As an added resource to Remote Workmate clients, we’re compiling a list of the Philippines’ top stories each week. That way, they’ll have an idea what’s happening on this side of the world.
Here are the headlines this fourth week of October 2020.
Philippines allows foreign travel to resume
The Philippines lifted a ban on non-essential foreign trips by Filipinos. The country’s immigration bureau, however, revealed that the move didn’t immediately spark large numbers of departures for tourism and leisure.
The government has gradually eased travel restrictions to boost the economy, which went into recession in Q2 2020 following months of lockdown and quarantine to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
PBA referee tests positive for COVID-19, games to push through
A referee of the Philippine Basketball Association or PBA has tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement, the PBA said the referee, who is asymptomatic, was tested on Monday (Oct 19) along with 27 others, “whose tests all came out negative” the next evening.
The referee is currently under quarantine at the New Clark City Athletes’ Village in Pampanga while his 1st and 2nd layer contacts are under strict isolation.
Travel firms in the Philippines can reopen
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 20-53, which states that travel agencies, tour operators, and reservation services are allowed to operate in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ).
The MC also expands the operational capacity of travel agencies, tour operators, reservation services, and other related activities in areas under modified GCQ to 100%.
Tropical Storm Saudel lashes Philippines, heads for Vietnam
Tropical Storm Saudel has lashed the Philippines, causing flooding and thousands of residents to evacuate. The storm is now heading for Vietnam, where more than 100 people have already died in weeks of bad weather.
DOH short of P10 billion for COVID-19 vaccines
The Philippine Department of Health’s (DOH) allocation for COVID-19 vaccines in the 2021 national budget is over PHP 10 billion short to cover 20% of the country’s population.
In an online press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire revealed that the DOH’s estimate showed the government needs around P12.1 billion to inoculate priority populations which include health workers and indigent Filipinos.
