The members of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) Los Baños Chapter participated in the Tree Planting and Growing Activity of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region IV-A CALABARZON and the A. Nocon Realty and Development Corporation (ANRDC) at the 571-hectare National Greening Program (NGP) plantation area in Barangay Cansuso, Cavinti, Laguna on December 4, 2020.

The pandemic that is COVID-19 has infected the world in many ways, both physically and mentally. For Cebuanos, the University of the Philippines Cebu and Ateneo de Cebu counselors have assembled to form Cebu COPES – Counselors Online Psychological and Emotional Support. Four of UP Cebu guidance counselors have volunteered for the program namely, Annabelle G. Maglasang, Cipriano V. Olita, Jaseluh R. Saturinas, and Jeffrey D. Pelonio.

Cebu COPES aims to provide a platform for Cebuanos to avail of free, confidential online and tele-counseling services and psycho-social support by registered guidance counselors. Their primary goal is to assist Cebuanos in their mental and emotional health needs amidst COVID-19.

The Iloilo Provincial Government is gearing to open its COVID-19 Testing Laboratory to be located at the Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan, Iloilo. 

It is currently complying with requirements specified by the inspecting team from the Department of Health and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. The laboratory will be under the management of the Iloilo Provincial Hospital. 

“A research institution responsive to the needs of the nation.” 

This is how DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña described the Philippine Genome Center, particularly pointing out its crucial role in helping the country with the daunting challenges posed by COVID-19. PGC was responsible for the genomic sequencing of COVID-19 and the putting up of, equipping, and strengthening the country’s testing capacity. 

Sec. Dela Peña delivered this online message during the Philippine Genome Center Visayas launch and inauguration on November 20, 2020, at the UP Visayas, Miagao campus.