L-INQ

Laguna's first 'drive-thru' and 'cinema-based' vaccination centers open in Southwoods Mall

These new vaccination hubs are expected to innoculate up to 1,000 people daily.

The province of Laguna is getting a much needed boost in its effort to help speed up the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines to more Filipinos as it opens two new vaccination centers - its first ever 'drive thru' and 'cinema-based' vaccination hubs--in cooperstion with Megaworld Corporation.

Photos by: Eugene Araneta

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Today is the 122nd anniversary of Philippine Independence. 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

Church services allowed at 50% seating capacity

Pray and worship responsibly, people urged. - KMDR

newsinfo.inquirer.net Churches may now hold religious services at 50-percent seating capacity in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday, quoting the

Guidelines released as swimmers get back in the pool

Before you dive back in, swimmers are reminded to adhere to these strict guidelines. - KMDR

sports.inquirer.net Given the green light to return to the pool, Philippine swimming will carefully tread the water and ensure nobody will end up catching the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Swimming chief

Tokyo weighs scaled-back Olympics, says governor

Here's to hoping the world is back to some sense of normalcy by the time the Olympics happens next rear. - KMDR

sports.inquirer.net Tokyo 2020 officials are looking at ways to scale back next year's postponed Olympics, the city's governor said Thursday, amid reports the opening ceremony could be streamlined and

The number of individuals who have contracted COVID-19 has breached the 20,000 mark today. This figure is one of the highest in Southeast Asia. - KMDR

Just when you thought that COVID-19 couldn't get any worse, we learn some new evidence that says otherwise. - KMDR

WHO resumes hydroxychloroquine coronavirus trials

GENEVA–The World Health Organization announced Wednesday that clinical trials of the drug hydroxychloroquine will resume as it searches for potential coronavirus treatments.

Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1286119/who-resumes-hydroxychloroquine-coronavirus-trials
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newsinfo.inquirer.net GENEVA--The World Health Organization announced Wednesday that clinical trials of the drug hydroxychloroquine will resume as it searches for potential coronavirus

To maintain cleanliness, continous flushing operations along Recto avenue and Asuncion Area in Manila is being conducted by the Department of Public Services (DPS) and Manila Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO).

Photo courtesy: Manila Public Information Office / KDS

Department of Transportation - Philippines

In response to the call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to send our OFWs back to their provinces, the Department of Transportation joins the National Task Force for COVID-19, and concerned government agencies, in establishing the ‘Hatid-Tulong' Program, to assist and transport our stranded OFWs in Metro Manila back to their respective provinces.

As of 03 June 2020, the ‘Hatid-Tulong’ Program has assisted and served a total of 21,424 OFWs, 5,829 of which were transported by land, 11,340 using air transport (data for land and air transport are from May 25 - June 03) and 4,255 via sea transport (sea travel from April 27 - June 03).

The Hatid-Tulong Program is a joint initiative of the Office of the President, National Task Force Covid-19, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Office for Transportation Security (OTS), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

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While we all battle the Covid-19 pandemic, let us not forget that there are other causes worthy of our attention. This week is Philippine Eagle Week. Let's remind ourselves that the fight to save the Philippine eagles, one of the biggest and strongest raptors in the world, continues. 🦅 - KMDR

Good morning! Here's the Frontpage of your favorite newspaper today. Have a blessed day! 🗞️😊 - KMDR

Give your feline friends an extra warm hug today, people! 🤗 - KMDR

The number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 has breached the 4,000-mark. As of today, total recoveries stand at 4,153 out of 19,748 cases, which translates to 21.02%. - KMDR

No caption needed here. - KMDR

The COVID-19 pandemic is truly a health and economic crisis. - KMDR

Free materials, printables and museum tours for kids

Something for the kids in these trying times. - KMDR

lifestyle.inquirer.net How do you keep a child busy at home? How do you make sure that one continues his education? These are some of the most common questions parents are dealing with in this pandemic. Thankfully, there…

PH COVID-19 cases near 19K mark, as recoveries breach 4,000

The total recoveries nationwide are now at 4,063 after 84 more were able to defeat the respiratory disease. - KMDR

newsinfo.inquirer.net MANILA, Philippines — The total confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines reached 18,997 on Tuesday, as the Department of Health (DOH) reported 359 additional cases. Of

Celebs single out their fave shows, movies to watch while in quarantine

What could your favorite stars be watching during the quarantine? Find out here! - KMDR

entertainment.inquirer.net (First of three parts) Next to handwashing, binge watching is what we do the most during quarantine. When the pandemic is over, we might all qualify to become movie critics. While show biz is at

The Avilon Zoo in Rodriguez, Rizal, and Malabon Zoo in Malabon City have sought public help as they’re finding it hard to maintain the operations of the park and keep the animals fed during this time of pandemic.

To help Avilon Zoo, you can avail of prepaid admission tickets (priced at P600 each) online using your credit card or via DRAGONPAY at https://avilonzoo.ph/buy-tickets/event/2-avilon-zoo-ticket-celebrate-life-with-us. You may also avail of admission tickets via online bank transfer.

To help Malabon Zoo, you can donate via bank deposit to Malabon Zoo Foundation’s BPI account number 4641000332.

For more info: https://getaway.ph/blog/animals-zoo-need-our-help-during-pandemic

The Bus Augmention Program of DOTr/MRT 3 is on its 2nd day of the new normal under GCQ in Metro Manila.

A total of 86 buses were deployed this early morning. 56 buses were dispatched at the North Avenue station and started their trip at 5:26 am. While 30 buses were dispatched along Taft Avenue station and started operations at 5:21 am.

The bus augmentation aims to provide alternative transportation for MRT 3 passengers and test the dedicted bus lanes along EDSA.

Strict compliance of health and safety protocols were implemented in these buses, like physical distancing, proper wearing of face masks and body temperature check before boarding the bus. - EAA

Photo courtesy: DOTr / MRT 3

An empty lot at Vitas in Tondo District, Manila, will be the site for two 15-story buildings—a housing project that will house families living in the city’s biggest slum area. - KMDR

📷: Manila PIO
Read: https://t.co/gAWSmNEwq4

In remote schools, parents struggle with online enrollment

We pray parents, students, and educators get through this tough time. - KMDR

newsinfo.inquirer.net MANILA, Philippines — A high school principal in a remote area in Candaba, Pampanga province, held a face-to-face student registration during the first day of enrollment on Monday. Suzette

We hope local companies follow suit. - KMDR

USAID backs digital channel linking farmers, consumers

Dubbed as DELIVER-e, the platform aims to create an innovative, end-to-end electronic system that could address supply chain gaps brought by the community quarantine. - KMDR

business.inquirer.net A local technology logistics startup has gained the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for its efforts to link Filipino farmers to consumers by establishing a

Century Park Hotel, with the easing of community quarantine protocols, has opened its kitchens and has been busy preparing to ensure that your culinary favorites are well on their way for you to enjoy in the comfort of your home. It now offers for delivery or pick up everything you crave for such as its classic mouthwatering seafood recipes from its daily fresh catch, pasta dishes, all-time favorite Filipino cuisines, Asian-inspired delicacies, succulent salad selections, burgers, and fancy cakes.

For more info: https://getaway.ph/blog/travel/enjoy-century-park-hotel%E2%80%99s-gustatory-delights%C2%A0-comfort-your%C2%A0home

With many areas in the country now under a more relaxed modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), the Department of Tourism (DOT) plans to jumpstart local tourism in these areas but under strict health and safety protocols. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the department is looking at reviving tourism in these areas by encouraging locals to visit tourism spots in their communities, town, or province—places that they can reach easily via land travel.

For more info: https://getaway.ph/blog/travel/dot-pins-hope-domestic-tourism-jumpstart-industry

Nowadays, Boracay seems like it has reverted to its pristine island paradise state with hardly any people around, except for the locals and a few tourists who chose to be quarantined there.

Toti Arcibal Saluna, a Boracay local, has been posting postcard quality photos of the island paradise on her Facebook profile that show mesmerizing sunsets and the beautiful deserted beach on lazy afternoons.

Photos by Toti Arcibal Saluna, from her Facebook profile

For more info: https://getaway.ph/blog/travel/seashells-invade-boracay-beach

As the hospitality industry adjusts to the new normal, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) properties have implemented additional proactive and precautionary measures crucial to the safety and security of each guest and staff.

“We have always believed in the nation’s undying spirit. Our vision and mission are deeply founded upon the unique brand of Filipino hospitality, resilience, and passion. Certainly, we take pride in the fact that our properties have imbibed this to the very core of their service culture. This is why we have confidence in our united healing, both as a community and as one of the Philippines’ foremost hotel and convention companies,” said Peggy E. Angeles, SMHCC’s executive vice president.

SMHCC properties include Conrad Manila, Taal Vista Hotel, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson in Davao, Clark, SM North Edsa and Iloilo, and Pico Sands Hotel.

For more info: https://getaway.ph/blog/travel/smhcc-primes-properties-through-sustainablysafe-program

Today is "World No To***co Day". It's a day marked every May 31 to encourage smokers to quit the habit of smoking. - KMDR

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines rises for the 7th consecutive day, with 1,046 additional cases reported by the health department today. - KMDR

Welcome to Autosweep RFID

The LTFRB has directed RFID installation in PUVs, through Memorandum Circular 2020-020, as a means for cashless payment transactions at tollroads and to
minimize person-to-person contact and ensure compliance to the social distancing protocols being implemented by Toll Regulatory Board at tollways and expressways.

Autosweep RFID now offers a portal for 'ONLINE PUV ENROLLMENT' for PUVs with routes passing through the Skyway, SLEX, NAIAX, STAR Tollway, and TPLEX.


To avail of the service, simply follow the online application procedure:

STEP 1: Go to www.autosweeprfid.com

STEP 2: Click the PUV Enrollment tab

STEP 3: Fill up the application form and make sure to key-in all the necessary information and click the submit button

STEP 4: Expect a call from Autosweep RFID Representative.

autosweeprfid.com Check Your RFID Balance and SOA Online! REGISTER NOW! E-Pass To RFID MigrationToll RatesFAQ-Frontliners UPCOMING EVENTS PERKS & DISCOUNTS We have updated our data policy. Click here to learn more.

Department of Transportation - Philippines

READ: As various areas in the country prepares to shift from Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) to General Community Quarantine (GCQ), the 'NEW NORMAL' necessitates the adoption of an updated Public Transport Guidelines and Protocols.

With this, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) releases the guidelines for the ROAD TRANSPORT sector.

For public transportation in areas under GCQ, stringent sanitary measures have been set, and will be strictly enforced, such as:
- Wearing of face masks at all times
- Implementation of no-contact measures such as cashless payments.
- Use of thermal scanners
- Availability of alcohol and sanitizers in Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs)
- Disinfection of high-touch surfaces of vehicles
- Establishment of disinfection facilities in various public transport terminals
- Contact Tracing

In the adoption of these guidelines in areas under GCQ, there will be two phases to be executed for allowing the operation of the different modes of public transportation.

For the Phase 1 (covering June 1 to 21), trains and bus augmentation, taxis, TNVS, shuttle services, Point-to-Point buses, and bicycles will be allowed to operate, with LIMITED PASSENGER CAPACITY.

Tricycles will also be allowed, subject to the prior approval of the concerned LGU.

In Phase 1, NO provincial buses will be allowed to enter Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, for Phase 2 (covering June 22 to 30), Public Utility Buses (PUBs), Modern PUVs, and UV Express will already be allowed to operate, also with limited passenger capacity, along with the initial set of transport modes that were allowed to operate during Phase 1.

To effectively ensure and monitor the limited capacity and passenger load of all the public transport vehicles, the 1-meter social distance rule between persons will be strictly enforced inside ALL the PUVs and mass transport units, in adherence to health protocols.

In this ‘New Normal' period, the DOTr will be harnessing the advantages of technology in implementing its initiatives for road-based transport, to minimize physical contact or face-to-face interaction to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The modernization initiatives include the automatic fare collection system (AFCS) for cashless payment transactions, electronic toll collection, and GNSS/GPS. The DOTr will likewise vigorously pursue and promote online transactions in licensing, registration and other documentary requirements.

A key digital initiative developed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) that will be adopted is the Public Transport Online Processing System (PTOPS), which is set to run in the National Capital Region (NCR), on 01 June 2020.

This system will allow transactions to be made online, except the publication and hearing of cases—which will make LTFRB services faster and accessible for all its stakeholders.

There will be other institutional changes which the DOTr will implement in the 'NEW NORMAL' transition, and they are as follows:

- Routes Rationalization for a more effective traffic management;
- Industry Consolidation, to make it more efficient and financially tenable for stakeholders;
- The use of shuttle services to prevent students and employees from contracting the virus, will also be encouraged;
- Promotion of the use of non-motorized transport or use of bicycles, to maintain physical distancing, provide environmental and health benefits and promote efficient road space use.

In a GCQ setting, the DOTr is also set to adopt a system in EDSA where dedicated lanes will be set forth for buses. In addition, the transformation of EDSA will include designated lanes for Bikes, as well as the putting up of Pedestrian Crossing and Bus Boarding Areas in strategic places.

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