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Gov’t must continue vaccination program, says medical expert

THE GOVERNMENT should continue its immunization programs amid a Luzon-wide lockdown meant to contain a novel coronavirus pandemic, a medical expert said on Wednesday.

“We do need to also vaccinate against the vaccine-preventable diseases, specifically influenza because they can actually make a COVID-19 infection much more severe,” Lulu C. Bravo, a professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines-Manila College of Medicine said at an online briefing.

She said 2% to 3% of coronavirus disease 2019 patients also contract influenza.

Ms. Bravo, who is also the executive director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, said frontliners including medical workers exposed to diseases and the vulnerable population — children, pregnant women, elderly and people with underlying conditions — could be protected with immunization.

Vaccines could also help frontliners focus on attending to the needs of COVID-19 patients.

“With fewer people needing medical attention and with healthier medical workers, we can then lighten the load on our health care facilities and allow them to focus more on COVID-19 cases,” Ms. Bravo said.

She noted that aside from immunization, measles cases, which is an airborne disease and prevented by vaccine, were down due to the so-called enhanced community quarantine. Measles cases rose last year.

Vaccines are one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions against diseases, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire said last month, citing the World Health Organization.

She also said the Health department had issued a memo calling for the routine immunization of children up to a year old, and the vaccination of kids under five years old who failed to get their vaccination shots “as long as COVID-19 response measures allow.”

Routine immunization may be suspended if it is not feasible, but health workers should keep a list of children who missed their shots. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

House to investigate delays in government cash aid distribution

THE House of Representatives will probe delays in the distribution of the government’s P200-billion cash aid to 18 million poor and near-poor households, a congressman said on Wednesday.

In a statement, Party-List Rep. Michael T. Defensor said Speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano had authorized an inquiry “at the right time” amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

The congressman, who heads the committee on public accounts, said the investigation would seek to address complaints from lawmakers and local government officials about the distribution delays.

Mr. Defensor said Congress had fast-tracked approval of the measure giving President Rodrigo R. Duterte special powers to deal with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, including realigning funds.

“But problems were encountered in the implementation of the financial aid program,” he said.

He said the House would allow agencies to finish their tasks before the probe “to prevent the occurrence of similar issues in the future.”

“We have to have protocols for this. We cannot delay the support needed by our people. Other means such as electronic money transfer should be the standard to avoid contact,” he said.

Under the law, about 18 million households will get P5,000 to P8,000 in monthly aid in the next two months depending on the prevailing minimum wage.

Mr. Defensor noted that of the 18 million target households, only 10.3 million families have received the aid.

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, said “inefficiencies” had hampered aid delivery to the poor.

Social Welfare spokeswoman Irene Dumlao did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comments. — Genshen L. Espedido

#COVID-19 Regional Updates (05/06/07)

Low-risk areas ease restrictions, but it’s still no party time anywhere


CURFEW, shopping and entry passes, wearing of face mask, and checkpoints are among the rules that remain strictly in place in areas that have transitioned starting May 1 into the general community quarantine (GCQ), a government classification wherein restrictions are eased on public transport, business operations, and government offices. Towns, cities, and provinces that have been directed to adopt the GCQ policy are those considered under low risk of a localized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. But leaders and health authorities in these areas are avoiding the onset of a relaxed attitude among the public as the threat of the highly-contagious disease remains high. “Even if we are now on GCQ, we still need to observe stricter measures because we still have cases everyday,” Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said in a statement on Wednesday. Sarangani is among the few provinces that has no recorded COVID-19 case, but the region to which it belongs — South Cotabato-Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Sarangani-General Santos City (SOCCSKSARGEN) — still has 38 suspected cases in hospital as of May 5. SOCCKSARGEN had 10 cases, with eight recoveries and one death. The lone COVID-19 patient in General Santos (GenSan), who recovered and was discharged from hospital care last April 18, tested positive anew on May 5 but remains asymptomatic. The GenSan government, in a separate statement, stressed that while the patient is being monitored daily, it highlights the need to strictly observe health safety measures such as physical distancing in public areas and simply staying at home.

‘UNDER CONTROL’
Maria Elinore A. Concha, chief training officer at the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC), said the most important consideration when lifting lockdowns is ensuring that potential COVID-19 transmissions are “under control.” In a virtual briefing Tuesday, she explained that controlling the threat of transmission means having a system for early detection, isolation facilities for suspected cases, and managing the patients. SPMC, located in Davao City, is the biggest government-run hospital in Mindanao and a designated COVID-19 referral center as well as one of the accredited COVID-19 testing laboratories. Ms. Concha also said the risk of “importing new cases can be managed” if communities are fully educated and engaged “to live under a new normal.” With the entire Mindanao, except Davao City, now under GCQ, people who have been stranded elsewhere and displaced overseas Filipino workers have started to go back to their southern hometowns. Davao City, although under the strict enhanced community quarantine policy, is easing some restrictions to allow the scheduled exit of people who have been stuck there, initially a 12-hour window on May 8, as well as the return of its residents. “We still have to set the borders for this, and prepare doctors who will man the borders,” said Regina Rosa D. Tecson, head of the City Tourism Operations Office. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, in her regular updates over the city-run radio station on Monday, told the public to “manage” their expectations about GCQ, saying the transition will not mean time to plan parties and leisure activities. Citing the protocols issued by the national government, Ms. Carpio said, “If you read the guidelines, it’s still limited. People may be preparing for their parties when we go back to GCQ…. Under the GCQ, movement of all persons shall be limited to accessing essential goods and services, and for work in the offices or industries permitted to operate. Movement for leisure purposes is not allowed.” — Maya M. Padillo and Carmelito Q. Francisco

Nationwide round-up

COVID-19 mass testing key to easing of restrictions

PHILSTAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

LOCKDOWN rules will only be eased after May 15 if the national government, along with local governments, will be able to expand testing capacity for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Secretray Carlito G. Galvez Jr, National Task Force COVID-19 chief implementer, said mass testing will be particularly crucial for high-risk areas such as the National Capital Region (NCR). In a briefing Tuesday, he said they are monitoring if the suspected cases in Metro Manila can all be tested before May 15, then “most expectedly have a modified” quarantine measures after that. The NCR has 6,420 out of the 9,684 COVID-19 cases in the country as of May 5. The Department of Health (DoH) earlier said it is targeting 30,000 daily tests by end-May with 78 laboratories operational nationwide. Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo Founder Joey A. Concepcion, meanwhile, said the government should aim for up to 50,000 daily PCR tests. “Ideally we should be at 30,000, 40,000, 50,000 — the more PCR testing we can do the better,” he said in a television interview on Wednesday. “GCQ has to happen for us to be able to feel and see how entrepreneurs will react,” he said. The private sector has launched Project ARK (Antibody Rapid test Kits) to help increase testing. As of Wednesday, 168 companies have signed up with more than a million test kits set to arrive in the country by mid-May. He said he expects the number of participating companies to increase to 500. — Gillian M. Cortez and Jenina P. Ibañez

Cops, non-uniformed employees donate P228M from salaries for COVID-19 response

MEMBERS of the Philippine National Police (PNP), both officers and non-uniformed personnel, have pooled together P228 million mainly from their salaries, and donated this to the national government for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response. PNP Chief Archie Francisco F. Gamboa said other organizations such as the PNP Academy Alumni Association and the Police Cavaliers Association Inc. also contributed to the fund-raising activity. “Beyond the call of duty, our police officers and our non-uniformed PNP personnel volunteered to donate a portion of their pay to help fund the government’s efforts against the contagion. This is more than commendable. It is actually heroic,” Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said during the turnover ceremony on Wednesday. — Beatrice M. Laforga

Agrarian reform legal proceedings still suspended in ECQ areas

LEGAL proceedings and processes relating to the agrarian law implementation (ALI) remain suspended in areas where strict lockdown rules are in effect until May, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said on Wednesday. “All scheduled hearings, on-site inspection and investigations, meetings, dialogues, mediation conferences and other proceedings in the said areas pursuant to the regular or special ALI rules are suspended until May 15, 2020,” Agrarian Reform Secretary John R. Castriciones said. The filing of petitions, appeals, motions, pleadings, and other submissions involving all regular and special ALI cases that fall during the enhanced community quarantine or up to May 15 has been extended for 30 calendar days, counted from May 18, unless the quarantine period is extended again. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Private and working life blurring into one due to COVID-19 – study

As social distancing measures become common and workers adjust to their new professional environments, even from their own living rooms, there is potential for private and working life to blur into one. In fact, half (51%) of those working from home who started to watch more adult content admit they did so on the same devices they use for work-related purposes. This is just one of the key findings from Kaspersky’s newHow COVID-19 changed the way people work report.

The “new normal” that workers are now facing is starting to have an impact on their work-life balance. Nearly a third (31%) of workers said they are spending more of their time working than they did before. However, 46% said they have increased the amount of time they spend on personal activity. This particular change may have come about because workers are now not having to commute or travel as much than they were before.

The report also revealed that it has become harder for workers to separate working and personal activity, especially when it comes to IT. Worryingly for businesses, 51% of workers who admit they have started watching more adult content since working from home, say they have done so on devices they use for work-related purposes. Nearly a fifth (18%) of workers even do this on devices provided to them by their employers, with 33% admitting to watching adult content on their personal devices that they also use to do their work.

Additionally, 55% of workers say they are reading more news now than they were before they started working from home. While this is understandable because people will want to stay updated with the latest coronavirus developments, 60% of this activity is done on devices that are used for work. This can though potentially lead to malware infections if employees do not pay attention to the resources and websites they visit.

Workers are also developing a habit of using their personal services for working purposes – increasing the potential risks from shadow IT, including the disclosure of sensitive information. For instance, 42% of employees use personal email accounts for work-related matters, and 49% admit their usage has increased when working from home. 38% use personal messengers that have not been approved by their IT departments, with 60% of them doing it more often in their new circumstances.

“Organizations cannot just fulfill all user requests, such as allowing staff to use any services as they want to. It is necessary to find a balance between user convenience, business necessity and security. To achieve this, a company should provide access to services based on the principle of only supplying minimal, necessary privileges, implement a VPN and use secure and approved corporate systems. These types of software may have certain restrictions that slightly reduce usability, but offer greater assurances in providing security measures,” comments Andrey Evdokimov, chief information security officer at Kaspersky.

To ensure businesses do all they can to keep their employees and corporate data safe, Kaspersky recommends employers follow these measures:

• Schedule basic security awareness training for your employees. This can be done online and cover essential practices, such as account and password management, email security, endpoint security. Kaspersky and Area9 Lyceum have prepareda free module to help staff work safely from home

• Ensure devices, software, applications and services are kept updated with the latest patches

• Install proven protection software, such asKaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud, on all endpoints, including mobile devices, and switch on firewalls. Any solution used should include protection from web threats and email phishing

For workers and users at home who have to work from their personal devices, Kaspersky advises:

• Using a reliable security solution, such asKaspersky Security Cloud, for comprehensive protection from a wide range of threats.

• Only downloading educational and entertaining content strictly from trusted sources

For more information about the impact working from home has had on workers and to read the report in full, visit https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/report-covid-wfh/35244/.

Sports must brace for altered ways moving forward

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE CORONAVIRUS disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected how Philippine sports affairs are to be conducted, not only for now, but also moving forward.

Speaking in an interview with PTV Sports on Monday, Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez said the COVID-19 episode has considerably impacted the local sporting scene and community and that an appropriate response in tune with the conditions of the time is needed.

“The whole sporting world, national sports has to change. It has to shape its direction moving forward,” said Mr. Ramirez, whose agency in the past two months have made some tough decisions, including cancelling all events under its watch for the remainder of the year because of the threat of the highly contagious respiratory disease.

“We have to be very, very careful [transitioning] from ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) come May 16 to GCQ (General Community Quarantine). There has to be adjustments. We cannot be complacent and just return to what we were doing before because one person or athlete contracting the disease can affect a lot of things,” he added.

Mr. Ramirez said with such a situation facing local sports, leaders have to take cue from the situation at hand and find ways to come up with the right environment for sports here to continue to function.

He went on to say that the PSC is in the process of recommending to the government, through the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), a set of protocols to guide stakeholders on how to go about their affairs during and after COVID-19.

“So we will be recommending to the IATF some protocols. We have to adhere to these,” Mr. Ramirez said.

Among the things they are looking at is setting up regional sport centers where coaches can go there and conduct training so that athletes do not need to go to the PSC facilities in Metro Manila right away.

This is apart from setting up a program where coaches can dispense their duties online by way of teleconference and other platforms. Mr. Ramirez said this is being done in collaboration with the different national sports associations and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Testing for COVID-19 is also a must for athletes before they start practicing, as well as for other personnel, he said.

Still another concerns equipment, which the PSC chairman said have to be taken care of very carefully — disinfected regularly because of the very contagious nature of COVID-19.

“The sports world and industry will really change and sports leaders really have to look into that,” Mr. Ramirez said.

As to the return of sport activities, Mr. Ramirez said it is still wait-and-see but their return will be gradual, beginning with individual sports and outdoor activities.

“Under the GCQ, team sports are still not allowed to take place so we are recommending individual sports first like athletics, lawn tennis singles, table tennis singles, hiking and others which require a distance five to six feet,” he said.

Mr. Ramirez, however, said their decision on the resumption of sports activities depends on the recommendation of the IATF. If the latter orders a no-go even for individual sports, the PSC would follow.

Mike Tyson back in shape as he considers charity exhibitions

BENGALURU — Mike Tyson’s decision to return to training has been met with enthusiasm from fans and some fellow fighters after the release of a short video that shows the 53-year-old still has plenty of speed and power as he ponders boxing in exhibition bouts.

The former world heavyweight champion, who said he could return to the ring in exhibitions to raise money for charity, posted a training video on social media that has been viewed more than nine million times.

The video shows American Tyson, the first heavyweight to hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles, working the pads with trainer Rafael Cordeiro.

“I’ve been working out, I’ve been trying to get in the ring, I think I’m going to box some exhibitions and get in shape,” Mr. Tyson said in an Instagram Live session with rapper T.I.

“I want to go to the gym and get in shape to be able to box three or four-round exhibitions for some charities and stuff.

“I do two hours on cardio, I do the bike and the treadmill for an hour, then I do some light weights, 300, 250 reps.”

“Then I start my day with the boxing thing, I go in there and hit the mitts, 30 minutes, 25 minutes, start getting in better condition.”

Cordeiro told ESPN: “He hasn’t hit mitts for almost 10 years. So I didn’t expect to see what I saw. I saw a guy with the same speed, same power as guys 21, 22 years old.”

Tyson retired after a loss to Kevin McBride in 2005, but more than a decade on, there is already a buzz about his potential return to the ring.

“Can’t believe, this is another level.” UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov said on social media after seeing the video.

If Tyson does return to the ring, he will be following in the footsteps of Floyd Mayweather Jr. in coming out of retirement for an exhibition fight.

Former heavyweight champion George Foreman, however, said “Iron Mike” had given enough to the sport.

“Tyson has done enough great things for boxing. No more is needed. He is in the Hall of Fame and was a mighty puncher,” Foreman told World Boxing News.

Tyson, who became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time when he defeated Trevor Berbick in 1986 aged 20, won 50 of his 58 professional fights before retiring. — Reuters

Tennis world commits over $6 million for COVID-19 player relief program

TORONTO — Tennis’s governing bodies and the organizers of the four Grand Slams said on Tuesday they will raise over $6 million to help players affected by the sport’s current shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The player relief program will target about 800 singles and doubles players collectively on the men’s and women’s tours, who are in need of financial support.

“The creation of the player relief program is a positive demonstration of the sport’s ability to come together during this time of crisis,” the governing bodies of world tennis, including the ATP and WTA, along with the International Tennis Federation, said in a joint statement.

“We will continue to collaborate and monitor the support required across tennis with the aim of ensuring the long-term health of the sport in the midst of this unprecedented challenge to our way of life, and our thoughts remain with all those affected at this time.”

The men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, which runs the women’s circuit, will administer the financial distributions of the program and all contributions will be split equally between men and women.

Eligibility for the program will take into account a player’s ranking as well as previous prize money earnings according to criteria agreed by all stakeholders.

While the fund from the seven stakeholders makes up the backbone of the program, funds raised through initiatives such as auctions and player donations are welcomed.

The professional tennis season was halted in early March due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic until at least July 13, which makes it difficult for those in the lower echelons of the sport, who depend solely on tournament winnings, to earn a living. — Reuters

Santé Barley triathlon team looking forward to IRONMAN event in Hawaii

SUCCESSFULLY topped triathlon events in the country this year, Santé Barley TriTeam, the official triathlon team of Santé, is now looking forward to doing well in the Vega IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, later this year.

The Santé Barley TriTeam will be fielding four athletes who have qualified for the event, set for Oct. 10, and are raring to represent the country.

The team is composed of Robert Jonah Rivera (team captain), David Richmond, Jethro Karl Ramos, and Retzel Orquiza.

“Races like the IRONMAN World Championships are the reason why we train hard. We are proud to represent Santé Barley TriTeam in such a prestigious race. We will give our all to bring honor not just for the team but also for our country,” said Mr. Rivera as they prepare for the event.

The team is coming off successful outings in local triathlon events, winning top awards at the National Age Group Triathlon Race 2020 last January and the Apollo Petroleum Jelly TRI 2020 last February, both held at Subic Bay, Olongapo.

At the Vega IRONMAN World Championship, the team is expecting its skills to be greatly tested as it is considered as one of the most challenging triathlons across the globe.

The IRONMAN World Championship was originally held in Waikiki before moving to Kona on the island of Hawaii.

In it, some 2,000 athletes will embark on a 140.6-mile journey that would test their body, mind, and spirit that the IRONMAN is known for. Triathletes will race through a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, then a 26.2-mile marathon, while on the black lava rocks dominating the panorama, battling the 45mph, 95-degree “ho’omumuku” crosswinds, and the scorching sun.

Seeing how the team is doing well in competitions it is joining in, Santé said it is very proud of the squad and is throwing its full support behind it, especially for the levelled-up challenge that it would now take on.

“Santé Barley TriTeam is given another opportunity to showcase its members’ abilities in an international race. We are proud of this another achievement. The whole Santé family is ready to show our support to the qualifiers as they take on this challenge,” Joey Marcelo, chief executive officer of Santé, and Santé Barley team owner, said.

The Santé Barley TriTeam was established in 2012 in line with the company’s mission to help people lead healthier lives so they can live more and do more. To date, the team is comprised of over 30 competitive triathletes. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

2nd BUSINESSWORLD INSIGHTS: Understanding the new normal for businesses after the COVID crisis

 

Once the enhanced community quarantine is lifted, a “new normal” in the way people live and do business is expected to unfold. What exactly is the picture of a “new normal”, considering the social, health, and economic effects of the disease?

Watch the discussion with Anthony Oundjian, Boston Consulting Group managing director and senior partner, Dr. Raul Destura, Philippine Genome Center deputy executive director, Dr. Nicole Curato, University of Canberra – Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance associate professor and Shailesh Baidwan Voyager Innovations and PayMaya Philippines president moderated by Tiago Arnaiz, BusinessWorld digital platform editor on “Understanding the ‘New Normal’ for Businesses after the COVID Crisis” held on May 6 at www.facebook.com/BusinessWorldOnline.

#BUSINESSWORLDINSIGHTS is made possible by SM, Megaworld, Globe, PayMaya, www.olern.com and The Philippine STAR with the support of Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Association of National Advertisers and Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines.

 

SM scholar alumna contributes in fight against COVID-19

Through the years, scholar-graduates of SM Foundation (SMFI) succeed in the fields and paths that they chose to take. And during these trying times, part of SM’s pride are its scholars who give back to the community to spread social good – sharing their passion, service, and dedication for the country.

Amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and since the start of the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), SMFI scholar alumna and Quezon City resident Abigail Malabag shared how lucky she is to finish her college degree through the help of SM Foundation. Now, she serves as one of the frontliners in our fight against COVID-19.

Abigail is a Biomedical Engineer at The Medical City and part of her job is to ensure that all medical equipment, especially those being used in treating COVID-19 patients, are in good condition.

“Everyone’s safety is our top priority. I am happy and thankful that despite this pandemic we are facing today, I am able to support our frontliners by ensuring that all our medical equipment are in good condition,” Abigail said.

According to Abigail, her greatest takeaway as an SM Foundation scholar was to give back to the society and to serve her fellow Filipinos, whenever she has an opportunity to do so.

“Pay it forward – this is the lesson you taught to us, Tatang,” referring to the late SM patriarch Henry Sy Sr.

“I will always show how grateful I am as one of your scholars by sharing what I can do and what I have to others. Showing kindness, respect, and love goes a long way in curbing the spread of this disease,” she ended.

Abigail graduated in 2013 with a course of BS Electronic and Communications Engineer.

SMFI, through its Scholarship program, provides deserving and qualified students with access to college education and technical-vocational studies since 1993. To date, SMFI has produced almost 5,500 scholars all over the country.

External trade plummets in March

PHILIPPINE international trade performance fell significantly in March as exports and imports of goods shrank to multi-year levels, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported this morning.

Preliminary trade data from the PSA showed merchandise exports in March contracting by 24.9% to $4.53 billion compared to a 2.8% growth in February and a 0.1% uptick recorded in March 2019.

Likewise, merchandise imports fell 26.2% to $6.91 billion in March, deteriorating from an 11.6% decline observed in the same month last year.

The export figure marked the biggest decline in nearly a decade, or since the 27% contraction logged in September 2011. For imports, it was the biggest plunge since negative 28.3% recorded in August 2009.

Trade deficit in March was recorded at $2.38 billion, lower than the $3.33-billion gap in the same month last year.

The country’s total external trade in goods – the sum of export and import goods – was $11.4 billion in March, 25.7% less than the $15.4-billion total in the same month last year.

So far, total trade reached $39.0 billion, 10.4% less than $43.5 billion in January-March 2019.

From January to March, exports were down 5.2% to $15.72 billion to date, well below the 4% growth target for 2020 by the Development Budget Coordination Committee.

Meanwhile, the merchandise import bill declined by 13.6% to $23.26 billion on a cumulative basis against the DBCC’s eight-percent growth target for the year.

That brought the year-to-date trade balance to a $7.54-billion deficit, smaller than the $10.34-billion shortfall in 2019’s comparable three months. — Mark T. Amoguis

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