Graduate on top universities are given the best opportunities.
Your child deserves a chance at a bright future.
AHEAD Tutorial and Review President Rossana Llenado
AHEAD review gives the child the preparation that he needs to get into the country’s top universities. Since 1995, AHEAD’s proven review programs have helped thousands of students gain admission to the top schools.
Even the best need some help - the class valedictorian, the honor student, your child. He may be the best in his class, but even he needs help in preparing for the test that could ultimately determine his life path. Enroll him in an excellent review program and give him a better chance at a great future.
Admission to the top universities of the country means much more than high quality education. It means making lifelong friends and associates, and possibly meeting future business partners.
It also means establishing contacts and connections which will help your child's future career. It means gaining an identity that he will be proud of. An education in a top university means being with the best, belonging to the best. In many ways, it will determine who your child will be and what kind of future awaits him. Don’t gamble on your child’s future. Prepare your child for the best with AHEAD’s proven programs.
An AHEAD review gives your child
an environment conducive to learning, allowing him to focu on his review lessons.
guidance in reviewing efficiently, so he does not feel overwhelmed.
the right reference materials to prepare him for specific exams.
the motivation to study even harder, as he is in the company
Education from the best universities remain unmatched
More than ever, it has become difficult to get into a good university. Of the 100,000 who apply to UP, Ateneo, and De La Salle, only 10% qualify for admission. The remaining 90% will compete with 400,000 more students to get into other universities, especially UST and UA&P.
Not just any review, an AHEAD review
AHEAD remains the only review center offering real Test-BasedTM review programs for the college entrance tests of UP, Ateneo, De La Salle, UA&P, and UST.
It help students hurdle extremely competitive admission tests by providing the right review for the right exam. The review covers the subjects and topics of a specific entrance exam, with the tests and exercises familiarizing students with actual questions and time limits
Give him a gift without equal - the chance at a great education
You can secure your child’s future by making sure he receives high quality college education. The graduates of top universities get more and better opportunities, gain international acceptance, and are perceived by employers to be more equipped to take on greater responsibilities.
Mold him into an exceptional individual
A great part of your child’s character will be shaped by his school. It will equip him with knowledge, skills, values, and connections needed for business or employment. His school will shape his identity - will he be an Iskolar ng Bayan, a Blue Eagle, or a Green Archer? The results of the college entrance exams will set the direction of your child’s life.
Your child’s future depends on you
The good life - a great house, good friends, an exciting future, and fulfilling career. The good life starts with good education; the kind you get from the top universities of the country. But first, there’s the entrance exam. It’s the most important exam in your child’s life.
AHEAD Tutorial and Review Branches:
Alabang
Antipolo
Baguio
Katipunan
Galleria
Makati
Tuguegarao
AHEAD is different in many important ways. Don’t gamble on your child’s future. Prepare him for the best with AHEAD’s proven review programs.
“I feel the urgency for a new generation of global leaders to make their mark in history. We believe that the starting point is a vision for a shared future that uplifts universally recognized principles and values as essential tools for building a cohesive global economy of genuine peace, freedom and high ideals. Moral and innovative leadership, first, has to promote a ‘greater good’ that can benefit the larger society, nation and world. Secondly, it has to harness mankind’s natural creative need to advance and develop the human condition. Extraordinary men and women have propelled humanity forward by surmounting the religious, societal, and legal constraints of their time, and has thus brought greater advances and freedoms to the modern world. Global Peace Convention 2017 will respond to the urgent realities of underdevelopment and through the engagement of leaders and resource persons from the government and private sector, tap into the creative process of the peace-loving global community to unleash innovative approaches towards true peace and development. It’s good to back this time in Manila packed with earned wisdom and best practices that should raise the pursuit of . global peace and development to a whole new level. As a rising Southeast Asian nation with unique geographic, cultural and historic connections, the Philippines is ideally positioned to play an important role for peace in this region and the world.”~Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon, Chairman and Founder, Global Peace Foundation
The Global Peace Convention 2017 from February 28 to March 3, 2017 at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City brought together business leaders, government officials, NGO and student leaders, and entrepreneurs to examine the role of business in poverty reduction, sustainable development, regional stability, particularly highlighting emerging markets in South-East Asia. A combination of plenary and concurrent sessions that offered an opportunity for participants to contribute, learn and collaborate towards a collective impact for sustainable peace and development.
Attended by foreign dignitaries, leading global experts, thought leaders, and practitioners who shared their best practices and developed multisector partnerships for sustainable peace and development and the achievement of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. It is almost ten years when the GPC first started in Manila.
March 2, 2017 is the “One Dream One Korea” a star-studded K-pop concert held at the MOA Arena. This campaign, was launched in 2015, is part of a popular movement for Korean unification and contributes to a larger effort to advance regional peace and global security.
On the final day of GPC, the 2017 Global Youth Summit draws thousands of inspired young delegates to Manila to participate in sessions that address themes and issues that impact the youth like technology, environment, public policy advocacy and education. The Summit will provide a space for the youth to develop a leadership skills had provided sets that is globally-oriented and innovative.
This year’s supporting partners are:
Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (CCPI)
European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP)
Department of Education (DepEd)
All Nations Women Group
Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
Hands On Manila
SM Cares
The Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, non-profit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peace-building. Its work in 23 countries is progressing with support from government, business, the faith, community, educational institutions, industry and commerce and a corps of committed volunteers. Each year, GPF’s strong field network reaches more than 235,000 people through programs and projects across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
The convention is multi-sectoral assembly organized by Global Peace Foundation (GPF), an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, non-profit organization, which promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peace building.
Global leaders in the Convention
In her opening remarks, the former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and incumbent deputy speaker of the 17th Congress and a member of the House of Representative representing the 2nd District of Pampanga said she was happy to have the Global Peace Convention back to the Philippines. The first Global Peace Convention was held in 2009 during incumbency of Arroyo.
“Despite the differences, we should build bridges, not walls, build solidarity, because we are but One Family Under One God.”~Vinicio Cerezo, the former president of Guatemala
During his term as President, Cerezo established respect for human rights, economic recovery and sustainable development. Today, he promotes the process of regional integration through the Latin American Presidential Mission, an association of former heads of state committed to greater regional integration, effective and transparent governance, and sustainable and equitable development.
Other global leaders attending this Convention are Dr. Amani Abeid Karume, former president of Zanzibar; H.E. Nicolas Ardito Barletta, former president of Panama; Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Uganda and Honorable Jin Pyo Kim, member of the Korean National Assembly and former Deputy Prime Minister.
Why the Philippines?
With more than 600 million people, the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) represents one of the most dynamic economic blocs in the world.
“We at GPF have been learned many lessons from our many initiatives around the globe and want to share these best practices that will enrich participants to think globally, act locally.”~Flynn
Interested parties can participate in the ongoing online conversations on the Global Peace Convention thru #GlobalPeace
“It is natural that we are convening here because of the God-centered, family-oriented heart of the Filipino people, as reflected in the Philippines national motto: “Maka-Diyos, maka-tao, maka-kalikasan, at maka-bansa – For the love of God, people, nature and country.”~Dr. Hyun Jin P. Moon, Chairman and Founder, Global Peace Foundation
"To uplift the lives of our Coconut farmers and to support the development of the Coconut industry."~Minola's Vision
The Minola brand has been around for over 50 years, imagine that long and I am not even born yet since it started..... It is the NUMBER 1 BRAND IN THE PHILIPPINE COCONUT OIL CENTER and THE LEADING BRAND IN THE OVER-ALL IN COOING OIL CATEGORY.
The company that produces Minola prides itself on its strict quality standards some proof can be seen from their different products posted on...
Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit, awakened me at the Bloggers Session in Oracle Hotel dated February 28, 2017 with a lot of knowledge about Coconut Oil information, because at my age I came to realize that being healthy as well is being aware with what kind of cooking oil I am using in preparing and cooking for my family. Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit gave insights on the health benefits of coconut oil and lauric acid, and how we could understand their roles para #HealthierAngRelationships
Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit
A Filipino scientist famous for his studies on the phytochemistry of well-known Philippine medicinal plants. Dayrit is also praised for his outstanding work on the homogeneous catalysis of carbon-carbon bond formation that was later used in commercial drug synthesis and in an environmental remedial process. Likewise, he was honored for his leadership in upgrading chemistry/chemistry education in the Philippines through the sponsorships of the DOST-ESEP, the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines, the National Chemistry Instrumentation Center, and the UP-DLSU-ADMU Science Consortium.
Professor, Ateneo de Manila University
Acting-President, National Academy of Science and Technology
Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee for Health, Asian and Pacific Coconut Community
Dean, of Ateneo de Manila's School of Science and Engineering
Graduated, Ateneo de Manila High School
Pursued B.S. Chemistry at the Ateneo de Manila University (cum laude)
Attended Princeton University at Princeton, New Jersey, U.S. He finished his M.A. and Ph.D.
Director of the National Chemistry Instrumentation Center (NCIC) housed in Schmitt Hall, Ateneo de Manila University
President, of the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines
Married to Ma. Corazon Baytion and they have two children, Enzo and Felicia
Enjoys photography, being outdoors, cycling and swimming, travel, and playing the flute
Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit, discussed about the information of Coconut Oil, it's brief history, benefits, properties, etc., A lot of us may not know that Coconut Tree has a lot of many uses, that is why coconut tree is called "Tree of Life." Coconuts are known for their great versatility, as evidenced by many traditional uses, ranging from food to cosmetics. Coconuts are distinct from other fruits for their large quantity of water (also called "juice") and when immature, they are known as tender-nuts or jelly-nuts and may be harvested for their potable coconut water. The oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking and frying, as well as in soaps and cosmetics...
With my co-bloggers
“All saturated fats cause heart disease and should be replaced with polyunsaturated fats.”
The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family) and the only species of the genus Cocos. The term coconut can refer to the whole coconut palm or the seed, or the fruit, which, botanically, is a drupe, not a nut. The spelling coconut is an archaic form of the word. The term is derived from the 16th-century Portuguese and Spanish word coco meaning "head" or "skull", from the three indentations on the coconut shell that resemble facial features.
Uses of Coconut Trees:
The Flesh: Food, Milk, and Flour
The Water: A Healthy, Refreshing Drink
The Oil: For Cooking, Skin, and Hair
The Shells: To Steam Food and Create Crafts
The Husks: A Natural Scrubber and Craft Material
The Husks: Ropes
Tree Leaves: Thatching
The Sticks: Brooms
The Wood: Fires in Traditional Kitchens
The Flowers: Medicine
Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit, as well gave us information regarding Fatty Acids
TYPES OF FAT
Unsaturated fats are generally considered better for us than saturated fats. The reason that unsaturated fats are better is down to the molecular structure of fat. Saturated fat molecules form regular shapes that clump together easily; unsaturated fat molecules however, form irregular shapes that cannot clump together so easily. Saturated fat is therefore more likely to stick to the sides of arteries and allow other saturated fat molecules to build up; this can gradually clog the arteries leading to higher blood pressure and making it more difficult for the heart to pump oxygen rich blood around the body.
Fats are not soluble in water (or blood) and unless this problem is addressed – usually through change in diet and increased exercise - it can lead to serious health problems such as coronary heart disease.
Saturated Fat
Eating foods that contain saturated fats raises the level of cholesterol in your blood. High levels of LDL cholesterol in your blood increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Saturated fats are simply fat molecules that have no double bonds between carbon molecules because they are saturated with hydrogen molecules. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature.
Replacing foods that are high in saturated fat with healthier options can lower blood cholesterol levels and improve lipid profiles
Saturated fats occur naturally in many foods. The majority come mainly from animal sources, including meat and dairy products.
Examples are:
Fatty beef
Lamb
Pork
Poultry with skin
Beef fat (tallow)
Lard and cream
Butter
Cheese
Other dairy products made from whole or reduced-fat (2 percent) milk
In addition, many baked goods and fried foods can contain high levels of saturated fats. Some plant-based oils, such as palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil, also contain primarily saturated fats, but do not contain cholesterol.
To get the nutrients you need, eat a dietary pattern that emphasizes:
Fruits, vegetables
Whole grains
Low-fat dairy products
Poultry, fish and nuts
While limiting red meat and sugary foods and beverages
Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
You should replace foods high in saturated fats with foods high in monounsaturated and/or polyunsaturated fats. This means eating foods made with liquid vegetable oil but not tropical oils. It also means eating fish and nuts. You also might try to replace some of the meat you eat with beans or legumes.
Unsaturated Fat
Unsaturated fats are generally considered better for us than saturated fats. A fat or fatty acid in which there is at least one double bond within the fatty acid chain. A fatty acid chain is monounsaturated if it contains one double bond, and polyunsaturated if it contains more than one double bond.
The reason that unsaturated fats are better is down to the molecular structure of fat. Saturated fat molecules form regular shapes that clump together easily; unsaturated fat molecules however, form irregular shapes that cannot clump together so easily. Saturated fat is therefore more likely to stick to the sides of arteries and allow other saturated fat molecules to build up; this can gradually clog the arteries leading to higher blood pressure and making it more difficult for the heart to pump oxygen rich blood around the body.
Fats are not soluble in water (or blood) and unless this problem is addressed – usually through change in diet and increased exercise - it can lead to serious health problems such as coronary heart disease.
Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit, as well gave us information regarding Fatty Acids and Cholesterol....
Fat is Bad
Due to its high calorific value (1 gram of fat = 9 calories) it is easy to consume too many calories when eating fatty foods. Unused calories can be stored by the body as fat and will cause weight gain.
Our bodies store fat for lean times and have evolved to cope with seasonal availability of food – storing fat when food is plentiful and burning it off when food is scarce. In the modern world, and for most people, food is plentiful all year round – our bodies store fat but never burn it off, as fat accumulates we become overweight. See our page Dieting for Weight Loss for more information on maintaining a healthy body weight.
Fat can cushion and protect our internal organs; however too much cushioning means more bulk and weight which in turn increases the workload of the heart and other organs.
Your body (the liver) produces cholesterol which is vital to a healthy body and a building block for other essential chemicals that the body produces. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that, in low levels, flows freely around your body in the blood. Higher levels of cholesterol mean a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. See below for more on cholesterol.
Some fats are worse than others. Saturated fats are worse for you than unsaturated fats – this is to do with their chemical structure and how the body processes them. Trans or hydrogenated fats – which are almost exclusively manufactured (although do occur naturally in small quantities in meat and dairy produce) and are used in many processed foods are particularly bad and are linked to an increased risk of high cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease.
"If cholesterol is so harmful, humans and the whole animal kingdom should have died out millions of years ago." ~Charles Darwin
Does Cholesterol cause Heart Disease?
NO. Cholesterol does not cause heart disease, however high cholesterol is a symptom, it is not the cause. It is a response to an underlying condition in the body, not the problem itself. Cholesterol is one of the body's anti-inflammatory substances and it is produced in excess amounts when a high acidic/inflammatory condition is present in the body and there's adrenal gland weakness. STOP believing in the Cholesterol Myth concerning your health issues and matters. I never get to understand more about cholesterol since Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit talked about it. My mother died of stroke and hearth attack (thought they're connected) I was told before that one of the reasons that caused her attack is due to the fatty food that she had eaten before the attack occur. I was wrong all along....
Fat is an essential part of our diet and nutrition, we cannot live without it.
Our bodies require small amounts of 'good fat' to function and help prevent disease. However, a lot of modern diets contain far more fat than the body needs. Too much fat, especially too much of the wrong type of fat, can cause serious health complaints including obesity, higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which in turn lead to a greater risk of heart disease.
Although we need fat we only need small quantities of the right kinds of fat to stay healthy. We all know that too much fat and consuming the wrong kind of fat can be detrimental to our health.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a “superfood.” Its benefits include weight loss, better brain function, skin health and many more.
Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil Contains Fatty Acids With Powerful Medicinal Properties - Coconut oil has been demonized in the past because it contains saturated fat. In fact, coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fat known to man, with almost 90% of the fatty acids in it being saturated. Coconut oil doesn’t contain your average saturated fats, like the ones you would find in cheese or steak. They contain Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – which are fatty acids of a medium length. Most of the fatty acids in the diet are long-chain fatty acids, but the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are metabolized differently.
Populations That Eat a Lot of Coconut Oil Are Healthy - Coconut is an exotic food in the Western world, primarily consumed by health conscious people. However, in some parts of the world, coconut is a dietary staple that people have thrived on for many generations. The best example of such a population is the Tokelauans, which live in the South Pacific. They eat over 60% of their calories from coconuts and are the biggest consumers of saturated fat in the world. These people are in great health, with no evidence of heart disease
Coconut Oil Can Help You Burn More Fat - Obesity is currently one of the biggest health problems in the world. While some people think obesity is only a matter of calories, others (myself included) believe that the sources of those calories are important too. It is a fact that different foods affect our bodies and hormones in different ways. In this regard, a calorie is not a calorie.
Coconut Oil Can Kill Harmful Microorganisms - Almost 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil is the 12-carbon Lauric Acid. When lauric acid is digested, it forms a substance called monolaurin. Both lauric acid and monolaurin can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi. The fatty acids and breakdown products in coconut oil can kill harmful pathogens, potentially helping to prevent infections.
Coconut Oil Can Reduce Your Hunger, Helping You Eat Less - One interesting feature of coconut oil is that it can reduce your hunger. This may be related to the way the fatty acids in it are metabolized, because ketones can have an appetite reducing effect. In one study, varying amounts of medium and long chain triglycerides were fed to 6 healthy men. The men eating the most MCTs ate 256 fewer calories per day, on average The fatty acids in coconut oil can significantly reduce appetite, which may positively affect body weight over the long term.
The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil Are Turned into Ketones, Which Can Reduce Seizures - A so-called ketogenic (very low carb, very high fat) diet is currently being studied to treat various disorders. The best known therapeutic application of this diet is treating drug-resistant epilepsy in children. This diet involves eating very little carbohydrates and large amounts of fat, leading to greatly increased concentrations of ketones in the blood. For some reason, this diet can dramatically reduce the rate of seizures in epileptic children, even those who haven’t had success with multiple different types of drugs.
Coconut Oil Can Improve Blood Cholesterol Levels - Coconut oil contains healthy saturated fats. The saturated fats in coconut oil may increase “good” HDL cholesterol in your body, but also help convert the “bad” LDL cholesterol into a less harmful form. Coconut oil may also improve other risk factors and therefore protect against heart disease. In one study in 40 women, coconut oil reduced Total and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL compared to soybean oil. Coconut oil improves important risk factors like Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, which may translate to a reduced risk of heart disease.
Coconut Oil Can Protect Hair Against Damage, Moisturize Skin and Function as Sunscreen - Coconut oil can serve various purposes that have nothing to do with eating it. Many people are using it for cosmetic purposes and to improve the health and appearance of their skin and hair. Studies on individuals with dry skin show that coconut oil can improve the moisture and fat content of the skin. Coconut oil can also be very protective against hair damage and one study shows effectiveness as sunscreen, blocking about 20% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Another application is using it like mouthwash in a process called oil pulling, which can kill some of the harmful bacteria in the mouth, improve dental health and reduce bad breath. Coconut oil can be applied topically as well, studies showing it to be effective as a skin moisturizer and protecting against hair damage. It can also be used as a mild form of sunscreen and as mouthwash.
The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil Can Boost Brain Function in Alzheimer’s Patients - Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and occurs primarily in elderly individuals. In Alzheimer’s patients, there appears to be a reduced ability to use carbs for energy in certain parts of the brain. Researchers have speculated that ketones can provide an alternative energy source for these malfunctioning brain cells and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Studies show that the fatty acids in coconut oil can increase blood levels of ketones, supplying energy for the brain cells of Alzheimer’s patients and relieving symptoms.
Coconut Oil Can Help You Lose Fat, Especially The Harmful Abdominal Fat - Given that coconut oil can reduce appetite and increase fat burning, it makes sense that it can also help you lose weight. Coconut oil appears to be especially effective at reducing belly fat, which lodges in the abdominal cavity and around organs. This is the most dangerous fat of all and is highly associated with many chronic diseases. In a study in 40 women with abdominal obesity, supplementing with 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of coconut oil per day led to a significant reduction in both BMI and waist circumference in a period of 12 weeks. This number may not seem too impressive on the surface, but be aware that these people aren’t adding exercise or restricting calories. They’re losing significant amounts of belly fat simply by adding coconut oil to their diet.
50% of the fat content in coconut oil is a fat rarely found in nature called lauric acid. Lauric acid is a powerful virus and gram-negative bacteria destroyer, and coconut oil contains the most lauric acid of any substance on Earth! Capric acid, another coconut fatty acid present in smaller amounts, has also been added to the list of coconut's antimicrobial components. This is one of the key reasons you should consider consuming coconut oil, because there aren't many sources of monolaurin in our diet. But the health benefits of coconut oil don't stop there.
Minola contains Lauric Oil that helps buid immunity like the Lauric found in mothers milk. Lauric acid is the driving force behind the massive “re-branding” of coconut oil as a health food after being vilianized for decades as a scary, saturated fat-laden food guaranteed to send you into cardiac arrest.
Lauric Oil helps boost your immunity with MINOLA COOKING OIL. Minola has LAURIC OIL that helps fight viruses and bacteria.
Take your relationship goals to a sexy level by getting in good shape this 2017! Coconut oil is proven to help boost metabolism, decrease abdominal fat while helping the body stay energized. So use Minola Premium Coconut Cooking Oil for a healthy, sexy body this 2017! Coconut Oil helps promote good cholesterol. This way you have a better chance of staying healthier and longer. Switch to Minola Premium Coconut Cooking Oil today!
Coast Boracay is a charming 71-room resort nestled on the powdery sands of Boracay Island’s White Beach. The resort is set to redefine your stay and gastronomic experience.
Located at Station 2 Beach Front, Brgy. Balabag, Malay, Boracay Island, Aklan, Philippines.
Coast boasts of a distinct excitement in every corner with its relaxing accommodations, well-crafted food and beverage offerings, and a service that genuinely cares.
5 ROOM Types
Deluxe
Premier
One Bed Deluxe
Loft
Coast is another innovative concept of Raintree Hospitality Group and had opened first quarter of 2016 in Station 2, Boracay Island.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Refreshing f&B outlets brew inside!
Coast intends to serve only top-quality food items to its guests.
The resort ensures this by having three refreshing Raintree Restaurants that will let you taste the flavors of the sun.
The outlets will feature an all day restaurant, a beach snack shack, and a rooftop cocktail & game lounge.
Coast also has two function rooms named Tala (28 sq m), and Luna (93 sq m) that can accommodate corporate and social events.
Summer is indeed approaching and Coast Boracay is just waiting.....
Encephalitis - inflammation of the substance of the brain. Also called encephalitis lethargica a form of this condition, caused by a filterable virus and characterized by apathy and abnormal sleepiness; sleeping sickness.
Sanofi Pasteur held an awareness forum regarding the Japanese Encephalitis (JE). I haven't heard about JE, but I am aware that insect bites can and are indeed dangerous. JE is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. JE Japanese belongs to the same genus as dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses. It takes 5 to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito to develop symptoms. 24 countries in the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions have JEV transmission risk, which includes more than 3 billion people.
Signs and symptoms
Most JEV infections are mild (fever and headache) or without apparent symptoms, but approximately 1 in 250 infections results in severe clinical illness. Severe disease is characterized by rapid onset of high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, seizures, spastic paralysis and ultimately death. The case-fatality rate can be as high as 30% among those with disease symptoms.
Of those who survive, 20%–30% suffer permanent intellectual, behavioural or neurological problems such as paralysis, recurrent seizures or the inability to speak.
JE usually occurs in rural and agricultural areas, however, an epidemiologic study conducted by Dr. Anna Lena Lopez of the National Institute of Health (NIH) published in 2015, showed that the virus circulates in all regions of the Philippines, including urban areas like Metro Manila, constituting a significant public health burden.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS
Transmitted by the mosquito vector Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the virus can cause inflammation of the brain, leading to high fever, headache, fatigue, vomiting, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures, spastic paralysis, and coma. It could also mimic a stroke, as was the case reported in Davao during the second half of 2016.2 There is no specific treatment for this disease. JE is fatal in 20 to 30% of cases and among those who survive, 30 to 50% suffer from permanent disabilities.
Humans, once infected, do not develop sufficient viraemia to infect feeding mosquitoes. The virus exists in a transmission cycle between mosquitoes, pigs and/or water birds (enzootic cycle). The disease is predominantly found in rural and periurban settings, where humans live in closer proximity to these vertebrate hosts.
Imagine there are currently estimated 3 billion people at risk for JE, living in JE-prone areas, including 24 countries in the Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions, Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The study showed that although majority of cases occur in children younger than 15 years of age, adults remain at risk, with 15% of cases occurring in individuals older than 18 years. In tropical areas, disease can occur year-round. Data from the Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau surveillance system revealed that for 2016, among 875 acute meningitis-encephalitis suspected cases reported as of August 2016, 119 (14%) were laboratory-confirmed for JE.
As part of the government’s strategy to reduce mosquito-borne diseases, the 4S program was implemented several years back.
Summary: Epidemiology of JE in the Philippines
JE is endemic in the Philippines
Surveillance data shows the JE virus circulates in ALL regions of the Philippines
20-30% of those who develop JE die, majority of those who survive have physical disabilities
JE poses a public health burden in the Philippines
4S stands for:
Search and destroy mosquito breeding places
Self-protection measures
Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than 2 days
Say yes to fogging when there is an impending outbreak
According to the WHO, the most effective way of reducing disease burden is vaccination against the illness. The WHO cites that there is clear evidence demonstrating the impact JE vaccination has on disease burden in a population. Hence, the WHO has recommended that JE vaccination be integrated into national immunization schedules in all areas where JE is recognized as a public health problem. The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) has reviewed data on the different types of JE vaccines (inactivated and live attenuated vaccines) and has found them to have acceptable safety profiles. Local scientific bodies, including the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) and Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP), have recommended that JE vaccination be given as a single primary dose for those 9 months old and above. For individuals less than 18 years of age, this should be followed by a booster dose 1 to 2 years after. Other preventive strategies for disease control include bed nets, repellents, long-sleeved clothes, coils, vaporizers and mosquito control measures.
About the Vaccine
The JE-chimeric vaccine, a live attenuated recombinant vaccine, was first licensed in the Philippines in 2013. The vaccine is produced by Vero cell culture, a cell culture technology recommended by WHO. It is the only JE vaccine available locally and is approved for use for individuals 9 months old and above, with high immunogenicity rates.
There is no antiviral treatment for patients with JE. Treatment is supportive to relieve symptoms and stabilize the patient.
