Tag: China virus

Philippines Targets 6.4 Million International Tourist Arrivals this Year

Philippines Targets 6.4 Million International Tourist Arrivals this Year

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The Philippines, which has been enduring economic weakness and high inflation for much of 2026, is targeting 6.4 million international visitor arrivals this year, according a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, international tourists/visitors is a reference to both foreign tourists and overseas Filipinos who arrived in the country. In 2025, the Philippines attracted 5.94 million foreign tourists and 543,000 overseas Filipinos which combine for a grand total of 6.48 million international tourists/visitors. That said, the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) target for 2026 technically the same when compared to what was achieved in 2025.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines expects tourist arrivals to remain flat at around 6.4 million this year amid more muted travel demand due to the ongoing fuel crisis, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay told reporters last week that the DOT expects international visitor arrivals to remain relatively unchanged from the 6.48 million recorded last year.

“6.4 [million] is our target because I was really super anxious about the fuel crisis and the accompanying higher airline fees, as well as the lower sentiment for traveling,” Angara-Mathay said.

Even against this backdrop, Angara-Mathay said tourist arrivals remain relatively strong, having posted 3.46-percent year-on-year growth as of Oct. 6.

The latest official DOT data showed that visitor arrivals from January to August inched up by 0.8 percent to 4.42 million from 4.38 million in the same period last year.

“I was afraid that it would go down, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I think we’ll be able to match [last year],” Angara-Mathay said.

Given the expected boost in arrivals during the holiday season, the DOT still sees room for growth this year, especially if the government approves its proposed expansion of the visa-free scheme for Chinese tourists.

The DOT is pushing to expand visa-free coverage for Chinese nationals to other gateways in hopes of opening more flights between the Philippines and China beyond Manila and Cebu.

Chinese tourists are currently allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for stays of up to 14 days, provided they arrive through either Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

The current arrangement has already resulted in a surge in Chinese visitors this year, with arrivals nearly doubling to 303,567 as of end-August from 156,926 a year ago.

“There is a direct correlation with taking out that friction of the visa with [increased] travel. So hopefully, everyone’s on board, unfortunately one more agency needs to be convinced,” said Angara-Mathay.

While she did not identify the agency opposing the visa-free expansion, the DOT chief emphasized that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) are fully on board.

The DFA authorized visa-free entry for Chinese nationals earlier this year, while BI issued the implementing guidelines.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the tourism industry of the Philippines has what it takes to attract more than enough foreign tourists and returning overseas Filipinos to exceed the DOT’s 2026 target? Do you feel uncomfortable about the Philippine government’s effort to expand visa-free coverage for Chinese nationals to other gateways? Do you prefer to see the authorities focus more on attracting more travelers from Southeast Asia and Europe? What do you think are the three biggest problems of the tourism industry of the Philippines today?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Wanted Chinese National Arrested in Parañaque City Over Human Trafficking Activities Connected with POGO Operations

Wanted Chinese National Arrested in Parañaque City Over Human Trafficking Activities Connected with POGO Operations

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, local law enforcers arrested a Chinese national who is wanted for human trafficking activities connected with illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) operations, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Daily Tribune news report. Some parts in boldface…

Chinese national Huang Mingmin, who is wanted for alleged human trafficking activities linked to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) operations in Central Luzon, was arrested by authorities on 9 October 2026.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said the operation was conducted with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–National Capital Region Regional Field Unit (CIDG-NCR-RFU) at the K1 Center Building in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

The PAOCC said sustained surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts led authorities to the location where Huang was reportedly hiding.

Huang allegedly used multiple aliases, including “Yang Bin,” “Sy Wang” and “A Bao,” to conceal his identity and evade authorities.

According to the PAOCC, Huang had also established a presence in the local business sector, acquiring real properties and fishing vessels on Jomalig Island and maintaining business interests in several establishments in Quezon province, including Mother’s Wonderland and Sea Horizon Resort, where he was reportedly identified as an owner or stockholder.

Further investigation allegedly linked Huang to Chinese nationals who facilitated and supported illegal POGO operations in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga. Authorities said his alleged connections to individuals involved in the operations warranted further investigation into his role.

Court records also identify “Yang Bin,” one of Huang’s reported aliases, among the persons in control of premises covered by Search Warrant No. 41M-M-2024, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 81 in Malolos City, Bulacan, in connection with an alleged violation of Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code, or serious illegal detention.

The alias was also listed in Search Warrant No. 42-M-2024 in connection with an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.

Meanwhile, the alias “A Bao” was listed among the accused with arrest warrants in cases arising from joint anti-POGO operations against Lucky South Pampanga 99 and Whirlwind in Porac, Pampanga.

The case involves qualified trafficking in persons under Criminal Case No. R-PSG-25-01737-CR, pending before the Regional Trial Court Branch 157 in Pasig City.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you convinced that Chinese nationals who committed crime and maintained activities with POGOs are currently present in the city? Are there many Chinese nationals living within your local community now? Do you think POGOs are causing scamming and human trafficking in Parañaque?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Over 100 Chinese former POGO workers deported

Over 100 Chinese former POGO workers deported

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Recently authorities here in the Philippines deported over one hundred Chinese nationals who previously worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), according to a news report by GMA News.

For the newcomers reading this, the Philippines still has many thousands of illegal aliens who previously worked in POGOs who are on the loose.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the GMA News. Some parts in boldface…

Some 100 Chinese individuals who worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) were deported to China on Tuesday.

According to Saleema Refran’s report on Balitanghali, they were deported at around 10:40 a.m.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said China paid for the airfare of the deportees, with the goal of ensuring that they will not be able to escape.

“Importante kasi sa kanila ‘yan dahil marami silang nakukuhang impormasyon dito sa mga bosses kung paano sila nag o-operate, saan sila nag-o-operate, at anu-anong mga sistema sa money laundering ang ginagamit nila,” PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said.

(It’s important to them because they get a lot of information from the bosses here. How they operate, where they operate, and what money laundering systems they use.)

“Ang ayaw kasi nila siyempre ‘yung hindi nakakarating sa China mismo ‘yung mga boss nitong operation ng POGO,” he added.

(What they really don’t want, of course, is for the bosses of these POGO operations to not arrive in China.)

Once in China, the deportees will undergo investigation for scamming, cybercrime, fraud, and money laundering.

Broken apart – Meanwhile, the Filipino partners and spouses of the deportees were emotional when saying their goodbyes, including one who even brought their six-month child.

“Sobrang sakit po kasi may anak po kami (It really hurts because we have a child),” one of the women said.

The mother is already in contact with the deportee’s family and China, and plans to follow him there with their daughter.

The former workers were arrested during anti-POGO operations in Cebu, Cavite, Parañaque, and Pasay.

They have been declared undesirable aliens due to lack of visas and work permits, and for working in illegal POGOs. Aside from these, they have also been blacklisted and can no longer return to the Philippines.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the authorities should do more apprehending the many illegal aliens (former POGO workers) still on the loose so that more will get deported? Are you concerned that there could be many Filipinos who became personally involved with foreigners who worked in POGOs?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 50

What to watch on YouTube right now – Part 50

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Welcome back, my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?

I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.

#1 HolyLandSite’s examination of Kursi and Lord Jesus’ power over the demonic realm – Kursi is a place in the east side of the Sea of Galilee in the region of Gerasenes (or Gadarenes) in Israel where two men possessed by demons stayed at. HolyLandSite produced this video to emphasize the biblical relevance of the place, what happened and, most of all, the immense power Lord Jesus had over the demonic forces that caused huge problems for people back then. This is a biblical examination of the place and a lively reminder of the light and authority of Lord Jesus, the Savior and Hope of ALL nations. Grab a copy of the Holy Bible and then watch the video from start to finish.

#2 GTV Japan examines Nintendo’s crisis – Remember back in the late 1980s when a shortage of ROM chips prevented Nintendo from releasing games on time? Back in those days, microchips were essential for manufacturing cartridges of games for consoles. A lot of people believed that Nintendo, which already had several restrictions on game publishing and business with 3rd party game companies, deliberately created the shortage for their advantage. There is a lot more details and developments that happened beyond the perceived shortage and the video by GTV Japan has a very in-depth look at it in the video below.

#3 What the hard drive of terrorist Bin Laden contained – Remember when America found and eliminated the mass murderer and terrorist Osama Bin Laden in 2011? YouTuber fern published a video focused on one particular aspect related to the operation that took Bin Laden down – the sensitive information contained in his hard drive. The video also has a key analyst interviewed who provided a lot of insight. Watch the video now.

#4 Wokeness in Japan exposed – Believe it or not, there definitely is wokeness in Japan and it was exposed a lot during their news media coverage of the 2024 US Presidential Election which Donald Trump won. In fact, a certain Japanese professor who was included in the media outlet’s coverage (being in the studio with others) was so liberal, he got frustrated as Commie Kamala Harris lost and he even reiterated the Democrats’ buzz words like “threat to democracy”. Think about it very carefully. The Democrats and their Satanic Left pawns have been spreading their distorted views in Japan and influenced some people there. The woke-minded in Japan may not realize it but they are looking and sounding awkward (if not pathetic). Perhaps some woke nuts of Japan love Islamic terrorists and I know they have pro-Palestine zealots. Watch and learn from the video below.

#5 Controversial Alice Guo featured in episode of Dark Asia with Megan – Alice Guo (AKA Guo Hua Ping), the controversial former mayor of Bamban who has been detained for various charges, is now the subject of a new episode of Dark Asia with Megan. For the newcomers reading this, Alice Guo is notorious in the Philippines not only for her links with POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) but also for her very questionable background with regards to citizenship, family and origin. She even escaped the Philippines temporarily before getting brought back. In fact, Alice Guo’s case raises a lot of questions about national security, espionage and foreign infiltration into the systems of governance in the Philippines. Watch and learn from the Dark Asia with Megan video.

#6 PatmanQC examines Donkey Kong – Long before Donkey Kong Country became a massive critical and commercial hit with gamers around the world, there was the original Donkey Kong in 1981. I never played the arcade version but I played Donkey Kong on the Atari 2600 back in the early 1980s and it was a fun game. A short time later, I played the ColecoVision version and was impressed to see the graphical improvements. The production history of Donkey Kong is really interesting and PatmanQC produced not just one but two documentary videos about the game.

#7 Popcorn in Bed and You, Me and the Movies react to Vertigo – Vertigo, the classic film directed by Alfred Hichcock, was one of the first twenty-five films selected for preservation in the US National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. That being said, it is not surprising that it has been the subject of several movie reaction videos on YouTube. If you have not seen it, I encourage you to watch it entirely first when you have the chance. Otherwise, I encourage you to watch the reaction videos of Popcorn in Bed, and You, Me and the Movies below.

#8 Ashleigh Burton reacts to Signs – Back in 2002, I saw Signs inside a packed local cinema during the evening. The film directed by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Mel Gibson kept moviegoers in suspense and occasionally pulled off some sudden scary moments. That being said, you have to see Ashleigh Burton react to it.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for general population allowed

Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for general population allowed

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More patients around the country can avail of the bivalent vaccines for COVID-19 as a result of the Department of Health’s (DOH) revision of its guidelines, according to a Manila Times news report. This developed as less than 50% of the initial batch of bivalent vaccines have been used on patients limited to health care workers and senior citizens.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Times report. Some parts in boldface…

THE general population can now be administered with Covid-19 bivalent vaccine after the Department of Health (DoH) issued revised guidelines on the updated jab.

A bivalent vaccine protects against both the original virus that causes Covid-19 and the Omicron variants.

In a memorandum dated July 10 but was released to the public only this week, the DoH said those under the A3 group, meaning persons with comorbidities and compromised immunity, can now receive the Pfizer bivalent vaccine in hospitals and health facilities nationwide.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa added that the general public can also avail of bivalent vaccine, noting their decision stemmed from the slow consumption of the updated jab among the A1 (health care workers) and A2 (senior citizen) subgroups. He said only 38 percent of the 391,000 donated doses allotted for these groups were used.

“Because of that, we have decided to make it available to those who want to get vaccinated with the booster. We only decided on this last week as the uptake was slow,” Herbosa said in Filipino and English in a radio interview.

The government’s stock of donated bivalent vaccines are set to expire on July 31, with an extension date of August 30.

Herbosa said a person can only receive a bivalent vaccine four to six months after getting the second booster dose.

He added that the government is negotiating with the global Covax Facility for additional bivalent vaccine doses.

Pfizer, Herbosa said, has issued a certificate of product registration that would make the vaccine available in drugstores across the country, but the lack of local cold chain storage proves to be a hindrance.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are there many people in your local community who have been wanting to get immunized with the bivalent vaccines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

COVID-19 Crisis: OCTA says Metro Manila positivity rate may peak by next week

COVID-19 Crisis: OCTA says Metro Manila positivity rate may peak by next week

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As the number of new cases of COVID-19 infection continues to rise here in the Philippines, OCTA Research announced that the positivity rate in Metro Manila may peak next week, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Covid-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila may peak next week, but the 25 percent initial projection will not be reached, said OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David on Tuesday, May 9.

David noted that only a “slight” increase in the current Covid-19 positivity rate was observed in Metro Manila, which could indicate that the “increasing trend is slowing down.”

“Metro Manila’s seven-day positivity rate increased slightly to 22.9 percent as of May 7, 2023. It was at 17.8 percent on April 30,” David said.

“The increasing trend is slowing down, and the peak could happen within the next week or so. The positivity rate could also miss the 25 percent mark,” he pointed out.

On May 8, David said that the increasing Covid-19 cases, driven by the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16, may begin to decline “hopefully by late May or June.”

Positivity rate refers to the number of individuals who yielded positive results from among those who have been tested for Covid-19.

The benchmark for the positivity rate set by the World Health Organization is 5 percent.

The Department of Health on Monday reported 1,545 new Covid-19 cases across the country, of which 677 cases were recorded in Metro Manila.

He said the country’s current positivity rate was down to 18.8 percent on May 8, from 19.9 percent on May 7.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did the recent increase of COVID-19 infection impact your living or your livelihood? Have been wearing a face mask more often over the past two weeks? Were you approached by members of the anti-vaccine community recently?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Moderna vaccination inside Alabang Hills Village set for July 16, 2022

COVID-19 Crisis: Moderna vaccination inside Alabang Hills Village set for July 16, 2022

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In a recent bulletin published through their official website, the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) announced that it will be conducting a new vaccination event on July 16, 2022 using doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna. There will be vaccination shots for patients taking their first dose, their second dose, their 1st booster shot (for those who got fully vaccinated already) and the 2nd booster shot (limited to senior citizens, healthcare workers and patients certified as immunocompromised).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the AHVA bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Further to our last bulletin on Moderna vaccination events, Bulletin No. 2022-0608 dated June 9, 2022, we are happy to say that we will be conducting another vaccination event on the 16th of July. Zuellig has advised us that we have non-expired stocks of the vaccine in their cold storage, enabling this July 16 vaccination event to be held.

Further, given the DOH’s announcement just yesterday that second boosters can now be administered to immunocompromised children 12-17 years old, this category of individuals will also be included for inoculation on July 16.

The details of the July 16 vaccination event are as follows:

1st and 2nd Doses for General Population
1st Booster for General Population
2nd Booster for Seniors and Healthcare Workers
8:00 AM – 12:00 NN
Multi-purpose Pavilion

2nd Booster for Immunocompromised Individuals including Immunocompromised 12-17 year old children
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Clubhouse entrance via drive-thru

Please note that the DOH has not yet authorized 2nd booster shots for the general population below the age of 60.

Primary Dose Series (1st and 2nd Doses)
If you have not even had yet the first dose of the vaccine, please do take advantage of this July 16 schedule to get inoculated.

If you have not yet had your second dose of the vaccine, please ensure that you will have met the REQUISITE 4 WEEKS INTERVAL between your first and second doses by July 16.

First Booster
For those who would like to get their first booster shot, please ensure that you will have met the REQUISITE 3 MONTHS INTERVAL between your second dose and booster shot by July 16.

Second Booster
If you are a Senior (60 years and above), healthcare worker, or an immunocompromised individual wanting to get your second booster shot, please ensure that you will have met the REQUISITE 4 MONTHS INTERVAL between your first and second booster shots by July 16. This requirement also applies to immunocompromised individuals 12-17 years old.

Immunocompromised individuals are strictly defined by the DOH as those in or with
a. Immunodeficiency state,
b. HIV,
c. Active cancer or malignancy,
d. Transplant recipients,
e. Undergoing steroid treatment,
f. Patients with poor prognosis / bed-ridden patients, and
g. Other conditions of immunodeficiency as certified by a physician.

Immunocompromised individuals must present a current Medical Certificate to be administered a second booster shot. This is a DOH requirement.

The above bulletin stated that patients who want to be added to AHVA’s list for vaccination are to call Jenelyn Esteves or PJ Nierves at landline numbers 8850-8254, 8860-9631 or at mobile number 0906-023-2089 ASAP. Slots for vaccination are limited and the cut-off for registration is set for July 14, 2022 at 10AM.

For the newcomers reading this, the AHVA previously organized Moderna vaccination activities. Those who missed out on that should consider getting listed for the July 16 Moderna vaccination.

For further inquiries, visit https://alabanghillsvillage.com/

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Comorbid patients should be declared eligible for 2nd booster shot

COVID-19 Crisis: Comorbid patients should be declared eligible for 2nd booster shot

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As there are indications that the daily count of new cases of COVID-19 in the National Capital Region (NCR) here in the Philippines is climbing up (read here and here) and that the Omicron subvariant is slowly infecting more people, a recommendation to declare comorbid patients eligible for the 2nd booster shot (note: the 4th shot for most brands of COVID-19 vaccines) has been made, according to an article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). It remains to be seen how fast the national authorities in-charge of COVID-19 vaccination operations will respond.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The number of ailments in a person should also be considered as criteria for second booster eligibility, the country’s Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) said Wednesday.

In a Laging Handa briefing, VEP chairperson Nina Gloriani said a person who has two or more diseases is similarly vulnerable to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“We agree, we actually recommend na ‘yong mga may comorbidities (masama) kasi hindi rin natin malaman ano ang level ng immunocompromised na tinatawag sa comorbidity (We agree, we actually recommend that those with comorbidity should be eligible because we don’t really know the level of immunocompromised among those with comorbidity),” she said.

Gloriani cited a recent study showing that for those with two or more ailments, such as diabetes and chronic respiratory illness, the level of immunocompromise is higher.

“Mas mataas ang immunocompromise ng taong ‘yon so kailangan nating ma-consider ‘yon sa pagbibigay ng second booster as well. Hindi necessarily sinabi nating parang wala siyang immunocompromise, kailangan malaman natin ‘yong medical status plus how many ba ‘yan (Their immunocompromise is higher so we should also consider that when giving second booster. We need to know their medical status and the number of their disease),” she said.

At present, immunocompromised persons who are eligible for a second booster include those who have cancer, HIV/AIDS, primary immunodeficiency, those who take immunosuppressants, and those who received an organ transplant.

Let me end this by asking you readers: Do you believe it is high time for comorbid patients to be declared eligible to receive 2nd booster shots? Do you think that the national authorities in-charge of vaccination operations should give comorbid patients the green light for 2nd booster shots? Are there many comorbid patients in your local community who successfully received their first booster shots already? Did any anti-vaccine fanatic out there bother you lately?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

COVID-19 Crisis: National Task Force (NTF) aims to fully vaccinate over 70 million people by June 30, 2022

COVID-19 Crisis: National Task Force (NTF) aims to fully vaccinate over 70 million people by June 30, 2022

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Have you been harassed by anti-vaccine fanatics lately? You better not pay attention to them because the Philippines still needs all the public’s understanding and cooperation to overcome COVID-19’s varied effects (in terms of health, economics and society) and push forward with the national recovery efforts. As part of those efforts, the National Task Force (NTF) announced that it is aiming to have more than 70,000,000 people nationwide fully vaccinated (two shots of most COVID-19 vaccines) by June 30, 2022, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that this is not to be confused with either the 1st booster shot nor the 2nd booster shot.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 is eyeing to get at least 70 million Filipinos fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the Duterte administration ends on June 30.

During outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte’s Talk to the People aired on Monday night, NTF chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said their target was based on the data gathered by the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC).

NVOC’s figures showed that the country’s average four-week jab rate for the first dose was at 321,083, while 242,606 second doses were administered on average over the same period.

“‘Yung atin pong best case scenario na bago po tayo matapos ang ating administrasyon, ang nakikita po namin ang pinaka-honest-to-goodness na aming assessment sa individuals with at least one dose, 75 million po tayo; and then ‘yung fully vaccinated po ay 70,087,920,” Galvez said.

(Our best case scenario based on our honest-to-goodness assessment is that 75 million people will get their first dose, while 70,087,920 will be fully vaccinated.)

As of June 6, a total 74,221,490 Filipinos have received their first dose, while 69,519,052 individuals were fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The government earlier set a target of fully vaccinating 90 million by the end of Duterte’s term. However, NVOC chairperson Dr. Myrna Cabotaje said they would already be “happy” if they reach 77 million by then.

Galvez explained that the government originally aimed at vaccinating 70 million Filipinos based on the National Vaccination Plan. However, this figure was increased to 90 million due to the transmissions of new COVID-19 variants such as the Omicron sub variants BA.5, BA.2.12.1, and BA.4 which were recently detected in the country.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this new development? If you have received your first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, what was the brand and how long has it been since you got injected? Have you verified with your local community’s vaccination hubs or the local authorities if you are eligible for the 2nd vaccine shot? If there are already fully vaccinated people in your local community, did you notice if they already received their respective booster shots?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Senator Marcos says DOH should not dismiss parental consent with regards to the vaccination of children

COVID-19 Crisis: Senator Marcos says DOH should not dismiss parental consent with regards to the vaccination of children

carlocarrasco

If you are a parent, are you comfortable about the idea that the government will have authority over your kids so that they would be vaccinated for COVID-19? This is the hot issue that a lot of people have been thinking about as Philippine Senator Imee Marcos reacted to a memorandum issued by the Department of Health (DOH) that enables the government to dismiss parental consent related to the efforts of vaccinating minors, according to a Manila Bulletin report. It should be noted that the government just launched a new COVID-19 vaccination campaign aimed at kids aged 5 to 11-years-old.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

Senator Imee Marcos on Sunday said she is outraged at the Department of Health (DOH) for releasing a memorandum that enables the government to dismiss parental consent if a child is willing to be vaccinated.

Marcos reminded the DOH that the government should not and can’t usurp parental authority.

“Government cannot usurp parental authority. Parents have the right to decide on the health and safety of their children,” Marcos said in a statement.

Marcos is referring to the controversial memorandum issued last January 24 stating that the government can act as “parens patriae” – Latin for parent of the nation – when a child wants to be vaccinated but parental consent is denied.

Stated on Page 6 of the memorandum stated that: “In case the parent/guardian refuses to give consent to the vaccination despite the desire and willingness of the minor child to have himself/herself vaccinated, or there are no Persons that may legally exercise parental authority over the child, the State may act as parens patriae and give the necessary consent. Therefore, the proper officer representing the State as parens patriae may sign the consent form. In this regard, the DSWD or its city/municipal counterparts shall serve as the proper office who shall represent the State.”

“The DOH has a lot of explaining to do. This isn’t the first time it committed a gaffe of such magnitude,” Marcos pointed out.

Last December 2021, the government announced it had bought some 15 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine to inoculate children 5 to 11 years old, but they were forced to move the start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign for minors to Monday, due to logistical problems.

The senator said she hopes that the push to vaccinate children is “really for their sake and not for the sake of vaccine purchases already made.”

Senator Marcos pointed out that government cannot just usurp the authority of parents who themselves have rights to manage and decide on the health of their kids. Think about that carefully…government becoming the authority over the children and rolling over the parents? The government, which itself changes as a result of elections being held every few years, would be the parent or guardian of children on health matters?

Government on any level here in the Philippines is flawed, bureaucratic and cannot move efficiently. Governance itself could reflect the personality or mindset of the elected officials. Regardless, I should point out that no matter what kind of good intentions or grand plans elected officials have for the people, there will always be blunders that will cause inconvenience or even cause harm to the people. Look at the City of Parañaque where their Pfizer vaccine launch last May was so chaotic and heavily covered by the media. On the issue of dealing with their unvaccinated members of their constituents, Parañaque’s restrictions on the unvaccinated still remained in effect even though the quarantine level of control in Metro Manila was officially lowered into Alert Level 2.

On the issue of government rolling over the parents and having authority over their children, there already is resistance as a petition was filed at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court seeking the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) versus the COVID-19 vaccination of minors aged 5 to 11-years-old. The people who filed the petition are parents and their case challenged the constitutionality of the DOH’s Memorandum No. 2022-0041. Clearly the DOH and its top officials have explaining to do.  

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a parent with children aged 5 to 17, are you willing to let government take authority away from you as public officials have the intention of vaccinating minors for COVID-19? Are you concerned that the Philippines is slowly drifting towards tyranny? Do you support Senator Marcos’ stance towards the DOH? Do you think it is time for DOH’s top officials to resign even though the Duterte administration now has only a few months left before the end of its service? Who do you think wrote the DOH memorandum?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  HavenorFantasy@twitter.com as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673