NEWS
Love pets? Protect yourself and your furbabies from rabies
We can’t help but love our pets. They provide us companionship and comfort, which can benefit us in many ways especially now that we’re spending more time at home. But while pets are undoubtedly therapeutic, unfortunately, they also have the potential to pose a threat to our health. One of these is rabies infection.
A bite or even a scratch of an animal can transmit this virus to humans, which can put you and your pet’s life in danger.
According to the Department of Health, almost half of the annual rabies cases in the Philippines involve domesticated pets. This means that now more than ever, furparents need to be extra vigilant in protecting themselves and their pets.
There are current ways to prevent this such as vaccinating our pets, but it is still essential to know what to do once exposed.In celebration of World Rabies Day last September 28, ZP Therapeutics, a division of Zuellig Pharma Corporation, advocated for early prevention, proper treatment, and control of the disease.
During a virtual event entitled, “Review of Animal Bite Management”, the company took the opportunity to provide continuing education to the healthcare community while spreading information to the public.
General and Laparoscopic Surgeon Dr. Vinzon Valencia, FPSGS, FPCS, led the insightful discussion, which revolved around this year’s theme, “Rabies: Facts, Not Fear”.
It updated participants on the latest rabies information and clinical management. Ultimately, the event highlighted the importance of proper information and how that can greatly help us in our fight against rabies.
How is rabies transmitted?
Protecting ourselves from rabies starts with knowing and understanding the different ways in how it can be contracted. There are three categories of exposure, depending on the severity and area of exposure:
Category I, which is transmitted through:
- Feeding or touching the infected animal, licking of intact skin;
- Exposure to a patient with signs and symptoms of the infection by sharing of eating and/or drinking utensils;
- Casual contact and routine delivery of healthcare to the symptomatic patient.
Category II can be transmitted through:
- Nibbling of uncovered skin, with or without bruising or hematoma;
- Minor or superficial scratches or abrasions without bleeding, including those induced to bleed;
Category III can be transmitted through:
- Transdermal bites (such as puncture wounds, lacerations, avulsions) or scratches or abrasions with spontaneous bleeding;
- Licks on broken skin or mucous membrane;
- Exposure to a rabies patient through bites, contamination of mucous membranes or open skin lesions, and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation;
- Unprotected handling of an infected carcass;
- Ingestion of raw infected meat;
- Exposure to bats;
- All Category III exposures on the head and neck area.
What to do after possible exposure?
If you’ve been bitten, scratched, or may have been exposed to rabies via any of these three categories, immediately wash the wounded with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
This is the most reliable way to lower your chances of infection. Dr. Valencia advised against dressing the wounded area, as this will only favor the growth of bacteria and increase the likelihood of infection. Self-medicating is also strongly discouraged, though, for it’s best to just leave the situation to our healthcare professionals.
So if you are seeking help from traditional healers like manghihilot, tandok, or tawak, know that this will just even promote the spread of infection, and it won’t be of any help!
For Category II & III exposures, it is best to see a healthcare provider for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 24 hours.
Your healthcare provider will assess the patient and shall administer the necessary rabies vaccine or rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) shots. The schedule of these shots will follow WHO’s updated recommendations on the rabies vaccine regimen schedule, as discussed by Dr. Valencia. Make sure not to skip though, for your doses should be completed until Day 7, regardless of the status of the biting animal.
Are there any contraindications on Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIGs)?
Worried about getting your Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) after getting exposed? Don’t fret. According to Dr. Valencia, there are no contraindications for rabies vaccines and RIGs. This also goes for breastfeeding and pregnant women, and even someone who has recently received a COVID-19 vaccine.
In view of rabies infection’s risk to our lives, we should prioritize administration of PEP no matter what the case may be. Getting protected from rabies infection is always more important because it can save someone’s life.
Indeed, knowledge is key when it comes to dealing with rabies. As Dr. Valencia said, “Rabies is fatal and irreversible but it is avoidable”.
It can save your life, your loved one’s life, and of course, spare your furbaby from the dangerous disease. Join ZP Therapeutics in taking World Rabies Day as an opportunity to educate ourselves.
Even in the smallest way we can, by spreading facts and not fear, we can all make rabies a thing of the past.
NEWS
Rep. Atayde: No ghost projects in QC’s first district
3:30 p.m. October 27, 2025
Quezon City First District Representative Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde reiterated that there are no “ghost projects” in his district, following a personal inspection of seven flood control and drainage projects in his district.
“There are no ghost projects with us. There’s no ghost in District One. There’s no basis for claims that these exists. Maybe there’s just a need for proper coordination so information about the projects is accurate,” Atayde said after visiting sites in Barangay Bahay Toro, Del Monte, Project 6, and San Antonio.
Atayde’s visit confirmed findings from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Quezon City 1st District Engineering Office, which stated in a September 19 letter that “all projects are verifiable on site,” referring to the seven projects questioned due to alleged lack of coordinates.
According to the DPWH, out of 66 alleged ghost projects reported in the media, only seven were located in Atayde’s district, where all of them were found to be completed or ongoing, with proper documentation, correct coordinates, and photographic evidence.
Verified projects included four flood control structures along Culiat Creek and Dario Creek in Barangay Bahay Toro, rehabilitation of Drainage Road 3 in Project 6, the West Riverside Pumping Station in Barangay Del Monte, and a flood control structure along San Francisco River in Barangay San Antonio.
Atayde said five of the seven projects were completed, while two were suspended due to pending issues.
He also visited two additional flood control projects to assess their status – one completed along Dario Creek and one suspended along Mariblo Creek.
Atayde assured to his constituents that public funds were used properly and allegations of ghost projects are “baseless”.
“The projects are not ghosts – they can be seen, touched, and are beneficial. It looks like Halloween came early for some people,” Atayde said.
He also called on those who accused him of benefiting from these projects to verify their information first.
Atayde emphasized he couldn’t benefit from these DPWH projects as they’re already in the National Expenditure Program (NEP), and he couldn’t unilaterally include them in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) as he’s not a member of the bicameral conference committee.
“We all want to end corruption and jail the corrupt, but we won’t succeed if we punish the wrong people,” the lawmaker said.
He further reiterated the DPWH’s assertion that there are no ghost projects in Atayde’s district.
“The evidence speaks for itself, and the evidence speaks the truth,” Atayde said.
NEWS
COA uncovers more fraud in Bulacan flood control projects, files new reports with ICI
6:30 p.m. October 26, 2025
The Commission on Audit (COA) has submitted four additional Fraud Audit Reports to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), exposing further irregularities in flood control projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.
These reports detail cases of mismatched sites, ghost projects, and the use of substandard materials, leading to significant public funds being misspent.
SYMS Construction Trading
Balagtas River Project (P46.35 million): Despite full payment, no real construction was found at the approved site. DPWH representatives directed COA to a different location where a structure made of unsuitable materials and exposed steel bars was observed. DPWH’s own records showed 0.00% completion.
Maycapiz-Taliptip River Project (P92.59 million): This project was reported as 100% accomplished and fully paid, yet COA found no flood control structure during inspection, labeling it a “ghost project.”
L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc. and M3 Konstract Corporation (Joint Venture)
Barangay Piel, Baliuag Project (P96.50 million): Satellite imagery revealed an existing flood control structure at the approved site even before the contract began. DPWH pointed COA to an incorrect site, where an existing structure failed to meet project specifications.
DARCY & ANNA BUILDERS & TRADING
Barangay Carillo, Hagonoy Project (P74.11 million): Despite a supposed completion date of October 3, 2024, satellite images and COA’s inspection confirmed no structure was built at the approved site.
In all cases, DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO failed to provide crucial supporting documents to COA, hindering validation of the projects.
Individuals Held Liable
Several individuals from DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO have been identified as liable, including District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, and Planning and Design Section Chief Ernesto C. Galang, along with various project engineers and company representatives from the involved contractors.
Those implicated may face charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Revised Penal Code for malversation and falsification of documents, and violations of COA Circular No. 2009-001 and the Government Procurement Reform Act.
These audit findings will support the ICI’s ongoing investigation into government infrastructure project irregularities. COA Chairperson Cordoba’s directive on August 12, 2025, initiated an immediate audit of all DPWH flood control projects in Bulacan from July 1, 2022, to May 30, 2025. This new batch of reports contributes to the 25 Fraud Audit Reports already submitted to oversight bodies, reinforcing COA’s commitment to transparency and protecting public funds, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for accountability. Additional reports are expected as the audit continues.
NEWS
DITO delivers superior network performance, turning digital aspirations into possibilities
8:11 p.m. August 28, 2025
DITO Telecommunity showcased how superior connectivity transforms Filipino digital aspirations into achievable realities during the successful media launch of the telco’s latest campaign, Kaya DITO, held at Manila House, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Built on True 5G standalone technology and as validated by a global leader in mobile analytics and insights, Opensignal, as the Philippines’ Fastest Mobile Network, DITO’s ecosystem proves that the Filipino telecommunity’s demand for seamless network connectivity, value-driven services and unified digital experience aren’t distant possibilities, but today’s basic expectations—this challenges what the telco industry has long normalized.
“For too long, outages, dropped calls, and overpriced data have been treated as normal. Let us say it bluntly: It is not normal. Every Filipino has limitless potential when equipped with the right tools, and the game is now changing since DITO has joined the fray and taken up the cause to disrupt the status quo—to deliver inclusive, next-gen technology to the Filipino people. “Kaya DITO!” is our battle cry to symbolically break that cycle, because we truly believe that Filipinos deserve better,” shared by DITO Telecommunity President Eric Alberto in the event.
The Telco that Truly Takes Care of its Users
DITO’s prepaid solutions eliminate the frustration of wasted data through Level-Up Packs with ViLTE technology, making DITO the primary telco offering unlimited DITO-to-DITO HD video calls and unli mobile calls. Combined with Viber and Prime Video inclusions and flexible data packages with longer validity periods, users can now maximize their every peso without worrying about abruptly expiring data allocations.
The Telco that Offers Value-Packed Postpaid Plans
DITOFlexPlan 888 redefines what postpaid should offer—comprehensive inclusions and generous data at prices that make sense for Filipino budgets. Whether you choose SIM-only or device bundles, these plans prove that premium network performance doesn’t have to break the bank, empowering users to pursue their goals without connectivity compromises.
The Telco that Brings True 5G Home Internet Convenience
DITO WoWFi Pro 365 makes home connectivity effortless with a year-long unlimited connection that works when you need it. Families enjoy the convenience of reliable internet for work, study, and entertainment without the inconvenience of data top-ups and complicated installations; just network performance that simplifies your digital life at home. Just ask any of your relatives and friends who have already ditched ordinary WiFi and jumped onto WoWFi— they will tell you what you’ve been missing out on.
The Telco that Built Everything You Need in One App
The DITO App represents one of the industry’s most comprehensive digital platforms, built from the ground up to handle the entire customer journey. From SIM and load purchase to account management and a wide range of OTT apps, users enjoy complete digital control with custom special offers, DITO Rewards points, and 24/7 customer support—managing everything while earning exclusive benefits.
Rep. Atayde: No ghost projects in QC’s first district
COA uncovers more fraud in Bulacan flood control projects, files new reports with ICI
DigiPlus earns first ASEAN Golden Arrow Award for corporate governance excellence
