An increasing number of financial consumers are coursing their concerns and queries through the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Online Buddy (BOB), the BSP chatbot that automates handling of consumer complaints.
Complaints and queries processed through BOB represented 58% of total cases during the second quarter of 2021. This is almost four times higher than the 15% BOB usage rate during the third quarter of 2020.
“The increased usage suggests the effectiveness of BOB in providing consumers with an accessible and efficient platform for escalating complaints regarding the products and services provided by BSP-Supervised Financial Institutions (BSFIs),” said BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno.
Launched in July 2020, BOB enables the public to instantly send concerns through a webchat on the BSP Website, SMS, and social media (Facebook Messenger) through their smart or mobile phones. Using artificial intelligence, BOB can respond to queries and complaints in English, Tagalog or Taglish.
“We believe more people are now more aware of the BSP’s consumer assistance mechanism as well as BOB. The central bank encourages all financial consumers to take full advantage of this technology when raising complaints against BSFIs,” according to Governor Diokno.
Customer satisfaction data from the 2020 BOB feedback portal indicated that 69% of respondents were satisfied with the service of the chatbot.
The positive reception of BOB may be attributed to its availability in digital and mobile platforms. According to a survey by Silicon Valley-based Fair Isaac Corporation, a data analytics firm, almost 6 out of 10 Filipino consumers prefer to use digital and mobile channels in transacting with their banks.
The BSP also noted that due to automation, BOB is able to process and refer complaints to concerned BSFI on a real-time basis, thus, shortening the turnaround time for resolving complaints.
In view of customer comments and early learnings in the operation of BOB, the BSP added features to the chatbot. These include enabling consumers to attach files to facilitate submission of supporting documents, as well as the provision of Frequently Asked Questions and the required minimum number of words for the details of a complaint.
More enhancements are in the pipeline as the BSP endeavors to continuously improve customer experience when using BOB.
“It is BSP’s thrust to make use of technological innovations to enable operational efficiencies and improve responsiveness to the needs of financial consumers. This commitment supports our vision of fostering trust in the financial system,” explained Governor Diokno. (BSP)
QUEZON CITY – The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is set to release the official 6/58 Ultra Lotto Result today, Sunday, July 25, 2021, based on the 9PM draw.
Drawn every TUESDAY, FRIDAY and SUNDAY, players have three (3) times a week, chance to win in the UltraLotto 6/58. For only 20.00, the UltraLotto 6/58 game offers the biggest initial jackpot of 49,500,000.00 (net of agent’s prize commission). and the jackpot grows even bigger whenever there is no jackpot winner!
Select six numbers from 1 to 58 or play Lucky Pick (LP) for a randomly generated numbers. Each play cost 20.00. You can play the same number combination for 2 up to 6 consecutive draws by marking the preferred number of draws in the DRAW panel. You may also opt to play SYSTEM to have more chances of winning.
Six balls numbered from 1 to 58 will be drawn and you win the jackpot prize by matching all of the drawn numbers, in any order. If two or more persons win the jackpot, payment for each winner is determined by dividing equally the jackpot amount. You also win prizes if you match any 3, 4, or 5 numbers of the winning 6-number combination, in any order.
https://youtu.be/CSInFvM-0oU
Previous 6/58 Ultra Lotto Results:
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Reminders from PCSO:
You must be at least 18 years old to buy UltraLotto 6/58 Tickets or claim your UltraLotto 6/58 winnings.
The 20.00 play amount is inclusive of 20% Documentary Stamp Tax (DST)
Players have the sole responsibility for checking the accuracy of the data printed on your ticket(s) including bet type, bet amount, the draw date you want to enter and the numbers you want to play.
Please ensure that you check your numbers at the official PCSO website. BusinessNews.ph cannot be held responsible for any misprints, typos or inaccuracies that lead to any financial loss or failure to claim winnings.
METRO MANILA – The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PSCO) is releasing the official 6/49 Super Lotto Result at 9PM today, Sunday, July 25, 2021. Check your tickets now.
6/49 Super Lotto is one of the most popular jackpot-bearing lottery games in the Philippines. It is drawn every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
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Jackpot can be won if you get the six winning numbers in any order. Please refresh this page after the 9PM draw for the latest result. Please double check with the official PCSO website for confirmation of result.
Mark the selected six numbers from 1 to 49 on a playslip using blue or black ink or a pencil. Or you may play for a Lucky Pick (LP) if you want to have your selections picked randomly. You may play up to 6 advance draws by simply marking the preferred number of draws in the DRAW panel.
You may increase your chances of winning by playing the SYSTEM. You may opt to play Roll 5, Sys 7 up to Sys 12.
To win a prize, you need to match at least three winning numbers. The more numbers you match, the greater your prize. For matching six numbers you win the JACKPOT amount.
In the event that there are no winners for the jackpot, the jackpot prize pool is carried forward to the next draw. Thus, the jackpot can get bigger. In case of multiple winners, jackpot prize will be divided equally.
To know if have you won, watched the live Lotto draw broadcasted over PTV4 and streamed over pcso.gov.ph, PCSO Games Hub and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Official Facebook page and PCSO Official YouTube Channel at 9:00PM.
Reminders from PCSO:
You must be at least 18 years old to buy 6/49 Super Lotto Tickets or claim your winnings. The 20.00 play amount is inclusive of 20% Documentary Stamp Tax (DST).
Players have the sole responsibility for checking the accuracy of the data printed on your ticket(s) including bet type, bet amount, the draw date you want to enter and the numbers you want to play.
Please ensure that you check your numbers at the official PCSO website. BusinessNews.ph cannot be held responsible for any misprints, typos, or inaccuracies that lead to any financial loss or failure to claim winnings.
METRO MANILA – Here are the 2D Ez2 Lotto Result Today, July 25, 2021, Sunday based on the official 2PM, 5PM, and 9PM Draws of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Check your tickets here!
2D Lotto is also known as Ez2 Lotto. It is one of the most popular digit games in the Philippines. The PCSO conducts live draws via social media for this game at 2PM, 5PM, and 9PM every day.
2D Lotto Result Today July 25, 2021 from PCSO:
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Congratulations to all the winners. if you did not make it in today’s draws, don’t worry, there are still more draws to come. 3D Swertres tickets are still at P20 each. Please check this post regularly for the latest 3D Swertres Lotto results from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Using the 2D Lotto playslip, select a set of two (2) numbers from a field of 1 to 3. You may also play the Lucky Pick (LP) if you do not have any number in mind. After marking your chosen numbers, mark the amount that you’re going to play for each combination. Play amount varies from PhP12.00 to PhP600.00 inclusive of 20% Documentary Stamp Tax (DST).
You can also mark “Rambolito” if you want to play the 2D Lotto System bet. The minimum play amount is 12.00 per 2-number combination.
In playing via Advance Draws, mark how many consecutive draws you want to play in the DRAW panel. You can play the same numbers and play type for six (6) consecutive draws.
Pay 12.00 for each play per draw.
You win 4,000.00 for every 12.00 play, if your selected 2-number combination match the winning 2-number combination in exact order. If you have selected the winning 2-number combination and have chosen the “Rambolito” game, you win 2,000.00 for every 12.00 play.
Reminders from PCSO:
You must be 18 years old or older to buy 2D Lotto Tickets or claim your 2D Lotto winnings.
The 12.00 play amount is inclusive of 20% Documentary Stamp Tax (DST)
Players have the sole responsibility for checking the accuracy of the data printed on your ticket(s) including bet type, bet amount, the draw date you want to enter and the numbers you want to play.
Please ensure that you check your numbers at the official PCSOwebsite. BusinessNews.ph cannot be held responsible for any misprints, typos or inaccuracies that lead to any financial loss or failure to claim winnings.
METRO MANILA – Here is the official 3D Lotto Result today, Sunday, July 25, 2021 from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) based on 2PM, 5PM, and 9PM live draws online.
3D also known as Swertres is one of the most popular digit games in the Philippines. The PCSO releases official 3D result / Swertres result for 25 July 2021 at 2pm, 5pm and 9pm. Refresh this page after the scheduled draw time to see the latest results.
3D Lotto Result Today July 25, 2021 from PCSO (Swertres):
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Congratulations to all the winners. if you did not make it in today’s draws, don’t worry, there are still more draws to come. 3D Swertres tickets are still at P20 each. Please check this post regularly for the latest 3D Swertres Lotto results from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Select your Swertres number combination by marking one (1) number out of numbers 0 to 9 in each of the three columns.
Mark LP (Lucky Pick) if you want the terminal to choose the number combination for you.
Select your play amount.
Mark Rambolito if you want to play Rambolito 3D Lotto System Bet.
For Advance Plays, mark the number of consecutive draws in the Draw panel.
Where to Claim 3D Lotto Prize/s
For P10,001.00 and up, excluding the Jackpot Prize, prizes can be claimed in PCSO Branch Offices in your area or at the PCSO Head Office.
For P24 up to P10,000, prizes can be claimed at the Lotto outlet where you bought your ticket or at the PCSO Branch Offices in your are.
Lotto New Schedule of Games
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Please ensure that you check your numbers at the official PCSOwebsite. BusinessNews.ph cannot be held responsible for any misprints, typos or inaccuracies that lead to any financial loss or failure to claim winnings.
First trade shows following pandemic, open to public for first time
The 37th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 7th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and will run until 29 July.
The twin shows are the first two physical trade fairs to be staged by the HKTDC since the pandemic began and are being held in a hybrid format for the first time, with both physical and online exhibitions. The online show will run until 5 August to help global jewellers capture business opportunities as the pandemic continues.
The 37th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and seventh HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today and runs until 29 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), helping jewellers capture business opportunities as the pandemic continues. The twin shows are the first physical trade fairs to be staged by the HKTDC since the pandemic began.The highlight zone at the Jewellery Show, World of Glamour, showcases a selection of refined and precious pieces.The Antique & Vintage Jewellery zone features a wide selection of antique pieces.
The physical fairs have attracted close to 440 exhibitors and are open to jewellery-loving public visitors for the first time. The majority of exhibitors are local companies as travel restrictions are still in effect between Hong Kong and the rest of the world. However, some overseas exhibitors have sent their local representatives to participate in the fairs, representing companies from Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Italy and India. Some of the overseas exhibitors are also joining the online exhibition. In addition to local trade buyers, the HKTDC has mobilised its 50 global offices to invite overseas buyers to take part in the fairs and conduct business deals via video conferencing.
Hong Kong exports of pearls, gemstones and rough diamonds increase by 83.1%
As the global economy begins to recover, and taking into account the relatively low base in the same period in 2020, Hong Kong’s exports of fine jewellery registered a sharp increase in the first five months of 2021, climbing 82.3% year-on-year to a total of HK$28.65 billion. For raw materials, the gross export value of pearls, gemstones and rough diamonds climbed 83.1% in the same period this year to HK$57.24 billion. The total export value of fine jewellery is already back to the pre-pandemic level with a positive export outlook for pearls, gemstones and rough diamonds.
There has also been a corresponding rise in confidence in the retail market. The provisional figure for retail sales in the first five months of 2021 is HK$146.31 billion, a rise of 8.9% year-on-year. There was also a sharp increase in the sale of jewellery products, watches and clocks and valuable gifts, climbing 34.2%. The jewellery industry is heavily reliant on the retail sector, which remains hampered by ongoing travel restrictions and compulsory quarantine measures. The full recovery of business and leisure travel is still dependent on the pandemic situation.
HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said: “The HKTDC twin jewellery shows provide a one-stop marketing and sourcing platform to showcase the latest and finest jewellery items as well as raw materials, helping Hong Kong to maintain its position as a trading and sourcing hub for this important sector. We are happy to see that the jewellery export and retail markets have been picking up, and we hope our fairs can assist industry players in navigating the current challenges.”
He added: “Following the availability of vaccines and the gradual rollout of the global vaccination programme, we have seen some easing in the local pandemic situation with a corresponding improvement in the consumer sentiment. The first payment under the Consumption Voucher Scheme will be made at the beginning of August, and we believe Hong Kong companies will grasp the opportunity presented by our shows to source jewellery of different types and price ranges in anticipation of this business opportunity. Meanwhile, consumers will soon have some extra money in their pockets and can join the shows to look for daily wearable or collectable jewellery items.”
World of Glamour showcases wide range of precious jewellery
Different product zones have been set up at the Jewellery Show this year, including the World of Glamour, the highlight zone that has attracted several well-known local jewellery companies to showcase a selection of refined and precious pieces including:
A Blue Sapphire and Diamond Set from Valerie & Co Limited (Booth 3E-F11) with natural South African diamonds and rare Sri Lankan sapphire that highlight its extraordinary preciousness. This is an extravagant and timeless piece for the collector.
The Monet collection designed by Sabina Lee of Green G. (Booth 3E-E12) pays due respect to the famous French impressionist painter, Claude Monet. Referencing Monet’s unique broken-colour painting technique, the designer has used precious and semi-precious stones of different colours and shades to create the Monet ring and earrings.
In addition, products zones such as Antique & Vintage Jewellery, Fine Jewellery, and Silver and Finished Jewellery highlight different kinds of accessories, such as jewellery made with gemstones, Fei Cui, antique pieces, trendy designs and more. Highlighted pieces include:
The Sparkling Ocean jewellery set from John Chan Jewellery Limited (Booth 3E-G29) in the Fine Jewellery zone features 14 baroque pearls, 94 emeralds and 735 diamonds. The set is one of a kind, showcasing a gorgeous and eye-catching glamour.
The Kingfisher Brooch presented by YUKINGFISHERART (Booth 3E-H11) in the Antique & Vintage Jewellery zone demonstrates traditional Chinese handicraft. This gorgeous and elegant piece has a bright shine and vibrant colours that will never fade.
Valuable jewellery raw materials on display
The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show features different product zones arranged according to raw stone categories to make it easier for buyers to find what they need. The Hall of Fine Diamonds showcases prime quality diamonds of different shapes, cuts, grades and rare colours. The Treasures of Nature zone displays a wide array of dazzling coloured stones and semi-precious gems from various regions, while the Treasures of the Ocean zone houses some rare fine pearls. An impressively large number of special exhibits are on display, including:
A Paraiba Tourmaline from RMC Gems Limited (Booth 3G-C02) features a delicate briolette cut where the refraction highlights the quality of the gem. The stone is a copper-bearing tourmaline with an extraordinary neon blue colour.
The Mix Shape Light Yellow Diamond Ring presented by Dynamic International (Booth 3F-F04) uses 18K white and yellow gold together with a pear-shape rose-cut diamond to create an elegant yet unique style.
Bright Town Gems Jewellery Co (Booth 3G-F02) showcases a series of 925 Silver Pendants with different precious stones such as black agate, prehnite, smoky quartz and rose quartz.
Expert sharing sessions broaden horizons of industry players
A host of seminars are being held during the twin shows, helping to boost the knowledge and broaden the horizons of jewellery industry players. The seminar “What’s Next for Jewellery Industry Supply Chains” will be hosted by a representative from De Beers tomorrow (26 July); representatives from Chow Tai Fook will talk about digital marketing on Tuesday (27 July); and a speaker from the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong (GAHK) will talk about the internationalisation and testing standards for Fei Cui.
Since the twin fairs are open to the public for the first time, there are also expert talks aimed specifically at jewellery-loving visitors. They include a representative from internationally renowned jewellery college L’ECOLE sharing on the art and science of rubies; representatives from the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong and Jade Manufacturers Association discussing how to appreciate rare-colour diamonds; and a representative from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) introducing its pearl evaluation methods. In addition, visitors can learn how to make rose twist rings at the “Rosy Twist – Handmade Rose Ring Tutorial”.
Daily lucky draws offer quality prizes
The Jewellery Smart Bidding session is being held today (25 July) with visitors invited to bid for their favourite jewellery items among 20 pieces starting at around 10% of the original prices. Various jewellery parades and lucky draws are also being held throughout the fairs. Lucky draw prizes include an 18K white gold pendant with a natural ruby and diamonds, an Italian 925 Sliver 18K rose gold vermeil simple-cuff bangle, Fei Cui ornaments, and more.
Physical edition of International Sourcing Show runs concurrently
The physical edition of the HKTDC International Sourcing Show begins tomorrow and runs for four consecutive days (26 to 29 July) in parallel with the twin jewellery shows at the HKCEC. The International Sourcing Show will take the form of a display showcase featuring thousands of the latest products. Themed “Your Source of Inspirations”, the event will highlight a broad range of quality lifestyle products and solutions under four themed categories:
Smart Home features household and textiles items for the bathroom, bedroom, dining room, kitchen, living room, home workspace and garden
Smart Play showcases kids’ products, including dolls and figurines, vehicle toys, interactive and educational games, as well as baby care and nursery products, accessories, strollers and gear
Smart Tech displays electronic products, medical and healthcare products, and lighting solutions
Smart Style highlights a range of garments, fashion accessories and gift ideas, as well as printing and packaging solutions
Moreover, the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association, Guizhou Provincial Department of Commerce from Mainland China, Korean Trade-Investment Promotion Agency as well as the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry from Korea have organised group pavilions presenting a quality selection of offerings to buyers.
About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels.
Media enquiries
HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department
Agnes Wat, Tel: +852 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org
Janet Chan, Tel: +852 2584 4369, Email: janet.ch.chan@hktdc.org
CASPER, WYO – Onomy Protocolhas recently announced plans to open the world of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) to traditional Centralized Finance (CeFi) operators with its ambitious cross-chain stablecoin infrastructure.
Institutions worldwide are looking to tap into blockchain’s edge on secure, trustless, and quick transactions. Financial entities are aware there is a Great Financial Migration currently underway, but they face significant stumbling blocks as they move their currency operations on-chain. Goldman Sachs’ Crypto Trading Desk is one of the first forays into blockchain by a major bank, with private entities like Fidelity Investments providing enterprise-grade custody and execution services for institutional investors. Likewise, JPMorgan has just announced plans to give wealthy clients direct access to crypto funds.
Despite the acknowledgment of the promising underlying technology, volatility is cited as the primary concern holding back traditional institutions. This has led to the proliferation of ‘stablecoins’ that are digital crypto tokens pegged to major national currencies, enabling access to decentralized finance and crypto financial infrastructure whilst evading volatility concerns. Stablecoins have grown from a market capitalization of $10B, to over $108B within the year, spawning an entirely new segment of financial products that offer extremely competitive yield when compared to traditional financial products. Stablecoins are currently dominated by US Dollars, but Onomy Protocol sees an imminent future wherein other major national currencies will gain prominence in the cryptocurrency space – opening the door to foreign currency exchange markets (Forex) migrating on-chain.
Onomy Protocol provides the bridge for this migration, empowering institutions to onboard their fiat exchange operations on-chain through the use of stablecoins, conceiving a new and enhanced outlet for the $6.6 trillion daily volume traded across the foreign exchange markets. Through Onomy, users are empowered with a secure platform to onboard their liquidity into decentralized finance in a manner that evades volatility concerns and provides access to novel products and yield opportunities not present in traditional finance.
By making Forex more accessible by plugging it into the booming blockchain economy, it opens opportunities for banks, enterprises, and retail users to enhance the utility of their assets. Institutions have traditionally struggled to implement new technologies at scale due to the size of their operations and depth of asset pools, but Onomy Protocol’s products will sustain the migration.
Moreover, each blockchain platform is siloed unto itself, increasing friction and inefficiencies when attempting to exchange assets cross-chain. Onomy is built on cross-chain architecture, enabling assets to transfer freely amongst prominent blockchain economies.
Onomy Protocol bolsters adoption through the suite of products available on its ecosystem, powered by the ONET blockchain, a Proof-of-Stake and application-specific network operating at unprecedented efficiency. These include the ONEX (Onomy Exchange), a hybrid DEX that converges automated market maker (AMM) and order book functionalities into a standalone stablecoin & native assets exchange, suitable for emulating the Forex market on-chain.
The stablecoin economy is a force to be reckoned with, granted that even under the heavy storm of market plunges, stablecoins have proven resilient and have effectively maintained their peg, allowing for the entire market to grow due to the confidence in these digital safe havens.
Onomy Protocol, therefore, plans to build on the success of fiat-pegged digital assets, opening this economy to holders of the world’s 100+ currencies, who may easily mint, trade, and lend stablecoins.
Institutions will participate and onboard liquidity into a cross-chain stablecoin economy in an efficient manner that emulates and eventually supersedes their traditional operations. With trustless transactions being validated at speed, financial institutions can leverage their currency reserves to take advantage of the DeFi marketplace and other opportunities that develop as blockchain technology evolves.
To enact this goal, Onomy has announced one of its partnerships with Avalanche, a prominent and interoperable blockchain economy backed by Andreesen Horowitz’s A16z crypto fund, which facilitates the deployment of decentralized apps and enterprise blockchains.
Onomy Protocol aims to serve as the world’s decentralized reserve bank. In allowing both retail and institutional users to mint, deploy, exchange and utilize their currency reserves through digital stablecoins that can interact with the entire DeFi landscape, it solves long-standing issues that hamper the potential of the Forex market. Just as the computer and the movement away from the gold standard unleashed an economic explosion in the mid-seventies, Onomy hopes to be the bridge that realizes the potential of currency markets, and the currency itself.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar led the groundbreaking ceremony of the P10 million (M) swine multiplier farm to rise at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) in Bacnotan, La Union on July 22, 2021.
The multiplier farm will serve as a learning center for the university students and provide extension support services and enhance policy advocacies aimed at producing and providing quality hogs for the province and nearby areas.
Seeing the need for a modernized center to cater to the needs of DMMMSU students and local hog raisers in the North, Secretary Dar, in his message, committed an additional P10M funding to be sourced from the savings of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 1.
“I believe that the engine of growth for agricultural development are technology and innovation. Through these, we can achieve increased yield and better income of our farmers,” he said.
Aside from the multiplier farm, DA also awarded DMMMSU a farm-to-market road (FMR) project worth P37.5M, a road development project leading to the multiplier farm at P8M, a demonstration farm and training center worth P4.875M, and various farm machineries and equipment valued at P3M.
“The DA cannot work on its own, and so I urge the academe to be one of our partners for the steady growth of the agri-fishery sector and attain a sustainable and resilient Philippine agriculture for the future generations,” he stressed.
On top of the P63M worth of projects turned over to the state university, Sec. Dar committed another P25M in funds for a proposed FMR project.
“We will continue to extend support and maintain a strong collaboration with DMMMSU so together we can push for a higher level of learning and produce a roster of innovative and productive graduates,” the agri chief said.
The Secretary added that it is important for the state universities to have areas and centers where the students can put into practice what they learned from the books.
“Mas kailangan ng experience ng estudyante at trainees to enable them to produce quality and sustainable food supply. You need to have actual projects in order to learn,” he concluded. (ARodriguez, DA-AFID)
The government has secured ample supply of COVID-19 vaccines that could be administered throughout August as the country received a total of 27.9 million doses of the jabs out of the 164 million doses for procurement, the country’s vaccine czar said on Monday.
“So mayroon po tayong ample na supply na hindi po tayo kakabahan sa month ng August. Ang tinitingnan po natin ngayon ‘yung month ng September,”
Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said in his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in Davao City.
Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said they expect to receive the remaining 136.1 million doses or 83 percent within six months.
Of the total number of vaccines delivered, 15.1 million doses were administered; 10 million as first dose and 4.7 million as second dose, according to Galvez.
“And then ‘yung ating stockpile, doses to be administered on stockpile on the different warehouses is 12.8 million. Nasabi na po natin na ‘yung 12.8 million ay equivalent po ‘yan sa 32 days na gagamitin po natin na ang average is 400,000 a day,” he told the President.
So far, more than 4.7 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated after the Philippines has breached the 15 million mark of administered COVID-19 vaccine doses last July 17, he stressed. It only took government three days to administer one million jabs after it reached 14 million last July 14.
“Meaning, ibig sabihin po, Mr. President, is sa tatlong araw nakapagbabakuna po tayo ng isang milyon. Iyon po ang na-accomplish po natin ngayon, Mr. President.”
The government also reached the highest throughout last July 15, with 391,283 jabs.
It also achieved the highest number of jabs administered on a weekly basis after administering 1.8 million doses last week, he reported.
Galvez said the arrival of more vaccines in the country is the reason why more Filipinos are receiving their jabs in the past few days.
Last month, the Philippines only received 9 million doses, but this month, it already had more than 10 million doses considering it’s just mid-July, the vaccine czar said, adding they expect to receive an additional 9,353,340 doses.
In total, the Philippines already acquired 27.9 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
The government deployed last week 3 million doses of AstraZeneca donated the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility and Japan and one million doses of Sinovac’s CoronaVac procured from China.
Another 3.2 million dosages of Johnson & Johnson vaccine are also being deployed to different areas.
Since the detection of the Delta variant in the country, the government has prioritized sending vaccines to areas of concern — Northern Mindanao, National Capital Region (NCR), Western Visayas, and those under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). (PND)
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved the travel restrictions for all travelers coming from Malaysia and Thailand or those with travel history to Malaysia and Thailand within the last fourteen (14) days preceding arrival in the Philippines.
Beginning 12:01AM of July 25, 2021 until 11:59PM of July 31, 2021, such travelers shall be prohibited from entering the Philippines.
Passengers already in transit from the abovementioned countries, and all those who have been to the same within 14 days immediately preceding arrival to the Philippines, who arrive before 12:01AM of July 25, 2021, may still be allowed to enter the country but will be required to undergo a full 14 day facility quarantine, notwithstanding a negative Reverse Transcription – Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) result.
These travel restrictions, however, are subject to the same exceptions on repatriation and special commercial flights for Filipinos, but they have to follow the prescribed testing and quarantine protocols.
This action is undertaken to prevent the further spread and community transmission of COVID-19 variants in the Philippines. (OPS-PCOO)
