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://mb.com.ph/2025/05/19/bong-go-warns-pinoys-on-uptick-of-covid-19-cases-in-southeast-asia |
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday, May 19 urged Filipinos to remain vigilant but calm following a reported increase in COVID-19 cases in some parts of Southeast Asia.
Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, said it is important for Filipinos to continue observing basic health and hygiene protocols, particularly in public and healthcare settings.
“We have learned many lessons from the pandemic. While we were able to overcome this, we still can’t be complacent,” Go said.
Though optional, Go said it is best for Filipinos to still observe the wearing of face mask especially inside hospitals and in public places.
“Let’s make it habit to wear face masks in hospitals, to wash hands and giving importance to our health,” the senator advised.
“It’s important to be careful, especialy if our health is at stake. Let’s remember health is wealth,” he reminded.
That didn't work the first time. Why will it work this time?
On the less hysterical die one health executive says COVID-19 is now just an ordinary virus.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1250567 |
The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is no longer a serious public threat and is already considered an ordinary viral infection that is treatable, a Negros Oriental health official said Wednesday.
Dr. Liland Estacion, Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief, gave the assurance amid media reports of mild Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong, Singapore, and other countries.
“In the Philippines, we do have Covid cases. In the province, there are positive cases, especially those we have confirmed through antigen testing. But for DOH (Department of Health), they are already considered non-reportable,” she said in mixed English and Cebuano.
Estacion said that because Covid-19 is no longer a “non-reportable” disease, the province could no longer give a complete or holistic report of cases, as many people undergo private antigen testing.
In the past, the PHO strictly monitored Covid-19 cases in local government units and hospitals.
“We treat Covid as a respiratory infection, and we no longer have guidelines on addressing cases,” Estacion said.
Crazy that the DOH has eighty-sixed guidelines on addressing COVID-19. For what other diseases have they nixed the guidelines?
On the global stage the Philippines has been calling for global action on the health care workforce crisis.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1250582 |
The Philippines, through the Department of Health (DOH), has called for global action to address issues in the health and care workforce.
In a side event at the World Health Assembly (WHA) on Tuesday, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa urged countries, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector to work together in strengthening the global health workforce.
He said this can be achieved through modern education and training systems, fair wages and decent working conditions, ethical international recruitment, and the adoption of innovative technologies for health worker training.
A DOH statement on Wednesday said Herbosa’s call comes after alarming projections of a global shortfall of over 11 million health workers by 2030 —a gap that is expected to hit low-income and middle-income countries where healthcare systems are already under strain.
The talk was organized by countries including the Philippines, Ireland, Germany, Morocco, and Jamaica, and concerned groups like the World Medical Association and the Frontline Health Workers Coalition.
It aimed to elevate the importance of strategic and inclusive action in building a future-ready health workforce.
The event also builds momentum for the World Health Organization Pandemic Agreement Resolution, which would address the gaps and inequities exposed during the Covid-19 pandemic and strengthen global collaboration to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future health threats.
Herbosa formally assumed the presidency of the 78th WHA on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland.
The WHA is composed of 194 member-states serving as the primary forum for crafting international health policies and global health priorities.
WHA delegates discuss key global health challenges, including pandemic preparedness, strengthening health systems, improvement of access to health technologies, and universal health coverage progress.
DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa had the gall to stand before the World Health Alliance and talk about "fair wages and working conditions." Does he know what's happening in the Philippines? The lack of fair wages and safe working conditions is why so many nurses leave the country.
The Philippines has hailed the adoption of the World Health Organization Pandemic Agreement.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1250496 |
The Philippine government on Tuesday welcomed the adoption of a historic United Nations accord that sets out approaches for international coordination on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
The Pandemic Agreement, the first of its kind, was adopted on Tuesday during the 78th World Health Assembly in Switzerland following three years of intensive negotiations launched due to gaps identified in national and global response to the Covid-19 pandemic (2020-2023)
“Starting during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, governments from all corners of the world acted with great purpose, dedication and urgency, and in doing so exercising their national sovereignty, to negotiate the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement that has been adopted today,” the Philippines’ Department of Health Secretary and World Health Assembly president Teodoro Herbosa said.
“Now that the Agreement has been brought to life, we must all act with the same urgency to implement its critical elements, including systems to ensure equitable access to life-saving pandemic-related health products.”
Herbosa said the accord allows countries to build on lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the future generation is better protected if a future pandemic emerges.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the adoption represents a “historic milestone for multilateralism and a reaffirmation of the collective resolve of the international community to strengthen global cooperation in health.”
Manila played a constructive role in the negotiations when it served as co-facilitator for several articles, helping coordinate the Group for Equity composed of more than 30 member-states, and consistently advocating for fairness, inclusiveness, and the interests of developing countries in pandemic preparedness, prevention and response.
The Philippines also championed key provisions to promote and protect the rights of healthcare workers.
Among the key elements of the accord are commitments relating to pandemic prevention and surveillance, Pathogen Access and Benefits Sharing (PABS), access to pandemic-related health products, technology transfer, and research and development.
The work of WHO member-states will continue through the Intergovernmental Working Group to finalize the Annex on PABS.
Should the Assembly adopt the PABS annex next year, the Pandemic Agreement will then be open for signature and consideration of ratification, including by national legislative bodies.
The agreement will enter into force after 60 ratifications.
The Philippines will continue contributing to this process and ensuring the development of a “fair and effective agreement” that will enhance global health security and promote health for all, the DFA said.
The WHO said pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in the PABS system will make available to the organization “rapid access targeting 20 percent of their real time production of safe, quality and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for the pathogen causing the pandemic emergency.”
The distribution of the products would be based on public health risk and need, with particular attention to the needs of developing countries.
The adoption of the Pandemic Agreement followed its approval by member-state delegations on May 19, with 124 in favor, zero objections and 11 abstentions.
It seems like a lot of this agreement is about sharing data and technology. Tell that to China who continues to stay mum on the Wuhan lab.
During the height of the pandemic in 2020 an American decided to visit Cebu City. What!? I remember travel basically coming to a halt. Any travel that was possible was extremely onerous. But he has fallen in love with the city.
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| https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/638866/american-volunteer-of-ccfv-plans-to-build-a-firehouse-in-cebu-city |
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Keith A. Thornton Jr. arrived in Cebu City. His vacation soon transformed into a mission when he saw the urgent need for assistance in the local fire service.
Thornton connected with the Cebu City Fire Volunteers, Inc. (CCFV), an organization that welcomed his experience. That year, CDN Digital featured him, marking the beginning of his growing commitment to improving opportunities for fire volunteers.
Now, at 36, the former police officer and emergency management professional is leading a long-term initiative to build a firehouse, enhance training, and strengthen resources for the community.
Over the past five years, Thornton has returned to the Philippines more than 10 times, seeing his work as both a personal and spiritual calling.
“The Cebuanos,” he says, “have become my second family.”
His stay opened his eyes to the reality of Cebuano firefighters.
In an interview with CDN Digital, Thornton shared an observation:
“If you take a moment to drive through the City of Cebu and really look around, you’ll notice fire engines and ambulances parked in hazard areas—some in front of private driveways, others in vacant lots, university parking areas, or military bases.”
Without fire stations, fire volunteers face critical challenges that threaten safety and emergency response.
Thornton is set on acquiring land in Cebu to establish a firehouse for his team. While he hopes for government support, he is prepared to raise funds to make it happen.
He is planning to build a firehouse with living quarters, a kitchen, and a secure garage for emergency vehicles, as well as a training center that will allow collaboration with other brigades while offering life-saving education to the community—CPR, First Aid, and disaster response.
The American volunteer has spent weeks surveying land and refining his strategy, believing this initiative will serve as a vital lifeline for Cebu City.
He wants to build Cebu City a fire station. It is pretty pathetic that a foreigner has to do the job of the local government.
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