CONTENTS Caraga Infocus 8
25 April - 1 May 2020
REGIONAL NEWS
8 9 11 14 15 16 17 Over 200K Caraga beneficiaries receive SAP cash aid Tech-Voc institutions, TESDA-ADN distribute PPE to Caraga frontliners
SEC spots more get-rich-quick schemes in nonstop investor protection effort Vegetable production to avert hunger during health crisis
NFA Caraga focuses rice supply for relief operations NGO donates PPEs to hospitals in VisMin Pagpapatupad ng ECQ color coding scheme sa Butuan nakatulong sa pagbaba ng krimen – PNP NFA-Caraga stops supplying retailers to ensure sufficiency
Volume IV, No. 18
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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‘Tawag konsulta’ launched in Surigao del Norte LGU Dinagat Islands to participate in People’s Survival Fund MGB-13, Caraga minerals industry unite on ‘Bayanihan to Heal as One Act’ implementation Agusan Norte LGUs receive augmentation fund for COVID-19 ops AgSur trike drivers receive aid from government Buntis, mga bata sa Tandag tumanggap ng ayuda habang sumasailalim sa ECQ 50 families get food items in SurSur TESDA, TVET aid frontliners in SurSur Locals in SurSur town receive aid from local government
MINDANAO NEWS
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MinDA backs solon’s ‘Balik Probinsya’ program Davao farmers earn P4.8-M in ‘Kadiwa on Wheels’
NATIONAL NEWS
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PCOO chief lauds media workers reporting on Covid-19 Duterte wants faster aid distribution amid health crisis Gov’t to study calls to pay indigents’ electric bills Duterte wants swift delivery of medicines
COVID-19 NEWS
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PRRD offers P20-M for respirator production to fight Covid-19 DOST lauds scientists in fight vs. Covid-19 200 companies to conduct 1M Covid-19 tests by May P77-B unreleased fund from 2019 may be used for Covid-19 response PH receives $500-K Covid-19 test kits from SoKor
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News Briefs GSIS is accepting applications for ConsoLoan, Policy Loan, Pension Loan and Emergency Loan online via the internet. To submit loan applications online, please follow these steps https://www.facebook.com/1420751694846699/ posts/2584365208485336/.
The Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita (Kadiwa on Wheels variant), a direct marketing program of the Department of Agrculture and its partner agencies, continues to benefit more farmers and consumers across the region. Through engagement with the barangays, cities and homeowners’ association, the residents have an access to fresh and affordable food products. Labor Day is both a celebration and a commemoration dedicated for all the workers and their fight for equal and stable working conditions as well as various job opportunities that can potentially become careers. Every hardworking individual, regardless where they are situated, is able to get a job and provide for their respective families. (dict.gov.ph) Based on the EO No. 19 S. 2020, only workers in allowed industries and establishments may continue to work or operate during the duration of GCQ implementation. Returning overseas workers, residents working outside of the province, homecoming students, & persons allowed to enter the province of Surigao Sur will undergo mandatory quarantine for 14 days in holding facilities established for the purpose in their respective localities.
Over 200K Caraga beneficiaries receive SAP cash aid By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales
B
UTUAN CITY - Thousands of families in Caraga have now received financial assistance from the government through the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Since the conduct of program’s payout, a total of 223,852 beneficiaries were granted with the P5,000 financial aid. All 73 local government units (LGUs) have now conducted the payout.
M e a n w h i l e , beneficiaries in Butuan City expressed their gratitude for receiving such assistance. Tatay Ernesto Salmo, a senior citizen, said that apart from the purchasing the basic necessities, the money will also be used As the department to purchase his needed aims to give assistance maintenance medicines. to 305,096 Caraganons, DSWD Caraga is now “As I am one of focusing on serving 81,224 the individuals who more beneficiaries. have higher chances in
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contracting the disease, it is important for me to be able to buy my medicine, which I can now do with this money,” he said. Single parents Emelinda Driz and Lorelyn Ebol felt even more relieved, as they now have additional means to sustain the needs of their family. Emelinda is a
mother to seven children, On the other four of whom are still hand, Lorelyn is a young dependent of her care. mother to a three-yearold child who has now “It is definitely a stopped depending on challenge to raise all breastfeeding, hence my adolescent kids on the added expenses for my own. This money will infant milk. As this and her surely help with our daily child’s other necessities expenses. I am assured are costly, the added that we won’t be starving cash aid will definitely during the quarantine,” help her shoulder the she added. expenses. “Finding means to sustain my infant during quarantine has had me worried since its implementation. This money has truly eased some of my financial burdens,” she remarked. The financial assistance has also assured Frederick Caballes that he has some means to sustain the needs of his family amid the health crisis as he is one of the millions of Filipinos in the informal employment sector whose livelihood was greatly compromised upon the implementation of the community-wide quarantine. “Finding money is tough these days, especially for people like APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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myself who are now receiving an even during this crisis. We will do our best to smaller salary. I now have something to make sure to fulfill such task,” he said. feed my young children, even for the meantime,” he affirmed. DSWD Caraga has designated an operations center to accommodate With the entire budget of the the public’s grievances, which is on-call program allotted for strictly 18 million 24/7. Caraganons are urged to raise families, the national government is complaints and voice their concerns making sure that the cash assistance by dialing their hotline numbers, 0926will only be benefitted by the poorest 914-9200/0956-183-5541 for Globe and of the poor in the country which is why TM users and 0951-382-7657/0951-382a directive to hold any official liable 7658 for Smart and Talk ‘n Text users. for anomalies found in implementing (DMR/PIACaraga) the program is strictly observed by the department. As such, DSWD Caraga has been looking closely into the implementation of the program in the various LGUs across the region, ensuring that the guidelines are being observed upon implementation. In addition to providing technical assistance, teams have been deployed to 16 LGUs to monitor before, during, and after the conduct of payout, randomly visiting households that have received assistance and verify their qualification. Regional Information Officer Marko Davey Reyes also reiterated that LGUs will be made responsible for disallowances. Cash aid given to unqualified individuals are to be returned and turned over to those who are qualified. “The whole department is dedicated to uphold the objective of the program, which is to provide assistance to the marginalized Filipinos
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REGIONAL NEWS
Regional News
Tech-Voc institutions, TESDA-ADN distribute PPE to Caraga frontliners By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY – Renowned for their creative and charitable nature, Filipinos have truly displayed such character especially at this challenging time when the country is facing a health crisis due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Proof of which is the conceptualization of the “Bayanihan na! Talunin natin ang COVID-19” program, wherein the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, together with the Association of Technical and Vocational Schools in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte have initiated actions for the protection against COVID-19.
of Fisheries (NMSF), with the support of the NC II trainers, was able to create some improvised personal protective equipment. They produced 25 personal protective equipment (PPE) suits per week and distributed to the nurses, doctors, and other frontliners in the region.
“We hope to produce more PPE for our frontliners. The TESDA Provincial The Northern Mindanao School Training Center in Cabadbaran City
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Regional News has also produced a number of face shields,� said Romel Natad, school administrator of the NMSF. They were able to distribute more than 2,500 washable face masks; 160 PPE suits; more than 4,500 liters of hand sanitizer; 50 pieces of face shields; and more than 930 packs of cookies. According to TESDA-Caraga regional director Ashary Banto, with the help of the partner stakeholders and volunteers, they will continue to support the frontliners until the COVID-19 pandemic will be over. The Caraga frontliners were grateful to the technical-vocational institutions and TESDA for the donated PPE. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
SEC spots more get-richquick schemes in nonstop investor protection effort BUTUAN CITY - The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has identified more unauthorized investment schemes, as it continues enforcement efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Commission on April 28 advised the public against investing in CROWD1 Asia Pacific, Inc., Sharebiz Ads/ Sharebiz Advertising/ Sharebiz Online Advertising Services and Winners Ecommerce International Network Corp. (WINCORP). It also identified a certain Aiza Mercado as promoter of
My Profit Robot (MPR), the subject of a previous advisory. CROWD1, Sharebiz and WINCORP neither have registered securities such as investment contracts nor have secured a secondary license to solicit and take investments from the public, APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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Regional News as required under Republic Act No. products and converting a portion 8799, or The Securities Regulation Code. of his/her earnings into the so-called BIZCOIN. The SEC likewise found no record of Sharebiz and WINCORP being registered The group founded by a certain as corporations or partnerships. While Lawrence Menor Ibarra in Iriga City, incorporated, CROWD1 must have Camarines Sur also offers a BIZCOINsecured a secondary license before it focused compensation plan. One may could engage in investment-solicitation invest P500 to 50,000 and earn a 42% activities. interest every 20 days within a twomonth period by simply logging in his/ In this light, the Commission her account. advised the public to exercise caution in dealing with any individual or group Simply, an investor receives soliciting investments for and on behalf passive income from the pool of of CROWD1, Sharebiz and WINCORP. investment gathered and acquires active income from recruitment under Under its scheme, CROWD1 offers Sharebiz’s modus operandi resembling membership packages worth P6,000 a Ponzi scheme. to P240,000. An investor is entitled to bonuses by simply joining, sponsoring WINCORP likewise offers entry newer members and recruiting more packages worth P4,888 to P39,998 people. with 200 to 1,600 equivalent points. An investor may earn P1,000 daily, P20,000 CROWD1 promises residual weekly or P30,000 monthly by selling incomes or bonuses supposedly from its products and recruiting members. digital gaming business. Upon joining, a member acquires a so-called owner For instance, an investor is right, which would entitle him/her to a entitled to an indefinite commission to share in the company’s total revenues be credited to his/her 10-in-1 wallet from affiliate income. every time his/her downline purchases products. He/she also receives as much The SEC, however, noted that as P1,200 to P9,600 for every match in CROWD 1 earns mainly from the his/her network. recruitment of members, as in a pyramiding scheme, with most of the The group headed by a certain games touted by the group unavailable Edwin Bermundo Moratillo, also known as in the Philippines. Win Bermundo Olinquino, further entices the public to join through a program Sharebiz, meanwhile, offers three called Commission Deductions, where entry packages worth P330 to P1,100. a prospective member may avail of An investor may earn by recruiting the entry package without having to members, encoding captcha, selling immediately pay for it.
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Regional News The SEC warned that those who act as salesmen, brokers, dealers or agents of fraudulent investment schemes may be held criminally liable and penalized with a maximum fine of P5 million or imprisonment of 21 years or both under the Securities Regulation Code.
the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, further penalizes those participating in cyber incidents that make use or take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to prey on the public through scams, phishing, fraudulent emails, or other similar acts with two-month imprisonment or a maximum fine of P1 million or both.
Those who invite or recruit others to join or invest in such ventures may Reports of unauthorized likewise incur criminal liability, or investment solicitation activities may otherwise be sanctioned or penalized be emailed to the SEC Enforcement accordingly. and Investor Protection Department at epd@sec.gov.ph. (SEC/PIA Caraga) Republic Act No. 11469, or
Vegetable production to avert hunger during health crisis By Vanessa P. Sanchez
BUTUAN CITY - In the midst of the country’s battle with a health crisis brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), vegetable production could be one saving grace in preventing people from going hungry.
APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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Regional News
With most of the country placed on enhanced quarantine, some businesses were closed and a number of people lost their jobs and their means of providing for their families’ needs. To address the situation and prevent people from going hungry, the Department of Agriculture (DA) implemented the Ahon Lahat Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS COVID-19) or Plant Plant Plant Program. Under the program, the department encourages the public to have their own food production initiative by having vegetable gardens in their backyards. In support of this, the DA has been distributing vegetable seeds to individuals and organizations who expressed interest to engage in vegetable gardening. Some
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vegetables may already be harvested one month after planting so it ensures food availability in the coming months despite the crisis situation. In Caraga, 530 kilograms worth P3.1 million of vegetable seeds from the buffer stocks of the previous year have been distributed so far. This is on top of this year’s buffer and regular procurement of vegetable seeds which will amount to P11.1 million as well as the emergency procurement worth P1.4 million in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The most commonly grown vegetables in Caraga are the lowland type such as eggplant, ampalaya, squash, and okra. As per data from the department, the regular vegetable production for this year is projected to
Regional News be increasing. Eggplant is projected to have the biggest total production at 2,973 metric tons from March to September. This is followed by squash which is set to have a total production of 1,331 metric tons for the same period. Ampalaya is projected to have the third biggest production at 772 metric tons. But with more and more people taking on vegetable gardening as a productive way to utilize their time during this quarantine and as a food source initiative, these figures may still increase. DA – Caraga High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Coordinator Marco Antonio C. Morido their own in their backyards. said that more lowland vegetables are “With more people planting grown in the region since more lowland vegetables in their own backyard, areas have been developed here. we can ensure food sufficiency and Meanwhile, the most consumed security even as we are facing a crisis. vegetables in the region are eggplant, This way, we don’t have to rely on the squash, mongo, and ampalaya. Per produce of the farmers alone, but capita consumption of eggplant is at individuals can already contribute to 0.39 kilograms per month, 0.37 kilograms our production. Moreover, we are also per month for squash, 0.19 kilograms per encouraging the public to also plant month for mongo, and 0.17 kilograms indigenous vegetables like malunggay and alugbati since indigenous per month for eggplant. vegetables are also rich in nutrients According to the World Health and there many sources of planting Organization, the recommended materials for these,” Morido said. intake for vegetables is 400 grams per The Plant Plant Plant Program is day which means that Caraganons do not meet the recommended daily the DA’s response to COVID-19 that vegetable consumption. However, aims to give immediate interventions with the health crisis now, more for food production and availability, people are inclined to eat healthy and accessibility, affordability, and food nutritious foods and are thus turning to price stabilization. (DA13-RAFIS/PIA vegetables with some even planting Caraga) APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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Regional News
NFA Caraga focuses rice supply for relief operations By Aurelius P. Arais
BUTUAN CITY - To address the rice requirements of government institutional buyers amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the National Food Authority (NFA) halted its supply to all its NFA accredited rice retailers. NFA Caraga information officer Amelou Jane Mendoza said that they reserved their supply to local government units (LGUs) and other government relief giving institutions in adherence to their new mandate. “With the implementation of the Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tarrification Law (RTL), the primary mandate of the NFA is to secure the buffer stock to be distributed in times of emergency or up to April 24, 2020, around 37,340 bags calamities,” she explained. of 50 kgs. had been released to LGUs Currently, Mendoza said that NFA and Department of Social Welfare and is focusing on serving the needs of LGUs Development. and other government agencies for “Based on our inventory with 2% their relief operations as the public are on limited movement due to quarantine market participation of NFA rice from daily consumption rate, our supply measures. would eventually last of up to two Mendoza bared that from March months,” she disclosed.
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Regional News However, if the market participation of NFA rice would increase up to 25% due to high demand from institutional buyers, the NFA supply could last to a month.
rice sufficiency by the end of the first semester based on the consolidated planting report of the LGUs.
Farmers are also assured of available market for their rice products “There is no need to be alarmed; with NFA currently buying palay harvest so far, we have enough supply of NFA from local farmers in the region with a rice,” she said. higher price of P19.00 per kilo, clean and dry. Recent report from Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga also assures NFA assures that warehouses all enough supply based on the current over Caraga Region will accommodate harvest season in the region. Caraga interested farmers who would want is expected to produce 315,947 to sell their produce. (DA13-RAFIS/PIA metric tons or an equivalent of 134% Caraga)
NGO donates PPEs to hospitals in VisMin BUTUAN CITY SM Foundation Inc. donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and medical supplies to hospitals in the Visayas and Mindanao areas.
A total of 21 hospitals benefitted kits. from the 170 million pesos’ worth of N95 and surgical masks, gloves, raincoats, Hospitals in Visayan cities such goggles, as well as alcohol and hygiene as Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete, APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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Regional News Roxas, Tacloban, Ormoc as well some in the Samar province benefitted from the donation, including the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City and West Visayas State University Medical Center in IloIlo City. In Mindanao, beneficiaries included the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City; Amai Pakpak Hospital in Marawi City; Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City and Davao
Regional Medical Center in Tagum City. In addition, the SM Group has also extended additional assistance in response to crisis such as the provision of Emergency Financial Assistance to its frontline workers, security guards, and janitorial staff during the Enhanced Community Quarantine period. Apart from continued compensation for its other employees, rentals have also been waived for all tenants of SM Supermalls nationwide. (SM/PIA-Caraga)
Pagpapatupad ng ECQ color coding scheme sa Butuan nakatulong sa pagbaba ng krimen - PNP By Nora C. Lanuza
LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN- Bumaba ang naitatalang krimen habang ipinapatupad ang color coding scheme dito sa lungsod dahil maayos na operasyon at koordinasyon ng mga station commanders ng limang police stations dito.
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Regional News Laking pasalamat naman ni Nilo Latonio, isang Barangay Tanod ng Villa Kananga, dahil mas mapadali din ang kanilang trabaho at kaunti na ang mga taong nasa lansangan, at madali din na ma-identify ang mga ito.
Ayon kay Butuan City Police Office city director PCol. Canilo Agua Fuentes, regular na sinusuri ng pulisya kasama ang task force bantay Butuan ang mga daan upang masiguro na ang mga tamang tao lamang ang nasa lansangan sa ayon na din sa hawak nitong quarantine pass color coding. “Malaking tulong and pagpapatupad ng color coding scheme dahil madaling malaman kung saang lugar nakatira ang mga taong nasa lansangan,� dagdag pa ni PCol. Fuentes.
Ang maayos na implementasyon ng color coding scheme ay nakatulong din na bumaba ang krimen sa lungsod at maipatupad ang social distancing. Malaki din ang papel ng mga punong barangay sa pagdidisiplina sa mga lumabag sa color coding scheme at curfew hours, dahil sila mismo ang susundo sa mga ito sa presento ng kapulisan. Itatala ang mga lumabag sa kani-kanilang mga barangay at sila ay magbibigay ng community service. Patuloy na ipinapanawagan ng mga otoridad na manatili sa bahay upang matulongan ang mga frontliners na mahinto ang transmission ng COVID-19. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)
NFA-Caraga stops supplying retailers to ensure sufficiency By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – The National Food Authority in Caraga Region (NFA13) has stopped supplying rice to accredited retailers to ensure the availability of supply throughout the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period. APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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Regional News
NFA-13 information officer Amelou Jane Mendoza told the Philippine News Agency Tuesday the move would ensure that the agency meets the rice requirements of government institutional buyers amid the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. “We need to prioritize the local government units (LGUs) and the different relief-giving agencies as they continue their relief food operations,” Mendoza said. She was referring to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), local government units (LGUs), and other entities involved in the government Covid-19 response. “With the implementation of the Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tarrification Law (RTL), the primary mandate of DA-NFA is to secure the buffer stock to be distributed in times of emergency or calamities,” Mendoza said.
Based on the 2 percent market participation of NFA rice from daily consumption rate, she said NFA’s supply in the region could still last for up to two months. However, she said that if the market participation of NFA rice would increase up to 25 percent due to high demand from institutional buyers, the NFA supply could only last for a month. “There is no need to be alarmed; so far, we have enough supply of NFA rice,” Mendoza said. She added that a recent report from the Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) also assured enough supply based on the current harvest season in the area. Mendoza said Caraga Region is expected to produce 315,947 metric tons or an equivalent of 134 percent rice sufficiency by the end of the first semester based on the consolidated planting report of the LGUs.
Mendoza said that from March up to April 24, 2020, around 37,340 bags of rice She added that NFA-13 is currently buying have already been released by NFA-13 to dry and clean palay from farmers at the LGUs and the DSWD in the area. price of PHP19 per kilo. (PNA)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Provincial News
‘Tawag konsulta’ launched in Surigao del Norte By Venus L. Garcia
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The government sternly advised the public to stay at home. This is why amid the strict implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the entire Caraga region due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte ensured that the medical consultation need of the residents is met. In partnership with the Surigao del Norte Medical Society, the local government unit of Surigao del Norte launched the “Tawag Konsulta” program where the locals can avail the free medical consultation and advice without going to the hospital or clinic to physically see a doctor.
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Using a telephone or mobile phone, patients may dial the hotline numbers where a designated “HEALS 911” agent assists and refers the patient’s concern to the doctor who would provide the appropriate medical advice and prescription.
Provincial News But with Tawag Konsulta, their medical concern is given attention,” said Dr. Mocorro. The Tawag Konsulta has already served 287 patients and more than thirty patients have also received free medicines, as of April 28.
The doctor then has to forward the online prescription approved by the Food and Drug Administration to the nurse coordinator who would also furnish a copy to the pharmacist for dispensing of prescription drugs. The medicines will be delivered right at the doorstep of the patient, charged to the medical assistance program and social services fund of the province. The Tawag Konsulta services are available 24/7. Dr. Chrismar Mocorro, officerin-charge of the Surigao del Norte Provincial Hospital, said the program is most beneficial to the senior citizens, pregnant women, and to those vulnerable individuals who are restricted to go out due to quarantine. “We are supportive of this program and even before the implementation of the ECQ we do anticipate this kind of challenge wherein the residents will have a hard time in going out to visit a physician for a medical check-up because of limited transport vehicles and fear of getting exposed to the virus.
Dr. Mocorro said that most common illnesses were related to respiratory condition, hyperacidity, cough, hypertension, including prostate enlargement and electrolyte imbalances. Meanwhile, Charlie Camelion, 44 years old and a resident of Sitio Cayutan, Barangay Cagniog in Surigao City felt a dose of happiness and gratitude from benefiting the free consultation service and appreciated, even more, the provision of free medicine that was delivered to his home. The local government unit of Del Carmen in Siargao Island also offered a free use of telephone of the Del Carmen Polyclinic among its community members for its ‘Telemed’ or Tawag Konsulta program. Also, LGU-Mainit though its Municipal Health Office is encouraging the residents to avail of the services by simply contacting them using the hotline number posted in their official Facebook page LGU-Mainit 2020, where schedules and other instructions can be found as well. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte) APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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Provincial News
LGU Dinagat Islands to participate in People’s Survival Fund By Susil D. Ragas
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - The provincial government of Dinagat Islands through its local legislator will participate in the implementation of the Republic Act 10174 or otherwise known as People’s Survival Fund Against Climate Change Law.
Dinagat Islands Board Member Ali P. Adlawan with consultation from provincial legal officer Atty. Jan Perry B. Eugenio and chief of staff to the Governor Josel Gonzales, Alan A. Conales and Domingo E. Elan Jr, recently endorsed a proposal to Governor Arlene Kaka Bag-ao for the province to participate in the implementation of the People’s Survival Fund Against Climate Change Law for food security and water supply sufficiency in the province.
potential areas in the province such as bonsai forest and an open island. Adlawan added, that priority projects that were already lined up include agricultural water infrastructure, agricultural input processing, crops and fruits production, fish culture, poultry and eggs production, food preservation and processing, and risk insurance for agri-fishery workers.
Former Congresswoman and Dinagat Islands Gov. Bag-ao is one of Board Member Adlawan said the authors of the said law passed by the proposal will not only ensure food the 5th Congress. security and water supply sufficiency but will also help to funds the preservation The People’s Survival Fund (PSF) and declaration of water source as was created by Republic Act 10174 community watershed, nature care as an annual fund intended for local and other climate change adaptation government units as accredited local/ programs of the province. community organizations to implement climate change adaptation projects He also said that another goal of that will better equip vulnerable the said proposal is for the development communities to deal with the impacts and prosperity of the island in terms of of climate change. (Dinagat Islandstourism development especially the PIO/PIA-Dinagat Islands)
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Provincial News
MGB-13, Caraga minerals industry unite on ‘Bayanihan to Heal as One Act’ implementation SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - In light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-13 (MGB-13) and the Caraga minerals industry have collaborated to ensure that the objectives of Republic Act (RA) No. 11469, otherwise known as the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act,” are achieved. Various measures to promote quarantine, social distancing, sanitation, cleanliness, and provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) were undertaken to see to it that the health and welfare of MGB-13 employees are upheld.
During the ‘Work from Home’ period, a minimal number of employees will man the office in order to respond to immediate concerns and other necessary matters. Employees shall be on an on-call basis and required to report for work when needed.
Alternative working arrangements pursuant to the Civil Service Commission guidelines were also implemented in the Regional Office.
The necessary Regional Special Order has been issued by Regional Director Glenn Marcelo C. Noble to implement these alternative working arrangements. Excluded in the The skeletal workforce scheme alternative working arrangements are was implemented from March 19 to senior citizens and employees with April 8, 2020, at the time when Caraga medical concerns. Region was still under community quarantine. However, the enhanced To safeguard the health and community quarantine was declared welfare of employees of Caraga mining on April 7, 2020, which resulted in the projects and their stakeholders, the implementation of the ‘Work from MGB-13 sent official communications Home’ scheme starting April 13, to the Presidents/Resident Managers/ 2020. General Managers of all mining APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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Provincial News companies regardless of status (exploration, operation, rehabilitation or suspension) to comply with RA No. 11469, Presidential Proclamation Nos. 922 (Declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines) and 929 (Declaring a State of Calamity throughout the Philippines due to Corona Virus Disease 2019) as well as the Orders/Resolutions issued by the Regional Inter-Agency Task (isopropyl alcohol and hand sanitizer), Force on Emerging Disease and Local medical supplies (thermal scanners, medicines, and vitamins), food supplies Government Units. and packs, survival garden kits and The MGB-13 collaborated even a heavy-duty truck. with mining companies to provide For the first week of the SDMP assistance to their host and neighboring communities and other stakeholders realignment implementation covering as well as front liners in the hospitals, the period of April 1-8, 2020, the total checkpoints, and other pertinent areas amount of P16,261,360.10 was utilized in compliance with the Memorandum by Caraga mining companies in support dated March 27, 2020, of MGB Director of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act which was signed into law by President Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano. Rodrigo Roa Duterte on March 24, 2020. The said memorandum authorizes The following Caraga mining the realignment of unutilized funds of the Social Development and Management companies supported the endeavor Program to support affected impact to fight the COVID-19 pandemic are and non-impact communities due to Adnama Mining Resources, Inc.; Agata Mining Ventures, Inc.; Cagdianao COVID-19. Mining Corporation; Carrascal Nickel More than 22,330 mining and non- Corporation; CTP Construction and mining community residents including Mining Corporation; Hinatuan Mining front liners and 42,689 households Corporation; Marcventures Mining Development Corporation; benefited from the relief efforts and and other means of support given by mining Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation; Philsaga Mining companies. Corporation; Platinum Group Metals Throughout the five Caraga Corporation; Sinosteel HY Philippines provinces, the relief assistance came in Mining Corporation; SR Metals Inc.; various forms such as PPE (face masks Taganito Mining Corporation; and and shields, disposable gowns and Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation. gloves and shoe covers), hygiene kits (MGB-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Provincial News
Agusan Norte LGUs receive augmentation fund for COVID-19 ops
By Nora C. Lanuza
BUTUAN CITY As support to the efforts of the different local government units (LGUs) of the province of Agusan del Norte, the provincial government has released an augmentation fund of one million pesos each to the 10 municipalities and the lone city of the province. According to Governor Dale B. Corvera, said fund will be used in the campaign versus coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), efforts to stop its spread and to augment the ongoing activities of the LGUs in their fight against the disease. In the municipality of RTR, Mayor Richard Daquipil said the fund from the provincial government will be utilized to the Balik Probinsya program through the improvement of the evacuation
center by converting it into a quarantine area/isolation area to accommodate Agusanons, especially those from RTR for the required quarantine period before going to their respective homes. “We cannot leave the barangays alone in the fight against COVID-19. So, after augmenting the anti-COVID funds of the municipalities and city, the provincial government also allotted a total of P8.35 million as support to each of the 167 barangays in their fight APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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Provincial News against the deadly virus,” said Gov. Punong Barangay Nilo T. Fediles Corvera. of Barangay Basilisa, RTR was thankful to the provincial government for the Each of the 167 barangays will augmentation fund. “The fund is of receive P50,000 as support to their great help to our barangay, we will measures to stop the spread of the spend it according to what is expected deadly virus in their respective areas, to,” he said. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Governor Corvera added. Norte)
AgSur trike drivers receive aid from government
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY - With the stricter implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Caraga region, the individuals belonging to the public transport sector are among those who are greatly affected in terms of livelihood.
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Provincial News This has been the primary reason for the province of Agusan del Sur to identify qualified tricycle drivers who will be receiving assistance from the local government. Under the “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Displaced or Disadvantaged Workers - Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko” (TUPAD – BKBK) Disinfecting/ Sanitation Project of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga, some 35 tricycle drivers were able to have an alternative job while the ECQ is implemented. Each of them has received the P3,200.00 as remuneration from DOLEThe 35 tricycle drivers were Agusan del Sur Provincial Office for the 10-day work they rendered in their among the 150 beneficiaries under the emergency employment program respective barangays. of dole for the underemployed, Along with it was the distribution unemployed and displaced workers of rice from the local government who are greatly affected by the crisis unit. Beneficiaries from the transport brought about by the coronavirus sector were thankful to the agencies disease (COVID-19) pandemic. concerned. All of them were able to “This is really a great help for us and complete the 10-day work by cleaning, and sanitizing their our family. Thank you to our local officials disinfecting, who have given us due attention,” said respective barangays. Danny Sanda, a tricycle driver. The second batch of beneficiaries “We are thankful to the also received recently the same aid government for this assistance given to from the government. us,” added Jimer Añora. Meanwhile, the provincial The Municipal Business Permit and government of Agusan del Sur continues Licensing Office and the Municipal to implement strict preventive measures Public Employment Services Office against COVID-19 and urged all local have carefully assessed the applicants residents to observe proper hygiene, and ensured that they are prioritized for social distancing, and wearing of mask. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur) the said assistance. APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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Provincial News
Buntis, mga bata sa Tandag tumanggap ng ayuda habang sumasailalim sa ECQ By Nida Grace P. Barcena
LUNGSOD NG TANDAG, Surigao del Sur Umabot sa 650 buntis ang tumaggap ng food packs at mga dietary supplements na ipinamahagi ng City Nutrition Office ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Tandag habang sumasailalim ang buong probinsya sa Enhanced Community Quarantine, ito ang kinumpirma ni City Nutrition Office chief Reyveen Geli.
Napag alaman mula kay Geli benepisyaryong inang buntis sa gitna na ang mga benepisyaryo ay mula sa ng kasagsagan ng krisis na kinakaharap 21 barangays na sakop ng nasabing dahil sa COVID-19 pandemic. Bawat syudad. food packs ay naglalaman ng bigas, Nanguna naman sa pamamahagi assorted fresh vegetables, iodized salt, ng mga food packs si Mayor Roxanne dried fish, nutri butter (MUM), vegetables Pimentel sa Barangay Awasian sa mga seeds at IEC flyres.
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Provincial News Sa kanyang mensahe, hinimok ni Mayor Pimentel ang mga magulang sa Barangay Awasian na sumuporta sa adhikain ng lokal na pamahalaan na makamit ang zero-malnourished children in three years. Sinabi rin niya na pauloy na susuportahan ng kanyang administrasyon ang programang pangkalusugan.
nasabing lugar. Kasabay nito ang pamamahagi ng ayuda sa 172 severely underweight at severely wasted pre-school na mga kabataan na inihatid sa 21 barangays na sakop ng siyudad.
Bawat bata ay tumanggap ng kalahating dosenang itlog, “Malunggay Nagpaabot naman ng Bread”, crackers, multivitamins, pasasalamat si Manilyn Ellar, isa sa vegetables seeds, at IEC flyres mula sa tumanggap ng ayuda dahil malaki lokal na pamahalaan. ang maitutulong nito sa kanyang pagbubuntis at pati na rin sa kanyang Sa kasalukuyan, ang lungsod buong pamilya sa gitna ng krisis na ay namamahagi na ng relief goods kinakaharap ngayon. sa pangalawang pagkakataon. Samantala, napag alaman Isang sako ng bigas at groceries na mula kay Geli, na bawat batang naglalaman ng canned goods, laundry malnourished ay makakatanggap ng soap, bath soap, toothpaste, and 3N1 Malunggay Bread, isang beses bawat coffee ang natatanggap ng bawat linggo, hanggang mapawalang bisa household na sakop nito. (PIA-Surigao ang ideneklarang kwarentina sa del Sur)
50 families get food items in SurSur
By Lee Escobal
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - In line with the “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act,” which calls for collective efforts through interagency partnership to support those affected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Surigao del Sur, in partnership with the 67th Infantry Battalion, Surigao del Sur 1st Police Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Lingig Municipal Police Station (MPS), and TVET Association of Surigao del Sur (TVETASS) successfully conducted relief goods distribution on April 24, 2020, in Sitio 5M, Bogac, Lingig, this province. APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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Provincial News A total of 50 families received the relief goods, which included three kilos of rice, two cans of corned beef, eight cans of sardines, eight packs of instant noodles, one pack bihon, one pack soy sauce and three packs of instant coffee. The families also received farm harvests such as eggplants, string beans, and okra from Dayo’s Farm, a TESDA accredited farm school. The said activity was also supported by the local government unit of Lingig headed by Mayor Roberto M. Luna, Jr, and TESDA (SNCAT), a TESDA Technology Institution Caraga Regional Office, headed by based in Magpayang, Mainit, Surigao Regional Director Ashary A. Banto. del Norte. In addition, TESDA Surigao del Sur also provided 100 pieces of washable face masks to the residents of Brgy. Pagtilaan, Lingig. The face masks were produced by the Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology
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Said activities are also in line with the Oplan TESDA Abot Lahat which directs TESD interventions to support food security and assistance to communities. (TESDA/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Provincial News
TESDA, TVET aid frontliners in SurSur
TESDA and other agencies provide snacks and drinks to Surigao del Sur frontliners. (Photos: TESDA)
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provincial office in Surigao del Sur with the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Association initiated recently the distribution of snacks and drinks to the frontliners combating the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the province. According to TESD Specialist and information officer Lee Escobal, some 150 bottles of calamansi iced tea with lemongrass and honey, 150 bottles of blue ternate juice, 100 packs of “Palao” (a native root crop) and 50 packs of “Latik” (from coconut milk) were distributed.
The mobilization of assistance is an inter-agency and stakeholder partnership in support to the “Bayanihan Act of 2020.” Escobal added the beneficiaries were the frontliners stationed at the checkpoints in Barangay Magsaysay APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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Provincial News in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur (the boundary of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur); Barangay Wakat in Barobo town; Barangay Payasan in Lianga; Barangay Campanubay in San Agustin; Barangay Amontay in Marihatag; Barangay Tagbalidbid in Cagwait; Barangay La Paz in Tago; and Barangay Rosario in Tandag City, all in Surigao del Sur.
The healthy drinks and snacks were from the farm harvests of Mejares Farm (calamansi, lemongrass, blue ternate flower, coconut, and palaoroot crops), while the juice containers were from the National Institute of Excellence (NITEX) owned by Karl Toledo, a TESDA accredited provider in Carrascal town. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Locals in SurSur town receive aid from local government By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY Each family in the municipality of Bayabas, Surigao del Sur has received one sack of rice from the local government unit (LGU).
This formed part of the assistance being provided by the municipality amid the crisis situation on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Bryan Galaraga/Cecille V. Dionola
According to municipal designate Geralyn Guibao, the agriculturist and Disaster Risk Reduction distribution was done on April 6 to 9 of and Management (DRRM) officer- this year.
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Provincial News Some 2,300 families from the seven barangays of said municipality have received the aid. As her way to thank the barangay health workers, the barangay tanods and other frontliners, Bayabas Municipal Mayor Maria Clarita Limbaro also handed over the relief packs to them which contain six kilos of rice, four tins of corned beef, four tins of sardines, six sachets of 3-in-1 coffee, and they call it “food packs 6-4-4-6.” Some 185 individuals who are considered as persons under monitoring (PUMs) or suspected cases in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur have also received twice the “food packs 6-4-46,” within the 14-day quarantine at their respective homes. Apart from this, the pumpboat operators have also received gasoline as subsidy from the LGU for them to sustain their regular catch during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs from the public market have also benefited from the free charge of rent for them to be able to maintain the price of basic commodities. As public transportation has been temporarily suspended due to ECQ, all the multi-cab operators and tricycle drivers were authorized to operate twice in every week.
Bryan Galaraga/Cecille V. Dionola
the multi-cab and P400.00 for every tricycle daily. These are being used as public utility vehicles for those local residents who opt to buy food and medicines.
As of April 14, there were already some 97 fisherfolk-beneficiaries in the municipality who received the P5,000.00 under the rice farmers financial assistance being implemented by the The LGU of Bayabas pays the Department of Agriculture. (JPG/PIAmonthly rent amounting to P600.00 for Caraga) APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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MINDANAO NEWS
Mindanao News
MinDA backs solon’s ‘Balik Probinsya’ program By Prexx Marnie Kate Trozo
DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has welcomed the “Balik Probinsya Program” proposed by Senator Christopher Lawrence Go. On a Facebook post on Friday, MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said he has been advocating a similar program when he was still North Cotabato governor and when he became the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA). Go said the whole government should learn from the experiences encountered in the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis, and provide long-term solutions to stop the current public health emergency and contain the spread of the disease. Go said his proposal aims to resolve long-standing issues in urban areas, especially Metro Manila, which accelerates the spread of diseases due to highly-dense communities.
Mindanao, taking into consideration the lessons learned from previous initiatives that will encourage people back to their home provinces to mitigate urban congestion problems.
“For example, previous attempts only involved giving urban informal settlers The problem, he said, has resulted money for their fare back home without in faster rate transmission, poor sanitation, any viable program on how they could overburdened health care facilities and be reintegrated into a rural setting,” he noted. inefficiencies in the delivery of services. Piñol said the failed initiatives in the Piñol said that the agency has committed to help the senator in past had only resulted in families returning crafting the “Balik Probinsya” Program for to the big cities after their financial APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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Mindanao News incentives had run out.
troop to the big cities to find jobs and income opportunities will “definitely “Today, with the announced resolve so many social and poverty support of President Rody Duterte to the issues.” program, MinDA staff will start working on a rural reintegration and income “On the other hand, informal urban generation program to support the “Balik dwellers who will agree to go back to Probinsya” Program,” he said. their home provinces will definitely result in sufficient manpower requirements to Piñol said that depopulating the undertake food production and rural urban centers of informal settlers who development activities,” he said. (PNA)
Davao farmers earn P4.8-M in ‘Kadiwa on Wheels’ By Che Palicte
DAVAO CITY – The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) mobile market initiative has generated some PHP4.8 million since it started here early this month.
KADIWA ON WHEELS. Residents in Brgy. Dumoy, Davao City observe social distancing as they buy agricultural and marine products at a ‘Kadiwa on Wheels’ mobile market. The initiative is managed by the Department of Agriculture and has since generated some PHP4.8 million since it started on April 3 in Davao City. (Photo courtesy of DA-RAFIS 11)
DA-11 market specialist Juvy Pregon said the agency’s “Kadiwa on Wheels” has been beneficial to those who are employed in “no work, no pay” setup as well as families whose sources of income
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have been disrupted by the enhanced community quarantine. “Some stores are forced to send their workers home because of the mobility
Mindanao News
restrictions, limiting the number of their personnel to observe social distancing,” Pregon told the Philippine News Agency on Saturday.
The farmers and fishermen, Pregon said, would have had difficulty selling their products because of the quarantine restrictions.
“We are so happy that now, instead of sending them home, these stores sent these workers to participate in the Kadiwa and manage their stalls,” she added.
DA-11 information officer Noel Provido said the agency will also extend the “Kadiwa on Wheels” until the public health emergency is lifted.
Pregon said the initiative has been successful in addressing food supply problems that some barangays are now emulating it.
“Like what Secretary William Dar said, DA will make the food available and accessible to the consumers,” Provido said.
In a press release on Friday, DA-11 said the “Kadiwa on Wheels” program has sold agricultural and fishery products worth PHP4.8 million of 16 farmers and fisherfolk associations with about 600 members.
Provido said that even when the quarantine is lifted, agricultural commodities will still be available to the public through the agency’s online purchasing platform dubbed as “E-Kadiwa.” (PNA) APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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NATIONAL NEWS
National News Monday.
SEC. MARTIN ANDANAR PCOO
NEWS CORNER
PCOO chief lauds media workers reporting on Covid-19
MANILA – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar lauded media workers for working tirelessly to provide news to make better sense of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. Andanar made this remark as he led the distribution of sacks of rice to families of media workers in Central Visayas who are affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in some parts of the region on
“Our colleagues in the media are just as important as everyone else in the front lines against Covid-19. While most of us are battling the disease by staying at home, they continue to deliver transparent news and promote the right information to the people,” Andanar said. He said the distribution of assistance is his way of appreciating the efforts of media workers who continue to work hard to deliver news and information, even under challenging conditions. The first batch of emergency assistance in the region was given to media workers in Cebu and the next recipients would be workers in Bohol, Dumaguete and Siquijor, Andanar said. Last week, he initiated the same relief efforts for media workers in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region. Caraga Region includes the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. Media workers are exempted from the ECQ since they are classified as part of the essential services to the public. Andanar currently heads the Laging Handa communications crisis center which provides Covid-19related updates, news and information. APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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National News
MEDIA LAUDED. Reporter Dicee May Padilla and cameraman Leofil Labastida of Cebu Catholic TV Network receive their relief rice assistance from Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday (April 27, 2020). Andanar lauded the media for working tirelessly to provide news to make better sense of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. (PCOO photo)
He also hosts the Laging Handa Network Briefing and Public Briefing, along with special Covid-19 coverage programs such as the Cabinet Report, Mediaman’s Mancave Podcast, and PTV’s Alerto.
Roque said ECQ in Metro Manila; Central Luzon, except Aurora; Calabarzon; Pangasinan; Benguet; Baguio City; Iloilo; Cebu; Cebu City; and Davao City will still be imposed until May 15.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday announced that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved revisions to the list of areas that will be placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until May 15.
“Ang ibang mga lugar na hindi ko po kasama sa aking mga binasa, sila po ay mapapasailalim sa general community quarantine (Other areas that were not mentioned will now be under a general community quarantine),” he said in a virtual presser. (Azer Parrocha/PNA)
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National News
Duterte wants faster aid distribution amid health crisis By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte is aware that Filipinos are struggling to survive amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the country, Malacañang said on Wednesday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte wants the speedy distribution of emergency relief to families to help them cope with the health crisis and the implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
“Well, syempre po, naiintindihan ng ating Presidente na napakahirap talaga ng buhay habang tayo ay nasa ECQ (Of course the President understands how difficult life is while there is ECQ),” Roque said in an interview with ANC, when asked if APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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National News Duterte is satisfied with government’s response to Covid-19. The national government has released PHP275 billion as an emergency fund to address the Covid-19 outbreak in the country. Some PHP200 billion of the PHP275 billion have been allocated for the implementation of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), which provides for the distribution of emergency subsidies ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP8,000 to 18 million poor families.
LGUs that they only have until April Roque said Duterte was elated 30 to complete the distribution of by Interior and Local Government government subsidy under SAP to the Secretary Eduardo Año’s recent move qualified beneficiaries. to impose a deadline on the distribution A memorandum of agreement of emergency relief to low-income was signed between LGUs and the households. Department of Social Welfare and He said the national government Development (DSWD) in a bid to fastwill impose disciplinary action on local track the distribution of emergency government units (LGUs) that will fail subsidies to poor families. to distribute the cash assistance on or Around 8.7 million of the 18 million before Thursday. beneficiaries have so far received “All LGUs must disburse to the the cash aid, based on DSWD’s SAP intended beneficiaries yung ating (our) Monitoring Dash Board for Emergency SAP. Otherwise, they will be issued Subsidy. the show cause letter and subject to Some PHP80.75 billion have disciplinary action,” Roque said. already been given to LGUs for the “I think that reflects the President’s payout of financial assistance to 18 general predicament. Money is there million low-income households. to be given to those in need. It should However, LGUs have only have been given yesterday (Tuesday) and today (Wednesday),” he added. disbursed PHP29.52 billion out of the PHP80.75 billion downloaded to them. Año on Monday reminded (PNA)
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National News
Gov’t to study calls to pay indigents’ electric bills By Azer Parrocha
MANILA – The government will study calls to shoulder the electricity bills of low-income families affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon and parts of Visayas and Mindanao, Malacañang said on Tuesday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said while some electric cooperatives have already voluntarily absorbed the electricity bill for
consumers who used 50 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity and below and others are given discounts, suggestions for the government to pay for the APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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National News electricity bills will need further study.
“Pantawid Liwanag.”
“Yung suhestiyon po nila ay pagaaralan pero sa ngayon po walang ganyang suhestiyon (The suggestion will be studied but at present, there is no such suggestion that has been raised),” he said.
Pantawid Liwanag, a corporate social responsibility program led by the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (PHILRECA), targets poor electricity consumers affected by the health crisis.
Roque, meanwhile, assured that there is enough power supply during the two month-long quarantine due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said electric cooperatives are working on a program of subsidizing the electricity needs of lifeline consumers.
He said the Palace will also ask the Department of Energy (DOE) to More than 90 electric cooperatives look into complaints of brownouts in in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao have Oriental Mindoro. provided a 30-day grace period for consumers to settle their electricity bills, “Kakalampagin po namin ang on top of the cancelation of surcharges DOE (We will promptly ask the DOE to and power disconnections for late address this),” he said. payments. The DOE earlier assured that there was a stable power supply, allaying On April 23, Duterte approved fears of another power shortage which the IATF-EID’s recommendation to would cause brownouts. place Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Pangasinan, Benguet, Last April 15, Cabinet Secretary Albay, Catanduanes, Davao del Karlo Nograles announced that all Norte, Davao City, Oriental Mindoro, lifeline consumers nationwide will enjoy Occidental Mindoro, Antique, Iloilo, free consumption of electricity to ease Cebu, and Cebu City under ECQ until their plight amid the Covid-19 health May 15 since these are considered as crisis. high-risk areas. In a virtual presser aired on staterun PTV-4, Nograles said customers who consumed not more than 50 kilowatthours will be provided free electricity for the month of March to April.
The GCQ, which is less stringent than ECQ, will be implemented in lowrisk and moderate-risk areas from May 1 to 15.
On the other hand, the GCQ in Three million poor Filipino low-risk areas may be lifted after May consumers would benefit from the 15, should the rate of infection slow electricity subsidy program dubbed as down. (PNA)
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National News
Duterte wants swift delivery of medicines
By Azer Parrocha
President Rodrigo Duterte holds a meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on April 27, 2020. (Presidential photo)
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered concerned government agencies to speed up the delivery of medicines and medical supplies for patients infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). In a televised public address on Monday night, Duterte urged agencies to course medicines and medical supplies through Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez, the chief
implementer of the National Policy Against Covid-19. “Ang utos ko ngayon is i-deliver ninyo ‘yung medicines kay General APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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National News Galvez, Secretary Galvez (My order Air Force deliver medicines in distant now is to deliver medicines to Secretary places),” he said. Galvez),” he said. He said the PAF could even use Duterte said city health officials military helicopters. lack the manpower to immediately deliver the medicines to hospitals in “If it is intended for a place their respective areas. that’s too far away and not easily passable, then we can use the military “Huwag na sa (Don’t deliver it helicopters. But with one condition, to) city health because city health that on the ground there are troops has no manpower to attend to all of that will secure the crew and the these things. Ito naman kasi kay (But) equipment itself. Galvez, he can distribute the burden to the different participating government Mahal ‘yang helicopter ko at agencies,” he said. sayang (My helicopter is expensive and it would be a waste). Let us not be He said agencies should waste reckless about this,” he said. no time in sending the medicines to hospitals and other health facilities. Last March 31, Duterte ordered that donated medicines and “Gusto kong madalian (I want it medical supplies for Covid-19 shall be done quickly). So i-deliver ninyo ito (it) coordinated with and transmitted to if it’s intended for the provinces outside the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) for of Metro Manila. consolidation. Iyong malayo (those far away) it’s being ferried by plane, ‘yung malapit lang of course by land pero gusto ko na dumating sa madaling panahon (those nearby of course by land but I want them to arrive as soon as possible),” he said.
Under the order, the OCD is directed to prepare an inventory of all the donations to the national government and to DOH that would be consolidated.
The OCD will also coordinate with concerned government agencies The President also requested the to determine the beneficiary health Philippine Air Force-Tactical Operations facilities, groups, or establishments in Group (PAF-TOG) to help out with the the country. delivery efforts in distant areas. Galvez is in charge of overseeing “I have requested na ‘yung para the consolidation, management, sa mga malalayo na lugar i-deliver na inventory, recording, and distribution of lang ng Air Force doon sa TOG (that the these donations. (PNA)
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COVID-19 News
PRRD offers P20-M for respirator production to fight Covid-19
By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte will give a PHP20million reward to any Filipino who can produce respirators that would be used to treat individuals infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang announced on Tuesday.
TASK FORCE. President Rodrigo Duterte holds a meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on Monday night (April 27, 2020). Malacañang on Tuesday said Duterte would give PHP20 million to any Filipino who could produce respirators that would be used by Covid-19 patients. (Presidential photo by Karl Norman Alonzo)
Duterte offered the reward money, considering the lack of respirators in hospitals amid the Covid-19 outbreak in the country, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual presser aired on state-run PTV-4. “Nagbigay po ng pabuya ang ating Presidente – PHP20 million para sa sinumang Pilipino na makakabuo ng local respirators na sabi niya ay dapat
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naman could outlast the life of a patient (The President is offering a PHP20-million reward to any Filipino who can develop a local respirator that could outlast the life of a patient),” he said. In a televised briefing on Monday night, Duterte asked the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to increase their workforce
COVID-19 News and operate 24 hours to hasten the implementation of projects intended to stop the contagion. Duterte gave the directive after DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña admitted that the country is having a difficult time procuring imported ventilators due to high demand amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Dela Peña said the average number of ventilators in the country’s small hospitals is a “very small fraction” compared to what is really needed. He, nevertheless, ensured that DOST is eyeing the mass production of ventilators through its “Project Ginhawa”. DOST’s Ginhawa, otherwise known as ReliefVent, is a locally-designed portable ventilator that is lightweight for various health-related programs and much less expensive compared to that seek to put an end to the Covid-19 imported ventilators. crisis. Embedded with software for selfdiagnostic cloud-based data analytic and protocols for operations and trouble-shooting, ReliefVent runs on both AC and DC power.
Some PHP1.35 billion of the approved PHP45.717 billion will be used to purchase 1,500 units of mechanical ventilators to serve the needs of DOH hospitals, selected hospitals, military hospitals, and the University of the ReliefVent, which weighs 8 Philippines - Philippine General Hospital. kg., can produce compressed air and do controlled ventilation, assist- On April 23, Duterte also raised to control ventilation, and synchronous PHP50 million the prize money for any intermittent mandatory ventilation. Filipino who can develop a cure for Covid-19. The Department of Budget and Management has approved the The Philippines has 7,777 confirmed request of the Department of Health Covid-19 infections, as of Monday. (DOH) for a PHP45.717-billion budget (PNA) APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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COVID-19 News
DOST lauds scientists in fight vs. Covid-19
By Ma. Cristina Arayata
MANILA – Department of Science and Technology Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato dela Peña on Monday lauded scientists and researchers for helping the nation in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato dela Peña (File photo)
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila at pinapupurihan ko sila (I thank them, and I commend them),” he said during the “Alerto” broadcast. He said a Filipino scientist could earn better if they work abroad, but many of them opted to serve here. In a public address aired Monday night, President Rodrigo Duterte instructed the DOST and the Food and Drug Administration to put additional manpower and employ as many as they can, so that work can be done day and night.
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“Maganda ang hangarin ng Pangulo. Kaya titingnan namin kung aling serbisyo namin ang mangangailangan ng ganoon. Pero ang gusto rin niya talaga ay mapabilis ang completion ng aming mga projects na tugon sa Covid-19 at sa iba pang mga epidemya na maaaring dumating in the future. Para sa kabutihan nating lahat ang hangarin ng Pangulo. (The President has a good intention. We would look at which among our services would need [24/7 work]. He wanted to hasten the completion of our projects in response to Covid-19 and other epidemic that may arrive in the future. The President’s
COVID-19 News
desire is for the benefit of everyone,)” community hospitals involved would dela Peña said in a text message to the start on Tuesday. Philippine News Agency (PNA). “We are still awaiting the approval Among the projects include the of UP Manila’s Ethics Review Board RapidPass, the RxBox deployment in for the VCO (clinical) trial in PGH,” he the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), added. and the two studies on the efficacy of virgin coconut oil (VCO) in the recovery In the meantime, the RapidPass of Covid-19 patients. is a system that would enable frontliners and essential workers to pass For the VCO studies, the DOST is the checkpoints by simply allowing set to conduct two clinical trials -- a personnel to scan their QR codes hospital and a community-based trial. developed by the DOST and its partners. In the community-based trial, VCO would be incorporated in the food provided to the patients, as well as their contacts and other high-risk groups. The hospital-based clinical trial would assess the possible benefits of VCO if given to patients with moderate to severe Covid-19.
On the other hand, the RxBox biomedical device capable of capturing medical signals through builtin medical sensors is distributed to the PGH and a hospital in Laguna to help health workers monitor patients with minimal contact.
An RxBox could monitor a Dela Peña told the PNA that patient’s vital signs, pulse rate, blood the VCO community-based trial was pressure, oxygen saturation, and even already approved. The training of electrocardiogram readings. (PNA) APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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COVID-19 News
200 companies to conduct 1M Covid-19 tests by May By Azer Parrocha
File Photo
MANILA – Around 200 companies are preparing to conduct one million coronavirus disease (Covid-19) tests among their employees by May. Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said the companies have agreed to participate in Project ARK (anti-body rapid test kit), a private-sector initiative to help jumpstart the economy after over two months of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
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He said the only way to flatten the curve or slow down the rate of Covid-19 infection is to conduct more targeted mass testing. “We’re bringing about 1 million rapid test kits by May – malaki iyan (that’s huge),” Concepcion said in a
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Pexels photo
virtual presser on Monday. Concepcion said Project ARK also aims to help about six to seven provincial hospitals expand their testing capacity. He, however, emphasized that those who will be found positive for Covid-19 under the rapid anti-body testing will also have to undergo realtime polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) testing.
iyong kabuhayan. Kasi kung walang kabuhayan, wala rin, marami rin ang mamatay dahil sa hunger, dahil sa walang medisina (That’s what we need, livelihood. Without livelihood, there’s nothing, many would die because of hunger, because there’s no medicine),” he said. Under the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF) revised guidelines on expanded testing for Covid-19, the RT-PCR test approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and validated by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) is the confirmatory test for Covid-19.
“Our whole objective is to really focus on test, test and test; and that will give us more visibility, then the Cabinet and the government will be allowed to open up more of the economy,” he said. Rapid antibody-based test kits must be used in conjunction with RT Concepcion emphasized the PCR. need to prioritize the reopening of the economy to ensure Filipinos can resume As of Monday, health authorities their source of livelihood. reported a total of 7,777 confirmed cases of Covid-19, 511 deaths, and 932 “Iyon ang kailangan natin, recoveries. (PNA) APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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P77-B unreleased fund from 2019 may be used for Covid-19 response By Azer Parrocha
MANILA – Malacañang on Monday said the government has around PHP77 billion worth of unused funds from the 2019 national budget that could be used to augment coronavirus disease (Covid-19) response efforts. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark after Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson suggested to use appropriations from last year’s budget and pork insertions to provide for the
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| APRIL 25-May 1, 2020
needs of Filipinos during the enhanced community quarantine until May 15. Lacson claimed the government still had PHP900 billion in unused funds,
COVID-19 News but Roque clarified that only PHP77 pupuwede pa talagang magamit billion was left according to Budget para sa ibang purpose (He sent a Secretary Wendel Avisado. memorandum to all agencies asking them to identify uncommitted funds, “Lilinawin ko lang po at ito naman which we can use for other purposes),” po ay matapos akong magkonsulta he said. kay Secretary Avisado: Ang total po na unreleased budget from the Roque, meanwhile, said he would 2019 budget is only po around, kung leave it to agencies to decide on hindi po ako nagkakamali, around Lacson’s suggestion to realign funds PHP77 billion (I want to clarify, that from the budgets of the Departments after consulting Secretary Avisado: of Transportation (DOTr) and Public The total unreleased budget from the Works and Highways (DPWH). 2019 budget is only around, if I’m not mistaken PHP77 billion),” Roque said in “Pagdating po sa mga proyekto a virtual presser. ng mga senador at kongresista ay pinauubaya na po namin iyan kay Roque also said the government Secretary Villar po karamihan naman has so far used PHP352.7 billion out ng mga proyektong iyan ay nasa DPWH of the PHP397 billion available funds (When it comes to projects of senators have been spent already for Covid-19 and congressmen, we will leave it to response under the Bayanihan to Heal Public Works Secretary Villar because As One Act of 2020 or Republic Act most of the projects are under the 11469. DPWH),” he said. Under the Bayanihan law, President Rodrigo Duterte is given special powers to address the Covid-19 health crisis including among others, authority to realign funds in the 2020 budget. Roque said Avisado has also given government agencies until the end of the month to identify their “uncommitted funds” that can be used for Covid-19 programs and projects. “Siya po ay nagpadala ng memorandum sa lahat ng ahensya at tinatanong po niya kung ano pa iyong mga uncommitted funds, iyong
The government, Roque said, has enough money to sustain people’s needs until the ECQ is lifted. However, he said the executive department needs authority from Congress to seek for additional funds. On Friday (April 24), Duterte bared that he might ask Congress to approve a supplemental budget to boost government’s resources for Covid-19 response. Lacson, however, cautioned against passing a supplemental budget, saying that it should only cover unused funds. (PNA) APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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PH receives $500-K Covid-19 test kits from SoKor
SOKOR’S AID. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and NTF on Covid-19 spokesperson Gen. Restituto Padilla, received on behalf of the Philippines, 700 Covid-19 test kits from the Government of the Republic of Korea, represented by Ambassador Han Dong-man. The Q-Sens test kits are compatible with local Covid-19 testing systems. (Photo courtesy of DFA)
MANILA – To boost the Philippines’ drive to significantly raise its daily Covid-19 testing capacity, the Philippines formally received on Saturday 700 units of Q-Sens 2019-nCoV Detection Kits from the government of the Republic of Korea (ROK).
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| APRIL 25-May 1, 2020
COVID-19 News The Covid-19 test kits, which can yield a total of 35,000 tests, are valued at USD500,000 (approximately PHP25.38 million) and arrived late in the evening of April 24. The kits were symbolically turned over to the Philippines in simple rites at the Department of Foreign Affairs, with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, and National Task Force on Covid-19 spokesperson Restituto Padilla receiving the donation from Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man. Also present at the turnover were Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Brigido Dulay, Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs Meynardo Montealegre, Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Adviser for Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Robert Eric Borje, and First Secretary Seah Park of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. Meanwhile, the Philippine The pandemic has seen the two countries engage in active mutual government has provided ready assistance to facilitate ROK’s own assistance. repatriation efforts for its stranded Prior to this donation of test kits, nationals. ROK has shared its know-how and Figures from 2019 show that there its model in flattening of its domestic Covid-19 curve by hosting various web were 1.98 million tourists from the ROK seminars for Philippine officials and who visited the Philippines. experts. The Q-Sens test kits are compatible The Embassy of the Republic with local Covid-19 testing systems. The of Korea has also actively helped a actual kits were immediately delivered number of local government units with to the DOH after clearing entry formalities. (PR) their respective requirements. APRIL 25-May 1, 2020 |
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