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PHL most likely to buy anti-COVID vaccine from China or Russia
By Fernan Angeles FOR the nth time, President Rodrigo Duterte has shown preferential treatment for the Chinese as he hinted at prioritizing coronavirus vaccines made by China, even as he accused Western pharmaceutical companies of “profiting” amid the pandemic. If proven safe and effective, Duterte also said that administration would mostly like buy COVID-19 vaccines…
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Gov’t to offer 10,000 plantilla positions
By Fernan Angeles AMID claims of being cash-strapped, the government hinted on hiring qualified personnel for some 10,000 plantilla positions in at least 700 government agencies, said the Civil Service Commission Commissioner Aileen Lizada. Among the positions being offered by the government include engineers, information technology personnel, guidance counselors, health officers, research specialists, procurement officers,…
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Agricultural practices for emerging commodities amid pandemic
By Fernan Angeles “The pandemic has greatly affected agricultural production and food systems. It has also emphasized food supply and its safety. Since hazards and contamination can occur in different stages along the production chain, it has become necessary to address food safety measures right at the farm level,” said Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, Director…
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PNPA under lockdown, 232 cadets infected
By Fernan Angeles AT least 232 cadets and 11 personnel have been infected with the deadly coronavirus disease, compelling authorities to lock down the Philippine National Police Academy in Silang town, Cavite. In a statement, PNPA director Major Gen. Gilberto Cruz said 232 cadets and 11 personnel were confirmed to have been infected with COVID-19.…
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LTFRB to review resumption of provincial buses
By John Clifford Lintao THE agony of going to and from the provinces would soon be over as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) hinted at polishing guidelines on the resumption of provincial bus operations. “Inaayos na po ng LTFRB ‘yan and I think baka po within the week ay maglabas na po…
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It’s final: Cemeteries in Metro Manila closed on November 1-2
By Fernan Angeles IT’S official! cemeteries in the National Capital Region will be closed on Undas. Mayors from Metro Manila’s 16 highly-urbanized cities and the lone municipality of Pateros have agreed to close cemeteries for the traditional visit to the dead on November 1 and 2. Citing risks of spread of coronavirus disease, the Metro…
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Another oil price rollback
By John Clifford Lintao PUMP prices of petroleum products are seen going down this week, according to projections of a locally-based oil firm. In its fuel forecast covering September 15 to 21, Unioil Petroleum Philippines said the price per liter of diesel will be slashed by P1.50 to P1.60. Meanwhile, gasoline may go down by…
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Expert: Too early to ease physical distancing in public transport
By Fernan Angeles AN infectious disease expert warned the government on easing of physical distancing in public transportation amid the lingering COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Edsel Salvaña, an infectious disease doctor at the Philippine General Hospital, went as far as describing such move as “problematic,” apparently referring to the Department of Transportation statement hinting at pushing…
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QC, global network to address climate change
By Fernan Angeles In a bid to significantly improve air quality in Quezon City, local officials sealed a partnership with a global network of the world’s mega cities committed to address climate change. After a thorough evaluation of 31 nominated cities, C40 Network hinted at supporting Quezon City to collaborate effectively, share knowledge and drive…
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No QR code, no entry in Valenzuela City
By John Clifford Lintao VALENZUELA City government is embarking on the use of QR code and mobile application for its local COVID-19 response. Aptly referred to as ValTrace, the city government requires local residents and visitors in the city to download the app on their mobile gadgets, for free. Residents and non-residents will have to…