Philippine Headlines This Week – Mar 15 to 19, 2021

We search high and low for notable Philippine stories to share and keep you updated about what’s happening on this side of the world.

Here are some of the top headlines from this third week of March 2021.

‘Serious’ COVID surge sweeps Metro Manila

Credit: Ruy L. Martinez via The Manila Times

Metro Manila is in the middle of a “serious surge’ in coronavirus cases, according to the group tracking the pandemic situation in the Philippines.

The number of cases jumped by 78% from the previous week, OCTA Research noted in its March 17 report.

PH fixed broadband internet improves in global ranking as speed surges in February

The latest Ookla Speedtest Global Index report showed that the Philippines’ fixed broadband average download speed improved 8 notches in global ranking.

The 5.73Mbps increase from 32.73Mbps in January to 38.46Mbps in February 2021 represents a monthly increase of 17.51% and a 386.22% increase from the country’s download speed of 7.91Mbps back in July 2016.

164 volcanic quakes around Taal recorded in last 24 hours — Phivolcs

At least 164 volcanic earthquakes and 67 tremors have been recorded in the past 24 hours around Taal Volcano, which is currently under Alert Level 2, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on March 18.

In its latest Taal bulletin, PHIVOLCS said the volcanic activities lasted for one to two minutes from three hybrid events.

Airlines told to scale down Manila international flights

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has directed airlines operating at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to limit the number of passengers arriving in Manila to a maximum of 1,500 per day.

The CAB advisory stated that the scaling down of Manila international flights will start on March 18 (at 8 am Philippine time) until April 19, 2021.

PH to suspend entry of travelers from abroad except returning OFWs starting March 20

The Philippines will temporarily ban the entry of travelers, whether foreigners or Filipinos, from abroad — except returning overseas Filipino workers – starting March 20, the National Task Force Against COVID-19 said on March 16.

The temporary ban was based on the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, according to a document posted on the Facebook page of the Department of Health.