#Philippine News Agency (PNA)
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DBM releases Payments for three AFP Modernization Programs
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently released the Payments for three of the Modernization Programs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The three Programs are the:
BrahMos Missile Acquisition of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC)
C-130J Super Hercules Transport Aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF)
Long Range Patrol Aircraft (LRPA) of the PAF
The most recent released Payment for the BrahMos Missiles is the third one, the first and second ones was released at the same time two Years ago last December of 2021.
Here is the Link to the Article at the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Website: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215325
SOURCE: DBM releases P5.6-B 3rd Payment for BrahMos Missile System {Archived Link}
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#department of budget and management dbm#armed forces of the philippines afp#brahmos#philippine marine corps pmc#c-130j super hercules#philippine air force paf#long range patrol aircraft lrpa#philippine news agency pna
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South Korean KF-21 jet will be able to compete with F-16 and Gripen for new Philippine fighter
Government of the Philippines says that the list of Gripen and F-16 finalists is not yet definitive.
Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 05/09/2022 - 08:15in Military
The newest South Korean fighter KF-21 'Boramae' will be able to participate in the Philippines Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) shopping program, which already has the Saab Gripen and the F-16 on its list of finalists.
The KF-21 is currently in its flight test program and could join the Philippine Air Force in 2026. However, the other two competitors are ready for acquisition and delivery.
The spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (PAF), Colonel Maynard Mariano, told the country's news agency (PNA) on August 16 that "it is a possibility, since the MRF has not yet been funded, with the KF-21 being able to be a candidate for the MRF".
The spokesman's statements indicate that the restricted list of Gripen and F-16 is not final and that the KF-21 aroused significant interest in Manila. This also means that the acquisition may be postponed to 2027-29, when the South Korean fighter is scheduled to enter serial production.
"We cannot close our options when there are new systems that can compete with other systems and that can fit our need for defense. Currently, the prototyping phase of any system can be done faster due to the availability of technology, and we can see it in the field soon," Mariano told PNA.
The KF-21 was designed as a fourth generation aircraft with stealth resources. It boasts two General Electric (GE) F414-400K engines. Its two competitors in the MRF program - the Gripen boasts a single GE F414-GE-39E turbofan, while the F-16V has a single Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine or a GE F110-GE-129 engine.
The twin-engine configuration gives the fighter more thrust than any of its competitors, which translates into higher speed or more weapon carrying capacity. On the negative side, its fuel efficiency may be lower than that of the two single-engine fighters.
According to the MRF's request for proposals, PAF is looking for 12 fourth generation fighter units with a range of at least 250 nautical miles. The project is worth about $1.09 billion.
What can work in favor of the KF-21 is that its manufacturer, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), provided 12 FA-50PH light fighters for Manila and PAF developed a good opinion about the fighter.
"Just like when we got the FA-50, there were many negative comments against him, but we proved to critics that the system can be prepared for combat and was really proven in combat (in the Battle of Marawi)" he added.
Both pre-selected aircraft - the F-16 and the ?? Gripen have structures that date back to two decades or more. While its latest iterations have features such as AESA radar, the latest in communications and avionics, as well as compatibility with the latest and legacy weapons, the K-21 has a totally new structure with stealth features, in partnership with drones (under development) and AESA radar developed by South Korea and compatibility with Western-made missiles and missiles.
Tags: Military AviationKAI - Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd.KF-21 BoramaePAF - Philippine Air Force/Philippine Air Force
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Fernando Valduga
Fernando Valduga
Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. It has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.
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Okay, so, fellow anon said something about username let(hyphen)ms(hyphen)blog, right?
They only have one post so far and it seems like an attempt at "debunking" one of us.
The link they use is from the Philippine News Agency, and it seems credible since it is the official government-provided source of news.
Note: seems. Right now, especially.
I was in the middle of typing a description as to why I'm reporting it when I suddenly felt like stepping back and asking questions. Where did this link come from? Is it really false information or is it actually part of the truth?
Unfortunately, even if it was part of the truth of our current reality, the way let(hyphen)ms(hyphen)blog phrased their reblog sounded aggressive, and their pfp isn't really making them seem any more trustworthy either.
Just my thoughts! Be particularly careful of how you word your description should you report their one (1) reblog of false information.
P.S. if anyone's wondering why I actually type the word "hyphen" instead of using the hyphen (-) itself: it's to make sure they don't find this post easily.
the thing with philippine news agency is that while it can be a credible news source, it is government-funded and is extremely prone to being used to prop up the government. take a look at some headlines:
"prrd lauded" "prrd to grace" very interesting ways to word things. so yes, while PNA can be a credible source there's also the matter of it being used to further gov propaganda. we just have to be careful and selective the information they show.
the blog also looks like a burner blog. the only post they have is one made to debunk/attack anti-m*rcos people here. very reminiscent of troll accounts on twitter and facebook.
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Aid for Negros Rice Farmers Amid Dry Spell
The Plight of Negros Occidental's Rice Farmers
In the heart of the Philippines, the rice farmers of Negros Occidental find themselves grappling with a severe dry spell, pushing the provincial government to step in with much-needed assistance. The recent El Niño phenomenon has led to dwindling rainfall, affecting crops and livelihoods across the region.
A Growing Concern
As of this week, the losses incurred by the agricultural sector have surged to approximately PHP12.8 million, with 373 rice farmers across seven local governments bearing the brunt of this natural calamity. Additionally, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has already initiated moves to source funds for aiding the impacted farmers, signaling a proactive approach to this escalating issue.
The Areas Hit Hardest
The dry spell has left its mark on several areas, including Himamaylan and Sipalay cities, as well as the municipalities of Isabela, Binalbagan, Hinobaan, Moises Padilla, and Cauayan. These regions, known for their rice production, have seen their crops either stuck in the vegetative stage or wilting just before harvest.
Drought affected rice fields. Photo by Agriculture Bicol. PNA.
Government's Response to the Crisis
The Provincial Government, under the guidance of Governor Lacson, is working closely with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) to determine eligibility for assistance and to fast-track the distribution of funds. This initiative highlights the government's commitment to supporting its agricultural backbone during these trying times.
Strategies for Mitigation
With the El Niño weather pattern expected to persist, efforts are being directed toward sustainable solutions, such as the introduction of drought-resistant rice varieties and innovative irrigation techniques. Moreover, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) is stepping in to offer crop insurance claims, providing a financial safety net for those affected.
Rice fields and mountains. Photo by Leonora Enking. Flickr.
Looking Ahead
While the current focus is on immediate relief, the situation underscores the importance of long-term planning and climate resilience in agriculture. The collaboration between local farmers, government bodies, and agricultural experts is crucial for developing strategies that safeguard against future climatic adversities.
A Call to Action
The plight of Negros Occidental's rice farmers is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in agriculture, particularly in the face of changing climate patterns. It's a call to action for not just the provincial government but all stakeholders to invest in sustainable practices that will ensure the security and prosperity of the region's agricultural sector for generations to come.
Sources: THX News, SunStar, Digicast Negros, Philstar & Philippine News Agency.
Read the full article
#agriculturallosses#thxnews#climateresilienceinagriculture#cropinsuranceclaims#drought-resistantcrops
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OneNETnews INVESTIGATES: Toxic Watchdog Group 'BAN Toxics' urges PNP and local officials including Central Visayas to confiscate Illegal and Dangerous Firecrackers [EXCLUSIVE]
DUMAGUETE, NEGROS ORIENTAL -- As the forthcoming year-end festivities draw near in early 2024, the environmental advocacy and toxic watchdog group "BAN Toxics" issued an urgent call to action thru the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local officials to address the rampant sale of prohibited & hazardous firecrackers. This impassioned plea from BAN Toxics comes in the aftermath of a distressing surge in firecracker-induced injuries, with a staggering recorded tally of 75 cases reported mere days prior to the eagerly anticipated New Year's Eve celebrations.
To put in the perspective point of view... There are 52 new cases from December 22nd to 26th, 2023 covering National Capital Region [NCR] (20), Region III (6), Region XII (5) and other regions or provinces is at 21 firecracker-related injuries (FRIs). The following day on December 27th until the present day, over 23 FRIs have added up.
These distressing incidents, as reported by The Freeman in Cebu City have further exacerbated the mounting apprehension surrounding the perils posed by these illegal firecrackers.
An exclusive partner investigation with BAN Toxics Patroller Team for OneNETnews; who were monitored, documented and purchased various illegal firecrackers including Atomic, Piccolo in various sizes, 10 packs of Special Pla-Pla(s), Whistle Bombs, Bawang, 5-Star and even "Dugong" (Blood) - a triangular firecracker measuring 12 by 8.5 inches, obtained discreetly from an ambulant store on December 26th in Tabora and Marcelino de Santos Street, Divisoria, NCR: "Hinihimok namin ang PNP at LGUs na paigtingin ang on-site monitoring at pagkumpiska ng mga illegal na paputok habang papalapit ang Bisperas ng Bagong Taon. Itong patuloy na pagbebenta ng mga illegal na paputok ay sadyang nakakabahala at nakakatakot kung ito ay napasakamay ng publiko, lalo na ng mga bata. Peligroso ang mga paputok sa kalusugan at maging sa ating kalikasan", Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics named Thony Dizon said in Tagalog dialect.
These specific types of illegal firecrackers have consistently been identified as major culprits in firecracker-related injuries in recent years (almost excluding Coronavirus Disease-19 or CoViD-19 nationwide pandemic), further emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
In response to the rampant sale of hazardous firecrackers, BAN Toxics has called upon the PNP and the Local Government Units (LGUs) to intensify on-site monitoring and confiscate illegal firecrackers as New Year's Eve approaches. This urgent action extends to Central Visayas, Negros Oriental and right here in Dumaguete City, where the group urges local officials to enforce existing firecracker ban regulations and enact ordinances banning the use and sale of firecrackers.
Reports from one government state-media Philippine News Agency (PNA) had recently brought attention to a pressing concern regarding firecracker vendors operating across the country without obtaining the necessary permits or certificates. This has raised significant concerns about their ability to effectively handle fire emergencies. The lack of fire extinguishers at these establishments poses a significant risk, especially considering the hazardous nature of the products on what they are selling in the wrong path. Furthermore, the illegal sale of firecrackers online through platforms like Shopee, Lazada and discreet delivery couriers such as J&T Express and LBC adds another layer of complexity to the issue, requiring coordinated efforts to curb these illicit activities.
To avert firecracker-related injuries, especially among children, BAN Toxics emphatically underscores the paramount importance of refraining from squandering resources on toxic, environmentally deleterious firecrackers and fireworks. Instead, the group suggestively promotes the use of alternative noise makers made from recycled materials like "Torotot" or horn-shaped trumpets, for a safer, simpler and healthier New Year's celebration. This proactive approach is in line with the group's initiative to advocate for a New Year's celebration that is free from all of these toxic and wastes. This effort is being carried out in collaboration with schools, local authorities and representatives from the PNP and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
As the year comes to an end, BAN Toxics' urgent plea for action serves as a poignant reminder of its collective responsibility to safeguard public safety and protecting the environment during year-end festive celebrations in the country.
The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, local officials and advocacy groups are crucial in addressing the sale of illegal and dangerous firecrackers, even for the illegal online selling are ultimately safeguarding the well-being of communities across the Filipino nation.
PHOTO COURTESY: BAN Toxics Patrollers Team via PR
BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna
SOURCE:
*https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2023/12/27/2321685/firecracker-related-injuries-climb-52 [Referenced News Article from The Philippine Star]
*https://www.onenews.ph/articles/pnp-warns-versus-online-sale-of-firecrackers [Referenced News Article from OneNews PH]
*https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215849 [Referenced News Article #1 via Philippine News Agency]
*https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215996 [Referenced News Article #2f via Philippine News Agency]
*https://www.animal-ethics.org/how-fireworks-harm-nonhuman-animals/ [Referenced Editorial Article via Animal Ethics]
-- OneNETnews Team
#national news#firecrackers#BAN Toxics#nationwide ban#illegal#awareness#local officials#central visayas#OneNETnews#dumaguete#negros oriental
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PNA’s Selective News Headline
In a confusing twist of priorities, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) recently proclaimed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as the second-best government agency, according to an OCTA Research poll. One might wonder what happened to the headline that the Department of Education (DepEd) secured the top spot. Is the PNA, generously funded by Filipino taxpayers, harboring a…
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Will Brownlee's Health Threaten PBA Title Hunt?
Justin Brownlee's health status is the main storyline for Game 6 of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday night.
Brownlee was taken to the hospital late in the third quarter of Game 5 after he felt the effects of food poisoning.
"It was really severe food poisoning,"
Ginebra coach Tim Cone said, disclosing that his team's resident import was already experiencing gastrointestinal problems hours before the game.
Brownlee was even seen throwing up on the court while the game was ongoing before the team sought medical help in the hospital.
An insider from the Gin Kings' camp told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that it had something to do with a meal Brownlee ate on Tuesday.
With Brownlee out for the remainder of the game, TNT clawed back and took a 104-95 win to go 3-2 up in the best-of-seven series.
The Tropang Giga can officially eliminate the Gin Kings and clinch their ninth PBA title with a Game 6 win, but coach Jojo Lastimosa is wary that Brownlee might do a revenge game reminiscent of Michael Jordan's "flu game" in the 1997 NBA Finals to send the series to a rubber match on Sunday night.
"He's a warrior. We're counting on everyone to be present on Friday,"
Lastimosa said.
Brownlee was discharged from the hospital on Thursday night.
But with barely 45-and-a-half hours separating Games 5 and 6, scheduled for a 5:45 p.m. tip-off on Friday, whether Brownlee shows up 100 percent or not is up in the air.
"Hopefully, within 48 hours, he can get back and get ready to play,"
Tim Cone said.
Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency.
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Death Toll From Philippines Christmas Rains, Floods Rises To 32
Death Toll From Philippines Christmas Rains, Floods Rises To 32
Faizan Hashmi
Published December 29, 2022 | 10:30 AM
MANILA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 29th Dec, 2022) At least 32 people have died from the torrential rains and floods that inundated some parts of the Philippines, the state news agency (PNA) reported on Thursday.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 21 people are still missing, and…
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Centralian PNA Chief receives an award from DSWD
Centralians in Mass Media (CMM) active member and current Philippine News Agency, Antique Chief Annabel Consuelo Petinglay received the Award as 2021 Most Supportive Media Partner for Online Platform from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Petinglay is formerly Iloilo City’s PNA News Bureau Chief.
Petinglay always reached out to the Regional Information Officer for updates especially during the pandemic and any calamities. On the online and social media support, she was cited for always being supportive to all DSWD programs, services and outreach activities in Antique, particularly at the onset of COVID 19.
The award was given during the Monday Evening’s “Pasasalamat” at the Westown Hotel in Iloilo City. The DSWD also appreciated the support and good relationship of DSWD-6 with media in Western Visayas which includes Centralian Members of the Iloilo Press and Centralians in Mass Media organizations. DSWD OIC Emmanuel A. Leyco relayed his personal gratitude to media.
Regional Director Rebecca Geamala said that, “As long as there is DSWD, the Media will be our strong partner.” She added that the media not only drumbeat the programs and services of DSWD, particularly the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4P’s), but also relayed to the department the need of poor families.
Other media partners who were awarded by DSWD during the ceremony were PNA Iloilo and Antique News Bureaus.
cpu.edu.ph
#iloiloschool#iloilocpu#westernvisayas#centralian#cmm#dswd#centralianpnachiefreceivesawardfromdswd#centralphilippineuniversity#pantawidpamilyapilipinoprogram#bestschool
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Philippines unemployment rate falls down to 3.5% in February 2024
Recently the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) confirmed that the unemployment rate of the nation fell down to 3.5% in February 2024, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent in February this year from 4.5 percent in January, the…
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Philippine Air Force qualifies first female jet fighter pilot
Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 04/01/2022 - 07:19 AM in Military
1st Lieutenant Jul Laiza Mae Camposano-Beran (Photo: PAF)
1st Lieutenant Jul Laiza Mae Camposano-Beran (Photo: PAF)
A Filipino qualified to join the ranks of the country's elite jet fighter pilots, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced on Thursday (30/03).
PAF spokesman Colonel Maynard Mariano said 1st Lieutenant Jul Laiza Mae B. Camposano-Beran is qualified to fly in combat using the SIAI-Marchetti AS-211 light jet combat aircraft, which PAF also uses in attack and surveillance missions.
"The PAF made history (by) having its first fighter pilot on March 30, 2022, in the 5th Fighter Wing at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga. 1st Lieutenant Jul Laiza Mae B. Camposano-Beran was formed as the first female pilot and winger ready for combat mission on the AS-211," he added.
Mariano said Camposano-Beran flew alone for the first time or made his "solo" flight on the AS-211 on December 5, 2020.
"May has more than 150 hours of flight time on the AS-211," he added in a message to the Philippine news agency.
Mariano said Camposano-Berran went through the "Jing Qualification Training" and the so-called "Introduction to the Fundamentals of Hunting and Combat Crew Training", both on the AS-211, before flying "ground".
These trainings, which last about two years, are done to ensure that fighter pilots such as Camposano-Beran not only know how to fly the aircraft, but will also allow them to learn about air-to-air, air-ground and air-surface combat tasks on the AS-211, he added.
“And while doing so, she was also flying with the FA-50 as a back seat pilot and gaining combat experience having flown on the FA-50 on a real attack mission,” he added.
As soon as Camposano-Beran gains more experience and flight time on the AS-211, it will transition or transfer to the FA-50PHs.
This will happen as soon as she acquires 300 hours on the AS-211, Mariano added.
The FA-50PH is PAF's leading jet fighter capable of reaching speeds of Mach 1.5 and was purchased from South Korea in 2015 until 2017.
Camposano-Beran during his training at the PAF Flying School flew the T-41D on the propeller or the Cessna R-172 during the primary phase of his training and then the SIAI-Marchetti SF-260MP in the Basic Phase of his military pilot training.
In total, it gained about 180 hours of flight time on the two propeller aircraft before graduating in 2017.
Camposano-Beran is a native of Tulunan, Cotabato and a member of the Class of the 2015 Philippine Military Academy.
"She became the fifth woman at the Academy to receive the Athletic Saber Award among more than 170 members of her class," she added.
In addition, Mariano said that two more female pilots are currently in training fighter pilots at PAF.
Source: PNA
Tags: Military AviationPAF - Philippine Air Force/Philippine Air Force
Fernando Valduga
Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in a specialized aviation magazine in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation
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The “bayanihan” spirit is spreading in Timor-Leste three days after a team of Filipino diplomats and Timorese nationals set up their own Philippines-inspired community pantry in Dili.
“Today is just Day 3 and we’ve received news of pantries opening up in the neighboring district of Viqueque and soon in Audian. We’ve also started receiving more donations/pledges, show of interest, and queries on this initiative,” Philippine Embassy in Timor-Leste Vice Consul Laser Blitz Sumagaysay said in a Facebook post on Friday.
A team of Filipino diplomats and some Timorese nationals led by Sumagaysay on April 21 put up their own community pantry inspired by a project that started in Quezon City.
From their own pockets and donations, the team’s pantry was able to provide food for 100 to 120 locals.
Sumagaysay said the initiative has also served as a venue for information dissemination on what Philippine “bayanihan” is all about and how it relates to a community pantry, a relatively new concept in the country.
“While the initiative is largely inspired by the current Philippine community trend, we would like to share that the purpose of our initiative here in Timor-Leste is not solely about humanitarian assistance but also, and aptly so given our location and professional mission, diplomacy,” he said.
“Sharing one of the Philippines’ best cultural practices in the form of the ‘Bayanihan’ brand and spirit, and purposely linking it with the selfless concept of the community pantry, is in view of contributing something meaningful and truly Filipino to this side of Southeast Asia.”
Although there’s no definite schedule as to when it will open again, Sumagaysay said his team would like to continue the pantry they piloted.
In the meantime, his team would like to shift donations to other new community pantries “so it would eventually be Timorese to Timorese but Philippine-inspired.”
“For the coming days, we’re expecting a number of confirmed openings also,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
“Unlike sa Pilipinas na instantly trending ang community pantries (Unlike in the Philippines where community pantries trended instantly), it’s still a much unfamiliar if not, until recently, unheard of concept here. It would be up to the success of info dissemination and the reception of the bigger Timorese population.”
He said his team is willing to guide and provide support to other communities that would set up their own pantries in Timor-Leste.
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QC locks down 14 areas, village halls amid rising Covid-19 cases
#PHnews: QC locks down 14 areas, village halls amid rising Covid-19 cases
MANILA – The Quezon City government has placed 14 areas under a special concern lockdown due to an increase in the number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infections.
Mayor Joy Belmonte, in a virtual press conference on Wednesday, described the rise in Covid-19 cases as a surge that is already disturbing.
“Kahit na hindi pa masyadong nagbabanggit ng national government na serious ang situation, tingin ko serious na ang situation namin dito sa QC medyo alarming na, medyo disturbing na (Even if the national government does not say that this is already a serious situation, I believe that here in QC, we are already in a serious situation that is already alarming, disturbing),” Belmonte said.
The 14 areas under the special concern lockdown are the following:
-The portion of Durian St., Barangay Pasong Tamo -- starting February 25
-L. Pascual St., Barangay Baesa -- starting February 26
-De Los Santos Compound, Heavenly Drive, Barangay San Agustin -- starting March 1
-49 & 51 E Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Barangay Doña Josefa -- starting March 4
-Paul St. and Thaddeus St., Jordan Park Homes Subdivision, Doña Carmen, Barangay Commonwealth -- starting March 4
-No. 237 Apo St., Barangay Maharlika -- starting March 4
-No. 64 14th Ave., Barangay Socorro -- starting March 6
-No. 64-B Agno Ext., Barangay Tatalon -- starting March 7
-No. 46 and No. 50 K-9th St., Barangay West Kamias -- starting March 8
-No. 90 Gonzales Compound, Barangay Balon Bato -- starting March 8
-No. 2A – 4 K-6th, Barangay West Kamias -- starting March 8
-The portion of Sitio 5, Jose Abad Santos, Barangay Sta. Lucia -- starting March 9
-No. 138-178 Orchids St. and No. 153-159 Jasmin St., Barangay Central -- March 10
-No. 43 Salvador St., Barangay Krus Na Ligas -- starting March 10
Belmonte clarified that they are only placing portions of villages where there is a concentration of Covid-19 cases.
She added that three barangay halls will be closed for them to be able to test their barangay personnel after some tested positive for Covid-19.
Belmonte also assured residents from these areas that the city government will be distributing food packs and essential kits to the affected families and that they will undergo swab testing and the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
As of 8 p.m. Tuesday, Belmonte said the City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit has recorded 2,100 active cases reflecting a 6 percent increase, bringing to 34,591 the total number of cases in the city.
“We have a shortage of doctors who will do the rounds of patients, we have been in talks with the private sector and we will be hiring some doctors from the private sector whose only task is to do the rounds and certify patients who have fully recovered from among those who belong to the old cases,” Belmonte said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Belmonte also noted that most instances of Covid-19 transmission now happens within the household.
“You will notice na karamihan or 28.03 percent ay household transmission, that is 213 individuals. Unknown o hindi natin malaman kung saan nila nakuha yung sakit is 19.74 percent (most or 28.03 percent are household transmission, that is 213 individuals, those whose origin of transmission is unknown is at 19.74 percent),” she said.
Belmonte reiterated the call to QC residents to strictly follow the imposed health safety protocols, most especially observing the safe physical distancing.
“I do not find this percentage (capacity reduction) not so helpful to be honest because you can have a ballroom but if everybody sticks together even if it's only 40 percent of the capacity but people tend to congregate to socialize because it’s a party, they talk to each other, the transmission will occur no matter how big the venue is. Unless of course, they’re chained to their seats,” she said.
Despite the alarming rise of Covid-19 cases in QC, Belmonte said that a citywide lockdown is not being considered at the moment as this will impair the local economy.
Aside from the strict enforcement of minimum health protocols, she said they are now also in talks with barangay officials, mall and restaurant managers, and other stakeholders in the city to come up with measures to help curb the rise in Covid-19 infections. (PNA)
***
References:
* Philippine News Agency. "QC locks down 14 areas, village halls amid rising Covid-19 cases." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133211 (accessed March 11, 2021 at 01:21AM UTC+14).
* Philippine News Agency. "QC locks down 14 areas, village halls amid rising Covid-19 cases." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133211 (archived).
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Fernandez, Ivan G. - Multimedia Report
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Philippines Now Lifting Travel Ban
by: Ivan Fernandez
The Philippines is now reopening its border for foreign travelers after two years. The government is also allowing vaccinated Filipino citizens to enter from other as early as February 1st. The country is expected to fully open its border on Feb 10, 2022.
(PNA photo by Joey Razon)
A statement by Cabinet Secretary, Karlo Nograles clarified that foreign travelers will now be able to enter the country. As long as they are fully vaccinated and had undergone a PT-PCR test. He later emphasized that it must be done 48 hours before entering the country. If tested negative, foreign travelers will no longer need to undergo a 14-day quarantine measure.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat added that the tourism employees had received vaccinations against the coronavirus. Adding that the officials are still implementing the health and safety protocol to limit the spread of the virus.
"We look forward to welcoming our foreign visitors once again. Especially with Metro Manila, the country's main international gateway, placed under Alert Level 2." Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
READ: DOT says PH ready to welcome fully vaxxed foreign tourists | Philippine News Agency
“We’re done with border control,” Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire said. Clarifying the government's stance on focusing their efforts in containing the virus. Vergeire added that health and safety measures will still be maintained at tourist establishments.
The country’s economy drastically took a hit during the height of the pandemic. With a rough estimation of about 6 million tourists lost in the year 2020. Government statistics suggest that about a million Filipino citizens lost their careers in that same year. Given that the majority of public beaches and resorts were empty in 2020.
Credits to EPA/Jiji
“The drop of tourism’s share in the GDP was to be expected considering that tourism has been virtually inactive since mid-March of 2020. This was a shame as we were anticipating further increasing the industry’s share based on the growing interest in the Philippines as a destination,” said Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) President Jose C. Clemente III in a Viber message.
The country’s GDP plummeted to 5.4 percent in 2020 from 12.8 percent the year before. Foreign travelers from other countries were said to have been contributing as much as 25 percent of the total GDP. Mr. Taimur Baig, chief economist, at DBS Bank, stated that the Philippines is among the nations that have heavily invested in tourism. Corroborating with Oxford Economic that also found out that the Philippines heavily relied on its tourism sectors.
READ: Philippine tourism's GDP share falls in 2020.
SEE ALSO: Tourism contribution to GDP lowest in at least 2 decades - BusinessWorld Online
Housing more than 7600 islands, the Philippines had planned to open its border in December of 2021. However, the emergence of the new variant Omicron has led to the closing of the country further extending the travel ban.
Boracay Photo by Jigger Latoza
With Beijing maintaining its stance on the Zero Covid Policy, the impact of its missing tourist are felt. Chinese travelers are estimated to be the biggest contributor to the Phillippine tourism economy. The loss of revenue brought by the lack of Chinese travelers took a toll on the Philippine economy. With Chinese tourists unable to leave their country, the Phillippine economy will have to rely on other foreign travelers.
READ ALSO: Don't Expect China to Ease Its Zero-COVID Policy Soon | Time
Closed China: why Xi Jinping is sticking with his zero-Covid policy | Financial Times
Tourists from the United States, South Korea, and Germany can help relieve the missing figure. The lifting of the travel ban will allow about 150 countries from visa-free countries to freely enter the country. However, officials added that partially vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists will still undergo a 14-day quarantine.
Sources:
The share of Tourism to GDP is 5.4 percent in 2020
Tourism direct gross value added share to GDP Philippines 2011-2020
Tourism contribution to PH economy sees 61% drop in 2020 — PSA | Inquirer News
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