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Farewell to COVID-19 vaccination cards: CDC stops printing them

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The era of the COVID-19 vaccination card, once an indispensable pandemic document, has come to a close. The familiar white cards, a symbol of vaccination status, are gradually being phased out.

With COVID-19 vaccines no longer being distributed by the federal government, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made the decision to halt the printing of new vaccination cards.

According to the latest available data from the CDC, the federal government shipped over 980 million of these cards from late 2020, when the first COVID-19 vaccines were rolled out, up to May 10.

Federal and local health officials anticipate that discontinuing the use of vaccination cards will not result in significant changes, as the days of carrying them in purses and wallets to gain entry into events, bars, and restaurants are largely in the past. For those who have retained their cards, they remain valid as proof of vaccination. However, individuals in need of their COVID-19 immunization records will now have to request them through the same process as any other vaccine record.

In many cases, the clinic, pharmacy, or health department that administered the vaccine can provide these records. Each state, along with some cities, maintains an immunization registry, although the rules regarding when records are included and the options for obtaining copies can vary widely. Records from mass vaccination sites established early in the pandemic should also be accessible through these registries, depending on state laws. Notably, there is no national registry for immunization records.

For instance, in Texas, patients’ written consent is required for inclusion in the registry, as stated by David Andres Alegria, a spokesman for the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. In other regions, such as Wyoming and Philadelphia, vaccine providers are mandated to log all vaccinations in a city-specific record system.

Many states offer digital vaccination records to individuals, accessible online or through mobile apps. Users can save certificates or QR codes as proof of vaccination. Some websites even provide reminders for upcoming vaccinations.

Jeff Chorath, who manages the immunization information system in Washington state, emphasized the increased autonomy patients gained over their health records during the pandemic, particularly concerning immunization records. Washington state offers two digital options for obtaining vaccination records – one that provides a comprehensive list of all vaccinations recorded in the state database and another specific to COVID-19 vaccines.

However, not all states offer the same digital options, potentially leading to longer processing times for obtaining records. Gaps in state databases may also exist; for example, if individuals were vaccinated by a federal health provider, those records may be tracked in a separate system.

Regarding the old vaccination card – if you still possess it – consider keeping it like any other important health record, advised Heidi Gurov, a nurse consultant at the Wyoming Department of Health.

“It’s always good to keep those in a safe spot,” she stressed.

CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen reported that four million people in the U.S. have received the latest COVID-19 vaccine since its approval last month, with a total of 10 million doses having been shipped to providers.

Laguna Medical Center may bagong CT scan machine

STA. CRUZ, Laguna. Idinaos kamakailan ang isang seremonya ng pagtanggap ng isang bagong CT Scan machine sa Laguna Medical Center (LMC) sa bayang ito sa ilalim ng programa ng Asian Development Bank (ADB) na Heal Project.

Ang makabagong kagamitang ito ay tinanggap ni Provincial Administrator Dulce H. Rebanal bilang kinatawan ni Gob. Ramil L. Hernandez, at ito ay kasalukuyang nasa Diagnostic Imaging Department ng LMC.

Kasama ni Atty. Rebanal sa seremonya si DOH IV-A Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia, LMC Chief Dr. Judy Rondilla, at si G. Noli Barnes, na kinatawan naman ni Cong. Jam Agarao ng Laguna 4th District.

Ang pagtanggap ng bagong CT Scan ay nagpapakita ng malasakit at suporta ng pamahalaang panlalawigan para sa kalusugan ng mga mamamayan. Inaasahan na magiging malaking tulong ito sa mas mabilis na pagtukoy at paggamot sa mga medikal na kondisyon ng mga pasyente sa Laguna Medical Center.

Ang proyektong ito ay nagpapakita rin ng patuloy na pag-unlad at modernisasyon ng mga pasilidad sa kalusugan sa lalawigan ng Laguna.

Embracing the poor’s experience as the best teacher

Is it good to teach if children are naughty and undisciplined? Yes to teaching them, and yes to correcting them.

Part of classroom management is controlling the disorder and reprimanding children; mind you, not all of them have to be reprimanded. Speaking of gulo (disorder, trouble), will there be no more gulo when you leave the classroom? This is where teaching comes in – let us look at it holistically, not professionally for a moment – by all the elders for the children to be taught. Those reaching the ages of 25 and over, especially 35, 45, 55, and 65, play a big role in correcting the wrong habits of children. We cannot wait for the teachers alone to make the crucial corrections to them.

That segued into our greetings to all: Happy Teacher’s Day!

Beyond the limits of outside classroom comprehension, we would ultimately lead us to believe that the traditional classrooms can only do so much educating people. Kargo rin ng pagtuturo (teaching) ang mga pahataw-hataw sa kanto, persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), at ang mga tumatagal sa lungsod pero matatagal na ring jaywalkers.

 Actual learning occurs when we sit down with them, with our peers, with our leaders, and communicate (transfer thoughts) and work on empathy-related processes. There is actual learning in gaining a deep understanding of their situations and the way they understand their situations. No less than the Department of Education – forget about the left-right spectrum – is also a source of trouble. Magturuan tayo, magpaturo tayo. Even to the uneducated. Even to the poorest of poor communities. We do not know their everyday accomplishments, but they are there. There is ethnomethodology in that. To overlook the practical accomplishments of their daily lives is to miss the opportunity in sense-making and, therefore, miss giving them what truly basic social services they need. If experience is the “best” teacher, we must acknowledge the fact that the wild and wide experience of the poor will teach us best only if we listen to and spend time with them. And since they are the best, we must not always relegate them to mere participants in our studies. Rec­ruitment of the best participants will be our badge of honor because they suffer a lot, which means they are the best teachers to us. 

Thinking of ways to honor them back? Help them celebrate their lives, especially the lives of their children, and improve our teaching, with all of us teaching.

Critical juncture: Pope urges leaders at UN talks to address global warming before it’s irreversible

VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis issued a stern call to action on Wednesday, urging world leaders to commit to binding targets to combat climate change before it reaches an irreversible “point of no return.” In an updated version of his landmark 2015 encyclical on the environment, Pope Francis heightened his alarm about the ongoing and devastating effects of climate change, highlighting the disproportionate impact on the world’s poor and vulnerable populations.

“We are now unable to halt the enormous damage we have caused. We barely have time to prevent even more tragic damage,” warned Pope Francis, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The Pope singled out the United States for its high per-capita emissions, which are double those of China and seven times greater than the average in poor countries. While recognizing individual and household efforts, he emphasized the need for a profound shift away from the Western model of an “irresponsible lifestyle” that contributes to climate change.

Released on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the document, titled “Praise God,” is aimed at spurring negotiators to commit to binding climate targets at the upcoming round of U.N. talks in Dubai. Pope Francis expressed strong support for phasing out coal, oil, and natural gas as quickly as possible in favor of clean energy sources like wind and solar power.

He argued that the transition to clean energy must be swift and comprehensive, emphasizing measures that are “efficient, obligatory, and readily monitored.” Pope Francis framed this transition as a moral imperative, urging humanity to take responsibility for the legacy it leaves behind.

Pope Francis’ original 2015 encyclical, “Praise Be,” was a groundbreaking moment for the Catholic Church as it recast the climate debate in moral terms. In this new document, Pope Francis reiterated the need for urgent action and challenged climate change deniers, asserting that “it is no longer possible to doubt the human – ‘anthropic’ – origin of climate change.”

While acknowledging that not all predictions of apocalyptic consequences are grounded in science, Pope Francis emphasized that inaction is no longer an option. The world is already witnessing irreversible harm to biodiversity and species loss, with the potential for cascading effects that could become unstoppable.

“Praise God” was released ahead of the upcoming U.N. climate talks in Dubai, with Pope Francis aiming to inspire world leaders to make courageous decisions. He noted that the Paris Agreement’s temperature targets are likely to be exceeded, warning of disastrous consequences unless immediate and substantial measures are taken.

Since 2015, global carbon emissions have continued to rise, contributing to the warming of the planet. The Pope called for a mandatory shift in global energy production and asked negotiators to prioritize the common good and the future of generations over short-term interests.

In his closing remarks, Pope Francis called upon the United States to do better in reducing emissions, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the climate crisis. “Praise God” serves as a passionate plea for world leaders to act decisively before it’s too late to save our planet from catastrophic climate change.

Copies of Pope Francis’ latest encyclical letter on environment “Laudate Deum” are prepared for sale in a bookshop in Rome, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Pope Francis shamed and challenged world leaders on Wednesday to commit to binding targets to slow climate change before it’s too late, warning that God’s increasingly warming creation is fast reaching a “point of no return.” (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Pura Luka Vega, inaresto sa Maynila

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MAYNILA. Inaresto ng mga elemento ng Manila Police District (MPD) Station 3 sa bisa ng warrant of arrest ang drag performer na si Pura Luka Vega, o mas kilala sa tunay na pangalang Amadeus Fernando Pagente, noong Miyerkules ng hapon, Oktubre 4, sa ilalim ng isang manhunt operation.

Sa isang panayam kay MPD-Public Information Office Major Philipp Ines, kinumpirma nito ang pagkakadakip kay Vega, na isa ring senior health program officer ng Department of Health (DOH). Ang pag-aresto ay kaugnay ng mga reklamong isinampa laban sa kanya ng mga opisyal ng Hijos del Nazareno ng simbahan ng Quiapo.

Hinuli si Vega sa kanilang tahanan sa Hizon St., Brgy. 339, Sta. Cruz, Maynila, alinsunod sa warrant of arrest na inilabas ni Judge Czarina Encarnacion Samonte-Villanueva, RTC Judge ng Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 36.

Kasalukuyang kinakaharap ni Vega ang mga kasong Immoral Doctrines, Obscene Publications and Exhibitions, indecent Shows, at paglabag sa Cyber Crime Prevention Act.

Nauna dito nag-viral si Vega sa social media matapos magsuot ng damit ng imahes ng Poong Itim na Nazareno habang umaawit ng rock version ng “Ama Namin. Ang performance na ito ay nagdulot ng malalim na kontrobersya at nagtulak sa mga awtoridad na itaguyod ang mga legal na hakbang laban sa kanya.

Pope Francis launches Vatican synod, embracing inclusivity and dialogue for the Church’s future

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VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis initiated a significant Vatican gathering today, marking the commencement of discussions on the future of the Catholic Church. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the church’s need to become an inclusive space for “everyone, everyone, everyone,” a message that has stirred optimism among progressives and raised concerns among conservatives.

The Pope led a solemn Mass in St. Peter’s Square to formally inaugurate the meeting, urging both sides of the church’s cultural divide to set aside “human strategies, political calculations, or ideological battles” and let the Holy Spirit guide the proceedings. He emphasized that the goal was not to create a parliamentary-style forum but to engage in a collective journey with a focus on Jesus.

This three-week, closed-door meeting, known as a synod, has generated significant anticipation and apprehension. While it won’t result in binding decisions, it serves as the inaugural session of a two-year process, and it marks a pivotal moment for Pope Francis and his reform agenda.

Key topics under consideration include increasing the representation of women in decision-making roles within the church, exploring greater involvement of ordinary Catholic faithful in church governance, welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics and marginalized groups more inclusively, and establishing accountability measures to prevent abuses by bishops.

What makes this gathering historic is Pope Francis’s decision to allow women and laypeople to vote alongside bishops in any final document produced. Although non-bishops make up less than a quarter of the 365 voting members, this reform signifies a significant shift away from a hierarchy-centric Synod of Bishops, reflecting Francis’s belief that the church revolves more around its congregation than its leadership.

JoAnn Lopez, an Indian-born lay minister who played a role in organizing consultations leading up to the synod, hailed this as a “watershed moment,” highlighting the newfound voice and voting rights for women in decision-making processes.

In his opening homily, Pope Francis drew inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi, emphasizing prayer, charity, humility, and unity as responses to divisions and tensions. He encouraged participants to think of the synod as a “place of grace and communion” rather than a polarized political gathering.

Before the Mass, advocates for women priests unfurled a banner reading “Ordain Women,” emphasizing the long-standing demand for greater gender equality in the church. While the ordination of women as priests or deacons remains a contentious issue, some are hopeful that the synod might pave the way for change in this regard.

In his homily, Pope Francis stressed the importance of inclusivity, saying that “tutti, tutti, tutti” (everyone, everyone, everyone) should be allowed in, emphasizing the church’s role as a place of welcome and unity.

The potential for this synod to bring about substantial changes on previously taboo topics has sparked both hope and concern within the Catholic community. Some view it as a step toward greater inclusivity, while others fear it could lead to division and schism.

Cardinal Raymond Burke, one of the synod’s outspoken critics, expressed skepticism about Pope Francis’s vision of “synodality” and his reform efforts for the church. He cautioned against political and human agendas overshadowing ecclesial and divine matters.

While the synod may not yield immediate outcomes, it signifies a crucial phase in the ongoing transformation of the Catholic Church under Pope Francis’s leadership. It is a momentous event that will undoubtedly shape the future of the faith and its engagement with contemporary issues.

Pope Francis is convening a global gathering of bishops and laypeople to discuss the future of the Catholic Church, including some hot-button issues that have previously been considered off the table for discussion. Andrew Medichini / AP

Brig Gen Paul Kenneth Lucas assumes role as new CALABARZON PNP regional director

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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna. In a formal ceremony held at Camp BGen Vicente P. Lim in Calamba City, Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, a member of the Philippine National Police Academy “Patnubay” Class of 1995 and a native of the Cordillera region, officially assumed the position of Regional Director for the Police Regional Office CALABARZON. He succeeded Brig. Gen. Carlito Gaces in a handover ceremony presided over by the Chief of the Philippine National Police, Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr., on Tuesday afternoon.

The newly appointed Regional Director expressed his honor and enthusiasm in accepting the new role. He pledged to uphold the mission of the PNP, emphasizing a tireless commitment to peace and order, as well as strong community engagement and collaboration in the CALABARZON region, all aligned with the CPNP’s 5 Focused Agenda, “BIDA” (Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan), and the Bagong Pilipinas Concept.

“Our mission as law enforcement officers is filled with challenges, but it is through unity and collective action that we can overcome these challenges and make our communities safer,” Brig Gen Lucas stated.

In his address, Lucas outlined his policies that will guide his leadership in the Police Regional Office CALABARZON, including a focus on Enhancing Public Safety and Security, Professional Development, and Community Engagement. He emphasized his commitment to lead the office with these principles at the forefront of their mission, aiming for excellence in their professional interactions with the community.

Gen. Acorda expressed his full support and confidence in the new director, urging him to build upon the foundation laid by his predecessor and uphold the standards of excellence expected from the PNP.

The assumption ceremony garnered the presence of prominent figures, including government officials, community leaders, other law enforcement personnel, and members of the media, underlining the crucial role of the PNP in ensuring public safety and fostering strong community relations. The event symbolized unity and continuity within the ranks of the Philippine National Police, showcasing a seamless transition in leadership and a steadfast commitment to upholding public safety and security within the CALABARZON region.

Lucas is the second “Lakan” to lead the men and women of the Police Regional Office CALABARZON, serving the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon. Following the ceremony, a drug testing procedure was conducted among personnel to maintain a drug-free workplace within PRO CALABARZON.

Furthermore, the Regional Director engaged in a brief discussion with the command group, regional staff, provincial directors, and other personnel and special staff, reiterating his guidance on supporting the Chief PNP’s program thrusts, particularly the Serbisyong Nagkakaisa, while emphasizing the importance of building harmonious relationships within the organization.

Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded to trio for breakthroughs in quantum dots

Stockholm, Sweden. Three esteemed scientists in the United States have been awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry for their groundbreaking contributions to the field of quantum dots—minute particles, just a few atoms in diameter, capable of emitting exceptionally bright and colorful light. These quantum dots find widespread applications in electronics and medical imaging, enriching everyday life with their unique properties.

Moungi Bawendi, affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); Louis Brus, associated with Columbia University; and Alexei Ekimov, representing Nanocrystals Technology Inc., have been recognized for their pioneering work with these minuscule particles that have made remarkable contributions to television screens, LED lamps, medical imaging, and more. The announcement was made by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm.

Pernilla Witting Stafshede, a member of the Nobel committee responsible for awarding the prize, highlighted the significance of their work: “Why does it matter, right, that we can make tiny particles that nobody can see, but they have colors? This is actually used today both in medicine and technology… We have displays on TVs, in your cellphone, that use quantum dots inside to make just brighter colors.”

The anticipation surrounding the Nobel Prize in chemistry took an unusual turn when Swedish media reported the names of the laureates several hours before the official announcement. This early revelation appears to have been caused by a premature news release.

Quantum dots are nanoscale particles that emit vibrant blue, red, or green light when illuminated or exposed to light. The specific color they emit depends on the size of the particles, with larger dots producing red light and smaller dots emitting blue light. This color-changing phenomenon is a result of the unique behavior of electrons within more or less confined spaces.

Although physicists had theorized about these color-changing properties as far back as the 1930s, the ability to create quantum dots of precisely controlled sizes was not realized in laboratories until half a century later.

Alexei Ekimov, aged 78, and Louis Brus, aged 80, were early pioneers in quantum dot technology. Moungi Bawendi, aged 62, is credited with revolutionizing the production of quantum dots, leading to the development of nearly flawless particles that were essential for practical applications.

“The community realized the implications in the mid-90s, that there could potentially be some real-world applications,” noted a spokesperson from the Nobel committee.

Judy Giordan, President of the American Chemical Society, expressed her delight at the selection of the Nobel laureates, emphasizing the importance of chemistry in creating innovative structures and solutions to address challenges that benefit both people and the planet.

PNP regional director sa Calabarzon pinalitan

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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna. Labing-isang araw bago ang retirement ni Brig. General Carlito Gaces, nagulat ang buong kapulisan sa Calabarzon nang italaga ng Philippine National Police si Police Brig. General Paul Kenneth Lucas na kapalit niya bilang Regional Police Director ng Rehiyon 4A.

Hindi nagbigay ng opisyal na paliwanag ang mga matataas na opisyal ng PNP hinggil sa biglaang pagpapalit ng liderato sa mga pulis sa Southern Tagalog bagaman at nagdulot ito ng malaking katanungan sa mga mamamahayag na dumalo sa okasyon.

Naging palaisipan na wala si Gaces sa ginanap na “turn-over ceremony,” na nauwi sa biglaang “assuming of post”ni BGeneral Lucas.

Sa kabila ng mga tanong hinggil sa biglaang pagpapalit ng liderato sa Calabarzon PNP, tinanggap ni Chief PNP General Benjamin Acorda Jr. ang assuming of post ni BGeneral Lucas. Ipinahayag niya ang kahalagahan ng paglilingkod na may integridad at ang pangangailangan ng PNP na iwasan ang anumang kilos na magbibigay negatibong imahe sa organisasyon.

Kasama rin sa okasyon sina Police Lt. General Rhoderick Armamento, Area Police Command- South Luzon, at Police Major General Ritchie Medardo Posadas, Director ng National Police Training Institute.

Walang sagot ang tanggapan ni BGeneral Carlito Gaces sa mga tanong ng mga mamamahayag ukol sa kanyang pagliban sa nasabing okasyon.

104-year-old Chicagoan soars for skydiving world record

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OTTAWA, Ill. Dorothy Hoffner, a 104-year-old Chicago woman, is on a mission to make history by becoming the world’s oldest certified skydiver. In a thrilling display of courage, she left her walker behind and embarked on a tandem skydive in northern Illinois.

“Age is just a number,” exclaimed Hoffner to a jubilant crowd shortly after landing on Sunday at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, located approximately 85 miles (140 kilometers) southwest of Chicago, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.

The current Guinness World Record for the oldest skydiver is held by 103-year-old Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson from Sweden, who achieved the feat in May 2022. However, Skydive Chicago is actively working to have Hoffner’s remarkable jump officially recognized by Guinness World Records, according to WLS-TV.

Hoffner’s adventurous spirit first led her to try skydiving when she was 100 years old. On this particular Sunday, she bravely left her walker just short of the plane, a Skyvan, and was assisted up the steps to join others waiting inside for their exhilarating skydiving experience.

With enthusiasm, Hoffner shouted, “Let’s go, let’s go, Geronimo!” as she took her seat.

During her first skydive, she required a gentle nudge to exit the aircraft. However, on this memorable Sunday, securely tethered to a U.S. Parachute Association-certified instructor, Hoffner insisted on leading the jump from a remarkable altitude of 13,500 feet (4,100 meters).

As the plane ascended, she appeared composed and self-assured. When the aft door swung open to reveal the vast expanse of tan crop fields far below, she approached the edge and boldly leaped into the sky. Hoffner executed a perfect forward roll in mid-air before stabilizing herself in freefall, with her belly facing the ground.

The entire descent, including the parachute’s gentle descent to the earth, lasted seven breathtaking minutes. As she gracefully touched down on the grassy landing area, the wind playfully tousled her white hair. Holding onto the harness over her slender shoulders, Hoffner lifted her legs and landed softly.

Friends and well-wishers rushed in to offer their congratulations, and Hoffner’s red walker was brought over. With a quick recovery, she was asked about her feelings upon returning to solid ground.

“Wonderful,” Hoffner exclaimed. “But it was wonderful up there. The whole thing was delightful, wonderful, couldn’t have been better.”

After her daring jump, Hoffner’s mind turned to future adventures and challenges. The lifelong Chicago resident, who is set to celebrate her 105th birthday in December, mentioned the possibility of taking a ride in a hot-air balloon.

“I’ve never been in one of those,” she remarked with a twinkle in her eye.