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://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1266563 |
The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) is set to reopen its Radiation Oncology Services this year to expand access to life-saving cancer treatment, the institute said.
In a news release on Friday, the NKTI said the resumption of services will be made possible through the donation of a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) following a ceremonial turnover and signing of the deed of donation.
The reopening marked the revival of NKTI’s Radiation Oncology Service, which ceased operations during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and has not been in use since 2022.
The Radiation Oncology Section was established to address the need for accessible, high-quality healthcare services, particularly in the delivery of radiation therapy for cancer patients, the NKTI said.
The service is part of the NKTI Radiation Oncology Project (NKTI-ROP), which was implemented through a public-private partnership in 2015.
The LINAC is commonly used for external beam radiation therapy and allows precise treatment of tumor sites by delivering high-energy X-rays or electrons while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
With more than four decades of experience in healthcare, NKTI emphasized that the facility underscores its commitment to improving patient care through expanded services and the adoption of modern medical technology.
The resumption of radiation oncology services is expected to significantly improve access to cancer treatment for patients who require radiotherapy, it said.
This begs the question: why now? Everything else has reopened. Why has this important medical service been shuttered until now?
In the Philippines men have been driving growth in the anti-aging skin care market.
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| https://tribune.net.ph/2026/01/09/filipino-men-drive-growth-in-anti-aging-skincare-market |
Filipino men, particularly working professionals aged 30 and above, are increasingly investing in skincare products, signaling a shift in a market long dominated by women’s grooming routines.
Industry observers note a steady rise in men’s skincare purchases across e-commerce platforms, with anti-aging products emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments. Local brands are beginning to benefit from the trend, challenging the dominance of imported labels.
One of these brands is Zenith, a Filipino men’s skincare company that launched only months ago. The brand reports that more than 30,000 men have used its products within its first year of operations. Its anti-aging tallow cream has also ranked as the top-selling moisturizer on Lazada, according to the company.
Observers say the shift reflects changing attitudes among Filipino men, many of whom grew up associating skincare with women. That perception is now fading, particularly among urban professionals who increasingly link personal appearance with confidence and workplace performance.
Unlike multi-step skincare routines popularized in recent years, many male consumers favor simplified regimens. Products marketed as efficient, easy to apply, and designed specifically for men have gained traction, particularly those positioned for daily use in the country’s humid climate.
Actor and Marine reservist Enzo Pineda is among those who have spoken publicly about men’s skincare. After trying Zenith’s anti-aging cream, he shared his experience.
"This is one of the best products for my skin," Pineda said. "We're not getting any younger, and we're busy. But this product feels good on my skin after applying."
Pineda said he noticed changes within days, including brighter skin, a clearer complexion, and reduced dark spots and fine lines. He encouraged men to start early.
"Anti-aging doesn't mean we take it when we're already aging. Truth is, we're getting older. That's why we need to take care of our skin as early as possible," he said."I highly suggest this to all the guys out there. I love the product. Love everything about it."Model and chef Rollo Espino also shared his views on men’s skincare, noting that signs of aging can appear earlier than expected. Describing his experience with Zenith products, Espino said they are "straight-forward, effective, and made for men."
Market analysts say several factors have contributed to the growing interest in men’s skincare. Increased exposure to video calls during the pandemic heightened awareness of appearance, while social media normalized grooming conversations among men. At the same time, brands have begun developing formulations tailored to male skin, which tends to be thicker, oilier, and more prone to environmental stress.
Zenith said its products are formulated using grass-fed beef tallow combined with retinol and hyaluronic acid, ingredients designed to support skin hydration and anti-aging without leaving a heavy or greasy feel.
For many male consumers, the decision to invest in skincare is driven by professional image, confidence, and accessibility. Online shopping platforms, free shipping offers, and customer reviews have made trying new products easier and less risky.
With local brands gaining visibility and consumer acceptance, industry watchers say men’s skincare is no longer a niche category but a growing segment of the Philippine beauty market.
All those zoom calls during the pandemic made men realize they need to look good on camera.
More routes to Davao are being planned as part of the nation's post-pandemic recovery.
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| https://www.sunstar.com.ph/amp/story/davao/triangulated-air-routes-to-boost-davaos-intl-links |
FOR greater regional and international connectivity, the local government is exploring triangulated air routes to help sustain Davao City’s international links, attract investments, boost trade, and expand tourism opportunities.
Department of Trade and Industry-Davao Region (DTI-Davao) Director Romeo L. Castañaga said on Friday, January 9, 2025, that the proposed route strategy moves away from the traditional point-to-point model by linking multiple destinations in a single flight. He explained during the Business Insights media forum at NCCC Mall Maa that triangulated routes allow airlines to connect Davao with domestic and international destinations in one continuous loop, making operations more commercially viable.
Under the model, a single route could, for instance, link Davao with domestic hubs such as Siargao or Cebu before continuing to Manado, which in turn could connect to Bali. This setup increases passenger volume and reduces reliance on Manila as the primary transit hub.
“Some passengers are not only traveling to Manado but also to other destinations. Triangulated routes increase passenger volume and ensure sustainability,” Castañaga said.
He noted that major carriers, including Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, have already expressed interest in the Davao-Manado route, which the government aims to revive as part of its post-pandemic recovery efforts. A working group, in coordination with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and airline partners, is currently assessing ways to ensure the long-term viability of the route.
Beyond BIMP-Eaga network
Castañaga added that the Davao City government has formed a special committee on air connectivity, co-chaired by the Department of Tourism in Region 11 (DOT-Davao). The committee is tasked with identifying potential direct-flight destinations beyond the traditional BIMP (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines)-Eaga network.
At present, Davao City maintains four direct international routes — Bangkok, Singapore, China, and Doha, Qatar.
They are also looking to resume connections to Japan and possibly Kuala Lumpur in the near future.
Sea connectivity exploration
Beyond air travel, sea connectivity is also being considered as part of the city’s broader transport and trade strategy. Castañaga said there are still untapped opportunities for private-sector participation in developing shipping routes that could further strengthen Davao’s position as a logistics and trade gateway in Mindanao.
Economic doorway approach
The DTI official also highlighted the adoption of an economic corridor approach, which focuses on regional clusters rather than isolated city-to-city links. One example is the Mindanao-Sulawesi corridor, which integrates trade, tourism, and socio-cultural exchanges between the two regions.
Castañaga emphasized that improving air connectivity in Mindanao requires a strategic shift from the traditional Manila-centric aviation model to a more decentralized and region-driven network.
He said Mindanao’s current air travel setup remains largely dependent on flights routed through Metro Manila, limiting passenger traffic, increasing travel time, and discouraging potential investors and tourists who prefer more direct and efficient connections. By developing triangulated and multi-destination routes, Davao and other Mindanao gateways can serve as alternative international and domestic hubs.
He added that the expansion of air routes in Mindanao would not only benefit Davao City but also support nearby provinces by improving access to emerging tourism destinations, agricultural export points, and business centers. This, in turn, could stimulate job generation, strengthen regional value chains, and reduce economic concentration in Luzon.
Castañaga also stressed that sustained airline operations in Mindanao depend on coordinated efforts among national agencies, local governments, tourism stakeholders, and the private sector to ensure consistent passenger demand and route profitability.
With airports in Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, and emerging gateways in Siargao and Cotabato, Mindanao is well-positioned to become a major aviation network in the southern Philippines once supported by innovative routing strategies and long-term policy commitment.
Castañaga concluded that building a stronger Mindanao air travel system is essential not only for mobility, but also for positioning the island as a competitive economic and tourism hub in Southeast Asia.
Again, why now? Why not open these routes earlier?
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