Philippines

Philippines Reports 52 Confirmed Cases of Mpox, Majority in NCR

The Philippines reports 52 confirmed cases of mpox, mainly in the National Capital Region. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa emphasizes the importance of understanding case contexts, noting that most cases are male and some individuals are living with HIV. The milder clade II strain is present, while the more severe clade 1b has not been detected. The Department of Health urges good hygiene practices to mitigate transmission risks.

Local Authorities Implement Misting Operations to Combat Rising Dengue Cases Before School Resumes

As students return to school, local authorities in Manila are implementing proactive measures to combat the alarming rise in dengue fever cases, which have surged by 81% this year. Misting operations at Timoteo Paez Elementary School aim to reduce mosquito populations and protect children’s health. The Department of Health emphasizes community involvement in dengue prevention, urging residents to eliminate standing water and educate children about safety measures. With over 340,000 confirmed cases, ensuring a safe school environment is a top priority.

Philippines Launches Enhanced Peso Interest Rate Swap Market

The Bankers Association of the Philippines has launched an enhanced Peso Interest Rate Swap (Peso IRS) market, utilizing the Philippine Overnight Reference Rate. This initiative aims to develop yield curves and improve liquidity in the domestic bond market, with participation from major banks and a trading platform by Bloomberg. BSP Governor Eli Remolona highlights its significance in boosting transactions and creating benchmark yield curves, marking a pivotal step in strengthening the Philippines’ financial landscape.

Thunes and GCash Launch Instant Cross-Border Wallet Top-Up for Filipinos in Europe

Thunes partners with GCash to launch a revolutionary cross-border digital wallet solution for Filipinos in Europe, enabling real-time fund top-ups from UK and European bank accounts. This collaboration enhances financial connectivity, supports expatriates in managing their finances, and promotes financial inclusion for the Filipino community abroad.

ADB Projects 6% Economic Growth for Philippines in 2024

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) projects a 6% economic growth rate for the Philippines in 2024, increasing to 6.2% in 2025. This optimistic forecast highlights the country’s potential as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, driven by rising government revenues and infrastructure investments. However, challenges remain in meeting government growth targets as the nation navigates regional competition and high-tech manufacturing demands.

Rabies Cases on the Rise in the Philippines

The Philippines has seen a rise in rabies cases, with 169 confirmed human cases and 160 deaths from January to May 2024. The Department of Health attributes over 90% of cases to dog bites. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa urges pet owners to vaccinate against rabies and seek medical help for bites.

PLDT Inc. Expands Network Infrastructure with Guam Point-of-Presence Establishment

PLDT Inc. expands network infrastructure with the establishment of a physical point-of-presence in Guam, enhancing connectivity between Asia-Pacific and the US. The strategic move aims to empower businesses and individuals in an interconnected world. The addition of Guam PoP enables a direct Philippines-to-Guam route, unlocking interconnection opportunities for carriers in the region. Collaboration with STC Group to improve international voice services for overseas Filipino workers further solidifies PLDT’s position in the global telecommunications landscape.

Michelle Marquez Dee bids farewell to her pageant career with heartfelt message

Former Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee bids farewell to her pageant career with a heartfelt message to her supporters, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support. Reflecting on her transformative reign, Dee announces the end of her remarkable 7-year journey in the pageant world, leaving a legacy for aspiring beauty queens to follow.

Zavier Lucero set to make PBA debut with NorthPort

Zavier Lucero, a high-flying basketball player, is set to make his PBA debut with NorthPort after recovering from an ACL injury. Known for his standout performances with UP, Lucero is ready to replace John Amores in the roster for the Batang Pier’s conference opener against NLEX.

Huawei Launches MatePad 11.5-inch PaperMatte Edition and nova Y72

Huawei is set to expand its device ecosystem with the launch of the Huawei MatePad 11.5-inch PaperMatte Edition and the Huawei nova Y72, offering users a seamless and enhanced user experience. The nova Y72 features a Super Battery System with a massive 6000mAh battery and 22.5W Huawei SuperCharge, along with a 50MP camera with Super Night Mode and AI Snapshot. On the other hand, the MatePad 11.5-inch PaperMatte Edition aims to revolutionize digital reading and writing with its industry-leading anti-glare display technology and advanced nano-scale etching process for enhanced precision. Both devices aim to cater to diverse user needs and provide innovative experiences.