More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government.
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| https://business.inquirer.net/502634/mmtci-philracom-revs-up-horseracings-comeback |
The horse racing industry in the Philippines is undergoing an exciting transformation, largely due to effective management from the Metro Manila Turf Club Inc. (MMTCI) and its partnership with the Philippine Racing Commission.
Recent statistics reveal a remarkable rise in daily betting sales, a sign of revitalization after years of struggle, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the first eleven racing days this year, total gross sales skyrocketed to an impressive P319.8 million, averaging around P29 million per day. This starkly contrasts with the downward trend seen in previous years, especially when looking back at 2016 when three racetracks managed only P23.1 million across six racing days each week. By 2020, the industry’s decline reached a troubling low, but a strong recovery brought in P2.3 billion by 2022.
Despite the unfortunate closure of two racetracks — Santa Ana Saddle Club and San Lazaro Leisure Park — it would be shortsighted to view the industry as failing. Thanks to MMTCI’s innovation and commitment to improvement, the environment for success has never been better.
A significant reduction in documentary stamp tax from 20 percent to 10 percent has allowed the industry to reap unprecedented rewards, with average net prizes for top winners now reaching P182,630.75 — far exceeding the previous range of P40,000 to P45,000 just a few years ago. Notably, a recent first-place net prize of P204,750.15 exemplifies this remarkable advancement.
If current trends continue, MMTCI is on track to surpass the historic sales figures of P7 billion recorded in 2016 and 2017, achieved with three racetracks operating over 312 racing days. Projections suggest that in this year alone, MMTCI could hit a phenomenal P6.02 billion. And the earlier benchmark, MMTCI and a boost from the upcoming racetrack, Philippine Jockey Club, would both achieve an astounding potential sales of P9.07 billion for this year.
All that money means they are not horsing around!
Flexible workspaces are here to stay after the pandemic.
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| https://www.rappler.com/business/flexible-working-spaces-stay-iwg-report-january-2025/ |
Flexible workspaces continue to rise in the Philippines despite high vacancy rates in office spaces, hybrid working solutions firm International Workplace Group (IWG) said on Wednesday, January 22.
Lars Wittig, IWG’s country manager in the Philippines, said in a press conference that the COVID-19 has only accelerated what was once a budding transition to flexible work.
IWG is the parent firm of Regus, one of the world’s largest co-working space operators. The Swiss company’s co-working space network currently includes about 4,000 locations across 120 countries.
The WeWork rival has been operating in the Philippines since 1999.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Wittig recalled how startups and multinational firms would once reach out to IWG in search of a flexible workspace while construction of their permanent offices in the Philippines were underway. As demand for hybrid work arrangements surge post-pandemic, Wittig said more companies are looking to reengineer their office space to accommodate employees’ needs.
“They have so many years of really good business the conventional way that they’ve accumulated the ability to make the investment. So now the investment is there, the need is there, the vacancy is there. Now, sooner, like immediately they need flexible workspaces,” he explained.
Wittig also noted a rise in demand for roll-in services, where IWG assists in the management of existing co-working spaces. These facilities then become a part of the group’s network.
A November 2024 report from commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield estimated that Metro Manila’s office vacancy rate hit 18% in the third quarter of last year, the highest estimate since 2004.
Despite record-high vacancy rates in office spaces, many Filipinos are returning to offices as companies embrace hybrid or flexible working setups. A study by PwC found that 52% of Filipinos are working under hybrid setups. For 73% of Filipino workers, the hybrid setup has changed their productivity for the better.
This shift presented what Wittig described as the golden era for flexible workspaces, as a 2024 Cisco report found 37% of Filipinos believe that current office spaces are not conducive to in-office productivity.
Globally, the flexible space market is projected to breach the $55-billion mark between 2025 and 2037.
Seems like old news being regurgitated once more.
Sinulog is over and the DOH is asking everyone who attended to get a medical checkup.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1242358 |
The Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas has urged the public to prioritize post-festival health following the Sinulog celebration, which concluded without major medical incidents.
Dr. Jaime Bernadas, DOH-7 regional director, advised the public to rest, stay hydrated, and watch for symptoms such as fever, cough, or fatigue. Those feeling unwell should seek medical attention promptly.
Bernadas credited the successful health and safety measures to the coordinated efforts of local government units (LGUs), hospitals, and volunteers in Metro Cebu.
He highlighted DOH-7’s collaboration with LGUs and emergency response teams, which deployed medical stations and quick-response units across the city to provide immediate assistance.
“The success of Sinulog showcases the strong partnership between government, healthcare providers, and the community. We remain committed to safeguarding public health,” Bernadas said.
As of Jan. 20, a total of 784 medical consultations were recorded, including minor injuries, dehydration, high blood pressure, and respiratory concerns. Thirty individuals were referred to hospitals for further treatment.
The DOH-7 lifted the Code White Alert, which was in place to ensure adequate medical resources during the festival, on Monday.
When have they ever issued such a call before?
Baguio is reactivating thier health team because of monkeypox cases.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1242729 |
The city government has reactivated its health team after registering two confirmed mpox (formerly monkey pox) cases.
Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, city health officer, on Monday said the health team is also considering reusing the isolation facility utilized during the pandemic if there is a need to isolate patients who cannot stay in their own houses.
"The team is currently conducting information (and) education communication (IEC) campaign, contact tracing and other strategies for case management and transmission prevention,” she said in an interview.
Local authorities confirmed the city’s first laboratory-tested mpox case on Jan. 17 while the second one was announced on Jan. 25.
The City Health Services Office (CHSO) is now in close coordination with the Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) for other preparedness and mitigation measures.
Brillantes has also advised the public to avoid skin-to-skin contact like hugging, kissing, and sexual contact, among the modes of spread of mpox.
Among the common symptoms of mpox are skin rashes or muscle lesions that can last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, lack of energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Brillantes also appealed to accommodation establishments to implement stricter sanitation procedures since the mpox virus can be transmitted through infected items such as bedding.
Food establishments, including food delivery services, are likewise reminded to strictly adhere to proper sanitation practices.
Brillantes also urged tourists and residents to wear masks, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants when visiting crowded places and events.
Meanwhile, City Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda has revived the seven-year-old proposed “Sanitation Code”, approved for second reading, to tackle the challenges on public health.
Tabanda said certain provisions of the original proposal, particularly those addressing regulations for massage spas, fitness centers or gyms, accommodation establishments, public restrooms, and other spaces frequented by the public, will be updated to make them more responsive in addressing emerging and reemerging diseases such as mpox.
They have even reopened the isolation facilites used during the pandemic. Are they expecting the situation to get worse?
President Marcos has hailed the role of the Asian Development Bank in aiding in the Philippines' pandemic recovery.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1242426 |
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for its instrumental support in the Philippines' development, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Marcos made the remark as he met with outgoing ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa on Thursday in Malacañang.
The President expressed deep gratitude for the ADB’s contributions, particularly in aiding the country’s recovery during the health crisis.
"I have to always thank you for the involvement of ADB. The partnership of ADB and the Philippines has certainly grown to a great deal," said Marcos, acknowledging ADB’s sustained role in supporting various foreign-assisted projects in the country.
He also cited ADB’s financial and technical support which was crucial in mitigating the impact of the pandemic and accelerating the nation’s recovery efforts.
"Of particular note, it was the support of ADB during the pandemic. That was critical. That was absolutely critical for our recovery. Without your help, it would have been a much more difficult situation for us," Marcos said.
The Chief Executive also expressed his intent to further strengthen the partnership with the ADB.
“We fully intend to increase that engagement and continue to make them stronger. Again, thank you for all the help," he said.
In recognition of Asakawa’s leadership and the ADB’s significant role in Philippine development, Marcos conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross) Gold Distinction to the outgoing ADB head.
The award recognizes Asakawa’s exceptional efforts in fortifying relations between the Philippines and the ADB, particularly in key areas such as economic development, infrastructure investment, health, climate resilience, and human capital development.
He talks about growth when prices are up and the latest SWS survey says Filipinos are feeling poorer then ever.
Almost all provinces in the Philippines have recovered from the pandemic according to the PSA.
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| https://manilastandard.net/business/314550031/112-provinces-cities-surpass-pre-pandemic-economic-output.html |
Almost all provinces and highly-urbanized cities (HUCs) in the Philippines already recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023 in terms of gross domestic product, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Based on the results of the 2023 Provincial Product Accounts, all economies from Visayas and Mindanao already have GDP levels exceeding pre-pandemic levels in 2023, while three economies in Luzon are still recovering.
“When combined, a total of 112 out of 115 economies in the Philippines already have GDP levels exceeding pre-pandemic levels in 2023, an improvement from the 92 economies in 2022 and 28 economies in 2021,” the PSA said.
The results of the 2023 PPA also noted that five economies, including one from Luzon and four from Mindanao, have not experienced a decline in GDP even during the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The PSA released for the first time the results of all the PPA of all regions in the Philippines, covering 82 provinces and 33 HUCs from Nov. 9 to Dec. 11, 2024. The PPA is a mechanism to compile the GDP) at the subregional level.
The special release highlights the economic performance of all provinces and HUCs in the Philippines by major island group.
The country’s GDP posted an annual growth of 5.5 percent in 2023, expanding its value to P21.05 trillion from 2022. Among the major island groups, Luzon accounted for more than two-thirds or 69.0 percent of the national GDP in 2023. Meanwhile, Mindanao and Visayas shared 17.1 percent and 13.9 percent, respectively.
All major island groups experienced growth in GDP in 2023, with Visayas registering the fastest annual growth rate of 7.1 percent. This was the third consecutive year that all major island groups posted growths since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the PPA said.
The PSA said it would institutionalize the PPA in all regions this year.
This is only in terms of gross domestic product. What about all the other terms?
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