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That week – of hearing P.I. and backbiting – makes one weak

DC Alviar
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That week – of hearing P.I. and backbiting – makes one weak

I heard one say on television that that P.I. is so bad it meant the other way – the scandalous way. But as we know, it is the acronym of people’s initiative, a mode chosen by some for their informally proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution. To make things worse (or worsening the worst?) in just a matter of one week, Marcoses and Dutertes (or Dutertes and Marcoses), the two dynastic political elites that immediately come to the minds of Philippine observers, figured in backbiting to the extreme.

If the faithful promote the saying “seven days without praying makes one weak,” Marcos Jr. and Rodrigo Duterte, post-EDSA presidents, may be out to promote a strong week meant for “bardagulan” which is the slang for aggressively trading insults online. Are the political leaders rallying us to disunite?

The way I see it, the week should have been more about our foreign relations with China and our deep acknowledgment of educational issues raised by no less than EDCOM II and perusing its sharp, urgent recommendations.

What I first heard was: “Merong rally bukas, magpi-pink ako.” What is clear is that wearing pink means one is neither a pro-Marcos nor pro-Duterte. It turned out that there were two rallies, instead of one (hindi kinayang ipaliwanag ng Presidential Communications Office kung bakit nataon pang dalawa; silent lang sila sa isang rally pero todo-pabida sa rally that launched Bagong Pilipinas).

Madali lang talagang gumasta ngayon, or si Vice President Sara Duterte lang, hindi tayo. Dalawa ba naman ang kanyang dinaluhang rallies: Luneta sa araw at Davao City sa gabi. Sabi naman ng iba, normal na pakikipagpaligsahan lang niya iyon kay Marcos Jr dahil ang naunang linggo ay hitik na hitik sa usapin sa pangulo na natuligsa matapos siyang gumamit ng helicopter para makapanood ng concert ng Coldplay samantalang ang mga tao nama’y bumiyahe sa sobrang traffic. Eroplano o helicopter? Pareho. Laging handa ang pinaghihirapang bayarang buwis ng taumbayan pampagasolina sa kanila.

Kailan tayo naging handa to put food on the table sa mga hikahos, sa mga magsasakang walang masaka, walang magamit na teknolohiya, walang pamasahe, sa hinaing ng mga doktor at kanilang mga katuwang? At pinakahuli pero isa sa pinakamahalagang dapat tutukan sa nagdaang linggo: Naghahanda na ba tayo sa mga gastusin para maisulong ang agarang reporma sa edukasyon dahil sa “miseducation” / learning crisis na lumabas sa pag-aaral ng EDCOM II?

Anong usapin meron tayo? Bangayang Marcos-Duterte. Ang layo sa tamang pagtutok sa prayoridad. At lalong napakalayo sa pinangalandakang “pagkakaisa;” kung bakit naman pinaniwalaan ng mga botante ito bilang plataporma sa halip na bahagi lamang o consequential lamang sa matinong courses of action.

Baka mapansin ng ibang readers ang tila hindi pagtutok sa sinundang mga araw kung saan painit nang painit ang hidwaan ng dalawang makakapangyarihang pamilya. Nahagip pa nga ng government-owned TV station ang pag-iwas ni First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos sa limang hakbang na agwat niya kay Vice President Sara Duterte. Maya-maya, kinamayan at inakbayan niya ang Executive Secretary na katabi lamang din ng VP bago sumakay ng eroplano ang Pangulo at First Lady papuntang ibang bansa (ulit).

Magagamit na ba ang milyon/bilyon/trilyong investment pledges? O hindi pa tayo handa sa katotohanang ang pledge ay hindi pera?

Habang pinagre-resign ng kapatid ni VP Sara ang Pangulo at inuungkat na naman ng dating Pangulo ang sariling drug accusations laban sa kasalukuyang Pangulo (kinalauna’y nasundan ng “Fentanyl vs Bangag, Adik” ang helicopter laban sa eroplano), paano pa matututukan ni Sara Duterte ang mga rekomendasyon ng EDCOM II para agad na masimulan ang reporma sa edukasyon? Nasa gabinete siya ni Marcos Jr., kaya sinong mag-aakalang napakadali ng mga bagay-bagay at pakikibagay sa First Family ng babaeng mula sa Davao? Well, tinalakay na natin kamakailan dito sa Inside Academe ang napakahalagang pagbibitiw (nagawa na nga rin ni Marcos Jr sa kanyang Agriculture portfolio) sa tungkuling DepEd Secretary at mas mataas na pagsasaalang-alang na meron talagang tutok na oras sa kapakanan ng mga bata, guro, at buong sektor ng edukasyon.

“7 days w/o praying makes 1 weak? Magpatulong tayo kay Senadora Imee Marcos. Sa paraan ng panalangin, heto ang sabi niya: “Haplusin nawa Ninyo ang puso ng aking kapatid, ang Pangulo ng Pilipinas; buksan po Ninyo ang kanyang mga mata at bigyan N’yo siya ng kaliwanagan ng pag-iisip, gisingin N’yo po siya at ilayo sa mga demonyong nakapaligid sa Palasyo.”

Pero nanawagan ang dalawang kongresistang sina 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan at Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante na magdasal nang taimtim. “The sanctity of our prayers should not be overshadowed or darkened by political agendas,” ani Libanan. Para naman kay Abante: “When we pray, we communicate directly with our Father… It is our direct line to God, a sacred conversation meant for worship, repentance, and genuine supplication.”

Ironically, ang word na “spiritual,” pati “spirituality” na isang “common human phenomenon” (Swinton 2016) ay hindi man lang nabanggit sa 357-page EDCOM II report pero nabanggit naman ang Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities–Accrediting Agency, Inc., Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, at iba’t ibang private and public institutions, at may malalim na pagtalakay na may kinalaman sa Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers, pati ang ethical education. Napakahusay ng dokumentong ito. Mapagkakatiwalaan din ito dahil sa paggamit ng iba’t ibang eksperto sa working committees sa unang taon pa lamang nila ng pagtatrabaho. Sa mga hindi pa nakapagda-download – libre naman – at nakapagbabasa, mangyaring magbasa na nito na may ganitong bibliographic citation: Second Congressional Commission on Education (2024). Miseducation: The failed system of Philippine education, EDCOM II year one report. Second Congressional Commission on Education.

Mapangahas din ang cover art ni Niño Cris Odasis. Walang magagawa sa kapangahasan dahil gumamit lang ng simbolismo ng tunay na kalagayan ng edukasyon si Odasis: pagsasalarawan ng dalawang batang nakatulugan na ang pagod at hirap sa pag-aaral at natatabunan sila ng procurement/TESDA/DepED/CHED/NAT (issues), tarpaulin ng pagbati ni “Mayor Batman” sa pumasa sa board exam (LET) ng mga guro, mga silyang naglulumaan at tinubuan na ng kabute.

Nawa, sa susunod na linggo, makabawi naman tayo – sa panalanging may kaakibat na pagkilos – hinggil sa masinsinang usapin kung paano mapag-aayos ang imahe ng Pilipinas sa ibang bansa matapos (tapos na nga ba?) ang napakalalang iringan ng mga Duterte at Marcos na naibandera rin sa mga pahayagan at media sa ibayong dagat; konkretong solusyon at/o pagtugon sa paglaban sa kahirapan at pagpapataas ng GDP; kawalang trabaho; kagutuman; isyung pangkalusugan; pagkakawatak-watak ng mga partido pero sila naman ang nasa pwesto ng paglilingkod; pagkalustay ng malakihang pondo ng bayan; moro-morong paghahanap ng hustisya; at miseducation.

Interestingly it is “P.I.” when shortened, too. What prayer item do you have?

PCG boys successfully relocated Hawksbill turtle hatchlings in Romblon

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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PCG boys successfully relocated Hawksbill turtle hatchlings in Romblon

The Philippine Coast Guard, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), and Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) of Romblon successfully relocated and released 46 Hawksbill Turtle hatchlings in the Apunan Marine Sanctuary at Brgy. Agpanabat, Romblon, Romblon on February 1, 2024.

The initiative began when the Task Force Wildlife Romblon received information about the presence of turtle hatchlings in Sitio Pagatpat, Brgy. Agnaga, Romblon. Acting swiftly, they reported the matter to the Coast Guard Station Romblon.

Upon verification of the report, a dedicated team from the Task Force, accompanied by the Coast Guard, proceeded to the specified area. The team conducted a thorough assessment and identified potential risks at the current location that could endanger the lives of the hatchlings.

In the interest of their safety, the decision was made to relocate the 46 Hawksbill Turtle hatchlings to the Apunan Marine Sanctuary. Special care was taken during transportation to ensure the well-being of the hatchlings.

The Coast Guard Station Romblon, along with its substations and operational control units, played a crucial role in supporting the Task Force Wildlife Romblon throughout the relocation process. Their joint efforts exemplify a commitment to protecting and conserving the local wildlife.

In the interest of their safety, the decision was made to relocate the 46 Hawksbill Turtle hatchlings to the Apunan Marine Sanctuary. Special care was taken during transportation to ensure the well-being of the hatchlings. (Photo credits: PCG)

Controversial Easter poster of “pretty” Jesus sparks debate in Spain

Venus L Peñaflor
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Controversial Easter poster of “pretty” Jesus sparks debate in Spain

MADRID. A poster in the southern Spanish city of Seville featuring a youthful and handsome Jesus clad only in a loincloth has stirred a social media storm, drawing criticism for its depiction of Christ. Created by internationally acclaimed Seville artist Salustiano García Cruz, the poster portrays a fresh-faced Jesus without the traditional crown of thorns, devoid of a suffering expression, and with minimal wounds on the hands and ribcage. Commissioned and approved by the General Council of Brotherhoods, responsible for organizing the Holy Week processions in Seville, the artwork has ignited a passionate debate over the representation of a resurrected Christ.

The poster, unveiled last week, quickly became the subject of viral criticism on social media, with some considering it disrespectful, excessively attractive, modernist, and deviating from Seville’s Easter tradition. Spain, a predominantly Catholic country, holds religious traditions in high regard, attracting both believers and non-believers to events such as marriages, baptisms, and religious parades. A Change.org campaign urging the withdrawal of the Jesus poster garnered around 14,000 signatures from across the country.

In defense of his work, artist García dismissed the critics as old-fashioned and argued that his painting incorporated elements that have been present in sacred art for centuries. He stated, “There is nothing revolutionary in the painting. There is contemporaneity, but all the elements that I have used are elements that have been used in the last seven centuries in sacred art.”

Responding to accusations from conservative groups that the depiction was “effeminate” or “homoerotic,” García stated, “A gay Christ because he looks sweet and is handsome, come on! We are in the 21st century.”

The artist revealed that he used his son, Horacio, as the model for the controversial poster. Horacio noted the controversy surrounding the model’s attractiveness but emphasized that many compliments and good wishes were also received.

Despite calls to replace the poster before Holy Week at the end of March, the General Council of Brotherhoods has not taken action. Seville Mayor José Luis Sanz dismissed the controversy as “artificial” and expressed his support for the poster, acknowledging that Holy Week posters can vary in style each year. “Some posters are riskier, some more classical, some are more daring,” he commented.

Misis binaril ng mister dahil sa selosan

Arman B. Cambe
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Misis binaril ng mister dahil sa selosan

BAUAN, Batangas. Kritikal ang kalagayan sa ospital ng isang 28-anyos na misis matapos itong barilin sa kanang sentido ng kanyang mister sa Barangay Poblacion, bayang ito.

Kinilala ni Police Col. Nestor Cusi, ang hepe ng pulisya sa Bauan, ang biktima na si Krishna Castro na tinamaan sa ulo ng isang bala mula sa baril na pag-aari ng asawa nito na si Hernan Castro, 32 anyos at residente sa nasabing lugar.

Ayon sa imbestigasyon ng pulisya, selos ang naging dahilan ng pamamaril ni Hernan sa kanyang asawa, dahil sa madalas umanong pagbintang ni Krishna na may ibang babae ang kanyang mister.

Batay sa impormasyon na nakalap ng mga pulis sa mga kapitbahay ng pamilyang Castro, karaniwan ng marinig ang mga pagtatalo ng mag-asawa, lalo na at umuuwi si Hernan mula sa trabaho. Ngunit sa halip na harapin ang mga alitan, mas pinipili raw ng lalaki na umalis na lang upang hindi na umano lumala pa ang sitwasyon.

Noong Biyernes ng gabi, bandang 9:00 ng gabi, nakarinig ang mga kapitbahay ang muling pag-aaway ng mag-asawa. Sa pag-aakala na ito’y pangkaraniwang sigalot lamang, hindi na nila ito pinansin hanggang sa makarinig sila ng putok ng baril.

Agad na tinawagan ng mga kapitbahay ang barangay upang humingi ng tulong. Hindi nagtagal, isinugod sa ospital sa Cabuyao si Krishna ngunit agad namang nakatakas si Hernan.

Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy na iniimbestigahan ng Calabarzon Police Regional Office hinggil sa insidente at iniisa-isa ang mga saksi upang makuha ang buong kwento ng naganap na insidente. Samantalang, naisampa na laban kay Hernan Castro ang mga kaukulang kaso sa tanggapan ng piskalya.

Iraq reports 16 killed in US strikes; Iran-linked groups launch retaliatory attacks

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Iraq reports 16 killed in US strikes; Iran-linked groups launch retaliatory attacks

In response to what Iraq described as a “new US aggression,” at least 16 people, including civilians, lost their lives in US strikes in Iraq, according to government officials. The strikes targeted both civilian and security areas, resulting in 25 people sustaining injuries. The Iraqi government condemned the attacks, citing a violation of its sovereignty, and warned of potential dire consequences in the region.

The United States conducted the strikes in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for an attack that claimed the lives of American soldiers in Jordan amid Israel’s conflict with Gaza. The Iraqi government expressed concern that such aggressive actions would jeopardize security in Iraq and the broader region.

The Iraqi government refuted Washington’s claim of coordinating the air attacks with Baghdad, dismissing it as “false” and aimed at misleading international public opinion. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s office asserted that the presence of the US-led military coalition in the region has become a threat to Iraq’s security and stability.

In response to the situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the US charge d’affaires in Baghdad to formally protest the actions. Simultaneously, Iran-aligned groups claimed responsibility for attacking US bases in Syria, as well as western and northern Iraq.

Syria’s Ministry of Defence criticized the “aggression of the American occupation forces,” emphasizing that the targeted areas were where the military was engaged in combat against remnants of the ISIS armed group. Reports from Syrian state media indicated casualties in the country’s desert region and border areas with Iraq.

While the strikes did not occur within Iranian territory, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned them as “another adventurous action and another strategic error” by the US government. The ministry predicted that such actions would only intensify instability in the region.

The US National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, stated that the goal of the attacks was to deter Iran-aligned groups’ assaults rather than provoke a war with Iran. President Joe Biden asserted that the strikes would continue at chosen times and places.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) disclosed using bombers and over 125 precision munitions to target more than 85 locations, including command and control operations centers, intelligence centers, and weapons storage facilities of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Tehran-backed armed groups.

Despite Washington’s claim that its targets were supported by the Quds Force command of the IRGC, no Iranian personnel are believed to have been killed. The attacks came nearly a week after the killing of three US soldiers in a drone attack on the Tower 22 base near the Syria-Jordan border. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of forces viewing US troops as “occupying forces,” had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Reporting from Baghdad, Al Jazeera highlighted that the Iraqi resistance, including Iran-aligned groups, conducted retaliatory attacks. Missiles targeted the al-Tanf military base in Syria, housing US personnel, and the Ain al-Assad base in western Iraq. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, despite announcing a suspension of hostile operations against US troops earlier, claimed responsibility for an attack on the Harir base in Erbil, northern Iraq, using unspecified drones. However, security sources contradicted this, stating no attack had been detected on the air base hosting US forces.

US launches airstrikes on militias in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for fatal drone attack

Venus L Peñaflor
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US launches airstrikes on militias in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for fatal drone attack

WASHINGTON. The United States military carried out a significant air assault on multiple sites in Iraq and Syria, targeting Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on Friday. This operation marked the initial response to the drone strike that claimed the lives of three U.S. troops in Jordan last weekend.

The extensive series of strikes hit more than 85 targets across seven locations, including command and control headquarters, intelligence centers, rockets and missiles, as well as drone and ammunition storage sites. These facilities were linked to either the militias or the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force, responsible for Tehran’s support and arming of regional militias. President Joe Biden emphasized in a statement that this was only the beginning of the response.

While the strikes focused on militias in Iraq and Syria, there was a deliberate effort to avoid directly targeting Iran or the senior leaders of the Revolutionary Guard Quds Force within Iranian borders. The intention is to prevent further escalation of the conflict. Iran has consistently denied involvement in the Jordan attack.

The impact of the strikes remains uncertain. The warning given by the U.S. in the preceding days may have prompted militia members to scatter and seek refuge. Given the dispersed nature of the groups operating in various countries, achieving a decisive blow appears challenging.

Although Kataib Hezbollah, one of the main Iran-backed militias, announced a suspension of attacks on American troops, other groups pledged to continue their fight, presenting themselves as advocates for the Palestinian cause amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

President Biden asserted, “Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing.” He cautioned those who pose a threat to Americans, stating, “If you harm an American, we will respond.” U.S. leaders had consistently indicated that the response would be a sustained and “tiered” effort over time.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that the targets were selected carefully to avoid civilian casualties, based on clear evidence connecting them to attacks on U.S. personnel in the region. However, he did not disclose specific details of this evidence.

The strikes, conducted over approximately 30 minutes, targeted three sites in Iraq and four in Syria. Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, director of the Joint Staff, reported that more than 125 precision munitions were deployed, involving various aircraft, including long-range B-1 bombers flown from the United States. Weather conditions played a role in planning to confirm accurate targeting and minimize civilian casualties.

While it is unclear whether militia members were killed, Syrian state media reported casualties without specifying a number. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated that 18 militants were killed in the strikes in Syria.

Iraqi army spokesman Yahya Rasool condemned the airstrikes, considering them a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. He warned of undesirable consequences, asserting that the strikes undermine the efforts of the Iraqi government.

The assault occurred shortly after President Biden, along with top defense leaders, attended the return of the remains of the three Army Reserve soldiers killed in Jordan at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, earlier in the day, reiterated Tehran’s readiness to respond to any U.S. strikes targeting its interests. Kataib Hezbollah’s announcement of suspending military operations did not deter U.S. strike plans, as other groups vowed to continue their activities against U.S. troops.

The U.S. has attributed the attack in Jordan to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed militias. Kataib Hezbollah is considered a prime suspect. The heightened assaults by these groups have followed Israel’s conflict with Hamas, further inflaming tensions in the Middle East.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is a dangerous moment in the Middle East.” He reassured that the U.S. would take all necessary actions to defend its interests and people.

As of Tuesday, Iran-backed militia groups had launched 166 attacks on U.S. military installations since October 18, with 67 in Iraq, 98 in Syria, and one in Jordan. The recent attack in Jordan resulted in the first combat deaths of U.S. troops attributed to Iran-backed militias since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.

The U.S. has reinforced defenses at Tower 22, the base attacked in Jordan, and initiated self-defense strikes in Yemen against Houthi military targets deemed an imminent threat. The situation continues to evolve as regional tensions remain high.

Ilocos Region inabel weaving tradition finds a champion in Mia Aguila

Venus L Peñaflor
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Ilocos Region inabel weaving tradition finds a champion in Mia Aguila

In the heart of the Philippines, the Ilocos Region boasts a cultural gem that transcends centuries — the exquisite art of Inabel weaving. Rooted in history and tradition, Inabel dates back to a bygone era, spanning between the 16th century and the late 19th century, weaving together the rich tapestry of Ilocano culture.

Inabel, or Abel Iloko, is a manifestation of the meticulous craftsmanship of the Ilocano people. This time-honored tradition involves a meticulous process of spinning and weaving, resulting in fabrics renowned for their durability, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns. Beyond being mere textiles, Inabel serves as a symbolic representation of Ilocano identity and pride, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage.

In an era where ancient crafts face the threat of fading into obscurity, Mia Aguila has emerged as a devoted advocate for the preservation and promotion of Inabel weaving. Recognizing the urgency to safeguard this cultural legacy, Mia founded Tela de Bonita — a venture committed to not only marketing Inabel but also ensuring its recognition nationwide and worldwide.

Mia’s passion for Inabel extends beyond commerce; it is a mission to safeguard the centuries-old weaving tradition. Tela de Bonita serves as a bridge between the skilled artisans of Ilocos and a global audience eager to embrace the beauty and authenticity of Inabel. Through this initiative, she provides a platform for local weavers to showcase their talents while creating awareness about the cultural significance embedded in every thread of Inabel fabric.

By establishing Tela de Bonita, Mia not only seeks to market Inabel on a broader scale but also aims to nurture a sustainable future for the tradition. The venture becomes a conduit for the intergenerational transmission of skills and knowledge, empowering local artisans and ensuring the continuity of this venerable craft.

Inabel weaving, as highlighted by Mia, stands as a symbol of Ilocano industriousness and hospitality. The intricate artistry and craftsmanship involved in Inabel weaving reflect the diligence and hard work of the Ilocano people. Moreover, the tradition of Inabel weaving is deeply intertwined with the warm hospitality of the Ilocano culture, as it often serves as a means of creating intricate and beautiful woven fabrics that are shared and utilized within the community. This traditional craft not only preserves the rich cultural heritage of the Ilocanos but also embodies the spirit of hard work and generosity that characterizes their way of life.

Inabel, with its deep roots and intricate patterns, is no longer confined to the borders of the Ilocos Region. Thanks to Mia and Tela de Bonita, this traditional weaving art is finding its way into homes and hearts nationwide and worldwide, securing its place as a timeless cultural heritage. As she threads the needle between tradition and modernity, the vibrant fabric of Inabel continues to weave a narrative of resilience and cultural pride for generations to come.

Included in its product range are blankets, travel blankets, shawls, slippers, and bags featuring inabel, alongside household items like pillowcases, textile, placemats, table napkins, and table runners.

Products are accessible at the Hotel Felicidad lobby in Vigan City and are also available online through the official Tela De Bonita Facebook and Instagram pages. For inquiries, you may contact Tela De Bonita via email at TelaDeBonita22@gmail.com.

Mia featured on the radio program “Ang Inyong Kooperatiba,” discussing the promotion of Inabel and the preservation of its traditional heritage.
Mia Aguila, together with her husband, Vigan Mayor Bonito Singson, and their daughter Bonita, is captured in a moment at one of their Inabel expos.
Dress your table in the vibrant hues and intricate patterns of inabel – a perfect blend of tradition and modern elegance.
Indulge in the exquisite comfort and intricate beauty of inabel bed linens – where craftsmanship meets coziness for a restful retreat.
Included in Tela Bonita’s product range are blankets, travel blankets, shawls, slippers and bags featuring inabel, alongside household items like pillowcases, textile, placemats, table napkins, and table runners.

Lupus and other autoimmune diseases strike far more women than men. Now there’s a clue why

Venus L Peñaflor
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Lupus and other autoimmune diseases strike far more women than men. Now there’s a clue why

WASHINGTON. Women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases compared to men, and new research from Stanford University suggests that the reason may be linked to how the female body manages the extra X chromosome. The findings, reported Thursday, could potentially revolutionize the detection and treatment of a range of autoimmune disorders that have long posed challenges for diagnosis and treatment.

University of Pennsylvania immunologist E. John Wherry, not involved in the study, remarked, “This transforms the way we think about this whole process of autoimmunity, especially the male-female bias.”

Approximately 24 to 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune disorders, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and others. Strikingly, about 80% of patients are women, a gender-based mystery that researchers have grappled with for decades.

One prevailing theory has focused on the X chromosome, given that females possess two X chromosomes while males have one X and one Y chromosome. The new research, published in the journal Cell, sheds light on the role of the extra X chromosome but in an unexpected manner.

The study reveals that a unique RNA, known as Xist, plays a crucial role in silencing one of the X chromosomes in each female cell to prevent an overdose of genes. Xist, pronounced like “exist,” attaches to the extra X chromosome, attracting proteins that form clumps and effectively silencing it.

Dr. Howard Chang, a dermatologist at Stanford, and his team identified nearly 100 proteins linked to skin-related autoimmune disorders in this process. Chang speculated that Xist, exclusive to women, might organize proteins in a way that triggers the immune system.

To test this, male lab mice were genetically modified to produce Xist without silencing their lone X chromosome. These mice, when triggered, developed lupus-like autoimmunity similar to females.

Chang emphasized that Xist alone couldn’t cause autoimmune diseases; a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers, such as infections or injuries, is likely needed. The team engineered mice susceptible to lupus and found that those producing Xist exhibited lupus-like conditions when triggered.

Beyond animal studies, the researchers examined blood samples from 100 patients, uncovering autoantibodies targeting Xist-associated proteins not previously linked to autoimmune disorders. This suggests that existing tests for autoimmunity, often developed using male cells, may have overlooked crucial aspects.

While more research is needed, the findings open new avenues for understanding and potentially diagnosing autoimmune diseases more efficiently. Dr. Wherry from the University of Pennsylvania noted, “Now we have at least one big part of the puzzle of biological context.” Stanford’s Chang envisions the possibility of interrupting the RNA process as a future investigation step.

CDC study finds latest COVID shots 54% effective in preventing symptomatic infection

EDGARDO HERNAL
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CDC study finds latest COVID shots 54% effective in preventing symptomatic infection

NEW YORK. The most recent iterations of COVID-19 vaccines demonstrate a 54% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic infection in adults, as revealed by the first U.S. study evaluating their efficacy. These updated shots, designed to enhance protection against recent coronavirus variants, have been available since last year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted the study, examining 9,000 individuals tested for COVID-19 at CVS and Walgreens pharmacies. The analysis focused on identifying those who tested positive and assessing whether they had received the latest vaccine version.

The 54% effectiveness aligns with findings reported in other countries and mirrors results from a previous version of the vaccine, according to Ruth Link-Gelles, the lead author of the CDC study.

Future studies, expected later this year, will delve into the vaccine’s efficacy in preventing severe symptoms that necessitate medical attention or hospitalization, Link-Gelles stated.

Despite the CDC’s recommendation for these new shots for individuals aged 6 months and older, a significant portion of the American population has not yet received them. Recent CDC data indicates that only approximately 22% of U.S. adults and a mere 11% of children have been vaccinated with the latest shots. The slow uptake has contributed to a delay in researchers accumulating sufficient data to comprehensively assess the vaccines’ overall effectiveness, Link-Gelles explained.

Pagsabog sa fireworks factory sa Laguna: 5 na ang patay

Arman B. Cambe
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Pagsabog sa fireworks factory sa Laguna: 5 na ang patay

CABUYAO CITY, Laguna. Pumalo na sa lima ang bilang ng mga nasawi habang sampung tao naman ang sugatan matapos sumabog ang isang pagawaan ng paputok sa lungsod na ito, kamakalawa ng hapon.

Sa ulat ni Police Regional Office (PRO)-4A public information office chief Lt. Col. Chitadel Gaoiran, kinilala ang mga nasawi na sina Marvin Lamela Ocom, 27; Bebot Reymundodia, 44; Ricardo Olic-Olic, 51; Mylene Tarapidio at John Ronald Gonzales Deduro, 23.

Ang mga nasawi ay dinala sa iba’t ibang ospital ngunit binawian ng buhay habang tinutukan ng lunas dahil sa matinding sunog na tinamo.

Samantalang, ang mga sugatan ay dinala sa Ospital ng Cabuyao, Saint James Hospital, at PGH Hospital para sa agarang medikal na atensyon.

Batay sa paunang imbestigasyon, naganap ang malakas na pagsabog bandang alas-3:30 ng hapon sa Diamond Fireworks Inc. factory sa Purok 3, Brgy Bigaa, na nagdulot ng malaking sunog. Agad itong kumalat sa buong pagawaan hanggang sa mapatay ng mga bumbero ang apoy bandang alas-4:46 ng hapon kahapon.

Habang isinusulong ang pagsisiyasat, iniuugma pa ng Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) ang sanhi ng pagsabog.

Ayon sa mga ulat, hindi ito ang unang pagkakataon na nasunog ang naturang pabrika ng paputok, ngunit sa naunang kaganapan, walang naitalang casualty.

Ang pagawaan ng paputok ay pagmamay-ari ng pamilya Lebrilla at Aquino, at ito ay kilala sa industriya ng paggawa ng paputok sa loob ng dalawang dekada.

Kaugnay nito, nagpahayag ng suporta, nagbigay tulong ang Mayor ng Cabuyao na si Dennis Hain sa mga pamilya ng mga nasawi at sugatan. Tiniyak niya ang patuloy na tulong mula sa pamahalaang lokal para sa agarang paggaling ng mga biktima.

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