OpinYon Rizal

17/07/2025

Kawasaki Disease: What parents need to know

In 2019, there were more than 5,000 children under 18 years of age who were hospitalized with Kawasaki Disease in the United States.

Of these, 3,693 were under 5 years of age. According to recent reports from pediatric hospital across Asia, this disease is showing a noticeable uptick this year.

This rare but serious illness causes inflammation in blood vessels and can lead to heart complications if not caught early. Mostly, it starts with symptoms that look like a regular fever.

Symptoms of Kawasaki disease include a fever greater than 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) for five or more days. And the child has at least four of the following symptoms:

• A rash on the main part of the body or in the ge***al area.
• An enlarged lymph node in the neck.
• Very red eyes without a thick discharge.
• Red, dry, cracked lips and a red, swollen tongue.
• Swollen, red skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

It may sounds scary but according to experts if caught early, treating Kawasaki disease within 10 days of when it began may reduce the chances of lasting damage to the arteries that supply the heart. Although the experts still aren’t sure about the cause of KD, one thing is for sure.
Early diagnosis is everything.

OpinYonistas, don’t wait it to out, get checked out!

(John David Nuñez)

16/07/2025

15/07/2025

Before, when I heard someone was a cm laude, magna cm laude, or even summa cm laude, I felt amazed—almost awestruck. Those titles carried a certain weight, like medals forged through sleepless nights, blood, sweat, and relentless pursuit of excellence. But now, when I scroll through social media and see multiple Latin honorees in just one graduation post, it seems almost... normal. What changed?

Read more
https://opinyon.net/opinion/the-changing-value-of-latin-honors-in-philippine-universities

12/07/2025

You can now renew your driver’s license online using just your phone.

The new Online Driver’s License Renewal System (ODLRS) was officially launched by the LTO to cut the hassle of long lines and save you time, money, and effort.

Here’s how you can do it:
1️⃣ Download the “eGovPH” app from the App Store or Google Play
2️⃣ Open the app and tap NGA, then find and click LTO
3️⃣ Tap “Renew Your Driver’s License”
4️⃣ Upload a clear photo of the front and back of your license
5️⃣ Wait 1–3 minutes for the system to verify it
6️⃣ Review your details, then hit Submit
7️⃣ Take a selfie following the app’s photo guidelines

Requirements before you start:
✔️ Online Medical Exam
Inside the portal, click “Telemedicine”
Book an appointment and finish the virtual exam

✔️ Driver’s Enhancement Program (DEP)
Inside the portal, click “ODEP”
Complete the 5-hour online course

✔️ Online Payment
Choose your payment method and pay the renewal fee

Once done, your e-license will show up in the app and is just as valid as the physical one. You can also have the card delivered to you or pick it up at your preferred LTO office.

OpinYonistas, tag a friend who needs to see this.

10/07/2025

08/07/2025

(2nd of two parts)

07/07/2025

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) just issued a new warning: Taal Volcano in Batangas could erupt anytime. 😳

According to their latest update, there’s been a sharp rise in underground volcanic activity (called RSAM) and very little sulfur dioxide (SO2) coming out of the volcano.

What does that mean? It could mean that gas is getting trapped inside — and when that pressure builds up, it might lead to an eruption. ⚠️

This kind of eruption is called a phreatic explosion — that’s when steam blasts out because magma or hot rocks come in contact with underground water. It’s actually what happened last June 17, when Taal let out a 17-minute steam-driven burst. 🌋

Phivolcs is urging everyone to stay alert and follow official updates closely, especially if you live near the area or have travel plans to Batangas.

OpinYonistas, let’s keep each other informed and safe.

04/07/2025

04/07/2025

A new proposal in Congress is aiming to give public school teachers a well-deserved raise — up to P50,000 per month as the new entry-level salary. 🙌

The bill, called House Bill 203, was refiled by ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co on their first day in office for the 20th Congress.

Right now, a Teacher I position (Salary Grade 11) earns P30,024 per month — which the lawmakers say just isn’t enough for a family to live decently. They highlighted that teachers still struggle financially, despite previous salary adjustments in 2020 and 2024.

There are approximately 800,000 teachers in our public schools.

04/07/2025

IT IS a testament to a clan’s rapacious character and propensity to profit from their decades-long hold on political power in Eastern Visayas and lately, in the whole country—this ongoing controversy among members of the Romualdez family involving the San Juanico Bridge.

02/07/2025

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is calling on the government and private companies to fully embrace flexible work arrangements especially for the younger generation of Filipino workers. 🧑‍💻✨

“We need to adapt to the fast-changing times to ensure higher productivity and a better future for our workers,” Gatchalian said.

He also urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to strengthen policies that support:
✅ Remote workers
✅ Digital freelancers
✅ Online professionals

The senator added that training programs focused on digital skills should be prioritized so Filipinos can thrive in emerging online jobs.

The Philippines is one of the top 5 sources of virtual assistants for foreign employers on platforms like Upwork.

While previous bills pushing for freelancer protection (Senate Bill 136 and House Bill 6718) were filed, they’ll need to be reintroduced in the next Congress to move forward.

OpinYonistas, are you team remote, hybrid, or onsite? 💻❤️️

02/07/2025

Malacanang is now taking a closer look at PrimeWater after receiving two balikbayan boxes filled with reports and evidence from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

According to the LWUA, they were pushed to act after getting numerous complaints through the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center, mostly about no water supply and dirty water coming from faucets. 🤢

There’s no specific timeline yet for the Palace’s review.

Meanwhile, LWUA said the government cannot cancel PrimeWater’s joint venture deals directly but the investigation will help guide water districts on how they can possibly end contracts if needed.

As of now, 74 water districts across the country are in joint ventures with PrimeWater, operating in areas like Batangas, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Subic, and more.💧

OpinYonistas, have you experienced problems with your water service too?