The health minister of the Autonomous Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has expressed confidence more institutions will fully implement tobacco-free workplaces and environment programs this year. This came about after the Ministry of Health (MOH) – BARMM has awarded Monday institutions and government offices in the region with “Red Orchid Awards” for effectively enforcing tobacco control measures in its facilities in 2021. “BARMM institutions that fully implement the anti-tobacco program this year will be also be duly recognized,” said Dr. Bashary Latiph, BARMM’s health chief. Upon BARMM’s creation in 2019, the Red Orchid Awards is the first for the

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya on Monday said the Covid-19 vaccination of minors aged 5 to 11 years old in Metro Manila will be conducted in an initial six locations beginning February 4. He said vaccination rollout for the said age group will initially be done at the Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital, Manila Zoo, SM North EDSA (Skydome), and Fil Oil Gym in San Juan. Aside from these locations in Metro Manila, Malaya said vaccinations for the minors will also be conducted in 30 locations in Central

The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability has maintained that there was no overpricing in the purchase of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) supplies. In a press briefing on Monday, committee chair Michael Aglipay said the panel’s report also found that there was nothing irregular with the procedure done by the Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service (PS-DBM). “The Committee found that there was no overpricing in the purchase of materials, supplies, and equipment by the PS-DBM,” Aglipay said. “The procedure on emergency procurement pursuant to Bayanihan Act One undertaken by the PS-DBM… was consistent with applicable rules and regulations.

The city government here started on Monday the administration of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) booster shots to bedridden elderly, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and those who are 80 to 99-year-old residents, in the comfort of their own homes. Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. said the move is part of the city government’s efforts to reach people who cannot go to the vaccination sites. “Ginagawa po natin ang house-to-house vaccination para sa ating mga bedridden senior citizens, PWDs at mga 80 to 99 years old para hindi na sila mahirapan sa pagpunta sa mga vaccination sites natin (We are conducting the house-to-house