We scour the internet for major Philippine stories to share each week and update you with what’s happening on this corner of the globe.
Here are some of the top headlines from the second week of February 2021.
Most Filipinos disapprove govt’s COVID-19 response – survey
In a recent online survey, over half of Filipinos disapproved of the Philippine government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The “State of Southeast Asia 2021” survey from November 18, 2020 to January 10, 2021 said 53.7% of the respondents registered their disapproval, 25.4% approved and 20.9% were neutral.
Ang Dating Daan’s Bro. Eli Soriano passes away
Ang Dating Daan’s Bro. Eliseo “Eli” Soriano has passed away, his religious group Members Church of God International said on February 12. He was 73.
The group announced the televangelist’s demise in a Facebook post, but did not disclose the cause of his death.
Converge more than doubles fiber network in 2020
Internet service provider Converge ICT Solutions has more than doubled its fibre network to over 55,000 kilometers at end-2020 from the previous year, making high-speed broadband internet available to more areas in the Philippines.
Converge added more than 28,300 kilometres of fibre-optic cables last year, expanding its network by 107% from about 26,600 kilometers laid down at the end of 2019.
Sinovac is first to roll out vaccine in PH
The Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac Biotech Ltd. will be the first to ship a COVID-19 vaccine to the Philippines.
In a virtual press briefing on February 11, Malacañang Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said 600,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine, including the 100,000 it donated to the Department of National Defense, would arrive on February 23.
Australia expresses support for Philippines’ vaccination program
Australia is supporting partners in the region to ensure COVID-19 vaccines are distributed efficiently. I met with Secretaries @SecDuque, Carlito Galvez and Vince Dizon for updates on the Philippines vaccine rollout plans and how Australia can support through the COVAX Facility. pic.twitter.com/epRKtfERXe
— Steven J. Robinson AO (@AusAmbPH) February 10, 2021
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson said in a tweet that his country will support the Philippines’ vaccine rollout.
Talking with key vaccine officials, Robinson discussed updates on the Philippines’ rollout plan and how Australia could support the country through the COVAX Facility, an initiative that seeks to ensure equitable access to the drug.
SMC opens more Skyway 3 ramps for motorists
Two new ramps of the Skyway Stage 3 were opened to the public on February 11 to help improve travel within Metro Manila.
San Miguel Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon S. Ang announced the opening of the A. Bonifacio northbound off-ramp and the E. Rodriguez southbound off-ramp.
