for a partner is easier with apps that let you swipe left or right until you meet someone physically attractive. Meeting that person is less awkward with a tweet or a DM. For romantic dates, apps are helpful as you can read a restaurant’s review before making a reservation. You would even know if there’s a parking space, if it’s pet-friendly, or if there are vegetarian options. If you want to send a “thank you” gift after a date, you have a host of online sellers to choose from. The world, so to speak, is at your fingertips.

Don’t know what to say or how to express love? Then there’s AI to help you compose a message. It can define it for you, as what it has generated here: “Love is a complex and multi-faceted emotion that has the power to shape our lives and influence the world around us. It is a feeling that transcends boundaries, cultures, and backgrounds, and can take many different forms.” Not bad for an AI language model who “doesn’t have personal beliefs or emotions.” 

"CUPID" IS ABOUT LOVE: EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

ReniMV Valenzuela

Not all earthquakes are acts of God. Some are triggered by man's abuse

of nature and environment, and of his gift of liberty and free will.

What better way for the world to think about love this month of

February than to think of multiple thousands of victims of the 7.8

magnitude earthquake that has just hit Turkey and Syria and ruminate

over their great losses, griefs and agonies at this moment. What if it

happened to us, in our country?

May we all be moved in compassion to pray intense prayers and plead

Heaven that those who still breathe under the rubbles of buildings,

houses and structures that crumbled down would be rescued alive

(miraculously), and that those whose loved ones were among the many

thousands of fatalities would be comforted and find strength in the

midst of the tragedy. Thousands more dead bodies are believed still

trapped and yet to be taken out from the equally numerous buildings

that collapsed.

Dozens of countries had their respective rescue teams immediately

flown to help in the search and retrieval operations and to alleviate

the plight of the injured and badly affected by the beastly temblor.

Such is love in action and such, as the song says, is "what makes the

world go round." Colossians 3:12-14

No person or nation is too poor to be unable to help others in times

of great need. It is refreshing that our government sent help to

Turkey without second thoughts and later (a day after) decided to do

the same for Syria as both nations were jolted by the massive temblor,

notwithstanding our own nation being battered and bombarded left and

right by problems/issues like never before - from onion, inflation,

corruption to China invasion. Proverbs 11:25.

Do we often/usually do this as a nation? Nope. What is common is our

country being a recipient of kindness/charity/generosity and various

types of help and assistance from other governments when natural

calamities and catastrophes hit our land.

President Bongbong Marcos was prompt in his decision/offer to help

(beyond reciprocal) as he appeared genuine, having a heart for the

victims of the massive earthquake that resulted in several thousands

of confirmed deaths, and the figure climbs each day which may top up

to over 40,000 fatalities in the days to come.

BBM is showing some signs that he's different from most of his

predecessors in this aspect and in some other areas that he can be

lauded, notably his seemingly openness/receptiveness to criticisms

and/or public outcry, vis-a-vis his policies, programs and actions.

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth

unto counsel is wise." - Proverbs 12:15 

Having the victims of the earthquake in our hearts (and those of wars

and government atrocities) could make this year's Valentine's Day the

most meaningful and most joyous - for, after all, mythology's Cupid is

an ancient Roman god of love. And the one and only true God of the

Bible is a God of love (undefiled and unselfish). The occasion is

about love, not pleasure,.

"But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love." - 1 John 4:8

renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com

DOH: Celebrate Valentine’s Day safely, inexpensively

Vendors selling heart-shaped balloons wait for customers on Valentine's Day at a flower market in Manila

Mayen Jaymalin - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines — Amid rising inflation, the Department of Health (DOH) advised Filipinos to celebrate Valentine’s Day safely and inexpensively.

According to the DOH, lovers as well as families can still observe Valentine’s Day without spending too much money.

The DOH said couples can go on a date in a park.

“Aside from being free, going to green spaces helps your mental health,” the DOH posted in Filipino on social media.

The agency stressed that a healthy mind is key to a healthy relationship.

Couples, DOH said, can also spend quality time together watching movies at home, and learn new skills together like cooking healthy food or new sports so they could both stay fit and healthy.

To stay protected against COVID-19, the DOH also encouraged couples to go to vaccination sites and get their booster shots together.

Oil firms again to cut pump prices

By  Francis Earl Cueto

February 13, 2023 110

Oil companies are set to implement another big-time price rollback on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

In separate advisories, Pilipinas Shell and Seaoil said that they will cut their diesel prices by P2.20 per liter and kerosene by P2.50.

However, the price of gasoline will remain the same.

The price adjustments will take effect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday.

Last week, oil firms slashed the cost of gasoline by P2.10 per liter, diesel by P3 and kerosene by P2.30 per liter.