More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government.
A new bill mandates higher payment for health workers during pandemics.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2022619/bill-makes-higher-pay-mandatory-for-health-workers-during-pandemics |
A bill filed by Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. will make it mandatory for healthcare workers to receive higher minimum wages and additional benefits and allowances during pandemics, epidemics, and other public health emergencies as compensation for their hard work and dedication.
In filing House Bill No. 11023, or the proposed Healthcare Workers Act, Abante said that “healthy, dedicated, and efficient healthcare workers or providers mean healthy people and a healthy nation, the people being the most important asset of a nation.”
“We cannot put a price tag on the sacrifices and dedication of our selfless healthcare workers or providers, which they have for a long time exhibited,” he added, saying that this was proven at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This bill, therefore, seeks to recognize and compensate the hard work, critical and sacrificial role, and invaluable kindness of our healthcare workers or providers in providing quality and prompt healthcare services,” he said.
The bill, which covers both private and public medical front-liners assigned to health facilities and establishments, sets a P250 increase in their daily rate upon its effectivity.
In case of a public health emergency, they will also be given health emergency allowances (HEA) “for every month of service during the state of emergency based on the risk exposure categorization as may be determined and defined by the Department of Health (DOH).”
The HEA for those deployed to low-risk areas will be set at P2,000, P3,500 for those in medium-risk areas, and P5,500 for those in high-risk areas.“Where a wage distortion occurs as a result of the increase in the minimum wage under this Act, the employer and the union, or the employer and the workers in the absence of a union, shall negotiate to correct the distortion,” the bill states.
It also tasks the DOH to set up a grievance mechanism for the investigation, adjudication, and settlement of complaints regarding noncompliance with benefits under the bill.
The Department of Labor and Employment, on the other hand, should “conduct an inspection of payroll and other financial records kept by private health facilities to determine whether these health-care workers or providers are paid the prescribed minimum wage increase and/or allowances provided in this act and other benefits granted by law.”
Of course a higher wage for health workers does not matter if the government does not pay them.
The DOH has rejected lockdowns and border closures amidst the reports of an outbreak of HMPV in China.
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| https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/1/8/doh-rejects-lockdown-border-closure-over-hmpv-scare-1040 |
The Department of Health on Wednesday said there was no need to implement lockdowns or close the country's border over reports of an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in parts of China.
HMPV cases have reportedly surged among young people in northern parts of China in recent weeks. Cases of rhinoviruses, a major cause of common colds, have also risen.
"That country does not deny that they have an increase in their cases. But when compared to their number in 2023, it is still lower," noted DOH spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo.
HMPV is a seasonal infection occurring in the colder months. It causes infections in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Its symptoms can include cough, fever and congested nasal passages, which are often caused by other viruses, as well.
Compared to the virus that causes COVID-19, HMPV is relatively known and well-understood, Domingo told TeleRadyo Servisyo.
“The HMPV, it’s not like COVID-19 because it’s not new… This human metapneumovirus, it was known by Dutch researchers in the Netherlands in 2001… and it’s being detected sporadically,” he said.
Last year, the Philippines detected 284 cases of HMPV, Domingo said.
“We know HMPV, we don’t need to close our borders and it’s not spreading even if it’s here,” he said.
“There’s no lockdown, our lives go on. Let’s be careful po lang at ito ay seasonal na mga flu,” added the official.
Domingo added that HMPV circulates worldwide and not just in China
“You may have noticed that the US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) also reported it. And the report "For them, the trend is the same, during the winter...it really spreads when it's cold," the DOH spokesperson said.
"For us...the wind is not that strong," he said.
There is currently no treatment or vaccine for HMPV.
“But don't panic...even the common cold, the rhinovirus, there is no real cure for it. The real prevention is to strengthen the immune system,” Domingo said.
Preventive measures include good hygiene, avoiding exposure to infected people, staying home if one experiences symptoms, and adopting measures such as wearing masks.
It's not as if lockdowns and border closures stop the spread of disease anyway. That lesson should have been learned during the pandemic.
BDO says the Philippine economy is resilient and set for more growth in the post-pandemic era.
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| https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/ph-economy-resilient-and-set-for-growth-amid-challenges-says-bdo-analyst/ |
The Philippine economy stands out as a global outperformer, bolstered by robust domestic consumption and a favorable demographic profile. Despite facing global headwinds, the nation continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth potential.
Dante Tinga Jr., Senior Vice President at BDO Unibank’s Investor Relations Group, highlighted this optimistic outlook during an exclusive economic briefing for BDO’s Japanese clients.
Addressing an audience of over 80 executives from Japanese companies, Tinga underscored the critical role of the country’s young, growing population and strong consumer spending in driving economic performance, showcasing the Philippines’ capacity to sustain growth amid global uncertainties.
The country’s young, fast-growing population underpins its economic resilience. With half of its citizens aged 25 or younger and an annual population growth rate of 1.6%, domestic consumption has remained strong. Household spending has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, fueled by a resurgence in overseas labor deployment, which exceeds pre-pandemic numbers, and a steady flow of remittances from abroad. These inflows continue to strengthen the purchasing power of Filipino families, driving consumption-led growth.
Inflation in the Philippines has returned to the Bangko Sentral ng Philipinas’ (BSP) target range, opening the door for potential monetary easing. Stabilized rice prices, supported by government measures such as reduced import tariffs, have contributed to price stability. As a result, BSP is expected to lower interest rates cautiously, creating a favorable environment for business investments and improved consumer confidence.
Globally, easing monetary policies—including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s push to lower interest rates—align with local conditions, further supporting economic recovery. Lower rates are expected to reinvigorate private sector investments, boost business sentiment, and potentially accelerate the Philippine economy to its pre-pandemic growth trajectory.
On the international front, the Philippines must navigate risks such as potential U.S. fiscal policies under the upcoming Trump administration and the effects of a stronger dollar, which could make imports costlier and weigh on the peso. Moreover, while the Philippines excels in services exports and benefits from significant remittance inflows, there is an urgent need to upskill the workforce to stay competitive in an increasingly digital global economy.
Private capital expenditures remain subdued due to previously high interest rates, but with inflation now under control and rates set to decline, the outlook for private sector investment is improving.
Tinga highlighted that the Philippines is well-positioned for accelerated growth, bolstered by resilient domestic consumption, strong household balance sheets, and prudent monetary policies. He also emphasized the importance of understanding the needs of international investors in supporting the country’s economic trajectory. BDO’s Japan Desk, in particular, plays a crucial role in this effort, offering tailored insights and solutions to Japanese businesses navigating the local market. By fostering stronger economic ties between Japan and the Philippines, the Desk underscores its commitment to enabling mutual growth and opportunity.
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| https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/01/09/2412923/sws-self-rated-poverty-highest-21-years |
An estimated 17.4 million Filipino families deemed themselves poor in the last quarter of 2024, the highest in over two decades, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey found.
The survey, conducted from Dec. 12 to 18, found that 63 percent of the respondents rated their families as poor, up four points from the 59 percent or 16.3 million poor families in September 2024.
It was the highest since the 64 percent obtained in November 2003.
SWS has conducted quarterly surveys on self-rated poverty since 1992, except in the first three quarters of 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2020, self-rated poverty was at 48 percent, even lower than pre-pandemic figure of 54 percent obtained in December 2019.
The latest survey results showed that the annual self-rated poverty average for 2024 reached 57 percent, nine points above the average of 48 percent in 2022 and 2023. It was the highest annual average since 2003, when the average reached 60 percent.
Meanwhile, those who rated their families as “not poor” in the latest poll decreased to 26 percent, from 28 percent in September 2024.
Those who were “borderline poor” decreased from 13 percent to 11 percent.
Across areas, Mindanao had the highest self-rated poverty at 76 percent (from 67 percent), followed by those in the Visayas at 74 percent (from 62 percent), balance Luzon at 55 percent (similar to September 2024) and Metro Manila at 51 percent (from 52 percent).
Those who rated their families as “not poor” were highest among those in Metro Manila at 40 percent (from 38 percent), followed by those in the rest of Luzon at 34 percent (from 33 percent), Mindanao at 15 percent (from 23 percent) and the Visayas at 11 percent (from 16 percent).
The latest survey also found more than half or 51 percent identified their families as “food poor” or poor based on the food they eat.
It was up five points from the 46 percent obtained in September 2024 and was the highest since the 51 percent obtained in March 2004.
SWS said the average self-rated “food poverty” last year was 44 percent, nine points higher than the 35 percent average in 2023. It was the highest since the average of 53 percent in 2003.
Those who rated their families as “not food-poor” decreased from 37 percent to 36 percent, while those who considered their families as “borderline food-poor” decreased from 17 percent to 13 percent.
Self-rated food poverty was highest among respondents in Mindanao at 68 percent (from 61 percent), followed by those in the Visayas at 61 percent (from 49 percent), balance Luzon at 42 percent (from 39 percent) and Metro Manila at 39 percent (similar to September 2024).
The SWS Fourth Quarter survey had 2,160 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus two percent.
This rating is the highest since 2003 which means both before and after the pandemic. N doubt inflation is to blame for many thinking they are poorer than ever.
Sinulog is here and hotel occupancy is the highest ever in the post-pandemic era.
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| https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-business/2025/01/13/2413839/sinulog-fever-boosts-hotel-occupancy-record-highs |
The Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI) reported the highest occupancy rates achieved by Cebu’s hospitality sector this year since the post-pandemic era began.
According to HRRACI president Mia Singson-Leon, the 80 percent to 100 percent occupancy rates during the Sinulog Festival week were driven primarily by the surge of domestic visitors participating in this year’s festivities.
“Most hotels in Cebu have reached an impressive 80 percent to 100 percent occupancy, marking the highest rates since the pandemic,” said Singson-Leon during a press conference.
Singson-Leon, who also serves as the general manager of Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu, noted that local tourists were the main drivers of the surge. International arrivals, while gradually increasing, have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.
The Sinulog Festival, a flagship event in Cebu, has consistently been a major contributor to the hospitality sector.
This year, with clearer plans and early preparations, hotels experienced an early influx of bookings, with guests typically staying two to three nights.
City hotels like Quest Hotel, which fully booked its 427 rooms, exemplify the strong demand.
Last year, booking trends leaned toward last-minute reservations and cancellations, but this year has shown greater stability, said Singson-Leon.
Maybe next year occupancy will be even higher?
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