Hi Edward, Here are the most important news that you need to know.       PGH log, DOH count show sharp COVID rise The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has been admitting a “steady increase” in COVID-19 patients in recent days, reflecting the sharp rise in the number of cases, particularly in Metro Manila in the last weeks of 2021, a hospital official said on Saturday.   Inquirer Plus offers FREE 30 day trial   2022 starts with tax, price hikes on cigarettes, alcohol The new year begins with another increase in “sin” taxes, meant not only to discourage smoking and drinking but also to raise more revenues to finance the universal health-care (UHC) program being implemented by Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).   SAFE ENOUGH DISTANCE  Although ready with his own set of noisemakers to greet 2022, a young boy at Barangay Alibagu in Ilagan City, Isabela province, pauses to enjoy a fireworks display from afar on New Year’s Eve. — VILLAMOR VISAYA JR.   LEARN MORE   Surigao folk see hope in New Year amid typhoon ruins SURIGAO CITY—When asked about their fishing boats during a disaster damage assessment just days after Typhoon “Odette” (international name: Rai) struck on Dec. 16, many fishermen in the city’s coastal villages replied, “zero visibility.”   Take our news quiz!   Opinion: Build ‘coastal greenbelts’ Extreme storms like Odette and Yolanda highlight the need for building what Mindanao marine scientist Jurgenne Primavera calls 'coastal greenbelts.'      SUBSCRIBE | FACEBOOK | VIBER INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | SUGGEST     © 2021 PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to Inquirer Newsletters. Unsubscribe