More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government.
The Philippine Statistics Authority says almost 19 million Filipino junior and senior high school graduates can't read.
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| https://www.gizguide.com/2025/04/high-school-graduates-philippines-cant-read.html |
Almost 19 million Filipino students who completed junior and senior high school last year cannot read and comprehend a simple story, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
This was revealed during a Senate hearing on Wednesday, where Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed his concern about the education situation in the Philippines.
The lawmaker said the PSA determined that these graduates from 2019 were "not functionally literate."
Gatchalian stressed the gravity of the education crisis.
"That's non-negotiable that a student who will graduate from our basic education system should be functionally literate—that's not the case now. That’s quite concerning — that means one 1 out of 5 of our graduates cannot comprehend a single story. That’s something that we need to address", he said.
According to government data, the following provinces have the highest number of illiterates:
Tawi-Tawi (67 percent)
Davao Occidental (53 percent)
Zamboanga del Sur (49 percent)
Northern Samar (48 percent)
Basilan (48 percent)
Sarangani (48 percent)
Western Samar (46 percent)
Agusan del Norte (44 percent)
Sultan Kudarat (44 percent)
Lanao del Norte (44 percent)
For years, several groups and experts have been urging the government to implement reforms in the education system amid a deepening crisis worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The global health emergency forced governments worldwide to embrace distance learning. In the Philippines, this shift coincided with strict lockdowns that further disrupted students' learning.
Truly the pandemic only exacerbated and continues to exacerbate the effects of the awful Philippine education system.
The Metro Rail Transit line 3 says they saw their highest ridership day since the pandemic.
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| https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/5/1/mrt-sees-highest-ridership-since-covid-19-pandemic-1037 |
The Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) on Wednesday saw its highest ridership since the pandemic.
In a statement, the Department of Transportation said the railway ferried 481,156 passengers on Wednesday. This is higher than the previous post-pandemic high of 459,936 seen on December 20, 2024.
The government is offering free train rides from April 30 to May 3.
The DOTr said the ridership numbers show the MRT's improved ability to serve a higher volume of passengers
The previous post-pandemic high was last year so that's not much of a metric by which to judge.
The pandemic affected the Filipino Christian Children's book industry.
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| https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/05/filipino-christian-children-book-author-omf-literature/ |
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipino publishers saw a sharp decline in their sales. In 2020, the industry in the Philippines lost more than half its revenue as physical bookstores closed and people lost their jobs and disposable income. E-books are not common in the country; a 2024 survey found that 74 percent of readers prefer printed books over other types of reading including magazines, newspapers, and e-books.
OMF Literature, one of the largest Christian publishers in the country, also felt the impact of the pandemic on its sales, said Myrna Reyes, former head of publication and current publishing consultant at OMF Lit. As a result, they have licensed fewer books from the US.Yet one bright spot Reyes sees is Hiyas (Gem), OMF Lit’s children’s book imprint, as more Filipino Christians are writing and illustrating original books. Before the pandemic, children’s books contributed about 15 percent to total company sales, according to OMF Lit. This fiscal year, its contribution is estimated to be slightly over 70 percent. While not all the children’s books are explicitly Christian, “our priority is sharing Christian values through our stories,” Reyes said.Christianity Today spoke with five Filipino children’s book authors about the challenges and blessings of writing for the next generation.
With colorful drawings and emotive characters, most of Luis Gatmaitan’s books explore the human body, drawing from his expertise as a pediatrician.
For instance, the 2021 book Covidoom! follows the battle inside a boy named Jonas between the evil coronavirus and his antibodies, which are anthropomorphized as soldiers on a battlefield. Written in both English and Filipino, the book is aimed at five-to-seven-year-olds.
“I want children to see that the God who made us is amazing,” he said.
ONE Championship, the MMA tournament, has seemingly abandoned the Philippines as a venue. This is a result of the pandemic shutdown.
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| https://www.fightbookmma.com/why-has-one-championship-abandoned-the-philippines/ |
Last year, SportsPro reported that ONE Championship received $50 million from investors, including the Qatar Investment Authority sovereign wealth fund, giving Group One a valuation of at least US$1.35 billion. This shows how ONE Championship continues to remain popular as it expands across the globe.
However, one country where it isn’t visiting anymore is the Philippines. ONE Championship once considered the Philippines one of its most important battlegrounds. Manila’s passionate fight fans, combined with a roster full of proud Filipino champions, made it a natural destination for some of the promotion’s biggest events. Mall of Asia Arena would regularly fill with thousands of screaming fans, and local heroes like Brandon Vera, Eduard Folayang, and Joshua Pacio carried national pride into every bout.
However, over the past few years, that once-strong connection has noticeably weakened. Despite a brief return to Manila in December 2022 — complete with exciting new sponsorships — there’s no denying that the Philippines is no longer a priority for ONE Championship.
ONE’s 2022 Tournament and New Partnerships
In late 2022, ONE Championship announced a major comeback event in the Philippines, scheduled for December 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena. After a long absence due to the pandemic, the announcement generated significant buzz among local fight fans. To fuel this comeback, ONE secured three key sponsorship partnerships:
• Foodpanda is the leading food delivery platform across Southeast Asia.
• 1xBet is a well-known international sports betting company.
• Solaire Resort Entertainment City (Solaire) is one of Manila’s premier luxury resorts and entertainment complexes.
These deals provided the financial and promotional muscle necessary to bring ONE back to Manila in a big way. Both 1xBet and Solaire show how the intersection between combat sports and the entertainment industry has remained a foundation for MMA fights across the world. Solaire Casino and Hotel Resort hosted the pre-fight press conference for the 2022 event. The casino is one of the top gaming companies in the Philippines, having launched its online gaming platform, Solaire Online, in April 2021. As part of its online platform, Solaire live slots lets gamers play like they are in a real-life casino by blending the thrill of traditional slots with the sophistication of a VIP room. This, along with their 2024 Solaire North Casino expansion, has made the casino chain one of the most successful in the Philippines. If ONE is to return with another big event in the future, then the backing of Solaire again would make it possible.
But looking deeper, the 2022 event felt more like a one-off celebration than a true return to form. Despite the excitement surrounding the partnerships, the structural issues that caused ONE to deprioritize the Philippines remained firmly in place.
Why the Philippines is No Longer a Priority
a Shift in Market Strategy
In recent years, ONE Championship has increasingly shifted its focus toward new, higher-value markets. Notably, the promotion made a major move into the United States by securing a broadcast deal with Amazon Prime Video, giving it access to a lucrative American audience.
ONE also expanded its presence in Japan and Thailand, recognizing these countries as stronger opportunities for growth, sponsorship revenue, and global media coverage. Meanwhile, the Philippines, while passionate, was seen as a mature market with limited new revenue potential compared to emerging opportunities elsewhere.
The pandemic only accelerated this shift. With increased costs for live events and stricter health regulations, ONE had to prioritize markets that could offer higher returns. Unfortunately for Filipino fans, the Philippines did not make the cut.
The article goes on to also mention the lack of homegrown fighting champions.
The pandemic exposed the rotten healthcare infrastructure in the Philippines and the medical industry is still learning the lessons.
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| https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2025/05/05/670100/lifelong-immunization-a-cost-effective-investment-in-public-health/ |
Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions in history. Backed by extensive global and local data, the impact of vaccines on healthcare systems and populations is clear and compelling. In the Philippines, every P100 invested in vaccination programs can yield as much as P5,400 in healthcare savings — a powerful return that benefits Filipino families, healthcare institutions, and the broader economy.
Recognizing this, the biopharmaceutical industry — composed of leading vaccine manufacturers — has launched a new campaign called “IBA ang BAKUNADO.” The initiative underscores the value of timely and lifelong immunization and aims to protect Filipinos at every stage of life.
In partnership with the government, the medical community, and patient organizations, the campaign seeks to close immunization gaps, expand access to existing and new vaccines, and raise awareness about broader protection for all age groups. Launched during World Immunization Week, the campaign aligns with the Department of Health’s (DoH) 2025 theme: “Magpabakuna: Bakuna para sa lahat, kayang-kaya!” (Get Vaccinated: Vaccines for all, is easily doable!)
Routine immunization remains one of the most effective tools in preventing over 30 infectious diseases, including measles, polio, pertussis, influenza, pneumococcal disease, hepatitis, cervical cancer, and emerging respiratory illnesses. The campaign also reinforces the message that being vaccinated goes beyond individual protection — it contributes to collective immunity and community resilience.
Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) President Dr. Diana Edralin emphasized the need for life-course immunization and healthcare modernization. “Investing in immunization across the lifespan, adopting new vaccines, and future-proofing our systems are essential to safeguarding public health,” she said.
Member companies of PHAP — including Abbott, GSK, MSD, Pfizer, Sanofi, Takeda, and Zuellig Pharma — are working to ensure timely vaccine access by supporting scientific innovation, bolstering partnerships, and strengthening supply chains.
In addition to traditional vaccines, the industry is advocating for the introduction of new, internationally approved vaccines against diseases such as dengue, shingles, invasive meningococcal disease (MenB), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These can provide crucial protection to vulnerable populations, particularly children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
Modernizing the country’s immunization infrastructure is also essential. This includes leveraging digital tools for real-time vaccine tracking, identifying and addressing coverage gaps, and ensuring equitable distribution. Prioritizing access for high-risk groups — pregnant women, seniors, persons with comorbidities, and frontline workers — can significantly enhance the effectiveness of immunization programs.
The lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic remain fresh. As PHAP Vaccines Task Force Chairperson Loreann Villanueva noted, “Vaccines not only save lives — they protect communities and strengthen economies. The pandemic showed us the power of collaboration. We’ve seen what’s possible when sectors unite, and we must build on that momentum.”
PHAP’s history of collaboration with the DoH and key partners like the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), and the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) underscores the importance of multi-sectoral engagement. These organizations remain steadfast in their mission to promote vaccine confidence and improve health outcomes.
Dr. Maria Rosario Capeding, president of PFV, emphasized the role of accurate information in empowering families. “Our goal is to ease the burden on public health systems and enhance the quality of life for Filipinos — one vaccine at a time,” she said.
PMA President Dr. Hector Santos affirmed the medical community’s commitment: “Vaccination is a fundamental right. As physicians, we are dedicated to ensuring no Filipino is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases.”
PAPO President Karen Alparce-Villanueva echoed these sentiments, advocating for universal access to healthcare, particularly preventive services. “By improving health literacy and building confidence in vaccines, we empower patients to lead healthier lives,” she said.
Through sustained collaboration, science-based policies, and a whole-of-society approach, expanding access to immunization across all life stages is not only possible — it is imperative for a healthier, more resilient Philippines.
"The pandemic showed us the power of collaboration. We’ve seen what’s possible when sectors unite, and we must build on that momentum.” What a sad observation. Why weren't these sectors cooperating beforehand?
Three Oroquieta City officials have been cleared of any liability concerning rices purchases during the pandemic.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2025/5/5/coa-clears-3-oroquieta-city-officials-of-liability-in-rice-purchases-during-covid-19-pandemic |
The Commission on Audit (COA) has cleared three Oroquieta City officials of liability in the purchases of P241,653.60 worth of rice that was distributed to policemen, persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), and affected families and individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cleared were City Accountant Kane Alfonso P. Iyog, Assistant City Accountant Jehmar A. Quicoy, and Senior Bookkeeper Babylaine E. Rivera.
The COA decision was signed by Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba and Commissioners Roland Cafe Pondoc and Mario G. Lipana.
The purchases of rice during the Covid-19 pandemic were audited by a COA team which found conflict of interest on the part of the three Oroquieta City officials.
The team found that one of the suppliers, By Grains Dealer, is registered under the name of Cecilia Amboang, who is the sister-in-law of Quicoy. Another supplier, Amboang Store is registered under the name of Emerson R. Quicoy, husband of Quicoy, while Bblaine Tata Store is registered under the name of Jiffrey E. Manon-og, son of Rivera.
Iyog, on the other hand, was held liable for certifying the propriety of the supporting documents in the disbursement vouchers.
The three filed their appeal, arguing that there was no conflict of interest as the business entities involved sole proprietorships. They added that they did not take advantage of their close relation to the suppliers, nor did they receive anything from them in return.
The COA found their appeal meritorious. It said: "At the outset, it can be said that there is no conflict of interest since the petitioners have no substantial interest in the business of the suppliers. Petitioners Iyog and Rivera are not the owners or co-owners of the stores, neither do they have any position or role in the administration and/or operation thereof."
"While petitioner Quicoy is the wife of the owner of Amboang Store, and is presumed to have financial or substantial interest therein as the spouse, there is nothing on the records of the case to show that she had any significant influence in the awarding and approval of rice from Amboang," it added.
The COA further pointed out that there was no showing that the procurement of rice from By Grains, Amboang, and Bblaine Tata Stores were made by reason of the relationship of the petitioners (city officials) to the respective owners.
They were found to have a conflict of interest and were convicted. On appeal they admitted they had an interest in the businesses which were awarded the job but said they did not profit from the transaction. That does not change he fact that family members of these city officials were awarded the contract. It's very bad optics at the least.
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