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
SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility: A model for water sustainability
9:31 p.m. September 5, 2024
SM City Baguio is making significant strides in water stewardship with its innovative rainwater treatment facility (RTF), launched in July 2023.
In the months since, the facility has already processed over 17,111.80 cubic meters of rainwater – equivalent to 7 Olympic-size swimming pools, or enough to fill over 6,800 standard water tankers – into potable water for the SM mall’s operations and for their lessees’ use.
This initiative supplements the mall’s water supply from the Baguio Water District and significantly contributes to the city’s water security and the safety of its residents. Located at the mall’s basement level, the RTF provides 30% of the mall’s total monthly average requirement for clean water that is safe for consumption and food preparation.
“There is a critical need for reliable and safe water sources,” said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. “And SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility is a commendable initiative that directly addresses this need. We hope that other private establishments can adopt similar projects for the efficient use of our water resources.”
The RTF utilizes a meticulous six-step treatment process, with equipment monitored and parameters checked in real time to ensure optimal performance. The processed water undergoes regular testing by the city’s accredited testing facility and consistently passes all water potability standards.
“This facility is a testament to SM Prime Holdings’ commitment to sustainable operations and to the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls’ Vice President and Sustainability and Resilience Head. “By maximizing rainwater harvesting and treatment, we are not only reducing our reliance on the city’s water supply but also contributing to a healthier and more resilient Baguio City.”
The impact of the RTF extends beyond the mall itself. With reduced reliance on the city’s water supply, water haulers have been able to service more households, particularly during periods of water scarcity experienced throughout the city.
SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility stands as a shining example of how businesses can play a vital role in addressing critical community needs through innovative and sustainable solutions.
SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon in integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.
NEWS
SCG reports P5.856B H1 net profit
11:14 a.m. September 4, 2024
SCG recently announced its operating results for Q2/2024, reporting a surge in its second-quarter profit, buoyed by economic upturns in Vietnam and Indonesia.
The company is implementing strategies to counter domestic economic headwinds and global uncertainties, including cost-cutting measures, AI integration, and a push into low-carbon cement.
Thammasak Sethaudom, SCG President and CEO, revealed that total revenue for Q2 reached P202.456 billion (US$ 3.542 billion), a three percent quarter-on-quarter increase.
Net profit surged by 53 percent to P5.856 billion (US$ 102 million) during the same period.
For the first half of the year, SCG generated a total revenue of P398.707 billion (US$ 6.976 billion), nearly matching the previous year’s figures.
The company’s revenue streams were diversified across its business units, with SCG Chemicals contributing the most significant portion at 39 percent.
Despite facing headwinds such as the petrochemical downturn, intense competition, and a sluggish domestic economy, SCG has managed to sustain its growth trajectory through a series of strategic initiatives.
To mitigate rising energy costs, the company has boosted alternative fuel use in its cement operations, achieving a 47% utilization rate in Thailand. SCG also focuses on high-growth segments like solar energy solutions and has invested in technology to optimize its supply chain and distribution network.
Furthermore, the company has leveraged artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency by tailoring its product offerings to meet customer needs, such as CPAC’s compact concrete mixer trucks designed for urban construction.
SCG had robust sales in the first half of 2024, with new products and green initiatives contributing significantly to its overall performance. High-value-added products and services accounted for 39 percent of total sales, while environmentally friendly products under the SCG Green Choice brand made up 54 percent. The company also saw strong growth in its overseas operations, with 44 percent of total revenue generated outside Thailand.
By the second quarter, SCG had a strong financial performance, driven by robust economic recovery in Vietnam and Indonesia. However, the company cautioned that the overall economic landscape remains challenging, particularly in Thailand, where recovery has been slower.
To navigate these conditions, SCG has built up a substantial cash reserve of 124,616 Million PHP (US$ 2,180 million) and focuses on innovative solutions to meet customer needs. The company is also capitalizing on infrastructure development in Indonesia and Vietnam, where government spending is on the rise.
SCG is ramping up its global presence and product offerings. The company is aggressively promoting its Low Carbon Cement, with exports to the US surpassing 1 million tons. Expansion into Vietnam and Australia is underway. In addition to cement, SCG is diversifying its portfolio. Its distribution arm, SCG Distribution and Retail, is expanding its retail footprint in ASEAN, with Mitra10 leading the charge. SCG Smart Living is introducing new landscape materials and HVAC systems.
The company is also making significant strides in the construction materials sector, with a focus on high-value products and expanding into new markets like India. SCG Chemicals is recovering from plant disruptions but faces industry challenges. To mitigate risks, the company is investing in green innovations and plastic recycling. The upcoming Long Son Petrochemicals project is a key growth driver.
SCG Packaging is expanding its capacity to meet rising demand, especially in tourism and services. The company is also venturing into medical supplies and labware. SCG Cleanergy is focusing on solar energy solutions and energy storage.
Despite economic challenges, SCG’s ASEAN operations have shown strong growth, driven by the recovery in Vietnam. The company continues to invest in research and development, with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
SCG’s commitment to the local market is evident through initiatives like the NATCON-CONEX 2024 exhibition and dealer appreciation programs. The company is poised to capitalize on growth opportunities in the ASEAN region and beyond.
NEWS
PH boxing prospect Martin takes on Mexican in overseas debut
9:35 p.m. September 3, 2024
BIGTIME Filipino boxing prospect Carl Jammes Martin will be debuting in the American continent on Friday against Mexican battle-tested Anthony Jimenez Salas in a non-title super bantamweight bout at Culican, Sinoloa, Mexico.
The 25-year-old Lagawe, Ifugao warrior will be bringing his unbeaten win-loss record of 23-0 with 18 knockouts to Mexican country to start his journey of becoming a world champion next year after moving to the United States six months ago.
“I feel this is the right time to fight and prove myself here abroad. This is the time to show that I am ready after being trained in the Knuckleheads Boxing Ranch training compound in Las Vegas, Nevada,” Martin said. “This is what I needed to take me to the world title in 2025.”
“I would like to thank Manny Pacquiao, Sean Gibbons, and then my team for all the help in my move to Las Vegas, the high rugged training and conditioning that I have been throughout my stay in the US to intensify myself,” Martin added.
Martin has been honing his skills in Las Vegas since a few months ago, taking on world class fighters Bruce “Shushu” Carrington and another Filipino-American prospect DJ Zamora, among others, in sparring sessions.
“He has been sensational training and working with the best boxers coming in the Knuckleheads gym everyday. They are seeing his diet and training workouts. By coming to the US, he’s there to improve more his craft and be a global boxing star, a world champion,” Sean Gibbons said.
Gibbons, the Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions president and international matchmaker, said that Martin is the last of the best prospects that were left from the Philippines and helped to train in the United States.
“Martin is a diamond in the rough or has a great potential to be a world champion. Just like the other Filipino boxers, he is a promising individual, has the talent, the attitude, and the skills to follow the footsteps of former world Filipino champions,” Gibbons added.
Martin is presently ranked No. 3 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 6 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
Salas, 28, is a very tough brawler from Mazatlan, Mexico. He is sporting an 18-9-1 win-loss-draw record with five knockouts.
“Carl Martin will be carrying the tradition of a great rivalry between Philippines versus Mexico. He looks forward to carrying on that tradition,” Gibbons said.
5-star drop-resistant HONOR X6b now available in PH exclusively on Shopee starting this 9.9 for only P5,399!
SM City Baguio’s rainwater treatment facility: A model for water sustainability
SCG reports P5.856B H1 net profit
