By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported that the allocated beds for COVID-19 patients in three hospitals are nearly at full capacity.

The affected hospitals include the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, the National Kidney Transplant Institute, and the Medical City.

Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag emphasized the severity of the situation in a recent television interview, stating, “Halos sagad na po ‘yung mga kaso ng COVID nila doon sa allocated beds sa mga nasabing ospital. Sa pangkalahatan, ang ibang rehiyon naman ay hindi pa umaabot sa ganong sitwasyon” (Translation: Cases of COVID are almost reaching the full capacity of the allocated beds in these hospitals. Generally, other regions have not yet reached such a situation).

In response to the rising cases, the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has implemented the mandatory use of face masks as a preventive measure.

DOH recommends the use of face masks, especially for senior citizens, pregnant women, and individuals who have not completed their vaccine doses.

Tayag stated, “Sa amin naman sa Kagawaran ng Kalusugan, ang pagsusuot ng mask ay aming nirerekomenda sa mga senior citizen, mga buntis, mahina ang katawan, lalong lalo na hindi naman nakumpleto ang bakuna po” (Translation: In the Department of Health, we recommend the use of masks for senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, especially those who have not completed their vaccine doses).

(ai/mnm)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is reported to be “doing well” during his mandatory isolation due to COVID-19, according to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil on Wednesday (06 Dec 2023).

“He is doing well. He has a scheduled teleconference this afternoon,” Garafil stated.

Due to COVID-19, Marcos has postponed several engagements, including the National Decongestion Summit in Manila scheduled for this Wednesday. Instead, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin delivered his address.

Earlier, the PCO announced that the President tested positive for the virus.

This marks the third time that Marcos has contracted COVID-19, with the first instance in 2020 and the second in 2022.

(ai/mnm)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19 but vows to fulfill his duties and responsibilities during his five-day isolation.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), doctors have advised Marcos to undergo mandatory five-day isolation.

“The President remains fit to carry out his duties and will continue his scheduled meetings via teleconference. Updates on his health will be provided as available,” PCO stated.

The President also urged Filipinos to take precautions to safeguard their health, such as getting vaccinated and wearing face masks in crowded places.

This marks the third time that Marcos has tested positive for COVID-19. He first contracted the virus in 2020 and again in 2022.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippines has recorded 1,340 new coronavirus cases from November 28 to December 4, 2023.

(AI/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

Poverty continues to persist two years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is evident from the official data provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which shows that a total of 761,150 households remain on the list of beneficiaries for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

This was revealed on Tuesday, October 31, by the agency following a thorough review.

“At ang ibig sabihin po nito ay, iyon nga po, sila po ay mare-retain sa 4Ps program. Ang nakita pong dahilan ng departamento ay ang impact po ng pandemic,” DSWD Undersecretary Edu Punay said in an interview over PTV 4’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon hosted by Nina Corpuz.

Maharlika NuMedia gathered that DSWD has reviewed around 1.1 million households which benefited from 4Ps.
A total of 339,660 families were assessed as self-sufficient and recommended for graduation or exit from the program.

“Ang ginagawa po dito sa mga graduations po natin, sila po ay ini-endorse sa mga local government units at binibigyan din natin ng mga iba’t ibang assistance or mga programa tulad ng Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) para matulungan pa rin sila kahit wala na sila sa 4Ps program po ay sila’y tuluy-tuloy na bibigyan ng assistance ng pamahalaan,” Punay added.

The government’s 4Ps program aims to help poor families get out of poverty by providing them with financial assistance if they meet certain conditions.

(ai/mnm)