The Official Newsletter of PIA-8 and RTF-8 ELCAC
VOL II NO. 6
March 16-31, 2020
DO YOUR SHARE OF AVOIDING GETTING INFECTED BY STAYING HOME, CORDS - 8 TELLS EASTERN VISAYANS TACLOBAN CITY -- Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Eastern Visayas, calls on Eastern Visayans to do their share while there is time, of avoiding getting infected by staying at home. He said the message of the National Government is very clear because that is the only way to stop the spread of the corona virus and save precious lives. In a message for his colleagues in Eastern Visayas, the country, he said, is right now in a very challenging situation. “The people of Eastern
Visayas are widely known to be resilient because of your experience in going through different kinds of human-induced and natural calamities in the past. But just like in a storm surge, our safest refuge - the higher ground but this time - it is our home,” Secretary Del Rosario said. As CORDS 8, he enjoins all Local Chief Executives and heads of government instrumentalities to convey the same message and “align your local ordinances and action plans with the policies and plans of the National Government.” “As always, we will do our best to push for the availability of
critical resources to Region 8 as deemed necessary and vital,” he added. Moreover, he exhorted
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47 former rebels in Leyte town surrender to authorities By: Consuelo B. Alarcon
CARIGARA, Leyte -- The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist (RTF8-ELCAC) has achieved another milestone on Friday in its campaign against insurgency in Leyte when some 47 former rebels formally surrendered to authorities. The former rebels and supporters of the New People’s Army in Leyte surrendered to 802nd Brigade Commander Brig. General Lope C. Dagoy, Carigara Mayor Eduardo Ong and other government officials. In a short interview with Gen. Dagoy, he said that the surrenderers were the last group of rebels in Leyte. The province of Leyte was declared insurgent-free a few months ago. “Ito yung last na grupo na magsusurender formally. Actually, matagal na sila kaya lang, medyo kukunti sila compared duon sa Third District na umaabot ng isang libo mahigit yun, while dito mga hundreds lang,” Dagoy said
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA DOH reiterates need for social distancing, 2nd COVID-19 positive case in EV recorded in personal hygiene, as it confirms second Calbayog City positive case in EV 2
March 15-31, 2020
By: Golda Meir T. Tabao
PALO, Leyte -- Department of Health Region 8 (DOH-8) Regional Director Minerva Molon reiterated the need for strict implementation of social/physical distancing, personal hygiene, proper hand washing and cough etiquette. She made the call after she announced the second confirmed COVID-19 case in Eastern Visayas. “Let us all unite and cooperate to fight COVID-19 in Region 8,” Dir. Molon said. The confirmation brings the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region to two (2). The second confirmed case was part of the second batch of 22 samples sent to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center for COVID-19 testing. The second confirmed positive case is a 63-year-old male from Calbayog City with history of travel to Manila. He arrived in the region on March 8, 2020 with symptoms of dry cough. He was admitted on March 21, 2020 at a
local hospital and later discharged with a diagnosis of Community Acquired Pneumonia and was sent home with medication and was advised to undergo home isolation. During his home isolation, his dry cough persisted prompting him to be referred for a nasopharyngeal swab last March 25, 2020. Patient’s condition improved, however, because of high risk condition belonging to vulnerable group, he was transferred to the referral hospital today for further monitoring and management. “A surveillance team has been dispatched to do extensive contact tracing of the said confirmed case,” said Dr. Molon. (PIA8)
CALBAYOG CITY -- The Department of Health in Eastern Visayas (DOH-8) through Regional Director Minerva P. Molon announced today, March 31, that a patient from Calbayog City tested positive for COVID-19. The patient is a 63-year-old male from Calbayog City and with a history of travel to Manila. On March 8, he arrived in the region with symptoms of dry cough. Then, on March 21, he was admitted to a local hospital but was later discharged and sent home for self-isolation and home medication. As of today, the patient’s condition has improved. However, he is diabetic, hypertensive, and asthmatic thus under high-risk. The patient is now transferred to a referral hospital in Tacloban for further monitoring. On the other hand, his family and driver are now on home quarantine and are closely monitored. The patient from Calbayog is now the second COVID-19 positive case in Eastern Visayas. Meanwhile, RD Molon reiterates the importance of social distancing, proper hand washing, personal hygiene, and cough etiquette as a preventive measure against COVID-19. (GMT/PIA-Samar)
Eastern Samar is still negative for COVID-19
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA March 15-31, 2020 Whole-of-Nation Approach working in Eastern Visayas in the fight vs COVID-19
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By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante BORONGAN CITY -- The province of Eastern Samar is still negative for COVID-19. This is according to Dr. Rodel Delgado, Chief of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) Technical Section. “As of March 29, umaabot na lang ng 2,004 and mga PUMs na naka quarantine,” said Delgado. The official PHO page recorded that as of March 29, there were 4, 208 PUMs but with 2, 205 quarantine done. As to the 89 Persons Under Investigation (PUIs), 34 of which have been resolved with two patients that tested negative. Patients pending results but beyond quarantine is 1, asymptomatic but beyond quarantine is 31, home isolation is 55. All patients are currently in stable condition and are being strictly monitored, the report added. Delgado reiterated his battle cry to stop the spread of COVID-19. “Please stay at home!” (nbq/ PIA 8-E. Samar)
TACLOBAN CITY -- The whole-ofnation approach is very much apparent in Eastern Visayas as both the government and private sector work hand-in-hand to prevent the entrance/spread of the dreaded COVID19 in the region. What the government is doing is known but little is known about what the private sector is doing. Take the case of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tacloban-Leyte Inc. led by its President Eugene Tan. This group of about 150 businessmen all over the province of Leyte are on the look out on how they can help especially in ensuring that basic commodities and services continue to be available to the public. The group has passed relevant resolutions pertaining to the COVID-19. Foremost is the Resolution enjoining the members of the PCCITacloban, Leyte and all business owners and establishment to adopt stringent measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 by adopting measures such as personal hygiene, providing Vitamin-C and masks to their employees, encouraging hourly handwashing, sanitizing business premises and practicing social distancing. Currently, as part of its
commitment to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 , PCCI Tacloban-Leyte Inc. is passing the hat in order to conduct a city-wide Clean Up Drive for all the streets in the city on Saturday and the days to come by way of flashing the streets with water mixed with Chlorine . This will be done with the assistance of three Fire Volunteers ( Green Volunteers, Chinese Chamber , Delta Volunteers), the BFP and the City Engineer’s Office which deployed 30 sweepers and mist blowers during the launching on March 21. The disinfection will last for three weeks. Hopefully, after the community quarantine, the Taclobanons will go out to a safer and more sanitary streets and environment, Mr. Tan said. 2. Resolution that the PCCI Tacloban-Leyte will conduct information campaign to slow the spread of COVID-19 by producing posters in English and Waray-waray languages. 3. Resolution requesting MARINA and DOTr to ensure the continuous operation of ferries plying Allen to Matnog and vice-versa, San Isidro to Matnog and vice-versa, to ensuring the steady flow of goods to our area. 4. Resolution requesting an
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
March 15-31, 2020
Leyte province placed under general community quarantine By: Consuelo B. Alarcon
TACLOBAN CITY -- The provincial government of Leyte has placed the entire province under general community quarantine from March 18 to April 17, 2020. Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla made the declaration after the Provincial InterAgency Task Force for COVID-19 unanimously passed a resolution recommending the same. Through Executive Order No. 03-2020-03 dated March 17, restrictions of movement include the prohibition of entry of persons coming in to the province except for returning residents but with proper documentation; residents outside of the province but who have work, business or are self-employed within the province; students who reside outside the province provided proof of enrollment shall be presented upon entry; members of the PNP, military and health personnel; and vehicles, including the driver and helpers bringing in goods, supplies and equipment provided documents are presented. Checkpoints will also be
established in designated areas while public gatherings which draw a large number of prople like fiesta celebrations, barangay assemblies, reunions, trade fairs, carnivals, balikbayan affairs, fund raising and other public events are prohibited. Preventive and safety measures in workplaces are strongly encouraged such as close monitoring of employees, use of thermal scanners, and the provision of alcohol and hand sanitizers in the entrance and exit points of work establishments. Returning individuals in the province are likewise directed to observe self-quarantine for 14 days in their respective homes and avail of medical assistance immediately if symptoms of COVID-19 infection is suspected. Local Chief Executives are also required to implement curfew hours in their respective areas. However, the curfew schedule is not applicable to individuals rendering emergency, health and security work. (ldl/cba/PIA)
S. Leyte PHO underscores protection of health care personnel By: Marcelo M. Pedalino
MAASIN CITY -- The provincial health office in Southern Leyte has emphasized the need for frontline health service providers to be protected even as they serve people in their communities, using a system devised by the Department of Health (DOH). “My first instruction to health officers and chiefs of hospital was protect your health workers,” Dr. Feliciano Matibag, Jr., provincial health officer, declared during a media forum at the provincial social welfare and development office (PSWDO) Tuesday. “So at the health facility, people who seek admission or consultation, there will be a triage in their places,” Matibag added. Triage is a systematic way of managing patients based on the urgency of their need for care and attention, and in connection with the current public health emergency on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), health personnel in the field were already aware of this DOH protocol. Matibag said that special tents were installed outside, within the vicinity of the health centers, where people with symptoms, mild or severe, can be processed and sorted out, in coordination with the concerned Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs). As a matter of protection, health providers can already identify who are the persons under monitoring (PUMs) or persons under investigation (PUIs) while people are still outside, and strictly observing the mandatory social
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Northern Samar LGU enforces General Community Quarantine
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
March 15-31, 2020
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By: Ailene N. Diaz
CATARMAN, Northern Samar -The implementation of Executive Order No. 01-03-20 placing the entire province of Northern Samar under General Community Quarantine is strictly being enforced in this province comprising of 24 towns and 569 barangays. The Executive Order signed by Governor Edwin Ongchuan on March 17 is anchored on the 1987 Constitution, Section 15 of Article II which states that “The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them,” as well as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Proclamation No. 922 declaring the State of Public Health Emergency throughout the country, among others. Thus, in order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the province is now placed under General Community Quarantine where the movement of the people of Northern Samar are limited to work, access to basic needs, and for quarantine and uniformed personnel to watch the border points. Specified in the EO provides that the said declaration is subject to the continuing evaluation and assessment by the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 whick took effect on March 19, 2020 to April 15, 2020. All towns were directed to implement the non-essential entry and exit of the people to and from Northern Samar either by land, sea or air especially those in high risk or infected, 60 years old
DOH-8 chief calls on LGUs to implement strict home quarantine for vulnerable groups By: Consuelo B. Alarcon PALO, Leyte -- While the cases of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) continue to rise in the country, the Department of Health in Eastern Visayas (DOH-8) is enjoining all local government units in the region to strictly implement home quarantine of vulnerable groups in the localities. This after DOH has noted that most of the deaths belong to the elderly group and/or with underlying
disease conditions. Relative to this, DOH-8 Regional Director Minerva P. Molon on Wednesday issued COVID-19 Advisory No. 005 reminding the public to strictly follow home quarantine especially the vulnerable groups to prevent the spread of the virus. The health official emphasized that those who are considered in the vulnerable group are the elderly people aged 60 years old and above and above, immunocompromised and persons with underlying co-moror with co-morbidities and pregbidities like cardiovascular diseases, nant women. All person entering hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and leaving the province shall be chronic respiratory diseases, cancer checked for signs and symptoms and other pre-existing condition. but the movement of cargoes shall People who are also immunobe unhampered. compromised patients belong to the Exempted to the restricvulnerable group as well as pregnant tions are health workers, members women and minors. of PNP and AFP, those travelling On Monday, the Department for medical and humanitarian of Health in the region reported the reasons, those providing basic ser- first confirmed COVID-19 case who vices and public utilities, essential is from Catarman Northern Samar skeletal workforce, returning reswith travel history to Japan. idents, members of the Provincial As of 3 p.m. today, March Health Board and Provincial 26, there are 280 current PUIs in the Inter-Agency task Force and cargo region recorded by DOH-8 wherein vehicles including drivers and 259 have mild symptoms and in home helpers. isolation while 21 PUIs are admitted continued on page 14 at the referral hospitals. (ldl/cba/PIA8)
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March 15-31, 2020
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
Borongan City distributes relief packs per family By: Ninfa Iluminada B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY -- Borongan City LGU distributed relief packs per family two times a week for two weeks. In a press conference with the local media on Thursday, March 26, the City Risk Reduction and Management Officer also the Incident Commander Jaime Voces said. The earlier instruction was only for households, but the city was flooded with complaints that some houses are housing different families. These families are hindered from doing their jobs as Borongan is in a home quarantine mode until April 5, 2020. “Per family na ang distribution,” said Voces. He instructed those that were not given the relief packs to coordinate with their barangay for inclusion. Each relief pack, said Voces contains two tins of sardines, two tins of beef loaf and three kilos of rice. He added that some families who were unable to go back to their residences and are stranded in Borongan due to the quarantine can also receive the food packs, they just need to inform the barangay where they are. Another provision that
Borongan City employees continue repacking food packs to be distributed 2 times a week for 2 weeks. (PIA-E.Samar)
LGU-Maasin imposes total liquor ban amid COVID-19 threat By: Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos
MAASIN CITY -- The city government of Maasin has imposed a total liquor ban in the entire city effective March 24 to prevent social gatherings amid Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat. Through Executive Order No. 27, series of 2020, Mayor Nacional V. Mercado ordered a total liquor ban in all public places within the city of Maasin. “The said order is an urgent need to prevent social gathering in public places and avoid the possible spread of the virus,” the EO stated. It prohibits any person, including owners and managers of hotels, resorts, restaurants and other establishments of the same nature to sell, buy, offer, serve or drink intoxicating liquor of any kind in any public place. continued on page 15 Mercado, who signed the executive order, cited President Rodrigo Duterte who recognized that COVID19 constitute a threat to national security, prompting a whole-of-government approach in addressing the outbreak throughout the country. All groceries in the city of
Maasin, including sari-sari stores in the barangay are advised not to sell liquors of any kind within the community quarantine period which will be until March 31, 2020. The Philippine National Police - Maasin City Police Station personnel are directed to implement the executive order including the confiscation of any contraband and the filing of legal action to the violators. The barangay tanods are also mandated to implement the said order at their respective barangays in coordination with the law enforcement agencies. The city mayor also enjoined the public to follow the provisions of the intensified community quarantine stated in Executive Order No. 26 and the total liquor ban for EO 27 as precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Any violator of the said EOs will be dealt with accordingly like suspension of permits, confiscation of the liquor or the like, imposition of penalties, among others. (ldl/eg/rgc/ PIA8-SoLeyte)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
PPEs, health essentials for frontliners for E.Samar arrive from Manila By: Samuel D. Candido
BORONGAN CITY -- The Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) and health essentials for frontliners arrived on March 24, 2020 at the Provincial Capitol, Brgy. AlangAlang, this city. According to Provincial Administrator, Nelson F. Cortez, the said medical supplies were given and donated by the Ayala Foundation in Manila and from Senator Manny Paquiao to the province of Eastern Samar. Cortez said that aside from the donated medical supplies, the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar also purchased additional medical supplies. The medical items include: surgical masks, surgical gloves, N-95 masks, surgical gowns and head caps, ethyl alcohol, viricide and bacticide to be used by doctors, nurses and other health workers/ frontliners. The Provincial Administrator said that Governor Evardone who is in self quarantine, instructed him to distribute the medical supplies the soonest
possible time to various hospitals and Rural Health Units (RHUs) who are attending to the care of Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) in the different municipalities and city in the province. Some will also be given to other frontliners, such as PNP, BFP,C/MDRRMO, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, Barangay Tanod and Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERTs) and media men. Health care workers and frontliners rely on PPEs and health essentials to protect themselves, specifically the PPEs they need to stay safe and minimize the spread of COVID-19. Cortez disclosed that there are many people texting him asking for the surgical masks. “I am appealing to the general public to those who texted me, I am asking you to understand, because these masks are for the frontliners and I urged you to stay at home, because this mask is not necessary if you are staying at home,” he
March 15-31, 2020
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Maasin City mulls acquiring COVID-19 testing kits, seeks advice, guidelines By: Marcelo M. Pedalino
MAASIN CITY -- Maasin City’s Quick Response Fund (QRF) is ready and can be used to purchase test kits for the coronavirus disease, but absence of protocols and guidelines prevented the LGU from doing so. “Is there already available test kits that the LGU can procure using our 30 percent quick response fund, from suppliers that are accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA)?,” Mayor Nacional Mercado asked, speaking in a mix of Filipino and English. The question was supposed to be asked during the live media briefing on Monday, Mar. 23, hosted by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar and Usec Rocky Ignacio at PTV4, but the video was not actually aired, due probably to lack of material time during the PIA segment of the state-run TV show. “So kung may maka-assist continued on page 20 kung sino ang mga suppliers na kailangang tawagan at ma-coordinate namin (to buy the testing kits) para gamitin sa mga persons under monitoring (PUMs) at patients under investigation (PUIs),” Mercado added. He considered the data now prevailing on zero positive case of COVID-19 infections as half-truth, for it cannot be ascertained if one is positive or negative for lack of testing kits. Mercado said everyone was overwhelmed and ill-prepared in dealing with the new virus as it
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March 15-31, 2020
Inflation Rate in EV eases to 1.9 percent in February By: PSA-RSSO 8 TACLOBAN CITY -- Inflation Rate (IR) in Eastern Visayas eased down to 1.9 percent in February 2019. This IR is 0.1 percentage point lower compared with the 2 percent IR in January 2020, and1.2 percentage points lower than the recorded 3.1 percent IR in the same period last year. The regional IR is 0.7 percentage point lower than the 2.6 percent national average inflation rate in February 2020. Inflation Rate by Province Leyte, Biliran and Southern Leyte registered lower inflation rates in February 2020 compared with their figures in January 2020. Leyte recorded the highest decrease of 0.6 percentage point, from 2.1 percent IR in January 2020 to 1.5 percent IR in February 2020. On the other hand, Northern Samar registered a 1.4 percentage points increase in IR, from 2.2 percent in January 2020 to 3.6 percent during the reference month. Samar increased by 1.1 percentage point, from 2.0 percent a month ago to 3.6 percent in February 2020. Eastern Samar, meanwhile inched up to 2.3 percent during the month in review from 2.2 percent in January 2020. Southern Leyte posted the lowest IR at 0.7 percent, while Northern Samar recorded the highest IR in February 2020 at 3.6 percent. Inflation Rate by Commodity Groups Majority of the commodity
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
NFA assures enough rice supply for Southern Leyte amid COVID-19 threat By: Erna S. Gorne
MAASIN CITY -- The National Food Authority (NFA) in Southern Leyte has assured there is enough rice supply for the province for its daily rice requirement for the next 30 days despite the threat of the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). During the recent InterAgency Task Force meeting, Information Officer Eliza Almacen of NFA said their office has 38,000 bags of local rice as buffer stock. NFA Southern Leyte is also planning for an additional stock of 10,000 bags of rice coming from Mindoro, she added. Almacen said there are available stocks of rice needed to extend food assistance to families with Patients Under Investigation (PUIs) and Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs) who undergo home quarantine within 14 days. Almacen added that several municipalities have already bought bags of rice intended for their identified families of PUIs and PUMs who are on home quarantine. The provincial government of Southern Leyte also
wants to preposition ample supply of rice for its food assistance to the families of PUIs and PUMs across the province, Provincial Administrator Jason Calva said. Almacen also assured that they will continue to serve rice retailers and government agencies that will purchase and withdraw rice from their warehouses. The Maasin City Public market is now flooded with NFA rice at an affordable price of P27 per kilo. The National Food Authority (NFA) in Southern Leyte will continue to open its office as one of the frontliners in the province during this COVID-19 pandemic. (ldl/esg/PIA8 SoLeyte)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
March 15-31, 2020
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LGU Maasin distributes food packs to families of PUMs, PUIs By: Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos
LGU E. Samar issues 6 ordinances to stop COVID-19 entry By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante
BORONGAN CITY -- The local government unit of Eastern Samar issued at least six ordinances in response to the COVID-19 threat. In a press conference held on March 20, Nelson Cortez, provincial administrator faced the media with Dr. Rodel Delgado, the provincial health office (PHO) technical chief. Governor Ben Evardone is reportedly on home quarantine but he issued a video enjoining the cooperation of his people to address the virus. Cortez said that one of the six ordinances outlined the implementation of border checkpoints in all the entry points in the province from Lawaan town in the southern part, and in Taft and Arteche towns in the northern part. Another ordinance suspended classes from March 16 to 31. Health precautions and provision of intensive health care services were also provided in another ordinance. At the provincial jail,
inmates and their families will have to sacrifice as there is another ordinance that prohibits regular and conjugal visits. Still another ordinance suspended work for a half-day on Friday, March 20, for government employees to prepare for the general community quarantine. Finally, there is the provision of a general community quarantine from March 22 (Sunday) to April 12 (Easter Sunday). Meanwhile, Dr. Rodel Delgado reported the present situation with regards to PUMs. Delgado reported that as of March 20, the Eastern Samar health office has 2, 402 persons under monitoring (PUM) and 24 persons under investigation (PUI). Eastern Samar has no COVID-19 case yet. (nbq/ PIA 8-E. Samar)
MAASIN CITY -- The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) had started distributing food packs to the families of Patients Under Investigation (PUIs) and Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs) in this city. CSWDO chief Jhade Maturan said out of the 70 barangays in Maasin City, 48 barangays were recorded to have PUMs and PUIs as of this writing. The food packs are being distributed to the concerned families whose livelihood was affected due to the 14 days home quarantine as advised by the health department to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Each food pack contains rice, canned goods and bottled water. The number of food packs provided depends on the date of their arrival to the city as indicated in the Health Declaration Form (HDF). A pack per week will be received by the said families while the PUIs/PUMs are undergoing home quarantine. City Health Officer Francislisa Tan reported that as of 11 a.m. of March 19, Maasin City recorded 371 PUMs and 12 PUIs (with mild symptoms). “With the influx of people coming from the National Capital Region (NCR) and the
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March 15-31, 2020
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
Diocese of Borongan suspends public masses and liturgical celebrations in all churches
By: Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY -- The Diocese said that the Catholic Bishop of Borongan through the Most Conference of the Philippines Reverend Bishop Crispin B. Varquez (CBCP) is now preparing the issued the suspension of all public Liturgy for the celebration of masses and liturgical celebrations in the Holy Week without a conthe churches of the Diocese starting gregation/group of people. The today, March 21, 2020 as providChancery will make it available ed in Circular No. 03-2020 dated online and deliver them to your March 20, 2020. parishes at the soonest possible “This is to contribute to time. the prevention of large gatherings, He disclosed that in this and to limit the mobility of our time of uncertainties and anxipeople and the possibility of viral eties, “Let us continue to instill transmission, I hereby decree that among our people a prayerful all public masses and the public atmosphere, as suggested in the liturgical celebrations in all parprevious Diocesan Bulletin, you ishes and ecclesial communities can organize a kind of “mobile are to be suspended starting today, prayer brigade” in our parishes, March 21, 2020,” Bishop said. composed of two persons, that He added, the celebration will go around our communities of the Holy Eucharist, however, is to lead the people in prayer.” not to be suspended, it continue “Let us continue to implore but in the mode of masses without the Lord for deliverance from this the congregation/people. pandemic. May the Virgin Mary, The Bishop also remindes patroness of the diocese, and Saint the faithful that they can take part Joseph, patron and protector of in the masses and liturgical celethe Universal Church intercede for brations through other means like us,” Bishop Varquez said. (nbq/ TV, radio or online broadcasts in SDC/PIA-E. Samar) Facebook and Youtube. Masses will continue to be offered for the intentions of the faithful and especially for our immediate deliverance from the pandemic COVID-19. The following activities are also cancelled in the Diocese: April 1 – Clergy On-going Formation; April 2 – Mass of the Chrism; April 5-12 – Public celebration of the Holy Week; April 15 – Clergy and Major Seminarians Annual Excursion; Other diocesan and regional meetings and gatherings scheduled for April 2020. The Bishop further
Biliran imposes 15-day limited border closure vs COVID-19
By: Rodrigo S. Victoria
NAVAL, Biliran -- With the expected increase of people going home to the provinces with the declaration of community quarantine in Metro Manila due to increasing positive cases of COVID-19, the island province of Biliran has imposed 15-day limited border closure. Biliran Governor Rogelio J. Espina signed Monday, March 16, Local Executive Order No. 18 imposing a 15-day limited border closure for people in the entire province of Biliran to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The order takes effect 12 midnight of March 17 and will end at 12 midnight of March 31, and is imposed in all places of entry such as but not limited to the Biliran Bridge, municipal ports, airport and coastal barangays. The order restricts non-essential entry to the island province of any person except health workers and other non-resident government
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
March 15-31, 2020
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Farmers from ELCAC barangays to produce corn, abaca and banana By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante
SoLeyte LGU under Voluntary Community Quarantine to prevent spread of COVID 19 By: Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY -- The Southern Leyte provincial government headed by Governor Damian G. Mercado declares Voluntary Community Quarantine in its effort to prevent the entry and widespread exposure of COVID – 19 in the province. In a meeting with InterAgency Task Force members on March 16, 2020, the group recommended to Governor Mercado that voluntary community quarantine shall be imposed in the province of Southern Leyte due to rapid movement of people in and out of the province. On the same day, Gov. Mercado signed Executive Order No.19, an Executive Order placing the province of Southern Leyte in voluntary community quarantine which shall be in force from March 17, 2020 at 7:00 am until March 31, 2020 at 11:59 pm. The EO enforces installation of check points in all major roads
and ports leading to Southern Leyte as all travelers are required to execute and submit filled out Health Declaration forms. The order urges persons coming to the province from Covid19 affected areas to observe mandatory self quarantine for a period of 14 days upon arrival. Those who defy this order shall be penalized under RA 92271 and RA 11332. Residents and visitors in Southern Leyte are advised to be home by 10: 00 pm except those working on night shift and observe the city / municipal curfew hours. Tourists planning to visit Southern Leyte are requested to postpone their trips. Transport of basic and lifeline commodities such as food, medicines, medical supplies, gas, fuel and the like shall not be hampered. Movement of cargoes/ goods to and from Southern Leyte shall continue and shall
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BORONGAN CITY -- Farmers from Barangay from Pandol, Boco and Balagon will be producing corn, abaca and banana. This is according to OPAS Chief Virgilio Capon in an interview at PIA Hour aired on Friday, March 13. The three barangays are identified as conflict barangays as classified by security forces owing to their distance from the town proper of Can-avid. The three barangays can be reached through the Can-avid River for 3-5 hours mechanized boat ride upstream The provincial agriculturist immersed in the communities for a few days and learned their planting needs. Capon was a member of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP composed of personnel from the LGU Can-avid and LGU-Eastern Samar). “There are but a few rice fields in these areas, corn is more suitable in the sloping areas, especially near the river banks,” said Capon. The agriculturist also learned that the villages can grow abaca and banana. “Abaca is typhoon resilient, even if storms uproot them, they can still be utilized,” he added. Capon said that he already sent some corn seeds and fertilizers to Can-avid.
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March 15-31, 2020
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA Cargoes bearing basic necessities and prime commodities are also allowed entry at all borders in the province subject to disinfection of the driver and vehicle. The driver must state the name and place of consignment and the time needed for the delivery, and shall be back at the border to exit at the designated time as conditions attached to their entry.
“Biliran imposes...� continued from page 9 employees assigned in the province . Requirements for their entry include the proof of employment like agency ID card or certificate of employment. They will still undergo screening at the border and follow protocol if found suspected of the
disease. However, their admittance to the province are no longer allowed if their places of origin are declared positive of COVID-19. Emergency responders from neighboring provinces and towns that may augment local response teams in times of emergency are also included in the list of persons whose entry to the province are allowed. The order also restricts non-essential exit from the province of any person except those people who needs medical procedures to be conducted outside the province with proof of the need to undergo treatment to be presented to authorities at the border patrol. Other persons to be granted exit of the province include government officials and personnel who are given special authority to transact official business in behalf of their respective LGUs and travelers who have pre-scheduled flights outside the country.
Local produce and locally manufactured products that are classified as basic necessities and prime commodities are not allowed in the order to be exported from the province and shall form part of the local supply for utilization while the temporary closure is in effect. Municipal mayors are directed in the order to activate their local price coordinating councils in coordination with the DTI for price monitoring and to enjoin major grocery stores to set-up control to prevent hoarding and overpricing of basic commodities and necessities. Part of the order is the temporary closure of all tourists destinations and the granting of continued operations of accommodation facilities and other tourism establishments provided stringent measures as directed by the DOT and DOH guidelines will be implemented. COVID-19 task forces in the provincial, municipal and Barangay levels are directed in the order to monitor all persons under monitoring (PUMs) and persons under investigation (PUIs) in their respective localities and to strictly enforce the implementation of home quarantine, enjoining the support of the police force if necessary. All LGUs, NGAs, POs and in the private sector are directed to act as one in the full implementation of the loca executive l order. (ldl/rsv/PIA Biliran)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA WARAY NEWS
Bungto han Oras, nag disinfect ha munisipyo By: Ninfa Iluminada B. Quirante ORAS, E. Samar -- Nagdumara hin panlimpyo ngan disinfection an mga empleyado han LGU Oras han naglabay nga sabado ha bugos nga munisipyo. Hinbaruan ini tikang kan Oras Mayor Viviane Alvarez . Ini daw in paghirot han nahitatabo nga COVID-19 infection, komo an pagiging himgi manggud in usa gihapon nga panagang han nasabi nga virus. Sugad man, komo nag dumara pa hira han flag ceremony, gin iimplementar gihapon nira an social distancing, paggamit hin hand sanitizer ngan mga alcohol nga 70% an alcohol content. Nagtikang na gihapon pag respond an LGU Oras han mga laygayan han mga pahimatngon ni Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte sama han pagpatuman han skeletal workforce basi an iba nga empleyado in dire nala anay magkinalakat. Ugaring an aada han social welfare, health ngan mga security forces in padayon an trabaho. Sugad man ha aktibo nga pagtrabaho han Barangay Health Emergency Team (BHERT), naka monitor ini hin mga tikang ha Manila nga mga tawo nga gindudul-ungan hin pagkaon, tikang ha barangay, munisipyo ngan tikang ha probinsya segun kan Mayora. An mga PUM in dire gintutugutan paglinalakat komo posible maging hinungdan hira han pagsarang han nasabi nga virus, salit, ginpa home quarantine la anay ngan hugot nga ginbabantayan han BHERT. (nbq/PIA E. Samar)
March 15-31, 2020
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“Maasin City mulls...� continued from page 7 spread fast around the world that the World Health Organization (WHO) classified it as a pandemic. The DOH was intent on delivering test kits soonest to LGUs, but if there are other duly accredited sources to buy those, the city government would certainly do so, based on certified guidelines, if ever there is, hence he is calling for help on this one, the Mayor stressed. The self or home quarantine period of 14 days is quite long for a pressing concern like this, so the sooner the testing is done, so much the better, the Mayor also said. The city of nearly a hundred thousand population has more than 400 PUMs and about a dozen PUIs, the surge in number due mainly to arrivals from Manila and other places since March 15 due to the imposition of strict community quarantine there, where travel was restricted. In an attempt to stall the increase of PUMs and PUIs, the city itself imposed a heightened
constraint on non-Maasinhons coming in through the two main highway borders, and from the seas. Exempted were those who worked and were employed in the city, including those delivering food supplies, as detailed under Executive Order Number 26, starting March 21 until March 31, so long as proofs of employment or company IDs can be presented. Classes, school events were earlier cancelled. Entry and exit points in mountain barangays for cross-country trips using provincial roads were absolutely closed for the same duration. (ldl/ mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)
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March 15-31, 2020
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA “Whole of nation approach...” continued from page 3
“S. Leyte PHO” continued from page 4
or physical distancing from each other. PUMs are sent home for self-quarantine for 14 days closely watched by BHERTS, as well as PUIs with mild cases, while only severe PUIs are referred to the Salvacon Oppus Yniguez Memorial Provincial Hospital (SOYMPH) in barangay Dongon, Matibag explained. Matibag said at present
there are three PUIs admitted at SOYMPH. Meanwhile, in a related development, the test samples of the three PUIs were taken then sent Thursday to the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) in Tacloban, and results can be expected in four or five days, Matibag was quoted in a report as saying. (ldl/mmp/PIA8Southern Leyte)
“Northern Samar LGU ..” continued from page 5 Establishment of checkpoints or border patrol is also emphasized to be manned by PNP, AFP, PHO, PDRRMO and LGU concerned, MHO, barangay officials, BFP and Philippine Coast Guard. The EO declares the suspension of classes in all levels in public and private schools until April 14, 2020 and curfew hours from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. starting March 19, 2020. Suspension and postponement of public gatherings was also stressed in the EO to include gatherings which draw a large number
of people in barangays and towns such as assemblies, fiestas and festivals, reunions, fairs, concerts, games and sports, religious and other public events. Preventive and safety measures should also be implemented in public transportation in all types of public utility vehicles to include frequent disinfection and sanitation in terminals and vehicles and provision of alcohol, hand sanitizer and hand soap for passengers and employees. Public and private sectors are also strongly encouraged to formulate, implement and enforce
Emergency Execom Meeting of the Regional Development Council to tackle the spread of COVID-19. 5. Resolution requesting the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tacloban to adopt an Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying Ordinance, (Setting Restrictions on the number of items being sold to consumers and retailers such as Basic and Prime Commodities, Alcohol and Hygiene Products) Similar Ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Valenzuela City. 6. Resolution requesting the banking institutions to provide loan payment moratorium to its borrowers. 7. Resolution requesting the Bureau of Internal Revenue to extend the deadline of the filing of income tax on April 15. 8. Resolution to the Department of Health requesting to provide free testing of COVID-19 to suspected patients. 9. Resolution addressed to Congress and the Department of Finance to enact a law and/or guidelines that any assistance provided by the employers to their employees be considered as tax deductions and/or tax credit. (ldl/opt/PIA-8) preventive and safety measures, and all residents returning who arrived in the province are likewise instructed to submit themselves to their respective BHERT and undergo home quarantine for 14 days from the date of arrival. With the EO, PNP Provincial Director Col. Reynaldo Dela Cruz send calls on Nortehanons to abide with the EO specially on the enforcement of curfew and checkpoints. (LDL/ ADiaz/PIA-Northern Samar)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
March 15-31, 2020
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“Borongan City..” continued from page 6
the city shared is that if the family member is a Person Under Monitoring (PUM) and is marginalized, he can get two relief packs, one for being a PUM and another for being marginalized. A PUM is a person under monitoring as he comes from a place suspected of COVID-19 infection. As of March 25, Borongan City has some 686 PUMs and 2 Persons Under Investigation (PUIs). Some 68 PUMs have done their home quarantine. As to the employees of the city affected by the skeletal workforce implemented, they were given their salary in advance. As to job order employees, they will also be given financial assistance, the City Information Officer Cynthia Arceno said. (nbq/ PIA E. Samar)
“Inflation rate..” continued from page 8
groups in the region exhibited lower IRs in February 2020 compared with their rates in January 2020. Housing, water, gas, electricity and other fuels commodity group registered the biggest decrease of 1.3 percentage points, from 0.4 percent IR in January 2020 to 0.9 percent deflation in February 2020. This can be attributed to the significant decrease in the index for electricity, gas and other fuels to a double-digit deflation rate of 12.8 percent in February 2020 from 9.9 percent deflation in January 2020. IR for furnishings, household equipment and routine maintenance of the house commodity group decreased by 0.8 percentage point, from 5.3 percent in January
2020 to 4.5 percent in February 2020. The commodity groups of clothing and footwear, and health registered 0.4 percentage point decrease in their IRs, posting IRs at 2.8 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively, during the reference month. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco commodity group eased down by 0.3 percentage point pushing its IR to 8.5 percent in February 2020. On the other hand, the heavily weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages commodity group increased to 1.6 percent in February 2020 from 1.1 percent IR in January 2020. Higher IRs were noted in majority of the food items. Fruits index registered the highest increase of 4.0 percentage points, from 1.9 percent in January 2020 to 5.9 percent in February 2020. Fish index registered a double-digit IR during the reference month at 11.6 percent, the highest among all items. Rice and bread and cereals indices, meanwhile, continued to register deflations at 5.6 percent and 4.1 percent,
respectively. Transport commodity group inched up by 0.1 percent posting 4.9 percent IR during the reference month. Meanwhile, education; restaurant and miscellaneous good and services; recreation and culture; and communication commodity groups retained their previous month’s inflation rates at 5.3 percent, 5.0 percent, 1.4 percent, and 1.2 percent, respectively. Purchasing Power of the Peso The Purchasing Power of Peso (PPP) of the region was recorded at P0.79 in February 2020. This PPP implies that the goods and services worth P79 in 2012 is worth P100 in February 2020. PPP in Northern Samar weakened by P0.01 in February 2020 compared with its figure in January 2020. The rest of the provinces sustained their PPP last month. Biliran, Leyte and Southern Leyte recorded the strongest PPP at P0.81, followed by Eastern Samar at P0.76 and Samar at P0.74. Northern Samar posted the weakest PPP at P0.73. (PSA-RSSO VIII)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA Maasin City orders social distancing for exemption an mga parapangisda ngan para-uma basi mayda pa passengers of public transportation
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March 15-31, 2020
By: Marcelo M. Pedalino MAASIN CITY -- Drivers and operators of public transport utilities here are mandated starting today to limit the number of passengers they can carry as a way to carry out the Department of Health’s (DOH’s) social distancing protocol. Executive Order No. 24 signed by Mayor Nacional Mercado categorically specified the passenger volume of four (4) types of public vehicles: (a) for motorized tricycle -- three (3) passengers; (b) for Pot-Pot -- one (1) passenger; (c) for Habal-Habal -- one (1) passenger, and (d) for jeepneys and multicabs -- half of the usual capacity. The order covers those “plying to and from Maasin City route and with Mayor’s Permit issued by the city government of Maasin . . .” Driver and operators are ordered “to practice continuous sanitation or disinfection of their establishments, such as terminals, offices, and similar area where contact of hand is possible.” They are also required “to provide hand sanitizers in their respective vehicles and the entrances of their transportation terminals, offices, booths, etc.” The measure is implemented beginning today after a meeting with the concerned public transport groups. It was also one way of coping with the health threat brought about by the deadly coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Also starting today, classes in all levels, both public and private, are suspended until March 31, while school-related activities
are cancelled as per Executive Order No. 22, again, as a preventive step against the dreaded virus. (ldl/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)
WARAY NEWS
Borongan Mayor nagpahamtang mga pangandaman han syudad pag-atubang han COVID-19 By: Ninfa Iluminada B. Quirante BORONGAN CITY -Iginpahamtang ni Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan C. Agda an mga pangandaman han syudad ha luyo han kabaraka han COVID-19. Ha pakihampang ni Agda ha mga department heads han ika 19 han Marso, iginplastar niya nga magkakamay-ada community quarantine han Biyernes han gab-i. Han gintikangan na nga curfew, mayda mga ig e-exempt. Labot la han mga health workers ngan security forces, ig-aapi ha
daw makaon ngan igsura an mga tawo. Kaapi pa han tutugutan an mga parapanilhig basi daw mag malimpyo gihapon an syudad. Igdidire na an pagbiyahe han mga public utility vehicles, kaupod na an mga tricycle. “Waray na public transpo nga magala kon mag’ declare na hin community quarantine, “ pahayag ni Agda. Ha mga tindahan naman, aabrihan la daw ini basi makapalit an mga tawo, ugaring, dire naman daw papatakason la an mapalit basi makapalit pa an iba. Kun tuinan man magbaligya hin mas damo, para ini han mga masakada nga mayda tindahan ha mga barangay, ugaring mapresentar hin business permits. Tutuyangan naman daw gihapon an pagpalit bisan han taga iba nga lugar, ugaring dire naman hira patatakason kundi igreregulate an ira mga papaliton nga pagkaon. Bahin naman han
continued on page 19
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
March 15-31, 2020
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“Do your share...” continued from page 1
LGUs and NGAs to use convergence and good governance to harden vulnerable sectors and communities using all available mechanisms in place like the RTF 8-ELCAC that’s already working but with some modifications to make it more responsive to the needs on the ground. In line with the activation of the NTF for COVID 19, he suggests that Region 8 activate its Regional Incident Command Center in conformity with the soon to be activated National Incident Command under the NTF-COVID 19 for much quicker response. “Walang iwanan, sama-sama tayong lahat, kaya natin sugpuin ang COVId-19,” CORDS Del Rosario concluded. (PIA-8)
“LGU Maasin...” continued from page 9 rest of the country, we are all exposed to an unseen enemy,” Tan said, referring to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that was declared by the World Health Organization as pandemic. Tan is urging everyone to stay at home and do self-quarantine, practice personal hygiene, observe proper cough etiquette, practice environmental sanitation, observe social distancing and say a lot of prayers. (ldl/rgc/ PIA8-SouthernLeyte)
Human Resource for Health complements local health manpower to fight COVID-19 By: Samuel D. Candido
BORONGAN CITY -- Some 281 nurses under the Human Resource for Health of the Department of Health (DOH) will complement the local health manpower to fight Pandemic Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19). According to Provincial DOH Officer, Dr. Jean Marie A. Egargo the 281 newly oriented nurses are now serving as augmentation to the Rural Health Units (RHUs). They will be deployed to different Barangay Health Stations (BHS) in 22 areas in Eastern Samar. She added that being the front liners in giving health care services, they will provide medical services and monitor health issues especially the pandemic COVID19 in identified poor communities. The Provincial DOH Officer said these nurses will continue an intensified health education campaign in the community and extend awareness and proper information on COVID-19 to help reduce fear and worry among families and the community.
“We have to properly educate and inform the families and communities on what COVID-19 is all about to avoid confusion and panic and how it can be prevented,” Egargo said. Dr. Egargo encouraged nurses to help disseminate proper information to the family and community as a whole to avoid spreading fake news about the virus online. “The DOH is the ONLY proper agency or department that provides information on COVID19,” Egargo added. The people are advised strictly to follow recommended preventive measures and actions to prevent its spread such as: avoiding close contact with people who are sick, staying at home or self quarantine for 14 days if you are from COVID-10 areas such as Metro Manila. Also, staying at home when sick, covering mouth and nose when sneezing, cleaning and disinfecting frequently used objects, and sanitizing hands
continued on page 18
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
March 15-31, 2020
DOH deploys HRH to Rural Health Units to poor communities in E. Samar By: Samuel D. Candido BORONGAN CITY-- The Department of Health (DOH) has started deployment of health workers to poorer communities in Eastern Samar under the Human Resource for Health (HRH) program. In line with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Philippine Health Agenda Program, the DOH conducted a four-day Human Resource for Health (HRH) orientation on March 10-13 at the Primea Hotel, this city. Some 396 health workers, composed of 281 nurses, 75 midwives, 27 public health associations (data managers), eight medical technologists (MedTech), two pharmacists, two dentists and one physical therapist attended the said orientation. According to Provincial DOH Officer, Dr. Jean Marie A. Egargo , the HRH is the augmentation of local health manpower
being the front liners in giving health care services. They will also provide medical services and monitor health issues in identified poor communities. The program also gives employment opportunities to the growing number of unemployed nurses in the country. “We have a high demand of HRH nurses in the community since there are only limited personnel thus the DOH provides this assistance,” Egargo added. “The HRH will make sure that their priority clients are the families in need of health care services,” Egargo said. The HRH personnel will to administer vaccine for children, provide pre- mnatal and post natal services to women, as well as provide medical services to the poorer senior citizens. The HRH staff receives a P32,000 monthly salary rate in accordance with the Salary
“ Farmers from ELCAC..” continued from page 11 He said that the office has a tissue culture laboratory which can supply abaca and banana suckers to the areas mentioned. “We will transform the three baragays into a corn demo farm with all the inputs and proper care so that the locals will know that it can be done,” said Capon. The province and the municipality of Can-avid give focus to the three barangays in relation to EO 70 or Task Force End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). On February 25, the TF ELCAC sailed back to the most distant barangay Balagon to solicit the social needs of the barangay. Other concerns that agencies are trying to address are, lack of secondary school, lack of livelihood opportunities, lack of health facilities and other infrastructure. (nbq/PIA 8-E. Samar)
“Human Resources for Health...” continued from page 17 regularly. She added, aside from health education, they will monitor Person Under Monitoring (PUM) and Person Under Investigation (PUI) through contact tracing and ensure that the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) are functional. Eastern Samar has no confirmed case of COVID 19 - yet while there are 203 Persons Under Monitoring (PUM) health measures are implemented to prevent its spread. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
March 15-31, 2020 19
“ So. Leyte LGU under...” continued from page 11 observe the pre-emptive measures/ interventions. Hotels will continue to operate provided guests shall fill-up a declaration card. All National Government Officials and employees who are working in Southern Leyte and who travelled outside the province and who came from provinces, cities or municipalities without confirmed case of Covid-19 shall be allowed to enter Southern Leyte subject to filled out declaration forms submitted to the designated local government office. Gov. Mercado ordered for the suspension of all classes at all levels from public and private schools until such time that it will be lifted by the agencies concerned and or by the local chief executives. All provincial governments offices, except for Provincial Health Services Office, government health facilities, Provincial Social Welfare Office, PDRRMO shall implement compressed work week of 40 hours per week in four days. The provincial government of Southern Leyte shall hold office on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The national government employees may also adopt the compressed work week of 40 hours per week in four days with the same schedule with the local government unit All mass gatherings and public events such as fiestas, anniversary, public and private school activities, rallies, assemblies and other formal and informal gatherings are suspended indefinitely, among other pre-emptive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
PNP Provincial Police Director PCol Nelson DC Eucogco is designated to be the focal person charged to coordinate actions in connection with the implementation of the said EO with the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection and Armed Forces of the Philippines, the said order further stated. (esg/PIA SoLeyte)
“Waray News : Borongan mayor.” continued from page 16 pangandaman kun magsarang an sakit, mayda na daw mga pasilidad sama han JTR sports center ha Songco, ha Eastern Samar Cultural and Education Center (ESEC) ha may elementary school, ha Evacuation Center han Sohoton ngan usa nga hotel didi ha unhan han Brgy. Campesao kun diin adto la anay ini hira igbubutang. Nag-order na daw gihap an syudad hin 100 tanks of oxygen. Samtang, an first lady ni Agda nga hi Dr. Rowena Agda in nag opreser hin libre nga sarakyan para ha Tacloban, han mga taga Borongan nga kinahanglan magpadialysis. Makipagsumpayan la daw ini nga mga Boronganon
ha buhatan han city health basi matuhay an iskedyul ngan ma-maximize an sarakyan para han dialysis patients, kay idudul-ong man hira ngan ibabalik gihapon nganhi ha Borongan. Ha mga aada naman han naka home quarantine, tatagan daw ini hira hin food packs ha sakob hin 14 diyas, ugaring an marginalized sector la, dire daw an mga empleyado ngan klaro nga mayda mga hi-agi. “Ha mga PUMs, dire tatagan hiton food packs kon dire mag pailarum hin quarantine,” sumala kan Agda. Ha mga casual naman nga empleyado, sugad man an BHWs, ginmanduan ni Mayor an departamento nga may labot hini nga ihatag an sweldo han Abril basi makabulig hini nga mga empleyado ngan volunteers. (nbq/PIA 8)
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
middle age urges those who are still in the hills to go down and surrender to the Duterte administration and enjoy the benefits under the ECLIP. She called on the remaining members of the NPA to go back to the folds of the law for them to avail of the programs of the government. The rebel returnees are said to qualify for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Said activity coincides with the launching of “Northern Samar...” continued the More Income In the Countryside from page 1 (MIC) Program of the Provincial The military official who is Government of Leyte to be availed contemplating to retire feels happy of of by more or less 300 members of the development of the insurgency sit- six farmer organizations in the said uation in Leyte, Biliran and Southern municipality. (cba/PIA8) Leyte which according to him, is nearing its end. “Ako sa aking sarili, pinangarap ko na bago ako mag-retire ay matapos natin itong problema sa insurgency dito sa Leyte, Southern Leyte at saka Biliran. True enough, medyo naging successful tayo, so maligaya na ako na nakikita ko malinis na ang Leyte island at saka Biliran,” Dagoy said. Meanwhile, Alice, a former rebel who was only 14 years old when she joined the leftist group decided to surrender believing that the government’s program for the rebel returnees is viable and good for them. Mana Alice, now in her
“DOH deploys...” continued from page 18 Standardization Law for licensed nurses in the Philippines. “The benefits are better now,” said Egargo adding that they now have leave benefits, Magna Carta benefits, overtime pay and bonuses. The said program helps the barangay health stations by providing additional manpower of efficient, effective and highly motivated medical workers willing to explore and are ready to help the people in farflung barangays and a ready help in times of disaster and in emergency cases especially in this COVID-19 threat. (nbq/SDC/ PIA-E. Samar)
“PPEs, health essentials...” continued from page 7
said. “The heroic act that is very easy to act, is to STAY AT HOME, this is for everybody’s safety,” Cortez stressed. “The Governor is calling for your cooperation, please follow the guidelines and cooperate with authorities,” Cortez further said. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar)