Sinopharm in race for omicron vaccine
The trial by China National Biotec Group, which produces the Sinopharm vaccine, will take place at the community vaccination center at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre in Sai Ying Pun. They will be further randomly split into three groups, with one receiving the original strain vaccine and the other two receiving Omicron-targeting vaccines produced by two manufacturing plants. "The biggest challenge is that Omicron can evade the immunity response and that immunity levels of existing vaccines against Omicron are significantly lowered, reducing protection for humans," said Hung, necessitating a vaccine to prevent the next outbreak. Sinovac has also been developing an Omicron vaccine since November. It has applied for clinical trials and received approval mid-April after the vaccine was proved to be safe and effective in animal tests.
Source:The Standard
June 01, 2022 01:13 UTC
No survivors found in Nepali plane crash
AFP PHOTOPOKHARA, Nepal: Nepali rescuers have retrieved the bodies of all 22 passengers from a plane that crashed in the Himalayas, authorities said on Tuesday as they began identifying the victims. It suffered its last fatal accident in 2016 on the same route when a plane with 23 onboard crashed into a mountainside. The European Union has banned all Nepali airlines from its airspace over safety concerns. In March 2018, a US-Bangla Airlines plane crash-landed near Kathmandu's notoriously difficult international airport, killing 51 people and seriously injuring 20. That accident was Nepal's deadliest since 1992, when all 167 people aboard a Pakistan International Airlines plane died when it crashed on approaching the Kathmandu airport.
Source:Manila Times
May 31, 2022 22:37 UTC
Manila cardinal urges faithful to fight online disinformation
MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Saturday urged the Catholic faithful to use social media as a “pulpit” to defend the truth in the face of massive disinformation and proliferation of fake news. ADVERTISEMENTSpeaking at the Thanksgiving Mass for the canonization of St. Titus Brandsma, Advincula said the faithful should draw lessons from the life of the saint, a Dutch priest and journalist who was imprisoned and murdered for speaking out against Nazi propaganda. “When we seem to be experiencing a crisis of truth, especially in social media. Titus teaches us that when the truth is at stake, remaining apathetic and silent is a sin,” Advincula added. Brandsma was arrested in January 1942 for trying to persuade Dutch Catholic newspapers not to print Nazi propaganda.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
May 31, 2022 21:54 UTC
Philippines complains of Chinese fishing ban and 'harassment' at sea
A Philippine fisherman watches a China Coast Guard vessel patrolling the disputed Scarborough Shoal. (Reuters)The Philippines on Tuesday said it had filed a diplomatic protest with China for unilaterally declaring a South China Sea fishing ban, and complained also of harassment and violations of its jurisdiction by Beijing's coast guard. In another statement, it denounced China's imposition of a fishing moratorium aimed at regenerating fish stocks, an annual ban that includes waters inside the EEZs of Vietnam and the Philippines. The foreign ministry said the coast guard's actions were "not consistent with innocent passage and are clear violations of the Philippine maritime jurisdiction." That followed a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping during which he said he would elevate bilateral ties to a new level.
Source:The Standard
May 31, 2022 19:49 UTC
Acting on the Global Security Initiative to protect global peace, prosperity
With humanity once again at a crossroads, China offers the international community the Global Security Initiative (GSI), another global public good that contributes Chinese solutions and wisdom to addressing the world's security challenges. Unlike some Western countries' unilateral pursuits of their own safety, the GSI seeks common security, which underlines peace and cooperation. It provides explicit answers to questions such as what security concept the world requires and how countries can achieve common security. These actions have seriously undermined the international security order and exacerbated the global security governance deficit. The vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security serves as a guiding principle for maintaining world peace and tranquility.
Source:Manila Times
May 31, 2022 17:12 UTC
Heart shows love for classic white in new home
When asked for her inspiration behind the design, Evangelista said at the media launch, "I love everything just very classic. Evangelista added that the clean and minimalist interior of her new abode is a reflection of her love for white. I do truly love white its relaxing and refreshing." I do love having a room that's white so you can reset." Besides the ease of designing a condominium unit, Evangelista shared that investing in one proved to be a wise decision for her.
Source:Manila Times
May 31, 2022 12:16 UTC
How moms can face modern parenting with confidence
Amidst the day to day pressures of motherhood, moms always strive to achieve what is best for their children no matter what. But amidst the day to day pressures of motherhood, moms always strive to achieve what is best for their children no matter what. With this in mind, distilled drinking bottled water brand Absolute held "#MommyDiscoveries Workshop" via Facebook live to help Filipino moms sail through the many challenges of modern motherhood. Kids need to be trained to desire and enjoy things that are higher or better than cotton candy. Also, help kids practice being with other kids," Galang reminded.
Source:Manila Times
May 31, 2022 11:50 UTC
Worker dies in Pat Heung recycling processing plant accident
A fatal work accident happened at a Pat Heung recycling processing plant on Monday. At about 4pm, police received a report that a man in his 40s had been injured at a recycling plant in Ta Shek Wu Tsuen on Fan Kam Road. The worker’s leg got stuck in a piece of machinery, and was seriously injured. Firefighters rushed to the scene for emergency treatment but were unable to rescue him. The Labour Department dispatched investigators after being notified of the fatal workplace accident.
Source:The Standard
May 31, 2022 08:25 UTC
KUWTT: 5 more picks for Marcos Cabinet | May 31, 2022
READ: 5 more picks for Marcos CabinetFIVE more names have been added to the list of prospective members of the Cabinet of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Gwendolyn "Gwen" Garcia, is presently the spokesman for Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio. The vice president said her chief of staff will contact Duterte-Carpio's team for the meeting. The incoming vice president had requested the meeting in a letter to Robredo dated May 27. Contreras discusses the Marcos "burden of unity", while Makabenta analyzes the appointments of the upcoming Marcos administration.
Source:Manila Times
May 31, 2022 06:51 UTC
China makes second largest Taiwan defense zone incursion this year
TAIPEI — China has made the second largest incursion into Taiwan’s air defense zone this year with Taipei reporting 30 jets entering the area, including more than 20 fighters. Taiwan’s defense ministry said late Monday it had scrambled its own aircraft and deployed air defense missile systems to monitor the latest Chinese activity. ADVERTISEMENTIn recent years, Beijing has begun sending large sorties into Taiwan’s defense zone to signal dissatisfaction, and to keep Taipei’s ageing fighter fleet regularly stressed. Monday’s incursion was the largest since January 23, when 39 planes entered the air defense identification zone, or ADIZ. RELATED STORY:Taiwan jets scramble as China air force enters air defense zoneSubscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
May 31, 2022 06:42 UTC
Scheme on immigration facilitation launches for 10 designated sectors visitors
A Pilot Scheme to provide immigration facilitation for visitors participating in short-term activities in designated sectors will be launched on Wednesday. Those visitors may come to Hong Kong without the need to apply for employment visas or entry permits from the Immigration Department. Under the Scheme, host organizations authorized by the relevant government organizations can issue invitation letters to relevant non-local talents in their sectors. Invited persons may come to Hong Kong to participate in designated short-term activities as visitors without the need to apply for employment visas or entry permits from the Immigration Department. All persons are subject to applicable immigration control for visiting Hong Kong, including examination upon arrival in accordance with the applicable laws, policies, and practices.
Source:The Standard
May 31, 2022 04:42 UTC
Poll exec, school principal survive Maguindanao attacks
COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao, Philippines – A school principal and an election officer, both women, survived separate ambuscades on Monday in Maguindanao, police said. ADVERTISEMENTThe principal was injured, according to Lt. Elmar Elarcosa, Pandag police chief. Two hours earlier, Jean Hangkal, election officer of Datu Salibo town, was driving to nearby Datu Piang town at around 12:30 p.m. when she noticed a minivan partly blocking her path. Hangkal sped away to bring her aide to a hospital in Datu Piang, where the patient got first aid. ATMRELATED STORIES9 dead in Maguindanao ambushVillage councilman, pal slain in Maguindanao ambush4 slain in Maguindanao ambushATMSubscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
May 30, 2022 20:08 UTC
Missing Nepal plane found; over dozen dead
AFP PHOTOPOKHARA, Nepal: Nepali rescuers pulled at least 16 bodies on Monday from the mangled wreckage of a passenger plane strewn across a mountainside that went missing in the Himalayas with 22 people on board. Tara Air is a subsidiary of Yeti Airlines, a privately owned domestic carrier that services many remote destinations across Nepal. The European Union has banned all Nepali airlines from its airspace over safety concerns. In March 2018, a US-Bangla Airlines plane crash-landed near Kathmandu's notoriously difficult international airport, skidded into a football field and burst into flames. That accident was Nepal's deadliest since 1992, when all 167 people aboard a Pakistan International Airlines plane died when it crashed on approach to Kathmandu airport.
Source:Manila Times
May 30, 2022 17:30 UTC
Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc Announces of Annual Stockholders' Meeting
In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the welfare and safety of our stockholders, the meeting will be conducted virtually. Stockholders who have successfully registered may cast their votes and will be provided access to the live streaming of the meeting. By participating remotely and by proxy, a stockholder shall be deemed present for purposes of quorum. The vote of the stockholders representing the majority of the quorum shall be required to approve any action submitted to the stockholders for approval. C. LivestreamA link to the meeting will be sent to all registered stockholders to access the meeting.
Source:Manila Times
May 30, 2022 17:12 UTC
Comelec wants laws vs online trolls, regulated social media
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will push for laws regulating social media and eliminating the use of trolls during the campaign period. ADVERTISEMENT“That’s the reason why in the next Congress, we will really push for a social media regulation at least as far as election expenditure and campaign is concerned,” he added. Aside from social media regulation, Garcia said that Comelec will also urge Congress to pass a law against the use of trolls, especially during the campaign period. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier vetoed a bill seeking to mandate registration of SIM cards and social media accounts in the country. The measure aims to stop crimes such as fraud, and to fight the influx of online trolls.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
May 30, 2022 14:56 UTC