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Despite the growing prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodefiency syndrome (AIDS) in the Philippines and the psychosocial challenges it engenders, there remains a dearth of research on the intersection of HIV and hospice care. Stigma and discrimination further compound the challenges of providing inclusive hospice care to HIV patients in the country. Drawing upon the results of a recently published article centered on a Veteran assigned male at birth who expressed a desire for gender reassignment while receiving end-of-life care, this paper highlights the importance of sensitivity, understanding, and affirmation in hospice settings for HIV patients in the Philippines., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Teaching death, spirituality, and palliative care equips students with critical skills and perspectives for holistic patient care. This interdisciplinary approach fosters empathy, resilience, and personal growth while enhancing competence in end-of-life care. Using experiential methods like simulations and real patient interactions, educators bridge theory and practice. Integrating theological insights and inclusive-pluralism encourages meaningful dialogue, preparing students to address patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This holistic pedagogy not only improves patient outcomes but also promotes collaboration and compassion in healthcare.

I read with great interest the recent study by Omohwovo on wastewater management challenges in Africa, which has strong parallels with the Philippines' own struggles in this area. Like Africa, our country is experiencing rapid population growth and urbanization without the necessary infrastructure to support effective wastewater treatment. The Philippines is also facing poor wastewater management that has led to severe heath concerns for humans, animals, and ecosystem. Since wastewater treatment and disposal facilities are rare, domestic wastewater is discharged without treatment. This has resulted in serious public health risks and environmental damage-problems that mirror those highlighted in Africa and emphasize the urgency of meeting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) for clean water and sanitation. This paper aims to provide guidelines for the Philippine government to consider localized solutions and policy integration to solve the issue of wastewater management in the Philippines., Competing Interests: The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2025.)

In a recently published paper, Baker Rogers provided significant insights into enhancing emergency preparedness in hospices. A literature review identified 26 articles focusing on various aspects of hospice emergency preparedness, organized into 6 key themes: Policies and Procedures; Testing/Training/Education; Integration and Coordination; Mitigation; Risk Assessment/Hazard and Vulnerability Analysis; and Regulations. These themes highlight the multifaceted approach required for effective disaster readiness in hospice settings. This correspondence article aims to apply these findings to the Philippine context, suggesting pathways to strengthen the resilience of hospice care during disasters., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Palliative care is a specialized medical approach that aims to improve the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses. While palliative care addresses the physical and emotional aspects of illness, one dimension often overlooked but of great significance is spirituality. Many end-of-life caregivers fail to incorporate spirituality as part of the holistic approach in end-of-life care. It is crucial that all physicians and medical professionals possess a holistic understanding of caring for the whole person. Integrating spirituality and mindfulness into palliative care can lead to profound benefits for both patients and caregivers, offering comfort, solace, and a sense of purpose in the face of mortality. This correspondence adds to the discussion on importance of spiritual mindfulness in palliative care., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Competing Interests: The author declares that there is no conflict of interest.

This commentary explores the future of nursing in the Philippines, with a focus on post-COVID-19 solutions to address existing challenges. The Philippines, known for exporting nurses worldwide, faces urgent issues such as understaffing, inadequate infrastructure, low wages, and limited educational opportunities within its healthcare system. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these challenges, leading to burnout, personal protection equipment shortages, and mental health struggles among nurses. To shape a resilient future, data-driven solutions are proposed in a post-pandemic world such as investing in education, improving compensation and working conditions, enhancing mental health support, integrating telehealth, fostering public-private partnerships, and considering international collaboration. The lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic can bring positive change, ensuring Filipino nurses receive the recognition and support they deserve in strengthening the nation's healthcare system in a post-pandemic world20., Competing Interests: The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

A recently published correspondence proposed a solution for survival in the context of Indonesia using a spiritual-philosophical perspective to fight the pandemic crisis. However, such principle can be too exclusive and restrictive in its application to the pandemic crisis. One must also consider the alternative approaches in solving the crisis from a multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach. This paper proposes the principle of 'human dignity' as an inclusive approach to humanitarian crisis., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

In major world religious/spiritual traditions, death is accepted as a natural end of life and a point of transition into the unknown. In this paper, I reflect from my personal experience as both a survivor of a Near-Death Experience (NDE) and as a theologian doing pastoral care and counseling. NDEs foster an internal sense of connection to the divine and to something greater or higher than the self which I call the "Spirituality of Death."

As a theology professor in a Catholic University, we are trained to teach minds, touch hearts, and transform lives. But a professor gains deeper understanding of the importance of teaching theology in time of COVID-19 pandemic. My theology is rooted in my personal religious and spiritual experiences. Therefore, experience led me to construct three themes: "Light of Faith"; "The True, Good and Beautiful"; "Religious and Spiritual Experiences."

The disproportionate impact of the pandemic on certain populations has highlighted numerous inequities and injustices in our world. In considering the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic, an inclusive approach is not only a humanitarian approach but also a global public health imperative. The rights of the most vulnerable groups, such as women, youth, indigenous people and persons with disabilities and with co-morbidity, among others need to be protected., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has caused unprecedented challenge to manage the bodies of the dead. The disposal of the dead becomes a challenge as there is a shortage of coffins, and crematoriums are overwhelmed. A recent correspondence published in the Journal of Public Health highlighted the importance of performing the last rites in a time of COVID-19 pandemic. This paper argues that the bodies of those who have died because of COVID-19 should be treated with respect and dignity., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

A recently published correspondence proposed the involvement of private-owned companies in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program. This article raises awareness that vaccine hesitancy could undermine the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination programs. This article proposes the idea of public participation: dialog-based approach, incentive-based (non-financial) approach and reminder-recall approach based on the World Health Organization guidelines., (© Crown copyright 2021.)

This correspondence points out the excessive use of police force in the Philippines since the outbreak of the pandemic. In a recent correspondence, the authors called for a cooperative, honest and considerate attitude toward the government. However, how can one trust the government if it relies heavily on draconian measures in 'war' against the pandemic?, (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has stimulated governments to an extensive discussion on the necessity of COVID-19 vaccination certificate (CVC) to help monitor and manage the rollout of vaccinations and revive the economy. A recent correspondence highlighted the ethical issues concerning COVID-19 diagnostic test results and vaccination certificates. This paper highlights the potential benefits and harms of implementing CVC in the ASEAN region., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a grave threat to Indigenous Peoples (IPs) around the world. In a recent correspondence, the author explores the vulnerabilities at the local level during COVID-19. IPs experience a high degree of socio-economic marginalization and are at disproportionate risk in public health emergencies, becoming even more vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic, owing to factors such as their lack of access to effective monitoring and early-warning systems, and adequate health and social services. This correspondence calls for a 'multisectoral strategy of intervention' and a 'preferential option for the indigenous peoples' during this global pandemic., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Ensuring global access for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccines is key to avoiding severe COVID-19 disease and achieving herd immunity. This correspondence highlights the importance of advocating for effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines for low-income countries while ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. Global access to COVID-19 vaccines for the common good is much needed., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)