General

Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) has proposed declaring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) a national public health emergency in light of a marked increase in cases among the youth, which has surged by 500 percent. According to Philippines News Agency, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized the significant rise in HIV cases among individuals aged 15 to 25 years. In a recent video message, Herbosa highlighted that the youngest diagnosed individual is a 12-year-old from the province of Palawan. While specific numbers on youth infections were not disclosed, Herbosa noted that the Philippines currently leads in new HIV cases within the

Davao City: The City Health Office (CHO) has recorded a total of 94 leptospirosis cases since last year, resulting in 25 fatalities, prompting health officials to issue a fresh warning as the rainy season progresses. In an interview on Tuesday, Dr. Sofia Corazon Zafra, medical coordinator for the CHO’s City Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, cautioned Dabawenyos about the heightened risks of acquiring leptospirosis during this period. According to Philippines News Agency, post-exposure prophylaxis medicines are readily available for free at all barangay and district health centers across the city. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria,

La Trinidad: More young residents of La Trinidad, a municipality in Benguet province, are increasingly engaging in farming due to various programs and assistance provided by the local government and the Department of Agriculture (DA). According to Philippines News Agency, Nida Organo, the head of the municipal agriculture office, highlighted that the average age of farmers in the region has shifted from the national average of 57 to a younger demographic of 30 to 40 years old. This shift is attributed to numerous initiatives aimed at young farmers. One of the key programs for La Trinidad’s youth is the promotion

Iloilo: Two key infrastructure projects are in the works to improve the Iloilo International Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the first project focuses on the rehabilitation and upgrade of the passenger terminal building (PTB). Major improvements include comfort room renovations, wall repainting, wall cladding, roof fascia cleaning, and waterproofing of three fixed bridge roofs. Currently, the PTB can accommodate 367 domestic and 360 international passengers. Upon completion of the upgrades, capacity is expected to increase to 675 domestic and 407 international passengers. Upgrades also cover the installation of air

Manila: The upcoming visit of Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to Manila this week will serve as an opportunity for leaders of the Philippines and Singapore to deepen bilateral cooperation, Wong’s office said Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the visit reaffirms Singapore’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Philippines and provides a platform for leaders to exchange views on enhancing bilateral ties, as well as discussing regional and global developments. Wong is set to conduct a working visit to the country from June 4 to 5, upon the invitation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.