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://theedgemalaysia.com/node/789333 |
The Philippines will allow Chinese nationals to enter without visas for a stay of up to two weeks, as the Southeast Asian nation pushes to revive its faltering tourism sector.
The visa-free privilege for Chinese nationals entering the Philippines for tourism or business will be effective Friday, Manila’s Department of Foreign Affairs said. It’s also only valid for those entering through the Manila and Cebu airports, and the 14-day stay period is not extendable.
“This is in line with the president’s directive to facilitate trade, investments, and tourism, as well as strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and China,” the department said in a statement on Thursday. The visa-free arrangement will be in effect for a year and will be reviewed before expiring, it added.
The Philippines is further easing travel requirements for Chinese visitors as its tourism industry struggles to gain ground. The country has also been a regional laggard in post-pandemic tourism recovery as Chinese nationals opt for neighbouring countries like Vietnam. Tourism accounts for nearly a tenth of Philippine economic output.
The move marks a sharp reversal from curbs placed a few years ago over concerns that some visitors from China were involved in scams and illegal gambling. It also comes even with a lingering spat between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea.
So, after all the trouble the Philippines has had with Chinese workers coming over on tourist visas and immigration officials being bribed by fake Chinese tourists the BI is now going to wave protective strictures to boost tourism
Muntinlupa helth workers are set to finally receive their pandemic health allowances.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/16/muntinlupa-health-workers-to-receive-hea |
Health workers in Muntinlupa will finally receive their Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) intended for those who worked in risk areas during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that the city government received the fund from the Department of Health.
“The HEA comes from the National Government to be given to health workers and other personnel who provided services during the pandemic. The granting of the said allowance was delayed because it was still subject to the review of the DOH allocation of funds from the National Government,” Biazon posted on Facebook.
With the passage of the 2026 General Appropriations Act after President Marcos signed the budget, the amount of P6.77 Billion was formally allocated for the HEA nationwide. The amount represented the balance of the government for HEA.
The mayor said in Muntinlupa, the DOH downloaded P36 million on Jan. 12 and the City Health Office is computing the allocation per qualified beneficiary for the preparation of the payroll.
It is estimated that the HEA will be released next week.
In a 2022 press release, the Department of Budget and Management said, “Qualified health workers refer to medical, allied medical, and other personnel assigned in hospitals and health care facilities, and who are directly catering to or in contact with COVID-19 patients, persons under investigation (PUIs) or persons under monitoring (PUMs).”
The HEA categories were based on risk exposure. Those deployed in "low risk areas" were entitled to at least P3,000; those deployed in "medium risk areas" would receive at least P6,000; and those in "high risk areas" would get at least P9,000.
Biazon said depending on the worker category, there are those whose HEA will be deducted withholding tax.
Which other workers have yet to receive their money?
During the pandemic which caused uncertainty about the entertainment business one Filipina feared for her the future of her singing career. Influenced by Taylor Swift she began steps to retain full ownership of her music catalog.
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| https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2026/1/18/how-taylor-swift-inspired-yeng-constantino-to-make-a-brave-career-move-1534 |
Yeng Constantino opened up about how Taylor Swift inspired her to take ownership of her music catalog.
In an interview on MYX NOW , Yeng shared that Taylor's decision to reclaim ownership of her master recordings made a strong impression on her as a brave and empowering move.
"I have a contract with Star Music that they will handle my songs for fifteen years, I think. This is Taylor Swift, when we saw that she really fought to own her songs, [I said] that's great, that's brave. But I didn't immediately think that I wanted to do that too," she said.
Yeng explained that it was during the pandemic when she seriously considered following a similar path, amid the uncertainty surrounding live performances and the entertainment industry.
"But the pandemic happened, so during the pandemic, I think you also felt that the world would go back to the way it was before? Would there still be gigs, would there still be normal TV shows where I could still be seen that way like before? And one of the things that I really saw was the potential of me owning my catalog," she recalled.
The singer admitted that the most difficult part of the decision was informing her Star Music family, whom she credits for supporting her career over the years.
"I think the hardest part of that journey is to talk to my bosses because they've been so good to me. Sir Jonathan (Manalo), Sir Roxy (Liquigan). It's so heartbreaking, as in I was really crying when we talked. I cried, [I said] I'm really sorry, I'm sorry that I had to do this, I also need to think about my future and also like the people I see with Taylor, it would be a huge blessing financially for me if the world didn't go back to the way it was," she said.
Yeng added that things eventually worked out for the better. "Thank God, the world is back to how it was before and here we are doing shows again, concerts, so the blessings are doubly doubly. Plus, I didn't burn any bridges with my bosses. We still see each other, we love each other... And they really understood where I came from," she remarked.
Back in 2023, Yeng released an extended play (EP) called Yeng REIMAGINED featuring the re-recordings of her past singles after owning her music catalog.
In an Instagram post in July 2023, Yeng said, "After a few years, my music catalog is now in my care. 🥰 And because of that, I gave some of the songs you loved from me a new look."
She added: "This is REIMAGINED . The first five songs of many more to come. I will always be grateful for all the support you have given and are giving me. I dedicate all of this to you Yengsters! Pre-save the EP! Link in bio. JULY 28, 2023 out!"
The EP contains five songs including "Salamat," "Lapit," "Ako Muna," "Kasalano Ko Ba," and "Pag Ayaw Mo Na."
In another Instagram post, Yeng explained why she chose the said songs for this EP.
"Three of my songs became singles that are fan favorites and I love singing live ('Lapit,' 'Salamat,' 'Ako Muna'). One track that didn't become a single but is one of my favorite things I've written ('Pag Ayaw Mo Na')," she said.
Yeng continued: "A song I wrote for others that I gave my own twist to ('Kasalanan Ko Ba' for Ms. Jaya)."
The singer remarked that the process of bringing this project to life has been a joyful one.
"The process of making this project has been so much fun. From searching through my music catalogue, arranging, recording, thinking of the album cover and now delivering it to you. Never mind the eyebags and fatigue! Join me in looking back at the songs I wrote!" she stated.
Aside from crying to her bosses she does not say how she was able to get the rights to her music catalog. Did she buy them? If so for how much? Did she just re-record them? Either way she succeeded.
The Superflu is here!. But nothing to worry about. It's just the ordinary flu.
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| https://davaocity.gov.ph/health/cho-urges-public-to-observe-health-standards-amid-superflu/ |
The City Health Office (CHO) urged Dabawenyos to practice basic health standards amid the advent of superflu.
Even then, the CHO said the illness should not be a cause for alarm as it is similar to the ordinary flu.
CHO Officer-in-Charge Tomas Miguel Ababon clarified that superflu is not a new disease but a variant of the common flu, particularly the H3N2 variant, with the same symptoms and treatment.
“Superflu is just a variant of the common flu, specifically the H3N2 variant. It is just like the ordinary flu. It is not a very alarming disease because its symptoms and treatment are the same as those of the common flu,” Ababon said.
As part of its information and awareness campaign, the CHO reminded the public to observe preventive measures similar to those practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“How to prevent, kadtong niagi tag COVID, all of the preventive measures for that disease are also the preventive measures for this disease. Cover your mouth when coughing, stay at home kung sick kung naay fever, and if you must go out, wear a well-fitting mask. Wash hands every now and then; don’t touch your face, especially if you are not sure that your hands are clean,” he added.
This month, the CHO also strengthened its campaign on the prevention of Influenza-like Illness (ILI), which has symptoms such as sore throat and body pain, cough or colds, fever, and fatigue.
The health office advised Dabawenyos to stay hydrated, eat nutritious food, get enough rest, and consistently follow minimum health standards to prevent flu-related illnesses.
So, basic health precautions are what was recommended during COVID? How long until stay at home orders are issued?
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