HEADS UP: Suicides in Philippines at Record High in COVID Year (March 18)

Here's a Heads Up from Reportr.World on news that you need to know today, March 18.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Take care of your mental mealth. Suicide cases last year rose 25.7%, according to PSA data. It's the highest since at least 2006, based on available data.
• Take care of your heart. Cardiovascular disease is still the top killer ailment in the Philippines in 2020, when the pandemic started. COVID-19 is the seventh leading cause of death.
• The Philippines' borders are shut from March 20 to April 19 to foreigners and non-OFWs. This is meant to cap a surge in COVID-19 cases.
• Minors are banned from travelling locally, according to the National Task Force on COVID-19.

TOP STORIES:

• Granular lockdowns will do for now, Health Sec. Francisco Duque said, when asked if Metro Manila will be rolled back to MECQ. Authorities will assess the effectivity of the targeted restrictions over two weeks.
• Here's Jollibee's game plan to bounce back from the pandemic: look for expansion opportunities abroad.
• The FDA issued a warning against Ever Bilena's lip and cheek tint, to which the Filipino cosmetics giant promptly replied.
• Public broadcaster PTV is investigating a post on its Twitter account that used the trending hashtag #DutertePalpak.
• These tourist destinations are low key yet wow. Take it from DOT Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.
• Robinsons Malls bought land in Pagadian City where a new shopping mall will be built.
• Quezon City is offering its Trash Cashback program in Araneta City.
• Rebel priests are defying the Vatican by vowing to bless the unions of same-sex couples.
• U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke before the UN for the first time, with a reminder to the world that women empowerment is crucial for democracies to succeed.
• A world first: In the UK, Uber drivers are now recognized as employees instead of part-time or gig workers.
• Only Elon Musk can be crowned Technoking. Here's why the billionaire disruptor can get away with it.
• Experts say children should not be left out of the global COVID vaccination drive.