Here are the stories on the Trendrod Summary for Saturday, July 22, 2023.
Gov’t lifts COVID-19 emergency status in PH
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Saturday signed Proclamation no. 297. The said proclamation formally lifted the public health emergency status of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. The said status has been in place since March 2020 or during the onset of the said public health crisis.
With the directive, the Emergency Use Authorization issued by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA will only remain valid until one year after the EO or on July 22, 2024. This is to allow the utilization of the remaining COVID-19 vaccines still in storage.
Palace suspends classes in Metro Manila on Monday, July 24
Malacañang announced the suspension of classes in all levels in Metro Manila on Monday, July 24, 2023. According to the order, the reason for the suspension was the forecasted rainshower that will be brought by the looming typhoon Egay. The impending jeepney strike of some cooperatives was also cited as another factor.
Coincidentally, the class suspension also falls on the same day that President Marcos, Jr. will deliver his speech at the Batasang Pambasa in Quezon City for his second State of the Nation Address.
NEDA greenlights NAIA PPP
In a press briefing on Wednesday, the board of the National Economic Development Authority or NEDA announced that it had accepted the Php 170.6 billion solicited proposal for the improvement of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.
According to Socioeconomic Planning chief Arsenio Balisacan, the project would be under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). In the set-up, there would be a 15-year-concession period, with an option to extend it for another 10. With the public-private partnership given a go signal, the Php 267 billion bid made by the Manila International Airport Consortium had already been terminated.
The project will encompass improving the airports capacity from the current 35 million to 62 million passengers annually, increasing plane movements per hour from 40 to 48, and the terminals themselves, among others.
Philippines improves passport strength; Singapore climbs to the top spot
According to the recently released Henley’s Passport Index for 2023, Singapore climbed to the top spot of the index — dislodging five-peat record-holder Japan. Singapore passport holders are said to have visa-free access to more than 193 out of 227 destinations around the world.
Meanwhile, the Philippines have also seen an increase in the index. In 2023, the country landed at the 74th spot, from 78th in 2022. PH passport holders are able to travel to 67 countries without the need for a visa.
The 1975’s Matty Healy kisses bandmate onstage to protest Malaysian laws
In a controversial act on Friday evening, The 1975 vocalist Matty Healy kissed bandmate Ross Macdonald during a performance at a festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to Healy, the band’s performance was a “mistake” and that he doesn’t see the point of performing in a country “telling us who we can have sex with.” After which, the group left the stage, saying that they were “banned in Kuala Lumpur.”
In response, the Malaysian authorities have ordered organizers to cancel the event, citing its “unwavering stance against any parties that challenge, ridicule or contravene Malaysian laws.” Organizers have followed suit and announced the cancelation of the said festival.
GMA Gala 2023 brings together local showbiz stars
GMA Network’s GMA Gala 2023 is currently ongoing at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. The event, which is attended by executives and contract artists of GMA Network, has also invited guests from the network’s partners, such as those from TAPE, Inc.’s ‘Eat Bulaga’ and ABS-CBN.
Belle Mariano holds first solo concert today
Belle Mariano of the ‘New Gen Phenomenal Love Team’ DonBelle headlined her first solo concert today at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City. Titled ‘BELOVED,’ the organizers said previously that the tickets for the concert had already sold out prior to the concert day.
Kim Seon Ho in Manila for fanmeeting
Korean actor Kim Seon Ho is in Manila today as he held a fanmeeting event at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City this evening. Seon Ho, known for his dramas like ‘Start-Up’ and ‘Hometown Cha Cha Cha,’ was brought in by a local clothing brand. Prior to today, Kim last visited Manila in January for a separate fanmeeting event that was held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
‘Filipinas’ debut in 2023 Women’s World Cup
The Philippine Women’s National Football Team or nicknamed ‘Filipinas’ made their debut at the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand on Friday, July 21st. For the team’s first fight, they faced head-on Switzerland. However, the Philippines was defeated by the Swiss, 2-0.
Despite that, PH coach Alen Stajcic described the experience as “miraculous,” as it was also the first time that the country had entered the world cup for football, in both female and male categories. ‘Filipinas’ will return to action July 25, this time facing co-host New Zealand at the Wellington Stadium.