Author: Padayon UP

Recently, new SARS-CoV-2 variants were detected in the United Kingdom and South Africa with multiple spike protein mutations that may cause substantial changes in certain properties of the virus. These observations spurred biosurveillance efforts in different countries, with some countries outside of the UK and South Africa already reporting the presence of these new variants within their territories. The data presented in this report is part of our own continuing biosurveillance efforts to track the entry of these new variants in the country, as well as other viral mutations that may be of concern locally.

The University of the Philippines gives thanks to all the UP alumni and friends who donated to the UP Fights COVID-19! campaign. The donations are set to be sent to the members of the UP community, including frontline health workers in the health service units, students stranded in dormitories, on-campus, and off-campus residences, professor emeriti, skeleton workforce staff, and other members in the different Constituent Universities.

This Weekly Bulletin highlights the different COVID-19 responses of the eight UP Constituent Universities and their involvement in various public service initiatives during the pandemic. It features the UP System Report on the CUs’ COVID-19 efforts from October 1 to 31.

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 University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is currently studying the efficacy of the saliva test in determining the presence of the novel coronavirus, in a bid to lower the cost of more accurate Covid-19 tests and make them more accessible to the public.

The face-to-face lecture-forum was organized by the UPV Healthy Lifestyle and Wellness Committee in partnership with the Teaching and Learning Resource Center (TLRC). It was also live-streamed via the FB page of TLRC. Dr. Javier is one of the medical doctors of the UPV Health Services Unit. 

This Weekly Bulletin highlights the different COVID-19 responses of the eight UP Constituent Universities and their involvement in various public service initiatives during the pandemic. It features the UP System Report on the CUs’ COVID-19 efforts from September 16 to 30.

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. 

The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Office of Gender Concerns (OGC) continues to advocate for a #VAWFreePH by joining this year’s International Day for the Elimination for Violence Against Women and Children and the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of VAWC as declared through Republic Act 10398.