Generally fair weather in PH Monday

By Ma. Cristina Arayata

Generally fair weather will prevail across the country, the weather bureau said on Monday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by the easterlies.

Moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas will prevail over Luzon.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate with slight to moderate seas, PAGASA said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136428

Angeline Quinto, gumaling na sa COVID-19

Ibinahagi ni Angeline Quinto ang saya sa tuluyan niyang paggaling mula sa coronavirus (COVID-19).

Sa pinakabagong vlog ni Quinto, ipinakita ng mang-aawit ang negatibong resulta nang pinakahuli niyang RT-PCR test.

Ginawa ang swab test kay Quinto nito lamang Abril 8 at lumabas ang resulta kinabukasan.

"Negative, guys. Thank you, Lord. Puwede na akong lumabas (ng kwarto)," ani Quinto na nasorpresa sa dami ng mga nagpadala sa kanya ng pagkain at regalo.

 

"Para po sa mga nagtatanong, maayos na maayos na po ako. At dahil rin po 'yan sa mga tulong niyo, sa mga nagdasal para sa akin. So, sana kayo ay mag-ingat lagi. Ingatan niyo ang sarili niyo guys. Maraming-maraming salamat. God bless you and see you soon," ani Quinto.

Bago pa man sumailalim sa kanyang pinakahuling swab test ay nag-negatibo na si Quinto sa coronavirus noong Abril 5 nang may nagpadala sa kanya ng saliva-based RT-PCR kit.

Sa ika-13 araw ng quarantine ni Quinto, una nang nagpasalamat si Quinto sa lahat ng mga taong nagpakita sa kanya ng pagmamahal at suporta. 

Sa nasabi ring vlog, ipinakita ni Quinto ang huling pitong araw ng kanyang quarantine.

Matatandaang nag-positibo si Quinto sa COVID-19 noong Marso 26, bagay na ipinaalam niya sa publiko sa pamamagitan ng kanyang vlog nitong Abril 1. 

Si Quinto ay isa sa mga bituin ng pinakabagong serye ng ABS-CBN na "Huwag Kang Mangamba" na ipinapalabas naman pagkatapos ng FPJ's Ang Probinsyano."

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/12/21/angeline-quinto-gumaling-na-sa-covid-19

'My happiness': Judy Ann shares birthday message for husband Ryan Agoncillo

Actress Judy Ann Santos shared her birthday message for her husband, actor-host Ryan Agoncillo, who turned 42 on April 10.

In an Instagram post, Santos shared snaps and a video of how they celebrate Agoncillo's birthday.

"My love.. my forever.. (wala ka naman ng choice) i love you... happy birthday.. my happiness," she wrote.

In the comment section of her post, Agoncillo expressed his love for his wife.

"Love you baby, " Agoncillo wrote.

Santos and Agoncillo were married in 2009 and are set to mark their 12th wedding anniversary on April 28. They have three children – Yohan, Lucho and Luna.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/12/21/my-happiness-judy-ann-shares-birthday-message-for-husband-ryan-agoncillo

JC de Vera's daughter Lana turns 3

Lana Athena, the daughter of actor JC de Vera with his wife Rikkah Cruz, has turned 3.

De Vera posted on Instagram photos from their family's DIY intimate lunch party for Lana's special day.

In a previous exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, de Vera shared how fatherhood changed him.

“Mas naging responsible ako in all aspects of life. Mas naging compassionate ako kasi meron akong daughter na,” he said at the time.

“Hindi lang puro trabaho na 'yung ginagawa ko. I now have my small family na kailangan kong buhayin. So ngayon mas naging dedicated talaga ako. Mas naging more energetic din dahil sa daughter ko. Lahat ng ginagawa ko is for them na, not anymore for me lang,” he added.

 

Just last month, de Vera revealed that he and Cruz were married in a civil ceremony back in 2018 before she gave birth to their baby girl.

De Vera said they were planning to have a church wedding in 2020 but this was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He said the church wedding may push through this year since both of them are looking forward to a bigger celebration. 

"Kailangan 'yung church. Hindi ko siya nada-digest na hanggang dun lang kami sa civil wedding. Gusto talaga namin sa church. 'Yung civil wedding dumaan lang. Mas gusto namin mag-prepare ng something really big," he added. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/12/21/jc-de-veras-daughter-lana-turns-3

KC Concepcion thankful for closer relationship with father Gabby

Actress KC Concepcion took to social media to express her appreciation for her relationship with her father, actor Gabby Concepcion.

Posting a photo of them together, KC thanked God for giving them the chance to make up for the lost time.

"Papa. Cool and down to earth, a joker, a guy’s guy, our #GirlDad - so much time lost, but so so much, regained," she wrote in the caption.

"I thank God for our phone calls, deep sea dates, nature explorations, talking til we fall asleep. Truly grateful to the universe for keeping our love alive."

Last week, KC celebrated her 36th birthday in Batangas with her father's family.

"Truly grateful for this family time together. No frills, just love," she wrote on Instagram at the time.

KC also posted photos of her with her half-sisters Samantha and Savannah.

"For those of you who don’t know, my parents married in their teens and unfortunately separated when I was a toddler. Today they have their own families, who are also my own... I keep close to my siblings, or at least I do my part to, and tbh giving importance and nurturing relationships between both my families can be tough -- always a balancing act. But I love them all and my life wouldn’t be complete without them," she wrote. 

KC is the daughter of Gabby with former wife Sharon Cuneta. Sharon married Gabby in 1985 at the height of the popularity of their love team. Sharon remarried in 1996 to Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, with whom she has three children.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/12/21/kc-concepcion-thankful-for-closer-relationship-with-father-gabby

5 arestado sa pagbebenta ng P100,000 pekeng sigarilyo

Arestado ang 5 lalaki na naglalako ng ilegal at pekeng sigarilyo sa mga sari-sari store sa bayan ng Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.

Nasabat ang P100,000 halaga ng unbranded at unregistered na sigarilyo na nakasilid sa sidecar ng mga suspek. Ilan sa mga suspek ay mga tricycle driver.

--Ulat ni Lyza Aquino, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/12/21/5-arestado-sa-pagbebenta-ng-p100000-pekeng-sigarilyo

FDA says no reports yet of blood clotting linked to COVID vaccination

(UPDATE) - The Food and Drug Administration has yet to receive reports of blood clotting in those who have received AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA chief said Monday.

The health department earlier suspended the use of AstraZeneca's vaccine on people aged 59 and below.

"So far po ang ating national adverse events following immunization committee sumulat kahapon na wala naman daw na any cases reported ng blood clotting na connected sa bakuna dito sa atin," FDA director general Eric Domingo told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

(So far our national adverse events following immunization committee have written to us yesterday and said there were no reported cases of blood clotting connected to our immunization program.)

The agency is awaiting recommendation from the country's vaccine expert panel and the World Health Organization for more updated information, Domingo said.

"Hindi naman natin tinigil sa senior citizen. Sabi lang natin 'yung 59 and below tingnan muna natin ang datos para lang may complete information ang magbabakuna at babakunahan," he said.

(We did not stop its use on senior citizens. We just wanted to look at more data on people aged 59 and below so our vaccinators and vaccinees have complete information.)

There will likely be additional indication on the use of the vaccine, said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

"Ang mangyayari po dito, magkakaroon lang siguro ng extra indication or extra precaution with the use of AstraZeneca," she told ANC.

(What will happen is there will probably extra indication or precaution with the use of AstraZeneca.)

"Hindi ho natin tinitigil, nung nangyari 'yan sa ibang bansa sinabi ng mga eksperto and even the WHO the benefit still outweighs the risk. So ibig sabihin itutuloy pa rin, kailangan lang ho better guided ang mga gagamit."

(We will not stop its use, when it happened in other countries, experts and even the WHO said the benefit still outweighs the risk. So it means we will continue its use, we just need to be better guided.)

The Philippines, which began last month its vaccination drive, has distributed some 1.9 million doses of AstraZeneca and Sinovac. It aims to inoculate 50 to 70 million Filipinos by the end of the year to achieve herd immunity.

The country on Sunday reported 11,681 more COVID-19 cases, bringing its total to 864,868. Of this figure, 146,519 or 16.9 percent are active infections. It is forecast to reach 1 million virus cases by the end of the month, independent research group OCTA earlier said.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/12/21/fda-says-no-reports-yet-of-blood-clotting-linked-to-covid-vaccination

THE 700 CLUB ASIA | Binago Niya | April 09, 2021

Recession drama 'Nomadland' wins best film at BAFTA awards

LONDON (Reuters) - US recession drama “Nomadland”, about a community of van dwellers, was the big winner at Britain’s BAFTA awards on Sunday, scooping best film and prizes for its Chinese-born director Chloe Zhao and leading actress Frances McDormand.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts ceremony was held virtually over two nights, with nominees joining in by video, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However film stars Hugh Grant and Priyanka Chopra Jonas appeared in person at London’s Royal Albert Hall while Renee Zellweger and Anna Kendrick joined from a Los Angeles studio to present the awards.

“Nomadland”, which has already picked up prizes this awards season, stars 63-year-old McDormand as a widow, who in the wake of the US economic recession, turns her van into a mobile home and sets out on the road, taking on seasonal jobs along the way.

“We would like to dedicate this award to the nomadic community who so generously welcomed us into their lives,” Zhao, who won the director category, said in her acceptance speech.

“Thank you for showing us that ageing is a beautiful part of life, a journey that we should all cherish and celebrate. How we treat our elders says a lot of about who we are as a society and we need to do better.”

“Nomadland” also won for cinematography.

Outstanding British film went to #MeToo revenge movie “Promising Young Woman”, which also won original screenplay.

The academy also paid tribute to Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth’s husband, who died on Friday, aged 99. Philip was named BAFTA’s first president in 1959. His grandson Prince William is BAFTA’s current president.

Following an outcry last year when BAFTA presented an all-white acting contenders list, more than half of this year’s 24 nominees were actors of colour.

Film veteran Anthony Hopkins won the leading actor category for portraying a man with dementia in “The Father”.

“I’m at a time in my life where I never expected to get this,” the 83-year-old told reporters of the award, adding his age had made making the movie “easy”.

Youn Yuh-jung won supporting actress for “Minari”, in which she plays a grandmother who travels from South Korea to the United States to look after her grandchildren.

The 73-year-old, who has won a Screen Actors Guild award and has been nominated for an Oscar for her performance, drew laughs in her acceptance speech when she jokingly said it was particularly meaningful to be recognised by “British people, known as very snobbish people”.

Daniel Kaluuya, who has swept this awards season for his portrayal of late Black Panther activist Fred Hampton in “Judas and the Black Messiah”, won supporting actor.

“Brokeback Mountain” and “Life of Pi” director Ang Lee received the BAFTA Fellowship, the academy’s top honour, for his contribution to film.

Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian, Editing by Diane Craft

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/12/21/recession-drama-nomadland-wins-best-film-at-bafta-awards

KTX review: 'General Admission' is a smart black comedy on showbiz scandals

Katja Majarais (Jasmine Curtis-Smith) was the star member of the Daisy Ocho, a group of sexy dancers on a crass noontime TV show Tawag ng Tanghalian. One day, she had her period while dancing on air, causing a red stain to be visible on her white costume. Katja's misfortune was the red-hot topic being tackled on mass media and social media. Her rival dancer Rose (Angelica Bianca Lapuz) even circulated a cruel gif of that awkward moment.

A famous fortune teller Madame Nora (Vangie Labalan) made a prediction on air that someone Katja loved will die in 24 hours. Was Madame referring to her boyfriend Carlito Sicat (JC de Vera), a once-popular child actor wanting to make a comeback? Rival TV talk show hosts Teri Miranda (Nanette Inventor) of "Tsismis 24/7" and Danny de Leon (Archie Adamos) of "Blgar Teleradyo" scramble to generate controversial content out of the situation.

Together with guest panelists psychology professor Dra. Wilfreda Limpin (Angelina Kanapi) and celebrity vlogger Tom Young (Bryan Sy), the hosts spin scandalous generalizations from pure speculations and silly exaggerations. They manipulate interviews with their leading questions, and put words into the guests' mouths. They even employ camera crews to follow subjects around and hidden cameras to catch sensitive moments. 

So from a simple case of an embarrassing red stain on white shorts, the issue had spun off wildly into false accusations.of child abuse, secret affairs, pregnancy, abortion, homophobia, HIV, sexual harassment, and human rights violations. There were rallies from women's groups and LGBT groups, all taking advantage of the spotlight to highlight their advocacies. When someone was actually shot in public in the end, even more salacious confessions came out.

This smart black comedy was written by Dustin Celestino and directed by Jeffrey Hidalgo (who also appeared onscreen as a malicious TV director) as a commentary on the TV business nowadays, highlighting the callousness, the insensitivity and the ruthlessness of it all. Everything was about the sponsors, the money, the audience response, the ratings. Their focus was on sensationalizing the issues, and not the actual truth of the content. 

It also showed how celebrities have become prisoners of their own public personas. 

This review was originally published in the author's blog, "Fred Said."

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/12/21/ktx-review-general-admission-is-a-smart-black-comedy-on-showbiz-scandals

TV Patrol Weekend live streaming April 11, 2021 | Full Episode Replay

WATCH: PCSO 9 PM Lotto Draw, April 11, 2021

100 sanggol, sabay sabay na bininyagan sa Cebu kasabay ng Divine Mercy Sunday

 Kasabay ng kapistahan ng Divine Mercy ay isinagawa ang binyagan ng 100 sanggol sa lungsod ng Cebu.

Bahagi rin ito sa unang araw ng triduum o ang tatlong araw na paghahanda para sa ika-500 taon ng kauna-unahang binyag na naganap sa Cebu sa grupo ni Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

Sa Our Lady of Guadalupe Archdiocesan Shrine, bininyagan ni Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma kasama ang iba pang mga obispo ang 100 sanggol.

Sa kanyang homily, inihayag ni Archbishop Palma na isang espesyal na araw ang pagbinyag ng mga sanggol dahil sa kapistahan ng Divine Mercy sa pangalawang linggo ng Pasko sa Pagkabuhay, at ang pagsisimula ng triduum para sa ika-500 taong paggunita sa kauna-unahang binyag na naganap sa bansa.

Ayon kay Palma, sa araw na ito ay dumaloy ang biyaya ng Diyos na sang-ayon sa kaniyang paghahayag kay St. Sr. Faustina na kaniyang buksan ang pinto ng mga biyaya.

Pinapaalala rin ng obispo sa mga magulang ng mga sanggol ang pagpapahalaga sa bagong buhay ng kanilang mga anak bilang mga bagong Kristiyano, na silay maging banal at mga mabubuting mamamayan.

Tinatayang may 300 hanggang 500 tao ang dumalo sa binyagan, kasama na ang mga sanggol, mga magulang, ninong at ninang, at iba pa.

Ayon kay Rev. Fr. Jonathan Rubin, Chair ng 500 YOC, Broadcast and Media Accreditation, may pahintulot ito ng Inter-Agency Task Force at istrikto rin nilang pinatupad ang minimum health protocol.

- ulat ni Vilma Andales

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/11/21/100-sanggol-sabay-sabay-na-bininyagan-sa-cebu-kasabay-ng-divine-mercy-sunday

Ex-president Erap sang after extubation - Jinggoy Estrada

Former Senator Jinggoy Estrada thanked longtime family friends during an online healing mass Sunday afternoon for the recovery of his father, former President Joseph Estrada, from COVID-19 infection.

"Now, he has been extubated. His vital signs are ok. He has no fever, no agitation, “ the younger Estrada told the more than 80 mass participants. “His chest x-ray has seemingly improved. He is gradually recovering, but not yet off the woods.”

The most encouraging sign, Estrada added, was a video shared by a nurse on duty showing his father singing.

“He was able to sing one of his favorite songs, “Always You”, last night. We ask for more prayers for him and other families struggling with COVID."

Jinggoy, the former president’s oldest son who is in charge of his father’s medical concerns, shared his pain over making the crucial decision to give doctors permission to intubate him.

“What if I don’t allow it?” he recalled talking to a lady doctor. “He will not last, she said. So I said, do what you have to do since time was crucial. With God’s mercy and guidance, he is recovering.” 

Officiating priest Fr. Jerry Orbos invoked the infinite mercy of God for Estrada’s healing and others affected by the pandemic during the mass attended by, among others, former and current government officials Jose Pardo, Leonor Briones, Boots Anson Rodrigo, Edu Manzano, Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco, June Rufino, Fortune Ledesma, Giselle Sanchez, and the Estrada siblings Jackie and Jude Ejercito and their respective families.

“Let’s pray for a miracle to bring Erap back so he can serve more people,” Orbos said, also calling on the participants “to stay afloat and not to sink in fear, anger and negativity during this time, so we help others”. 

Estrada, a former actor who served as President from 1998 until 2001, is turning 84 on April 19. He was last in public service as Mayor of Manila City from 2013 until 2019.

"Bless our country... Aand we also pray for government na magmalasakit sa taumbayan at this time, “ Orbos added. 

Manzano, who initiated the gathering, was referred by Orbos as the glue that brought the participants together in the rare event.

Manzano also prayed for the healing of Orbos who is battling cancer. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/11/21/ex-president-erap-sang-after-extubation-jinggoy-estrada

WATCH: PCSO 5 PM Lotto Draw, April 11, 2021

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Pulse oximeter yes, oxygen tank optional: What are COVID-19 home care essentials?

What are the essential medical equipment for home care in the time of COVID-19?

According to Philippine General Hospital spokesperson Jonas del Rosario, the essential medical equipment for monitoring COVID-19 at home are a thermometer, blood pressure monitor or gauge, and pulse oximeter, which measures a person's oxygen level. 

"Ang normal [oxygen level] po kasi ay 95 percent and above. Sa amin pong algorithm, 'pag ang oxygen niyo ay less than 92 percent kailangan niyo na pong pumuntang emergency room o magpaadmit na po," he told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

(The normal oxygen level is 95 percent and above. In our algorithm, if your oxygen is less than 92 percent, you need to go to the emergency room or be admitted in a hospital.)

On the other hand, he said an oxygen tank is optional for COVID-19 home care since these are expensive. He said he has received reports that some villages have standby oxygen tanks just in case residents need it. 

"Kung kaya mo bumili, opo (If you can afford it, yes)," he said.

Sales of oxygen tanks have increased as Filipinos said they fear not getting admitted into hospitals if they contract coronavirus. The Department of Health urged the public to use the device with medical supervision and warned that hospitals' supply may be depleted. 

The country's largest COVID-19 referral hospital will launch its own teleconsultation COVID Gabay Program to help COVID-19 patients in home care, del Rosario added.

"Hopefully mabawasan din 'yung kanilang tsansa makapaghawa o madagdagan ang transmission natin," he said.

(Hopefully we will also lessen their chance to infect others or increase virus transmission.)

The public must be informed and must trust their doctors to follow the appropriate care they need, said Aileen Espina of the Health Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC).

"Hindi natin mapipigilan ang mga tao na tumakbo sa ospital...

it’s not really yung sintomas na nararamdaman natin but rather yung takot na baka ano mangyari sakin pag nasa bahay lang," she said.

(We can't stop people from going to the hospital...it's not really because of the symptoms they feel but the fear of what might happen if they're at home.)

"Ang gagawin talaga natin is mapaintindi sa ating mga kababayan saan sila pwede maka-access ng serbisyong kalusugan na appropriate sa kanilang karamdaman...this kind of care need not be in a hospital setting, it can be accessed sa telepono, through the internet."

(We need to make them understand where they can access health care appropriate to their needs...this kind of need not be in a hospital setting, it can be accessed through the phone, through the internet.)

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/11/21/pulse-oximeter-yes-oxygen-tank-optional-what-are-covid-19-home-care-essentials

Taal Volcano emits 'very weak' steam-laden plumes

Taal Volcano's main crater had a "very weak emission" of steam-laden plumes that rose 5 meters in the past 24 hours, Phivolcs said Sunday.

It also recorded 216 volcanic earthquakes, with 177 volcanic tremors lasting up to 32 minutes, state seismologists said in its 8 a.m. Taal Volcano bulletin.

The volcano remains under alert level 2, the second-lowest in a 5-step system, which warns of probable magmatic activity that may or may not lead to an eruption. 

Phivolcs advised that entry into the Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s permanent danger zone, especially the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, and occupancy and boating on Taal Lake remained strictly prohibited.

Towns surrounding the lake have been advised to continuously assess and strengthen their preparedness in case of renewed unrest.

The volcano, which sits on an island surrounded by a lake in Batangas province, had a steam-driven eruption on Jan. 12, 2020, triggering an ash fall that reached parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The eruption displaced more than 700,000 people in Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Metro Manila. Damage to infrastructure and agriculture in the provinces of Batangas, Cavite and Laguna was pegged at P3.4 billion, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/11/21/taal-volcano-emits-very-weak-steam-laden-plumes

Duterte's spokesman feeling better after receiving COVID-19 treatment

President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman on Sunday said he was feeling "better" after receiving COVID-19 treatment and is well enough to do his press briefings.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Saturday said he was admitted to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) after a fresh bout with COVID-19. 

"I am better after only one vial of remdesivir and steroids. I came in at the right time since pneumonia was caught early on. Doctors won't discharge me though until 4 more vials of remdesivir which means I will be confined until Thursday," he said in a statement.

"But I do feel normal already on my 3rd day of confinement, enough to do my thrice a week briefings. Will check into a TTMF (temporary treatment facility) on Friday to complete my 14 days of isolation. Thanks again for all your well wishes and prayers."

Roque first announced he tested positive for the coronavirus on March 15. He was found negative for the disease 10 days later. It was unclear when he again contracted the virus, or whether he was suffering from further effects of his earlier illness.

The official was the fifth member of Duterte's Cabinet to contract the illness.

The Philippines on Saturday logged 12,674 more COVID-19 cases, its second-highest single day tally so far, bringing the total to 853,209.

It is forecast to reach 1 million virus cases by the end of the month, according to independent research group OCTA which has recommended the extension of strict lockdown in NCR Plus bubble to further slow down the growth of infections. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/11/21/dutertes-spokesman-feeling-better-after-receiving-covid-19-treatment

Philippines to hire 14,000 additional contact tracers for Metro Manila

The labor department will hire 14,000 additional contact tracers for Metro Manila, an official said Sunday.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has agreed to increase the number of contact tracers from 5,000 to augment the capital region's forces in a meeting with Manila mayors Saturday, said Benhur Abalos, chairman of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

"This is worth P213 million para dito sa Kalakhang Maynila (for Metro Manila). This is for a period of 3 months, very intensified na talaga po (our contact tracing has intensified)," he told ABS-CBN's Teleradyo.

The agency earlier said it would "hopefully" start next week the hiring of contact-tracers, who will get paid at the rate of the minimum wage in their regions.

Applicants must have basic knowledge in using a phone and the internet. Online training for contact-tracers will be held over one or two days, during which they will start receiving their pay, said Ma. Karina Perida-Trayvilla, head of the department's Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns. 

Those who are interested in the job opportunity should go to the labor department's nearest satellite offices or call the DOLE Hotline 1349 or telephone number 8404-3336, she added. 

The Philippines' contact-tracing strategy for COVID-19 remains far from ideal, Malacañang said in March, a year since the World Health Organization declared the respiratory disease a pandemic. 

Aileen Espina, national director of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, likened the different contact tracing applications to an "archipelago" that do not interact or share information with each other.

"Sana magkaroon ng tulay (I hope there can be a bridge)... a way to bridge these islands of information systems," she said.

"The earlier we’re able to identify 'yung mga kaso at ma-isolate sila, ma-identify sino ang close contact nila at ma-quarantine natin kaagad, (we) are able to cut the chain of transmission.)

The Philippines on Saturday logged 12,674 more COVID-19 cases, its second-highest single day tally so far, bringing the total to 853,209.

It is forecast to reach 1 million virus cases by the end of the month, according to independent research group OCTA which has recommended the extension of strict lockdown in NCR Plus bubble to further slow down the growth of infections. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/11/21/philippines-to-hire-14000-additional-contact-tracers-for-metro-manila

'Para na itong Yolanda': Doctor compares COVID-19 pandemic to 1-yr super typhoon

 The country's healthcare system is not yet ready for NCR Plus to ease its quarantine level, medical frontliners said Sunday.

Malacañang earlier said government was considering easing the bubble of virus epicenter Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal into modified enhanced community quarantine after 2 weeks of strict lockdown.

The Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 calls for "long term solutions" such as coordinated digital contact tracing, said member Aileen Espina, who is also national director of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians.

"It’s not a question of kakayanin, kahit naman 'yung nakaraang 2 linggo, we were nearing collapse of our healthcare system. Para na itong naging Yolanda sa tindi. This is beyond the capacity of healthcare system to respond to the current situation," she told ABS-CBN News.

(It’s not a question of whether we can do it, the past 2 weeks, we were nearing collapse of our healthcare system. It's like Typhoon Yolanda.)

"At least 'yung Yolanda noon sa'min sa Tacloban after 5 hours tapos na siya, ito 1 taon na paulit-ulit na...bababa 'yung kaso, magrerelax tayo hindi natin inaayos yung root cause ng pagdami ng kaso."

(At least Yolanda was done after 5 hours, this has been ongoing for a year...cases will decrease then we will relax without identifying the root cause of increase in infections.)

The country's contact tracing applications are like an "archipelago," Espina said.

"Sana magkaroon ng tulay (I hope there can be a bridge)... a way to bridge these islands of information systems," she said.

"The earlier we’re able to identify 'yung mga kaso at ma-isolate sila, ma-identify sino ang close contact nila at ma-quarantine natin kaagad, (we) are able to cut the chain of transmission.)

(The earlier we’re able to identify the cases and isolate them, identify their close contacts and quarantine them, (we) are able to cut the chain of transmission.)

Philippine General Hospital spokesperson Jonas del Rosario also said the country's healthcare system does not yet have the capacity to handle COVID cases if the quarantine level of NCR Plus is eased.

The country's largest COVID-19 referral hospital has 244 virus patients out of its 255 beds or at 94 percent capacity as of Saturday, Del Rosario said.

"Ang aming ICU (intensive care unit) ay puno, maraming nasa waitlist at hirap ang mga tao makapasok sa ospital," he said.

(Our ICU is full, many are on the waitlist and are having trouble getting admitted.)

"I think hindi pa kaya, kung babasehan natin ang healthcare capacity. Dahil ung magluwag maaaring ma-overwhelm pa lalo."

The hospital has closed 2 non-COVID wards to get more health workers, Del Rosario added.

"'Di naman pwede isang nurse, 10 pasyenteng severe. Habang mas bumibigat ang sitwasyon nila, mas kailangan tutukan kaya mas maraming tao ang kailangan," he said.

(One nurse cannot take care of 10 severe patients. As their situation worsens, we need to monitor them closely so we need more staff.)

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/11/21/para-na-itong-yolanda-doctor-compares-covid-19-pandemic-to-1-yr-super-typhoon

Distribution firms seek local clinical trials before FDA on ivermectin use for COVID-19 treatment

Two distribution firms have expressed interest to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in conducting local clinical trials for the use of anti-parasitic drug ivermectin in treating COVID-19. 

In a statement, IP Biotech Inc. (IPB) and Ambica International, Inc. (Ambica), said "a number of physicians" in the country have already recommended ivermectin for COVID-19. 

IP Biotech is the same company that represents Sinovac in the country, which was also pushed for emergency use. 

"The antiparasitic [drug] has been used empirically for the treatment of outpatients and hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Honduras and in other regions of the world," the statement read. 

However, infectious diseases expert Dr. Edsel Salvana earlier said that the supposed effectivity of ivermectin in helping to ease the respiratory disease is not backed by data despite more people advocating for the drug. 

Salvana, a member of the technical advisory group that advises the Department of Health (DOH), also cautioned against using ivermectin, citing potential side effects.

This is the reason, IP Biotech chairman Enrique Gonzalez said in the statement, that the drug should undergo local clinical trials as the fight against the pandemic "requires a multifaceted approach." 

“Ivermectin cannot be used on a mass scale safely unless it is validated through clinical trials and proper FDA registration. This is to ensure the safety and efficacy of a product before being made accessible to people,” Gonzalez was quoted as saying. 

"IPB and Ambica seek to work closely with regulators and an independently run clinical trial to validate ivermectin

as a treatment for COVID19," he added. 

Ambica's vice president also noted of the drug's "potential" in treating patients with the coronavirus, subject to clinical trial validation and regulatory approval. 

Ivermectin recently made headlines this week after Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor said he would distribute ivermectin to the sick and elderly in Quezon City, despite FDA warnings.

According to the DOH, ivermectin products registered in the country are for veterinary use, and are only allowed for the treatment of internal and external parasites as well as prevention of heartworm disease.

Despite previous warnings by international health organizations, the FDA has granted an undisclosed hospital a compassionate use permit of ivermectin as COVID-19 treatment.

The World Health Organization has also warned against the use of ivermectin in patients with COVID-19 except for clinical trials because of inconclusive evidence.

Merck, an ivermectin manufacturer, has also said its analysis did not support the drug's safety and efficacy for COVID-19.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/10/21/distribution-firms-seek-local-clinical-trials-before-fda-on-ivermectin-use-for-covid-19-treatment

TV Patrol Weekend live streaming April 10, 2021 | Full Episode Replay

Harry Roque nasa ospital muli dahil sa COVID-19

Naka-admit ngayon sa ospital si Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque para magpagaling sa coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 

Unang inanunsiyo ni Roque na nagka-COVID-19 siya noong Marso 15 pero gumaling din siya rito. 

Nagnegatibo naman siya sa coronavirus noong Marso 25, pero hindi malinaw kung kailan siya muling dinapuan ng sakit. 

Hinimok ng kalihim ang publiko na maging mas maingat dahil sa mabilis ang pagkalat ngayon ng sakit. 

“I am now admitted in a hospital for Covid treatment. This is to say that COVID-19 is more transmissible now so we have to do extra precaution,” aniya sa isang pahayag. 

Unang sinabi ng mga source na na-admit si Roque sa Philippine General Hospital dahil sa COVID-19, sa loob ng Department of Pay Patient Service. 

Gumamit noon ng non-invasive breathing support si Roque, at kinailangang ikabit sa Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, isang uri ng ventilator. 

Nangyari ang pag-oospital kay Roque sa harap ng pag-uulat na may mga napupuno nang mga ospital dahil sa pagdami ng COVID-19 patients. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/10/21/harry-roque-nasa-ospital-muli-dahil-sa-covid-19

Suspek na tulak ng droga, patay sa shootout sa Nueva Ecija

P170,000 halaga ng droga nasamsam

Napatay sa shootout sa Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija ang isang lalaking itinuturong tulak umano ng ilegal na droga.

Kinilala ng mga pulis ang suspek na si Roberto Dela Cruz, na nakipagbarilan umano sa gitna ng isang anti-illegal drug operation sa Purok 7, Barangay Talipapa.

Ayon sa mga awtoridad, nakuha kay Dela Cruz ang limang sachet ng hinihinalang shabu na may street value na P171,632.

Nakuha rin sa kanya ang isang caliber-.38 na revolver. 

Kamakailan lang may apat ng suspek, kasama ang isang SK chairman, ang nahuli sa magkakahiwalay na operasyon kontra ilegal na droga sa Nueva Ecija. -- Ulat ni Gracie Rutao

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/10/21/suspek-na-tulak-ng-droga-patay-sa-shootout-sa-nueva-ecija

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6.1-magnitude quake rocks Davao Occidental

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake shook Davao Occidental Saturday afternoon, with Phivolcs reporting its epicenter in the waters southwest of Sarangani.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, hit at 5:30 p.m., Phivolcs said in its advisory. It initially reported a magnitude of 5.9 then upgraded the measurement at past 6 p.m. Saturday.

The earthquake's epicenter was at 148 kilometer southwest of Sarangani.

Intensity III was felt in General Santos City, while Intensity II was reported in Monkayo, Davao de Oro.

An instrumental intensity of Intensity I was recorded in Alabel, Sarangani.

While no damage was reported as of this writing, aftershocks are expected, Phivolcs said.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/10/21/61-magnitude-quake-rocks-davao-occidental

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OCTA seeks another week of ECQ as virus transmission further slows in NCR

OCTA on Saturday recommended a week-long extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the "NCR Plus" bubble as virus transmission continued to slow down in Metro Manila.

Based on its latest monitoring report, OCTA said the reproduction number (R) in the National Capital Region decreased to 1.23 this week (April 3 to April 9) from 1.88 the week before ECQ, which means the strictest lockdown is slowing the virus spread.

Last week's R naught was at 1.65, based on the research group's earlier presentation. 

The R value measures the average number of people that one infected person passes the disease to. An R value above 1 can lead to exponential growth.

OCTA, however, pointed out that the lower testing, down by 19 percent from last week, could mean that "the findings may be subject to corrections once newer data come in." 

If an ECQ extension is not possible, the researchers are suggesting a minimum of 2 weeks of a modified ECQ. 

"The positivity rate in the NCR was 25 percent over the past week... the ECQ has been effective in reducing the growth rate and reproduction number in the NCR. There is hope that the NCR will be on a downward trend by next week," the report read. 

"Extend the ECQ for another week to continue to slow down the surge, decongest our hospitals and relieve the pressure on our healthcare workers," it added, pointing out that reopening the economy "prematurely would be a significant risk." 

The government placed Metro Manila and 4 nearby provinces Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, and Cavite— collectively, the NCR Plus— under ECQ on March 29 due to record-high coronavirus infections, a bulk of which came from these areas. 

The period is set to lapse on April 11, with government expected to announce quarantine levels later Saturday.

But the research unit said another week of ECQ would be needed to decrease further the growth of infections and decongest hospitals in the NCR Plus bubble, which are nearing the breaking point due to a stream of fresh admissions. 

According to the report, Metro Manila cities Taguig, Makati, Muntinlupa, Malabon, San Juan have already reached 100 percent intensive care unit (ICU) occupancy. 

The cities of Bacoor and Imus in Cavite, and Antipolo in Rizal have also reported full ICU utilization. 

Quezon City (89%), Manila (88%), Las Pinas (82%) and Pasay (85%) are also nearing full ICU occupancy. 

"Government should continue its efforts to expand testing tracing and isolation to accelerate the regions' exit from ECQ," the researchers noted. 

The government is distributing modular tents to struggling hospitals and re-deploying health workers from regions where virus transmission rates are low. 

For the past week the country has also been reporting record-high cases and deaths. 

To date, the Philippines has confirmed 840,554 coronavirus infections, with 14,520 fatalities and 647,683 recoveries.

The OCTA Research Group estimates that the total number of cases in the country will reach 1 million by the end of April.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/10/21/octa-seeks-another-week-of-ecq-as-virus-transmission-further-slows-in-ncr