Excellent health programs top draw for BPO jobseekers, Sitel study shows
Excellent health programs are the top draw for people considering a career in the BPO industry, a recent study conducted by Sitel Philippines revealed.
12-year boy dies after accidentally shooting self inside school with dad’s service firearm
A 12 year-old son of a policeman died after he accidentally shot himself with his father’s service firearm inside a comfort room of a school in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.
PRC extends additional assistance to ‘Paeng’ victims in Aklan
After providing them with emergency rescue, evacuation, medical services, among others, in October last year, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) returned to Aklan on January 19, to provide food items and jerry cans, or water containers, to families hit by typhoon “Paeng.”
Senate urged to prioritize health bills that protect children, youth vs vapes, e-cigarettes
As pro-health groups celebrate the gains of Sin Taxes passed by previous administrations, a health advocacy group urged the Senate to prioritize health bills that protect children and the youth against the harmful effects of vapes and E-cigarettes with the mass proliferation of these products especially in schools and the streets.
USAID inaugurates hearing test center for children with vision, hearing disabilities
To improve access to education for children with vision and hearing disabilities, the United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), inaugurated a hearing test center in Batangas City as part of a P112 million ($2.05 million) program.
UNICEF bares learners’ letter request to VP and DepEd chief Sara Duterte
Learners’ needs were diverse, such as better peace and order situation in their localities for uninterrupted learning, facilities for LGBTQ+ students, learning program for children with disabilities, and school development projects in their communities. Some also shared their dreams and career aspirations.
MMDA sustains road clearing operations
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has issued tickets and towed over 600 illegally parked vehicles during recent clearing operations of Metro Manila’s Mabuhay Lanes, acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes reported on Tuesday.
House bill seeking to hike excise tax on e-cigarettes gains support
HEALTH advocacy groups have expressed their strong support to House Bill (HB) 5532, raising excise taxes on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
PRC teams up with PCSO for bloodletting activity
A total of 83 blood units were generated after the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) conducted a bloodletting activity to boost blood reserves in the country.
Taguig City extends ops of BOSS 2023 for penalty-free payment of biz taxes
The Taguig City government has announced that the Business One-Stop-Shop (BOSS) 2023 is extending its operations until January 31, 2023 to allow business owners to pay their business taxes without incurring penalty.
DepEd vows transparency, accountability on ‘overpriced’ laptops
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday promised “transparency” and “accountability” following the recommendation of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee to file criminal and administrative charges against DepEd and the Procurement Service – Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) over purchased laptops that were allegedly overpriced by at least P 979 million.
Effective info campaign needed to drum up awareness on liver ailments, says expert
Abdominal pain, constitutional symptoms such as weight loss, weakness, and loss of appetite are warning signals of liver cancer. An abdominal mass or an enlarged liver can also be noted, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
PHL needs to improve health, nutrition outcomes for mothers, babies—UN report
The United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) has estimated that 5 million children died before their fifth birthday. The same report stated that another 2.1 million children and youth aged between 5 to 24 years lost their lives in 2021.
DOH’s unfulfilled wish: Dangle ‘handsome’ pay for Pinoy nurses to stop their leaving
The Department of Health (DOH) is bent on incentivizing Filipino nurses to prevent them from leaving the country following reports that some European countries are actively recruiting Filipino nursing students by offering them attractive compensation packages.
Makati surpasses 2022 revenue target by 16%
MAKATI City Mayor Mar-Len Abigail S. Binay boasted last Tuesday that the city has surpassed by 16 percent its 2022 revenue target, posting a total of nearly P21 billion in revenue collection.
MMDA deploys teams to clear Metro’s Mabuhay Lanes, ease traffic at Edsa
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has deployed three teams to clear Metro Manila’s Mabuhay Lanes of all forms of obstructions for motorists traversing Edsa.
Philippine Red Cross intensifies drive to fight WILD diseases in Mindanao
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has intensified its campaign against waterborne diseases like influenza, leptospirosis and dengue, collectively known as WILD, as heavy rains continue to batter Mindanao.
Take a break, get yourself checked and avail of Manila Doctors’ checkup packages
The holiday season is over. Now that everyone is back to work, how’s your health?
MMDA to intensify the promotion of smoke-free environment policy
Secondhand smoke exposure, according to the US Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC), can cause coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other diseases. It can also result in premature death.
Covid-19 cases shows decline in recent days – DOH
Nationally, decline in cases, ICU and severe or critical admissions has slowed down in recent days, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday.
Covid cases as of Jan. 8 hit 3,127
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported 3,127 Covid-19 cases from January 2 to January 8, lower by 9 percent as compared to the previous week.
Metro Manila Film Festival reaches P500-M gross sales; launch of summer film fest bared
Gross sales of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2022 has reached P500 million, MMFF Chairman Atty. Romando Artes of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Monday.
PRC and DOH provide medical aid to Black Nazarene devotees
Over a thousand devotees were provided with medical assistance by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) during the Feast of the Black Nazarene Procession 2023 in Manila.
Red Cross staff helps Nazarene devotees
THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provided medical assistance to Black Nazarene devotees during the “Walk of Faith” on Sunday.
DOH reminds Black Nazarene devotees: The virus is still here
The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday told Black Nazarene devotees to strictly adhere to Covid-19 protocols, reminding them that “the virus is still here.”
No reason yet to impose additional restrictions on travelers from China – DOH
Department of Health (DOH) Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire on Friday said they don’t see any need yet to impose tighter restrictions on travelers coming China.
8 unvaxxed Pinoys from China test positive for Covid–DOH
Eight unvaccinated Filipino travelers who arrived in the Philippines from China from December 27, 2022 to January 2, 2023 have tested positive for Covid-19, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Wednesday.
PhilHealth to tackle moratorium on premium hike
THE proposed moratorium on the increase in premium contributions of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) members will be tackled by the state-owned insurer’s board on Wednesday.
DOH tallies 74 fireworks-related injuries
THE Department of Health (DOH) recorded a total of 74 fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) as of January 1, 2023.
DepEd: Shear line rains, flooding ruin 36 schools
Some P363.50 million may be needed to rehabilitate schools damaged by shear line rains and flooding in some parts of Visayas and Mindanao over the Christmas weekend, an official of the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Monday.
₧20K each: Council approves SRI perk for Makati City Hall employees that may include JO workers
The City Government of Makati has announced that over 8,000 City Hall employees will receive up to P20,000 as Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) after the city council approved the ordinances for its immediate funding.
DOH urges public to find safer ways to usher in 2023
Blast or burns without amputation, eye injury that might lead to blindness,
Parents raise alarm over plan to make vapes available in ‘sari-sari’ stores
Using nicotine during adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
DOH confirms FDA’s grant of EUA for bivalent vaccines
THE Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge, Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, on Tuesday confirmed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for Moderna and Pfizer’s bivalent Covid-19 vaccines.
DOH recommends extending state of calamity post Dec. 31
THE Department of Health (DOH) has recommended the extension of the state of calamity in the Philippines to the Office of the President (OP) to ensure that the pandemic response will continue.
PHL Red Cross evacuates residents affected by Xmas Day flash floods in Misamis Oriental
The Philippine Red Cross has deployed its water search and rescue (WASAR) team as flash floods hit Misamis Oriental on Christmas Day.
PRC chief Gordon: Help save lives, donate blood during the holidays
MAKE blood donation your Christmas gift and help save lives.
MMDA: NCR malls may return to regular schedule
STARTING Friday (Dec. 23), shopping malls in Metro Manila may resume normal schedule, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Thursday night
Gordon places all PRC chapters on full alert for Yuletide season
Philippine Red Cross’s (PRC) RC143 volunteers across the archipelago have been placed on full alert 24/7 to report information to the PRC’s Operations Center cases of emergencies and hazard events as the nation celebrates the Christmas holiday season, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said.
Gift yourself with good health; stop smoking now–expert
Quitting smoking is the best gift that you can give to yourself and your loved ones this Christmas.
DOH ramps up fight against cholera as global cases rise
The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday said it is ramping up its anti-cholera efforts following reports of a global rise in cases.
DOH: Hospitals on ‘high alert’ for celebrations
The Department of Health (DOH) said Sunday it has placed all local hospitals on “high alert” ahead of the New Year revelry.
DOH: Pfizer, AstraZeneca willing to submit Covid vaccine contracts to the Senate, COA ‘under specific terms’
Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said vaccine manufacturers Pfizer and AstraZeneca are willing to submit their documents to the Senate and the Commission on Audit (COA) “under specific terms.”
24/7 Primary care clinic for Makati residents opening soon–Binay
Makatizens will soon enjoy a complete range of primary care services, including preventive health screenings, diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions, laboratory tests, RT-PCR tests, nutrition consultations, 24/7 pharmacy services, and more.
VP Duterte to check San
Juan school’s digitization
VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Vicenta Z. Duterte is expected to visit today (December 13) the Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan City to check on the free fiber optic internet connection and smart TVs in the classrooms provided by the city government.
DOH: 8,292 new Covid cases in the past week; daily average up by 7%
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported that a total of 8,292 Covid-19 cases were logged from December 5 to December 11, 2022, higher by 7 percent as compared to the cases recorded from November 28 to December 4, 2022.
Confiscating license of errant drivers suspended–MMDA
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that Metropolitan Manila mayors have agreed to impose a moratorium on the confiscation of driver’s license of traffic violators as well as the interconnectivity with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to quickly identify recidivist traffic offenders.
Doctors urge parents to get
kids inoculated vs Covid-19
PHYSICIANS are urging parents to have their children vaccinated for Covid-19 with the return to face-to-face classes noting that children and adolescents remain susceptible to such infection.
MMDA announces alternate routes for MMFF’s Parade of Stars
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday advised motorists to take alternate routes as the Parade of Stars 2022 for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) will take place in Quezon City on December 21.
Expect heavy traffic on Dec. 21 for ‘Parade of Stars’–MMDA
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday advised motorists to take alternate routes as the “Parade of Stars 2022” for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) will take place in Quezon City on December 21.
DepEd grateful to Filipinos as poll cites performance
THE Department of Education (DepEd) thanked the Filipino people for the trust and support after it emerged as top-performing government agency in the survey of OCTA Research Inc.
Stop smoking, eat healthy, exercise and prevent lung cancer—expert
The Department of Health (DOH) said that lung cancer, considered a silent killer, is one of the most common types of cancer in the Philippines.
Measures needed to curb the effects of oral diseases—DOH
It is estimated that oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people.
Colegio San Agustin Makati probes fistfight of two Grade 9 students
An investigation has been launched by the Colegio San Agustin (CSA) in Makati following the fistfight incident involving two Grade 9 students inside the school’s comfort room which has gone viral on social media.
DOH: Covid-19 vaccine uptake dropped in 1st quarter of 2022
The Department of Health (DOH) admitted that the uptake of Covid-19 vaccines has dropped during the 1st quarter of 2022.
DOH: No outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said there is no outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) but admitted they are “seeing cases.”
DOH reports 7,731 Covid-19 cases from Nov. 28 to Dec. 4
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported it has logged 7,731 Covid-19 cases from November 28 to December 4, 2022, lower by 4 percent as compared to the previous week.
DOH says 44-M vax wastage still within WHO’s ‘allowable limit’
Department of Health (DOH) Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Friday bared that Covid-19 vaccine wastage had increased to 44 million from 31 million for the past week.
DOH reports 1,383 new HIV cases, 65 deaths as of October
Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported 1,383 newly diagnosed HIV cases and 65 newly reported deaths in the country as of October 2022. Ninety-six percent of the new cases were male.
DOH receives ₧85-M HIV testing kits from US govt
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson on Thursday led the handover of 86,000 HIV viral load testing cartridges valued at P85 million ($1.5 million) to strengthen the Philippine government’s HIV treatment program.
Manila Doctors Hospital dedicates new medical tower to founder Dr. George Ty
Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) recently commemorated the legacy of Dr. George S.K. Ty, Chairman of the Metrobank Group, with a ceremony dedicating its new building as the Dr. George S.K. Ty Medical Tower.
Not a ‘blue’ Christmas for 83,857 elderly Blu Card holders in Makati
Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay on Monday announced that senior citizens in the city are set to receive their year-end cash incentives early as the distribution has already started for the 83,857 Blu Card holders.
San Juan hosts joint birthday party for 442 senior citizens
The local government of San Juan headed by Mayor Francis Zamora celebrated the birthdays of 442 senior citizens on Tuesday, and paid tribute to the contributions of the city’s elderly population to the country’s development.
DOH reports detection of Covid BQ.1 in PHL
The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday confirmed the detection of Omicron BQ.1, a descendant of BA.5, which has emerged as fast-spreading Covid-19 subvariant in the US, accounting for 27 percent of infections there as of October 29.
With new partners, MMFF 2022 coming into full swing – MMDA
The much-awaited Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is coming into full swing, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Thursday.
Iloilo is first province in Western Visayas to be given ZOD status
World Toilet Day, observed on November 19, raises awareness of the 3.6 billion people living without access to safely managed sanitation.
Gordon deploys more PRC volunteers to assist flash flood victims in some parts of Mindanao
Philippine Red Cross Chairman (PRC) and CEO Richard J. Gordon has directed PRC staff and volunteers to respond to families displaced by flash floods and heavy rains in Davao del Sur and other parts of Mindanao.
CHED issues clarification on latest order on in-person learning for degree programs
Higher education institutions (HEIs) may choose to design and deliver their degree programs through onsite learning or hybrid learning modality starting the second semester of School Year (SY) 2022-2023, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Prospero de Vera III said.
MMDA: Traffic enforcers will be visible at Christmas rush
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday assured maximum visibility of traffic enforcers this Christmas season to prevent vehicular traffic congestion.
ICRC exec lauds PRC’s Bakuna Bus initiative to speed up Covid vaccination in Mindanao
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has ramped up its Bakuna Bus operations in Mindanao to improve vaccine adherence and increase vaccine uptakes in the region, especially in high-risk populations.
Observe proper diet, sleep and physical activities to prevent obesity–Vergeire
Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
DOH pushes fight vs long-term effects of antibiotic overuse
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health threat globally.
Police identify suspect behind social media bomb scare in Taguig
Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano on Monday reported that the suspect allegedly behind a hoax bomb scare that swept at least two city schools last week has been identified by the authorities.
Marikina officials waive fees for shoe bazaar participants
Marikina City First District Rep. Marjorie Teodoro and her husband Mayor Marcelino Teodoro are proposing to perpetually waive fees for those who will participate in shoe bazaars in the city.
PHL logs 9,069 Covid-19 cases from Nov. 7 to 13–DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported a total of 9,069 Covid-19 cases from November 7 to 13, 2022.
San Juan goes paperless to help address climate change
THE challenges brought about by climate change encouraged the San Juan City Council to contribute in reducing carbon emissions by going “paperless.”
Food poisoning in Ajuy, Iloilo school kills one learner, downs 15 others
The Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas (Region 6) has launched an investigation into the reported food poisoning incident at Pili National High School in Ajuy, Iloilo, which reportedly claimed the life of a learner and the hospitalization of 15 others.
Takeda to submit dengue vaccine to PHL FDA for regulatory review
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that poses a significant global public health threat, with prevalence in over 125 countries.
DOH launches campaign to drum up vaccination among infants, children
Vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) are infectious diseases caused by viruses or bacteria.
MMDA suspends excavation activities effective Nov 14
All excavation activities in Metro Manila’s national roads will be suspended effective midnight of November 14, 2022, up to midnight of January 6, 2023, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Tuesday.
Red Cross provides food assistance to ‘Paeng’ victims across the country
The Philippine Red Cross’ food trucks fed more than 28,000 flood victims after the exit of severe tropical of “Paeng” from the country.
Taguig ramps up jabs for students, frontliners
THE Taguig city government is set to visit more schools in the city to conduct Covid-19 vaccination for students and education frontliners as part of the city’s effort to stop the spread of the virus and ensure safety.
DepEd order prohibits political accommodations, endorsements
THE Department of Education (DepEd) has issued an order reminding employees and officials to refrain from conducting “partisan activities,” and only raise their concerns and issues through appropriate channels of the agency.
3,939 minors caught Covid-19 from September 1 to November 3 – DOH 
AT least 3,939 minors between 12 and 17 years old contracted Covid-19 from September 1 to November 3, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Friday.
Zamora says Israel envoy’s visit bodes well for City of San Juan’s ‘smart city’ aspiration
MAYOR Francis Zamora on Wednesday said the visit of Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss to San Juan City on Wednesday would help boost their goal for digital transformation.
Mayor Vico says he quit Aksyon Demokratiko
PASIG City Mayor Vico Sotto on Wednesday announced that he has resigned from Aksyon Demokratiko, saying that he no longer shared “the same political and ideological goals” with his party members.
Millions of students troop back to schools for F-to-F classes after virus lockdowns
Millions of students trooped back to public schools across the Philippines on Wednesday as the government enforced the mandatory resumption of in-person classes after more than two years of coronavirus pandemic lockdowns.
MMDA collects lesser ‘Undas’ trash this year
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) collected lesser volume of garbage from various cemeteries in this year’s observance of All Saints’ Day as compared to 2019.
Grieving for more than a year? Seek professional help—expert
Every November 1, we remember our loved ones who have gone before us and whose loss we feel.
Face mask use optional in face-to-face classes–DepEd spox
The Department of Education on Monday said the wearing of face mask is also optional in classrooms with the start of face-to-face classes today, Tuesday, November 2.
32 areas under AL 2 from Nov. 1 to 15, DOH says
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported that the country’s health-care utilization rate (HCUR) has shown signs of improvement along with other key indicators.
State of calamity in ‘Paeng’-hit regions as death toll reaches 60
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered officials to declare a state of calamity in provinces badly affected by tropical storm “Paeng” (international code name Nalgae), as tens of thousands of people remain in evacuation centers.
DOH pushes maternal health program as increase in maternal deaths noted
Maternal death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and the site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes.
In time of a lingering Covid pandemic, DOH logs 270% jump in cholera cases
The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reported a whopping 270-percent increase in cholera cases in the country logged from January to October 2022.
VP Sara denies DepEd plan to rebrand Martial Law into ‘new society’
VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte has denied reported plans to rebrand Martial Law as the “new society”, saying the Department of Education (DepEd) is not in the business of “erasing these facts and replacing them with something else.”
DepEd to rebrand martial law? VP Sara says can’t count number of yellow pages she cut for ‘confetti protests’ vs dictatorship
VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte has denied reported plans to rebrand Martial Law as the “New society, saying the Department of Education (DepEd) is not in the business of “erasing these facts and replacing them with something else.”
DOH reports 22% decline in Covid-19 cases to 11,995 from October 17 to 23
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported that it has logged 11,995 new Covid-19 cases from October 17 to October 23, lower by 22 percent as compared to the cases recorded from the previous week.
MMDA deploys personnel for Asean event
A total of 186 personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be deployed starting today, Tuesday, October 25, until Saturday, October 29, for the 27th Asean Minister’s Meeting and Related Meetings of 2022.
Unified platform developed
to ease arrival process in PHL
A UNIFIED platform is being developed to transition the One Health Pass to the electronic Arrival Card (eArrival Card), with a view to streamlining arrival requirements for travelers, the Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said.
At 5th hearing on laptops of teachers, Blue Ribbon chief detects conspiracy
SENATE Blue Ribbon committee chairman Sen. Francis N. Tolentino on Thursday said that he sees a “conspiracy” in the P2.4-billion procurement of laptops flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) as “overpriced” and “outdated.”