More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government.
 |
| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2206591/doh-emergency-lockdown-due-to-covid-19-variant-fake |
The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday dismissed circulating claims that there will be an emergency lockdown starting April 10, 2026 due to the “Cicada” variant of the Covid-19 virus.
In an advisory, the DOH tagged posts by Facebook pages “Pinoy Newswire,” “Malasakit News Update: Balitang Sapat, Serbisyong Totoo,” and “Weather Patrol” as “fake news.”
“The Department of Health emphasizes that circulating claims of emergency lockdown in the country due to Covid-19 Cicada variant is false,” the DOH said.
“There is no reason to implement a lockdown. The agency earlier said last March 31 that the Philippines remains safe from this variant,” it added.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Covid variant BA.3.2 or the “Cicada” variant was first detected in a respiratory sample collected on Nov. 22, 2024 in South Africa.
The CDC noted that the variant has been reported in 23 countries as of Feb. 11, 2026, while detections in the US began increasing in September 2025.
In a radio interview with DZMM Teleradyo last March 31, DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo said that while coronavirus mutates, it does not mean that it is something to worry about already.
“It is called a variant under monitoring. There is no reason to be alarmed or bothered by it because the figures do not change. In fact, based on our latest monitoring, there are 60% fewer Covid-19 cases in the Philippines compared to last year,” Domingo said.With this, the DOH urged the public to refrain from sharing false information in social media and only rely on verified details provided by the agency and other legitimate media platforms.
Meanwhile, the Palace on Friday also tagged as “fake news” a circulating announcement from the Department of Energy that there would be an energy lockdown starting April 20, 2026.
 |
| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2207675/lockdowns-not-needed-would-hurt-economy-gatchalian |
After Malacañang recently denied rumors of an energy lockdown, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian believes such a drastic measure is not necessary as it would adversely affect the economy.
Gatchalian, in a press briefing on Monday, said that many individuals will lose their jobs if a lockdown, just like during the the COVID-19 pandemic, is implemented by the government.
Instead, the concern should be on how the government can stretch its existing oil and fuel supply.
(I don’t advise that we do a lockdown similar to COVID-19 because that would stop our entire economy, many people would lose their jobs. What we need is to extend the number of days in terms of fuel inventory.)
(We don’t have problems in terms of jobs, we do not have problems regarding health concerns, our problem is how to stretch or the number of days in terms of inventory.)
Malacañang last Friday debunked a circulating “announcement” supposedly from the Department of Energy (DOE) claiming there would be an energy lockdown starting April 20, 2026.
The fraudulent advisory urged the public to prepare power banks, solar equipment, candles, lamps, food, and other essentials in anticipation of the energy lockdown.Gatchalian said he has already proposed a rationing of fuel to ensure that the current 50 day supply for diesel and gasoline would be stretched out to as far as 80 to 90 days.
The proposal was contained in a set of recommendations he released after two hearings of the Senate’s proactive response and oversight for timely and effective crisis strategy (PROTECT) committee which he heads.
(My proposal is to have rationing or what they call a volume cap, either way, what’s important now is for us to stretch the number of days of our inventory, because right now, if we look at our petroleum products, on the average it will last for 50 days.)
Among Gatchalian’s suggestions in the preliminary report he released last April 1 is a possible price cap on petroleum products and the rationing of fuel, to address supply concerns caused by the Middle East conflict.
 |
| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1272483 |
This highly urbanized city is preparing to revive the community kitchen initiative to aid the most vulnerable sectors amid surging fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis.
In an interview Tuesday, General Services Office head and Crisis Management Council executive director Neil Ravena said they will conduct a simulation exercise in Barangay Boulevard and Barangay Calaparan so they can effectively respond when the poorest of the poor can no longer afford to buy food.
“We will pilot test so that in the worst-case scenario, we have an automatic response and we can identify the families that we will serve,” he said.
During the simulation exercise, they will practice the integration of responses, identify the beneficiaries and distribute food.
With the intervention, they would know the funds needed to sustain the operations for the expected number of days when they need to subsidize food.
“It will be managed by the CSWDO (City Social Welfare and Development Office) as a response to the current crisis we are experiencing. They will be the ones to distribute. There is a focal person in every barangay,” he said.
Ravena said they will be partnering with Central Philippine University for the establishment of a biowave stove, using rice hulls and sawdust instead of liquefied petroleum gas.
The City Agriculturist Office also volunteered to utilize the produce of city-government-supported vegetable gardens.
The community kitchen was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2023, with the city government leading the preparation of food for the affected residents.
With the support of the private sector donors, the community kitchen served more than 30,000 meals daily.
Tourism in Barangay Tadiangan in Tuba, Benguet is steadily blossoming, thanks in large part to the rise of agritourism, which combines the beauty of nature, local food, and community involvement. One of the standout destinations in the area is Um-a Farm, a unique farm-to-table experience that offers visitors a chance to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
The Beginnings of Um-a Farm
What started as a private retreat during the height of the pandemic has transformed into a popular agritourism destination. According to Chariz Garcia, an employee of the farm, Um-a Farm began as a peaceful escape for the farm’s owner. However, recognizing the potential of the property, the owner decided to develop the farm and open it to the public in 2024, providing not only a place for relaxation but also a unique culinary experience.
Now fully operational, Um-a Farm has evolved into a sought-after destination for those looking to experience both nature and food in a more interactive and personal way. It proudly promotes a farm-to-table concept, allowing guests to participate in the process of harvesting the vegetables they will later enjoy. This concept has created a deeper connection between visitors and the food they consume, making the dining experience truly one-of-a-kind.
A Hands-On Farm-to-Table Experience
The unique aspect of Um-a Farm is its emphasis on interactive dining. Guests are invited to personally pick vegetables such as pechay, lettuce, kangkong, and watercress from the farm. After harvesting, visitors can request their preferred way of cooking the freshly picked produce, enhancing the personalized nature of the meal.
In addition to its wide variety of vegetables, the farm also raises chickensand has a tilapia fish pond, providing a full circle of ingredients for their dishes. The farm ensures that all the food served is of the highest quality, with a focus on organic farming practices that guarantee fresh, healthy meals. The commitment to sustainable, organic farming is a point of pride for the farm, as Garcia mentions that production is consistent and entirely organic, ensuring the freshest ingredients for each meal.
Supporting Local Communities Through Agritourism
The growth of Um-a Farm has not only enhanced the tourism appeal of Barangay Tadiangan but also significantly contributed to the local community. The increasing number of visitors has provided local residentswith new job opportunities and avenues for livelihood. Punong Barangay Feliciano Buyagao Alipda Jr. of Tadiangan notes that the success of the farm has sparked the growth of small businesses in the surrounding area, creating a positive economic ripple effect.
The farm has also brought greater recognition to the whole barangay, with Garcia pointing out that when visitors mention Um-a Farm, they are effectively promoting the entire community. This recognition helps draw more attention to Tadiangan, showcasing its agricultural beauty and potential as a tourist destination.
The increasing popularity of Um-a Farm has made it a valuable contributor to the development of the local economy, and it is becoming clear that agritourism is a key player in community development. As more visitors come to experience the farm, the economic opportunities for local residents continue to grow.
Agritourism as a Model for Sustainable Development
Um-a Farm stands as a prime example of how agritourism can lead to community growth and sustainability. By offering visitors a unique, hands-on experience, the farm has created a model where nature, food, and local culture intersect. This approach not only promotes environmental sustainability but also supports the livelihoods of those living in the area.
The success of Um-a Farm proves that agritourism can be a powerful tool for local development. As more people recognize the benefits of connecting with nature and supporting local farmers, the farm has positioned itself as a sustainable tourism destination that nurtures both the environment and the local economy.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Agritourism in Tuba
As Um-a Farm continues to grow and attract more visitors, its role in Tadiangan’s and Tuba’s tourism development will likely expand. With the increasing interest in agritourism in the region, Um-a Farm is well positioned to become a key player in the area’s tourism landscape. By continuing to promote sustainable farming practices and offering a personal, hands-on experience, the farm can set a benchmark for other agritourism destinations in the country.
The future of agritourism in Tadiangan looks bright, with more opportunities for local communities to benefit from the tourism sector while preserving their agricultural heritage. As Um-a Farm proves, blending agriculture, tourism, and community involvement can lead to both economic prosperity and sustainable growth.
No comments:
Post a Comment