CONTENTS Caraga Infocus 7
11 - 17 April 2020
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REGIONAL NEWS LTFRB-13 chief calls on employers to provide temporary shelter, assistance to workers Entire Caraga region now placed under ECQ after confirming first COVID-19 case “Kadiwa on Wheels” rolls out in Butuan’s remote barangays DA assures available food amid COVID-19 threat Rice farmers get P5.6 million cash assistance from DA Additional ‘uniformed heroes’ sent off to regional borders vs COVID-19 National Task Force on COVID-19 augments measures vs pandemic, activates local response unit National Task Force COVID-19 assists LGUs in addressing issues, concerns in crisis situation
Volume IV, No. 16
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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AgNor releases augmentation fund to LGUs Civic groups install sanitation tents at Surigao port Displaced Dinagat port workers get food packs from TMO personnel AgSur records 12 PUIs, awaiting results from SPMC Surigao Sur town buys palay from local farmers amidst COVID-19 pandemic SurSur town ensures distribution of basic goods to all households despite limited resources SurSur guv urges locals to help curb COVID-19 spread in Caraga
MINDANAO NEWS
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PNOC Group remits P7-B for Covid-19 fund Piñol urges Filipinos to grow own food, not rely on imports
AgNor solon pushes for Caraga NATIONAL NEWS Regional Hospital as COVID 39 China help boosts Phl virus fight released to fund Covid-19 response: testing, screening center Duterte report 40 P132-B
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Gov’t agencies, LGUs told to adopt new Covid-19 classifications DSWD resolving issues in distribution of subsidies
DA extends price control on agri products
COVID-19 NEWS
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PH to start using new terms for Covid-19 cases PH ready to participate in clinical trials of Avigan: Duterte Health workers are PH contribution to global Covid-19 fight Gov’t to consider WHO warning about lifting of Covid-19 lockdown DOH to issue updated protocols on use of rapid test kits in PH
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News Briefs DTI ADVISORY) DTI Caraga does not conduct any survey that aims to obtain personal information from citizens of any barangay in the region. Read on to be informed.
Per A.O. 28, the national government agencies (NGAs), government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) and LGUs are authorized to grant a one-time COVID-19 Special Risk Allowance, equivalent to a maximum of 25% of monthly basic salary/pay, to Public Health Workers (PHWs) who have great exposure to health risks and physical hardships in the line of duty, un light of the COVID-19 pademic.
Another 10 sets of hospital beds were received by Butuan Medical Center (BMC) from the Department of Health (DOH) through its Hospital Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP). This is in support to the city government’s preparation and prime move to house COVID19 patients in the hospital in case the number of positive cases in the city increases. Pag-IBIG Fund ADVISORY In accordance with the “Bayanihan to Heal as One” Act, a grace period is provided for all Pag-IBIG members residing or working in areas declared under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) with loan payments due within the ECQ period and its extension, which means all borrowers can settle their accounts once the quarantine ends. No dues. No penalties. No applications required.
AgNor solon pushe Regional Hospital screening center B UTUAN CITY - Instead of restricting COVID-19-related patient admissions, Agusan del Norte Rep. Lawrence “Law” Fortun urged the Department of Health (DOH) to equip and capacitate the Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH) laboratory to make it a COVID testing and screening center in Caraga Region.
This call was made after the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Surigao City passed a resolution to limit COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)-related admissions in the CRH to those from the provinces of Surigao del
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Norte and Dinagat Islands only. “Instead, I appeal that we all come together and collectively push that the DOH equip and capacitate the Caraga Regional Hospital laboratory to make it a COVID-19 testing and
es for Caraga l as COVID testing, screening center that will cater to the While there is already a proposal demands of the entire Caraga Region,” submitted by the CRH to the DOH, Fortun said. Rep. Fortun urged all the Sanggunians of Caraga Region to pass resolutions “While there is still only one calling for the DOH to make the CRH confirmed case in Caraga, the number laboratory a COVID testing and of PUIs (Patients Under Investigation) is screening facility. continuously rising, and recent rapid tests revealed several presumptive “I appeal to the governors, positive cases needing immediate mayors, and representatives of Caraga confirmatory tests. There is no way we that we collectively lobby for this as can determine the real numbers unless part of a nationwide measure for mass we pursue mass testing. This also gives testing. Mass testing is imperative and our health care system a clear direction an essential component of this is to on immediate and appropriate immediately put up more testing and interventions to be made,” he added. screening facilities in strategic locations around the country. The most strategic As noted by the lawmaker, it for Caraga is the Caraga Regional currently takes significantly longer to Hospital,” said Fortun. know the results of tests on patients from Caraga Region because the collected Rep. Fortun said that the Caraga specimens still have to be brought Regional Task Force for COVID-19 to the Southern Philippines Medical One Caraga Shield can also urge the Center (SPMC) in Davao City, which is DOH to put up this center to cater to already overwhelmed by the demands Caraga Region. This is seen to be most of Davao Region alone. welcome for the Davao Region as this will effectively lessen the burden and He also noted that Caraga alone backlog of the already overwhelmed is huge, having five provinces and SPMC in Davao City. (First Congressional six cities with several municipalities District of Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan remotely situated. del Norte) APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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REGIONAL NEWS
Regional News
LTFRB-13 chief calls on employers to provide temporary shelter, assistance to workers By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - Due to tight implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in the entire Caraga region, operation of the public utility vehicles was temporarily suspended.
Kristina Cassion, OIC reguonal director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Caraga, bared that effective April 8, the agency implemented the suspension of operation of the public transportation in the region. However, several private establishments including government agencies in the region are still operating in order to cater and accommodate the locals on their basic necessities
and services, and other essentials. Hence, their workers are also affected particularly those who are far from their workplaces. She then asked other government agencies and private establishments still operating to also provide assistance to their personnel, which include shuttle services for them as they continue to do their functions or may also provide a temporary shelter so it would not be hard enough for them to travel to and APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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Regional News from their houses to their respective workplaces. The LTFRB also provides free shuttle services intended for the frontliners and health workers. “Prior to the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, we have prepared a contingency plan to ensure that the health workers in Butuan City and parts of Agusan del Norte would be able to work in the health facilities, hence, we provided shuttle buses with corresponding routes in a day,” she cooperatives for any possible help that cited. they could provide,” she said. She expressed hope that the On this crisis situation on COVID-19, “Libreng Sakay” Program to support the transportation of the health personnel Dir. Cassion further emphasized the will be operational by next week need to unite with all the stakeholders in because it entails big resources like addressing the needs of the vulnerable the need of fuel, meals and personal sectors in the region. She further asked protective equipment (PPEs) of the the government officials to allocate a drivers and conductors. She said they portion of their salary to help others. are planning to field 17 routes with 40 Meanwhile, Jose Evalegous total number of units. Lawenko, chairperson of Diamond Service Cooperative She also asked the management Transport of the health facilities as partner to help (DATSCO) also expressed his concern and provide meals to the conductors with the affected drivers and and drivers, as well as the provision of a conductors who are currently jobless due to the implementation of the personal protective gears for them. Enhanced Community Quarantine in Cassion also ensured the transport the region. sector that they will be given assistance “We are calling on the concerned amid this crisis situation on coronavirus disease (COVID-19). “We are hoping government agencies and private that by next week, they will start receiving stakeholders to include the transport the cash assistance for them once sector in the assistance that they needed requirements and documents provide, which could be in kind or in will be completed. We are also closely cash to help them cope with this crisis,” Lawenko. (JPG/PIAcoordinating with Department of Social underscored Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Caraga)
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Regional News
Entire Caraga region now placed under ECQ after confirming first COVID-19 case
By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY - The Caraga Regional Task Force on COVID-19 or One Caraga Shield placed the entire Caraga region under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) on April 6 after the confirmation of its first case of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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Regional News According to the task force chairperson and Agusan del Norte provincial governor Hon. Dale Corvera, there will now be limitations to the movement of the different stakeholders in the region, particularly in disallowing the entry of non-residents of the different cities in the region.
The local government urged Caraganons to avail the programs of the government that are intended to provide assistance such as the Social Amelioration Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers – Barangay Ko, Buhay Ko (TUPAD – BKBK) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Curbing the transmission of the disease is their priority hence their continued cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in order to come up with appropriate PNP Caraga regional director interventions on the issues surrounding PBGen. Joselito Esquivel, Jr. also bared ECQ. that the delivery of primary commodities “We view the implementation of sourced within the region will continue. ECQ as not only as necessary but the However, goods coming from areas only appropriate measure to prevent outside Caraga will be subjected to the disease from being transmitted closer inspection. further,” he added. He also clarified that the guidelines This prompted the police force in that the police force in Caraga will be the region to heighten its surveillance following are those issued by the Inter in the region. Apart from permitting Agency Task Force on Emerging and entry to select individuals in the region, Re-emerging Infectious Disease (IATFquarantine passes will now be given to EID) on the exercise of police force each household. under ECQ. In Butuan City, one quarantine pass shall be given to each family in the city. The city government has also issued a directive to suspend the operations of public utility vehicles. Meanwhile, local authorities are ready to provide assistance to individuals who will be greatly affected with the implementation of ECQ, such as the indigent, the elderly, and those who became unemployed.
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In addition, he reminded the local police units that they do not allow abiding protocols that are not in line with the said guidelines. They also warned against the spread of false information pertaining COVID-19 among the public. Those who will be found guilty shall face liabilities that may result in imprisonment. (PIACaraga)
Regional News
“Kadiwa on Wheels” rolls out in Butuan’s remote barangays
BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture - Caraga has served three barangays on its first “Kadiwa on Wheels.” The program aims to bring the market to residents observing the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed in the city and the entire region. Farmers’ associations in cooperation with individual entrepreneurs and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have displayed commodities such as fresh vegetables, fruits, dressed
chicken, pork cuts, fish, and other food supplies. Residents from Barangay Pagatpatan, Agusan Pequeño, and Bading are given the opportunity to APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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Regional News buy their food needs right at the area Pareñas said that the strict where they live. implementation of protocols, such as social distancing and wearing of face “We’re glad for this action from masks, among buyers at the barangay the government. Residents here don’t hall covered court are being followed. need to buy at the market or grocery stores, because our needs are already Suppliers of the “Kadiwa on brought here,” said Chairperson Larry Wheels” are farmer-members of Abuzo of Barangay Agusan Pequeño. Sumilihon-Taguibo Farmers’ Association (SUTAFA), Lemon Integrated Farmers’ The Department’s initiative is Association, JVV Farms, Andrew’s in support to curb the spread of the Dressed Chicken, and Surigao City Fish coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Buyers Association. country. The consolidated gross sales of “We’re bringing the market here the suppliers reached a total of PHP in the barangays so we can help limit 79,440 for the three barangays. “This the going in and out of the people just is also a good way to help our farmerto buy food,” said Agribusiness and entrepreneurs have their products sold Marketing Assistance Division Chief and still earn despite the pandemic,” Lynn Pareñas. said Pareñas. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga)
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Regional News
DA assures available food amid COVID-19 threat
BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) boosts up its commitment to provide adequate support to food production. This is to ensure that there will be available and affordable food for every Filipino family. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar assures that the country has enough rice for the next three months, with additional supply from dry season harvest expected to sustain stock inventory level until June.
to produce 315,947 metric tons or an equivalent of 134% rice sufficiency by the end of the first semester of the year based on the data of the DACaraga Rice Program through the consolidated planting report of the local government units.
The harvest season has now come for the Caraga region, it is expected
“We expect no rice shortage APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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Regional News during the duration of the localized community quarantine in the region. On top of the department’s budget for this year, we are expecting a supplemental fund under the Plant, Plant, Plant Program or Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Laban sa COVID-19 Program,” DA Caraga OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega said. The Plant, Plant, Plant Program is an initiative of the DA to increase farm productivity and ensure food sufficiency during the COVID-19 emergency.
frontliners. Despite the concerns brought by the COVID-19 pandemic we will continue to empower them to ensure continued production, through the provision of high-yielding seeds, farm inputs, technologies, and the rehabilitation and establishment of the small-scale irrigation projects that will improve the production,” Atega said. Under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program, the department through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) – Agusan is now set for the distribution of high-quality inbred seeds that will benefit more than 40,000 farmers. This will be planted in May for the wet cropping season.
In the region, rice consumption average of 118.14 kilograms per person annually. Surigao del Norte posted the highest per capita consumption Along with this, the Rice Program of rice at 121.07 kilograms per person is set to release around 1,600 bags of annually. hybrid rice for the early planters in the region. The least consumption is registered in the Province of Dinagat On the other hand, the Islands at 114.61 kilograms. agricultural modernization intervention last year to 280 farmer associations and The pressure in the rice industry to cooperatives under RCEF and Rice produce more is a vital action amidst Program will contribute to bringing the challenging time. DA-Caraga is savings in input and labor cost. again calling on the public to patronize other alternative staple food such as Equipment such as mechanical white corn, sweet potato, banana rice transplanters, four-wheel-drive (saba), and cassava rather than tractors, rice combine harvesters, relying solely on rice. This is to take part hand tractors, rice threshers, rice in the advocacy to be rice responsible reapers, seed spreaders, and pump consumers. and engine sets are the mechanized systems that will help the rice farmers “The department considers the in the region. rice farmers and other workers in the sector as one of the food security With these various interventions, it
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Regional News
is expected that each rice farmer will The food lane accreditation of increase their yield by 1-2 metric tons DA-Caraga has already served around per hectare. 3,000 walk-in and online clients in the region. Further, OIC-RTD Atega also commended the Regional Task Force Another move to boost domestic for COVID-19 One Caraga Shield- a supply is the promotion of urban harmonized guidelines for the regional agriculture. Each household in the community quarantine in the region to region is encouraged to grow their address the threat of the disease. food like leafy and lowland vegetables and other root crops. These plants “The harmonized guidelines in are low maintenance and can easily the region answers the Department’s grow, Atega added. appeal to all local chief executives to let agri-fishery essential commodities The DA together with its attached to easily pass through quarantine agencies and bureaus are doing the exit and entry points through the proactive measures as an initiative in DA issued food lane conduct pass,” combating the threats of COVID-19. Atega said. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga) APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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Regional News
Rice farmers get P5.6 million cash assistance from DA
BUTUAN CITY - Around 1,124 rice farmers from the Caraga region received the cash assistance under the Department of Agriculture’s Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) Program. Each farmer received P5,000 to two hectares of land and registered financial support for their farm inputs, in the Registry System for Basic Sectors food, or anything they need for their in Agriculture (RSBSA). families. For the municipality of Trento, The program is intended for the Agusan del Sur 281 rice farmers have rice farmers who are tilling 0.5 hectares received the cash aid.
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Regional News For the province of Agusan del Norte, the municipality of Kitcharao has 343 beneficiaries and 500 qualified farmers for RTR’s second batch of recipients.
“The cash assistance is a big help for my family and for my continuous production of local rice,” Libres said.
The release of the cash support is in close coordination with the Local The direct cash transfer is intended Government Units. to help farmers affected by the implementation of the rice tarrification In the region, a total of 2,529 law. rice farmers have been served by the program with total cash released Joseph M. Libres, 47, rice farmer worth P12.6 Million. The distribution of from P-5 Barangay Humilog, RTR, Agusan del Norte said he will use the the cash aid continues until the 35,471 amount to buy food and if there still target eligible rice farmers in the region some he will also buy fertilizers for his will receive financial assistance. (DA Caraga/PIA Caraga) one-hectare rice area.
Additional ‘uniformed heroes’ sent off to regional borders vs COVID-19
BUTUAN CITY - During the send-off ceremony held here on Monday, another multitude of uniformed personnel have been deployed to the four regional border quarantine control points to contain the spread of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Caraga. Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Director Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr. disclosed that a total of 168 cops shall reinforce the troops manning the regional land borders in Brgy. Tagcatong, Carmen, Agusan del Norte; Brgy. Sisimon, Veruela, Agusan del Sur; Brgy. San Roque, Lingig, Surigao del Sur; and Brgy. Langkilaan, Trento,
Agusan del Sur. Aside from the PNP, the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army and Philippine Coast Guard also sent additional personnel to the land boundaries as the region closed its borders since the implementation of enhanced community quarantine on APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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Regional News
April 6, 2020.
contributions of uniformed personnel in addressing the pandemic citing their pivotal roles in the implementation of guidelines and procedures set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Prior to the deployment, the troops were briefed well on their duties and responsibilities including the safety tips of protecting themselves from COVID-19 infection. They also received face masks, face shields, alcohols, vitamins, thermal scanners, gloves, and The deployed police personnel other personal protective equipment shall perform 10-day duty and will from PRO13. eventually undergo 16-day quarantine at the places identified by the unit “Based on the update from commanders. Afterwards, they can go the Department of Health Caraga home for six days. This regular rotation yesterday, our lone COVID-19 of duty has been observed for them to patient tested negative in his second have enough rest and sleep. confirmatory test and only one negative result is needed to declare him clear of No less than the National Task the virus. With this, let us continue doing Force COVID-19 chief implementer our share in this fight. We are in the last Carlito Galvez Jr. cited Caraga region line of defense,� BGen. Esquivel Jr., along with Baguio City and Davao as added. good role models in relentless efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. (PNP He also highlighted the Caraga/PIA Caraga)
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Regional News
National Task Force on COVID-19 augments measures vs pandemic, activates local response unit By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
BUTUAN CITY - The National Task Force (NTF) on COVID-19 continues to formulate better interventions to the health crisis as the highly fatal virus continues to plague the country.
For donations intended to address the crisis situation on COVID-19, Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force COVID-19, says donors can coordinate with the nearest Office of Civil Defense regional office in their area. (File photo)
Chief implementer Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr., stated during his interview on the Laging Handa Network Briefing with Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Martin Andanar that the government is now focusing on creating better and efficient interventions as they anticipate a second wave of the attack of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.
Over the observance of the Holy Week, the task force concentrated on furnishing their logistics and resource management. As hospitals are being capacitated by the Department of Health (DOH), they were able to conduct an assessment on the capabilities of the hospitals in Luzon to cater to the necessities for COVID-19.
The Philippine General Hospital in APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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Regional News Manila and the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital were observed to have excellent facilities and welltrained staff to handle patients of the disease while the Lung Center of the Philippines, East Avenue Medical Center, and the Quezon Institute, all located at Quezon City, is ready to render medical services.
Galvez Jr. urges local government units to heighten its surveillance on residents who has a travel history in Manila which is the virus epicenter in the country. He emphasized the need for a more ‘aggressive’ approach towards eliminating threats through conducting repeated tests.
“Once a person is observed to be Major stadiums and coliseums a potential carrier of the disease, they are also currently being refurbished should be tested and isolated right to quarantine areas, such as the Rizal away,” he added. Memorial Coliseum, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, World Trade Center, and the The task force is currently looking Philippine International Convention for a model for efficient response to Center (PICC). the current health crisis, particularly in preventing relapses on patients from The Rizal Memorial Coliseum occurring. is scheduled to take in patients on Monday. They aim to conduct approximately 10,000 tests a day to enable the much The task force is also on the works demanded mass testing. Testing centers in mass sourcing personal protective that are yet to improve their facilities to equipment (PPEs) from China. Sec. conduct the appropriate tests for SARSGalvez, Jr., bared that apart from CoV-2 are currently under the process suppliers in China, certain national of acquiring an accreditation. government agencies are continuously looking for suppliers elsewhere. Albeit Localizing the approach to the the shortage, private sectors continue pandemic to donate needed equipment for hospitals. The NTF’s organizations, particularly the strategic communication and As the occurrence of the novel response operations, are now being coronavirus creates a worldwide frenzy systematized in order to create a due to its understudied properties, national action plan encompassing the several studies have concluded the regional and provincial levels hence possibility of a relapse on the disease, the activation of the Local Incident wherein a patient cured of COVID-19 Command. may contract it again. But while provincial governments To prevent an even wider spread are requesting for additional assistance of the disease in the archipelago, Sec. to continue their operations against
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Regional News COVID-19, Sec. Galvez, Jr. strongly recommends local governments to localize their problems concerning the pandemic.
The Local Incident Command in Eastern Mindanao is supervised by MGen. Jose Faustino Jr. while Caraga region is being handled by MGen. Franco Nemencio M. Gacal of the 4th He underscored that in Infantry Division. addition to conscientiously following health protocols set by the national The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) government, a harmonized approach is looking into the needs of the different among the regional and local local governments in Caraga. Sec. government units to the issues arising Galvez, Jr., further emphasized the role from the health crisis enables a swift of the local government units (LGUs) in and efficient response. flattening the curve. “A localized response to this “While the provincial government crisis is the most effective way to reap oversees, the LGUs and their barangays the success of our interventions,” he serve as the catalysts in the situation,” affirmed. he said. (PIA-Caraga)
National Task Force COVID-19 assists LGUs in addressing issues, concerns in crisis situation By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - With the recent crisis situation on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the country, the National Task Force (NTF) COVID-19 also provides assistance to the different local government units not just in the Caraga region but all the regions in the country. Knowing that the region has declared lockdown of all its entry and exit points to individuals from outside who wish to enter the region, Sec.
Carlito Galvez, Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force COVID-19, said that the NTF respects the decision of the One Caraga Shield as it only wanted to APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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Regional News
protect the lives of the people from the “All the COVID-19 task forces dreadful virus. at the regional level in the country are also intensifying their strategic “We will respect that (lockdown in communications and initiatives to the region). What the President wants address and execute appropriate to reiterate is that we don’t discriminate actions and response to all pressing those who are not from our places or issues in the regions,” Galvez added. regions. For OFWs coming in, we let For donations intended to address them undergo proper sanitization and quarantine. Before they are being the crisis situation on COVID-19, Sec. allowed to go back to their respective Galvez emphasized that donors could regions, we make sure that they have coordinate with the Office of Civil already undergone the necessary Defense (OCD) offices in the different regions for proper accounting/ quarantine,” said Galvez. recording and intended hospitals for their donations. The Armed Forces of The official added that the task the Philippines (AFP) could also help force is closely coordinating with the facilitate in delivering the goods and concerned government agencies to donations to the different regions. continuously provide assistance to the stranded individuals in Luzon who are “Let’s just trust our President and from Visayas and Mindanao. the government on whatever it is doing for our country. The government When asked on how the national only wants to save our lives from the task force could help address the COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue different concerns in the regions, to follow all the health protocols. We Sec. Galvez bared that the NTF helps are here to help especially our local capacitate the personnel of the health government units. Stay at home. Keep facilities through the Department of safe. Practice proper hygiene and Health (DOH) and helps them address social distancing,” underscored Galvez. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) their logistical needs.
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Provincial News
AgNor releases augmentation fund to LGUs BUTUAN CITY – A total of P11,000,000.00 was released Monday by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte led by Governor Dale B. Corvera to augment the Quick Response Fund of the 10 municipalities and one city of the province.
“This is our way of supporting our constituents in these trying times through the municipalities who have direct contact with the people through the barangays,” Governor Corvera said. According to Gov. Corvera, who is also the Chairman of the Regional Task Force for COVID 19 One Caraga Shield, each municipality and city in the province will receive P1,000,000.00 which can be used for the purchase of relief goods and other needs in the fight against COVID-19.
will also be provided through them. It can be recalled that the province through Executive Order No. 21 series of 2020 is placed under an Enhanced Community Quarantine in line with the guidelines set by the Regional Task Force for COVID 19 One Caraga Shield. The Governor noted that he has no idea when will this crisis ends and what will be the situation in the coming weeks thus the province is augmenting the capability of its hospitals in facing this crisis.
“We should be one step ahead in He said that this is just the initial assistance the province will provide to this fight against COVID-19,” he stressed. the municipalities and city. Relief goods (Agusan Up/PIA Agusan del Norte)
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Provincial News
Civic groups install sanitation tents at Surigao port By Noli C. Nusog
SURIGAO CITY - With the help of local civic organizations, the Port Management Office of Surigao upped the ante in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with the recent installation of sanitation tents at the Port of Surigao. The Junior Chamber InternationalSurigao Wensie (JCI-Surigao Wensie) installed one unit near the Port Integrated Clearance Office (PICO) and Business Offices of the Port of Surigao while the local chapter of Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) installed another unit at the Borromeo street entrance of the Eva Macapagal Passenger Terminal. Acting PMO Surigao Port Manager Froilan Caturla said that prior to the installation of sanitation tents by the Jaycees and the PICE, the PMO already has standing orders from Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago to construct and install sanitation tents at ports under its jurisdiction. “We are actually in the process of constructing the tents initially at the Port of Surigao but the Surigao Wensie Jaycees and the PICE jumped the gun, so to speak, and installed these tents just as we are about to do it,” Caturla said. Caturla added that the construction and installation of sanitation tents at other ports under the PMO’s jurisdiction are on-going as
planned. “By having tents for the sanitation/ disinfection of persons going to and from the business and clearance offices of ports under PMO Surigao, the spread of COVID 19 is much more controlled and contained,” Caturla said. The design of both sanitation tents has three components -the structure or frame, spraying/diffuser, and disinfectant solution. Upon entering the tent, a person is requested to turn up the lever and activate the diffuser system for at least thirty seconds to adequately spray the body with a disinfectant solution made of colorsafe bleach mixed with water. Aside from the sanitation tent installed at the Port of Surigao, the Surigao Wensie Jaycees mounted another unit at the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City. On the other hand, the Surigao del Norte chapter of the PICE has undertaken the construction and installation of sanitation tents with technical assistance from its members. (PPA-PMO Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte) APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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Provincial News
Displaced Dinagat port workers get food packs from TMO personnel
By Noli C. Nusog
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - As the province of Dinagat Islands goes on community quarantine amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) threat, displaced port workers at the Port of San Jose recently received food packs from staff and personnel of the Terminal Management Office (TMO) of Dinagat Islands of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). More than 40 dockworkers at the capital town’s seaport received food packs containing rice, canned goods, instant noodles and other foodstuffs to tide them over as incomes were lost due to the travel ban and scaled-down operations. Dinagat Islands Terminal Manager Jerk Comparativo said that while the food packs provided by TMO personnel may be modest, they hope to somehow make a difference and help the vulnerable and most affected sectors of the island port community, especially those who were economically displaced as a result of the community quarantine. “In these trying times, we in TMO Dinagat realized that we should do something to help the dockworkers that’s why we decided to pool resources from our personal funds and Comparativo said. (PPA-PMO Surigao/ bought these food packs for them,” PIA-Dinagat Islands)
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Provincial News
AgSur records 12 PUIs, awaiting results from SPMC By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - During his interview over Radyo Pilipinas Manila on Saturday (April 11), Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr. bared that there are 12 patients under investigation (PUIs) recorded in the province and have already taken their swab samples tested, and are now awaiting results from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City. APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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Provincial News “As of reporting time, there are some 12 PUIs in the province, one is in Bunawan, the other one in Loreto, one in Prosperidad, and nine are in Langkilaan Elementary School (situated along the boundary between Caraga region and Davao de Oro) under the care of the Provincial Health Office and with the help of the Department of Health (DOH)-Caraga,” Cane enumerated.
initiative to produce more personal protective equipment (PPEs) for the frontliners as they still tightly operate in the checkpoints and ensure that all who enter the province are properly screened and are following the necessary health protocols and preventive measures.
The governor emphasized that the provincial government and its constituents are not being complacent despite having only one confirmed COVID-19 case in Caraga region. “We have established a quarantine facility through designated schools in the province to serve as the PUI centers.
He added that the provincial government has also provided unhampered access to the DSWD personnel for the distribution of the social amelioration package/program to the intended beneficiaries in the province.
Meanwhile, Governor Cane said that provision of the needed assistance For the persons under monitoring for the local residents are underway. (PUMs), Governor Cane revealed that they were categorized into two “There are around 66,000 plus -- PUM 1 are those with travel history poorest of the poor households in from abroad or in other places where the province of Agusan del Sur being there is a confirmed local transmission recorded and the list was already of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) forwarded to the DSWD for their while PUM 2 are those persons under reference and will also serve as basis for monitoring with travel history outside the benefits and assistance that they the region without confirmed COVID-19 would give to the target beneficiaries,” case. mentioned Cane.
The vehicles and cargoes with food supply and other essentials coming in the province of Agusan del Sur are also unhampered and could easily pass through the designated checkpoints as the provincial government wanted to make sure that people would not end hungry and starving during this Cane also highlighted that crisis situation on COVID-19. (JPG/PIAthe provincial government took the Caraga) The PUIs with severe symptoms are being brought to Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH) in Surigao City and Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur for appropriate treatment and monitoring,” he said.
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Provincial News
Surigao Sur town buys palay from local farmers amidst COVID-19 pandemic By Aurelius P. Arais
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - Heeding the call of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar, the local government unit of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur is now in the height of buying-out palay from its farmer constituents.
This was learned from Japhet Sugian, a municipal agriculturist of the said town in an interview over DA Caraga’s weekly radio program Bahandi Sa Kaumahan.
Photos: Carrascal Municipal Agriculture Office
their locality amidst the threat of the CoViD-19 pandemic.
“We have an approved P2M based on the approved ordinance and an additional P1.5M from the Sugian said that Mayor Vicente Economic Development Fund bringing H. Pimentel III approved an ordinance the total budget to P3.5M purposely to to ensure a sufficient supply of rice in purchase palay from our local farmers,” APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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Provincial News 3,200 bags of rice will be purchased from the local farmers. Earlier, Sugian explained that the LGU had signed a memorandum of agreement with the five rice mills and two mechanical dryers to process their purchased palay. “The ultimate purpose of our initiative is to help our farmers and at the same time to ensure that the LGU can have Sugian explained. a ready supply of rice for our second round of providing foods Sugian said that they are going to for our constituents affected by the buy fresh palay at the farm gate price quarantine due to COVID-19,” Sugian of P18.00 per kilo, while those farmers disclosed. who already milled their harvest will be purchased pegged at P2,000.00 per As of last planting season, bag of 50 kilograms. Carrascal has more than 400 hectares planted with rice. “I have fielded my staff to visit the interested farmers themselves and Aside from buying palay, the record the actual harvest and the LGU is also finalizing the scheme to farmer will get the payment at our buy-out other agricultural crops such municipal office to avoid bringing cash as vegetables and root crops for a in the field for security purposes,” he localized market to be established in said. strategic barangays. LGU will provide free hauling Secretary Dar appealed to the services to ensure hassle-free local government units to buy products transactions. from their local farmers for their relief operations amidst the CoViD-19 Carrascal LGU projected a total pandemic. (DA Caraga/PIA-Surigao of 180,000 kilograms or an estimate of del Sur)
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Provincial News
SurSur town ensures distribution of basic goods to all households despite limited resources By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - With the recent declaration of Enhanced Community Quarantine in the Caraga region brought by coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a regional lockdown of entry and exit points was also implemented. Hence, people even from nearby municipalities and cities were discouraged to travel to any parts of the region unless necessary. Despite having limited establishments within the municipality to cater to the basic commodities of the affected local residents, the local government unit of Bayabas, Surigao del Sur has ensured the provision of basic needs to the households. Bayabas Mayor Maria Clarita Limbaro bared that the local government unit is doing its best to ensure that rice is available for every household. She emphasized that the main concern of the municipality, just like in any other LGUs, is the distribution of food/basic commodities to the households affected by the situation.
to give families one sack of rice. This is to lessen the burden of every affected family.
“The additional assistance of P2million from the provincial government of Surigao del Sur is a great help for our operations for COVID-19. This enabled the production of additional basic commodities and financial assistance to be given to the families of Bayabas,” “Livelihood assistance is underway said Limbaro. for those who were unemployed due to this crisis,” added Limbaro. She further asked the National Task Force COVID-19 through chief The lady mayor also revealed that implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez they have realigned funds to be able for the provision of more personal APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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Provincial News protective equipment (PPEs) for the frontliners and testing kits to fast track results of the swab samples of the patients under investigation (PUIs). Meanwhile, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that despite inconvenience for the locals in Caraga region under the Enhanced Community Quarantine, the people should still observe the preventive measures and stay at home policy to really contain the spread of COVID-19.
Malaya stressed that the subsidy from the national government was already downloaded to the LGUs for the distribution of assistance to affected households. He also urged all the Filipino people to continue to cooperate with the government to flatten the curve against COVID-19 cases in the country and reiterated that the frontliners are doing their best to contain the disease, hence, they are recognized for their commitment and sacrifices. (JPG/PIACaraga)
SurSur guv urges locals to help curb COVID-19 spread in Caraga By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - “We could stop COVID-19 from spreading once we all unite, cooperate and do what needs to be done. We should protect each other and help also our frontliners who are exposed in the field just to keep our locals safe.� This was the statement of Governor Alexander Pimentel of Surigao del Sur as he urged all local residents not only in the province but in the entire Caraga region to fight as one against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
acknowledged the concerted efforts of all the local chief executives in the province who continuously give their best to provide the basic needs of the locals affected by the crisis situation on COVID-19. He said some LGUs might have difficulty in budgeting, but it did not stop them from providing services Gov. Pimentel, in his interview to its constituents as other concerned over Laging Handa Network Briefing, agencies are also providing assistance
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Provincial News
and augmentation.
saying they are also in need of additional Personal Protective Equipment for their “There have been no confirmed frontliners and health workers who COVID-19 cases so far of the patients continue to operate and work in the under investigation (PUIs) confined at field. the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City. As far as Surigao It was also learned that the del Sur is concerned, all the local provincial government has allotted P42officials of the province and concerned million wherein each municipality was government agencies are closely given P2-million while each city (Bislig coordinating and are now conducting and Tandag) was given P4-million. To contact tracing on those Surigaonons ensure that the interventions of the who had exposure to the cockpit derby barangays in each LGU will remain in Davao City last March,� Pimentel continuous, the P2-million budget underscored. will be divided. The LGU will be given Meanwhile, the good governor P1-million while the other half will be also asked the national government divided among the barangays, Gov. for additional aid for district hospitals, Pimentel said. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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MINDANAO NEWS
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Mindanao News
PNOC Group remits P7-B for Covid-19 fund
Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi.
PNA
DAVAO CITY – With the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) imposed in the entire Luzon and other parts of the country due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) Group of Companies heeded the call of Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte and remitted a total of PHP7 billion to the National Treasury to help fund the program of the national government under the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”. The parent company’s Board of Directors, in a special meeting before the Holy Week break, approved the recommendation of the management under its President and CEO, retired Admiral Reuben S. Lista (former Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard), to remit PHP billion of its accumulated retained earnings.
Its exploration subsidiary under its newly-appointed head retired Lt. Gen. Rozzano D. Briguez, former Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, also put up PHP2 billion of the total contributed fund. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi commended APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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Mindanao News and thanked the PNOC Group Management and Directors for the significant contribution to our fight against COVID-19.” “The energy family is united not only in ensuring unhampered energy services during this period, but also in seeking all possible ways to support the government, our front liners, and our people,” he said.
Macapagal.
The PNOC Board of Directors also pledged to donate a portion of their per diems to the procurement of muchneeded protective gear and supplies for healthcare front-liners.
PNOC EC, which is 99%-owned by PNOC, is the exploration arm that holds 10 percent working interest in Service Contract 38, also known as the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-toPower Project). PNOC RC, on the other hand, is the subsidiary charged with the development of solar, hydro, waste-toenergy and other renewable energy projects.
PNOC, the premier energy company in charge of maintaining an adequate and stable supply of oil and providing vital energy infrastructure for the country, is a government-owned and -controlled corporation (GOCC) with two subsidiaries – PNOC Exploration Corporation (PNOC EC) and PNOC Renewables Corporation (PNOC RC)].
The other members of the PNOC Board of Directors are former Energy Regulatory Board Chairman Rex V. Tantiongco, Ret. Admiral Adolf Borje (PN), Ret. MGen. Romeo V. Poquiz (PAF), Ret. Maj. Hermann Roy M. Atienza Cusi sits as ex-officio Chairman of (PAF), Ramon Victor B. Mitra, Jr., Jonas the Boards of PNOC and its subsidiaries. Guy S. de Leon;, and Michael Ted R. (Serafin Ledesma, Jr./PNA)
Piñol urges Filipinos to grow own food, not rely on imports By Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo
DAVAO CITY – With the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis threatening the supply chain all over the world, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol urged the Filipinos to grow their own food and not merely depend on imports.
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Mindanao News On a Facebook post on Friday, Piñol, said noted that as a rich agricultural country, the Philippines must learn from the pandemic and purge itself from the mindset that the country (PNA) c o u l d Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Emmanuel Piñol. very “dangerous.” continue sourcing food supplies--especially rice He also suggested that the -from other nations. Build, Build, Build Program must also “As things stand now, with shift its focus on rural and agricultural the threat of skyrocketing prices of infrastructure rather than “excavating rice in the world market, we would and repaving still functional highways.” end up paying more than if we had To boost rice sufficiency, Piñol poured investments on our local food said more irrigation facilities, maximum production program,” he said. utilization of research and development He said that there is a need to programs such as the hybridization review certain policies, especially on program and support for fertilization and credit must be given the needed agriculture and fisheries investments. support. “Giving agriculture and fisheries only PHP50 billion while a dole-out program gets PHP140 billion every year is a policy that needs to be reviewed,” Piñol said.
“I know that I have been publicly ridiculed because of this advocacy for rice sufficiency but I still hang on to the conviction that, with the needed support, the Philippines could be food He cited the case in the United sufficient,” the MinDA chief said. States, which he said is now learning “a “In times of crisis, the survival of a painful lesson that over-dependence on the global supply chain for critical nation will depend on how well it could requirements like medicines could be feed its people,” he added. (PNA) APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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NATIONAL NEWS
National News SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
China help boosts Phl virus fight
The Philippine government has expressed gratitude to China for sharing technical knowledge and for sending medical supplies to aid the country in its fight against COVID-19.
the contagion poses to our various communities and its dire effects to the country in general, the support from China and from other countries have strongly shown that the Philippines is not alone in facing this virus and in working to flatten the curve of its spread, it has the health and the support of the global community,” Andanar said. “With countries working together to address this global health pandemic, we enjoin everyone to express their support and to do their part to help in winning the fight against the COVID-19 disease by adhering to all preventive measures given by the Department of Health and the guidelines set by the government under the enhanced community quarantine,” he added.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar on Sunday night thanked the Chinese government for sending a team of medical experts and two other officials who would share technical knowledge in dealing with the disease. At the same time, the Chinese government also donated 300,000 surgical masks, 30,000 medical N95 masks, 5,000 medical protective suits, 5,000 medical face shields and 30 noninvasive ventilators in the country.
“Amid the increasing threat that APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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National News
P132-B released to fund Covid-19 response: Duterte report By Filane Mikee Cervantes
MANILA – The national government has released PHP132 billion to fund the country’s response efforts against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, according to President Rodrigo Duterte’s third weekly report submitted to Congress. In the report, Duterte said the funds were sourced from the pooled savings amounting to PHP189.82 billion from the discontinued government programs, projects, and activities under
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the 2019 and 2020 national budgets. The allotments and cash allocations were released to the following departments to cover their
National News Covid-19 response activities: the Department of Social Welfare and Development at PHP100 billion for its social amelioration program; and Department of Labor and Employment at PHP1.5 billion for displaced workers. Around PHP30.82 billion has been allotted to provide funding assistance to cities and municipalities under the “Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities” program. Meanwhile, Duterte said the Land Bank of the Philippines has remitted cash balances from various government agencies amounting to PHP63.6 billion to the Bureau of the Treasury.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has donated PHP290 million to Covid-19 referral hospitals and approved the release of PHP447 million worth of financial assistance to 81 government hospitals, which shall be chargeable against its charity fund. Under the “Bayanihan to Heal as One” law, the executive department must submit a weekly report to Congress, every Monday, detailing how he used his special powers to address Covid-19. The report must include the amount and corresponding utilization of funds used, augmented, reprogrammed, reallocated, and realigned. (PNA)
Gov’t agencies, LGUs told to adopt new Covid-19 classifications By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA - The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has directed all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to adopt the revised classification system for people being checked for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). The directive was made after the IATF-EID agreed on Monday night to approve the recommendation of National Task Force on Covid-19, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said in a virtual presser aired on state-run
PTV-4 on Tuesday. Nograles said the new set of guidelines for detecting Covid-19 should be included in state departments and LGUs’ subsequent documents APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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National News containing government’s efforts to fight the new pathogen. He added that existing documents issued by all government agencies and LGUs should also be updated. “All agencies and Local Government Units (LGUs) are directed to apply said classification in all subsequent issuances related to Covid-19, as well as to update existing issuances in accordance therewith,” Nograles said.
A PUI with mild, severe or critical symptoms who was not tested or awaiting test results is now branded as “suspect,” while a PUI with mild, severe or critical symptoms with inconclusive test results is referred to as a “probable” Since January 28, the Philippines case. began classifying Covid-19 cases as A Covid-19 positive case, on either patients under investigation (PUIs) the other hand, is now classified as or persons under monitoring (PUMs). “confirmed.” The Department of Health (DOH), Adoption of evaluation tool in however, announced on Saturday that it modified the classification for assessing communities Covid-19 cases. Meantime, Nograles said the PUMs, or those who may have been exposed to Covid-19 but exhibit IATF-EID also approved the adoption no symptoms, are no longer included in of the Commission on Population’s (POPCOM) proposed evaluation tool the new classification. for the assessment of the demographic Adopting the World Health vulnerabilities of communities to the Organization’s (WHO) interim guidance Covid-19 health event. on global surveillance for the new He said LGUs, including those from coronavirus, the DOH is now using the terms “suspect,” “probable,” and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), should “confirmed” for Covid-19 cases.
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National News implement the adopted evaluation (It’s important to determine the families tool. who are receiving financial assistance from the government),” he said. “LGUs, including the BARMM, are enjoined to implement such tool to In a virtual press briefing held in assess communities in their irrespective Geneva, Switzerland on Monday, WHO jurisdictions,” Nograles said. director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Covid-19 is “10 times Nograles said the guidelines on deadlier” than swine flu, which also the implementation of the evaluation caused a global pandemic in 2009. tool would be jointly issued by DOH, Commission on Population and Luzon Island and parts of Visayas Development, Department of the and Mindanao have been placed under Interior and Local Government, and enhanced community quarantine to National Economic and Development stop the further transmission of Covid-19 Authority. in the country. “Mahalaga po ito para sa pagtukoy The Philippines has so far recorded ng mga pamilyang makakatanggap 4,932 Covid-19 confirmed cases, with ng tulong pinansyal mula sa gobyerno 315 fatalities and 242 recoveries. (PNA)
DSWD resolving issues in distribution of subsidies By Azer Parrocha
MANILA - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is resolving issues concerning the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) for the most vulnerable sectors to ease the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Cabinet Secretary and InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) Spokesperson Karlo Nograles made this assurance following reports that some low-income households have yet
to receive emergency cash subsidies from the government. “The government recognizes that there have been concerns regarding the prompt distribution of these APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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National News
subsidies. According to the DSWD, they are working on resolving the issues concerning the timely distribution of the SAP, among which are security, the reconciliation of lists of beneficiaries, and logistical challenges––especially with regard to remote communities in the provinces,” he said in a virtual presser on Monday.
He said local government officials who gave cash aid to ineligible families will also face criminal, civil, and administrative charges. Nograles also sought for more patience while waiting for the cash and food assistance.
Nograles warned local officials against defying the guidelines for the distribution of emergency relief assistance to 18 million poor families, including those who failed to give cash aid to non-registered voters.
“Makakaasa po kayo na ginagawa po natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang mapaabot sa inyo ang tulong na ito sa lalong madaling panahon (Rest assured that we are doing everything we can to deliver help as soon as possible),” he said.
“Ang pagiging botante po (Being a registered voters) is not one of the qualifications required para po kayo ay magiging isa sa mga beneficiaries nito (to be one of the beneficiaries),” he said.
As the “largest and widest” social protection program in the country’s history, he said there is a need for the government to ensure that every beneficiary gets their fair share.
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National News He, meanwhile, urged local government units to submit their respective memorandum of agreements (MOA) and budget proposals for their constituents to the DSWD at the “soonest possible time�.
PHP5,000 and PHP8,000. Underprivileged, homeless, indigent, and indigenous families are qualified to avail of the cash assistance.
Families with members who are either informal or self-employed LGUs need to seal a MOA with worker, rice farmer, fisherman, senior DSWD to facilitate the transfer of funds citizen, person with disability, pregnant for the subsidy program, he added. or lactating women, solo parent, and distressed overseas Filipino worker will He noted the DSWD will validate also receive the emergency relief. the list of beneficiaries within 15 days after the distribution of cash aid. On the other hand, he said the Department of Labor (DOLE) has Citing DSWD Secretary Rolando distributed funds under its Covid-19 Bautista, Nograles said more than Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) PHP323 million for 14,418 beneficiaries to 167,941 affected workers. have been distributed to public utility drivers and transport groups in the The DOLE has also distributed funds National Capital Region (NCR). under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers to Under SAP, beneficiaries will get 124,608 individuals, the total of which emergency subsidies worth between amounts to PHP507.8 million. (PNA)
DA extends price control on agri products By Filane Mikee Cervantes
MANILA - The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday extended the imposition of the suggested retail price (SRP) for basic agriculture and fishery products to protect consumers against price irregularities in local markets amid the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
In a new administrative circular effect in Metro Manila. signed by Agriculture Secretary William Dar, a price freeze for rice and other Covered are the following food agricultural commodities will also be in items, with their respective SRP per APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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National News
Agriculture Secretary William Dar. (File photo
kilogram (kg): Pork (pigue/kasim) - PHP190; Chicken (whole, dressed) - PHP130; Sugar (brown) - PHP45; Sugar (refined) - PHP50; Bangus (cage-cultured) - PHP162; Tilapia (pond-cultured, fresh-chilled) PHP120; Galunggong (imported) - PHP130; Garlic (imported) - PHP70; Garlic (local) - PHP120; and Red onion (imported) - PHP95. As for the price freeze, the covered agriculture and fishery products with their SRP per kg include: Imported rice Special - PHP51 Premium - PHP42 Well-milled - PHP40 Regular - PHP39 Local rice Special - PHP53
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Premium - PHP45 Well-milled - PHP40 Regular - PHP33 NFA Rice - PHP27 Roundscad (Galunggong-local) PHP130 Pork (liempo) PHP225 Chicken egg (medium) - PHP6.50 per piece Cooking oil (30 ml) - PHP24 Cooking oil (1 liter) - PHP50 The implementation of ECQ in Luzon would expire on April 30. Apart from Luzon, other local government units in Visayas and Mindanao imposed an ECQ in their respective localities to address Covid-19. As of Sunday, the Philippines has 4,648 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 297 deaths and 197 recoveries. (PNA)
COVID-19 News
PH to start using new terms for Covid-19 cases By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – The Philippines will now start using the new classification of persons who are confirmed or suspected to have been infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said on Thursday. Nograles said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Wednesday approved Resolution 24, authorizing the use of new terms for Covid-19 cases.
be categorized as “suspect” cases, Nograles said.
“The updated nomenclature in classifying individuals for the surveillance and management of the Covid-19 health event is adopted,” Nograles, spokesperson of IATF-EID, said in a virtual press briefing aired on state-run PTV-4.
He noted that the persons under monitoring (PUMs), or those who are not exhibiting symptoms despite exposure to a Covid-19 patient, would still be referred to as PUMs.
Following the issuance of IATF Resolution 24, patients under investigation (PUIs) with mild, severe, or critical symptoms whose results have not yet been released will now
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Nograles said PUIs inconclusive test results are classified as “probable” cases.
with now
He added that PUMs would still be reported and managed. “Gagamitin na po natin ang mga bagong terminolohiya sa pagklasipika ng mga indibidwal na pinagsu-suspetyahang may Covid-19
COVID-19 News o kumpirmadong may Covid-19 (The new terminologies in classifying individuals suspected or confirmed to have acquired Covid-19 will now be used),” Nograles said.
Covid-19 cases.
On April 11, the Department of Health revised the classification system by adopting the terms “suspect,” “probable,” and “confirmed” for
As of Wednesday, the Philippines has 5,453 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 349 fatalities and 353 recoveries. (PNA)
The IATF-EID on Monday night approved the recommendation to direct all government agencies and local government units to adopt the The Philippines initially classified modified classification of Covid-19 Covid-19 cases as either PUIs or PUMs. cases.
PH ready to participate in clinical trials of Avigan: Duterte By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – The Philippines is willing to join the other countries in conducting clinical trials of Avigan, a Japanese anti-viral drug, for potential treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday.
“The Philippines is ready to participate in clinical trials and medical studies of potential vaccines and medicines such as Avigan. We are confident our scientists and experts within and outside our region will rise to this colossal challenge. A vaccine and/ or treatment must be found sooner rather than later,” Duterte said.
a subsidiary of Japan-based Fujifilm Holdings Corp., is seen as an effective drug in treating Covid-19. Japan has begun conducting clinical tests to examine the effectiveness and safety of Avigan, otherwise known as Favipiravir, to Covid-19 patients.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Researches at Wuhan University Yoshihide Suga earlier announced and other institutions in China have the Japanese government’s plan to revealed that Avigan, developed by offer Avigan for free to nations hit by APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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COVID-19 News “Our duty then and that of relevant multilateral institutions is to make sure that all countries will have fair and easy access to vaccines and treatments. Discussions on modalities should be started,” he said. End Covid-19 with finality Over 1.8 million Covid-19 infections have been recorded globally, according to the data uploaded on the official website of the World Health Organization. Around 117,217 Covid-19 patients around the world have already died. In the Philippines, there are 5,223 confirmed Covid-19 cases, with 335 fatalities and 295 recoveries. Duterte lamented that Covid-19 has brought the entire world to a Suga said some 30 countries “standstill.” have made requests to Japan for the “We are still in the early stages of procurement of Avigan. this crisis… We face the specter of a President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gives global recession,” he said. his intervention as he joins other leaders Duterte said countries with from the Asean member countries, the Republic of Korea, People’s Republic Covid-19 cases must continue to work of China and Japan during the special together to end Covid-19 pandemic Asean Plus Three Summit on Covid-19 “with finality.” video conference at the Malago “Our most urgent priority is Clubhouse in Malacañang on April 14, 2020. (Presidential photo by Ace strengthening the capacity of our healthcare systems. We call for Morandante) the increased production and the Duterte said bolstering scientific facilitation of trade of vital medical cooperation in the area of vaccine equipment and supplies in our region. and anti-viral treatment research and We support the creation of regional development was necessary to fight reserves of medical supplies to better equip us in this fight,” he said. (PNA) Covid-19. Covid-19 pandemic.
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COVID-19 News
Health workers are PH contribution to global Covid-19 fight By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – Overseas Filipino workers, particularly those in the medical and health sector, are the Philippines’ contribution to the global fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Monday. “Those who have worked abroad and continuing because of their previous contracts are now our contribution for care, healing and cure to the world affected by this Covid-19 pandemic,” said Bishop Ruperto Santos, vice chairman of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant Peoples’ (ECMIP) in an interview.
imposed on new health workers.
“There should be temporary suspension for the new Filipino healthcare workers. We need them here, and there are jobs here,” he said. On Monday, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has recommended the lifting of the He said OFWs who have existing temporary deployment ban on Filipino contracts should be allowed to work in health workers with existing contracts their host countries. abroad. Santos added that the temporary After their meeting Monday night, deployment suspension should be President Rodrigo Duterte has acceded APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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COVID-19 News to the recommendation to allow the travel abroad of health workers with perfected contracts. Duterte, however, expressed concern that the country might run out of medical professionals to treat local Covid-19 patients. He criticized the US for causing problems by aggressively recruiting nurses instead of relying on their own human resources. He also bared that the IATF-EID expressed hope that not all Filipino nurses would leave the country amid the rising number of cases. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., labor groups, and health workers earlier opposed the temporary overseas deployment ban, saying it violates the right to travel and promotes involuntary servitude.
Gov’t to consider WHO warning about lifting of Covid-19 lockdown By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) earlier imposed a temporary suspension on the deployment of health care workers amid the national state of emergency in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The agency said the order was issued to ensure that the country has a sufficient number of health workers if the need arises. Among those that are temporarily barred from leaving the country are: Medical Doctor/Physician, Nurse, Microbiologist, Medical biologist, Medical technologist, Clinical analyst, Respiratory therapist, etc. (PNA)
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MANILA – The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) will give weight to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) warning that early lifting of lockdown could lead to a “deadly resurgence” of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
COVID-19 News Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, also acting as IATF-EID spokesperson, said WHO’s warning would be taken into consideration when the task force decides on the fate of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which will lapse on April 30.
“strict and stringent” set of rules to avoid resurgence of Covid-19 in the Philippines. “Ngayon po, asahan natin na within the next two weeks, mas ma-control pa natin ang sitwasyon, mas ma-identify pa natin ang mga parameter, mas makikita pa natin ang datos (Expect that within the next two weeks, we’ll be able to control the situation more, identify the parameters, and see clearer data),” he said.
“Siguro narinig niyo na rin yung sinabi ng WHO, yung warning nila na countries will have to be careful na hindi ka basta-basta pwedeng maglift (Perhaps, you have heard WHO’s warning that countries will have to be careful about lifting measures against No ECQ extension in Luzon Covid-19),” Nograles said in a virtual press conference aired on state-run The imposition of ECQ in entire PTV-4. Luzon was supposed to end on April 12, but it was extended until April 30 in a “Iyan po ang masinsinang pag- bid to curb the spread of Covid-19. uusapan namin sa IATF (The IATF will carefully discuss about) what happens Nograles said the IATF-EID has no after April 30,” he added. plan yet to extend the ECQ in Luzon. On Friday, WHO director-general He made the statement following Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus advised claims that there will be another countries with Covid-19 infections not extension of ECQ in Luzon. Nograles to be in a hurry in easing restrictions merely dismissed the rumor as “fake on people’s movement to address news.” Covid-19. “Kung may nagpapakalat Tedros warned that the premature man nito, hindi po namin pinagulifting of measures imposed to fight usapan ‘yung extension ng lockdown Covid-19 would be “dangerous,” as it after April 30. Hindi po iyan totoo na could spark a “deadly resurgence” of nakapag-desisyon na rin ang IATF na the new pathogen. i-extend natin o kung anu-ano man diyan (There’s no truth to the alleged The government, Nograles said, is extension of lockdown after April 30. focused on containing Covid-19 while It’s not true that the IATF has already the entire Luzon is under ECQ. decided to extend the ECQ),” he said. Nograles government
added would
that the The IATF-EID earlier approved five implement parameters for deciding on the total or APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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COVID-19 News partial lifting, or the possible extension against the new coronavirus. of ECQ in Luzon. “Kailangan taasan pa natin ang The adopted parameters include ating pasensya. Kailangan na magthe trends in Covid-10 epidemiological cooperate tayo sa ating pamahalaan curve, the capacity of the health care (Let’s have more patience. We have to system, and the social, economic and cooperate with the government),” he security factors. said. Public cooperation
Nograles reminded everyone to strictly observe social distancing, To arrest the spread Covid-19 practice proper hygiene, wear face pandemic, Nograles appealed to the masks, and conduct disinfection in an public anew to cooperate with the effort to stop the further transmission of government. Covid-19. Nograles also asked for the public’s The Philippines now has confirmed patience amid the government’s 4,428 Covid-19 cases, with 247 fatalities relentless efforts to impose measures and 157 recoveries. (PNA)
DOH to issue updated protocols on use of rapid test kits in PH By Azer Parrocha
MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) will be issuing updated protocols on the use of rapid test kits in the Philippines as the government strengthens its fight against coronavirus disease (Covid-19). “Subject to the requirements and recommendations of the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) pursuant to Republic Act 11223, or the “Universal Health Care Act”,
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| APRIL 11-17, 2020
the DOH is hereby directed to issue updated guidelines or protocols on the use of rapid test kits in the Philippines,” Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said in a virtual presser on Sunday.
COVID-19 News Late last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved five rapid test kits and a more accurate five-minute test from a US manufacturer which can detect Covid-19 infections.
He said the DOH and the FDA were also told to rationalize testing protocols and complement the existing capacity of the country to conduct reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing.
FDA Director General Eric Domingo said the regulator has allowed five rapid test kits to be used to detect Covid-19 infection, but the samples must still undergo a confirmatory test using the machine-based method.
President Rodrigo Duterte, in February 2019, signed the Universal Health Care Act into law which will automatically enroll all Filipinos under the government’s health insurance program.
Rapid test kits can provide results within minutes or hours after extracting a blood sample from a patient, which is faster than the 24 to 48-hour time frame needed by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to determine if a person is Covid-19 positive, based on swab samples from the throat and nose.
Under the legislation, all Filipino citizens, including overseas Filipino workers, will be enrolled into PhilHealth, which will have a coverage expanded to include free consultation fees, laboratory tests and other diagnostic services.
Meanwhile, Nograles also warned against the use of drugs or However, rapid test kits only detect vaccines with unproven claims, such the presence of antibodies or protein as the Fabunan Antiviral Injections, as found in the blood that is produced effective treatment for Covid-19. in response to foreign substances while traditional kits are deemed more “Kung hindi po siya approved ng accurate since they are processed FDA at ng Department of Health ‘wag through a real-time polymerase chain po tayo mag eksperimento ng mga reaction or RT-PCR machine that can gamot na hindi naman po natin alam at detect the presence of the actual wala naman po tayong kasiguraduhan coronavirus. sa kaniyang bisa (If it is not approved by the FDA and DOH, let’s not experiment Nograles, also spokesperson of with medicines that we are not familiar the Inter-Agency Task Force for the with or whose effectivity is not certain),” Management of Emerging Infectious he said. Diseases (IATF-EID), earlier said the DOH and the FDA were directed to draft the The FDA said there are currently necessary guidelines for the utilization no registered drugs or vaccines that of FDA-approved Covid-19 rapid test are licensed specifically for Covid-19 kits, including lateral flow assay kits. treatment or prevention. (PNA) APRIL 11-17, 2020 |
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