Abbey M.

‍MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) said its hospitals are prepared to provide immediate treatment for leptospirosis cases amid continued monitoring of hospital capacity.

The agency said it is closely monitoring the bed capacity of DOH hospitals and has activated its referral system to ensure patients are directed to facilities that can accommodate them.

The measure is aimed at preventing overcrowding and ensuring that patients receive timely medical care.

The DOH also reminded the public, especially those who have waded through floodwaters, to seek medical consultation at a YAKAP Clinic or the nearest DOH hospital.

The agency advised individuals exposed to floodwaters to consult a healthcare professional even if they are not experiencing symptoms, as early assessment may help reduce the risk of complications from leptospirosis.

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‍MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian called for stronger efforts to address the shortage of mental health professionals in the country following recent fatal shooting incidents in schools.

Gatchalian said the Philippines needs to produce more graduates who are qualified to provide mental health programs and services in schools and communities.

He also expressed support for the Department of Health’s plan to train and certify healthcare workers to provide initial mental health interventions, particularly in areas where access to specialists remains limited.

According to Gatchalian, mental health services should not be treated as a privilege and must be made accessible to students and communities nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education said it needs around 48,000 school counselor associates across the country to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support for students.

However, only 10,000 positions are covered under the 2026 national budget.

DepEd is aiming to assign at least one school counselor associate to every school as part of efforts to improve access to mental health services and provide students with timely psychosocial support.

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‍MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos said teachers should not be blamed for the recent shooting incident at a school in Zamboanga City, as she criticized remarks made by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro on teachers and morality.

In a video message, Marcos defended teachers and said responsibility for the incident should not be placed on them, especially since a teacher was reportedly among those targeted during the shooting.

"Ano ba naman sila, bakit naman sisisihin ang mga hamak na teacher, samantalang yung isang guro, siya pa nga ang pinupuntirya? Muntik-muntikan na nga, sinweretehan na lang. Ano naman ang malay ng mga teacher, pambihira naman," Senator Imee Marcos said. 

[“Why blame the teachers when one of them was even a target? What would the teachers know about it?”]

The senator said authorities and agencies responsible for monitoring and regulating matters related to public safety should instead be held accountable and scrutinized over how such incidents could be prevented.

Castro later responded to Marcos, saying the senator should have watched the entire Palace press briefing before commenting on her remarks.

According to Castro, her statements were taken out of context and were not intended to blame teachers for the shooting incident.

She also urged Marcos to exercise critical thinking, listen carefully and understand the full context of an issue before making public statements.

Castro further criticized the senator’s manner of speaking and challenged her to also call out the behavior of her political allies.

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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is commemorating the 43rd death anniversary of former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on Friday, August 21.

Ninoy Aquino Day is a special non-working holiday under Republic Act No. 9256. Government offices are generally closed, except agencies providing essential and emergency services.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also suspended the number coding scheme in Metro Manila for the holiday, including Makati City.

The LRT-1 is operating on a shortened schedule. First trips from Dr. Santos and Fernando Poe Jr. stations begin at 5 a.m., while the last trains leave Dr. Santos at 9:30 p.m. and Fernando Poe Jr. at 9:45 p.m.

Aquino’s family also visited Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Thursday to pay tribute following the relocation of his memorial marker.

The marker was moved to a more visible area in front of Terminal 1, near the airport signage bearing Aquino’s name.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines is also scheduled to lead commemorative activities for Ninoy Aquino Day.

Aquino was assassinated on August 21, 1983, upon returning to the Philippines from exile. His death became a major turning point in the opposition to the Marcos dictatorship and helped fuel the movement that culminated in the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

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MANILA, Philippines — Several provinces and local governments have declared a state of calamity following widespread flooding and damage caused by more than two weeks of heavy rains.

Among the areas under a state of calamity are Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga and Cavite.

Bulacan placed the entire province under a state of calamity after floods damaged homes, farms, businesses and infrastructure. Pampanga made a similar declaration after hundreds of barangays were affected by flooding.

Other municipalities and cities in Pangasinan, Zambales, Rizal and Batangas have also been affected by severe weather conditions.

A state of calamity allows local governments to quickly use emergency funds for rescue, relief and recovery operations.

It also triggers measures such as a price freeze on basic necessities in affected areas and may allow access to government assistance and emergency loans.

The flooding was brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon, or Habagat, and recent tropical cyclones that affected large parts of Luzon.

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