No FDA approval yet for monkeypox antivirals — DOH

This undated electron microscopic (EM) handout image provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention depicts a monkeypox virion, obtained from a clinical sample associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. It was a thin section image from a human skin sample. On the left were mature, oval-shaped virus particles, and on the right were the crescents, and spherical particles of immature virions.

Cynthia S. Goldsmith / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / AFP

By Angelica Y. Yang - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Saturday that the country's Food and Drug Administration has not yet given approval or authorization for the use of monkeypox antivirals.

Several cases of monkeypox, endemic to Africa, were detected in North American and European countries in early May. To date, the Philippines has no confirmed monkeypox case, although the Health department has said it is intensifying border control measures and actively monitoring the developments. 

"Wala pang approval ng FDA natin. Wala pang emergency use authorization (EUA). Ito 'yung mga legal na batayan para makapagpasok ng mga antivirals against monkeypox," Duque said in an interview with Dobol B TV on Saturday. 

("The FDA has not given its approval. There is also no emergency use authorization yet. These are the legal basis which will allow for the import of antivirals against monkeypox.")

On Friday, DOH said it is participating in talks on the possible acquisition of antivirals in case the country experiences an outbreak or if there are severe cases. 

There is already a monkeypox vaccine which has been developed, but the World Health Organization said it is not yet widely available, DOH said in an earlier statement. 

"The DOH is exploring all possible available sources and expedient legal methods for the procurement of Monkeypox vaccines," the agency told reporters.

Monkeypox vaccination is not yet part of the country's national immunization program. 

Monkeypox can be transmitted to humans after experiencing close contact with an infected individual or animal, or with contaminated materials. Symptoms of the disease include fever, rashes and swollen lymph nodes. 

IATF removes mandatory Covid-19 testing for travelers from abroad

 

MANILA. In this September 6, 2021 photo, passengers wait for their ride as they arrive at Manila's International Airport, Philippines. (AP Photo)

MANILA. In this September 6, 2021 photo, passengers wait for their ride as they arrive at Manila's International Airport, Philippines. (AP Photo)

By: THIRD ANNE PERALTA-MALONZO, SunStar Manila

THE Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases has further eased protocols for foreign and Filipino nationals traveling to the country from abroad.

Under the IATF Resolution 168, which effectively starts on May 30, 2022, fully vaccinated foreign and Filipino nationals will no longer be required to present a negative Covid-19 test result, either RT-PCR or antigen test, prior to departure from the country of origin.

The IATF defines “fully vaccinated” individuals as those 18 years old and above who have completed their primary series of Covid-19 vaccination and also had at least one shot of booster dose.

Foreign or Filipino adolescents aged 12 to 17 who are fully vaccinated, or those who have received their primary series of Covid-19 vaccination, as well as children 11 years old and below accompanied by fully vaccinated adults, regardless of the vaccination status, are also exempted from the testing before departure protocol.

In case the traveler had lay-overs prior to arrival in the Philippines, he or she should have not left the airport premises or have been admitted in another country aside from the point of entry.

Traveling foreign nationals should have passports valid for a period of six months upon arrival in the Philippines.

“For temporary visitors, have valid tickets for their return journey to the port of origin or next port of destination corresponding to their permitted/allowable duration of stay under a valid visa or visa-free entry, as the case may be,” read the resolution.

This protocol, however, does not apply to foreign spouses and/or children of Filipino citizens and former Filipino citizens with balikbayan privilege who are traveling with them.

Fully vaccinated travelers will no longer have to undergo facility-based quarantine but were urged to self-monitor within seven days upon arrival in the country.

LIFE IS NOT FAIR

Plenty of people work hard but never get what they feel they deserve. Plenty of people are incredibly decent but always seem to get the short end of the stick. Plenty of people are smart but never seem to apply their academic excellence to entrepreneurial or professional achievement.

Plenty of people fall in love only to see their love squandered on someone who doesn’t reciprocate.

The conclusion most of us reach . . . life isn’t fair.
Or, is it that many of us just don’t understand the “protocol” and have a bad relationship with “fairness”?

Many times I have observed that children at a young age like to cry out: “It isn’t fair”, whenever they feel they are wronged. Just a couple of days ago, I heard one father, whose patient was already very thin, responding grimly: “The whole life is not fair!”

Even we adults often have problems with the idea of fairness. the laborers in the vineyard certainly did. They received exactly what they had bargained for, yet they complained when others got the same pay for less work.

If this parable was a story about earned wages, the grumblers would have been quite right to complain. But this story is about the way God deals with us, and how can we say that God is not fair?

Fairness means clearness and being free from fault or stain. Fairness is the light-colored, hopeful and plausible part of our life – the span between life and death. Life is and cannot always be fair – of course not! But we could make it a little bit fairer, though many times our world is ruled by falseness.

Fairness requires people to be put into categories. Anyone who fulfills certain requirements will receive a certain reward, regardless of differences in the situation. But only God knows that categories only outline the sort of people we are. He knows that each one of us is unique and with individual needs.

In our everyday life, do we really practice the idea of fairness at our workplace and in our dealings with others? How? Let’s analyze ourselves. May we learn what it means to be fair to another person… .

I learned a lot from Steve Wohlenhaus, CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information. Wohlenhaus said, “We need to spend more time focused on the present and less time ruminating about the past. We need to accept the unpleasant aspects of our past and do our best to move on. Concentrate on the present and create a beautiful and better future. That’s energy well spent. 

When we get trapped believing our past defines our future, life seems unfair. When we spend too much time contemplating the future and believe our destiny is outside our control, we feel helpless and life seems “unfair”. Allocating our emotional energy wisely helps us dedicate our time to what truly matters and gain control over the belief that life is unfair”.

Proverbs, probably the most down-to-earth book in the bible, prepares us for our daily life. In its prologue (Purpose and Theme) it says in 1:3: “…for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just fair”. The Colossians added in the “Rules for Christian Householders” in 4:1, “Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair… .”.

Let’s just be sport in life

 

 By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

 

            “SO you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” (Jn 16,22)

 

            With these words, Christ is reassuring us that everything will be all right even if in this life we will always have problems and troubles. He will take care of everything. Ours is simply to try our best to be with him in the ups and downs of our life. And so we should just be sport in our life.

 

            We need a sporting spirit because life’s true failure can come only when we choose not to have hope. That happens when our vision and understanding of things is narrow and limited, confined only to the here and now and ignorant of the transcendent reality of the spiritual and supernatural world.

 

            Besides, life involves a till-death struggle against all sorts of enemies, starting with our own treacherous self, the ever-seductive world, and most of all, the spiritual enemies who certainly are more powerful than us.

 

            Finally, life involves pursuing a goal that is much greater, yes, infinitely greater than ourselves. We should not be a bad sport who gives up easily without even trying, or who surrenders in the middle of an exciting and suspenseful game.

 

            We therefore have to develop a strong spiritual sportsmanship in the tenor expressed in some words of St. Paul: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” (1 Cor 9,24)

 

            Aside from a strong sense of self-discipline and submitting ourselves in a continuing training program, an indispensable ingredient of this healthy sporting spirit is the sense of acceptance and abandonment that we need to deliberately cultivate. This does not come automatically, as if it’s part of our genes. We have to develop them.

 

            We have to be sport and adventurous in facing the different conditions of our life. And it would greatly help if we too can have an abiding sense of humor. Otherwise, we would just fall into states of sadness, pessimism and despair which actually are unnecessary and are avoidable.

 

            This we can do if first of all we have a strong and deep faith in God, our Creator and Father. If we have that faith, we know that God holds everything in order through his providence. He takes care of everything, irrespective of how things go. Ours is simply to relate everything to him and to go back to him everytime we go astray especially at the end of the day.

 

            When we have this sporting and adventurous spirit, we, of course, would like to play to win and to get as much enjoyment as possible. We would give our best shot. But we also know that this is not going to happen all the time. There will be times when we lose in a game or when we get lost in our adventure. But regardless of how things go, we can always go back to God as we should, and everything would just be all right.

 

            Thus, whether we win or lose in a game, succeed or fail in our adventures and projects, we can still manage to have fun and, more importantly, to learn precious lessons, as in, we get to know more about ourselves and others, about our strengths and weaknesses, about the virtues we need to develop and grow, etc.

Authorities to enforce ‘multi-layered security plan' for Sara's oath-taking on June 19

by Antonio Colina IV

DAVAO CITY – Security forces here will enforce a ‘multi-layered security plan’ for the oath-taking of presumptive Vice President Duterte tentatively set for June 19 at the San Pedro Street in this city.

Vice presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte (Lakas-CMD Media)

PMaj. Ma. Teresita P. Gaspan, spokesperson of Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said in an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) on Tuesday that the historic event is expected to draw around 20,000 attendees from different parts of the country.

She said the security cluster will enforce stricter security measures to ensure the safety of the crowd.

She said the venue will be open to the public.

She added that no perimeter fence and pavilion will be mounted at the venue to make it more convenient for the public to witness Duterte’s oath-taking but added that this will make it particularly challenging for authorities to control the crowd.

But Gaspan assured the security forces are ready to secure the venue, with DCPO receiving augmentation from the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao to maintain order during the event.

She said the local authorities have yet to meet for creation of a multi-layered security plan, securing the “inner, middle, and outer layers” of the venue.

She said the city’s Public Safety Security Command Center will be at the helm of drafting the security plan together with other members of the security clusters during the coordinating conference.

She said backpacks, jackets, and bladed weapons will be prohibited at the venue on this date.

She said it remains uncertain whether outgoing President Duterte will attend his daughter’s oath-taking but added that if the President will attend, the enforcement of the security plan will have to be coordinated with the Presidential Security Group.

On Monday, the outgoing mayor announced that she considered no other place but this city as a venue for her inauguration.

She said that a transition team has been created to coordinate with the Office of the Vice President.

Duterte served as vice mayor from 2007 to 2010, mayor from 2010 until 2013, elected as mayor in 2016 when her father ran for President, and was reelected in 2019 with youngest brother Sebastian as the vice mayor.

Angat Dam’s water level may no longer hit 180-meter critical mark

JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, Manila Bulletin

Angat Dam’s water level may no longer hit 180-meter critical mark

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, May 25, said the water level in Angat Dam may no longer dip below its 180-meter minimum operating level until the end of June, following the rains in the past few months.

As of 6 a.m., Wednesday, Angat Dam’s water level was at 190.60 meters, down 0.15 meters from Tuesday’s 190.75 meters, but still within the rule curve elevation of 184.14 meters.

PAGASA defines the rule curve as the minimum reservoir elevation needed to be maintained by dam operators to ensure the availability of water for irrigation, power generation, and domestic supply.

“Nilagpasan na niya yung sinasabi nating rule curve so masasabi natin yung water level sa Angat ay safe na na maitatawid natin itong dry season na hindi bumagsak ang water level katulad noong previous years (It has already surpassed the rule curve so we can say that the water level in Angat is safe. We have already passed the dry season without the water level falling like in previous years),” Edgar dela Cruz, weather facilities specialist of the PAGASA’s Hydro-Meteorological Division, said during a forum on Wednesday.

Given the forecast rainfall of 316 millimeters and dam allocation of 75 cubic meters per second, Angat Dam’s water level will be at 188.27 meters by the end of June.

This means that although Angat Dam’s level is below its 210-meter normal high water level, it will be above its 181.90-meter rule curve elevation.

Based on PAGASA’s projection, dela Cruz said the water level in Angat Dam will not be less than 180 meters until the end of June.

PAGASA had earlier projected that the water level in Angat Dam, Angat Dam, which supplies 98 percent of Metro Manila’s water requirements, could breach the 180-meter minimum operating level around May.

New Indicator For a Stroke

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.

T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)

(i.e. Chicken Soup)

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

Source: facebook.com/bd.doctor.hosital

BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

"Relationship" comes from the Latin "referre" or "relatum", which means "to bring back".

In one of my penultimate columns, I tried to explain, "when to keep our mouth shut"! Silence is also an answer - sure! But some of my readers posed the question, if also broken relationships can be only restored by silence or waiting. My answer is YES and/or NO!

Sometimes, it's a miracle what a small dose of determined silence can do. Relationships are ALWAYS worth restoring, because life is all about learning how to love and how to value relationships and make the effort to maintain them instead of discarding them whenever there is a rift, a hurt, or a conflict. The bible told us that all of us have been given the ministry of restoring broken relationships.

Broken or cooled down relationships can be noticed at any corner. Restoring them is equal to peacemaking or peacekeeping but also not avoiding facing conflicts. Running away from a problem (and then keeping the mouth shut!), pretending that the problem doesn't exist or being too afraid to talk about it, that's how the hypocritical coward acts.

I always love to talk to God before I talk to a person. Later, I can find the right moment and take the initiative to restore broken relationships or face the problem. I can even look out for others' interests first. I can use "my telescope of life" (from the Greek word "skopos") and play close attention. I can start with sympathy but not with great solutions right away. I can confess my part of a possible conflict.

Paul said in Romans 12:18: "Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody!" In resolving conflicts, a word not to be spoken may be the choicest word of all, or IF WE TALK, HOW we say it, is important. 

The US-author Rick Warren confessed in one of his books; "We can establish a relationship even when we are unable to resolve our differences. Christians often have legitimate, honest disagreements and differing opinions. But, we can disagree without being disagreeable. The same diamond looks different from different angles. God expects unity, not uniformity, and we can walk arm-in-arm without seeing eye-to-eye on every issue!"

Despite what people tell you, burning bridges is a great way to keep pace in the rat race – dancing in the flames of a burnt bridge is great motivation to work faster and keep pushing forward. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to go back and rebuild a broken bridge for the sake of the better good.

Idol Philippines all set for a comeback

 

By Christina Alpad, Manila Times

Almost three years since it hailed Zephanie Dimaranan as its grand winner, reality singing competition "Idol Philippines" is all-set for a grand comeback, ready to discover a new idol.

Season 1 judges "Asia's Songbird" Regine Velasquez and Moira de la Torre will return for another round of talent search. Vice Ganda and James Reid, who previously joined Velasquez and de la Torre, are no longer part of the competition.

They will be replaced by "Mr. Pure Energy" Gary Valenciano and Parokya ni Edgar vocalist Chito Miranda.

"I'm so so ready to pour some energy and to share all I've learned through the many years of music I've been given with all the hopefuls, as I take my seat in the panel of idol judges this season," new judge Valenciano said.

De la Torre, meanwhile, shared a behind-the-scene footage from one of their first activities as judges. Even if it's her second already, the 28-year-old singer said she still feel overwhelmed to be surrounded by OPM icons.

"Napakalaking karangalan ang maging isang hurado sa Idol Philippines kasama ang ilan sa mga taong nagsilbing inspirasyon sa akin nung nangangarap palang ako at ngayon kami naman ang tutulong sa pagtupad ng mga pangarap ng bagong hopefuls. Mahaba-haba pa ang journey na to, pero ngayon palang nagpapasalamat nako kasi sobrang saya at thankful ng puso ko dahil sa inyo," she wrote on Instagram.

Finally, Miranda revealed that he was actually asked to join as a judge in season 1.

"I declined because I didn't think it would be fair for me to judge in a singing contest, knowing na di naman ako magaling kumanta," the rock icon admitted in an Instagram post.

So what made him change his mind this time around?

Miranda answered, "They explained to me, extensively, that even though it is still primarily a singing contest, hindi lang ito sa boses magkakatalo."

Another change viewers will see this season is that of the host.

Robi Domingo will replace season 1 host Billy Crawford. The latter has transferred to TV5 in 2020.

"It is my honor to be part of this very iconic show. A new level of Idol experience ang sama-sama nating aabangan as we look for our next Idol. I'm so excited for this one," said Domingo.

"Can't wait to share the talent, stories and kulitan of everyone here as we search for the next 'Idol'," he finally added.

ABS-CBN has yet to announce the premiere of Idol Philippines season 2.

WITH SHENNAH ROMANILLOS

Miss Universe Philippines queens turn into Disney Princesses

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com

From left: Rabiya Mateo as Ariel, Celeste Cortesi as Cinderella and Bea Gomez as Belle

BJ Pacual, BYS / Released

MANILA, Philippines — Ace lensman BJ Pacual, in collaboration with BYS cosmetics and Disney Princess, photographed reigning Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) Silvia Celeste Cortesi, together with Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez, as three Disney princesses.

"A modern-day princess is, first of all, someone that is brave; someone who is not afraid to take risks and to always chase after her own dreams. Somebody who is courageous and brave enough to accept her weaknesses, her flaws, and always go after whatever she wants to pursue in her life," shared Cortesi, who was photographed as Cinderella.

BJ's photographic work, as well as the montage captured during the photo shoot, were presented to members of the media during a sit-down dinner at the Siren Studios in Makati City recently. Simply dubbed "BYS x Disney Princess Collection Launch," the formal affair brought together beauty queens and creatives in a spirit of fun and fellowship.

"Thank you for giving us this collaborative project. We don't usually get freedom in our line of work. Me and my team are so grateful that we were able to bring BYS and Disney Princess' vision to life," confessed Pascual.

The elegant banquet, prepared by multi-awarded Chef Margarita Fores, was an eight-course affair with wine pairing.

"Our first Disney makeup collection is at Watsons stores. It will empower young ladies who are not afraid to face the world and the challenges it brings, as well as limitless opportunities. And this is a testament to how far women go and succeed. Courage and kindness embody the true character of every Disney princess. There's more to just endorsing brands and labels; they can be causes and initiatives too," said BYS Philippines executive Angie Goyena.

"A Disney princess is someone who is kind and  compassionate, just like each one of us MUPH queens who are the princesses of BYS Cosmetics that represent one trait of each. For me as Belle, I represent beauty and intelligence. Modern-day princesses are more than just beautiful 'coz they have innate beauty which is more than physical. They have kind hearts, beautiful minds that exudes more than just their physical attributes," enthused Bea, who was photographed as the heroine from "Beauty and the Beast."

The collection offers variants with color palettes that fit different types of princess characters.

"A modern-day princess needs to be courageous. She needs to be a risk-taker because there are lots of stereotypes in this world that will put you in a box. You need to have the heart, and the freedom to be who you really are - to break expectations, to spread your wings and have the  courage to conquer the universe. Once you have courage, a lot of great and beautiful things will come to you and you will make it happen," intoned Rabiya, who was photographed as Ariel from "The Little Mermaid."

BYS, as a makeup label, espouses their campaign tagline "Be yourself."