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₱200-billion worth of aid for low-income families guaranteed by PRRD

by June Mata

The national government has distributed an aggregate of ₱200-billion-worth of help for low-salary family units, ranchers, and fisher folk, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Rodrigo Duterte said. In his broadcast open location late Monday night, over seven hours past the 4 PM speculative timetable, Duterte said that the store will go to low-salary family units who are generally influenced by this emergency in the nation. "We have allocated ₱200 billion for low salary family units who are seriously influenced by this emergency. Recipient family units will get crisis support for their two months dependent on the provincial the lowest pay permitted by law," he said in his location to the country Monday 12 PM. Duterte likewise asked the private part to proceed to "take care of" their kinsmen, and to help in any capacity that they can. Duterte additionally said that administration is giving help to the agrarian area. "To our ranchers and fisherfolk, we have not overlooked you, and government is currently utilizing fast reaction measures to help you during the emergency just as guarantee nourishment efficiency, adequacy," Duterte added. In accordance with this, the Division of Social Government assistance and Improvement is set to convey social enhancement cards for money help in the midst of the pandemic

Click here for more information.

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Laguna medical staff send off recovered Coronavirus  patient with an applause

Doctors and medical staff of a hospital in Laguna sent off their first patient who recovered from the corona-virus disease (COVID-19) with a round of applause. 

The hospital in Biñan City, Laguna did not say much in their Facebook post. It's caption simply read: "Heart warming applause for our first cured and recovered COVID patient.” The patient was discharged after two negative tests.

Click here for more information.

UPDATE: UNIHEALTH SOUTHWOODS HOSPITAL OF BIÑAN CITY LAGUNA SEND OFF THE FIRST PATIENT RECOVERED FROM COVID-19 Unihealth Southwoods Hospital of Biñan City- All doctors and medical staff who are participating the first sent off patient recovered from the corona-virus disease with a big round of applause. In their Facebook post that chaperoned the video of this moment between the medical staff and the female patient. The caption stated " “Heartwarming applause for our 1st cured and recovered COVID patient. The patient was discharged after two negative tests. The patient was wearing a mask covered half of her face but you can look into her eye that she's happy because she had fully recovered after fighting the virus. She gave smiles and wave with both hands to the medical staff. As what the patient felt, gives gratitude to our dear front liners who ensures the health of the patients during this kind of health crisis. Here'a big thank you to all our hardworking healthcare workers who've been risking their lives everyday just to nurse the country's COVID-19 patients back to health. We salute you! To date, the Philippines has so far recorded 1,546 COVID-19 cases. Of the number, 78 have died while 42 patients have recovered.  

Click here for more information.

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The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation covers the cost for COVID-19 testing

by Nikki Malinao Philhealth is owned and controlled by the government and it ensures the health of every Filipino through social health insurance regardless of its social status. On March 11, 2020, ABS-CBN News posted an update that the Philippines' health insurance company will now shoulder the cost of novel coronavirus testing for every individual. The insurance agency has stated that they will offer isolation and referral packages to it's members and dependents that has symptoms or is affected by the virus and this will be covered to those who are admitted starting January 31. And also, A NBB (No Balance Billing) policy was released that enables the poor and elderly to no longer pay more excess. The Novel Coronavirus, commonly known as COVID-19, can be fatal especially to those who have underlying medical conditions especially the elderly and people who are immuno-compromised. So practice hygienic measures to save yourself and everyone. Click here for more details.

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DOH urges TB patients to get 1-month supply of Medicine during COVID-19 Quarantine

by Daño, Maybel A. It was stated by the DOH, "The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines has reach to 707, with 45 deaths and a result of 28 recoveries as of March 4:00 pm, March 26, 2020." With that said the Department of Health urges TB patients to get 1-month supply of medicine during COVID-19 Quarantine. According to Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III, today "urged Filipinos undergoing treatment for active tuberculosis (TB) disease to get their free medicines good for one month instead of going to the health facility for their daily dose of TB medicines." The move is in light of the Enhanced Community Quarantine enforced in Luzon and other parts of the country because of the 2019 novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. DOH issued a Department Memorandum mandating health workers in government TB clinics to allow “enrolled patients to take home one-month supply of anti-TB medications.”  Since the start of 2020, about 37,500 patients have started their treatment regimen. In 2019, close to 330,000 Filipinos were enrolled for TB treatment. “Those with TB are at higher risk of getting COVID-19.  We are rolling out measures for their uninterrupted regimen,” said Secretary Duque. Old age, malnutrition, heavy smoking, weak immune system, being a person living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), and chronic conditions like diabetes and renal disease increase the risk for people to become vulnerable to both COVID-19 and TB. “In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we should not lose sight of other infectious and pandemic diseases, especially TB,” the health chief added. He also said that when an individual who goes to a health facility for respiratory symptoms and has any of the risk factors but tests negative for COVID-19, he or she should be considered presumptive for TB. A TB patient requires a daily treatment regimen that lasts for six to nine months.  Patients are encouraged to go to TB clinics to take their medicines, under the care of a designated health worker. “To protect our health workers and TB patients from COVID-19 infection, we will enforce a home-based strategy in which a family member will support the patient in taking his or her medicines,” said Secretary Duque, adding that patients should immediately inform their health care providers for any adverse side effects. The DOH pronouncement is timely for the World TB Day observance today on March 24. To commemorate World TB Day, DOH and partners like the Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT), World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also launched a new communication campaign to combat the disease dubbed #TBFreePH. “We salute our health workers who have gone more than the extra mile during this challenging period,” Duque said, recognizing the efforts of public and private health service providers for continuous health services, promotion and education. "Preventive measures against TB are similar to those recommended to halt the spread of COVID-19, including cough manners, hand hygiene, and infection control at home and workplaces." stated by Department of Health, Philippines. TB kills more people globally than other infectious diseases like Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), measles, and COVID-19. For more information click this link.

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A Helping Hand from High School classmates

by Anne Nellas

COVID-19 has affected a lot of lives and not just in the matter of being infected by the virus; jobs were lost, necessities are limited and just thinking about what’s to come is enough to give anyone anxiety. All hope is not lost though as food and hospital supplies are being distributed to our Frontliners and packs of necessities are given to the less fortunate by the kindness of peoples hearts. #AMBAG2020 are one of those initiatives that are helping out those who aren’t as lucky as us who are watching Netflix from the safety of our homes.

A group of former high school classmates came together to help out after realizing that this pandemic might be affecting more than just those who are sick. Fatima Villanueva, one of the members of LDV Batch 2014, says that “for most of us, wala jud mu-sit well ang idea nga daghan kaayo naglisod ruhn and wa mi mabuhat”. She tells us a story of how one of her friends was asked by a senior citizen for a mask and that made her heart hurt. The policies being made seemed like it was against those who were helpless and that made her and her classmates want to do more.

The plan started out organically, as Fatima says, with them making up plans of what to do, where to start, and delegating who would do which job and tapped on the shoulders of whomever to get resources from and came the birth of #AMBAG2020.

“#AMBAG2020: Alang sa Kabos sa Panahon sa COVID-19″ was an initiative of theirs to help provide the basic necessities to frontliners, PUJ drivers, and the homeless in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. As of March 26, they have made 206 “AMBAG’s” or packs with the help of their connections and donors and are wanting to provide more “AMBAG’s” if there are any willing to share.

They are still accepting donations through G-CASH (0906-044-7554), BPI (Account no. 1379-4364-19), and Unionbank (Account no. 1096-5574-6134). For other queries, you can contact Kiara at 0956-418-3796 or through Whatsapp at +974-3328-1740 or by giving her a direct message on her Facebook.

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China to end lock down on Wuhan

by Denise Jem E. Orsolino 

China has officially announced that the lock down will be lifted on Wuhan, the ground zero of the pandemic COVID-19 beginning April 8. The city seems to be showing positive signs of recovery from the outbreak.

Since the 23rd of January earlier this year, a strict lock down has been implemented since the city reached thousands of new cases everyday. People were barred from leaving or entering the city and in the succeeding days had expanded to most of China's provinces and to other countries. Wuhan has now been getting lesser cases of the disease as per reports, which dropped to 0 for 8 days since March 19.

Click here for more information.

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Banning Backriding in Cebu

by Precious Joy Del Corro & Caryl Christine Tuban 

We all know that motorcycles is a vehicle that can transport us to work.  Aside from that, it  help us avoid traffic, it is less hassle and fast especially during rush hours or when you're in rush. Philippines is facing a public health crisis right now, so the government have ordered set of rules regarding motorcycle back riders and this is in relation to the rule social distancing to stop the spread of the Corona Virus Disease and to keep everyone safe.

The greatest compassion is the prevention of human suffering through patience, alertness, courage, kindness, and obedience.  Remember, prevention is better than cure.  So keep safe and Save lives! For more information check this link or source. 

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Think of brighter days ahead while listening to a music playlist curated by our team to lift your spirits up while waiting for the day COVID-19 will be behind us.

The playlist will be continuously be updated to your listening pleasure.

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Food Vouchers, distributed in Valenzuela

by Mabala, Jessryl Ann

VALENZUELA, Philippines- Valenzuela Local Government Units (LGUs) started giving food vouchers to “low-income families” on March 24,2020. 

 The government aims to allot food vouchers to 105,000 families with 50 families per barangay due to social distancing. With  23 emergency stations around the city, food packages will be distributed starting on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.   ‪Each food package weighs 10 kilograms with the following inside:‬ ‪5 kilograms of rice, ‪5 packs of noodles, ‪1/2 kilo sugar, ‪13 canned goods, and ‪2 packs of energy drinks. 

 According to the Governor of Valenzuela, Rex Gatchalian, this is the first tranche since other supplies are being prepared to aid their people amidst the crisis.

To know more, click here.

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Current COVID-19 timeline in the Philippines

January 

January 30 - The first case of the disease was confirmed in the Philippines, which is a 38-year old Chinese woman.The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine began conducting confirmatory tests for the disease. Prior to this date, confirmatory tests were conducted abroad.

February 

February 2 – The first death from the disease in the Philippines was confirmed. This death is the first confirmed death outside the Chinese mainland.

February 5 - The first confirmed case of a Filipino citizen outside the Philippines was announced. The case is of a crew member of the cruise ship Diamond Princess quarantined off the coast of Yokohama, Japan. The third case in the country was confirmed.

February 9–22 – Repatriates from Wuhan were quarantined at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. None of them displayed any symptoms during the quarantine period and was released after they were cleared for the disease.

March 

March 5–6 – The fourth and fifth cases were confirmed on March 5 and were announced on March 6. Both are Filipino citizens, making them the first and second cases of Filipinos inside the Philippines.

March 7 - The sixth case was confirmed on March 7. The case is of the wife of the fifth case diagnosed on March 5. The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that the fifth case was the first local transmission in the country. Code Red Sub-Level 1 was also raised as a precautionary measure.

March 8 - Four new cases were confirmed on March 8: The seventh case is a Taiwanese national who got infected by another Taiwanese national that recently visited the Philippines. His symptoms began appearing on March 3. The eighth case is a Filipino citizen that recently visited Japan in the past two weeks. His symptoms began appearing on March 5. The ninth case is an American national with pre-existing hypertension that recently traveled to the US and South Korea. His symptoms began appearing on March 1. The tenth case is a Filipino citizen with no travel history outside of the country. He had contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases but his exposure is still under investigation by the DOH.

March 9 - Ten new cases were initially confirmed on March 9, totaling 20 cases. On Monday evening, March 9, President Rodrigo Duterte has formally declared a state of public health emergency in the Philippines. The president also suspended all classes, in public and private, in Metro Manila from March 10 to 14 and confirmed four more cases, totaling 23 cases.

March 10 – Eleven new cases were initially confirmed on March 10. The DOH later corrected that two cases were repeat tests, totaling 33 cases.

March 11 – Sixteen new cases were confirmed on March 11, totaling 49 cases.

March 12 - Three new cases were confirmed on March 12, totaling 52 cases. President Rodrigo Duterte announces a partial lock down on Metro Manila beginning at 12 midnight on March 15 that will cover 16 cities and one municipality. Land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila shall be suspended until April 14, 2020 (international departures will be permitted). Entry travel restrictions shall be imposed upon those traveling from countries with localized COVID-19 transmissions, except for Filipino citizens (including their foreign spouse and children) or holders of Permanent Resident Visas and Diplomat Visas. Mass transportation within Metro Manila shall continue to operate with social distancing guidelines.

March 13 – Twelve new cases were confirmed on March 13, totaling 64 cases.

March 14 Forty-seven new cases were confirmed on March 14, totaling 111 cases. The province of Oriental Mindoro has been placed under a "voluntary community quarantine." 

March 15 - The National Capital Region and the municipality of Cainta in Rizal has been placed under "community quarantine" or a partial lock down that will last until April 14. Twenty-nine new cases have been confirmed on March 15, totaling 140 cases. The PNP (Philippine National Police) announced that an officer assigned to the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) showed symptoms of COVID-19 while having a diabetic condition. He passed away on March 14 with the test results released by March 17.

March 16 - Two new cases have been confirmed on March 16, totaling 142 cases. President Duterte announces the placement of the entire island of Luzon including its associated islands on "enhanced community quarantine," in effect imposing a lock down on the island.

March 17 - The Department of Health confirmed that the occurrence of community based transmission of the Coronavirus in the Philippines. Forty-five (45) new cases were confirmed on March 17, totaling 187 cases. A Diamond Princess repatriate who tested positive of the virus has completely recovered from the disease and was discharged within the same day. This brings a total of 4 recoveries among infected patients in the Philippines. On March 17, President Rodrigo Duterte have signed Proclamation No. 929 that placed the  entire Philippines under state of calamity on account of COVID-19.

March 18 - Six new cases were confirmed on March 18, totaling 193 cases. The total confirmed cases of COVID-19 surpassed the 200-benchmark. Eleven new cases were later confirmed, totaling 202 cases. Three fatalities were confirmed totaling 17 deaths. Cebu confirmed its first case from a patient confined in a hospital in Mandaue. 

March 19 - Fifteen new cases were confirmed on March 19, totaling 217 cases. DOH Secretary Francisco Duque was placed under home quarantine after one of the department's senior official tested positive for the disease. DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. announced the temporary suspension of visa issuance to all foreign individuals and cancellation of existing ones. 

March 20 - On March 20, President Duterte addressed the nation through the House of Representatives and gave additional orders to the people and the government to alleviate the spread of COVID-19. Thirteen additional cases of the disease was confirmed, totaling 230 cases. One fatality was also confirmed, totaling 18 deaths. Bacolod records its first case from a patient confined in an unspecified private hospital. 

March 21 - Thirty-two new cases were initially confirmed on March 21, totaling 262 cases. One fatality and five recoveries were also confirmed totaling 19 deaths and 13 recoveries. Forty-five (45) additional new cases were confirmed later, surpassing the 300-mark and totaling 307 cases. The first cases in Cagayan and Palawan were confirmed. 

March 22 - Seventy-three new cases were confirmed on March 22, totaling 380 cases. Six deaths and two recoveries were also confirmed totaling 25 deaths and 15 recoveries. According to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire announced that DOH Secretary Francisco Duque tested negative for COVID-19, but decided to continue his home quarantine. Malacañang asked Congress, on March 22, to declare a national emergency and grant the president emergency powers on account of COVID-19. 

March 23 - Sixteen new cases were confirmed on March 23, totaling 396 cases. Eight deaths and three recoveries were also confirmed totaling 33 deaths, and 18 recoveries. The Senate, and the House of Representatives had a special session, on March 23, to deliberate President Duterte's request to realign funds for COVID-19 response. The first case in Baguio was confirmed. Sixty-six (66) additional new cases were later confirmed on March 23, surpassing the 400-mark and totalling 462 cases. The House of Representatives approved HB 6616 or "Bayanihan Act" on March 23, with 284-9-0 votes. This will empower President Duterte to handle COVID-19. 

March 24 - On March 24, with 12-0-0 votes (and 7-1-0 from non-attending senators), the Senate approved Senate Bill 1481 or "We Heal As One" that will grant President Duterte additional powers to handle COVID-19. Combining both versions of the Upper and the Lower Houses, the bill was named as "Bayanihan to Heal as One Act". The bill was then sent to President Duterte for approval. Thirty-nine (39) new cases were confirmed on March 24, surpassing the 500-mark and totaling 501 cases. They also confirmed the recovery of one patient, bringing the total number of recovered patients to 19. Fifty-one (51) additional new cases were later confirmed on March 24, totaling 552 cases. They also confirmed two new deaths and two new recovery of patients, bringing the death toll to 35 and recovered patients to 20. 

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Don’t Forget to Pray

Our world is experiencing a great tribulation and is on the edge of crisis. All of us are affected and not a single soul is surely safe. In the midst of this crisis, we silently take a moment to pray and ask God for protection and guidance. Asking him to forgive us and have mercy upon us. The trials that we are facing is a great challenge not only to our government but also to each and everyone of us. We should also do our part and spending a bit of our time praying not only for those who are sick but also for our frontliners who are risking their lives in order to save millions of people. This is not only for the sick but this is also for the betterment of our nation. 

A Roman Catholic Prayer

Oratio Imperata:

God our Father, We come to you in our need to ask for your protection against 2019 N- Corona Virus, that has claimed lives and has affected many.

We pray for your grace, for the people tasked with studying the nature and cause of this virus and its disease and of stemming the tide of its transmission. Guide the hands and minds of medical experts that may minister to the sick with competence and compassion, and those government and private agencies that must find cure and solution to this epidemic. 

We pray for those afflicted, may they be restored to health soon. Grant this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Mary Help of all Christians, pray for us. St. Raphael the Archangel, pray for us.

St. Rock, pray for us. St. Pedro Calungsod, pray for us.

St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us.

A Muslim’s Prayer

Get rid of the hardship and heal, O Lord of the People, you are the Healer, and there is no healing of disease like yours. Let it be healing that is not betrayed by sickness.

A Born Again Christian’s Prayer

Loving God, I pray that you will comfort me in my suffering, lend skill to the hand of my healers, and bless the means used for my cure. Give me such confidence in the power of your grace, that even when I’m afraid, I may put my whole trust in you; through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

An Adventist Christian Prayer

Dear God, I don’t know all the challenges my friends have, but you know everything. I hear their silence, you hear their prayers. I see their laughter, you see their tears. I see when they give, you see what’s been taken from them. I see their beautiful appearance, you see the scars in their soul. I experienced their faith, you know their doubts. My prayer for them God, is that you hear every single prayer and meet them at their need. Amen.

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Binge your Home Quarantine days away

If you are practicing social distancing and being a good citizen by not going out of the house for over a week now, then thank you for caring about you and your neighbors health. But let’s be honest, being stuck at home can get boring and you know you have been going through an “Eat, Sleep, Repeat” kind of lifestyle right now.

If you are one of the lucky ones who have the luxury to stay home comfortably and you are not ready to tidy up your room just yet, we have something for you to do. Actually, let us rephrase that: we have something for you to see. 

Binge Watching is the name of the game and Streaming platforms are making all the big bucks right now. So, if you are tired of scrolling through Instagram, growing anxious about the on-going pandemic and the rising numbers of those affect by the virus and also constantly refreshing your Facebook timeline just to get an update about what your crush is doing right now, it’s time to direct your eyes on Series you might enjoy.

These are our suggestions of Series that you must watch while you have all the time in the world:

1. FRIENDS 

This list is not in order but you know that this is a number 1 on alot of people’s list of series to binge on. It’s a classic. But if you haven’t given in to the hype train, then this is the perfect time to do that.

“FRIENDS” follows the lives of six reckless adults living in Manhattan, as they indulge in adventures which make their lives both troublesome and happening. With all 10 Seasons being on Netflix and 3 weeks to go with home quarantine, surely you can fit this classic tale in. And by the time you are free from the clutches of your house, you will be shouting out “We were on a break!”

-- Lestle Conol

2. Modern Family

This series is about three modern-day families from California who are trying to deal with their kids, quirky spouses and jobs in their own unique ways, often falling into hilarious situations. 

People should watch this series because it is a family-friendly comedy that shows realistic situations that we can probably relate with our own families.  It also teaches the importance of relying on family to get through rough times.

-- Abby Tojong

3. How I Met Your Mother

This show frames the story around the life of Ted Mosby as he tells the tale of how he met his kids’ mother and his four friends that go along with him on the ride called life. It’s a roller-coaster of a show that is filled with fun, romance, friendship and growth. 

This is definitely a must-watch because this show is LEGEN-wait for it-DARY!

-- Greya Sumipo

4. Psych 

You want comedy, murder with a little bit of love and friendship? PSYCH is all about it! Who doesn't love crime shows? 

Shawn Spencer pretends to be a Psychic, when really he is just observant and smart. He will fake these psychic visions in the most ridiculous and hilarious ways! When Shawn is accused of committing a crime that he actually solved, he convinces the cop that he's psychic -- and with the reluctant help of his best friend Gus, Shawn starts solving cases for a skeptical but increasingly impressed police force. Episodes are funny and relatable, to the point that you will see yourself unconsciously saying "same".

-- Rina Fe Laplana

5. Stranger Things

Set in 1983, a young boy (Will Byers) goes missing near a top-secret government laboratory and an adventure and a hell of ride is presented to a group of young friends. 

It is a thrilling TV show to watch to distract you from reality for a while. It has tons of mystery that will make you want to watch more episodes to know the answers. It has a nostalgic vibe, has humor and horror in combination.

-- Claire Kuizon

6. It’s Okay to be Sensitive 

With 2 Seasons on its belt, this series talks about gender issues that everyone experiences everyday and how they overcome those issues by standing up for themselves and serve as an example of how a person should be treated.

Plus points to the fact that you can watch all 2 Seasons on YouTube for free.

-- Venice Raon

7. The Final Table

What I see as one of the most underrated shows from Netflix, “The Final Table” gives us a new twist on your usual cooking competition. The ones competing are not just your ordinary cooks. This is a competition between the most established and best chefs in the world. Cooking styles will be shown off and collaborations will be tested. This show will leave you in awe of what you can do with a very simple ingredient that you would have never thought of using to cook with before.

If you want to stare at some good looking food without the stress of Gordon Ramsey shouting in the kitchen, this will be your cup of tea.

-- Anne Nellas

Did you bookmark these shows yet? With everything on this list, your eyes will probably be stuck on the TV for a while. Don’t forget to rest your eyes by doing some meditation and remember to be thankful that you are safe and lucky to be home.