Features

A newly emerging COVID-19 variant known as “Nimbus” is gaining traction across the United States, with a peculiar and painful symptom drawing attention: an unusually severe sore throat that some have likened to “swallowing razor blades.”  This intense discomfort, informally called “razor blade throat,” is being widely discussed as a potential distinguishing feature of the variant. Despite the buzz, health experts …

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has launched an expanded Z Benefit package to assist kidney transplant patients, enabling them to focus on recovery without the burden of costly medical expenses. In a statement issued Thursday, PhilHealth said the new package provides financial support for both pediatric and adult transplant recipients, as well as their living donors. For pediatric patients, …

Filipinos who completed their COVID-19 vaccinations between 2021 and 2023 remain protected against the latest variant of the virus, which has drawn attention for causing unusually painful sore throats described as “razor-blade” symptoms. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa gave this assurance during a press briefing at Malacañang, noting that existing vaccines continue to provide protection.  “It seems the COVID-19 vaccines that …

The number of Filipinos undergoing dialysis treatment rose sharply to 64,845 in 2024—a 22-percent increase from 53,296 in 2023—highlighting the growing burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the country. National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) adult nephrology consultant Dr. Anthony Russel Villanueva said the rising number reflects a serious health concern. “Ang pagkasakit sa kidney ay nanatiling one of …

Dengue cases worldwide have surged to over 14 million in 2024—double the previous year’s figures—with Asia shouldering 70 percent of the global burden, according to the Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA) Group. At a press conference during the 8th Asia Dengue Summit held in Quezon City, ADVA steering committee member Dr. Maria Rosario Capeding said the Philippines is among …

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is gearing up to invest more than P2.6 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, aiming to position the Philippines as a regional leader in AI-driven innovation and development. Speaking during the Philippine launch of the Global Human Development Report 2025 in Makati City, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized the agency’s commitment to …

IBM has unveiled an ambitious plan to launch a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer called IBM Quantum Starling by 2029—a breakthrough timeline that surpasses most industry expectations and marks a major leap in the race toward practical quantum computing. According to IBM, the Quantum Starling will be capable of executing 20,000 times more operations than today’s leading quantum machines. To put …

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has launched a new digital service that allows motorists to check the status of their driver’s license and vehicle plates through the LTO Tracker, expanding its online tools for public convenience. The plate number tracker enables users to input their vehicle’s plate number to verify if it’s ready for pickup.  This service is especially useful …

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is committing to connect every public school in the Philippines to the internet before the end of 2025, Secretary Henry Aguda announced last week. Speaking at the National Information and Communications Technology Summit, Aguda acknowledged that only around 60 percent of the country’s roughly 50,000 public schools currently have internet access—a figure …

Scammers are now using artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Grok to create fake transaction receipts for bank and GCash transfers, tricking unsuspecting sellers and individuals online. One Facebook user, Peb De Leon, shared how he was almost duped when a friend claimed to have transferred money to him through BPI. The friend even sent what looked like a legitimate …