Monday, November 29, 2021

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Quiboloy says Covid-19 will end if people stop ‘prosecuting’ him

Posted: 29 Nov 2021 05:58 AM PST

KINGDOM of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy said Sunday, November 28, that the wrath of the Covid-19 pandemic would only end if the public would stop "persecuting, prosecuting and maligning" him.

Quiboloy said to his followers during his Sounds of Worship program live streamed via YouTube that the Omicron Covid-19 variant is the result of how he is being treated.

"I told you, I'm telling you the truth, the day of the Lord is here. Do not ever, ever play a joke or continue to pursue the prosecution of the appointed son because the father in heaven has already declared through the appointed son, no one can escape this," he said.

"The way you treated the appointed son here, is the way this world is going to receive its judgment," he added.

During his service, Quiboloy also shared the recent report of the World Health Organization (WHO) that the Omicron variant "is way worse than the Delta variant."

"The Delta virus variant of Covid-19 is only an introduction. If you keep on hurting, persecuting, and harming the Appointed Son and the Kingdom, you will see much worse than the Omicron variant," Quiboloy said.

The only way to stop the pandemic, he said, is to stop throwing allegations against him and his church.

The religious leader, earlier this month, was charged by the United States federal authorities for having sex with women and underage girls who faced threats of abuse and "eternal damnation" unless they catered to the self-proclaimed "son of God."

"You want this to stop? Stop persecuting, prosecuting, maligning and falsely accusing the appointed son," Quiboloy said.

Quiboloy and two of his top administrators are among the nine people named in a superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury last week and unsealed on November 18.

The indictment includes three Los Angeles-based administrators of Quiboloy's church who were charged last year. The new indictment also names a church administrator in Hawaii.

In a previous statement, the KJC founder said he has "forgiven his detractors" even with the sex trafficking charges thrown against him.

The Davao-based leader's camp already denied allegations against him and other church officials, which they believed is an attempt to discredit the pastor.

Meanwhile, WHO named the new coronavirus variant B.1.1.529 as Omicron, which was first reported by scientists from South Africa.

It is also designated as a variant of concern and countries are advised to enhance surveillance and sequencing efforts.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Sunday, November 28, approved the expansion of travel restrictions to seven more countries until December 15 over the emergence of the new Covid-19 variant.

The countries of Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy have been added to the red list, which initially included the South African nations of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique.

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Private school pilots face-to-face classes in Davao City

Posted: 29 Nov 2021 05:57 AM PST

THE Department of Education (DepEd) has granted five other schools in Davao City to start with the limited face-to-face (F2F) classes, but the City Government has requested to postpone it next year.

Dr. Marilum Deduyo, DepEd-Davao Assistant Schools Division superintendent, said in a press conference Monday, November 29, that the five recommended public schools in the city were already endorsed by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to conduct with the limited F2F classes.

Deduyo said the selected schools are situated in far-flung areas wherein there is minimal or no transmission of the Covid-19 virus.

But she said the permit and requirements for the schools to operate is still being complied.

The five identified public schools for the limited F2F in the city are Dalagdag National High School with Senior High in Barangay Dalagdag, G. Tajo National High School with Senior High in Barangay Lampianao, Saloy National High School with Senior High in Barangay Saloy, Mabuhay Elementary School now Victor Bernal Integrated School with Kindergarten in Barangay Mabuhay, and Gumitan Elementary School with Kindergarten in Barangay Gumitan.

"Our target is to start by January," Deduyo said.

Once approved, the DepEd official said there will be a total of six schools that will be piloting the physical class modality in the city.

On Monday, November 29, Faith International Academy resumed its F2F classes after nearly two years since it was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Faith International is the first school in the city and the first private school in the region to kick off the physical classroom modality.

Duterte-Carpio said in a radio interview on the same day that the five schools were already inspected and approved from the city-level up to the regional level.

But the mayor said the city revealed that she requested that the limited F2F classes in the city be postponed by January next year.

"I requested the Assistant Regional Director of DepEd kung pwede i-postpone if we can postpone) the classes until next January ang (the) face to face classes kay gamay na lang man ang nabilin nga adlaw karong tuiga (because we only have few days left this year)," Duterte-Carpio said in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio.

DepEd spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said while the schools had passed the initial assessment, the opening of the five public schools in the city has yet to undergo another approval from the Department of Health.

Atillo also disclosed the names of the seven schools in Tagum City, Davao del Norte that will also start their classes in December 6. These are New Balanban Elementary School, Nueva Fuerza Elementary School, San Agustin Elementary School, Babanganan Primary School, Cabugan Elementary School, Libuganon Integrated School, and Pandacan Integrated School.

The seven schools in Tagum were initially delisted after the city experienced a surge of cases.

"These seven schools are not new additional schools. These schools are actually part of the official list but were not given the green light to proceed because there was an increase of Covid-19 cases," Atillo said.

Faith International and seven Tagum schools are in addition to the eight schools in Davao Region that started their limited F2F classes -- three in Davao del Sur, and five in Davao de Oro.

In Davao del Sur, these are Clib Public School in Hagonoy and the Nodilla Elementary School and Tacub Elementary School in Kiblawan.

Schools in Davao de Oro that qualified for the limited F2F include Bares Elementary School (Pagsabangan Extension) in New Bataan, Parasan Integrated School in Pantukan, and Lower Panansalan Elementary School (Jacinto Extension), Maugat Elementary School, and Digaynon Integrated School in Compostela.

Faith Int'l starts F2F classes

Meanwhile, the DepEd spokesperson said Faith International passed the agency's guidelines for the F2F classes, which he said must be emanated by other private schools in the region wanting to also resume their physical classes.

Deduyo also said the private school was given the permit to conduct the F2F since it was also the first to submit the requirements ordered by the central office.

"They were able to comply more than satisfactory [with] the required indicators that the school should comply," she said.

Alastair Walker, Faith International school head, said they had pushed for the conduct of F2F as this would be beneficial in their studies, as compared to the online distance learning.

"We could tell that if we would get our students back to the classroom, the education would be better for them and their mental health," Walker said.

Brian Schwartz, school business administrator, admitted they had undergone challenges in applying for permits for the conduct of F2F classes.

"Meeting all the requirements, daghan kaayo. So many requirements. Just the changing of the daily landscape, that has been an issue," Schwartz said.

"Also, this program is not free. It has a high cost, which is high. But we thought that the cost may be worth it, how much more than not allowing our students back to campus," he added.

Mercy Hong, a parent of a grade 2 student, said she is happy that the F2F classes were allowed once again.

Admittedly, she said that she is still worried for her child's safety considering that Covid-19 is still around. But she said there is still a need for students to physically socialize with others to help in improving their learning processing skills.

"There is still a need for the face-to-face because of their social skills, and for their mental health, and for their age they have a short attention span. There is a need for them to interact with other kids," Hong said.

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Mayor urges Dabawenyos to observe health protocols

Posted: 29 Nov 2021 05:56 AM PST

AS DAVAO City continues to enjoy the Alert Level 2 status, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said there has been a challenge in the implementation and observance of health protocols among Dabawenyos.

"For the past two weeks, it has been a struggle na pasabton sa mga tao na (to let the people understand that) we need to continue with the minimum public health standards na implementation nato (that we need to implement)," Duterte-Carpio said in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio Monday afternoon, November 29.

Duterte-Carpio warned anew that there will be an expected surge of cases in the coming days or months if health protocols will continuously be disregarded.

Among the observations that the mayor noted is the influx of people inside malls, with some adults bringing minors despite still being unvaccinated against Covid-19.

Recently, Duterte-Carpio said the city is looking into bringing back regulations for minors below 11 years old from entering malls.

However, the mayor said in the recent interview that the city will abide by the provision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) guidelines that areas under Alert Level 2, like Davao City, does not impose restrictions on the movement of people across all age groups.

Thus, it will be upon the discretion of the management of establishments to ensure that health protocols will be observed.

Although the mayor said this the effects of the easing of the restrictions have yet to be seen in the current trend of Covid-19 cases in the city.

"But good news pud nga from low risk ang atoang numbers karon nga ginatanaw na indicators sa Department of Health, nagapakita na siya og minimal risk (The good news is that based on the indicators of the Department of Health, the city has improved from being a low risk to a minimal risk). This is a lower classification than low risk," she said.

According to the Department of Health data as of November 28, Davao City only logged one new case of Covid-19 bringing the total active cases to 164.

Aside from mass gatherings and non-compliance of health protocols, Duterte-Carpio also factored in the waning effect of the vaccines and the emergence of the highly-infectious variants as causes for another surge of Covid-19 cases in the city.

On Saturday, November 27, the World Health Organization (WHO) named the new coronavirus variant B.1.1.529 as Omicron, which was reported in South Africa.

Omicron was declared as a variant of concern, which is more infectious compared to the Delta variant.

The mayor said it is possible that the new variant would enter Davao City soon.

Duterte-Carpio urged the public to avoid going to crowded places and enclosed spaces. She said if possible, the public should do their gatherings in an open space.

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No gift-giving at Duterte residence

Posted: 29 Nov 2021 05:55 AM PST

FOR the second year, the traditional Christmas gift-giving at the Duterte residence in Davao City on Christmas Day will not be happening despite the continuing downtrend of Covid-19 cases in the city.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said in an interview on Monday, November 29, that their family had not prepared any activities for the annual gift-giving tradition.

"Wala po'y December 25 na activity didto sa (We don't have any activity this December 25 at) Taal [Road, Central Park Subdivision, at Bangkal, Brgy Talomo] house because we want to avoid mass gathering, and we do not want to be the reason kung ngano naay (why there would be) mass gathering," the mayor said in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio.

The gift-giving activity had started during the time of then Davao City mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte where thousands of residents flock to the first family's ancestral residence to receive grocery packs.

This was temporarily stopped last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said a few days before Christmas, a tarpaulin will be mounted a few meters away from their residence, informing the public that the activity will not be happening. Security personnel will also be deployed in the area to prohibit anyone from entering.

The City Government, however, conducted its traditional gift-giving last year but the goods were distributed house-to-house to selected beneficiaries.

Duterte-Carpio, meanwhile, reiterated her call to avoid mass gatherings especially this Holiday season to avoid causing transmission of the Covid-19 virus.

If ever they would still push through with it, she said they must conduct it in an open space area.

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Davao City targets to vax 140,000 in 3-day vax campaign

Posted: 29 Nov 2021 05:55 AM PST

AT LEAST 140,000 Dabawenyos are targeted to be vaccinated in Davao City during the three-day Bayanihan Bakunahan: National Vaccination Day from November 29 to December 1, 2021.

During an interview at the National Vaccination Day kick-off ceremony held at People's Park on November 29, Davao City Vaccination Cluster head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte said around 140,000 individuals need to be vaccinated in order for the city to reach herd immunity, which is 1.2 million of the current city population.

Villafuerte said the daily target during the vaccination event is 47,000.

"For three days (the target) is 140,000 to hit ang 1.2 million," she said.

The cluster head also added that approximately 900,000 individuals in Davao City have received their complete dose, which is 72 percent of the herd immunity, while 1,060,000 or 81 percent have received their first dose.

"Hopefully by December, we will reach herd immunity," added Villafuerte.

Currently, there are 25 vaccination hubs in the city, according to Villafuerte. This is part of the 561 vaccination sites that are open all-over the region according to the latest data by the Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-Davao).

Walk-ins are allowed during the 3-day vaccination drive, provided that all necessary documents can be presented on site.

First and second doses, pediatric dose for 12 to 17-year-olds, and booster shots for A1, A2, and A3 priority groups will be given.

But Dr. Lenny Joy Johnson-Rivera, assistant director of DOH-Davao, said they are prioritizing the primary dose rather than the booster shots.

"For the booster dose, meron naman pineprepare ang city health office for the schedule," Rivera said. "Ang aim talaga natin, maraming mabakunahan."

Rivera said no barangay in Davao City has reached a 100 percent vaccination rate yet.

As per the data given by DOH-Davao, 59.1 percent or 2,221,909 of the regional population have been inoculated with the first dose, while 45.8 percent or 1,721,950 are fully vaccinated.

Rivera also said that they need to encourage people to get their doses and refrain from choosing certain brands of vaccines.

"Hinihiling namin na disseminate information na kahit anong bakuna meron, epektibo ito at mabisa ang vaccine (Please share to others that whatever the brand of the vaccine, it is effective against the virus)," Rivera said.

When asked how the DOH prepares for the new Covid-19 variants, Rivera said the minimum public health standards remain the most effective protection against the emerging variants.

"Kahit ang dami-dami pang mga variants, the minimum public health standards ay hindi nagbabago at ang pagbabakuna (Despite the different variants, we will continue to observe minimum public health standards and push for vaccination)," she said.

Davao Region aims to vaccinate at least 724,125 individuals in a span of three days.

Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr., undersecretary of Health for Field Implementation and Coordination Team for Visayas and Mindanao, said in a video message that Davao City targets 147,313 people, while 139,540 for Davao De Oro, 168,704 for Davao del Norte, 134,886 for Davao del Sur, 66,106 for Davao Occidental and 96,744 for Davao Occidental.

DOH-Davao also assured that ushers are present in all vaccination hubs to remind vaccinees of the minimum public health standards and protocols to avoid a super spreader event.

The Bayanihan Bakunahan: National Vaccination Day is a nationwide event that aims to inoculate 15 million individuals against Covid-19 to reach the herd immunity of the target population in the country.

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Duterte-Carpio: City has no ‘no vax, no bonus’ policy

Posted: 29 Nov 2021 05:53 AM PST

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio clarified there is no policy that states unvaccinated government employees will not receive bonuses but rather they will not be prioritized for renewal.

During the Special Hours with Mayor Inday Sara Duterte program of Davao City Disaster Radio on November 29, 2021, the mayor said that vaccinated government employees will be prioritized for renewal beginning January 1, 2022.

"They (unvaccinated) will not be prioritized for hiring sa January, particularly kining mga job orders (especially the job orders)," she said. "Sa atoang admin, ang permanent employees nato, naa nay gi-release na legal opinion na they can be reprimanded under the City Government of Davao kung dili sila magpabakuna (For permanent employees, a legal opinion has been release where it states that they can be reprimanded by the city government if they are unvaccinated)."

The local government unit of Davao released last September 16, 2021 Executive Order 45, Series of 2021 that mandates Covid-19 vaccination for all City Government employees of Davao, including plantilla, job order, contract of service, and volunteer employees.

But the mayor said that some government employees may be exempted from the executive order provided that they are endorsed by the vaccine cluster head for exclusion in the vaccination.

"We also allow exclusion or exemptions sa vaccination provided that isa ka didto sa nasulod sa Department of Health (DOH) na guideline na dili pwede bakunahan (you meet DOH's guidelines on who are exempted from being vaccinated)," Duterte-Carpio said.

Earlier, the mayor explained that the Executive Order 45 does not contradict the Labor Advisory 3 of the Department of Labor and Employment that protects employees from discrimination from refusing to be vaccinated.

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Samante: It takes two

Posted: 29 Nov 2021 05:52 AM PST

EVERY successful endeavor takes two parties to make things work. Parent-children dynamics, teacher-student in-class interaction, supervisor-subordinate deals, etc. are what come to mind.

If one of the parties fails to work on their end of the agreement, things do not go as projected or anticipated.

The recurring story of the falling out between Patafa and EJ Obiena has been hogging the sports pages in the last week. Patafa is the governing body of track and field in the country with the mandate "to promote track and field as an amateur sport, organize and Technical Management for any Athletics events."

EJ Obiena is the current world number 5 ranked pole vaulter from the Philippines. In recent memory, Patafa and Obiena were seen as supportive of each other, from the SEA Games to the Olympics.

Unfortunately, that support for one another is apparently out of the window, with the Patafa implying Obiena failed to settle financial obligations to his coach, which the latter has denied.

Making the story more complicated are rumors that other countries are now interested in giving citizenship to Obiena. The "Wesley So and Philippine Chess" incident comes rearing its ugly head again with this incident.

(Wesley So was a chess prodigy. He migrated to the US and changed federations after a falling out with the local chess body, who may have failed to recognize his 2013 Universiade gold medal win for whatever reasons. He now successfully plays for the US chess federation instead of the NCFP.)

World-class athletes are very rare. Training can get you to that status as much as the right attitude. Sports leaders who inspire are also scarce. Continuing professional development in sports can get you the position, but it takes character and attitude to inspire athletes.

Incidentally, there is still a lot that needs to be done to sustain world-class athletes and inspiring sports leaders.

We can work things out. And, it is the same desire we have for Patafa and Obiena. Work out your differences, and do it privately. We do not need the whole world watching our every move on this unfortunate turn of events. What we need to showcase is our professionalism in dealing with adversity such as this one. Again, it takes two parties to make things happen.

Willingness to listen and openness to solutions is a great start.

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Editorial: Bracing for Omicron

Posted: 29 Nov 2021 05:48 AM PST

WE WERE in for a better Christmas this year as Covid-19 cases have continued to decline. The decline in cases has been due to existing strategies in place like the massive vaccination rollout, implementation of minimum health standards, testing, treatment, and isolation or quarantine.

However, last week, a new Covid-19 variant emerged. First detected in South Africa, the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 24, 2021. The health organization classified it as a variant of concern (VOC) on November 26.

"This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other VOCs," WHO said in a statement.

According to reports from the Associated Press, several nations have closed down their borders to several nations in southern Africa -- South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique among others.

Unlike in 2020 when the Philippine government took a while to implement border control measures to prevent the Sars-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19, from entering the Philippines, this time around, there was swift action from the government.

In its Resolution 150-D, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases temporarily suspended inbound flights from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique to prevent the entry of the Omicron variant. The order was effective immediately and will last until December 15, 2021.

On November 29, the Philippine government added seven more countries to the flight ban -- Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and Italy.

"Inbound international travel of all persons, regardless of vaccination status, coming from or who have been to Red List countries/jurisdictions/territories within the last 14 days prior to arrival to any port of the Philippines shall not be allowed," Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said.

"Only Filipinos returning to the country via government-initiated or non-government-initiated repatriation and Bayanihan flights may be allowed entry subject to the prevailing entry, testing, and quarantine protocols for Red List countries/jurisdictions/territories," he added.

Meanwhile, Nograles said, "The Bureau of Quarantine and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) with the local government units (LGUs) have been directed to identify and locate passengers who arrived within 14 days prior to November 29, 2021, from countries classified as Red, and require them to complete quarantine under a home quarantine set-up for 14 days from date of arrival and undergo RT-PCR if symptoms develop."

The IATF also temporarily suspended IATF Resolution 150-A (series of 2021), which allows the entry of fully vaccinated nationals of non-visa required countries.

National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. assured that the government is closely monitoring the developments surrounding the Omicron variant and at the same time preparing for it.

"Nag-usap-usap na kami sa IATF, para 'yung preparation natin sa mga treatment therapies, ICUs, sa ating mga hospitals, personnel, hinahanda na po natin 'yan (We already talked with the IATF on the preparations for treatment therapies, ICUs, hospitals, and personnel)," Galvez said.

The swift actions of the national government are commendable. While there is the likelihood that the new variant could have already entered the country, one way or another, the recent actions will be able to slow down its spread.

We should also be reminded that it is not only the government who should be making any preparations. We, the public, also have an important role to play. We must also be disciplined enough to follow the minimum health standards and have ourselves vaccinated.

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The First Wave

Posted: 29 Nov 2021 05:44 AM PST

"BORN in Davao City, Philippines, Brussels and her family emigrated to the US in 2000. She has been a licensed practical nurse since 2016 and comes from a long Filipino tradition of nursing. Most of her family, including her parents, husband and sister, are also nurses. In the spring of 2020, Brussels worked at Northwell Health's Stern Family Center for Rehabilitation when she -- and eventually almost her entire family -- contracted Covid-19. Pregnant with her second child, Brussels became gravely ill and was forced to have an emergency C-section before being put on a ventilator at Long Island Jewish Medical Center."

This is the bio of nurse Brussels Garrote Jabon, one of five health care professionals and patients whose stories of struggle and survival were told in "The First Wave," a documentary film by Oscar-nominated Matthew Heinemen for National Geographic on the first four months of the Covid-19 pandemic in New York City's hardest hit hospitals system.

"I want to get better and I will get better. Just pray. Life is worth it," Jabon wrote on a paper while bed-ridden at the medical center.

Having not held her newborn after having been induced to give birth through caesarian section at 36 weeks and three days on 23 April 2020, it was a struggle against the virus that was killing by the thousands and to come home to her newborn and a six-year-old daughter.

It's been a year and a half now and baby Lyon is doing well even as a preemie.

"I'm so blessed because he's so healthy, but because he's a preemie he gets developmental (checkup) every six months, but he's good, he's on track," Brussels said of her son in a Mesenger video call. Lyon had to stay in the newborn intensive care unit (Nicu) after being delivered and then live his first weeks with an aunt because his family all tested Covid positive. Brussels' parents, who are both health care givers, her sister Athens who is also a nurse of Northwell, her husband Edrianne Naph Jabon, also a nurse in a Covid unit, and her daughter Andi were all quarantined at home while Brussels was confined. No one knew if they would survive the infection at that time, although eventually they all did.

The uncertainty, the fear that wrapped New York City and the world during the first wave of Covid can be felt in the film as you witness through an embedded lens the dying, the dead in body bags, and everyone's struggle to survive.

"With each distinct storyline serving as a microcosm through which we can view the emotion and societal impacts of the pandemic, The First Wave is a testament to the strength of the human spirit," the film's website reads.

It was most apparent in a scene that saw the doctor calling the family of a patient, giving updates on the positive indicators the patient has been showing, getting more confident of his recovery and then right after, the patient died.

The sound to indicate yet another patient is in critical condition becomes a pervasive presence, you'd flinch as you hear it again while watching.

Heart-rending, too, was Naph's first personal encounter, albeit across closed car windows of his newborn son as the aunt drove by for the family's first look. That was the closest they could get to the baby.

You'd get goosebumps when NYC woke up to the toll of church bells and the people, all looking out from their tenement windows creating noise with whatever they could — New Year horns, spoons on steel railing, iron pots and pans.

With very little knowledge about the virus, it was "crazy" even in NYC, supposedly the most urbane of first world cities. Health care professionals were fighting against a disease they have very little knowledge of, protected only by medical grade masks they had to use over and over again until they got torn, while outside, groceries were running low on supplies.

"It was scary at that time because you didn't imagine it would happen in a first world country and in New York," Brussels said.

It's better now even as the virus continues to mutate as there is more information about it, people now know better how to reduce the risk of infection, plus there are the vaccines.

But more than anything, the experience as a Covid patient made her love being a nurse more than ever as it made her more grateful, appreciative, and caring for her patients.

"I want to honor all the Filipino Nurses who fought Covid and fought for their lives, 1/3 of Nurses here in the US who died from Covid-19 were Filipinos. I am very blessed and grateful because me and my whole family have the chance to share our story to the whole world," she wrote in a Facebook post on the film's premier at The Beacon Theater in New York. There she proudly donned a proudly Dabawenyo creation — an emerald colored gown designed by Aztec Z. Barba.

The film is now being shown in US theaters. Worldwide release will still be announced.

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Omicron: What we know

Posted: 28 Nov 2021 02:46 PM PST

LONDON -- South African scientists identified a new version of the coronavirus this week that they say is behind a recent spike in Covid-19 infections in Gauteng, the country's most populous province.

It's unclear where the new variant first emerged, but scientists in South Africa first alerted the World Health Organization and it has now been seen in travelers to Belgium, Botswana, Hong Kong and Israel.

South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla said the variant was linked to an "exponential rise" of cases in the last few days, although experts are still trying to determine if the new variant is actually responsible.

From just over 200 new confirmed cases per day in recent weeks, South Africa saw the number of new daily cases rocket to 2,465 on Thursday. Struggling to explain the sudden rise in cases, scientists studied virus samples from the outbreak and discovered the new variant.

In a statement on Friday, the WHO designated it as a "variant of concern," naming it "omicron" after a letter in the Greek alphabet.

After convening a group of experts to assess the data, the U.N. health agency said that "preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant," as compared to other variants.

"The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all provinces in South Africa," the WHO said.

Why are scientists worried?

It appears to have a high number of mutations — about 30 — in the coronavirus' spike protein, which could affect how easily it spreads to people.

Sharon Peacock, who has led genetic sequencing of Covid-19 in Britain at the University of Cambridge, said the data so far suggest the new variant has mutations "consistent with enhanced transmissibility," but said that "the significance of many of the mutations is still not known."

Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick, described omicron as "the most heavily mutated version of the virus we have seen," including potentially worrying changes never before seen all in the same virus.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S.' top infectious diseases doctor, said American officials had arranged a call with their South African counterparts later on Friday to find out more details and said there was no indication the variant had yet arrived in the U.S.

What's known and not known

Scientists know that omicron is genetically distinct from previous variants including the beta and delta variants, but do not know if these genetic changes make it any more transmissible or dangerous. So far, there is no indication the variant causes more severe disease.

It will likely take weeks to sort out if omicron is more infectious and if vaccines are still effective against it.

Peter Openshaw, a professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London said it was "extremely unlikely" that current vaccines wouldn't work, noting they are effective against numerous other variants.

Even though some of the genetic changes in omicron appear worrying, it's still unclear if they will pose a public health threat. Some previous variants, like the beta variant, initially alarmed scientists but didn't end up spreading very far.

"We don't know if this new variant could get a toehold in regions where delta is," said Peacock of the University of Cambridge. "The jury is out on how well this variant will do where there are other variants circulating." To date, delta is by far the most predominant form of Covid-19, accounting for more than 99% of sequences submitted to the world's biggest public database.

How did 'omicron' arise?

The coronavirus mutates as it spreads and many new variants, including those with worrying genetic changes, often just die out.

Scientists monitor Covid-19 sequences for mutations that could make the disease more transmissible or deadly, but they cannot determine that simply by looking at the virus.

Peacock said the variant "may have evolved in someone who was infected but could then not clear the virus, giving the virus the chance to genetically evolve," in a scenario similar to how experts think the alpha variant — which was first identified in England — also emerged, by mutating in an immune-compromised person.

Are the travel restrictions justified?

Maybe. As of noon Friday, travelers arriving in the U.K. from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini and Zimbabwe will have to self-isolate for 10 days. European Union nations also moved quickly on Friday to ban air travel from southern Africa, and the U.S. also said it would ban travel from South Africa and seven other African nations by non-US citizens beginning Monday, November 29.

Australian officials were racing Sunday, November 28, to conduct further tests on passengers arriving from southern Africa who tested positive for Covid-19 to determine if they were carrying the omicron variant as nations around the world tightened controls against the worrying new strain.

New Zealand announced it was restricting travel from nine southern African countries because of the threat posed by the variant, and Japan widened its border controls to include more countries from the region. Tourist-dependent Thailand, which only recently began loosening its tight border restrictions to leisure travelers from certain countries, announced a ban of its own on visitors from eight African counties. Similar restrictions took effect in the business hub of Singapore, which is barring entry and transit to anyone with a recent history of travel to seven southern African nations.

The tighter restrictions in the Asia-Pacific region echoed steps rapidly taken by countries around the world to limit the spread of the omicron variant just days after it was identified by researchers in South Africa.

Other countries that have slapped restrictions on various southern African countries over the past couple of days, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, Iran, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand and the United States, in response to warnings over the transmissibility of the new variant.

Given the recent rapid rise in Covid-19 in South Africa, restricting travel from the region is "prudent" and would buy authorities more time, said Neil Ferguson, an infectious diseases expert at Imperial College London.

Jeffrey Barrett, director of Covid-19 Genetics at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, thought that the early detection of the new variant could mean restrictions taken now would have a bigger impact than when the delta variant first emerged

"With delta, it took many, many weeks into India's terrible wave before it became clear what was going on and delta had already seeded itself in many places in the world and it was too late to do anything about it," he said. "We may be at an earlier point with this new variant so there may still be time to do something about it."

PH response

In response to the detection of a new variant, the Philippine government ordered Friday, November 26, the temporary suspension of inbound flights from South Africa and six other countries to prevent the entry of B.1.1.529, a new variant of Sars-CoV-2, which causes the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

In its Resolution 150-D, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases said the B.1.1.529 variant, also known as omicron, has now been classified as a variant under monitoring.

"Upon the recommendations of its Technical Working Group on Covid-19 Variants, and favorable recommendation of the Department of Health and Department of Foreign Affairs, the border control measures to prevent the entry of the B.1.1.529 variant, which have the potential for increased transmissibility and effect in vaccine efficacy, shall be implemented," said the IATF.

Inbound international flights from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique were temporarily suspended effective immediately and until December 15, 2021, it added.

The Bureau of Quarantine was tasked to closely coordinate with local government units (LGUs) and locate travelers from the above-mentioned countries who may have arrived in the recent seven days prior to the temporary suspension of inbound travel.

"These travelers shall be required to undergo full 14-day facility-based quarantine with RT-PCR test on the seventh day or upon location of the passenger, whichever is later, with date of arrival as Day 1," said the IATF.

Passengers coming from or having been to those countries within the last 14 days prior to arrival are also temporarily barred from entering the Philippines.

The IATF clarified, however, that those who are already in transit from those countries, and have been to those territories within the last 14 days immediately preceding arrival to the Philippines and who arrive before November 28 will not be subjected to the above restrictions.

They, however, will be required to undergo stricter quarantine and testing protocols, which include the observation of an "absolute facility-based 14-day quarantine period, notwithstanding a negative RT-PCR result."

All passengers, whether Filipinos or foreigners, who are merely transiting through the countries mentioned above wil be deemed as having come from or having been to those areas if they stayed in the airport the whole time and were not cleared for entry by the immigration authorities.

It added that passengers covered by the measure are required to comply with the existing testing and quarantine protocols.

Meanwhile, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 spokesperson Restituto Padilla said on Sunday, November 28, 2021 that the government has temporarily banned incoming flights from Hong Kong.

"Bi-nan po lahat ng country na may na-detect na variant. So Hong Kong, may na-detect po diyan, so kasama na rin po iyon (All countries where the Omicron variant was detected have been banned, including Hong Kong)," he said.

"Ang movement po ng Filipino ay hindi pinagbabawal. Pero 'yong flight na kanilang sasakyan na papunta dito, pinagbabawal. So kung wala silang masasakyan, wala rin silang means para makarating (The movement of Filipinos is allowed, but the flights going to the Philippines from those countries have been banned, so they also have no means of entering the country)," he added.

However, the NTF released a statement hours later that the statement made by Padilla on the ban on flights from Hong Kong was not yet final.

"We await the formal announcement from the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) following a final recommendation from the Technical Working Group on Covid-19 Variants and other agencies. The Government through favorable recommendations of the Department of Health (DOH) will work to ensure timely adoption of preemptive measures to prevent or delay the entry of new variants which have the potential for undermining public health," the NTF said in a statement.

"Until a formal announcement from the IATF is made, HK (Hong Kong) flights will still be allowed. We apologize for any inconvenience an earlier pronouncement may have caused," it added.

Spreading

The new potentially more contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus popped up in more European countries on Saturday, just days after being identified in South Africa, leaving governments around the world scrambling to stop the spread.

The U.K. on Saturday tightened its rules on mask-wearing and on testing of international arrivals after finding two cases. New cases were confirmed Saturday in Germany and Italy, with Belgium, Israel and Hong Kong also reporting that the variant has been found in travelers.

In the U.S., Fauci, the government's top infectious diseases expert, said he would not be surprised if the omicron variant was already in the United States, too.

"We have not detected it yet, but when you have a virus that is showing this degree of transmissibility ... it almost invariably is ultimately going to go essentially all over," Fauci said on NBC television.

In Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was necessary to take "targeted and precautionary measures" after two people tested positive for the new variant in England.

"Right now this is the responsible course of action to slow down the seeding and the spread of this new variant and to maximize our defenses," he told a news conference.

Britain's Department of Health said the two cases found in the U.K. were linked and involved travel from southern Africa.

Italy and Germany were the latest to report confirmed cases of the omicron variant.

An Italian who had traveled to Mozambique on business landed in Rome on Nov. 11 and returned to his home near Naples. He and five family members, including two school-age children, have since tested positive, the Italian news agency LaPresse said. All are isolating in the Naples suburb of Caserta in good condition with light symptoms.

The variant was confirmed by Sacco hospital in Milan, and Italy's National Health Institute said the man had received two doses of the vaccine. Italy's health ministry is urging all regions to increase its tracing of the virus and sequencing to detect cases of the new variant first identified in South Africa.

In Germany, the Max von Pettenkofer Institute, a Munich-based microbiology center, said the omicron variant was confirmed in two travelers who arrived on a flight from South Africa on Nov. 24. The head of the institute, Oliver Keppler, said that genome sequencing has yet to be completed, but it is "proven without doubt that it is this variant," German news agency dpa reported.

The Dutch public health institute said the omicron variant was "probably found in a number of the tested persons" who were isolated after arriving Friday in Amsterdam on two flights from South Africa. The institute said in a statement that further sequencing analysis is underway to determine for sure that it is the new variant. The results were expected Sunday. A total of 61 people were tested.

Israel said it detected the new strain in a traveler who had returned from Malawi and was tracing 800 travelers who returned recently from southern African countries. And Australia said early Sunday its scientists were working to determine whether two people who tested positive for Covid after arriving from southern Africa are infected with the omicron variant.

Vaccines

A number of pharmaceutical firms, including AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax and Pfizer, said they have plans in place to adapt their vaccines in light of the emergence of omicron. Pfizer and its partner BioNTech said they expect to be able to tweak their vaccine in around 100 days.

Professor Andrew Pollard, the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, which developed the AstraZeneca vaccine, expressed cautious optimism that existing vaccines could be effective at preventing serious disease from the omicron variant, noting that most of the mutations appear to be in similar regions as those in other variants.

"At least from a speculative point of view we have some optimism that the vaccine should still work against a new variant for serious disease, but really we need to wait several weeks to have that confirmed," he told BBC radio.

Some experts said the variant's emergence illustrated how rich countries' hoarding of vaccines threatens to prolong the pandemic.

Fewer than 6% of people in Africa have been fully immunized against Covid-19, and millions of health workers and vulnerable populations have yet to receive a single dose. Those conditions can speed up spread of the virus, offering more opportunities for it to evolve into a dangerous variant.

"One of the key factors to emergence of variants may well be low vaccination rates in parts of the world, and the WHO warning that none of us is safe until all of us are safe and should be heeded," said Peter Openshaw, a professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London. (Pooled reports from AP and SunStar Philippines)

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Dayanghirang: Zero insurgency in Davao de Oro by yearend possible

Posted: 28 Nov 2021 04:14 AM PST

THE Province of Davao Oriental may have zero insurgencies by the end of 2021 following the surrender of high-ranking officials of the New People's Army, said Governor Nelson Dayanghirang during a press conference on November 18, 2021.

Among those who surrendered were ex-commander of Guerilla Front 18 Johnny, Front Secretary Domai, and three other former NPA members.

Following their surrender, the former NPA members are set to receive benefit packages as part of the provincial government's social programs for former rebels.

"We are happy that we are now nearing our goal of achieving genuine peace in the province," Dayanghirang said.

701st Brigade Commander Colonel Oliver Maquiling said there are only a few NPA members left operating in the province.

"We already have around 90- to 95-percent success rate. There's only a tiny gap. We only need to work together to achieve our goal," Dayanghirang said.

In order to ease insurgency, the province of Davao Oriental initiated programs such as the Nagkakakisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental Barangay Outreach Caravan (NLD-BOC) intended to provide social services in far-flung areas and barangays.

According to Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Vice-Chairman Ednar Dayanghirang, the provincial government focuses on infrastructure and government services, such as livelihood assistance, rather than armed conflict.

"Insurgency is not just about the armed group, it also has a civilian concept which we address through dialogues and community healing," said the vice-chairman.

As per the provincial government data, more than 300 NPA rebels in Davao Oriental have surrendered since 2016.

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Davao cinemas told to observe 50% venue capacity

Posted: 28 Nov 2021 04:13 AM PST

CINEMAS in Davao City are told to observe 50 percent venue capacity following the reopening of establishments allowed to operate under Alert Level 2.

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, said during the Bida Bakunado program of Davao City Disaster Radio on November 26, 2021, cinemas should follow minimum public health standards and other necessary protocols once they resume operations.

"They (cinemas) have to observe 50 percent capacity sa venue and they have to follow the minimum health standard pero naa pod tay guideline sa DTI (but we also have guidelines from DTI)," said Schlosser.

During a press briefing on November 15, 2021, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that Davao City, along with the rest of Davao Region, is placed under Alert Level 2 from November 15 to November 30.

Alert Level 2 allows a maximum of 50-percent capacity on indoor venues and 70 percent for outdoor venues.

Aside from movie houses, other allowed establishments are social event venues, tourist attractions and recreational venues.

However, Schlosser said establishments should wait for advice from the local government unit (LGU) before resuming operations, adding that the City Government previously did not allow cinemas to open under Alert Level 3.

"Even sa Alert Level 3, allowed man ang cinemas pero again they have to observe the capacity of the venue," stated Schlosser. "Sa (In) Alert Level 2, 50 percent; sa Alert Level 3, 30 percent; sa Alert Level 1, all the establishments are allowed to open, wala na siya (there is no more) restriction as per the capacity of the venue."

Furthermore, Schlosser said the LGU is already preparing in case the city will be placed under more relaxed restrictions or Alert Level. She added that there is no notification yet coming from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

"We are always prepared and we are also prepared for the worst," assures Schlosser.

Davao City malls Gaisano Mall of Davao and NCCC Mall Buhangin earlier announced on social media the reopening of their cinemas on December 1, 2021, since its closure during the start of the pandemic.

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Duterte-Carpio says can accomplish more if Marcos is president

Posted: 28 Nov 2021 04:10 AM PST

VICE presidential aspirant Sara Duterte-Carpio appealed to her supporters to vote for the "BBM [Bongbong Marcos]-Sara" tandem in the 2022 elections, saying that she cannot work with another presidential candidate other than her runningmate, former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.

"Ang akong hangyo sa inyoha nga tagai ko og presidente nga ka tandem nako kay ang gusto sa tao nga trabaho nga makita sa akoa kay trabaho mabuhat ko lang na kung akong pangulo si Bongbong Marcos," Duterte-Carpio said on Friday evening, November 28 during the League of Municipalities of the Philippines 2021 Regional Planning in Sugbo, Cebu.

(My appeal to you is to vote for who I am running with because the kind of work that people are expecting from me can only be accomplished if my president is Bongbong Marcos.)

Prior to her trip to Cebu, she had met with her supporters in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental.

The mayor explained that she can best perform her role as vice president with a president who can support her, direct the country, and make a decisive decision.

In her recent speech, she explained anew that she withdrew her candidacy for reelection as Davao City mayor and ran for vice president.

Insisting that she was already firm with her decision not to run for president, she, however, considered running for the second-highest position as she wanted to meet her supporters halfway. She admittedly said many of them were still disappointed in her decision to settle for the vice presidency.

She said she opted instead to stand behind another leader, referring to Marcos.

"Kita pirmi sa atong kinabuhi, kita man gyud mag-una... Pero usahay gyud sa atong kinabuhi, kinahanglan ta mubarog sa luyo sa usa ka leader," she said.

(In our life, sometimes we have to lead. But sometimes, there is a part in our lives that we need to step back to make way for another leader.)

Duterte-Carpio also thanked the supporters of her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, for helping him win in 2016, but the vice-presidential aspirant asked them to support the tandem of Marcos-Sara Duterte for 2022.

Duterte-Carpio's party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) and Lakas-Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) recently forged an alliance with Marcos' party Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), along with Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) to form Uniteam alliance.

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Davao City Council passes Heritage Tree Ordinance

Posted: 28 Nov 2021 03:40 AM PST

AN ENVIRONMENTAL group said the recently passed Heritage Tree Ordinance in Davao City is a "much-needed intervention" in addressing climate change and air pollution.

The 19th City Council passed on Tuesday, November 23, an ordinance protecting heritage trees and all other trees in the city.

In a statement, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis) said the Heritage Tree Ordinance, which is a landmark ordinance, aims to protect, preserve, and promote the importance of Davao City's Heritage Trees located in urban areas of the City.

The ordinance also highlights the economic benefits of trees and their ecological role in improving air quality, reducing floods, and habitat for other wildlife species.

The group lauded its passage in which they had also lobbied for quite some time.

"This win for the environment is a much-needed intervention, especially in discussing climate change and air pollution. We hope that this ordinance will serve its purpose in protecting our remaining trees in the City," Idis said.

Earlier this year, Idis forwarded the result of the study and participated in drafting the ordinance about the protection and conservation of the remaining heritage and all other trees in the City.

"One of the core purposes of the study is to collect data on the existing heritage trees in the City and utilize it for lobbying for a policy that will ensure its protection," the group said.

"Since there is no enacted local ordinance specifically stating the protection, mainly remaining old city trees, these trees are continuously threatened by infrastructure development," the group added.

Idis said the increasing economic activities contribute to the increasing pressures in resource management, resulting in, but is not limited to, massive urban deforestation and cutting of old and centennial trees such as the Dao Tree along Shrine Hills Road, Sampalok Tree along Chavez St. and the trees in Clifford Park, Roxas Avenue in 2019.

The "Save Heritage Trees" project initiative was conducted through Citizen Science and open public participation in 2020.

The group said the study received 288 submissions and 260 geotagged trees from citizen science volunteers in the city.

"Despite the significant number of trees existing in the urban area of Davao City, these trees still need protection due to persistent threats," Idis said.

Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr, committee chairperson on environment and ordinance proponent, lobbied the Heritage Tree ordinance following the recent protest of some environmental groups who are calling the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Davao City District Engineer's Office to spare the eight trees planted along the sidewalk of Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Grade school/High school Matina campus from being cut down in late 2020.

In a previous SunStar Davao report, it was revealed that the proposed cutting down of the trees is part of the proposed 405-meter Ma-a Junction flyover project along McArthur highway that may potentially result in road widening and other road improvements. However, the project was terminated early this year.

Idis previously lobbied for the ordinance following the chopping of trees in Clifford Park.

The cutting of trees by the government drew negative comments from environmental groups and netizens.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio apologized to the public shortly after and committed to "carrying out more programs to establish rural and urban green spaces, promote ecological balance, sustainable utilization and management of resources, and to continue raising public awareness of the importance of environmental protection."

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Davao City to start booster shots for A2, A3 soon

Posted: 28 Nov 2021 03:40 AM PST

THE Davao City Government is expected to start giving Covid-19 vaccine booster shots to senior citizens and people with comorbidities anytime soon.

Covid-19 Task Force Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said in an interview on Friday, November 26, that the Vaccine Cluster is just waiting for the logistics needed to start the booster vaccination rollout for priority groups A2 (senior citizens) and A3 (adults with comorbidities).

"Hopefully ma-rollout napud siya (we can rollout the vaccines)for prioritization just like what we have sa (on our) primary vaccines," Schlosser said in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio.

For now, Schlosser said the public is reminded that the city is currently administering booster shots to health care workers (A1) at the Davao City Recreational Center (Almendras Gym) and University of Southeastern Philippines Gym in Obrero Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. open for walk-ins on a first-come-first-served basis. There is no pre-registration at the vaccination sites.

The official said the city is currently prioritizing the A1 group for the booster shots at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and other private hospitals, including the Association of Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (Amosup) Seamen's Hospital and Davao Medical School Foundation.

"So musunod napud ang mga laing private hospitals ana, hopefully this week or the coming days, para ang tanang health workers ma-booster napud sila," she said.

(Other private hospitals will soon follow, hopefully, this week or in the coming days for all health workers to get boosted.)

A booster vaccination is ongoing from November 22 to 26, 2021 among Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMF) staff and Rapid Action Team (RAT) staff, while those under the A1.4 category, those remaining secondary and primary hospitals and infirmaries are scheduled for December 2 and 3 and December 6 to 10, 2021.

The A1.5 (public health care workers) individuals may coordinate with their respective district health offices for their vaccination schedule while those under A1.6 and A1.7 (free-standing health facilities and closed facilities, health workers not affiliated with any hospital or health facility, and health workers in closed facilities) will be catered to from December 13 to 17 and December 20 to 23, 2021.

Medical students, interns, and allied health students were advised to coordinate with their respective schools.

On November 17, the government rolled out the booster vaccination for healthcare workers to increase the level of their antibodies against Covid-19.

Meanwhile, the entire Philippines will have a simultaneous vaccination activity through the "Bayanihan, Bakunahan National Covid-19 Vaccination Days."

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Proclamation 1253 declaring the three days as "Bayanihan, Bakunahan National Covid-19 Vaccination Days" to accelerate vaccination against Covid-19 and the country's march toward herd immunity.

Those who leave their work to get the jab on those days would not be marked absent, provided that they present proof of the vaccination to their employers.

The government is aiming to achieve 15 million people to be jabbed during the three-day campaign nationwide.

Davao City, as of November 19, already had more than one million individuals jabbed for first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. According to the Davao City Vaccination Cluster, the city has already administered 1,010,811 first doses, while 908,101 second doses have already been administered. The figure already includes those from the pediatric sector aged 12 to 17 years old.

Dr. Janis Olavides, DOH-Davao vaccination team leader, said during a virtual presser on Monday, November 22, that the city is targeting to vaccinate 147,313 in three days. This is triple the 49,104 daily target.

Schlosser, meanwhile, said the city will be catering to all vaccinees who are set to receive their first dose, second dose, and missed doses from the adult and pediatric age groups 12 to 17 years old in the city's vaccination hub. She also said walk-ins will be accepted.

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Valderrama: ALS in Senior High School

Posted: 28 Nov 2021 03:40 AM PST

THE Alternative Learning System (ALS) is offered in Senior High School (SHS) giving opportunities to learners who cannot go to formal schooling but are interested to finish basic education (BE).

Basic education is referred to here as the K to 12 curriculum or the Kindergarten to Grade 12 Basic Education Program.

This SHS ALS is equivalent to Grade 11-12, and it ensures that all learners will be equipped with competencies required for employment, entrepreneurship, middle-level skills, and tertiary education.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Davao Region has opened 55 public schools offering SHS ALS. It is recorded that Davao Region has the most number of implementing schools in the country. It can also be recognized that in the last five years, Davao Region has always been on top in the A&E (Accreditation & Equivalency) Test.

The ALS A&E Assessment and Certification is a process that comprises an exam and other appropriate assessments to measure the competencies acquired by ALS learners based on the ALS K to 12 BE curriculum.

Completers of ALS who are passers of the A&E Test are given official document that certifies their competencies as comparable graduates of the formal education system.

Under DepEd Order No. 27, series 2018, beginning school year 2018-2019 and for subsequent school years, passers of previous A&E Tests (high school level), and of November 2017, March 2018, and February and March 2019 A&E Tests (high school level), who are all high school graduates of the old BE curriculum for ALS, are eligible to enroll in college or university as First Year students, or take skills development training programs, or enroll in SHS at any public school or private school of their choice.

In 2019, through DepEd Order 13, series 2019, DepEd mandated the inclusion of the SHS level in the ALS Program.

This is further strengthened with the passage of Republic Act No. 11510 (ALS Act) in December 2020, where it is emphasized that A&E Test Elementary level passers are qualified to enroll in Junior High School (JHS); A&E Test JHS level passers are qualified to enroll in SHS or in selected technical vocational education and training programs through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda); and A&E Test SHS level passers are qualified to enroll in higher education, or in technical vocational education and training programs through Tesda.

DepEd has intensified its programs through ALS in SHS. This allows the JHS ALS completers especially those who are underprivileged to continue their education and not be part of the growing number of out-of-school youths.

The institutionalization of SHS ALS Program paved the way to cater to the needs of the learners and provide opportunities for them to acquire vocational and technical skills which enhance their work readiness and increase their employability.

In the launching at RELC-NEAP on November 24, Regional Director (RD) Allan G. Farnazo underscored the importance of giving options to our learners. He said when we give alternatives, we open more chances and opportunities.

Assistant RD Maria Ines C. Asuncion also highlighted how ALS has helped many of our out-of-school youths and underprivileged learners. The SHS ALS gives hope to all their dreams in life.

During the launch, Assistant Secretary G.H.S. Ambat, who serves as Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones's lead Executive Committee official in strengthening and expanding the implementation of the ALS Program nationwide, together with Director Marilette R. Almayda, Director of the Bureau of ALS, came to give their support to the implementing schools.

DepEd Davao Region has also established the Regional ALS Center located at its RELC-NEAP facility under the management of Dr. Maricel Langahid, the ALS regional focal person.

For this school year, about 3,675 are enrolled in the ALS SHS implementing schools.

In Davao City, Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School (NHS), Davao City NHS, Sta. Ana NHS, Bernardo Carpio NHS, Baguio National School of Arts and Trades, Marilog HS of Agriculture, Mintal Comprehensive NHS, Crossing Bayabas NHS, Calinan NHS, and Bangoy NHS are offering the SHS ALS.

Davao del Sur schools such as Barayong NHS, Davao del Sur School of Fisheries, Hagonoy NHS, Matanao NHS, Padada NHS, Pedro Arches NHS, Sta. Cruz NHS, Sulop NHS, and Digos City's Digos City NHS all have 563 enrollees.

La Filipina NHS, Pipisan Maug NHS, and Tagum City Regional Academy Senior High in Tagum City and Panabo City's Panabo City SHS are ready to implement the program.

In Davao Occidental, Mariano Peralta NHS and Demolok Valley NHS and Davao de Oro's Gabi NHS, Maragusan NHS are also counted.

Manuel B. Guinez Sr. NHS, Lupon Vocational HS, Tibanban NHS, Crispin E. Rojas NHS, Cateel Vocational HS in Davao Oriental are among the implementing schools.

Davao del Norte has 12 schools namely Carmen NHS, Antonio V. Fruto Sr. NHS, Sto. Tomas NHS, Linao NHS, Igangon Integrated School, Dujali NHS, Asuncion NHS, Sawata NHS, Salvacion NHS, Datu Balong NHS, Pinamuno NHS, Tulalian NHS with 859 enrollees all in all.

In the Island Garden City of Samal, Nieves Villarica NHS, Nieves Villarica NHS TVL Department, Mambago-B NHS, Samal Stand Alone Senior High, San Jose NHS, Anonang NHS, Kaputian NHS, Diosdado Alloro NHS, Sta. Cruz NHS are also offering the program.

Soon, more public schools will be implementing the SHS ALS program.

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Abalayan: Sir Ed Picson now at the helm

Posted: 28 Nov 2021 03:27 AM PST

"WE VOW not to let the country down," says newly elected Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap) President Ed Picson said.

Sir Ed, who was elected unanimously in an online poll on November 25, 2021, bared this in a statement, citing the feats of outgoing president Ricky Vargas. The latter's term as president yielded two silver medals courtesy of Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam and a bronze from Eumir Felix Marcial in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Such an accomplishment, according to him, would be a tough act to follow. But that was a humble statement coming from a man who was also a part of Abap's Olympic success has been a long-time executive director and secretary-general of the national sports association for boxing.

However, the boxers, coaches, and support staff assured him that they were all up to the task.

Vargas, who is taking the role of Abap chairman, nominated Picson to the post, praised his successor.

"I am honored to turn the baton over to Ed as my successor. He is the most qualified and deserving for the position. Ed is a principled and honest man who believes in good governance, cares very much for our boxers, and is hands-on. I am confident he will bring Abap to the next level," Vargas said.

I've met Sir Ed a few years back during the Mindanao open amateur boxing championships in Panabo City, Davao del Norte where then-congressman Tonyboy Floirendo, whose brainchild Barangay Una Boxing Team has produced Olympians, Asian Games, and SEA Games medalists, hosted the tournament.

Sir Ed also invited me and a few sports media colleagues to cover a tournament in Digos.

Since then, he has been a constant source for my sports stories whether in national or international competitions that Davao Region or Mindanao boxers compete in. We communicate through SMS, email, and just recently through Facebook Messenger during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

He replies to my questions and queries the soonest he can. He always makes himself available for any statements regarding our national boxers. Sir Ed, being a veteran sportscaster and columnist himself, understands that we have deadlines to beat.

With him at the helm of Abap, access to more information on the national boxers' preparations and competitions will be easier. As most boxers and coaches are from the Visayas and Mindanao, he can readily get his message across and address their needs being fluent in the Visayan dialect himself.

Congratulations, Sir Ed!

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End of Summer Sale ☀️😎

20% OFF Inside!🤯 ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏...